DBL pear ring

[MLobo17]

I've Ben eyeballing this DBL piece for a couple days. I love the color and style, but I worry slightly about the inclusions in the center. Thoughts and opinions? I do love it in the pictures.

http://www.diamondsbylauren.com/ind...ond-76ct-pear-shape-dsi2-gorgeous-stone-r3976

 

[Niel]

I'm just not in love with the quality of halo. I think it has too much metal. What's your budget? Were you looking for pink?

 

[MLobo17]

My budget is $4k and I really love the pink. I'm looking for something a little different.

 

[CharmyPoo]

I don't notice the inclusions much in the smaller photos but I am sure David can confirm real life perspectives. I do like the setting design but not so hot on the workmanship.

 

[lknvrb4]

I would ask for some photos at normal viewing distance because all these are highly magnified. For me, there is too much metal showing in the setting.

 

[Niel]

A little different I totally get. Let me ask you, how would you feel about it being a pink halo with no diamonds in the shank? I only ask because I had recently gotten a a quote from ERD about a plain shank halo (with white diamonds) and they said they could keep it under 2 k. That would leave you 2 k for the stone.....what I would do is instead of white diamonds in the halo is ask how much it would be for punk diamonds, and for pink sapphires ( the pink diamond one would be more I'm sure the sapphire one would probably be less.

Leaving 2 k for a pear is enough to get you something nice and you would have more choice sense you could decide on the stone first. Made in pink gold or a mix of pink and white it would be really beautiful and unique


This was the setting I was quoted for under 2 k ( imagine it with a pear)

[URL='https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/suprise-proposal-erd-cushion-plain-split-shank-halo-created.177760/']https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/suprise-proposal-erd-cushion-plain-split-shank-halo-created.177760/[/URL]

I recommend erd jusg because they would be able to make you a really pretty ring and fit your budget and you wouldn't have to worry about craftsmenship. Plus, making it with a plain shank and with sapphires would be really unique and a bit money saving.

 

[Rockdiamond]

I think it's important to remember that the amount of metal showing on any ring has a few implications
1) in terms of style it's a choice- some people like more metal
2) in terms of skill, only the finest shops can work with smaller wires( 1.8mm) - like hand forged- which will show the least metal
3) see number 2 - a $4000 semi mount is not for everyone
4) more metal can make a ring more durable - it does not have to- but it can
In our experience- in manufacturing many thousands of rings- there are less cases of micro pave stone loss in well made rings that are a bit heavier- showing more metal
5) every ring manufacturer faces these issues- without exception
Happy spring everyone!!

 

[Taylorbug!]

FWIW...I have that same ring and really love it. No, it isn't the "top of the line", but it is a very beautiful ring. You should also keep in mind that DBL has a great trade up policy, should you decide to get something nicer down the line. Also, the picture does seem to show Lots of metal, IRL it really is very delicate.

Good luck in your seach for the "perfect ring"!

 

[Smith1942]

I think it's absolutely gorgeous. If you paid thousands more for a designer setting I'm not sure what you'd gain. Or, not sure what you'd gain to the naked eye. It also has a blessing from a real-life owner. I can see that it only looks metal-heavy due to the macro shots. I think it's a stunning ring and I wish I could have it! If you get it, do post pics!

A thought: you could get David to make you one with a lower colour diamond, as that would save on money and not many people want to pay the premium for Ds. If you do, I totally understand - I have a D pendant and also D upgrade studs coming my way next week!

David is so funny. I spoke to him once about a piece, our first communication. I was telling him that I'd previously bought from WF, BGD etc and he said, "Hey, I'm a jealous guy!"

 

[CharmyPoo]

If you paid thousands more for a designer setting I'm not sure what you'd gain. Or, not sure what you'd gain to the naked eye. It also has a blessing from a real-life owner. I can see that it only looks metal-heavy due to the macro shots. I think it's a stunning ring and I wish I could have it! If you get it, do post pics!

This is probably personal preference and pickiness. For me, I can see it no problem with the naked eye and I much prefer my higher quality settings. No question for me and it is well worth the extra money when it is a daily ring or for an expensive center stone. But all this of course has to be balanced between setting/stone and my overall budget.

 

[Niel]

If you paid thousands more for a designer setting I'm not sure what you'd gain. Or, not sure what you'd gain to the naked eye. It also has a blessing from a real-life owner. I can see that it only looks metal-heavy due to the macro shots. I think it's a stunning ring and I wish I could have it! If you get it, do post pics!

