CADs are in for Tiffany Lotus inspired setting - opinions?

[valmanin]

I have been working with Chris from ERD on a new setting for my 3.55 ct. OEC from OWD. The experience has so far been fantastic.

Here is a link to my stone for reference:

https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/i-fell-in-love-with-a-diamond-meet-my-3-55-oec.194296/

I was all set to pull the trigger on a totally different setting and then Charmypoo suggested something like the Tiffany Lotus and it was game over. After seeing it I HAD to have something like it. BTW, the picture is with an 18 ct. diamond.





Metals are 20k RG and 18k UWG (I believe it has nickel AND palladium).

I have options of doing pave on the petals...probably every other petal. Or, I could do some little diamonds tucked in above the petals...sort of like MM's petite torchiere.

I am grappling with some design elements. I like the general silhouette, but there are some problems:
- Is the whole basket too busy or metally (yes I know it's not a word)? 6 prongs really doesn't work on this design. It would have to be completely different.
- There is a strange area where the shank meets the head, or rather doesn't meet it. Not sure how to solve that problem.
- I would like the stone set a little higher. I really don't like squatty settings. Right now it is set at 7.5mm from bottom of shank to table. Stone is 6.23mm deep.
- A general feeling that something is missing to make the design fully flow.

Those are just off the top of my head. I would really love to hear all your thoughts and opinions. You all always bring things up that I wouldn't have thought of.

 

[diamondseeker2006]

Re: CADs are in for Tiffany Lotus inspired setting - opinion

Wow, that is a beautiful design! In your CADS, the diamond is set pretty high. I wouldn't make it higher than that other than maybe to add a little tiny bit to the doughnut which would raise up the head a little. I hear ya on the shank not meeting metal on the head. I think that is a problem and will require some redesign. Take a look at MM's rings and see where his shank meets the head. I'd be conservative on the pave.

 

[valmanin]

Re: CADs are in for Tiffany Lotus inspired setting - opinion

Wow, that is a beautiful design! In your CADS, the diamond is set pretty high. I wouldn't make it higher than that other than maybe to add a little tiny bit to the doughnut which would raise up the head a little. I hear ya on the shank not meeting metal on the head. I think that is a problem and will require some redesign. Take a look at MM's rings and see where his shank meets the head. I'd be conservative on the pave.

Thanks DS! And you know I take your opinion very seriously!

The MM setting is a 6 prong and the pinched shank raises up to the bottom of a prong. With this 8 prong design there is nothing there.

 

[diamondseeker2006]

Re: CADs are in for Tiffany Lotus inspired setting - opinion

Oh, yeah, that explains that. Hmmm, does ERD have ideas for that area? I really think the shank has to attach to something! What about a little diamond in the area right above the shank? Then the shank could attach to the little bezel or whatever was holding the diamond.

 

[Ashleigh]

Re: CADs are in for Tiffany Lotus inspired setting - opinion

I like the basket to hug the pavilion a bit more. The CAD basket and diamond don't seem that integrated. Other than that, I can't wait for your setting to arrive, looks really blingy.

 

[arkieb1]

Re: CADs are in for Tiffany Lotus inspired setting - opinion

I have that exact setting saved on my computer and drew a simplified version and then changed my mind for my own OEC, can't wait to see how it turns out!!!!

 

[valmanin]

Re: CADs are in for Tiffany Lotus inspired setting - opinion

Oh, yeah, that explains that. Hmmm, does ERD have ideas for that area? I really think the shank has to attach to something! What about a little diamond in the area right above the shank? Then the shank could attach to the little bezel or whatever was holding the diamond.

I got the CAD late in the day yesterday so I haven't had a chance to talk to Chris yet. I think your idea is a good one and I will bring it up to him today. Thanks!

 

[valmanin]

Re: CADs are in for Tiffany Lotus inspired setting - opinion

I like the basket to hug the pavilion a bit more. The CAD basket and diamond don't seem that integrated. Other than that, I can't wait for your setting to arrive, looks really blingy.

I know what you mean, Ashleigh. One of my notes is to make the curve of the basket a little less rounded...a little straighter.

 

[valmanin]

Re: CADs are in for Tiffany Lotus inspired setting - opinion

I have that exact setting saved on my computer and drew a simplified version and then changed my mind for my own OEC, can't wait to see how it turns out!!!!

That is so funny! What made you change your mind? Problems like I am having?

