Durability of delicate micropave halo?

[Akalahab]

Hello,

I have been trying to decide whether or not a microwave halo is for me - I have a decent quote from one of the 3 pave masters thanks to less material needed to make my smaller ring. I really admire the craftmanship that is evident in this type of setting, especially from this maker.

Is it a ring you can wear daily for the rest of your life? I currently have a bead set ring. I don't wear my rings to the gym or for gardening, washing dishes, swimming, touching greasy things while cooking, hiking. I have been wearing my rings to the grocery store, on short jogs, teaching violin lessons, playing violin - although I do only wear the wedding band on my right hand to play more difficult solos in high pressure situations as I don't want to be worried about a spinning ring getting stuck in between my fingers or circulation problems.

I just worry that I'd have to get a micropave halo remade in 10 or 15 years or that some really hyper kid that I teach is going to knock the head off somehow. When I have my own kids in the near future, I don't think I'll be wearing any engagement ring.

A similar ring to mine - Cartier 1895 inspired graduated bead set solitaire from the same maker is actually close to $700 more than a hw style micropave halo. The price difference reason cited is that this setting uses bigger melee. Does this make sense? My stone is .795 so no melee would be that big.. I could see if they would lower the quote for half eternity pave or eliminating ajour (is this a good idea? Or will it be hard to clean?). There's a point where I would feel super guilty about spending so much on a ring setting given that I was raised by parents who spent most of their money on educational things etc and most of my circle has colored stones (environmentally and social issue conscious and adventurous travelers) or passed down heirloom rings or plain gold bands (Jewish stepfather).

I could stick with my current setting but send it to someone to look into adding a touch of customization to it. I find it currently a little uninspiring when it isn't in spotlighting. My husband loves the straight clean lines but I love subtle graceful curves and think it would look great with double claws. My favorite part about it is that it sparkles a lot! Would a micropave setting be less blingy?

If I decided to go the bead set route - do you see a difference in quality in cast vs hand forged in these types of rings? I.e. Less metal? Worth it?

 

[SimoneDi]

@Akalahab I loved your set when I saw a pic of it in another thread. If I were in your shoes, I would first send the current set to DK to customize it. I immediately thought of that when I read your post and then I saw that you have it listed as one of the voting options! This is probably going to be the least expensive and quick solution. DK can do awesome milgrain + engraving and I think that will really change the overall look of tote current rings.
IF after the "rehab" you still long for halo + micropavè, then you can explore those options.
Halo with micropave are very much "in" right now, but I am not sure if they will still make people's hearts sing in 10-15-20 years. That is not to say that they are not beautiful, some of the VC+SK masterpieces are TDF! But when you think about the future, my very first thought will be if you would actually still like halo with micropavè in the future. If well executed and cared for gently, the setting can probably last a lifetime. Nonetheless, halos and delicate settings definitely require more babying.

 

[tyty333]

I love your current setting too! If you want a little more going on, I agree with SimoneDi to try some engraving and milgrain with DK.

 

[Akalahab]

The vendor adjusted the bead set ring quote to be just slightly more than the halo ring -originally mistakenly priced for a larger stone? Just got quotes from another PS recommended hand forger - the Cartier ring is less than the quote for the halo - almost 1k less than my other adjusted quote for the bead set ring. I don't necessarily need milgrain or engraving but for me it's just the subtle shape difference, eye for proportions, craftsmanship. And though it's art - customer service matters a lot bc it affects how I'm going to feel about my ring! I don't just see a piece of art, I feel a certain way when I look at it. I know my hubby will like this quote much more. He's British and his neck of the woods is very simple with rings! Will have to mull it over. I love both styles and both vendors and would be happy with either. It's a one time splurge for me (at least for now) as I'll probably spend the rest of my life sacrificing things for children, etc and it would be nice to be glancing at something nice - I do look at my rings a LOT!

