Cushion Reset Advice after 10 years of lurkdom

[MzunguMama]

Unbeknownst to the great community of PS, I lurked here in 2009 — gleaning wisdom about cushions and vendors for a center stone upgrade. This was back when new vintage style cushion cuts did not abound and I was clueless.

I ended up with an elongated 1.02 carat cushion from Mark at ERD/BE. You guys did not let me down and it is beautiful while it seems small compared to the PS world.

We celebrated our 15 year anniversary this year and an anniversary band was mentioned by my husband and the ring research beast was once again released onto the Internet! I could have benefited from Instagram and Pinterest back then.

What started with wanting a 5 stone band with some type of step cut ended up with me realizing that nothing would work with my matchy set that was purchased for our wedding. I have struggled looking for a halo or sidestone style that will give me the finger coverage I want while also not overpowering my 4.5 short finger.

Then I saw the VC Tamara Art Deco halo that was created for a PSer in a cushion shape. I’m so sorry that I don’t remember your name! It’s amazing. It has the French sides that would go well with stacking various CvB style bands that I dream about (how does one ring lead to three...)!

So I’ve gotten a VC quote for this ring
with my centerstone. I’ve also reached out to Mark at BE to see his thoughts on something similar in a CAD version.

What are everyone’s thoughts on how this will translate to a smaller, more elongated cushion? L/w ratio is 1.17. I can accept the hard truth if this is not a good choice for my stone and am open to hearing suggestions!

 

[AV_]

The ring in the picture seems to have the same proportions yours will.

 

[Lykame]

I think it will look just lovely especially being slightly elongated. Interestingly I think thematically your current set seems very similar in style to this halo.

What will you do with your current wedding band etc - will you (or your husband) have sentimental issues? Worth thinking about.

Other issue is how the rings will stack, and will there be gaps between the rings, and what you think about that.

Have you tried on a halo ring or two that is proportionately similar to see what you think in person?

 

[MzunguMama]

I think it will look just lovely especially being slightly elongated. Interestingly I think thematically your current set seems very similar in style to this halo.

What will you do with your current wedding band etc - will you (or your husband) have sentimental issues? Worth thinking about.

Other issue is how the rings will stack, and will there be gaps between the rings, and what you think about that.

Have you tried on a halo ring or two that is proportionately similar to see what you think in person?

It is similar... too similar to make it worth the new investment, you think? I chose this setting because I’ve always had a leaning toward vintage inspired jewelry and actually have an antique Art Deco ring from my great great grandmother I wear on my right hand. The original stone was a small princess— we did what we could on a college kids budget!

My current wedding band has a curve in the middle so I’ve never liked the way it looked separately. I don’t think a gap in setting and band will bother me but maybe I should try on some styles with gaps to see.

I have tried on halos but haven’t thought about specifically looking for one with similar proportions which is another good idea!

I assume I’ll hang on to my current set and put the original diamond back in it. I have considered selling it but realize I would lose a lot of value that way. I’m leaning towards hanging onto it since I have 5 kids. Surely someone might want it?

No worries about sentimental value. This is actually the third setting I have worn as an engagement ring. Proposed with a solitaire, put it into a baguette sidestone setting and then when there was no band that looked good with it after months of searching— the jeweler let us trade it back in for this matching set which actually the one I got married in. Then I upgraded the centerstone because there was a budget for that and I really wanted a 1 carat so I didn’t have anything left for a new setting.

 

[Lykame]

It is similar... too similar to make it worth the new investment, you think? I chose this setting because I’ve always had a leaning toward vintage inspired jewelry and actually have an antique Art Deco ring from my great great grandmother I wear on my right hand. The original stone was a small princess— we did what we could on a college kids budget!

My current wedding band has a curve in the middle so I’ve never liked the way it looked separately. I don’t think a gap in setting and band will bother me but maybe I should try on some styles with gaps to see.

I have tried on halos but haven’t thought about specifically looking for one with similar proportions which is another good idea!

I assume I’ll hang on to my current set and put the original diamond back in it. I have considered selling it but realize I would lose a lot of value that way. I’m leaning towards hanging onto it since I have 5 kids. Surely someone might want it?

No worries about sentimental value. This is actually the third setting I have worn as an engagement ring. Proposed with a solitaire, put it into a baguette sidestone setting and then when there was no band that looked good with it after months of searching— the jeweler let us trade it back in for this matching set which actually the one I got married in. Then I upgraded the centerstone because there was a budget for that and I really wanted a 1 carat so I didn’t have anything left for a new setting.

I definitely think it's different enough to be worth the investment! I just mean... It's kind of like the new ring that you're looking at is actually the antique halo grandparent of your current modern setting. Hehe.

Definitely try on halo rings and bands that demonstrate the gap, hopefully you'll love it but your feelings may surprise you and it's better to find that out before you go further.

I'm glad the sentiment isn't an issue and I'm sure your children will be fighting over your current setting!

 

[Ladygrey]

That is SUCH a beautiful setting! Sigh.