Diamond Reset?

[Cehrabehra]

Date: 11/1/2009 1:34:09 AM
Author: Phoenix

Date: 11/1/2009 1:27:23 AM

Author: Cehrabehra

Date: 11/1/2009 12:49:18 AM

Author: Phoenix

Date: 10/31/2009 5:07:14 PM


Author: geckodani

Date: 10/31/2009 4:04:37 PM


Author: Kaleigh


Cehra,


I do really love this setting. One question, if you don''t reset it, and leave the ring behind, won''t you miss it?? 2 years is a long time, well to me anyways...

Exactly what I was thinking.

I think that setting is fantasticly elegant as well!

I love that setting too. I''d say have it reset. Two years ARE a long time not to wear it.



Btw, was it Dalian that you lived in before you moved to Ireland? Are you going back there or somewhere else? I''m curious because you mentioned there''s no safety issue with wearing your diamond in China. You may know that I''m currently in SH and am still trying to figure out whether it''s safe to wear my diamonds here. Sorry for the t/jack.

I lived in the states prior to moving to ireland and I''m back in the states for just six months (leaving for china jan3). And yes, we''re moving to Dalian! I was told that there are petty thefts, pickpockets, ayis who will steal what is laying around but violent crime is very low like muggings, so if the ring is on my finger the odds of it being taken from me are very low, but if I leave it in a jewelry box or in my purse it isn''t as safe. If SH stands for shanghai I can''t speak for there, just Dalian which is a much smaller city, relatively. And no, I didn''t know you moved over there! how long are you there for? Are you enjoying it? And heck no problem about a t/jack lol I''ve never seen the big deal about it - GOOD conversations flow and shift and I''m cool with that

Ha ha, thank you, Sara. That''s very cool of you.

Thanks for your reply. Yes, we moved to Shanghai less than five months ago (or rather I moved there five mnths ago, hubby had already moved up). It''s fine, it''s a HUGE culture shock (you''ll see what I mean!

), but I try to find positive things, things that I like rather than focus on the negatives. I''m sloooooowwwly picking up Mandarin. Are you planning to learn Chinese whilst you''re there?


It''s great you lived in Ireland! That''s my DH''s dream, to live there for a while or at least to visit, since his ancestors came from Ireland.


Can''t wait to see what you decide with the setting!

We will have to commiserate, I''m sure! I have some mandarin CDs right here but um, no.... we get access to rosetta stone too and I haven''t touched it - bad sara!! I know it''s going to be huge - Ireland was a bit of one and I know it doesn''t hold a candle to it. After moving to europe and back and being unsettled here I kinda in a way am just looking forward to being settled for a couple years, planting some shallow roots. Do you have an ayi? I have a friend who moved back this past spring from shanghai and she had wild stories to tell - I''m totally convinced that shanghai is much different than dalian! We''ll be living about an hour from downtown dalian in a primarily expat community... shopping is going to be a bit of a pain, but I like serenity over convenience typically lol

 

[Phoenix]

Date: 11/1/2009 2:01:24 AM
Author: Cehrabehra

Date: 11/1/2009 1:34:09 AM
Author: Phoenix

Date: 11/1/2009 1:27:23 AM

Author: Cehrabehra

Date: 11/1/2009 12:49:18 AM

Author: Phoenix

Date: 10/31/2009 5:07:14 PM


Author: geckodani

Date: 10/31/2009 4:04:37 PM


Author: Kaleigh


Cehra,


I do really love this setting. One question, if you don't reset it, and leave the ring behind, won't you miss it?? 2 years is a long time, well to me anyways...

Exactly what I was thinking.

I think that setting is fantasticly elegant as well!

I love that setting too. I'd say have it reset. Two years ARE a long time not to wear it.



Btw, was it Dalian that you lived in before you moved to Ireland? Are you going back there or somewhere else? I'm curious because you mentioned there's no safety issue with wearing your diamond in China. You may know that I'm currently in SH and am still trying to figure out whether it's safe to wear my diamonds here. Sorry for the t/jack.

I lived in the states prior to moving to ireland and I'm back in the states for just six months (leaving for china jan3). And yes, we're moving to Dalian! I was told that there are petty thefts, pickpockets, ayis who will steal what is laying around but violent crime is very low like muggings, so if the ring is on my finger the odds of it being taken from me are very low, but if I leave it in a jewelry box or in my purse it isn't as safe. If SH stands for shanghai I can't speak for there, just Dalian which is a much smaller city, relatively. And no, I didn't know you moved over there! how long are you there for? Are you enjoying it? And heck no problem about a t/jack lol I've never seen the big deal about it - GOOD conversations flow and shift and I'm cool with that

Ha ha, thank you, Sara. That's very cool of you.

Thanks for your reply. Yes, we moved to Shanghai less than five months ago (or rather I moved there five mnths ago, hubby had already moved up). It's fine, it's a HUGE culture shock (you'll see what I mean!

), but I try to find positive things, things that I like rather than focus on the negatives. I'm sloooooowwwly picking up Mandarin. Are you planning to learn Chinese whilst you're there?


