Can I (and should I) "shave" the edges of my e-ring?

[stargurl78]

Sooo while I really do love my e-ring, I've been thinking that I might like it a tad better if it were a little less "chunky". Pics of the ring are posted in this thread:

[URL='https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/newly-engaged-with-pics-of-the-ring-here.143030/']https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/newly-engaged-with-pics-of-the-ring-here.143030/[/URL]

My question is, do you think it would be possible for a jeweler (I was thinking of contacting WF) to "shave" a little metal off of the top and bottom edges? I was thinking maybe 0.5mm on each side... Right now the band is about 4mm wide so that would bring it around 3mm. The other thing is, most of the time you can't even see the little diamonds in the band because they are so small. Do you think reducing the band width will help them to stand out a little more? Also, is it true that the thinner the band, the more the center diamond stands out as well?

I have attached a crappy photo comparison that I did using powerpoint and paint (I don't have photoshop). Anyways, the original is at the top. Please ignore my laundry mess in the background

The only thing I am nervous about is that I'll change it and then I'll regret it. I have a bad habit of messing with things and then getting mad at myself, so I really want to be sure before I go for it... Let me know your thoughts, they are much appreciated!

 

[stone-cold11]

Think it will be a major undertaking because there are diamonds in the shank and to maintain the dome shape will be difficult.

 

[Circe]

I dunno, Stone-Cold, I think it could be done without too much difficulty: it's a peg head, which makes things easier (if it was integrated, keeping a smooth line would indeed be a challenge). I think a qualified jeweler with a steady hand could do it without too much fuss ....

Now the question is, do you *want* to. In your original thread, you talk about really loving that setting because it's modern. I think the chunkiness is part of its overall aesthetic: if you shave it down, it'll look a little more typical. Have you tried it with a wedding band? Possibly the additional bling of, say, a thin channel-set band for contrast will remind you why you loved it so much to begin with ....

 

[D&T]

Hey I'm a fan of chunky rings! and your's is Beautiful! Yes it is true that a thinner shank does make the diamond "appear" larger, but its up to you, do you like chunky rings or thin ring? Have you considered a matte finish to make the little flushed set / gypsy set diamonds in the shank sparkle more/ stand out more?, Dunno how you feel about that before you go surgically removing metal I leave the "can I" to the expert to weigh in, "should you" is a different story .

 

[decodelighted]

I think shaving down the sides will make the space BETWEEN the stones look out of proportion. The ring as a whole was designed to be that scale. Really think it will do more *harm* than *good* to the overall look. (Including, as was mentioned above, being difficult to maintain a nice curve ... might end up just flattened and blocky feeling vs. smooth, fluid) The shaving process might even loosen the existing stones in the ring -- they might fall out THEN or LATER.

Could you reset the ring entirely & set a colored stone into the original setting? At least that way you wouldn't risk RUINING a sentimental piece of jewelry.

 

[stargurl78]

I dunno, Stone-Cold, I think it could be done without too much difficulty: it's a peg head, which makes things easier (if it was integrated, keeping a smooth line would indeed be a challenge). I think a qualified jeweler with a steady hand could do it without too much fuss ....

Now the question is, do you *want* to. In your original thread, you talk about really loving that setting because it's modern. I think the chunkiness is part of its overall aesthetic: if you shave it down, it'll look a little more typical. Have you tried it with a wedding band? Possibly the additional bling of, say, a thin channel-set band for contrast will remind you why you loved it so much to begin with ....

Its funny that you mention that Circe, I have actually been in contact with Facets about exactly what you suggest - a thin channel-set band (or possibly 2 - one for each side)! Maybe I will go to a local jeweler to try on my ring with a thin channel-set band and I'll try on a thinner engagement ring with some wedding bands as well. Thank you very much for your post

And thank you Stone-Cold for your input as well!

 

[stargurl78]

Hey I'm a fan of chunky rings! and your's is Beautiful! Yes it is true that a thinner shank does make the diamond "appear" larger, but its up to you, do you like chunky rings or thin ring? Have you considered a matte finish to make the little flushed set / gypsy set diamonds in the shank sparkle more/ stand out more?, Dunno how you feel about that before you go surgically removing metal I leave the "can I" to the expert to weigh in, "should you" is a different story .

I do like chunky rings, I'm just not sure if this setting looks the best with my diamond because it is a tad on the smaller side (at least after looking at this site it is ). Maybe I will also try to look at chunky rings and rings with thin bands on this site to try to compare. I'm still not entirely sure which I prefer... I'm not sure that I like the matte look, the jeweler actually did suggest that to my fiance when they were in contact about designing the ring. Thank you for your input!

 

[stargurl78]

I think shaving down the sides will make the space BETWEEN the stones look out of proportion. The ring as a whole was designed to be that scale. Really think it will do more *harm* than *good* to the overall look. (Including, as was mentioned above, being difficult to maintain a nice curve ... might end up just flattened and blocky feeling vs. smooth, fluid) The shaving process might even loosen the existing stones in the ring -- they might fall out THEN or LATER.

Could you reset the ring entirely & set a colored stone into the original setting? At least that way you wouldn't risk RUINING a sentimental piece of jewelry.

Thanks decodelighted! I didn't even think about the space between the stones. My fiance also suggested just re-making the setting. It is definitely something to consider.

 

[MissGotRocks]

What is the size of the stone? I think the thinner band may make the stone look larger but shaving down this setting will probably interfere with the intended look.

Could you just reset it in a new mounting?

 

[stargurl78]

What is the size of the stone? I think the thinner band may make the stone look larger but shaving down this setting will probably interfere with the intended look.

Could you just reset it in a new mounting?

The center stone is .79 ct. It's dimensions are 5.93 - 5.95 x 3.66 mm. I suppose I could get a new mounting but I am sentimental and want to wear the ring that I was proposed to with (even if I do end up modifying it a bit ).