Calling All EMERALD CUT Lovers Which Would You Choose?

[NYPrincess]

Hi All,

I am looking for opinions/advice from any emerald cut lovers (as well as others) about my options regarding resetting my .55 EC, E/VS1 stone. Please share your opinions with me. I am in my 40''s, been married before and had a lot of jewelry in my lifetime including large RB stones so I am looking for a classy, elegant but simple look that is distinctive but not too flashy. My DH said for me to get what will make me happy since I have to wear it everyday. We have been married almost two years and did not have much time to shop for an ER (we had a six week engagement) so we bought a beautiful but smallish EC estate ring in a plain solitaire setting. We bought it for the stone because of the quality and beauty of it however, I knew I would be ready to upgrade it within a couple of years. Now as we approach our two year anniversary, I am ready to move on. Here are the options I am considering.

1. Remount my .55 EC into a three stone EC mounting, platinum, 3mm band. Sidestones would be .25 each and purchase a vertically set baguette eternity band to wear with it ( I also have a 3 mm plain platinum band that I could wear for "less bling" days.) Baguette band would be around 2 total cwt.

OR

2. Purchase a new EC stone of 1.00 - 1.25 carat and mount it alone in a plain, platinum solataire setting (possibly Vatche x-prong) and wear the 3mm plain platinum band with it.

As much as a larger EC stone appeals to me, I am afraid I am going to get bored with it. I have small hands (size 5) so a larger stone would stand out on my hand compared to my current .55. My budget is around 4k which ever option I choose. I realize that I go for the larger stone, I will have to drop down on the color scale to probably an I. I don''t want to go below a VS2 on clarity for an EC since the inclusions/imperfections would stand out more in the EC stone.

Please help me fellow PSers!

 

[Tacori E-ring]

I think both are good options. I have small hands (4.5 ring size) and love the size of my EC. The three stone is very elegant in EC. I would get sidestones that are smaller (probably the ones you mentioned would look great). I also love an EC with pave or channel set asschers (ala tiffany''s deco ring). I think you need to decide if you *want* a solitare or *want* sidestones. Either way I am sure your new ring will be beautiful! You could set your .55 EC in an east-west pendant if you get a new stone. That would be a beautiful look!

 

[NYPrincess]

Thanks Tacori! That''s funny that you mentioned the east-west pendant option. I was originally thinking of setting my original stone in an east-west solitaire setting before my DH said we could upgrade or add stones. It is such a pretty stone so I think it would look awesome in a pendant!

Another option I didn''t mention is doing a five stone prong set EC ring with a wide band and wearing it without a wedding band. I would have five stones to make 1.5 total carat weight. What do think about that option? That would really be different and I could still put my original ER stone in a pendant. See the attached photo.

 

[Tacori E-ring]

I personally don''t like the look of that 5 stone. I like the sidestones to be *much* smaller. I don''t like it when they look so close in size. But if you love it than you should consider it.

 

[rainydaze]

have you considered getting the 1ct center ec, then using your current ec with a matching ec as sidestones? that would be my vote!!

 

[NYPrincess]

That''s another option I hadn''t thought about. The only problem with that is the color/clarity issue. I know that I cannot afford a 1.0 carat in the same color and clarity as my current stone. A one carat E/VS1 emerald cut stone is going to be more than my budget.

Thanks for the suggestion.

 

[Jenn5504]

I might be tempted to go for the bigger solitaire and later down the line you could add a diamond band or sidestones.

 

[staci76]

I think Tacori E-ring is right that you need to decide if you would really prefer one style over the others (solitaire vs 3 stone vs 5 stone). Any of them would look beautiful on your hand. I agree with Jenn5504 and would probably go for the larger solitaire and try to add a baguette eternity band later down the road. My current wedding set is a 1.05 carat emerald cut solitaire w/ a prong set east-west half eternity baguette band so I am a bit partial to this style though.

I also love three stone rings and the Tiffany deco ring is gorgeous!

I personally don''t care for the 5 stone look either (just my opinion). Whatever will make you truly happy is what you should go for.

