BK vs. Simon G.

[MarionC]

Two settings, undecided. Could I have your thoughts?
Some of the BK's I've seen close up online don't look well-finished around the melee, but since they are often recommended here I wonder if they are better than they sometimes look.
The Simon G calls to me because it has the color diamonds...they both look so pretty. I think I would be happy with either, so I need help thinking it out
BK:
SG:

 

[diamondseeker2006]

For an ACA, I'd go with Simon G. They are a mix of contemporary and vintage, and would work better with a H&A stone, to me. I prefer BK with antique cuts more, like OECs, asschers, antique cushions.

 

[MarionC]

For an ACA, I'd go with Simon G. They are a mix of contemporary and vintage, and would work better with a H&A stone, to me. I prefer BK with antique cuts more, like OECs, asschers, antique cushions.

hm-m-m...well, an OEC is on my list!
I'm having the hardest time deciding on a setting for that ACA. I guess I've seen so many beauties in the past 6 months that I hate to narrow it down to just one
In the past week I've decided on a WF with ACA melee, then the two above, etc. etc.
AND I keep being drawn to the settings that have kites on the side.
Ah well. The hunt is fun.
Up to a point.

ps I could be happy with a certain Beaudry design. Maybe that's at the root of this problem.
back to the search!

 

[smitcompton]

Hi,

I like the Simon G. The lines are beautiful. I actually don't care for the other.


Annette

 

[LLJsmom]

I have always admired BK. I've seen the work IRL and it's very nice. The setting you posted allows me to focus on your center stone. The SG seems so intricate with the sharp angles that it distracts me from the center. Just My 2c.

 

[Gypsy]

I like Beverly K but that Simon G is PRETTY! I would go for that one. I love the yellow accents!

 

[marymm]

I like Beverly K but that Simon G is PRETTY! I would go for that one. I love the yellow accents!

+1 (but I'd want to confirm the yellow diamonds are natural color and not enhanced...)

 

[junebug17]

The bk is a little more "sedate" than the Simon G, so I think it depends on if you want somewhat simple, where the center stone is the main focus, or a little bold and blingy - I personally love the Simon G, I like bold and blingy lol! I also like the yellow accents.

I don't have a lot to compare it to, but I have a Simon G setting and I am really pleased with the quality.

 

[diamondseeker2006]

For an ACA, I'd go with Simon G. They are a mix of contemporary and vintage, and would work better with a H&A stone, to me. I prefer BK with antique cuts more, like OECs, asschers, antique cushions.

hm-m-m...well, an OEC is on my list!
I'm having the hardest time deciding on a setting for that ACA. I guess I've seen so many beauties in the past 6 months that I hate to narrow it down to just one
In the past week I've decided on a WF with ACA melee, then the two above, etc. etc.
AND I keep being drawn to the settings that have kites on the side.
Ah well. The hunt is fun.
Up to a point.

ps I could be happy with a certain Beaudry design. Maybe that's at the root of this problem.
back to the search!

I'd honestly save the Beaudry styles for your OEC. Do something different with this one!

 

[MarionC]

ds, I like your idea of saving the super-ring for the OEC. It makes good sense, and makes the decision easier for the ACA. I found this Simon G tonight and it is interesting. It has a slight floral halo that I like [just a little twist on the idea of halo] and a spilt shank - the rendering of it is not great - the actual ring is not split all the way around!

 

[MarionC]

The bk is a little more "sedate" than the Simon G, so I think it depends on if you want somewhat simple, where the center stone is the main focus, or a little bold and blingy - I personally love the Simon G, I like bold and blingy lol! I also like the yellow accents.

I don't have a lot to compare it to, but I have a Simon G setting and I am really pleased with the quality.

junebug - I love the Simon G also. My diamond isn't that large, so perhaps as DS mentioned, I should save the blingy "confection" for the OEC I'll be looking for and go a little simpler with the ACA.
It's amazing how endless the choices are for settings. Quite mind boggling.

 

[junebug17]

Oh I really like the second Simon G you posted, that was one that caught my eye when I was looking at settings! I'll also mention that IMO the settings look much better IRL than in the pics. Is there a jeweler in your area who carries Simon G? It was helpful to me to see them in person.