This is probably personal preference and pickiness. For me, I can see it no problem with the naked eye and I much prefer my higher quality settings. No question for me and it is well worth the extra money when it is a daily ring or for an expensive center stone. But all this of course has to be balanced between setting/stone and my overall budget.

There is an in between of lower end and very high end. There are well made settings for 2k that you would see a marked difference in quality...

 

[Smith1942]

I wrote a long reply to this saying that I need to be educated about high-end settings and posting three of my beautiful inexpensive halos for comparison, then realised I'd done a total threadjack. I posted my reply in the thread "Settings & Trends" that I started today in RockyTalky.

Go for the DBL ring - I see that it contains a GIA certified 0.76 D pear for just under 4k, for the whole piece. I think that's outstanding value. D/eyeclean Si2 is my favourite combination. When I got my first D I was converted - their iciness is amazing.

 

[Niel]

Here are a few James Allen ones, click at the bottom to see how they look in real life. I know they could do them ad a mixed metal WG and Rose gold, and I'm fairly certain they will do that halo in soft pink sapphires. Or, some of the cheaper ones I'd ask them to do pink diamonds if you wanted. The first two leave you a whole lot of money for a nice sized pear, and the other two, with the PS wire discount, would allow you to get pretty much the same stone as is in the DBL one. Also I think the quality of these settings are higher. Not top end, but more fluid.
http://www.jamesallen.com/?mobile=off#!/engagement-rings/halo/14k-white-gold-pave-halo-diamond-engagement-ring-pear-center-item-6780
http://www.jamesallen.com/?mobile=off#!/engagement-rings/halo/14k-white-gold-pave-halo-and-shank-diamond-engagement-ring-pear-center-item-6805

With these you have 3k for the stone, and just for reference, 8 no or so ago I bought a. 9 H Vs2 for under 3k

http://www.jamesallen.com/?mobile=off#!/engagement-rings/halo/14k-white-gold-pave-halo-engagement-ring-pear-center-item-3314
http://www.jamesallen.com/?mobile=off#!/engagement-rings/halo/14k-white-gold-pave-halo-shoulders-engagement-ring-pear-center-item-3347

 

[Rockdiamond]

HI Neil,
Just a question: Have you ever seen any of our rings first hand?
My photos show real rings , taken extremely close up- no Photoshop whatsoever, so if you're just going by photos, having never seen a ring first hand, it might be a bit misleading.

 

[Rockdiamond]

If you paid thousands more for a designer setting I'm not sure what you'd gain. Or, not sure what you'd gain to the naked eye. It also has a blessing from a real-life owner. I can see that it only looks metal-heavy due to the macro shots. I think it's a stunning ring and I wish I could have it! If you get it, do post pics!

This is probably personal preference and pickiness. For me, I can see it no problem with the naked eye and I much prefer my higher quality settings. No question for me and it is well worth the extra money when it is a daily ring or for an expensive center stone. But all this of course has to be balanced between setting/stone and my overall budget.

This is a great point Charmy- I have had to temper a lot of my thoughts on what is best for any given person.
I can easily see why the most costly ring cost more- especially in details.
For example: inside curves are a biggie- a hand forged ring is made from wires that are shiny on all sides- a cast ring has to be polished- and there's going to be some areas that will never achieve that same level of perfection on a cast ring.
BUT
I have learned that not all people appreciate these details. And, some people actually prefer the heavier look of a cast ring- regardless of price.



As a seller I feel it's important for me to allow the consumer to decide based on good info- as opposed to imposing my taste, but I totally get what Charmy is saying- and I respect her integrity in advice given based on things each she loves.

 

[Niel]

No I haven't, and I know your photos are true to life because they match up to many people on here who post there own pics of your stuff. But I just think that halo isn't as well made as some of your other stuff from better benches, also, I think for a 4 k budget a more well made halo can be obtained. I don't think the actual photos of JA stuff is photoshopped either, which is why I recommended looking st those verses the CAD renderings.

If your photos are realistic like you say, and that's an accurate portrayal of the ring, I just think a more fluid ring could be obtained with a similar style for the same price. That's not to say much of your stuff isn't well made and easy to recommend (that's 20k+ pear comes to mind). But this one isn't one of them is all, in my opinion.