It's great you lived in Ireland! That's my DH's dream, to live there for a while or at least to visit, since his ancestors came from Ireland.


Can't wait to see what you decide with the setting!

We will have to commiserate, I'm sure! I have some mandarin CDs right here but um, no.... we get access to rosetta stone too and I haven't touched it - bad sara!! I know it's going to be huge - Ireland was a bit of one and I know it doesn't hold a candle to it. After moving to europe and back and being unsettled here I kinda in a way am just looking forward to being settled for a couple years, planting some shallow roots. Do you have an ayi? I have a friend who moved back this past spring from shanghai and she had wild stories to tell - I'm totally convinced that shanghai is much different than dalian! We'll be living about an hour from downtown dalian in a primarily expat community... shopping is going to be a bit of a pain, but I like serenity over convenience typically lol

Yes, the culture difference is HUGE when you move from somewhere like the US or even Singapore (where the majority of the population is Chinese) to a country like China. I'm not saying that China is bad (just in case I cause offence to Chinese PS'ers or other Chinese!). It's just that they have their ways of doing things that I'm not so used to. Yes, I suspect that you found the Irish way a little different to the way Americans do things too. Tell me, did you or your DH like the Guinness over there? Does it taste different from Guinness elsewhere? I hear that you can't really transport the stuff - not sure if it's true, LOL.

The Mandarin thing, for sure you'll pick it up just from living in China. I suspect, but don't know for sure, that the locals there are less conversant in English than those in Shanghai. So, automatically, you're forced to speak to the locals in Chinese and will thus be able to speak it fluently (at least for me this is what I hope).

I know what you mean about settling in somewhere and putting down roots

.

We do have an ayi, a part-time one, who comes in three times a week, primarily to clean the apartment. We do not nor are planning to have a full time one any time soon. I also have heard some wild stories about full-time maids, or those that work all day but do not live in.

I think living in Dalian in an expat community is going to be rather nice for you. Dalian is supposed to be less built-up and not so busy/ congested like Shanghai.

 

[risingsun]

Date: 10/31/2009 5:07:14 PM
Author: geckodani

Date: 10/31/2009 4:04:37 PM
Author: Kaleigh
Cehra,
I do really love this setting. One question, if you don't reset it, and leave the ring behind, won't you miss it?? 2 years is a long time, well to me anyways...

Exactly what I was thinking.

I think that setting is fantasticly elegant as well!

I agree with Kaleigh and geckodani. I love the setting you have chosen and would not hesitate to reset your diamond in it. Why be without your stone, when there is a beautiful solution at hand. If, after two years, you want to change it...change it. You may just find, however, that this is your forever setting

 

[Cehrabehra]

Date: 11/1/2009 2:42:50 AM
Author: Phoenix
Yes, the culture difference is HUGE when you move from somewhere like the US or even Singapore (where the majority of the population is Chinese) to a country like China. I''m not saying that China is bad (just in case I cause offence to Chinese PS''ers or other Chinese!). It''s just that they have their ways of doing things that I''m not so used to. Yes, I suspect that you found the Irish way a little different to the way Americans do things too. Tell me, did you or your DH like the Guinness over there? Does it taste different from Guinness elsewhere? I hear that you can''t really transport the stuff - not sure if it''s true, LOL.

The Mandarin thing, for sure you''ll pick it up just from living in China. I suspect, but don''t know for sure, that the locals there are less conversant in English than those in Shanghai. So, automatically, you''re forced to speak to the locals in Chinese and will thus be able to speak it fluently (at least for me this is what I hope).

I know what you mean about settling in somewhere and putting down roots

.

We do have an ayi, a part-time one, who comes in three times a week, primarily to clean the apartment. We do not nor are planning to have a full time one any time soon. I also have heard some wild stories about full-time maids, or those that work all day but do not live in.

I think living in Dalian in an expat community is going to be rather nice for you. Dalian is supposed to be less built-up and not so busy/ congested like Shanghai.

Dalian has only been a part of China for 50 years. Prior to that it was owned back and forth between Russia and Japan. So it has some unique quirks and no deep history (prior to about 150 years ago it was isolated and pretty much empty from what I understand) It wasn''t until they realized it was the farthest northern port that didn''t freeze over that the russians got excited and then it went back and forth with Japan. From what I''ve heard, the city was built around the original (unused) plans for Paris so it has a lot of the same circles with roads radiating out of it like in Europe.

We were planning to have a full time live in Ayi while we are there. I would love to hear some of your stories, good or bad. We thought it would be so beneficial to have a person to go shopping with me as well as having someone help us learn the language. The house we''re going to be living in is 4 floors and about 4.5k square feet and there''s no way I''m going to keep all of that clean and do the crazy shopping, nor can my children help as much since their school hours are going to be longer and more demanding at home. When we get there we will have a class to learn it that lasts a few weeks, but right now I know how to say thank you and that''s it. Yikes!