 

[SimoneDi]

@Akalahab to me, your current ring looks very close to the carrier 1895 tapered, I am not sure if you would be happy with another setting like it. DK can still do a bit rework to yours to make it look more fluid, change the prongs, etc. but you seem pretty set on resetting.
Why don't you tell us who the vendors are? If you reset, I think that it will be better for you to go with a halo. It will give you a different look, the center stone will appear larger, it will suit your delicate hand.

 

[Akalahab]

I've got quotes from VC, MH, ERD, SK. LM just gave my a quote that far exceeded any others. I could probably ask him why and he might lower.

So in order of cost
ERD cast, MH, ERD handforged, VC, SK

About a $300 difference from cast to handforged in platinum with MH for the halo. $500 difference if using 18k gold, with ERD.

VC was about $500 more than MH.

SK $300 more than VC.

ERD and MH are under 3k

This is for the halo.

For the bead set, all I have are quotes from MH and VC. MH is considerably less. I liked seeing VC's version with the slight curvature and prongs. For me, that's really the difference between being happy with it and not. I haven't seen an MH version yet but I'm sure it would look lovely, too.

I'm still waiting to find out details about this but perhaps the pave work might be less metallic from these vendors? Not sure as I haven't seen close ups of bead set pave cast vs handforged. In mine, it looks like lines between the stones in certain lighting.

Another reason I might get the same style ring is so that my parents don't ask questions!

DK isn't out of the running - do you think he would be able to alter it so that it's less straight?

 

[diamondseeker2006]

Can you please post your rings on this thread?

 

[Akalahab]

Diamondseeker - the first three photos are my rings. The fourth photo is of a micropave halo with the same stone size.

 

[Akalahab]

When I first started looking at rings I really loved the antiques - rings are just not made the same way anymore. I don't like the usual reproductions though - it just looks fake to me. Handforged speaks to me in the same way as the antiques do.

I like my stone - what it looks like and the size and I don't plan to upgrade. I tried on bigger and it just looked clunky on my hand.

For me, as a musician, I like the art of handforged and would rather spend money supporting a form of art than a stone. For me, it's not just what it looks like, but the blood, sweat, tears, care, and love for something that goes into such an endeavor.

I plan to keep this ring forever, so I want it to be special.

 

[marcy]

I think your rings are beautiful. I voted to send your current set to DK to customize.

 

[Lookinagain]

So if I understand your goal, you want something different as your current setting isn't exciting you. I agree with the others suggesting send to DK for customizing. That shouldn't cost too much and if it doesn't satisfy your itch, you can still have a new setting made. I agree with the poster that said that it is not certain that halos will stand the test of time. They are very popular now but tastes change. So I would be sure I wanted the mico pave halo before investing that much into one. I'd probably take the baby step route and see how that feels. Also, as time goes by, different style settings appeal to me. Tastes change. If you want this to be a forever setting I'd make sure it's the way you want to go and you seem to have some doubts.

 

[Akalahab]

I've put this all into hubby's hands. I'd really be happy with either style. For me, maybe it's how I trained for years in an art that makes me value this - but it's all about the execution - blend of technique and artistry, and I don't think I'll get my fix of that sending my ring to be doctored. For me, the interest isn't in adding milgrain or engraving. I have a thing for a job well done and that's really what I want my ring to be. We've decided to just move on from my current setting and put a colored stone in it. Also, I think I've answered my own question about difference in bead set pave. My ring vs VC's ring:

 

[mochiko42]

One thing that you might want to take into account is the issue of the setting being 'mind-clean'. Even if the setting is perfectly durable and well made, if you're constantly worrying about damaging it, the stress could eventually weigh heavily on your mind and dampen some of the enjoyment of the ring. In which case I would suggest getting a setting which would not need as much baying (Just speaking from personal experience here, it may or may not be applicable to others.)

 

[mochiko42]

*babying, not baying, obviously. Darn autocorrect!!

