Did your setting change the sparkle factor of your diamond compared to what it looked like loose?

[dianne]

If you were able to play with your loose diamond and become very familiar with the faceting pattern and how it looked and sparkled in different light did you find it looked different once it was set? I can''t help but think that some (or maybe all) settings have some effect regardless of the fact the light goes in the top of the diamond and reflects back out the top. Couldn''t prongs, baskets, and even the band have some effect by blocking some of the light surrounding the sides and bottom of the diamond?

Forgive me if this is a double-post. I did a search and did not find what I was looking for even though I think I have read something similar somewhere on here. If there is a previous post please feel free to link me up!

Did you notice a change and, if so, in what way?

 

[Lynn B]

Well, I had a chance to play with my diamond loose... and (except for the cleaning factor... a naked diamond is MUCH easier to clean well than one that is set) I really didn''t notice any discernible difference in the sparkle factor of it. Interesting question, though.

Here''s a photo of it in its setting.

 

[Lucky Kid]

I am assuming the index of refraction of a diamond is similar to glass but it would seem that the diamond would have to be turned almost 90 degrees on it s side in order for light to even enter the side. Where as on the top the light is able to enter because it is more perpendicular. the light being blocked would be the amount that the prong is covering the top of the diamond. I am also not sure how much the rim of the diamond even reflects. Then again I am an Economist and took a basics physics class a few years ago.

Roy

 

[Moikoi]

Date: 6/2/2007 9:22:41 AM
Author:dianne
If you were able to play with your loose diamond and become very familiar with the faceting pattern and how it looked and sparkled in different light did you find it looked different once it was set? I can't help but think that some (or maybe all) settings have some effect regardless of the fact the light goes in the top of the diamond and reflects back out the top. Couldn't prongs, baskets, and even the band have some effect by blocking some of the light surrounding the sides and bottom of the diamond?

Forgive me if this is a double-post. I did a search and did not find what I was looking for even though I think I have read something similar somewhere on here. If there is a previous post please feel free to link me up!

Did you notice a change and, if so, in what way?

i think in a well cut rb stone there wouldn't be any difference,because light is reflected from one facet to another and then disperses through the top of the diamond. if the stone is cut too deep light escapes through the opposite side of the pavilion,in this case a setting with an open pavilion may help. JMO

 

[neatfreak]

Thought I would chime in here as a fellow cushion owner here.

Mine changed a TAD, in the sense that before it was set, there was almost no contrast anywhere in the stone if that makes sense. Now that it''s set, for some reason I can notice the contrast in the patterns more. Maybe it is somehow now reflecting some of the metal around it?

It in all honesty probably is just my perception since I only looked at the stone loose in one light condition, and only from a few angles.

But it still sparkles like crazy and I think might actually "appear" better set.

I don''t know if that makes sense...but it''s a good thing, not a bad thing!

 

[dianne]

Date: 6/2/2007 6:35:05 PM
Author: Lynn B
Well, I had a chance to play with my diamond loose... and (except for the cleaning factor... a naked diamond is MUCH easier to clean well than one that is set) I really didn''t notice any discernible difference in the sparkle factor of it. Interesting question, though.

Here''s a photo of it in its setting.

Lynn B--I totally agree that you would get spoiled being able to clean every mm of the diamond to perfection and then the darn setting getting in the way!...lol Your ring has such a wow factor...it is gorgeous! I saved a picture of your ring as a favorite because it was such a good reference to help me decide what size melee I wanted in my ering. I can''t pull off ones as large as yours in my ering so mine will be smaller....but that doesn''t mean I won''t have another project eventually.

 

[dianne]

Date: 6/3/2007 11:32:02 AM
Author: neatfreak
Thought I would chime in here as a fellow cushion owner here.

Mine changed a TAD, in the sense that before it was set, there was almost no contrast anywhere in the stone if that makes sense. Now that it''s set, for some reason I can notice the contrast in the patterns more. Maybe it is somehow now reflecting some of the metal around it?

It in all honesty probably is just my perception since I only looked at the stone loose in one light condition, and only from a few angles.

But it still sparkles like crazy and I think might actually ''appear'' better set.

I don''t know if that makes sense...but it''s a good thing, not a bad thing!

neatfreak--I was actually hoping you would respond when I created this topic...because you are a fellow cushion owner. By the way, I think your ring is beautiful and the melee in your band is a perfect compliment to the stone. (I have gone a bit melee-mad lately) So, you didn''t see your stone loose for very long? It''s encouraging that even though you notice a difference, you feel it is different in a good way.

I also studied fatafelice''s postings, and her many stunning pics, both in a temp setting and when she added the halo. She chose to bezel-set the center stone when she added the halo and it looks fabulous! I didn''t see a pic of her loose stone, but changing her setting didn''t seem to affect the performance of the stone one bit. I hope she will chime in.

 

[HappyAnniversary]

Lynne B and Neatfreak--will you tell me where (who) your settings are from. I am in process of choosing settings and like yours. have the suspicion that I can''t afford your settings, but a girl''s gotta try. I tried searching your old posts but, Boy Howdy, you all sure do post a lot and I don''t have time to search them all. Sorry for the post hihjack. ANd Dianne, I have a .8 RB and if I notice a difference when I finally get this baby done I''ll let you know--as it is I just bring it out and stare at it, then put it away every evening.