Guinness beer... I tried it in a few different places and they all tasted a bit different. I''ve heard it has to do with variables but I don''t know. I had one pint that tasted worse than the stuff in the can with the widget you get here (speaking of widget - where is widget?????) but there was this one half pint I got at a bar in Cellbridge that was absolutely divine - the best beer I''ve ever had, there was no bitter at all, the stuff was so good it was like drinking ovaltine or something - it was hearty and just... I cannot describe it and that was THE best thing ever. But in my experience not all bars pull that off. Most of the time it is better than what I''ve had here, but to be honest, I''ve never tried guinness on tap here in the states, just the canned stuff and I haven''t had one here since I''ve been back to compare it to.

In Ireland the biggest change to get used to was driving on the other side of the road, after that it was the food. I know I''m in for a huge adventure in China. I''ve been there once before and they took us on tours of the stores and stuff and it''s gonna be nuts.

So what do you do with your jewelry there? Do you have a safe? We are bringing a door knob from home with a key lock and we''re going to keep our door locked at all times plus we''ll have a safe in our bedroom closet as well and I''m not bringing anything with me that''s special. We got masks in venice and a coocoo clock in germany and I have family heirlooms out the butt of stuff and it''s all staying here in the states. Mostly bringing kitchen crap and clothes and dodads. I took more to Ireland but if I can minimize what I take TO China, I can bring MORE back with me! hahaha

 

[Cehrabehra]

Date: 11/1/2009 11:49:57 AM
Author: risingsun

Date: 10/31/2009 5:07:14 PM

Author: geckodani

Date: 10/31/2009 4:04:37 PM

Author: Kaleigh

Cehra,

I do really love this setting. One question, if you don''t reset it, and leave the ring behind, won''t you miss it?? 2 years is a long time, well to me anyways...

Exactly what I was thinking.

I think that setting is fantasticly elegant as well!

I agree with Kaleigh and geckodani. I love the setting you have chosen and would not hesitate to reset your diamond in it. Why be without your stone, when there is a beautiful solution at hand. If, after two years, you want to change it...change it. You may just find, however, that this is your forever setting

It might indeed - it''s very simple, elegant, and even a bit unique which is right up my alley!

 

[Phoenix]

Date: 11/1/2009 1:03:33 PM
Author: Cehrabehra





Dalian has only been a part of China for 50 years. Prior to that it was owned back and forth between Russia and Japan. So it has some unique quirks and no deep history (prior to about 150 years ago it was isolated and pretty much empty from what I understand) It wasn't until they realized it was the farthest northern port that didn't freeze over that the russians got excited and then it went back and forth with Japan. From what I've heard, the city was built around the original (unused) plans for Paris so it has a lot of the same circles with roads radiating out of it like in Europe.

We were planning to have a full time live in Ayi while we are there. I would love to hear some of your stories, good or bad. We thought it would be so beneficial to have a person to go shopping with me as well as having someone help us learn the language. The house we're going to be living in is 4 floors and about 4.5k square feet and there's no way I'm going to keep all of that clean and do the crazy shopping, nor can my children help as much since their school hours are going to be longer and more demanding at home. When we get there we will have a class to learn it that lasts a few weeks, but right now I know how to say thank you and that's it. Yikes!

Guinness beer... I tried it in a few different places and they all tasted a bit different. I've heard it has to do with variables but I don't know. I had one pint that tasted worse than the stuff in the can with the widget you get here (speaking of widget - where is widget?????) but there was this one half pint I got at a bar in Cellbridge that was absolutely divine - the best beer I've ever had, there was no bitter at all, the stuff was so good it was like drinking ovaltine or something - it was hearty and just... I cannot describe it and that was THE best thing ever. But in my experience not all bars pull that off. Most of the time it is better than what I've had here, but to be honest, I've never tried guinness on tap here in the states, just the canned stuff and I haven't had one here since I've been back to compare it to.

In Ireland the biggest change to get used to was driving on the other side of the road, after that it was the food. I know I'm in for a huge adventure in China. I've been there once before and they took us on tours of the stores and stuff and it's gonna be nuts.

So what do you do with your jewelry there? Do you have a safe? We are bringing a door knob from home with a key lock and we're going to keep our door locked at all times plus we'll have a safe in our bedroom closet as well and I'm not bringing anything with me that's special. We got masks in venice and a coocoo clock in germany and I have family heirlooms out the butt of stuff and it's all staying here in the states. Mostly bringing kitchen crap and clothes and dodads. I took more to Ireland but if I can minimize what I take TO China, I can bring MORE back with me! hahaha

Wow!! I must say I didn't know all that about Dalian. Thanks for telling me. How very interesting indeed!

Four floors and 4,500 sq ft?! That's GIGANTIC!! I think your house is what they call a "villa" here. Wow, I'm so jealous!

