Calling ***LittleSparkle*** VC Band Qs!

[yssie]

LittleSparkle - I have some questions about your beautiful new engraved band, if you don't mind

It looks amazing with your Ering in your photos, I'd like your thoughts on how it looks IRL - whether the in-person "look" matches what we see in photos, and whether your tastes are similar to mine... I'm contemplating something similar myself



--The band looks half-rounded on top, I can't quite tell if your Ering shares that same domed shape? How do you like the way the two look together? My new ring is half-rounded on top as well, and I'd want the band to match in shape -



--Does the milgrain actually touch your prongs/basket anywhere? I love the look of the delicate milgrain, but in my ring some contact with the trellis wire would be inevitable and I am worried about the tiny sawed teeth chewing away at the prongs...

--I've never owned anything with engraving before. Does it require any special care? Is it hard to clean in the indents? Will you wear it with your Ering regularly?

--If you don't mind me asking, about how much did it cost? I will understand if you don't want to share this - I'm just wondering if I should even put in a serious inquiry or if I'd be wasting his time!

--I'll be very interested to see how your resizing works. From your description it doesn't sound like there was a plain area or anything - did you decide how you want the pattern changed or have you left that to VC's discretion?

 

[LittleSparkle]

Hi Yssie! I am answering your questions below in bold.

LittleSparkle - I have some questions about your beautiful new engraved band, if you don't mind

It looks amazing with your Ering in your photos, I'd like your thoughts on how it looks IRL - whether the in-person "look" matches what we see in photos, and whether your tastes are similar to mine... I'm contemplating something similar myself

thank you! I am really so happy with how the band turned out. However, I don't plan to wear this band alongside my e-ring. Leon Mege, as I'm sure you've heard, strongly suggests that an engagement ring be worn alone so that it won't be damaged by a wedding band. My fingers are pretty small and rings (even when properly sized) spin and wiggle around quite a bit. I am too worried about having a wedding band knock into my engagement ring all day and opted to switch my engagement ring to my right hand after the wedding.

--The band looks half-rounded on top, I can't quite tell if your Ering shares that same domed shape? How do you like the way the two look together? My new ring is half-rounded on top as well, and I'd want the band to match in shape -
My VC band is half-rounded on top! I wanted the band to mirror my engagement ring in shape (even though they won't be worn as a stack) and my engagement ring is also a half-round. I think that the two bands work together really well. They are almost identical in size and I do think that the half-rounded wedding band looks nicer (to me) with the half-rounded engagement ring than a flat band would.



--Does the milgrain actually touch your prongs/basket anywhere? I love the look of the delicate milgrain, but in my ring some contact with the trellis wire would be inevitable and I am worried about the tiny sawed teeth chewing away at the prongs...
Yes, the milgrain on the VC band does meet the prongs/basket of my engagement ring. My engagement ring is set really low and the wedding band, although only 1.5-1.8mm high, hits the engagement ring a bit higher than the bottom of the stone's culet.

--I've never owned anything with engraving before. Does it require any special care? Is it hard to clean in the indents? Will you wear it with your Ering regularly?
I am actually curious about this myself! This is my first engraved piece and I do plan to wear it 24/7, forever. I am a little concerned that the engraving will get all mucked up with soap and lotion, but won't be able to answer this with any certainty until I am wearing the band next summer. This might be something to ask Victor about?

--If you don't mind me asking, about how much did it cost? I will understand if you don't want to share this - I'm just wondering if I should even put in a serious inquiry or if I'd be wasting his time!
Considering that the exact specs of every important piece of jewelry I own are published on this forum, I'm pretty comfortable sharing the price of this band with you ! It was about $1200 with shipping. I feel like this is a really reasonable price because the band is very intricate and beautiful, but it is also a pretty small size and a rather narrow band. Not a great amount of platinum involved...

--I'll be very interested to see how your resizing works. From your description it doesn't sound like there was a plain area or anything - did you decide how you want the pattern changed or have you left that to VC's discretion?
I will report back as soon as I see the band again! The engraving was in full eternity style and there was no area left plain. I did ask Victor, during our brainstorming emails, about whether the band could be sized up without ruining the engraving and he said it was no problem. I am hoping that it is the same case with sizing the band down. I didn't mention anything about the pattern to Victor and left all details of the sizing up to his discretion.

I can't wait to see what you decide! And I am waiting anxiously for pictures of your new ring. It is so beautiful!