 

[rainydaze]

Date: 7/1/2007 9:43:04 PM
Author: NYPrincess
That''s another option I hadn''t thought about. The only problem with that is the color/clarity issue. I know that I cannot afford a 1.0 carat in the same color and clarity as my current stone. A one carat E/VS1 emerald cut stone is going to be more than my budget.

Thanks for the suggestion.

hmmm, i had a feeling i was missing a reason why this wouldn''t work/fit your budget!! well as you said you already have a gorgeous EC and it sounds like you are still very smitten with it. i will take a stunning diamond over a bigger one any day (and it sounds like you already have a beaut) so my vote would be to reset your current ec into a three stone and add the ec band. if it ain''t broke, don''t fix it..... just vamp it up a lil''!

 

[Tacori E-ring]

Date: 7/1/2007 10:58:10 PM
Author: rainydaze

Date: 7/1/2007 9:43:04 PM

Author: NYPrincess

That''s another option I hadn''t thought about. The only problem with that is the color/clarity issue. I know that I cannot afford a 1.0 carat in the same color and clarity as my current stone. A one carat E/VS1 emerald cut stone is going to be more than my budget.


Thanks for the suggestion.

hmmm, i had a feeling i was missing a reason why this wouldn''t work/fit your budget!! well as you said you already have a gorgeous EC and it sounds like you are still very smitten with it. i will take a stunning diamond over a bigger one any day (and it sounds like you already have a beaut) so my vote would be to reset your current ec into a three stone and add the ec band. if it ain''t broke, don''t fix it..... just vamp it up a lil''!

Well it sounds like she is keeping it no matter what.

NY- what types of rings are you drawn to? Modern? Antique? Unique? Classic?

 

[NYPrincess]

Well, the problem is that I like many types of styles for rings. Although I used to be partial to antique, vintage looking rings, I find that now I like new styles as well especially when set with a classic stone like the EC. I don''t like a lot of busy, small pave type stones in ring settings and would prefer a clean, simple look but something more unique. I realize that an EC diamond in itself is unique as I don''t see them walking around everyday.

Too many choices.....how willl I ever decide?

I also tend to get bored with my jewelry so I am not sure I would ever be happy with a solitaire no matter how big and beautiful the stone is. I have never been a big fan of the solitaire however, I have seen some beautiful stones on PS!!!!

 

[rainydaze]

Date: 7/1/2007 11:07:19 PM
Author: Tacori E-ring

Date: 7/1/2007 10:58:10 PM
Author: rainydaze

Date: 7/1/2007 9:43:04 PM

Author: NYPrincess

That''s another option I hadn''t thought about. The only problem with that is the color/clarity issue. I know that I cannot afford a 1.0 carat in the same color and clarity as my current stone. A one carat E/VS1 emerald cut stone is going to be more than my budget.


Thanks for the suggestion.

hmmm, i had a feeling i was missing a reason why this wouldn''t work/fit your budget!! well as you said you already have a gorgeous EC and it sounds like you are still very smitten with it. i will take a stunning diamond over a bigger one any day (and it sounds like you already have a beaut) so my vote would be to reset your current ec into a three stone and add the ec band. if it ain''t broke, don''t fix it..... just vamp it up a lil''!

Well it sounds like she is keeping it no matter what.

NY- what types of rings are you drawn to? Modern? Antique? Unique? Classic?

oh i understood she was! i guess i''m just a bit of a sentimentalist when it comes to e-diamonds. if someone still loves their diamond, and it sounds like she does, i think it''s nice to find ways to keep it as the ering, just dress it up differently. but however she decides, she''s a lucky lady and it will be nice.

have you seen this one by mark morrell? (third one down from the top, east west setting). it is very simple, but in that way is what makes it interesting.
http://www.mwmjewelry.com/Work-2004/

 

[NYPrincess]

Yes, I love that Mark Morrell setting. It is simple yet unique and classic at the same time. If I keep my ER stone and use it as the center stone for a three stone ring or a five stone ring, where would you suggest I look for two or possible four smaller stones to use as sidestones? I would need to buy a similar color and clarity for the ring to match my center stone since it is an E/VS1.