I agree, there's no way you should clean that house by yourself!! It'd take you forever, esp when you're busy with the kids and everything else!! It's true that schooling in Asia, generally, is much tougher. I think Asian parents are very strict and very demanding when it comes to their children's education. No, I agree, you can't really do without a full-time ayi. I don't know that many stories about ayi's in China but I do know quite a bit about maids in this part of the world in general. There are stories of maids stealing, maids that try to seduce your husbands

etc., but most maids are very honest and hard-working. I think the key is that you treat them just like you treat any other employees - with fairness and respect. I wouldn't be too overly kind to them. I think some expats make that mistakes of being overly kind and some maids take that as a sign of weakness or think that you're guillible and they may then try to take advantage of you. Another thing I find is that these maids tend to come from the countryside and esp if they're "fresh maids" (ie. its their first time to work as a maid), their hygiene standards leave a lot to be desired (I've literally seen maids wipe the toilet bowls first and then use the same cloth to then wipe your sink!

), and they may not know how to operate things like the washing machine, dishwasher, even a gas cooker or a microwave oven. I'd suggest that you train them to your standard and make your expectations very clear and be firm with them right from the word go. Do not leave your money lying around. Most maids, again, are very honest, but there's really no point in tempting them.

Thanks for telling me about the Guiness btw, that's good to know. DH is dying to try some when we visit Dublin, hopefully in December when we're over in that part of the world.

Most of my jewellery (the larger, more expensive pieces) is in Singapore, in a bank safety deposit box. I did try and sell a bunch of smaller items that I hadn't worn for a while before we left but they haven't sold, so now I'm having them recycled/ remade into pieces that I can actually wear (see my bling project thread, also in HO) and the rest I'll give to my nieces and friends. I'd def have a safe if you live in a house. I assume that your compound - being an expat compound, that's what they call them here - would have lots of security guards but I'd still def use a safe. That's a good idea to use a safe to store your valuables and you can buy them here. And I understand that you can buy a super-duper heavy one that you can actually bolt to the ground. I'd def do that if I had jewellery items that I don't wear regularly. On a day-to-day basis, I wear my BGD studs and ering, and a 3-stone RHR. Mostly I just have pearl pieces that are not locked up, but pearls are so inexpensive here, nobody would want to steal them. They prob won't be able to tell the difference anyway btw the SS's / Tahitians and the much much cheaper freshwater pearls which are available in abundance in China. Yeah, pearls are a GREAT buy here, but you'd have to be prepared to spend a lot of time and effort to shift them through to make sure you get the good stuff. Whether or not you're into pearls, they're great to buy to give to friends and family as presents when you go back to the US. And yes, you'll find that most things are much cheaper here. Great idea to bring larger suitcases so you can bring loads of things back. Oh also btw, antiques, esp antique furniture here are supposed to be really good buys as well, though personally I haven't a clue how to tell if they're genuine antiques, but there are some, for sure.

 

[Cehrabehra]

Yes, well I''m sure the ''official'' word from the chinese govt is that it was occupied all those years and really has been part of china since the dawn of time

Yeah, the house is called a Villa and it is pretty big. It''s twice the size of the house I''m in right now which is a 2 story and I think about stacking another identical house atop this one and it''s a bit overwhelming. I''m sure we''ll use every inch of it though. Our house in Ireland was 3400 and we used every inch. We have 3 kids and it''s nice to spread out sometimes. But yeah so not looking forward to cleaning it.

My friend who just came back from Shanghai actually left her husband there due to ''infidelities''. I didn''t press it but now that you mention this my guess is it wasn''t other corporate wives. Interesting. I would be amused if one tried on my husband, he''s oddly private and doesn''t share intimacy easily - I''ve never, ever seen him flirt with anyone but me. I had a friend once who said he must do it when I wasn''t around and she could get him to but she eventually admitted he was weird and she couldn''t do it.

The kids are going to be going to an American school, but they''ve always been at public schools and this one is private and I can already tell will be much more challenging. School in Ireland was an experience.

Are you from Singapore? How long will you be in Shanghai?

My mother in law loves pearls - she has them coming out her ears. She buys them in Mexico and is always giving me things here and there but I rarely wear them - if I can''t wear them in the shower or the pool, I typically don''t put them on lol when we were in China last year I remember going to one of those underground markets and seeing thousands of strands and being very tempted to get something for MIL but we decided against it. I''ll get another opportunity, I''m sure lol They''re right next to all the Frada lol

 

[Phoenix]

Date: 11/2/2009 9:56:16 AM
Author: Cehrabehra
Yes, well I'm sure the 'official' word from the chinese govt is that it was occupied all those years and really has been part of china since the dawn of time

Yeah, the house is called a Villa and it is pretty big. It's twice the size of the house I'm in right now which is a 2 story and I think about stacking another identical house atop this one and it's a bit overwhelming. I'm sure we'll use every inch of it though. Our house in Ireland was 3400 and we used every inch. We have 3 kids and it's nice to spread out sometimes. But yeah so not looking forward to cleaning it.

My friend who just came back from Shanghai actually left her husband there due to 'infidelities'. I didn't press it but now that you mention this my guess is it wasn't other corporate wives. Interesting. I would be amused if one tried on my husband, he's oddly private and doesn't share intimacy easily - I've never, ever seen him flirt with anyone but me. I had a friend once who said he must do it when I wasn't around and she could get him to but she eventually admitted he was weird and she couldn't do it.

