Cushion - Ideal Setting

[cushionring]

Hi - I am looking for some help in picking the optimal setting for a cushion diamond (1.06 carats). I am leaning towards a very simple knife edge band and was looking towards a 4 prong head. Recently my jeweler informed me that a cushion would require a basket head to more securely lock in the diamond. So they proposed to put a basket head with one wire around it to add structure to the ring and better secure the diamond. I have 2 questions:

1: Does a cushion require additional support in the head given its shape? My diamond has a LxW ration of 1.11.

2: Would the basket head be too bulky for a thin knife edge head band? I am worried that it will be thin and then too chunky around the diamond.

Anyone with pictures or advice would be greatly appreciated. Thank you.

 

[Christina...]

I imagine that this is what your jeweler is referring to...
http://www.whiteflash.com/engagement-rings/solitaire/etoile-du-couer-solitaire-engagement-ring-1563.htm

I agree that it would add additional support to the stone and would not appear to bulky, in fact you shouldn't be able to see it from the face up position at all.

This is how Mike Robinson, a master goldsmith described it to me...

Think of your prongs like your hand/fingers holding a golf ball at your finger tips, your finger tips holding that ball is just like a five prong setting holding a diamond.
Someone would reasonably easily be able to walk up to your hand and pry back a couple of your fingers or give your hand a slap resulting in you dropping the golf ball.
Then imagine the same golf ball at your finger tips but this time you have a single ring of strong tape wrapped around your fingers (tightly) at your knuckles, if done properly there would be no way you could drop the ball/diamond without removing the tape.
This is the same way an under bezel would work to keep your diamond safe and tight in the prongs.