 

[lovemybling]

SIMON G!!!!!!

I have a Simon G Santa Barbara band and the melee is SOOOOOOO sparkly, even when it is dirty those little stones twinkle. And is colored stones and metals are so yummy

 

[artdecolover71]

are you trying to keep busy while waiting for your asscher to be set? The waiting is a killer, isn't it?? Love both the settings, cannot wait to see which you choOSE...

 

[MarionC]

junebug, I think this may be the setting! thanks for the encouragement.

lovemy, thank you for explaining how great the melee is. [are?] My experience with melee has not been that positive and it was holding me back.

artde - this is why I love PS. Yes! you know exactly what I'm up to.
In the real world there are so many ways to keep busy...in PS-land there is only one.

 

[Sunstorm]

I think that first Simon G you posted really stands out.

 

[MissGotRocks]

ds, I like your idea of saving the super-ring for the OEC. It makes good sense, and makes the decision easier for the ACA. I found this Simon G tonight and it is interesting. It has a slight floral halo that I like [just a little twist on the idea of halo] and a spilt shank - the rendering of it is not great - the actual ring is not split all the way around!

This one for me! It is interesting without being over the top. I liked the first Simon G you posted too but I'm personally not a fan of those yellow side stones. I like this ring much better - for what it's worth - ha!

 

[MarionC]

MGRs, thanks! I find it interesting too for a 24/7 ring. [I originally had a thing for the Ritani Florals which have a similar halo but they are pricey. I try to be frugel ].
There's a Simon G dealer about 45 minutes from me, so I might use my day off to look at settings.
little bling feast ahead!

 

[junebug17]

MGRs, thanks.
There's a Simon G dealer about 45 minutes from me, so I might use my day off to look at settings.

That's a great idea! I got lucky and the jeweler had a sample of the setting I was interested in…but even if he doesn't, you can at least get an idea of the quality of the settings.

I agree with lovemybling, the melee is very sparkly!

 

[diamondseeker2006]

I also really love this last split shank Simon G that you posted more than the original two!

 

[MarionC]

I called the dealer and he said he had "quite a selection" .... 12 rings.
ah well. who knows - might get lucky...will report in after the hunt. haha

 

[hathalove]

I called the dealer and he said he had "quite a selection" .... 12 rings.
ah well. who knows - might get lucky...will report in after the hunt. haha

I actually like both the Simon Gs. Can you take some hand shots when you are there? Curious about the quality and overall feel

 

[marymm]

I also really love this last split shank Simon G that you posted more than the original two!

Me too!

 

[MarionC]

Here is my report from an upscale jeweler at a Mall.
The Simon G rings seemed surprisingly light weight, much as I noticed in Ritani - very delicate.
There was one that was a total surprise - I had seen it online and would not have considered it, but it was beautiful in person & flattering: $2860 +tax

but then the entered the picture. In the estate case was a ring I loved, but it was $7,700 +tax. No way. Loved the setting, didn't need the diamond. Didn't like the price.
Then they said they would come down 25%...then we went around a while as I explained why it should cost less . Ended up the lowest they would go was $5800 total, no tax.
30 day return. I bought it.
Platinum - tested but unmarked. The ring is heavy.
No certificate.
10 2mm diamonds G/H SI1
12 1mm diamonds G/H SI1

center K/VS1 0.95ct good cut in my opinion using my little H&A scope [actually looks very nice, lively & throws off little shards of color ], faces up white.
Some helpful person polished off the outer milgrain for the most part.

So now I can be one of those people..."OK I bought a ring...how did I do?"
It has things I was looking for: halo, triangular sides, sits low. I could put my ACA in it, use the K for a pendent...or whatever.
Obviously I'll have to get an appraisal.
If I paid too much I'll take it back. Otherwise I have a design unlike any I've seen and that appeals.

When I bought it I was thinking of you guys and couldn't wait to get home and post my find...but don't be kind - I want to know what you really think.

Thoughts, please!

 

[MissGotRocks]

Beauty is always first and foremost in the eye of the beholder. Good, bad or indifferent it's what makes the world go around. If you love the ring and it speaks to you, that's all that really matters.