 

[neatfreak]

Date: 6/4/2007 10:41:46 PM
Author: HappyAnniversary
Lynne B and Neatfreak--will you tell me where (who) your settings are from. I am in process of choosing settings and like yours. have the suspicion that I can''t afford your settings, but a girl''s gotta try. I tried searching your old posts but, Boy Howdy, you all sure do post a lot and I don''t have time to search them all. Sorry for the post hihjack. ANd Dianne, I have a .8 RB and if I notice a difference when I finally get this baby done I''ll let you know--as it is I just bring it out and stare at it, then put it away every evening.

Hi HappyAnniversary, thanks for the compliment! I love my setting too, the melee is perfect. It''s a Ritani, but I got a great price on it. My ring is from Mark at ERD.

 

[dianne]

Date: 6/4/2007 10:41:46 PM
Author: HappyAnniversary
Lynne B and Neatfreak--will you tell me where (who) your settings are from. I am in process of choosing settings and like yours. have the suspicion that I can''t afford your settings, but a girl''s gotta try. I tried searching your old posts but, Boy Howdy, you all sure do post a lot and I don''t have time to search them all. Sorry for the post hihjack. ANd Dianne, I have a .8 RB and if I notice a difference when I finally get this baby done I''ll let you know--as it is I just bring it out and stare at it, then put it away every evening.

Post hijack not a problem at all. I can totally understand you choosing Lynn B and neatfreak to model your setting after...great taste as they are both amazing, perfect looks!! Please do let me know if you see a difference once set. I remember staring at mine every evening at the pc while looking for settings. I let it overwhelm me so don''t you do that! I''m getting my setting custom made by Mark at ERD, too. You may be able to find something you like that is similar to Lynn B''s and neatfreak''s that is semi-custom or mass-produced. These choices may help you stay within budget. Good luck!

 

[HappyAnniversary]

Thanks Dianne--Yea, its the budget that''s the problem. I''ve let this creep up and up until I am really bummed and worried about the cost. I had no idea how much settings cost, and now I have a diamond and no $ for the settings I love.

I am definately frustrated. Oh well. Thanks for the encouragement. Maybe I need to back away from this for a while and just let it remain unset for a few months.

 

[Corseted]

I must disagree, dianne.

My diamond actually looks more brilliant after I set it. I don''t know if you can tell from my avatar but I have little diamonds under my main diamond which actually reflect light onto it and make it sparkle more. Plus, it looks bigger once it''s set.

 

[blingergrrrl]

hmmm..I am wondering if you are noticing this effect because cushions are cut to take in light from all directions, not just from the top? So once set they might be less brilliant? Or am I totally wrong? Maybe I am just thinking of the antique cushions...

 

[MWG]

Our setting did not affect the sparkle factor of the WhiteFlash ACAs. They still sparkle beautifully and the ACAs diamonds are set into the band. Here is the 3 stone ring.

 

[Lynn B]

Date: 6/4/2007 10:41:46 PM
Author: HappyAnniversary
Lynne B and Neatfreak--will you tell me where (who) your settings are from. I am in process of choosing settings and like yours. have the suspicion that I can''t afford your settings, but a girl''s gotta try. I tried searching your old posts but, Boy Howdy, you all sure do post a lot and I don''t have time to search them all. Sorry for the post hihjack. ANd Dianne, I have a .8 RB and if I notice a difference when I finally get this baby done I''ll let you know--as it is I just bring it out and stare at it, then put it away every evening.

Uh oh, just saw this post -- so sorry, HA!

My setting came from Whiteflash; it was a custom design and -- fun factoid

-- the *original* Legato head.

 

[HappyAnniversary]

Dianne--my RB is now set!! and it looks beautifull, no decrease in brilliance and it is a lot easier to just wiggle the finger a bit to get it to dance in the light while typing--driving--eating--folding laundry--etc. ad infinitum. And dappled sunlight under the tree is Amazing!

Lynne B--The original? How cool, The legato head is what sold me on this ring. What''s the story behind that --did you design it?

 

[dianne]

I almost forgot I created this post. Now that I have my ering on my hand I have to say that I think the sparkle DID change. My center stone is a cushion brilliant but, now that it''s set, it seems the flashes are smaller....maybe like a radiant, maybe the crushed-ice look? Don''t get me wrong, it dances like crazy, but seems more like pinfire instead of bigger flashes. Does this even make sense? It''s definitely my stone...I bought a 30X loupe so I can see the inclusion (I really don''t know how GIA could see it with only 10X--guess my eyes aren''t that good). It''s not bad, just different. I think I will have to agree with Neatfreak that I think I see more contrast--probably from the setting. I got so used to playing with it as just a loose diamond that I wish I could pop it out from time to time even if just to clean it...I never feel it''s clean enough now that it''s set and I haven''t even had it two weeks. I''m a bit freaky about keeping jewelry clean.