 

[Mayk]

Here are a few James Allen ones, click at the bottom to see how they look in real life. I know they could do them ad a mixed metal WG and Rose gold, and I'm fairly certain they will do that halo in soft pink sapphires. Or, some of the cheaper ones I'd ask them to do pink diamonds if you wanted. The first two leave you a whole lot of money for a nice sized pear, and the other two, with the PS wire discount, would allow you to get pretty much the same stone as is in the DBL one. Also I think the quality of these settings are higher. Not top end, but more fluid.
http://www.jamesallen.com/?mobile=off#!/engagement-rings/halo/14k-white-gold-pave-halo-diamond-engagement-ring-pear-center-item-6780
http://www.jamesallen.com/?mobile=off#!/engagement-rings/halo/14k-white-gold-pave-halo-and-shank-diamond-engagement-ring-pear-center-item-6805

With these you have 3k for the stone, and just for reference, 8 no or so ago I bought a. 9 H Vs2 for under 3k

http://www.jamesallen.com/?mobile=off#!/engagement-rings/halo/14k-white-gold-pave-halo-engagement-ring-pear-center-item-3314
http://www.jamesallen.com/?mobile=off#!/engagement-rings/halo/14k-white-gold-pave-halo-shoulders-engagement-ring-pear-center-item-3347

Niel. I find it terribly disturbing all the advice you give when you yourself have been all over the board on what you want and you have changed your mind on your setting and diamond more than a number of times. Earlier this week I saw a post where I thought you were disrespectful to DS who I believe is one of the most respected PSers. I've only been here two years and I'm always careful to only provide advice as to what I have the experience to provide. I think you often provided advice you don't have the knowledge or experience to provide. My setting from DBL while not pave is awesome. I also have done business with ERD and can speak to their quality or Sareen Jewelry or JbEG. I speak highly of them because I know them. You've struggled with your own diamond but I've seen you give advice on EC, marquise, pears and rounds. I think it's great to be helpful but not sure you should be so critical. I think Charmy did a nice job of providing informative feedback. It's a great example.

 

[junebug17]

I think it's a very pretty ring and seems like a good value to me. Not everyone has a budget to allow for high-end settings that are very costly. I think this is a nice way for someone to get a decent quality ring for a reasonable price. I would be fine with the amount of metal showing. I really don't think it will be that noticable IRL. The halo is going to stand out a bit anyway, given it is RG. The finger coverage will also be very nice with this ring. I really like it and I think the pink diamonds are a lovely touch.

eta: I don't think the inclusions would bother me.

eta again : but you need to see it with your own eyes to know for sure if the inclusions will bother you!

 

[Niel]

Here are a few James Allen ones, click at the bottom to see how they look in real life. I know they could do them ad a mixed metal WG and Rose gold, and I'm fairly certain they will do that halo in soft pink sapphires. Or, some of the cheaper ones I'd ask them to do pink diamonds if you wanted. The first two leave you a whole lot of money for a nice sized pear, and the other two, with the PS wire discount, would allow you to get pretty much the same stone as is in the DBL one. Also I think the quality of these settings are higher. Not top end, but more fluid.
http://www.jamesallen.com/?mobile=off#!/engagement-rings/halo/14k-white-gold-pave-halo-diamond-engagement-ring-pear-center-item-6780
http://www.jamesallen.com/?mobile=off#!/engagement-rings/halo/14k-white-gold-pave-halo-and-shank-diamond-engagement-ring-pear-center-item-6805

With these you have 3k for the stone, and just for reference, 8 no or so ago I bought a. 9 H Vs2 for under 3k

http://www.jamesallen.com/?mobile=off#!/engagement-rings/halo/14k-white-gold-pave-halo-engagement-ring-pear-center-item-3314
http://www.jamesallen.com/?mobile=off#!/engagement-rings/halo/14k-white-gold-pave-halo-shoulders-engagement-ring-pear-center-item-3347

Niel. I find it terribly disturbing all the advice you give when you yourself have been all over the board on what you want and you have changed your mind on your setting and diamond more than a number of times. Earlier this week I saw a post where I thought you were disrespectful to DS who I believe is one of the most respected PSers. I've only been here two years and I'm always careful to only provide advice as to what I have the experience to provide. I think you often provided advice you don't have the knowledge or experience to provide. My setting from DBL while not pave is awesome. I also have done business with ERD and can speak to their quality or Sareen Jewelry or JbEG. I speak highly of them because I know them. You've struggled with your own diamond but I've seen you give advice on EC, marquise, pears and rounds. I think it's great to be helpful but not sure you should be so critical. I think Charmy did a nice job of providing informative feedback. It's a great example.