 

[LLJsmom]

I've put this all into hubby's hands. I'd really be happy with either style. For me, maybe it's how I trained for years in an art that makes me value this - but it's all about the execution - blend of technique and artistry, and I don't think I'll get my fix of that sending my ring to be doctored. For me, the interest isn't in adding milgrain or engraving. I have a thing for a job well done and that's really what I want my ring to be. We've decided to just move on from my current setting and put a colored stone in it. Also, I think I've answered my own question about difference in bead set pave. My ring vs VC's ring:

When I first started looking at rings I really loved the antiques - rings are just not made the same way anymore. I don't like the usual reproductions though - it just looks fake to me. Handforged speaks to me in the same way as the antiques do.

I like my stone - what it looks like and the size and I don't plan to upgrade. I tried on bigger and it just looked clunky on my hand.

For me, as a musician, I like the art of handforged and would rather spend money supporting a form of art than a stone. For me, it's not just what it looks like, but the blood, sweat, tears, care, and love for something that goes into such an endeavor.

I plan to keep this ring forever, so I want it to be special.

These two comments by you make me think that you would be most satisfied with a hand forged piece. Going the route with DK would be a measured, safe and economical approach. However, it does not seem it will satisfy the real desire of your heart, which you have actually identified and articulated quite clearly as noted above.

"I like the art of handforged and would rather spend money supporting a form of art than a stone. For me, it's not just what it looks like, but the blood, sweat, tears, care, and love for something that goes into such an endeavor."

I understand and agree with that, but I certainly did not figure it out until I actually received pieces from VC. I am super impressed that you already understand that and know that about yourself. Other than the perfection of execution, I didn't appreciate the artistry and like you said "blood, sweat, tears, care and love..." until I watched his video over and over again. I think you already understand and appreciate this inherently because you are a musician yourself, an artisan of sorts. You labor and create physically so you understand what it means to put yourself "into" your work.

If you go with VC, I don't think you will regret it. If you want a halo for more impact and finger coverage, go for it. He truly is a master at executing them. Good luck with whichever hand-forged artisan you choose. I am sure the end result will be beautiful.

Sorry, to answer your initial question, I find VC's micropave very durable. The first setting I had from him was a Scalloped basket Jocelyn, and I wore that ring all the time, except to workout with weights, or wash dishes and cook. If you want more protection around the girdle of your stone, then a halo would be nice. And if you do lose a stone, I think VC would repair it. Just ask him when your DH talks to him.

 

[diamondseeker2006]

The thing is, remaking that ring basically the same as you have now is not going to look much different than it does now. I am not sure I'd go with a pave halo to be honest. I agree that handforged is very special, but I'd probably get more wear from your current rings and then revisit this down the road. You may find that adding two smaller side stones is more practical than a halo, for example.

I highly recommend Victor if and when the time comes that you do have a handforged ring made. Maytal is very good, too.

 

[canuk-gal]

HI:

Any thoughts of keeping your ER the way it is presently set and buying a low profile, diamond eternity ring instead? You might get a lot more wow factor in a ring like that and potentially you can wear more often without worrying about damaging a pave halo.

cheers--Sharon

 

[Akalahab]

Thanks all for sharing your thoughts with me - it is very appreciated that you are trying to save me money and disappointment!

Such a first world dilemma to have!

For me, I don't want a lot of things, I like to have one thing that I will wear. Other jewelry doesn't really suit my lifestyle!

LLJs Mom - your ring is such a masterpiece! Just perfect!! Thanks for sharing your experiences - and I think you understand what I'm after. As an artist of music, I pick things apart and look at what it means etc, and have very high standards for things! I know what it is to put 200% effort into something and I think it would be more "me" to have something made with a similar level of effort and attention to detail.

Diamondseeker - I could get a little more wear out of my rings - seems a little wasteful not to, right? I could change in a few years but I figure the sooner I get it, the longer I can enjoy it! But perhaps, I should think more and maybe create something special later. I wish plain solitaires looked as good on me (I see you're a fan of solitaires!) but maybe I'm the only person they actually don't look good on!

Mochiko - yes, definitely something to consider is whether I would be afraid to wear my ring!

Canuk gal - a diamond eternity could be a good option, it would have to be a thin one though bc I have trouble with stones between my fingers!

Simone Di, Ty ty, Marcy, Lookin again -thanks for your very practical advice. Have thought more about it - part of me does just want to "love" my ring as it is and appreciate it as a symbol of a commitment, etc.