However, if I'm being honest, this is what I would say: The halo stones look a bit overpowering for the size of the stone currently in the mounting. There is dead space around the stone so it's not like the halo settings we are probably accustomed to seeing here. Up close - and maybe it's the glare - the bezels around the halo stone look a bit uneven but maybe it's the glare or maybe it's the very up close angle we're viewing it in.

I can't really comment on the price as I don't know much about the current center stone. It would be great if you could repurpose it if you use your ACA in this mounting but do you need or want another stone? If you've been wanting a pendant stone, then this could be a good thing for you.

Wear it around the house and outdoors for a couple of days and see if you love it even more or if you don't. At least you have a great return policy if it turns out not to be all that you wanted. If it does, then congrats on finding your new setting!!

 

[diamondseeker2006]

As MGR said, If you love it, that is all that matters. However, I would not buy a setting with a not-great diamond considering you are collecting some outstanding diamonds. That setting needs a little work...milgrain is worn and there's no telling what quality the melee is. If you really love the design, show it to someone like Caysie van Bebber and see if she can work her magic with some CADs for you, make the ring, and set your ACA in it. Then you'll have the design you like in great quality!

Also, take a look at the Alexa collection by Vatche. Some of them have a floral type design like this.

http://www.dvatche.com/index.php?page=collection&catID=2,17&id=137

 

[MarionC]

Beauty is always first and foremost in the eye of the beholder. Good, bad or indifferent it's what makes the world go around. If you love the ring and it speaks to you, that's all that really matters.

However, if I'm being honest, this is what I would say: The halo stones look a bit overpowering for the size of the stone currently in the mounting. There is dead space around the stone so it's not like the halo settings we are probably accustomed to seeing here. Up close - and maybe it's the glare - the bezels around the halo stone look a bit uneven but maybe it's the glare or maybe it's the very up close angle we're viewing it in.

I can't really comment on the price as I don't know much about the current center stone. It would be great if you could repurpose it if you use your ACA in this mounting but do you need or want another stone? If you've been wanting a pendant stone, then this could be a good thing for you.

Wear it around the house and outdoors for a couple of days and see if you love it even more or if you don't. At least you have a great return policy if it turns out not to be all that you wanted. If it does, then congrats on finding your new setting!!

thanks, MGRs. This is the kind of thing I wanted to hear.
I find that after a couple of weeks or so I either love something or could care less about it.
What I have learned is that I'm becoming a shameless blingaholic. No longer a halo-less purist! Before PS I hated halos, now I want want want!

 

[MarionC]

As MGR said, If you love it, that is all that matters. However, I would not buy a setting with a not-great diamond considering you are collecting some outstanding diamonds. That setting needs a little work...milgrain is worn and there's no telling what quality the melee is. If you really love the design, show it to someone like Caysie van Bebber and see if she can work her magic with some CADs for you, make the ring, and set your ACA in it. Then you'll have the design you like in great quality!

Also, take a look at the Alexa collection by Vatche. Some of them have a floral type design like this.

http://www.dvatche.com/index.php?page=collection&catID=2,17&id=137

I have loved these settings a long time!
thanks for reminding me that they exist, and as usual, thanks for helping me stay on track. I just get so enthusiastic with my credit card!
This setting thing is quite a process, isn't it.

 

[diamondseeker2006]

Lol..shameless blingaholic...welcome to the club!

And yes, settings are a million times harder than choosing diamonds for sure!

I do think the Vatche ones are beautiful. I just vote for high quality settings for your high quality diamonds!

 

[MissGotRocks]

Lol..shameless blingaholic...welcome to the club!

And yes, settings are a million times harder than choosing diamonds for sure!

I do think the Vatche ones are beautiful. I just vote for high quality settings for your high quality diamonds!

I think this is a very important statement - and it doesn't mean that they have to be ultra expensive custom made pieces either. They just need to be well designed and made. Never do you hear someone say that they wish they hadn't gone with such a high quality setting! Showcasing a beautifully cut stone in a beautifully designed setting is always a winning combo!

You'll know after a bit if this is something that is for keeps or if it's back to the drawing board. Either way you win - you've either found it now or will eventually find 'the one'. Keep us posted on your thoughts please!