The kids are going to be going to an American school, but they've always been at public schools and this one is private and I can already tell will be much more challenging. School in Ireland was an experience.

Are you from Singapore? How long will you be in Shanghai?

My mother in law loves pearls - she has them coming out her ears. She buys them in Mexico and is always giving me things here and there but I rarely wear them - if I can't wear them in the shower or the pool, I typically don't put them on lol when we were in China last year I remember going to one of those underground markets and seeing thousands of strands and being very tempted to get something for MIL but we decided against it. I'll get another opportunity, I'm sure lol They're right next to all the Frada lol

Ha ha, I bet that the Chinese Govt *would* claim that, wouldn't they, LOL?!

This has turned out to be a huge t/jack!

I've been back in Asia now for the last 15 years (to answer yr Q, I'm originally from Vietnam but grew up in the UK, London and am a Brit by nationality), 5 in Hong Kong and 10 in Singapore. I've seen a lot of expat men (the majority of expats are men, not trying to create any controversy here, it's just facts. I was an expat in HK myself and know lots of female expats) end up with Asian girls, whether they're professionals, shop girls, maids or whatever. I don't know what are the exact statistics but you see lots of mixed couples here (Caucasian men and Asian girls). Sadly, a lot of these cases involve infidelity on the part of the men (it's usually the men, from what I know at least) and their marriage breaks up. The problem doesn't just involve the maids but local Asian girls too. It's bizarre because when I first came to Singapore, I didn't realise this and two of our live-in maids actually tried to seduce my husband and I wasn't even aware and my husband was totally oblivious to it. I say that it's bizsarre because I consider myself quite decent looking (at the risk of sounding arrogant) and an intelligent woman. There's absolutely NO way my husband would fall for these "antics" (shall we say?!) and it didn't stop them from trying. It's even more bizarre because even *I* wasn't aware this was what they were trying to do. The maids eventually left for some other reasons and it wasn't until much later that I realised what they'd been trying to do. Also, when my DH first went to SH, he stayed up here for several months before I moved up (as I wasn't quite ready to give up my job, which was a very good job) and I was warned that I "had to go up there to keep an eye on hin", particularly because "Chinese girls are so attractive and they're quite vicious"! and these all came from the mouth of our male friends/ acquaintances (go figure!!). I wasn't worried because I know my husband, I know he would never ever do anything so stupid to risk our marriage.

I'm sorry to hear abt what happened to your friend, but I can't help but wonder. I think in a lot of cases where a marriage breaks up, there must have been something wrong with the marriage in the first place, or the two people were not suited/ not meant to be with one another. I could be wrong of course, but this is what I suspect.

I think you'll like China. Sounds like your DH has a full expat package. That's really nice, and I mean that sincerely

. American school is supposed to be excellent. You'll find (like we have) that you'lll manage to save quite a bit more, since as I mentioned before, most things are much cheaper here. So this means that you'll have more money to put towards bling, starting with that upgrade of yours, no?!!

Oh, I almost forgot to answer yr other Q. My DH's contract is for 5 years. He's done a yr and a bit. We hope that he'll be transferred back to SG with the same employer, but in a different capacity, when the contract expires. We absolutely LOVE SG and intend to retire there. SH is great also in the sense that, apart from what I've already mentioned, there're lots of opportunities. You get to do lots of things that you wouldn't otherwise do, particularly if you can speak Chinese, which my DH does - fluently (yeah, he's a funny American, that one!

). I am lookiing forward to being able to speak Chinese fluently. It'll be really cool when I do, as this mean that I'll be able to speak four languages altogether: English, Vietnamese, French and Chinese. Yay!!

How long is your DH's contract? Are you looking forward to coming here? Are they kids excited? I think it's particularly nice that you'll be living in an expat compound. I expect that you'll forge very good friendships with the expats here, both in the compound and outside when you go out. Sone of our best friendships have been made with other expats that we met in HK and SG. And no worries about not being integrated into Chinese society, because that'll happen, whether or not you intend it to, LOL!

 

[MustangGal]

I would suggest popping your diamond out of it''s current setting, putting a nice gemstone in there (probably not the emerald you were thinking of yet), and wear it as your ER while in China. Then when you get back, spend some real time and throught on what you really want for your beautiful cushion. You may get some great ideas while away also!

 

[Cehrabehra]

No upgrades here! That setting would really be a downgrade, but a good one I think - though after reading YOUR thread on RT I''m nervous! I''m going to have almost a full 4mm overhang on each side of that little narrow band. There was a time when I thought people who got bands that thin were nuts and I am starting to think I''m nuts! I would be happier if it was 2 or 2.5 instead of 1.8.

And no worries about ''controversy'' I know that what you''re saying is a common occurrence. The Asian girls are beautiful and have amazing lithe little petite bodies. I think my husband would not even notice if someone were trying to hit on him, but if he did he would be really amused. He said that when he was over there for the househunting trip that the rep from the place we''re going to be living flirted a lot with him and he thought that was funny.

