Calling Mom2boys & Cenrm regarding Truth X3

[livewithease]

Hi Mom2boys and Cenrm!

I'm in the process of resetting my engagement ring into a three stone ring with Brian Gavin. I'm strongly considering the truth X3 which I know you both own or have owned in the past (both beautiful rings!!!). The reason I'm reaching out is because my center stone is much smaller (7mm) in comparison and I'm concerned if the metal on the setting will swallow my stone.

For my side stones I'm looking at purchasing a pair of .50's or .40's. I definitely want my center stone to pop while also having enough finger coverage since I'm coming from a cushion shaped halo with RB. Any advice here would be appreciated.

Given that you both have owned this particular setting do you believe it would work with smaller stones or do you think I'd be better off considering a different setting? I did consider the cross trellis setting which I love from the side but wasn't sure how I felt about the three prong side stones.

I appreciate any insight you can provide.

Thank you!

 

[m-2-b]

Hi there! The truth setting is going to be a bulkier setting and BGD's prongs are usually on the chubby side. However, I did like it b/c my other bands could sit flush with it.

Paxonator has a smaller 3 stone ring from BGD that you can use for reference:
[URL='https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/3-stone-hearts-and-arrows-ring-from-bgd.175227/']https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/3-stone-hearts-and-arrows-ring-from-bgd.175227/[/URL]

Also, I particularly like this IDJ version w/ 3 prongs on the sides:
[URL='https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/my-ring-is-ready.187048/']https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/my-ring-is-ready.187048/[/URL]
[URL='https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/she-said-yes-and-i-have-pictures-to-prove-it.188638/']https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/she-said-yes-and-i-have-pictures-to-prove-it.188638/[/URL]

But if I were to do it all over again, I would probably go with something like this (b/c I love VC's prongs/craftsmanship):
https://www.victorcanera.com/rings/engagement/the-lily-round-trilogy

Just my 2 cts!

 

[livewithease]

Thank you for your input. I kinda had a feeling that was the case with that setting and I definitely don't want something that's going to swallow my stones. I have looked at the VC three stone setting which is lovely but I'm not sure if Victor will work with three outside stones....something I need to inquire about.

Paxonators ring is beautiful but that setting will only allow for .25 side stones max and I know I want at least .40.

Any thoughts on BG's crossed trellis three stone or open gallery? I just really want to get this right.

Thanks!

 

[m-2-b]

VC will not allow for outside side stones in his settings, unfortunately.

I found a thread for JuneRose's RG trellis that may be of interest to you:
[URL='https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/my-bgd-rose-gold-trellis-three-stone-reset.181886/']https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/my-bgd-rose-gold-trellis-three-stone-reset.181886/[/URL]

Another BGD trellis:
[URL='https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/my-bgd-three-stone-reset.136874/']https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/my-bgd-three-stone-reset.136874/[/URL]

 

[diamondseeker2006]

I also kind of think the Truth setting does best with larger stones. I have been considering a three stone ring myself, as I have a 7.6mm stone that needs a setting.

I really love a classic three stone like Tiffany does (but with claw prongs). Vatche makes a similar one, but I like the side stones just a little lower than the center stone.

http://www.tiffany.com/engagement/rings/round-brilliant-three-stone/2carats-19579468?search_params=param+0/2002/0/0/0/0

http://www.dvatche.com/index.php?page=collection&catID=3,12&id=79&alt=1

I think I'd recommend David Klass because his settings are very reasonable and he can make it however you want. Caysie van Bebber also recently made a very fine quality tiffany style solitare, so her bench would also be excellent to make a nice quality three stone ring.

In my collection of pictures, I actually have a picture of a 7mm center and 5mm sides.

 

[livewithease]

I had a feeling that was the case with Victor. I know you owned his halo at one point which is another beautiful ring. Do you mind me asking why you decided to sell it? My husband loves that ring and definitely prefers that setting over any three stone he's seen.

I did find the truth x3 with almost my same size stones. Looks like BG shaved down the shank where it meets the stones and made the prongs small and pointy. Even with those modifications I'm thinking it might be too heavy.

[URL='https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/my-3-stone-reset-by-bgd.210412/']https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/my-3-stone-reset-by-bgd.210412/[/URL]

Are there any other vendors you would consider for a three stone?

 

[m-2-b]

I had a feeling that was the case with Victor. I know you owned his halo at one point which is another beautiful ring. Do you mind me asking why you decided to sell it? My husband loves that ring and definitely prefers that setting over any three stone he's seen.

I did find the truth x3 with almost my same size stones. Looks like BG shaved down the shank where it meets the stones and made the prongs small and pointy. Even with those modifications I'm thinking it might be too heavy.

[URL='https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/my-3-stone-reset-by-bgd.210412/']https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/my-3-stone-reset-by-bgd.210412/[/URL]

Are there any other vendors you would consider for a three stone?

I love VC halos and would have loved to keep that ring if I did not sell the center stone in it! If I were ever to reset my current solitaire, it would definitely be in a cathedral VC Emilya. BTW, your husband has good taste!

As DS suggested, I would get quotes from DK, LAD. I would even consider SK (may be a higher price point for hand forged) to see what can be offered in a more delicate setting for your sized stones.