 

[valmanin]

Re: CADs are in for Tiffany Lotus inspired setting - opinion

Here are my questions now that I've slept on it:

1. Does the basket look too cagey...too busy? Not sure if I'm over thinking this part.
2. If I change it to 6 prongs in order to have less metal, I have to change the whole design where the petals each start at the base of the donut...different look. So, 6 or 8 prongs?
3. Delete the rising up of the shoulders so it would just be a plain shank? But, then it doesn't "hold" the WG basket which I think helps integrate the whole 2-tone part.
4. Or, add a diamond as per DS's suggestion.
5. Does the whole thing look squatty and low-set or is it just because the basket is so rounded?
6. Pave anyone?

 

[Ashleigh]

Re: CADs are in for Tiffany Lotus inspired setting - opinion

Wow, that is a beautiful design! In your CADS, the diamond is set pretty high. I wouldn't make it higher than that other than maybe to add a little tiny bit to the doughnut which would raise up the head a little. I hear ya on the shank not meeting metal on the head. I think that is a problem and will require some redesign. Take a look at MM's rings and see where his shank meets the head. I'd be conservative on the pave.

Thanks DS! And you know I take your opinion very seriously!

The MM setting is a 6 prong and the pinched shank raises up to the bottom of a prong. With this 8 prong design there is nothing there.

Actually the way your shank meets the donut is similar to MM's style.

 

[liaerfbv]

Re: CADs are in for Tiffany Lotus inspired setting - opinion

I love it. I still love your previous design, but I think this would be easier to execute (and safer in terms of classic design and busy-ness). What if you put a row of pave at the bottom right above the donut that the stems fed into? That might incorporate the side where the shank meets the head and might give the rising shoulders something to connect to. I like the 8 prongs, it doesn't look cagey to me, and I vote no on pave. It's going to be gorgeous and I can't wait to see it. I'm glad you're working with ERD - they just did my reset and it's amazing so I'm sure they'll keep working with you until it's perfect!

 

[backwardsandinheels]

Re: CADs are in for Tiffany Lotus inspired setting - opinion

Do you have photos we can evaluate too? Sometimes that helps.

 

[momma2boys]

Re: CADs are in for Tiffany Lotus inspired setting - opinion

I actually think there should be some pave in the basket. Not only will the setting sparkle more and have more of a wow-factor, but it won't have so much metal surrounding your center stone. Just my opinion!

 

[CharmyPoo]

Re: CADs are in for Tiffany Lotus inspired setting - opinion

1. Does the basket look too cagey...too busy? Not sure if I'm over thinking this part.
I am pretty sure in real life - there will be far less metal. If not, ask them to make the shanks even thinner.

2. If I change it to 6 prongs in order to have less metal, I have to change the whole design where the petals each start at the base of the donut...different look. So, 6 or 8 prongs?
I know many people who love 8 prongs on a round. I think a 6 prong will look like the Leon Mege version that you don't like.

3. Delete the rising up of the shoulders so it would just be a plain shank? But, then it doesn't "hold" the WG basket which I think helps integrate the whole 2-tone part.
I like the raising shoulder.

4. Or, add a diamond as per DS's suggestion.
I think this completely changes the design.

5. Does the whole thing look squatty and low-set or is it just because the basket is so rounded?
I think it is too high set and I would actually lower it and make it look more squatty.

6. Pave anyone?
Absolutely on the petals and heck .. I would even do the band if it was up to me.

I am personally not fond of the two metals.

 

[Tekate]

Re: CADs are in for Tiffany Lotus inspired setting - opinion

I am personally not fond of the two metals.

Neither am I.. I think I would do it all in yellow gold as the pave will really shine.. just my opinion.. The stone is stunning and I wish it were mine. Looking forward to hand pix. lots of them!

 

[valmanin]

Re: CADs are in for Tiffany Lotus inspired setting - opinion

I love it. I still love your previous design, but I think this would be easier to execute (and safer in terms of classic design and busy-ness). What if you put a row of pave at the bottom right above the donut that the stems fed into? That might incorporate the side where the shank meets the head and might give the rising shoulders something to connect to. I like the 8 prongs, it doesn't look cagey to me, and I vote no on pave. It's going to be gorgeous and I can't wait to see it. I'm glad you're working with ERD - they just did my reset and it's amazing so I'm sure they'll keep working with you until it's perfect!

Thanks! I talked to Chris earlier and I think he is going to try DS's idea with a little diamond to connect everything. I am really enjoying working with ERD. Chris is super patient and thoughtful! They did a beautiful job on your reset!