I was thinking getting a quote from Facets since they only use high clarity and colorless diamonds in their bands.

What other vendors should I check with?

 

[chrono]

For sidestones (which will be smaller, so you can get away with more in the clarity and colour department, even for step cuts), you can go down as far as G/H and VS2/SI1.

 

[NYPrincess]

Chrono,

I guess I thought I should stay with an E/F color range and a VS1 - VS2 clarity even though the stones would only be .25 each side based on an earlier post I did a couple of weeks ago about sidestone quality. Most of the responses I got indicated that I should NOT go below an F or G in the color range. I know it''s a matter of personal opinion but since my stone is so white and clear, I don''t think you would focus on the sidestones especially if they were set properly being lower than the center stone.

 

[NYPrincess]

Here is another example of a setting I love by Vatche. It''s from GOG. When I spoke with them last week about the price and matching my center stone, I was told it would run about 2,500 for platinum. That''s a bit pricey even though it''s within my budget. What do you think?

 

[NYPrincess]

OK, now I''m on a roll. I found another option at Facets. Their three stone EC ring with sidestones totalling .40 is 1,757 for G/H, VVS-VS in 18k white gold. The platinum setting adds $200 more to the price. If I went up to E/F, VVS-VS the price would be 2,079 for 18k white gold and 2,279 for platinum.

What do you think of the prices for the quality of sidestones?

 

[chrono]

I can''t base the quality vs price just based on clarity and colour. For me, it is the entire package which includes cut. Are you SURE you can see the difference between a G/H and E in stones of 0.25ct? Really? Even set side by side, I can''t. I have an E EC too, and I would very comfortable with G sidestones.

 

[vespergirl]

I really love the idea of a 3-stone EC engagment ring with a plain band. Maybe you could do something like a 1 carat center stone (go down to H, SI1) with .25 cttw sidestones in white gold? I think that ECs look incredible in 3 stone settings.

Then, down the road, you could always add a channel-set baguette band. Here''s one of my favorite sets from the precision-set website (I couldn''t save the pick - you have to click the link):
http://www.precisionset.com/product.php?pid=34&line_id=1

 

[NYPrincess]

Vespergirl,

We are on the same page! I had already thought of that exact combination. If you look at my original post, one option was to do a three stone EC ring with an eternity band with vertically set baguettes. I love that combination.

Right now I am leaning towards purchasing a 1.0 carat new center stone and doing small sidestones as you suggested. I wouldn''t necessarily need .50 on each side. I think .25 on each side would accent the center stone. Since I have the plain band already, I could wear that with it for now and then ask DH to buy the baguette band later. I also think I won''t get bored with that combination. I can always change up the bands for a different look.

Do think I should save money and go for a white gold setting instead of the platinum? There is no special reason I NEED to have a platinum setting but I love how it ages over time. What is your gorgeous set? Is it 18k wg, 14 wg or platinum?

 

[vespergirl]

Hi NY,

My set is platinum, but I also have some white gold jewelry that I''ve worn for years, and no one can tell the difference. If it were me, I would probably go with a white gold setting for now (plat is so expensive these days) and you can always upgrade it to platinum in the future if you like. I know that there''s a new metal called palladium, but I don''t know much about it - maybe some other PSers can weigh in on it?

I love the look of a 3-stone with a plain band for every day, and you could get your eternity band later as an anniversary gift! Gives you something to look forward to on forthcoming celebrations! I know that I''m dying to turn my solitaire into a 3-stone, but we decided to wwait a couple of years until at least our 5th anniversary - I think it will make it more special if it''s to signify a milestone, but we''ll see if I can wait that long

 

[NYPrincess]

Thanks Vespergirl. I think you are right about the white gold for cost saving. My mother''s set was white gold and she wore it for 40+ years until she passed away and didn''t have it replated until about five years before she died when she upgraded her diamond but kept the origiinal setting for sentimental reasons. It always looked shiny and white to me.