 

[livewithease]

Diamondseeker2006 I also like the Tiffany three stone setting but want my side sides to angle down and have a little more of a size variation between my center stone and side stones.

Would you recommend purchasing side stones from BG and then finding a setting somewhere else or do you think I'd be better off purchasing side stones from the vendor I decide to work with on a setting? BG has my center stone now so they're able to match my stone and I have a coupon with them which will help save me some $$.

 

[m-2-b]

I would not buy side stones until I knew which vendor I was definitely going to use. MRB's can be easily matched w/out issues.

 

[kb1gra]

Of all the three stones I looked at (and I looked at a lot) I ended up with a Stuller setting of all things. It's really quite refined and very comfortable. My center and sides are both larger than yours but I saw this setting with a .75 center originally and that's what encouraged me to pick it.

(thanks Wink for the photo )

 

[diamondseeker2006]

In most cases I would let the setting vendor source the side stones. Exceptions to that would be if I had a branded center stone, such as WF, BG, CBI, GOG H&A, VC, etc., I would want equivalent sides (even if brands were mixed) just for the mental aspect of having all three stones H&A.

I agree that I want my sides slightly lower and angled with the curve of the ring.

If you want your center stone to pop, I would go with slightly smaller sides. Here's one with a 7.4mm center and .34 ct sides.

 

[diamondseeker2006]

Of all the three stones I looked at (and I looked at a lot) I ended up with a Stuller setting of all things. It's really quite refined and very comfortable. My center and sides are both larger than yours but I saw this setting with a .75 center originally and that's what encouraged me to pick it.

(thanks Wink for the photo )

I like this setting a lot as far as design goes. I'd have it custom made to get the sides just slightly lower. But I really like the rounded bases to each head. Victor does that and I think it is so elegant.

 

[livewithease]

My center stone is not branded but my assumption was BG would be able to match side stones for me. Are you saying that's a bad idea and I shouldn't trust them to do that for me?

 

[diamondseeker2006]

My center stone is not branded but my assumption was BG would be able to match side stones for me. Are you saying that's a bad idea and I shouldn't trust them to do that for me?

Oh no, that is not what I am saying. I am saying the opposite. If I had a hearts and arrows center stone, I would be hesitant to go with stones that were not to that cut level on the sides. On the other hand, if the center is GIA Ex, I would NOT pay for signature H&A AGS graded sides.

Is your center stone GIA or AGS graded? I'd stick with whatever that is to match the sides.

I should add that BG does do nice custom work. They could also custom make whatever design you chose. I think you could get it done for less money by going with someone like David Klass, though.

 

[livewithease]

My center stone is GIA Ex cut. So basically your saying I should look for side stones that are also GIA Ex because they will match better and paying for H&A side stones will be more expensive and not necessary given my center stone.

BG has recommended two sets of side stones already.

Set 1)
http://www.briangavindiamonds.com/diamonds/diamond-details/0.511-e-si1-round-diamond-ags-c-104077891018
http://www.briangavindiamonds.com/diamonds/diamond-details/0.518-e-si1-round-diamond-ags-c-104077891020

Set 2)
http://www.briangavindiamonds.com/diamonds/diamond-details/0.528-g-vs2-round-diamond-ags-bl-104077586028
http://www.briangavindiamonds.com/diamonds/diamond-details/0.514-g-vs1-round-diamond-ags-bl-104077586029

My center stone:
1.28 ct
F
SI1
Excellent
Strong blue

I need to go try on a few more settings today before I reach out to anyone or even consider a custom job.

 

[JDDN]

I think the side stone options look great, but for me I'd want closer to 0.3 side stones with a 1.28 carat center stone. One thing to decide is how large you want your side stones to be or what kind of look you're going for. Do you want larger side stones like the 0.5's BGD are recommending or do you want smaller side stones that will make your center stone pop? Here's a thread on just that. At the bottom is the finished ring (BGD crossed trellis) with a 1.55 carat center stone and 0.4 carat side stones. Gives you a perspective on what the proportions will look like. It's all a matter of preference!

Several people here on PS have used their non-H&A center stones and had it set in a 3 stone with BGD side stones and it looks amazing to me. I can't say for sure but I think what DS was saying is that she personally wouldn't pay for H&A side stones if her center stone wasn't an AGS H&A diamond. That's all preference too and it's up to you. I would have no problem using BGD H&A side stones with my GIA 3x center stone but you can also go another route with one of the other regarded vendors here and get GIA 3x side stones. IDJ comes to mind. I've seen some insanely gorgeous 3 stones from IDJ.

This is fun, I hope we get to follow along and see what you end up with!




[URL='https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/help-with-3-stone-setting.152175/']https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/help-with-3-stone-setting.152175/[/URL]

 

[livewithease]

JDDN that was super helpful. I totally get not paying extra for H&A stones but comparing prices it doesn't seem to be that much more and I like the idea of. Eing able to trade them in. Also, with the Promo code I have the price difference is pretty small. As for proportions I definitely don't want to go smaller than .40 or bigger than .50. I'm headed to go try on a few more to determine what proportions I like better. My concern is coming from a halo that a three stone might look small if I go with smaller side stones.

I'm also struggling a big with the actual setting. Originally I was leaning towards the truth x3 but it sounds like that setting might work better for larger stones. I guess it's time to go try on a few more.

 

[motownmama]