 

[Amys Bling]

oh Yssie- I can't wait to see what you are planning!!!!

 

[packrat]

YSSIE!! Did I not just read yesterday that you have your ring? Must I raise an eyebrow and ask where the pictures might be?

And are you thinking of an engraved band to wear w/it???? If you are, a band like littlesparkle's would be gorgeous-that band about made my eyes pop out!

 

[yssie]

Thank you! That's very helpful. And thanks for the price check, I hate asking when I have *no* idea as I usually wind up feeling like a dolt afterward I had him save some of the gold in case I needed a colour-match for a band, and I'm pretty sure I do!


Yeah... VC wasn't exactly thrilled with the idea of me wearing beside the trellis either, but he calmed down when I told him my wedding band was plain and rounded. I understand why. But - I did try it on, we wanted to make sure it fit and whatnot - and the plain rounded band just doesn't look right all on its own beside, somehow. It's too - empty, I think? I'm thinking stacking is the solution here - the trellis, the plain band, then an engraved band, a more balanced Look without the dangers of actually wearing milgrain next to the trellis... I envy your ability to wear the same rings on both hands without sizing! My right fourth finger is a solid half size bigger than my left, and I must have pokey bones or something 'cause they never, ever sit comfortably..


I'll definitely ask about proper care Since it's hand-forged and the metal is denser I would expect the actual engraving to last longer than if it was cast, which is nice! I'm looking forward to your thoughts when you get it back!!


Thank you for your kind words on my ring - he did an amazing job It's actually on it's way back to him now, I want the centrestone oriented a specific way and a couple of other details adjusted, and I've requested one change - we're discussing what's viable and what isn't..


ETA: Thanks Amy!!

Packy - yup, I got it!! And I tried it on (with DH's blessing, to make sure it fit okay) and it is AMAZING. He lit up like a lightbulb too But, no pics yet. Hopefully it'll be back to me soon!

 

[packrat]

Goh you big ole tease!

 

[Amys Bling]

Goh you big ole tease!

seriously. Yssie- you tease!!

 

[yssie]

Goh you big ole tease!

seriously. Yssie- you tease!!

Haha I know. Not on purpose though! If mom2boys hadn't found that youtube video and noone had checked the Canera website noone would know yet...

I have to say I'm really, really glad I went handmade with *him* specifically. I don't like something, I want something changed, he says ship it back as soon as you want, tomorrow is fine, and here's the label. I want to make a change that'll decrease durability or integrity, he flat out says so and doesn't play games - or worse, agree to do it. He just nixed my last few ideas and I had another and emailed... we'll see.

 

[diamondseeker2006]

I loved this little ring so much that I emailed Victor for a quote the same day! But I need to get my e-ring straightened out before I order a band.

 

[m-2-b]

Sorry I spoiled the surprise for you, Yssie! I was just too eager to share it w/ everyone, especially since VC put it on you tube! I patrol all of the major websites daily when I have the time!

I'm getting one of his bands also--the shallow u cut eternity band w/ single cuts! I'm going to stack them on my right hand once I save enough for the 2nd band (one representing each of my boys)! I'm interested to see how your band will look next to your new engagement ring!

 

[yssie]

Sorry I spoiled the surprise for you, Yssie! I was just too eager to share it w/ everyone, especially since VC put it on you tube! I patrol all of the major websites daily when I have the time!

I'm getting one of his bands also--the shallow u cut eternity band w/ single cuts! I'm going to stack them on my right hand once I save enough for the 2nd band (one representing each of my boys)! I'm interested to see how your band will look next to your new engagement ring!

Haha oh no, not at all - I'm amazed that people have been following so closely, actually! I just feel bad that I have nothing to share yet, after starting a whole thread on the reset!

Awesome - that band was gorgeous! Can't wait to see yours

 

[yssie]

I loved this little ring so much that I emailed Victor for a quote the same day! But I need to get my e-ring straightened out before I order a band.

DS what needs to be straightened out?

 

[diamondseeker2006]

I loved this little ring so much that I emailed Victor for a quote the same day! But I need to get my e-ring straightened out before I order a band.

DS what needs to be straightened out?

I may be following in Dreamer's footsteps and changing my e-ring stone!!!

 

[yssie]

Oh, really? And so secretive - I think this is the first I've heard of this Care to share more?

 

[diamondseeker2006]

Oh, really? And so secretive - I think this is the first I've heard of this Care to share more?

Weeeellll, I haven't talked about it but I am considering selling my stone and starting over!

