Decision time for my 3-stone bezel - for those following...

[motownmama]

To those who have been following my story and patiently reading & responding, I am considering 2 paths for my 3-stone: a stock setting from the original vendor (with some tiny tweeks) OR - sending the ring to David Klass & refinishing it or starting over.

Here's the story in a nutshell:

Wanted my mom's 2.5 diamond solitaire reset in 3-stone ring with sapphires for my 20th anniversary back in October.

Diamond was beautifully recut - bringing it down to 2.25 ctw.

Was set with 1 carat sapphires in gorgeous bezel in 950/Ru platinum, really pretty gallery - Voila!

I was honest that I'd be wearing it almost all the time, in keeping with my peer group's habits - they don't remove their rings!

After 2 months the platinum was worn to a fare-thee-well. Photographed 6 friend's plat rings that are RARELY removed - wear & tear =not even close.
Second - I wear 4.25-4.5 - This ring is 4.5 with a sizing ball. BC my fingers are smallish and the stones are low set, per my request, the ring is somewhat flat across the top. The crowns sit above the bezels and sadly both sapphires have very small scuffs/abrasions on the sapphires.

I've been seeking a solution and PS folks have been kindly offering ideas. 900/Ir Plat is my preference now (or maybe even 18K WG) to address the wear & tear. I've considered diamond sidestone, smaller sapphires, and any/all 3-stone designs that perhaps get the sapphires somewhat buffered by the diamond.

After just one e-mail David Klass responded within hours that he'd polish the sapphires/remake in 900/10, add engraving to hide scuffs - i.e. VERY open to ideating.

Now, I'm considering sending the ring to him (it's been away from me for a month) , OR resetting in 900/10 plat 3-stone trellis from the original vendor, with the sapphires set down lower and thicker trellis/prongs. I will remove the ring more ofter, and I REALIZE the sapphires will not remain pristine. I also realize the girdles will not be protected as with bezels. My 3-stone friend with sapphires said she let the "patina" build up for 20 years then replaced them - I know I have to be realistic, but it would be easier to replace prong set stones, than bezel stones.


Bottom line - What do I want?? I want an attractive 3-stone RHR ring, using my mom's stones, that can stand-up to daily wear, with "livable" wear 'n tear.

I realize only I can really address this dilemma, but what would you do??

 

[mrs-b]

Re: Decision time for my 3-stone bezel - for those following

Hi Motownmama

If it were my ring, I would have it set in a far less substantial setting. I would suggest a narrower bezel and only one thickness of bezel where the side stones meet the center stone - in an attempt to pull them in far closer and have the ring be more compact. I think the extra thick bezels don't give you any more protection than thinner bezels would, but I DO think they push the side stones out so far that they're at a lot of risk of bumping, dinging, being scratched and so on, simply because they get no protection from your fingers and protrude too far. It might seem counter-intuitive to go with narrower bezels, but I remember the first time I saw your ring when you posted it, and the first thing I thought was "I think that's going to bang into everything and she might have problems with those sapphires!"

It's also possible you might need to go with smaller sapphires. But either way, I think most of your problem is in how far the ring protrudes from your fingers. I think, all things considered, it's just a little too big for the real estate of your fingers.

This is a personal opinion, merely. But I do think less bezel - and possibly smaller side stones - would help a lot. Ditto a more curved head. And failing that, as you said, diamonds might be the way to go if you decide that only a harder stone will do.

I'll be really interested to see where you end up with this; you deserve to have a lovely ring and something you can wear every day!

 

[VRBeauty]

Re: Decision time for my 3-stone bezel - for those following

I agree with MrsBop: I think the face of your ring is a bit wide for your finger, and that it would look better with either narrower bezels or a prong set. Of course, we're talking about taste here, and yours may differ! If you really want sapphires for the side stones, it does seem like prong-set would be the way to go so you could "refresh" them as needed. However, I'm not sure how susceptible a sapphire would be damage from being hit from the side... which might suggest the need for a bezel or more than the usual four prongs.

 

[woofmama]

Re: Decision time for my 3-stone bezel - for those following

Hi Motown

Have you considered the Sholdt setting with smaller side stones? This is my favorite three stone semi-bezel ring
It was posted in the Sholdt thread by hlmr & the center stone is 2.21 with .57 & .59 sides. Bgd carries Sholdt so you could stay with them for the setting. I have a Sholdt semi-bezel now for my EC & the craftsmanship is impeccable.




I realize this doesn't solve the issue of abrading the sapphires, but perhaps the tuck in of the stones would afford more protection.

 

[motownmama]

Re: Decision time for my 3-stone bezel - for those following

Thank-you MrsBlop, VRBeauty and Woofmama - I'm seriously weighing all these suggestions - I really really appreciate your chiming in!