Boyfriend needs help finding the right antique style e-ring

[serotine25]

I have been reading the posts here since this summer and have learned a great deal of information from this site and these forums. I am looking to find the perfect engagement ring for my girlfriend. I was always guided in my ring research by listening carefully to what she wanted. But the more I have searched, she and I have learned how many new possibilities were out there. Her basic guidance started with her attraction to unique and antique styles. After learning the meanings of milgrain, filigree, and hand-engraving, I was eventually lead to Van Craeynest. When I first saw these rings, I thought they were the most beautiful and intricate rings I had ever seen. When I showed them to my girlfriend, she immediately fell in love with them.


I have searched for all the information I can find on Van Craeynest, but I still have questions and I was hoping someone here could help me. I also wanted to know your opinions on Van Craeynest and die-struck rings.

1) What are the general prices of the more complex pierced and engraved settings that can be found on here: http://www.vancraeynest.com/pierced.html or http://www.mickyroof.com/mr_vancraeynest.shtml

I would like to spend in the $10,000-$15,000 total range for the setting and diamond, the diamond will probably be about a 1 ct.

2) Does Van Craeynest custom make the ring for you after they put you in touch with a local jeweler with whom they work?

How does the overall process work? Do you first need to purchase a diamond?

3) What kind of diamond goes best with this kind of antique setting?

Right now, I am thinking of getting an ideal cut H&A round, but I''ve heard the opinion that Old European Cut, Old Miner, etc... looks better with antique settings.


Any information you have will be greatly appreciated. I really want to make sure that I find the perfect ring and that this ring is special because she deserves it.

 

[Rhea]

I''m only qualified to answer question 3. And the answer is...it depends on what you like best. The look is VERY different. For newer stones, try the PS vendors. For older stones, my personal favourites, try www.oldworlddiamonds.com, www.singlestone.com, and www.artdecodiamonds.com.

 

[Ellen]

Hi serotine,

I'm giving you a bump, and hopefully the setting experts will see this and chime in.

For me personally, I'd put an older stone in it, perhaps an OEC, or Transitional. Have you see the antique ring threads on here with pictures? If not, I can find them for you.

 

[angeline]

Hi serotine,

Are you in California? If you should happen to be, call Larry Van Craeynest immediately! He is so friendly and often happy to let you visit his factory in San Francisco. I have been there twice and a couple of other PS''ers have too.

I think it''s worth a call to him anyway as I *think* he offers better pricing if you work with him than resellers do, but don''t tell him I said that!

Here are some threads I have bookmarked talking about VC. If you post again with Van Craeynest in the title you will probably get more responses.

https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/paging-poptart-and-loveinbloom.63999/

https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/hey-diamondseeker2006-i-have-some-pics-for-you.71471/

https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/antique-style-ec-set.6666/

https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/van-craeynest-antique-design-settings.52971/

VC do custom make the ring after you order it. I think they require the stone to do it.

As to what stone looks better, I think it depends on what stone cut you and your girlfriend like. Older cuts may look more authentic, but do you like the look of them? They are different to the modern round that everyone is used to.

I think the rings are amazing and the craftmanship is incredible. One thing I did notice though is that when I saw them in person, I was surprised by how tiny all the detail is! The big blown up pcis on our screens allow you to see very little detail, but in real like, you may actually need a loupe to appreciate the fineness of the work.

Oh I just remembered another thread ...

https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/the-elusive-van-craeynest-wedding-set.61902/

Good luck and remember to post pics of you get one!

a

 

[kellyfish]

I have worked with and am currently working with www.singlestone.com on a project. They are in LA & Ari is extremely friendly & easy to work with. Even if you choose another (you have many!!!) option, a look at their website is a treat & may give your girlfriend some new ideas..... their prices are reasonable, too.

 

[serotine25]

Just wanted to say thanks for the very helpful responses. I will have to give Larry Van Craeynest a call.

 

[serotine25]

And when I pick the specific diamond, I definitely will be back for more help.