Yes, full expat package and yes, really nice. Not sure how much money we''ll manage to save since we want to travel as much as possible, and what we do alas, won''t be on bling - our daughter is 15 so she''ll be going to college when we get back and there are two more behind her. They were pretty cheap when they were babies, but they''re getting really expensive lately lol

I can''t stop thinking about the ring though - and worrying about the band size!

 

[geckodani]

Date: 11/2/2009 11:50:10 AM
Author: Cehrabehra
No upgrades here! That setting would really be a downgrade, but a good one I think - though after reading YOUR thread on RT I''m nervous! I''m going to have almost a full 4mm overhang on each side of that little narrow band. There was a time when I thought people who got bands that thin were nuts and I am starting to think I''m nuts! I would be happier if it was 2 or 2.5 instead of 1.8.

And no worries about ''controversy'' I know that what you''re saying is a common occurrence. The Asian girls are beautiful and have amazing lithe little petite bodies. I think my husband would not even notice if someone were trying to hit on him, but if he did he would be really amused. He said that when he was over there for the househunting trip that the rep from the place we''re going to be living flirted a lot with him and he thought that was funny.

Yes, full expat package and yes, really nice. Not sure how much money we''ll manage to save since we want to travel as much as possible, and what we do alas, won''t be on bling - our daughter is 15 so she''ll be going to college when we get back and there are two more behind her. They were pretty cheap when they were babies, but they''re getting really expensive lately lol

I can''t stop thinking about the ring though - and worrying about the band size!

Would you wear a wedding band with it? Do you work with your hands a lot?

If you''ve got a band with it, that would ground it a bit, and unless you plan on using your ring to save yourself from a closing bulkhead door or something (that scene from the Abyss just popped into my head) I''m pretty sure the width wouldn''t be too much of an issue as far as structural integrity.

 

[Cehrabehra]

Date: 11/2/2009 12:01:54 PM
Author: geckodani

Date: 11/2/2009 11:50:10 AM

Author: Cehrabehra

No upgrades here! That setting would really be a downgrade, but a good one I think - though after reading YOUR thread on RT I''m nervous! I''m going to have almost a full 4mm overhang on each side of that little narrow band. There was a time when I thought people who got bands that thin were nuts and I am starting to think I''m nuts! I would be happier if it was 2 or 2.5 instead of 1.8.


And no worries about ''controversy'' I know that what you''re saying is a common occurrence. The Asian girls are beautiful and have amazing lithe little petite bodies. I think my husband would not even notice if someone were trying to hit on him, but if he did he would be really amused. He said that when he was over there for the househunting trip that the rep from the place we''re going to be living flirted a lot with him and he thought that was funny.


Yes, full expat package and yes, really nice. Not sure how much money we''ll manage to save since we want to travel as much as possible, and what we do alas, won''t be on bling - our daughter is 15 so she''ll be going to college when we get back and there are two more behind her. They were pretty cheap when they were babies, but they''re getting really expensive lately lol


I can''t stop thinking about the ring though - and worrying about the band size!

Would you wear a wedding band with it? Do you work with your hands a lot?


If you''ve got a band with it, that would ground it a bit, and unless you plan on using your ring to save yourself from a closing bulkhead door or something (that scene from the Abyss just popped into my head) I''m pretty sure the width wouldn''t be too much of an issue as far as structural integrity.

bahahaha! I bang it on the inside of the washing machine and bang it around on things, but no, never have had to use it to save the world yet lol I was thinking of getting two plain thin bands - one to either side, maybe have one of them be eternity or semi eternity. Not sure... maybe just one for now. My wedding band is yellow gold.

 

[Cehrabehra]

Well, it seems Bill spoke too soon, Sholdt does NOT think this would be a good setting for my stone. That mirrors my concerns. It would require ''heavy modification'' and at that point I might as well go custom.

BooooHoooo!!!

 

[Cehrabehra]

If anyone has any further ideas I''d love to hear them... though I kinda suspect the only people still reading this thread are phoenix and I lol

 

[Lynn B]

Well, yeah, that stinks!

So here's my Plan B suggestion. Get a Boston Jeff solitaire. It really is classic and PERFECT for a cushion and I think you would *LOVE* it.

I know you don't wanna work with Leon, and I don't blame you

but ANYONE could make it, Sara. It's really just a simple cathedral style solitaire w/ double claw prongs.

How could you go wrong???!

https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/2-26-cushion-old-mine-brilliant-leon-mege-solitaire.62389/

 

[MustangGal]

I''ve got a Scott Kay ER that''s somewhat similar in style to the Sholdt you liked. It''s a bit wider, and maybe a bit sturdier. I have a 8x6mm oval in it, so not too much smaller than your beautiful cushion. Maybe look at the Scott Kay rings?

 

[Cehrabehra]

Date: 11/2/2009 4:08:42 PM
Author: Lynn B
Well, yeah, that stinks!