My post about DS was not rude. She has opinions on stones lower than an I, and i was just pointing that out. The guy wanted an opinion on his K colored stone and i was just pointing out the fact that some people who are diamond experts dont like K colors, but if his girlfriend doesnt care about color or know much about it, then just take that bit of advise with a grain of salt. I was not saying her advise wasnt useful, and I am allowed to disagree with other respected members of this board.

and as for MY ring. My opinion on how well my ring fits my personality and lifestyle and if I like the style of it has no barring on my advise about how ascetically pleasing i think a ring is. I do believe, in my last post, i said DBL makes lot of really well made rings, and i do believe they use a few different benches to do there work, i was just saying THIS particular ring seems to be less attractive than other similar setting for the budget. And as for experience with settings and halos for pears i have enough to tell her an opinion on the quality of the setting. I was not telling her to do anything, or telling her to change her desire for a pear halo with pink in the halo... it was just other opinions showing that you can get a more fluid ring for the same price. If she prefers chunky, than she does not have to heed any of my advise or opinions.

 

[Mayk]

Here are a few James Allen ones, click at the bottom to see how they look in real life. I know they could do them ad a mixed metal WG and Rose gold, and I'm fairly certain they will do that halo in soft pink sapphires. Or, some of the cheaper ones I'd ask them to do pink diamonds if you wanted. The first two leave you a whole lot of money for a nice sized pear, and the other two, with the PS wire discount, would allow you to get pretty much the same stone as is in the DBL one. Also I think the quality of these settings are higher. Not top end, but more fluid.
http://www.jamesallen.com/?mobile=off#!/engagement-rings/halo/14k-white-gold-pave-halo-diamond-engagement-ring-pear-center-item-6780
http://www.jamesallen.com/?mobile=off#!/engagement-rings/halo/14k-white-gold-pave-halo-and-shank-diamond-engagement-ring-pear-center-item-6805

With these you have 3k for the stone, and just for reference, 8 no or so ago I bought a. 9 H Vs2 for under 3k

http://www.jamesallen.com/?mobile=off#!/engagement-rings/halo/14k-white-gold-pave-halo-engagement-ring-pear-center-item-3314
http://www.jamesallen.com/?mobile=off#!/engagement-rings/halo/14k-white-gold-pave-halo-shoulders-engagement-ring-pear-center-item-3347

Niel. I find it terribly disturbing all the advice you give when you yourself have been all over the board on what you want and you have changed your mind on your setting and diamond more than a number of times. Earlier this week I saw a post where I thought you were disrespectful to DS who I believe is one of the most respected PSers. I've only been here two years and I'm always careful to only provide advice as to what I have the experience to provide. I think you often provided advice you don't have the knowledge or experience to provide. My setting from DBL while not pave is awesome. I also have done business with ERD and can speak to their quality or Sareen Jewelry or JbEG. I speak highly of them because I know them. You've struggled with your own diamond but I've seen you give advice on EC, marquise, pears and rounds. I think it's great to be helpful but not sure you should be so critical. I think Charmy did a nice job of providing informative feedback. It's a great example.

My post about DS was not rude. She has opinions on stones lower than an I, and i was just pointing that out. The guy wanted an opinion on his K colored stone and i was just pointing out the fact that some people who are diamond experts dont like K colors, but if his girlfriend doesnt care about color or know much about it, then just take that bit of advise with a grain of salt. I was not saying her advise wasnt useful, and I am allowed to disagree with other respected members of this board.

and as for MY ring. My opinion on how well my ring fits my personality and lifestyle and if I like the style of it has no barring on my advise about how ascetically pleasing i think a ring is. I do believe, in my last post, i said DBL makes lot of really well made rings, and i do believe they use a few different benches to do there work, i was just saying THIS particular ring seems to be less attractive than other similar setting for the budget. And as for experience with settings and halos for pears i have enough to tell her an opinion on the quality of the setting. I was not telling her to do anything, or telling her to change her desire for a pear halo with pink in the halo... it was just other opinions showing that you can get a more fluid ring for the same price. If she prefers chunky, than she does not have to heed any of my advise or opinions.

i tried to give you balanced feedback.... Take it or leave it... I believe it was balanced about helping and experience.

