Dream setting...out of price range?

[lovinsparkles]

Hi everyone,

First off, let me say I''m new to both the board and to diamond e-ring shopping in general, but I''ve already found so much helpful info in previous threads on this board. Since you''re clearly a knowledgable bunch, perhaps you can help me out...

I''ve found the most lovely setting I could imagine, a Temple St. Claire Coco ring (attempting to include pic -- hopefully it shows up). The parts I really love are the round center stone, the simple but prominent four prongs holding it in place, and the split shank.

The problem is I think it''s a bit out of my price range (the setting/band itself is approx. $6000 and I think it may need a pretty good sized center diamond on top of that, to maintain the proportion that looks so pretty in the picture.)

So I''m wondering if 1) anyone has seen anything similar out there already from other sellers that might be a little less, and/or 2) whether anyone has insight into whether it would be possible to have something similar custom made, and whether that might be less expensive.

Additional thoughts:
1. I might be willing to skip the diamonds up the side of the band and go with just an unadorned split shank. Would that lower the cost significantly? Do you think that would be pretty? I haven''t seen too many examples of unadorned split shanks, so I would definitely be interested if anyone else could point me to examples. Also, I''m leaning away from a halo, which many of the split shank rings I''ve seen seem to have (they are pretty, just not what I''m looking for).

2. How big of a center diamond do you think would be necessary in this type of ring to maintain the proportion/look pretty? Assuming I''m sticking with a round one as shown in the pic.

Help with any of the above would be so appreciated! I''m so very new at this. Thanks!!!

 

[lovinsparkles]

Here is another picture of the same Temple St. Clair ring that I love, but from a different angle.

 

[RxTechRN2b]

That style has a big look in a dainty sort of way. Someone here will be able to lead you in the right direction to a ready made setting, or jeweler who can make a similar copy. And while I''m not normally attracted by large diamonds, this style does seem to require one in order to keep the proportions. I do like how the prongs are in the E W N and S positions not often seen. The double band together with that twist on the prong positions is quite appealing, with or without diamonds adorning the setting! I can''t wait to see what you put together.

 

[lovinsparkles]

Thanks Terry!

I''m also not generally into huge stones, so I am a little concerned about how big I would need to go with this ring, but you''re right, there''s just something sweet/dainty about the design that doesn''t make it look *that* prominent (at least I''m hoping that''s the case in person!).

And yes, I guess it''s the NESW arrangement of the prongs that I like -- I hadn''t realized that was what I was finding distinctive. Thanks for the thoughts, and I will keep updating on what I find!

 

[jstarfireb]

I would talk to Whiteflash because they do excellent custom work. Also, I'm not sure what metals you're thinking of, but I'd consider white gold instead of platinum to keep the price down. Maybe they could modify this design to have N/E/S/W prongs?

I think a 1-1.5ct diamond would look fabulous in either setting!

ETA: What about this Verragio? for $3350? I know nothing about the vendor; this was from a Google search. But I can see being able to extend and twist the parts leading up to the stone to make it N/E/S/W...

 

[kcoursolle]

I think engagement rings direct would be able to create a lovely custom design for you at a much lower cost. They do a great job with these types of settings (delicate, pave, etc). I think 6k is rediculous for this setting, I think it''s at least 2k too much if not more.

 

[Bliss]

I love that setting!

You can definitely have it custom made, which I think is the best route if you''re concerned about it all being proportional. It is surprisingly affordable.

I think the photo has a 2.5-3 carat stone in it. If your ring size is pretty small, you can get the same look with a smaller diamond.

I think 1.5 would give you a similar look for a size 4-5 finger. If you go custom, and thin out the band a little, it will also pop more.

Hope that helps! It''s a lovely setting. I highly recommend Mark at ERD!

 

[lovinsparkles]

Thanks for the comments everyone!

Bliss, thanks for the idea. I''m a size 5 so yes, I may be able to downscale the width of the band/size the the diamond and still get a similar look/proportion. There''s something about the slight clunkiness with the clean lines that I like, so I will try to keep that proportion.

Also, I still think the split shank would be nice, but I came across another idea too: a ribbed band. I''m attaching a pic of it (a Roberto Coin). I think it might look nice with the center stone/prongs on the TSC ring, and still keep the same simple lines (and maybe be a little less expensive).

I appreciate everyone''s thoughts, especially on what diamond size would be necessary. Again, if anyone sees anything like this out there, please let me know. But it sounds like the consensus is that I will need a custom jeweler to create the look and that custom design may in fact be less expensive. So I''ve contacted a custom jeweler who was recommended by someone on this board, and will let you know what happens...I''m sure after talking to him I''ll have more questions!

 

[tradergirl]

Look what I found!

http://cgi.ebay.com/Platinum-Magna-Temple-St-Clair-Ring-Setting_W0QQitemZ280244706576QQihZ018QQcategoryZ92866QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem#ebayphotohosting

 

[purrfectpear]

Date: 7/10/2008 8:07:24 AM
Author: tradergirl
Look what I found!

http://cgi.ebay.com/Platinum-Magna-Temple-St-Clair-Ring-Setting_W0QQitemZ280244706576QQihZ018QQcategoryZ92866QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem#ebayphotohosting

What are the two knobs on top and the knob on the bottom................towel racks?

That knob on the bottom is just plain strange

 

[lovinsparkles]

Thanks tradergirl -- what an amazing find!!! I wish they had included a pic of the ring on a finger, as it is a little unusual and hard to picture. I never thought to try e-bay! I think I''ll keep my eyes open there for any with a double band/split shank.

perfect pear, I agree about the nobs, at least the one on the bottom. TSC said it''s possible to remove the one on the bottom, but that it didn''t bother most people and it''s one of their signatures...I agree that I''m not sure that one is for me though.

Thanks again for the head''s up!! I still really like the diamond setting, just not sure about this particular band...