I just put 2 and 2 together. Chris was telling me about an 8 prong JbEG ring that they reset for someone. He was complimenting the design and how delicate the prongs were. I bet that was your Julia! Small world!!!

 

[valmanin]

Re: CADs are in for Tiffany Lotus inspired setting - opinion

Do you have photos we can evaluate too? Sometimes that helps.

Photos of what? I only a CAD right now. If you mean of the Tiffany setting, there is only one picture that I can find...trust me I looked and looked!

 

[valmanin]

Re: CADs are in for Tiffany Lotus inspired setting - opinion

I actually think there should be some pave in the basket. Not only will the setting sparkle more and have more of a wow-factor, but it won't have so much metal surrounding your center stone. Just my opinion!

Thanks momma2boys! I talked to Chris about the pave today and he feels like it will make the whole design bulky. The wire work is extremely delicate...1mm at the largest and .85 at the top near the prongs and they need at least 1.4mm to do the pave. So, that may be out.

 

[valmanin]

Re: CADs are in for Tiffany Lotus inspired setting - opinion

Charmy, thanks for your detailed reply!

1. Does the basket look too cagey...too busy? Not sure if I'm over thinking this part.
I am pretty sure in real life - there will be far less metal. If not, ask them to make the shanks even thinner.
I do think they are as thin as possible and hope you are right.

2. If I change it to 6 prongs in order to have less metal, I have to change the whole design where the petals each start at the base of the donut...different look. So, 6 or 8 prongs?
I know many people who love 8 prongs on a round. I think a 6 prong will look like the Leon Mege version that you don't like.
Yep. I like 8 prongs as long as everything is delicate.

3. Delete the rising up of the shoulders so it would just be a plain shank? But, then it doesn't "hold" the WG basket which I think helps integrate the whole 2-tone part.
I like the raising shoulder.
I do too. Especially with the 2 metals.

4. Or, add a diamond as per DS's suggestion.
I think this completely changes the design.
The diamond would go right in the middle of the 3oclock and 9 oclock petal/prong and would connect all the 2 metals together. We will see. CAD team is working on it now.

5. Does the whole thing look squatty and low-set or is it just because the basket is so rounded?
I think it is too high set and I would actually lower it and make it look more squatty.
Oh. Good to know. I have such a hard time determining height from a CAD.

6. Pave anyone?
Absolutely on the petals and heck .. I would even do the band if it was up to me.
Not sure if you saw my previous post but I don't think pave will work because the wire work is so thin (.85-1mm) and they need at least 1.4mm to pave. Afraid it will bulk up the whole basket.

I am personally not fond of the two metals.
I know. A lot of people aren't. I really don't want all white metal though...not as flattering on me. I feel like doing ALL RG will be RG overkill. Dunno. Still thinking about it.

 

[valmanin]

Re: CADs are in for Tiffany Lotus inspired setting - opinion

I am personally not fond of the two metals.

Neither am I.. I think I would do it all in yellow gold as the pave will really shine.. just my opinion.. The stone is stunning and I wish it were mine. Looking forward to hand pix. lots of them!

Thanks! I wish I could do the pave because that would soften the metal. I love the stone too and can't wait to have it! Just got to get this darn setting hammered out!

 

[sparkle45]

Re: CADs are in for Tiffany Lotus inspired setting - opinion

Ok, so no pave stems b/c the mm needed is too big. Then what about some melee midway between the girdle and the culet, where the wire stems are meeting each other? Do you get enough thickness in those joints to set some bling?

Also, re all RG or mixed metal. I will agree with a few others that I prefer all one color. Not that I DISlike two-tone. I just think all one color gives a more cohesive look. I can understand your worry about RG overkill though... But if you do pave shank, or even triple pave shank (my DREAM) in RG, that will cut back on the metal you see a LOT. I actually prefer RG paved over plain RG for this reason. You just get that beautiful hint of rosey color between all the diamonds. If you like pave, I say go for it! It will make your ring just THAT more unique.

 

[sparkle45]

Re: CADs are in for Tiffany Lotus inspired setting - opinion

Here's an Etsy RG lotus, no pave - just for reference. It's only 4 prong, though. And much simpler design, obviously.

http://www.etsy.com/listing/152405899/old-european-cut-oec-morganite?ref=shop_home_active

 

[Millennistar]

Re: CADs are in for Tiffany Lotus inspired setting - opinion

Valmanin,

I think the setting is gorgeous, truly. In reading through this thread and referring back to the CADS, I wonder if the unfinished prongs are throwing off the proportions, and thus, your perspective. In my opinion, once the prongs are finished and the diamond's beautiful high crown emerges, then the head will look higher and less cagey. So, that should take care of the 6 vs 8 prong decision, as well as the decision to raise the head. Hopefully that helps a bit. Again, such a gorgeous setting!