Plus, in a three stone ring, you won''t see much of the metal since it will take up most of the spread across my finger as I wear a size 5. Same goes for the baguette band. I may only get a 1/2 band whilte I love the full eternity rings, you cannot size them and the stones in back are wasted. Is your band a 1/2 diamond band?

Also, what vendors would you recommend for emerald cut stones? I know alot of PSers like Whiteflash for RBs but I am not sure who specializes in step cut stones. Help!

P.S. I love your new improved asscher stone. I''ve been followiing your posts. It''s gorgeous especially with your band!

 

[NYPrincess]

I found a PS vendor that carries palladium---Union Diamond. Palladium would be another good option if I didn''t want to go with white gold but wanted the look of platinum since it''s in the platinum family. I''ve done quite a bit of research on it.

They also have some "premium" cut EC stones that look nice on their website. Do you know anyone who has used them? It looks like I can get a 1.0 carat EC stone with either H/VS2 or I/SI1 for under 3500. Both of the ones I like are "premium" cut which I know is important in a step cut stone. Any opinions?

 

[vespergirl]

Hi NY,

My band has only 12 diamonds in it - they only go halfway around. I also wear a size 5, like you, so if you go for a 1/2 diamond band, no one will know the difference. I had also considered a full eternity band, but since you can''t see the back of the ring anyway, I don''t see the point - just paying extra $ for something no one notices ...

That''s awesome about Union Diamond! I know that Blue Nile also has "Signature Cut" ECs, but I don''t know what their prices are like. Maybe you can just look there to get an idea of the specs you want, but for fancies, I think you really have to eyeball the stone to see if you love it.

Good luck!

 

[chrono]

What is their definition of premium cut? Do they use any tools to prove the superior light performance of their stones?

In short, I would not purchase without seeing the stones for myself in person and/or using an Idealscope, ASET, and magnified pictures. I would also use Oldminer''s AGA cut chart for ECs to set the specifications for cut.

 

[Po10472]

hiya.

I have a 5 stone half eternity which I wear with my ering. I was contemplating having my ering made into a 3 stone ring but I love the originality in my ring and for sentimental reasons don''t want to change it so I wear it with my half eternity and its quite unique looking. I will however upgrade eventually to a large solitaire, probably for my tenth or so anniversary and wear my ering as a right hand ring. I like keeping my options open.

 

[NYPrincess]

Thanks for the input Po! Your set is gorgeous!!! That''s what made me consider a five stone ring. I think after discussions today on PS, I am deciding between a three stone and five stone ring. The solitaire idea doesn''t WOW me although I love how yours is set. Which ever one I choose, I can wear the plain band I currently own or a 1/2 diamond baguette band which I want to get later (I may be able to get it sooner depending on how much my remount costs which would be FAB!).

I wish I felt sentimental about my original stone but having a very short engagement period, we didn''t have time to shop around so he bought me what I picked out on the spot. I''m not even sure he even appreciated the quality of diamond he bought me at the time since it was in an estate setting. If my ring was something he has chosen on his own, then I don''t think I would be changing it. He did say that if he had had the opportunity to pick a diamond out and the ring setting, I might have gotten a larger stone. He''s not a big fan of jewelry so I am thankful he bought me what I liked at the time.

If I were you, I would leave your ER alone because it is UNIQUE and looks awesome with the blingy band.

I''ll keep everyone posted as I continue to search forums for stones.

 

[NYPrincess]

Po,

I have a few questions about your EC band. What is the total carat weight and what size is each diamond? Did you hand select the stones or was the ring already made up? Also, what US size is your ring?

Thanks.

NY

 

[Tacori E-ring]

I *love* bullets with ECs as well! Have you thought of thaat look?

 

[NYPrincess]

Yes, I like the look of bullets as well however, my stone is currently set with two side trillions, .33 carat each. I think the bullets would be a similar design.

Thanks for your suggestion.