So here''s my Plan B suggestion. Get a Boston Jeff solitaire. It really is classic and PERFECT for a cushion and I think you would *LOVE* it.


I know you don''t wanna work with Leon, and I don''t blame you

but ANYONE could make it, Sara. It''s really just a simple cathedral style solitaire w/ claw prongs.

yeah I''m not fond of the basket quite frankly - It''s a nice ring as many here are, but it''s not for me. if I''m going to bother going custom I might as well try again to manifest my ''vision'' - but with someone who is GOOD with CAD lol

Right now I''m back to thinking of just sticking it in a drawer. If I went custom I think I might go with pete from quest but I dunno... sometimes I think life would have been so much easier had I just gotten what I initially sought and never dived into the diamond rabbit hole. Too late now!

lol

 

[TravelingGal]

I don''t think just "anyone" could make that Boston Jeff/Leon solitaire. I do think, however that a few PS vendors have done renditions that are just as lovely.

Cehra, sit on it for awhile. Does Ocean know the ring she made for you doesn''t make you happy? Anything she could do for you?

Before you go custom again, maybe buy a cheaper, white gold stock setting that comes close to what you want to see if you like how your stone performs. You''ve changed your mind so many times in the past, it''s actually hard to say what the best course of action might be here.

I do agree, your stone deserves a setting that will let it do its thing.

 

[E B]

Date: 11/2/2009 3:05:33 PM
Author: Cehrabehra
If anyone has any further ideas I''d love to hear them... though I kinda suspect the only people still reading this thread are phoenix and I lol

What about talking to BGD or Whiteflash about custom-making you a Sholdt-esque solitaire that''ll work with the dimensions of your stone?

 

[DianaBanana]

Date: 11/2/2009 4:08:42 PM
Author: Lynn B
Well, yeah, that stinks!

So here's my Plan B suggestion. Get a Boston Jeff solitaire. It really is classic and PERFECT for a cushion and I think you would *LOVE* it.

I know you don't wanna work with Leon, and I don't blame you

but ANYONE could make it, Sara. It's really just a simple cathedral style solitaire w/ double claw prongs.

How could you go wrong???!

https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/2-26-cushion-old-mine-brilliant-leon-mege-solitaire.62389/

I agree 100%...this ring is perfection, I can't think of a setting that would show off your cushion better than this.

And the prongs....oh look at those claw prongs!!! LOVE it. And Leon is a hoot...you'd end up with a beautiful ring and maybe a storey or two to tell!

ETA - Sorry! I took too long to reply...looks like you don't love this one as much as I do.

 

[Lynn B]

Date: 11/2/2009 4:21:39 PM
Author: TravelingGal
I don't think just 'anyone' could make that Boston Jeff/Leon solitaire. I do think, however that a few PS vendors have done renditions that are just as lovely.

Cehra, sit on it for awhile. Does Ocean know the ring she made for you doesn't make you happy? Anything she could do for you?

Before you go custom again, maybe buy a cheaper, white gold stock setting that comes close to what you want to see if you like how your stone performs. You've changed your mind so many times in the past, it's actually hard to say what the best course of action might be here.

I do agree, your stone deserves a setting that will let it do its thing.

Well, if you were referring to my comment, TGal, I certainly didn't mean "anyone" in the general sense, of course! I wouldn't count on Kays or Zales or XYZ Jewelers and Transmissions down the block to be able to do it and do it well. I meant (and apparently thought it went without saying) that there were (are) PS vendors who could absolutely turn out as lovely a rendition, and I see that we agree on that!

 

[Cehrabehra]

Date: 11/2/2009 4:21:39 PM
Author: TravelingGal
I don''t think just ''anyone'' could make that Boston Jeff/Leon solitaire. I do think, however that a few PS vendors have done renditions that are just as lovely.


Cehra, sit on it for awhile. Does Ocean know the ring she made for you doesn''t make you happy? Anything she could do for you?


Before you go custom again, maybe buy a cheaper, white gold stock setting that comes close to what you want to see if you like how your stone performs. You''ve changed your mind so many times in the past, it''s actually hard to say what the best course of action might be here.


I do agree, your stone deserves a setting that will let it do its thing.

There are a lot of settings out there like the BJ/Leon that I like - don''t get me wrong... I do think they''re lovely... and the vatche version I like even more - but they all have that support bar across the sides and that''s what I want to avoid. I know that puts me in the situation of needing to go thicker or something - and that''s fine. My hands are big, my diamond is big, having bigger thicker prongs will likely still look in proportion with the total package. I think.

I haven''t spoken with Ocean in over 2 years and a) I don''t think she''d work with me again and b) I don''t want to go down that road again, it was expensive and disappointing the first time. I did like her as a person and I think she does really good work - the craftsmanship on my ring is exquisite and there are many elements of it that I enjoy greatly. If I just stuck it in another setting that blocked the light from the side I''m afraid I''d end up in the exact same situation.