I guess the thing in my head is "penny wise, pound foolish"? I went with the most economical route when choosing my rings the first time, and now I think that perhaps spending a little more for something that I wear and look at more than any other thing I own may be the wiser choice.

Thanks again for all the great advice! Definitely considering it all!

 

[mrs-b]

If you want micro-pave, you can't beat VC. But if it's softer, less sharp lines you want, then LM is the guy. Just take a look at his iteration of a three stone using pear sides and see that gorgeous thumb-print shank, and you'll get it immediately. His curves and the soft femininity of his pieces surpass SK's, VC's and MH's in my opinion. And it's a clear difference.

As someone who had to get alterations done by somebody else to a SK ring after he refused (unless he charged me full price a second time), I'd put SK at a hard 3rd. I've worked with both LM and VC and, altho I love VC's pave, owning a piece by Leon is something special.

However, there is a new bench at David Klass - their uber bench. Consider going with him - he used to work for one of the super expensive, famous brands on your list, and his pave work is amazing. If you have time, take a look at my threads ad find my halo'd pear pendant; he did that pave and it's something special. Also - when I had my new 7 stone ring made, he had the shank cast overly large... And then he carved it down by hand till it was the size and shape he wanted. The prong work on it is miniscule and incredibly delicate.

So - just a few extra thoughts. Good luck!

 

[Akalahab]

Thanks Mrs b - very helpful!! Thanks for sharing you experiences with all three. Beautiful work on your pendant! Will have to look into the DK uber bench! Maybe he could remake my 1895 piece as it seems like he would have experience with that! It's my hubby's preference to keep the same look as my original but also wants me to have something that I love as well. And I don't mind if nobody else notices the difference except for me.

 

[drk14]

However, there is a new bench at David Klass - their uber bench.

Did DK hire DBL's bench, or is there some trademark infringement going on here?

 

[mrs-b]

Did DK hire DBL's bench, or is there some trademark infringement going on here?

Seriously? In the common vernacular, uber just means best ('over' or 'above' if you want the specific German translation). I think the uber thing originated with IDJewelry, actually, and it was no more an infringement when DBL started using it than if I use it to describe in short hand a specific bench at a different jeweler. The word 'uber' isn't trademarked, so you missed the third option - which is that it's just being used as an adjective. And it's also part of common usage slang at this point in time - you hear it everywhere.

 

[mochiko42]

Seriously? In the common vernacular, uber just means best ('over' or 'above' if you want the specific German translation). I think the uber thing originated with IDJewelry, actually, and it was no more an infringement when DBL started using it than if I use it to describe in short hand a specific bench at a different jeweler. The word 'uber' isn't trademarked, so you missed the third option - which is that it's just being used as an adjective. And it's also part of common usage slang at this point in time - you hear it everywhere.

I believe the brand Uber is trademarked for the ride hiring app but in other contexts "über" just means "over" in German and is not trademarked otherwise. Eg someone out there would be very rich if they collected royalties every time anyone sang "Deutschland über alles"

https://trademarks.justia.com/872/56/uber-87256010.html

 

[Donnass117]

I realize I'm a bit late to this, I haven't been on pricescope for a while. I had a very delicate micropave ring made by Maytal Hannah. Although it doesn't have a halo, the micropave work is in the shank and prongs, and is amazing. My band is very thin, as this as Maytal said can be made and still remain strong, 1.5mm. It is in rose gold, which from what I understand is more difficult to set than platinum. I've had it for about 2 years and it has held up very well, not a single stone has moved, and I have kids and am not easy on my jewelry. I highly recommend working with Maytal, she was so nice and easy to work with, and best of all, made me a beautiful ring. I am working with her now on a couple more pieces.

 

[Akalahab]

Thank you for sharing @Donnass117! Amazing work on your beautiful ring! Great to know that your 1.5 mm shank has held up well as I'd probably be on the thinner than recommended side should I pursue the micropave option in order for the proportions to look right. Hoping to take a look in person in LA in November.