 

[yssie]

Oh, really? And so secretive - I think this is the first I've heard of this Care to share more?

Weeeellll, I haven't talked about it but I am considering selling my stone and starting over!

Wow, that's a big step from the additional AVC you were considering! Interesting....

 

[diamondseeker2006]

I am thinking about getting two rings a little smaller than the one I have. But ideally, I'd like an AVR, an AVC, and another H&A!!!! Realistically, that isn't happening! So I am not sure yet what I am doing!

 

[Dreamer_D]

I loved this little ring so much that I emailed Victor for a quote the same day! But I need to get my e-ring straightened out before I order a band.

DS what needs to be straightened out?

I may be following in Dreamer's footsteps and changing my e-ring stone!!!

I started a mini-trend Laila also sold her diamond recently! Sell high buy low, remember Ebay is calling your naaaaam DS.

 

[diamondseeker2006]

I loved this little ring so much that I emailed Victor for a quote the same day! But I need to get my e-ring straightened out before I order a band.

DS what needs to be straightened out?

I may be following in Dreamer's footsteps and changing my e-ring stone!!!

I started a mini-trend Laila also sold her diamond recently! Sell high buy low, remember Ebay is calling your naaaaam DS.

Haha! Yes, I am glad you paved the way for downsizing!!! I feel good about the little ring I just bought. It was a bargain compared to buying a new stone and setting (but not quite the deal you got!). And honestly, it is not the size that gives me the pleasure. It is more the charm of the whole ring. I will probably buy one new stone from Jon, maybe AVC. I'm just worried about not having a traditional rb solitaire because I have always had one. But that would be easier to find on the secondary market, too, probably.

 

[LittleSparkle]

Thank you! That's very helpful. And thanks for the price check, I hate asking when I have *no* idea as I usually wind up feeling like a dolt afterward I had him save some of the gold in case I needed a colour-match for a band, and I'm pretty sure I do!


Yeah... VC wasn't exactly thrilled with the idea of me wearing beside the trellis either, but he calmed down when I told him my wedding band was plain and rounded. I understand why. But - I did try it on, we wanted to make sure it fit and whatnot - and the plain rounded band just doesn't look right all on its own beside, somehow. It's too - empty, I think? I'm thinking stacking is the solution here - the trellis, the plain band, then an engraved band, a more balanced Look without the dangers of actually wearing milgrain next to the trellis... I envy your ability to wear the same rings on both hands without sizing! My right fourth finger is a solid half size bigger than my left, and I must have pokey bones or something 'cause they never, ever sit comfortably..


I'll definitely ask about proper care Since it's hand-forged and the metal is denser I would expect the actual engraving to last longer than if it was cast, which is nice! I'm looking forward to your thoughts when you get it back!!


Thank you for your kind words on my ring - he did an amazing job It's actually on it's way back to him now, I want the centrestone oriented a specific way and a couple of other details adjusted, and I've requested one change - we're discussing what's viable and what isn't..

Hi Yssie! You are so welcome. I think that an engraved gold band would be so lovely. The color of the metal would really lend itself beautifully to the engraving. If Victor has any thoughts about the care of an engraved band, definitely let me know! In fact, I might ask him myself and report back to you . I hope your ring comes back swiftly and perfectly! Waiting for tweaks is almost worse than waiting for the ring to be completed because you've already held your precious in your hands.

 

[LittleSparkle]

I loved this little ring so much that I emailed Victor for a quote the same day! But I need to get my e-ring straightened out before I order a band.

I hope that you get a similar ring! I am so happy with mine!

 

[MissGotRocks]

I loved this little ring so much that I emailed Victor for a quote the same day! But I need to get my e-ring straightened out before I order a band.

DS what needs to be straightened out?

I may be following in Dreamer's footsteps and changing my e-ring stone!!!

I started a mini-trend Laila also sold her diamond recently! Sell high buy low, remember Ebay is calling your naaaaam DS.

Haha! Yes, I am glad you paved the way for downsizing!!! I feel good about the little ring I just bought. It was a bargain compared to buying a new stone and setting (but not quite the deal you got!). And honestly, it is not the size that gives me the pleasure. It is more the charm of the whole ring. I will probably buy one new stone from Jon, maybe AVC. I'm just worried about not having a traditional rb solitaire because I have always had one. But that would be easier to find on the secondary market, too, probably.

DS, would you be willing to settle for a non ideal cut round brilliant? Don't know for sure how easy an ideal H&A would be to find on the secondary market - again, though, maybe through GOG?