 

[Niel]

ok.

 

[Smith1942]

David says: "For example: inside curves are a biggie- a hand forged ring is made from wires that are shiny on all sides- a cast ring has to be polished- and there's going to be some areas that will never achieve that same level of perfection on a cast ring.
BUT I have learned that not all people appreciate these details. And, some people actually prefer the heavier look of a cast ring- regardless of price."

This is very interesting and is getting close to answering my question re. high-end designers and price. I keep hearing about wire in jewellery-making. What does that mean, in this context? To a layperson it sounds awful, as if you're getting a hollow ring inside with wire instead of something solid! I know it doesn't mean that - context tells me that wire instead of casting is desirable. (I don't even really know what casting means.) But the heaviness of a cast ring chimes with me, and the three inexpensive halos that I posted in the "Settings & Trends" thread in Rockytalky are so beautiful in real life. I am very picky about colour and can tell the difference between GIA F and D especially in lower lighting (I pretty much demand Ds these days! My stud upgrade coming this week is two GIA Ds.) But I am not so picky about settings, for sure. I guess I would want to use that money for a better diamond or an additional piece of jewellery.

 

[Deactivated member 42515]

Here are a few James Allen ones, click at the bottom to see how they look in real life. I know they could do them ad a mixed metal WG and Rose gold, and I'm fairly certain they will do that halo in soft pink sapphires. Or, some of the cheaper ones I'd ask them to do pink diamonds if you wanted. The first two leave you a whole lot of money for a nice sized pear, and the other two, with the PS wire discount, would allow you to get pretty much the same stone as is in the DBL one. Also I think the quality of these settings are higher. Not top end, but more fluid.
http://www.jamesallen.com/?mobile=off#!/engagement-rings/halo/14k-white-gold-pave-halo-diamond-engagement-ring-pear-center-item-6780
http://www.jamesallen.com/?mobile=off#!/engagement-rings/halo/14k-white-gold-pave-halo-and-shank-diamond-engagement-ring-pear-center-item-6805

With these you have 3k for the stone, and just for reference, 8 no or so ago I bought a. 9 H Vs2 for under 3k

http://www.jamesallen.com/?mobile=off#!/engagement-rings/halo/14k-white-gold-pave-halo-engagement-ring-pear-center-item-3314
http://www.jamesallen.com/?mobile=off#!/engagement-rings/halo/14k-white-gold-pave-halo-shoulders-engagement-ring-pear-center-item-3347

Niel. I find it terribly disturbing all the advice you give when you yourself have been all over the board on what you want and you have changed your mind on your setting and diamond more than a number of times. Earlier this week I saw a post where I thought you were disrespectful to DS who I believe is one of the most respected PSers. I've only been here two years and I'm always careful to only provide advice as to what I have the experience to provide. I think you often provided advice you don't have the knowledge or experience to provide. My setting from DBL while not pave is awesome. I also have done business with ERD and can speak to their quality or Sareen Jewelry or JbEG. I speak highly of them because I know them. You've struggled with your own diamond but I've seen you give advice on EC, marquise, pears and rounds. I think it's great to be helpful but not sure you should be so critical. I think Charmy did a nice job of providing informative feedback. It's a great example.

+1. I agree with Mayk. I am not here to attack you Niel, nor am I here to make you feel like an idiot. But as you say, you can disagree with a respectful member. So that means we can disagree with someone like you too. You seem to want to give people advice that isn't always correct. But when someone points that out, you get defensive. We only want to make sure noobs get the correct information before they leave. Since most just come and go.

 

[Deactivated member 42515]

As for the DBL ring, if you love it and you can't get it out of your head, have David send it to you. You should see the inclusions for yourself and see if it bothers you. Some are color sensitive, and some people are clarity sensitive. And it's all about if you love it!

 

[Enerchi]

I've Ben eyeballing this DBL piece for a couple days. I love the color and style, but I worry slightly about the inclusions in the center. Thoughts and opinions? I do love it in the pictures.

http://www.diamondsbylauren.com/ind...ond-76ct-pear-shape-dsi2-gorgeous-stone-r3976

Mlobo! I too have been browsing a few of the new beauties on the DBL site - and I really like this ring!

