Design Idea - what do you guys think?

[osuchica]

Hey everyone!

I''ve been a lurker for a loooooooong time, but am now finally ready to do a little posting! I actually have a reason to post - I''m designing my e-ring

So I have this idea in my head of what I would like, but have a limited budget, so I''m trying to pull it together the best that I can, but would like your feedback because I''m not sure if it would work.

I''ve always loved the Vatche X-prong and Jeff Cooper lattice rings - chunky, sleek, and fitting for my size 7 fingers My dream ring would have a square cushion or even a princess cut, but I''ve been offered the possibility of purchasing a RB for a song from a friend who is recently divorced, so I''m going to try to roll with it.

Her stone is a .70 ct (I, VVS2) RB, and she also has 4-.17 ct RB''s that were used as side stones in her setting (now been melted down, the stones are leftover). I have a local, trusted jeweler that would make me the setting that I love in 18k and I thought that I could use the side stones as well, as shown in the examples below.

1. Do you guys think that a .70 ct RB would be overwhelmed by a setting like this? (see attached file)

or even this James Allen ring (3.3mm):

http://www.jamesallen.com/engagement-rings/solitaire/princess-diamond-solitaire-ring.html


2. Are .17 ct RB''s too large for side stones in this setting?

 

[osuchica]

Here''s the James Allen ring.

 

[osuchica]

Oh and I love this wedding band...

.5 ct tw and also 4mm.

Do you guys think this is going to be "too much" and that .70 ct RB is going to disappear?

 

[Clairitek]

I think that a 3.3 mm setting would probably overwhelm a 0.7 carat RB but that is totally a matter of personal preference. My e-ring has a square cusion with ~6 mm length sides and my e-ring shank is 2.2 mm at its thickest, right before it tapers into the basket. I love the about 1/3 proportion of the shank thickness there to the stone. A 3.3 mm shank will be over half of the diameter of a 0.7 carat RB. But, like I said, its personal preference! Some people prefer the chunkier look. 3.3 mm is by no means chunky, but it will appear more so next to that size of stone.

Have you considered making a 5 stone WB out of the 0.17 carat stones? You could get two more to complete the set and just buy a setting with side stones already in it. Just a thought! Not sure what your WB plans are.

Congrats on planning your e-ring out! What a fun step to take. Even better that you can get a nice stone on the cheap!

 

[Clairitek]

I saw a little gallery of pictures on that link you posted. They had a bunch of different stone sizes shown in that setting.

Here is one that is 0.87 carats to help give an idea about proportion.

 

[Dreamer_D]

I would not go custom for a piece like that and would order the one from JA.

 

[osuchica]

You guys are probably right - I tend to over-think stuff sometimes and go crazy brain storming! Purchasing the setting through JA is less $$ anyway, now that I think about it.

Thanks!!!

 

[Lula]

Date: 4/20/2010 12:43:33 PM
Author: osuchica
You guys are probably right - I tend to over-think stuff sometimes and go crazy brain storming! Purchasing the setting through JA is less $$ anyway, now that I think about it.

Thanks!!!

I think a .70 will look great -- it''s a more modern, bold look than the super-thin settings that are currently popular on PS. But I don''t think it will overwhelm the stone, and if you prefer the look of more metal on your hand, it''s a great choice.

I agree with the others who have suggested putting the small stones in a wedding band.

Have you checked with JA what they would charge (on top of the setting cost itself) to set your stone? Typically companies charge a setting fee if the stone was not purchased from them.

 

[osuchica]

Actually yes, they charge a flat fee of $150 to set it and then draw up an appraisal for it.

 

[suzannea]

I like the JA one better- I think it fits better.

 

[Lula]

Date: 4/20/2010 1:43:57 PM
Author: osuchica
Actually yes, they charge a flat fee of $150 to set it and then draw up an appraisal for it.

The JA setting in 18 kt gold is $600, so even adding the $150 for the setting fee, it''s still probably less than you''d pay to have it custom made.

 

[stci]

I prefer JA setting too! Beautiful!

 

[AprilBaby]

The JA is gorgeous and with the band you showed the whole set will be lovely!

 

[osuchica]

Thanks everyone! I really appreciate it

 

[PumpkinPie]

Date: 4/20/2010 12:43:33 PM
Author: osuchica
You guys are probably right - I tend to over-think stuff sometimes and go crazy brain storming! Purchasing the setting through JA is less $$ anyway, now that I think about it.

Thanks!!!

congratulations on making a decision! It''s a beautiful setting. Good luck!