 

[diamondseeker2006]

Hey, MGR!!! Weeellll...I am kind of spoiled with the ideal cut, so I'd probably have to stick with that. I imagine the only way I'd find one on the secondary market is if a PS member lists one in the Pre-loved section! I am terrible because I still love my ring but like the idea of having more than one!!!

 

[MissGotRocks]

DS I'm sure you will think through all of your options carefully before making a decision. It's quite a challenge to parlay one ring into two or possibly three! I still think of course that your current set is beautiful and it makes me kind of sad to think about that diamond going but I wish you luck with your options. We'll be waiting to see what your final decision will be!

 

[Bliss]

Yssie, I am DYING to see pics!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I just know it's going to make me faint and have a seizure!!!!

Diamondseeker!!!! LOLOL...Dreamer started a new trend, indeed! I wonder if it's having a baby that makes us all long for simpler things? I love love love your nice big RB!!! You aren't going to miss having it? You've had it for so long and it's your signature piece! I would miss your spectacular avatar!!!! And yes, Vatche does make knife edge Tiff replicas!

 

[diamondseeker2006]

MGR and Bliss...yes, I do think I would miss my diamond because it took me MONTHS to pick it out! It had a cut that was as close to perfect as I had seen (looking at the helium scan and all that crazy stuff!). It is possible that I'll keep the stone and reset in the Tiffany knife edge. My Leon setting is very nice, but the stone is set a little too low. It would just look better being medium-low rather than all the way down at my finger surface! My main problem in making a decision is that there are no stones in stock at the moment that I want. So the whole plan is just imaginary until I see something I'd rather have! AVC's are coming in soon, but finding a rb replacement just under 1.5 won't be easy. I would be fine with that size, but they are pretty rare. Plus, I wish I could see a H&A next to a AVR. I really need to make a trip to Good Old Gold, but it happens to be in a location that I wouldn't easily be able to get to!!!

 

[MissGotRocks]

Maybe when GOG gets something in that you think you'd be interested in, you could have Jon ship it to you to try out for a few days. I personally wouldn't be comfortable making that switch unless I could actually see the stone person. While it might be something that you'd like to figure out one way or another, I'm guessing that time isn't really an issue so it's not like you have to decide immediately. The classic Tiffany knife edge solitaire setting is beautiful and I think your RB would be stunning in that setting; however, I guess the first order of business is deciding on keeping or trading in your stone.

When you consider the AVC, what carat weight are you thinking about? Would you want color and clarity specs close to what you have now or would you be willing to go up in color and/or down in clarity?

 

[diamondseeker2006]

With an AVC, I think I could possibly go down in color a little but because those stones have large facets and might show inclusions more than a rb, I'd probably stick with VS1 for that. My target would probably still be H-I color. However, I know if I could see the full color range, my opinion might change. I might lover lower colors or I might decide that colorless and smaller is my ideal. I really need to go up there, but besides the difficulty of finding the place (!), my daughter is having a baby in about 2 weeks so I can't even think about going anywhere now. The only time pressure I have is that this is the ideal time to sell my diamond with Christmas through Valentines being about the busiest time of the year for e-ring purchases.

 

[MissGotRocks]

It would be wonderful to go there - and Christmas in NY is gorgeous! It would be nice if you could take a long weekend trip up to GOG and spend some time in the city with all the decorations and shopping. I surely understand about the baby though (how exciting!) so tearing yourself away even after the baby is born might be tough. On the other hand, money spent on a trip up could be put toward a new stone or setting.

I truly think things have a way of working out if they're meant to be and I hope this is the case for you. I hear you about the Christmas-Valentine's sales too but I still think you would be able to sell your stone without too much effort. It's in the size and color range that would make it very desirable.

It was interesting to read Dreamer's assessment of the AVC - she seemed to touch on things that would concern me between the RB and the AVC and would make me have to seen one for myself. I don't know if we've seen any of the AVR's set in jewelry here on PS - I don't remember any off the top of my head.

Decisions, decisions - diamonds can be so beautiful and so frustrating - all at the same time!

 

[Dreamer_D]

DS if it were me I would focus on one decision at a time. Buying a smaller H&A RB on the secondary market is more difficult and likely something you would need to be patient about and wait for just the right thing to come up, either on PSPLJ, or on Jon's new consignment site that is coming up soon. I have seen a number of AGS0 stones on ebay, but not H&As I don't think.