I *have* seen many rings up close and personal, tried on SEVERAL and even posted a long PS thread on here in November, when I visited DBL and met with David. I thought they were VERY WELL made!! (I own a BGD and IDJ ring(s) as well as now being the proud owner of a DBL band - but I do *not* own any SK/VC/LM settings so can not compare with those benches) Here is my thread if you want to see some RL perspective shots on a size 8 hand --- but the rings are generally made in a 6 : [URL='https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/enerchis-awesome-dbl-adventure-yummy-fcds.181397/']https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/enerchis-awesome-dbl-adventure-yummy-fcds.181397/[/URL]

The nice thing about a board like PS is we can all have different and varied opinions about "life, love and the pursuit of bling", so to speak ... and we can also chose to listen or ignore advice given. Bottom line, its what makes YOU happy - and if this is talking up a storm in your head --- get it!! buy it!! love it!!! and please, please, post a WHACK of pics of it because I love this combination!!!

Rockdiamond is David of DBL and I think he's explained well, how his rings are made. If this ring really intrigues you, I'd say call him up and talk things over. Maybe it does get shipped out to you to view it, as YT suggested above, and then you can really see for yourself how you would enjoy or not enjoy owning it. Never hurts to check it out... right?

 

[ooo~Shiney!]

I've Ben eyeballing this DBL piece for a couple days. I love the color and style, but I worry slightly about the inclusions in the center. Thoughts and opinions? I do love it in the pictures.

http://www.diamondsbylauren.com/ind...ond-76ct-pear-shape-dsi2-gorgeous-stone-r3976

Mlobo! I too have been browsing a few of the new beauties on the DBL site - and I really like this ring!

I *have* seen many rings up close and personal, tried on SEVERAL and even posted a long PS thread on here in November, when I visited DBL and met with David. I thought they were VERY WELL made!! (I own a BGD and IDJ ring(s) as well as now being the proud owner of a DBL band - but I do *not* own any SK/VC/LM settings so can not compare with those benches) Here is my thread if you want to see some RL perspective shots on a size 8 hand --- but the rings are generally made in a 6 : [URL='https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/enerchis-awesome-dbl-adventure-yummy-fcds.181397/']https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/enerchis-awesome-dbl-adventure-yummy-fcds.181397/[/URL]

The nice thing about a board like PS is we can all have different and varied opinions about "life, love and the pursuit of bling", so to speak ... and we can also chose to listen or ignore advice given. Bottom line, its what makes YOU happy - and if this is talking up a storm in your head --- get it!! buy it!! love it!!! and please, please, post a WHACK of pics of it because I love this combination!!!

Rockdiamond is David of DBL and I think he's explained well, how his rings are made. If this ring really intrigues you, I'd say call him up and talk things over. Maybe it does get shipped out to you to view it, as YT suggested above, and then you can really see for yourself how you would enjoy or not enjoy owning it. Never hurts to check it out... right?

++++ 1

Even though I freely admit I have limited experience,
and I don't know anything other than what I personally like,
I really really really LOVE a D diamond !!!!!!
And what a nice price for a lovely lovely ring..... It would surely twinkle in the dark....

also, sorry but I'm blind to inclusion,,,,,, it's where ?
\

 

[yssie]

David says: "For example: inside curves are a biggie- a hand forged ring is made from wires that are shiny on all sides- a cast ring has to be polished- and there's going to be some areas that will never achieve that same level of perfection on a cast ring.
BUT I have learned that not all people appreciate these details. And, some people actually prefer the heavier look of a cast ring- regardless of price."

This is very interesting and is getting close to answering my question re. high-end designers and price. I keep hearing about wire in jewellery-making. What does that mean, in this context? To a layperson it sounds awful, as if you're getting a hollow ring inside with wire instead of something solid! I know it doesn't mean that - context tells me that wire instead of casting is desirable. (I don't even really know what casting means.) But the heaviness of a cast ring chimes with me, and the three inexpensive halos that I posted in the "Settings & Trends" thread in Rockytalky are so beautiful in real life. I am very picky about colour and can tell the difference between GIA F and D especially in lower lighting (I pretty much demand Ds these days! My stud upgrade coming this week is two GIA Ds.) But I am not so picky about settings, for sure. I guess I would want to use that money for a better diamond or an additional piece of jewellery.

Handforging - shaping all the bits and pieces out of wire and blanks and soldering them together - lets you get a perfect finish on all surfaces before assembling everything if the jeweller has the foresight to do so. It gives one fine control over every aspect of the ultimate aesthetic.

