Crossover design engagement ring: is the diamond safe?

[stevie_wonderful77]

Hi all

I am planning to take The Big Step and am thinking of having an engagement ring made following either one of these two crossover designs.



Photo 1 shows a tension setting. I am aware that this requires specialist skills, but I know a jeweller in Antwerp I believe I can trust. Photos 2/3 show a similar design, but here the pavillion is supported by the setting.

I recently discussed these options with another jeweller, however, who told me that both of these are essentially dangerous. Here's what he literally said:

I would not want to make a ring like the ones that you have pictured. Even though they have a bezel supporting the diamond underneath and stopping the setting from springing apart, they are still fundamentally a risky and unstable way of setting a diamond. The problem is that the edges of the diamond are quite exposed to catching, and the away sweep of the arms means that there’s only a small surface area to secure the diamond.

This has made me doubt my decision... It struck me that there may be members on this forum who have experience in making and/or wearing this kind of design who might be able to offer advice. Any help much appreciated!

Steven

 

[AprilBaby]

I have a three stone ring just like #1 for 5 years I wear all the time and never had a problem. The bigger problem is finding a band to match. Nothing looks good with it.

 

[stevie_wonderful77]

Thanks April, that's helpful. So what do you do? Freestyle and wear the band on the other hand? I actually don't think my gf would mind that.

 

[sonnyjane]

Thanks April, that's helpful. So what do you do? Freestyle and wear the band on the other hand? I actually don't think my gf would mind that.

Ahhh so you are not going to be the one wearing the ring? Has your girlfriend specifically expressed interest in this particular style? If not, then I'd stick with something more traditional. This style isn't for everyone and as the PP mentioned, it can present a problem when getting a matching band. If you're not sure what your GF wants, I would pick a different style.

 

[AprilBaby]

Mine is a Right hand ring, not an ering. I have worn it on the left but I can't wear a wedding band with it.

 

[Niel]

if your concerned they could curve it a little, have more of the bezel hugging the diamond
like this
http://www.sholdtdesign.com/Vashon/R459.htm

 

[facetgirl]

My original ering setting (stone is a pear) was similar to this style with diamonds along the crossover. I wore the setting for years with no issues for the diamond. Others who commented here are spot on- finding a matching band was impossible for me. Had to have a wedding band custom made to match, and couldn't wear the wedding band alone.

 

[heididdl]

https://www.pricescope.com/wiki/engagement-rings/tension-setting-style

Pricescope forum for tension setting rings

My college room mate hate her honker 2 carat set in one of these tension settings on that forum and it looked gorgous. I am not personaly a fan of the style that you are showing . I agree a more traditional setting works better with bands

 

[maccers]

Congratulations on taking the next big step!

I can't comment on the security of the setting but I do wonder if it would get caught on things occasionally, eg: putting your hand through the sleeve of a sweater.

Tension settings are really neat but are a bit of niche style. Are you positive this is the style your intended would like? Just my two cents but that particular style of tension looks a bit dated...the one that Niel posted is more modern and fluid.