Cushion center stone size for a substantial halo setting?

[emmarose329]

My boyfriend and I are collaborating on my engagement ring and can't seem to decide on a center stone size. We are having the setting modified to accommodate a cushion cut diamond.

He would like a center stone between 1 and 1.3 carats and I am nervous that it will be too large on my size 4 finger. I think that .85-1.1 would look more proportionate, maybe even smaller would be advisable.

We chose a Gabriel & Co halo setting and I think that smaller may look better for the center stone due to my small finger size. What would you recommend? I'm all for blingy but I want the halo to look proportionate and not massive on my fingers. I'm also a sucker for antique-cut diamonds but have a feeling that they're going to be out of our price range.
http://www.gabrielny.com/engaged/style/ER7479W44JJ

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[liaerfbv]

Re: Cushion center stone size for a substantial halo setting

I love that setting you've chosen! I don't think that 1.3 in a halo would be too large on your finger. Also, diamond shrinkage syndrome (DSS) sets in pretty fast, so even if it looks large on your hand initially - it will probably look *just right* in a few weeks.

 

[pandabee]

Re: Cushion center stone size for a substantial halo setting

What's your stone budget? That's a gorgeous setting. I think you should go larger if you can afford because yes shrinkage will hit you. Are you looking at antique cushions or AVC?

 

[emmarose329]

Re: Cushion center stone size for a substantial halo setting

I forgot to explain that his budget is a little unrealistic for the stone size that he wants. He's interested in spending around $2000 on the stone and I feel like a huge jerk telling him that it won't get him the stone he wants. However he has said that he's willing to spend more depending if we can get a high quality setting and high quality stone. So basically I have no clue what the actual budget is, so I'm trying to estimate around $4000 for everything. The setting itself is $1800.

In terms of the cushion, I love big chunky facets like AVCs and ACCs but I also recognize that standard cushion cuts are more widely available and less expensive. He wants a clear stone only, so gemstones are also out which is a shame, I loooveeee emeralds and aquamarines.

Another edit: I'd like to be a little more conservative with the setting size, as I'm getting engaged at 22 and many family members have already voiced their displeasure at "gaudy" settings. I'm afraid of being ostentatious.

 

[baby monster]

Re: Cushion center stone size for a substantial halo setting

That's a gorgeous setting! Don't listen to those old fuddy-duddies. Get a ring that you love. However, the budget for the stone may not get you to 1-1.3 cushion unless you really drop down in color and clarity. What combo of color/clarity were you looking for?

 

[emmarose329]

Re: Cushion center stone size for a substantial halo setting

Thanks, baby monster! I'm not super picky about color so I'm definitely willing to look at H-J but I can definitely see a little too much color at K grade so I'd like to stay above it. I'm not picky about inclusions either as long as it's an eye-clean stone. I think the lower color grade fits in with the antique feel of the ring.

Again I think that the size of my finger means that we could go below 1 carat and still get a very nice amount of finger coverage.

 

[pandabee]

Re: Cushion center stone size for a substantial halo setting

Yeah sorry to say I think his budget is a little skewed for the ct size he thinks he can get. This is the only AVC under 2000 available at the moment. Beautiful stone though! Just not the 0.8-1ct weight you are hoping for. I think this size in the setting you posted could still be beautiful especially for your size fingers though. http://www.goodoldgold.com/diamond/7264/

 

[Sakuracherry]

Re: Cushion center stone size for a substantial halo setting

Would you be interested in a think 8 main modern cushion? There's one on eBay I'm watching. Please don't worry about what people think and get what makes you happy.

 

[Roxy]

Re: Cushion center stone size for a substantial halo setting

Thanks, baby monster! I'm not super picky about color so I'm definitely willing to look at H-J but I can definitely see a little too much color at K grade so I'd like to stay above it. I'm not picky about inclusions either as long as it's an eye-clean stone. I think the lower color grade fits in with the antique feel of the ring.

Again I think that the size of my finger means that we could go below 1 carat and still get a very nice amount of finger coverage.

To help visualize how certain sizes of stones will look on your finger, is it possible for you to get a couple of CZ rings in the general shape and size you're considering (eg, .5-.6, then around 1ct, and then 1.3-1.5 range) and wear them around the house for a few days/weeks to really get a feel for what might work best for you?

 

[emmarose329]

Re: Cushion center stone size for a substantial halo setting

Hi, everyone- I did a little more research and came up with this GORGEOUS .80 ct E vvs2 cushion. It jumps out to me every time I do a diamond search. Opinions?

http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/cushion-cut/0.80-carat-e-color-vvs2-clarity-sku-233833

 

[artdecolover71]

Re: Cushion center stone size for a substantial halo setting

I just sold my 1.72 in a 1.75 halo, my finger is a 4.50-I think it is such a personal decision!

 

[momhappy]

Re: Cushion center stone size for a substantial halo setting

I have a 3.25 size finger and a 1.5 carat center stone in a halo setting. Personally, I wouldn't go under a carat (in any setting), but it really is an individual preference.

 

[emmarose329]

Re: Cushion center stone size for a substantial halo setting

Well, for those of us that would love a 1.50 carat stone but can't afford one, what size would you stay above? .7? .8?

 

[Roxy]

Re: Cushion center stone size for a substantial halo setting

Well, for those of us that would love a 1.50 carat stone but can't afford one, what size would you stay above? .7? .8?

.8ct - I'd get as close to a carat as I could. I've read that in a lot of cases once you hit the 1ct mark there's a "jump" in price, so if you can get something between .8-.99 you'll get a great size w/out the "1 ct" price increase.

 

[momhappy]

Re: Cushion center stone size for a substantial halo setting

Well, for those of us that would love a 1.50 carat stone but can't afford one, what size would you stay above? .7? .8?

I posted my comment in regards to size because it seemed that the focal point of your thread was size and not price. You mentioned that you had discussed purchasing larger stones (between 1-1.3 carats), so it seemed as though cost was not the issue. Perhaps I misunderstood? My comment was certainly not meant to sound insensitive to a budget.
I did not mean to imply that everyone should have a 1.5 carat diamond (or larger) - I was simply demonstrating that diamond size/finger size comes down to personal preference. I have smaller fingers than you and I think that my diamond size/halo setting looks proportionate, but you have concerns about a larger diamond looking too big. Obviously, folks purchase diamonds/rings within their means, but given the choice between a 1/1.3 carat and less than a carat, I'd choose the larger stones.