Casting is just pouring molten metal into a mould to create a piece all at once - or at least in much larger chunks. Easier (and cheaper) to do well, if using an integrated CAD/CAM system the customer gets a good idea of what the piece will look like before it's made, definitely has an important place in custom work IMO!

I'm the opposite of you, I think - I'm very, very picky about "quality" (as I define it) in settings, but my standards for "quality" stones are lower than most PSers' - I don't particularly care about colour, if it's mostly clean when set that's good enough for me, my ideal RB proportions aren't what most people aim for... I'm the one who would happily put a 20k stone in a 10k setting

ETA: this setting in particular - I don't love it, and I personally trust Charmy's opinions over any others' on all things pave. Of course, given a certain budget, I'd rather compromise on the stone than the setting so... to each his own

Edited*

 

[Rockdiamond]

David says: "For example: inside curves are a biggie- a hand forged ring is made from wires that are shiny on all sides- a cast ring has to be polished- and there's going to be some areas that will never achieve that same level of perfection on a cast ring.
BUT I have learned that not all people appreciate these details. And, some people actually prefer the heavier look of a cast ring- regardless of price."

This is very interesting and is getting close to answering my question re. high-end designers and price. I keep hearing about wire in jewellery-making. What does that mean, in this context? To a layperson it sounds awful, as if you're getting a hollow ring inside with wire instead of something solid! I know it doesn't mean that - context tells me that wire instead of casting is desirable. (I don't even really know what casting means.) But the heaviness of a cast ring chimes with me, and the three inexpensive halos that I posted in the "Settings & Trends" thread in Rockytalky are so beautiful in real life. I am very picky about colour and can tell the difference between GIA F and D especially in lower lighting (I pretty much demand Ds these days! My stud upgrade coming this week is two GIA Ds.) But I am not so picky about settings, for sure. I guess I would want to use that money for a better diamond or an additional piece of jewellery.

Simply put: Casting involves making a model. Then the model is used to make a mold.
Metal ( gold or platinum) is melted, and poured into the mold.
Once the gold hardens, the mold is broken away, and you have the piece, in a raw form.
The model can even be carved by a computer ( CAD)
Advantages: Low cost- especially carving the wax with a computer assisted machine- as opposed to hand carved waxes. Many complex surfaces can be created his way.

Hand forged uses extruded wire.
This is metal made into wire as it's forced through smaller and smaller holes.
Cast metal can be done very well- but no matte how well it's done, when metal is melted, tiny bubbles may be present in the metal. This is part of why the minimal metal look is really only possible with hand forged- you can use smaller wires and still maintain integrity. In this regard- a lower cost cast ring can equal- or surpass a much more costly hand forged piece when it comes to durability especially if one does not care about the minimal metal look. This can be achieved using heavier parts, with more metal on the diamonds.
You can even carve a wax to the "u" or "0" or other shapes you see on hand forged rings in the popular Halo styles
But this shows as chunkier parts -especially more complex curves- like the struts that support the halo.
As well a you can carve these shapes in wax, it's never going to look as good as a wire which is meticulously bent- especially on the inside of the curves ( to clarify my earlier point)

Having said all this- not everyone cares if the inside curves are perfectly polished.
And some people like a more blocky look for a lot of reasons.
I learned this by showing the rings to people in person.
Yes, a lot of people go for the more costly hand forged models wen comparing them in person.
However sometimes people who can afford either go for the more blocky look.
So I try to remove any prejudice when offering either.


Neil- did not mean to sound harsh earlier- it is difficult to disagree with someone in a written discussion

 

[diamondseeker2006]

(That was sweet of you Mayk! )

The great thing about a finished ring is that you can send for it and then know for sure whether it meets your expectations or not. It is much more scary to me to order a custom piece when I am uncertain of quality. So this one is easy! Just order it and see what you think!

 

[SB621]

Ok this might be a stupid question and I apologize if the OP has already posted the answer- but is this an engagment ring or a RHR? For me personally I would not have this be an option for an ering as I think you will hate looking at the inclusions after a time. If this is a RHR I'm on the fense. I personally don't like the setting at all- but I'm extremely picky about my pave. I think Charmy already mentioned it but I'm one of those people who put more thought and $$$ into my settings then the acutal diamond (I have an I1 set in an SK 3 stone). So I actually would do this pear for a RHR but not the setting.

Goodluck OP! I love the idea of a pink halo with the contrast of an icey white center.