The cheaper stock setting is what I want - but anything that covers the sides is going to produce the same outcome and will just be a waste of money.

And I really haven''t changed my mind about what I want. I think that was a misconception. What I want is still EXACTLY the same thing I wanted 3 years ago. The reason it took so long is because I was continually taken down paths leading me away from it and in the end I gave up said just give it to me and I didn''t get what I wanted or asked for anyway. The only change I''ve made is this one right here in this thread of being willing to take something simple and stock and run with it.

 

[decodelighted]

I really think you should just tell BGD what you want & call it a day. They''ve been amazing at manifesting people''s "visions" & it seems like you & Lesley would be a fine match. Maybe there''s a way to use even slightly thicker prongs & make it work for a more rectangular stone -- AND you''d get to boost the width to 2mm or 2.2, 2.2 whatever you wish -- ALSO you''d get to see the "missing" view on any CADs or waxes or whatever they do. Honestly I don''t even know. I took the Tgal approach & just sent a single picture of Widget''s earrings & they did their magic. Granted, it was close to existing stuff they''ve done - I still wasn''t sure the milgrain would be *quite* as fine as it was - but they far exceeded my high expectations. And after a recent *failed* custom project it was a bit of a leap of faith. What''s your timetable? Is three weeks too much? Maybe they could rush considering your upcoming travel. Give it a shot. If it doesn''t take off right - then maybe temp stock setting from a local jeweler is the way to go for the next couple of years. But DO wear the stone & enjoy it. Your finger WANTS TO BE PURPLE.

 

[MonkeyPie]

Suggestion - pop a cz in a similar setting to wear while you are in China. If you still love it when you return, do the reset!

 

[Cehrabehra]

Date: 11/2/2009 6:05:41 PM
Author: decodelighted
Your finger WANTS TO BE PURPLE.

This really made me smile

 

[Lynn B]

Ahhhh., I didn't understand that what you wanted to avoid was the bar around the sides of the diamond. OK... I see.

SOOOO, in that case, I second Deco above... show the original photo in this thread to BGD or WF or Quest (or etc.) and ask them how much/how easy would it be to modify a setting similar to that for your stone. That's not really *truly* workin'-it-out-from-Jack-scratch custom, (thus avoiding the angst!) but you get what you want, only made just for your diamond.

I just HATE to see your beautiful diamond sit in a safe for two long years!!! That's almost criminal!!!

 

[Cehrabehra]

Date: 11/2/2009 6:47:06 PM
Author: Lynn B
Ahhhh., I didn''t understand that what you wanted to avoid was the bar around the sides of the diamond. OK... I see.


SOOOO, in that case, I second Deco above... show the original photo in this thread to BGD or WF or Quest (or etc.) and ask them how much/how easy would it be to modify a setting similar to that for your stone. That''s not really *truly* workin''-it-out-from-Jack-scratch custom, (thus avoiding the angst!) but you get what you want, only made just for your diamond.


I just HATE to see your beautiful diamond sit in a safe for two long years!!! That''s almost criminal!!!

I know, I know Lynn - I''m not having a good diamond day lol that stock setting was such a nice price too - damn!!!!!

 

[Kaleigh]

I think BGD would be a perfect fit for this project. I have been floored by some of the custom pieces they have turned out.. I don''t say that every day.. I am really picky and can nit pick with the best of them, LOL!!!

I am sorry the Shodt setting wouldn''t work for your stone, that''s to bad.

 

[Cehrabehra]

Date: 11/2/2009 7:30:24 PM
Author: Kaleigh
I think BGD would be a perfect fit for this project. I have been floored by some of the custom pieces they have turned out.. I don''t say that every day.. I am really picky and can nit pick with the best of them, LOL!!!


I am sorry the Shodt setting wouldn''t work for your stone, that''s to bad.

I agree - Brian has a wonderful eye.

Question:

How does one go about doing something custom... I know it seems like it should be an obvious answer but I''m left feeling like I want to hear the process. Would I approach say 3 different people and ask them to sketch something out with a quote?

 

[Phoenix]

Sara,

I agree with the others (Lynn B in particular?) that your diamond is too beautiful to be left lying around for two years!

I haven't really gone 100% custom per se. When I picked my pear ring with Leon, I just pointed to the style I like from his website and asked him to make it as delicate as possible. I also went throuh a similar process for my BGD - LM earrings. I just picked the martini setting and asked Leon to do some modifications, including making the posts longer, putting two grooves (instead of the usual one) in the posts etc.

So I'd guess what you really want out of your setting is to specify the features that you'd like and discuss the feasibility as well as the aesthetics (sp?) with the possible vendors. Ditto BGD as the first choice.

Have you seen Gypsy's thread(s) on her BGD pendant? I think if anyone had an eye for detail and is able to work with you closely and incorporate your desired features as well as offer their take on your request, it'd be BGD.

I hope Gypsy won't mind my posting her threads here:

https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/my-pendant-cads-are-here.114084/
https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/my-pendant-is-done.114080/

Hopefully also, other PS'ers who have gone full-custom will chime in.