 

[valmanin]

Re: CADs are in for Tiffany Lotus inspired setting - opinion

Ok, so no pave stems b/c the mm needed is too big. Then what about some melee midway between the girdle and the culet, where the wire stems are meeting each other? Do you get enough thickness in those joints to set some bling?

Also, re all RG or mixed metal. I will agree with a few others that I prefer all one color. Not that I DISlike two-tone. I just think all one color gives a more cohesive look. I can understand your worry about RG overkill though... But if you do pave shank, or even triple pave shank (my DREAM) in RG, that will cut back on the metal you see a LOT. I actually prefer RG paved over plain RG for this reason. You just get that beautiful hint of rosey color between all the diamonds. If you like pave, I say go for it! It will make your ring just THAT more unique.

Hi AprilMay! They are working tucking some melee in there somewhere, but I'm not sure exactly where. My control freak self is having to let the people who do this for a living figure it out.

I agree that the one color gives a more cohesive look. Totally agree. I don't know yet. I am having to let this marinate a little. Not sure how much pave I really want anyway. i don't baby my rings at all...not sure I want the fussiness. Still thinking....

 

[valmanin]

Re: CADs are in for Tiffany Lotus inspired setting - opinion

Valmanin,

I think the setting is gorgeous, truly. In reading through this thread and referring back to the CADS, I wonder if the unfinished prongs are throwing off the proportions, and thus, your perspective. In my opinion, once the prongs are finished and the diamond's beautiful high crown emerges, then the head will look higher and less cagey. So, that should take care of the 6 vs 8 prong decision, as well as the decision to raise the head. Hopefully that helps a bit. Again, such a gorgeous setting!

Thanks Millennistar! I think you are right about the prongs. Chris and I were laughing about it looking like it's in jail. Funny because my last CAD had unfinished prongs but because it was 4 split prongs it wasn't offensive. This one, with 8 prongs, looks a little like chain link fence to me.

 

[ame]

Re: CADs are in for Tiffany Lotus inspired setting - opinion

I actually love it exactly how it is, no diamonds in the head, set just as high as it is. Add claw prongs and two super thin micropave/fishtail pave bands on either side, and "I die."

 

[arkieb1]

Re: CADs are in for Tiffany Lotus inspired setting - opinion

I have that exact setting saved on my computer and drew a simplified version and then changed my mind for my own OEC, can't wait to see how it turns out!!!!

That is so funny! What made you change your mind? Problems like I am having?

I wanted Victor to make a version of it but with a thin row of diamonds going up each prong rather than a thick piece like the picture two thin pieces joined to make one prong much like your pic. He couldn't do it because of where the shank joined the side - that and the fact I don't want to send the diamond to the US and my setting guy here flipped out and didn't want to set something with diamonds in the head at all.... So I gave up and asked for a "Mara" style deco 8 prong for Lola instead..... no idea when he will get around to making it for me whenever he has the time to do a new design.

 

[valmanin]

Re: CADs are in for Tiffany Lotus inspired setting - opinion

I actually love it exactly how it is, no diamonds in the head, set just as high as it is. Add claw prongs and two super thin micropave/fishtail pave bands on either side, and "I die."

Ame, this is nice to hear! Thanks! I will definitely be stacking some super thin bands with it. That is, if I ever GET it!

 

[valmanin]

Re: CADs are in for Tiffany Lotus inspired setting - opinion

I have that exact setting saved on my computer and drew a simplified version and then changed my mind for my own OEC, can't wait to see how it turns out!!!!

That is so funny! What made you change your mind? Problems like I am having?

I wanted Victor to make a version of it but with a thin row of diamonds going up each prong rather than a thick piece like the picture two thin pieces joined to make one prong much like your pic. He couldn't do it because of where the shank joined the side - that and the fact I don't want to send the diamond to the US and my setting guy here flipped out and didn't want to set something with diamonds in the head at all.... So I gave up and asked for a "Mara" style deco 8 prong for Lola instead..... no idea when he will get around to making it for me whenever he has the time to do a new design.

Well, Lola is !!! I love Mara's setting...have it saved on my computer in fact. But, decided I'm not an antique style girl. Do I need to call this guy? You need that baby on your finger!!!