Engagement ring setting & stones

[INEEDHELP2]

Hello Everyone,

I have lurked here for awhile & have come across a lot of good info. Well, I am ready to take the plunge and get a custom ring made. My girlfriend has said she wants a princess cut and she likes white gold. Other then that, she does not want to be involved in the process of the ring. I have looked at many sites and pics and have come up with the following combo. Princess cut 1ct or so in plat., set off center/turned on angle with half moon sapphire on either side, then channel with dia & sapphire, maybe with a split shank. The part I'm not sure about is doing the sapphires or doing all dia. Her birthstone is sapphire and I have brought her a necklace and earrings in sapphire, which she likes and wears often enough. I am not trying to match what she has, since this is something she would be wearing everyday, but I have seen some very nice rings with sapphire and like the look, just not sure she would. She is very girly and cordinates everything she wears, down to the undergarments . Should i go with the sapphires added in or all diamonds? HELP

 

[mogster]

I know she's said that she no longer wants to be involved, but perhaps you can ask her? It doesn't necessarily involve her -- she'll just be helping to guide your ideas.

 

[E B]

Hi INEEDHELP,

From what you've told us, I'd stick with diamonds only. If coordinating is important to her, this way, it'll go with everything.

 

[Mrs.W 514]

I love the idea of sapphires on an engagement ring, my ring has a sapphire halo with a diamond center and I love the contrast of the blue and the white. It is a very personal choice though, have you asked her if she would like colored stones in her e-ring?
When you say turned on an angle do you mean kite set? Here is an example of a kite set princess solitaire https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/kite-set-a-princess-sure-why-not.153166/
I have never seen a kite set stone with half moon side stones and I think the shapes might be a little strange together. I think a three stone with 3 kite set princess stones would be beautiful or maybe with trilliant (triangle) side stones

I found some examples of different kite set rings just to give a visual on what different side stone shapes would look like

http://www.jewelryexpert.com/catalog/Pink-Sapphire-Tango-Ring.htm

http://www.jewelryexpert.com/catalog/Plum-Vines-Ring-J8546.htm

http://www.jewelryexpert.com/catalog/Plum-Tango-Sapphire-Ring-fc.htm

http://www.jewelryexpert.com/catalog/Starburst-Tango-Sapphire-Ring-cd.htm

http://www.elsarings.com/products/Antique_Sapphire_Engagement_Ring_E343.asp not a square stone but setting makes it look square

 

[tyty333]

I'm not getting the turned/angled (kite set?) Princess with half moons either. My initial thought
Is to stick with all diamonds because there sounds like a lot going on.

 

[INEEDHELP2]

I love the idea of sapphires on an engagement ring, my ring has a sapphire halo with a diamond center and I love the contrast of the blue and the white. It is a very personal choice though, have you asked her if she would like colored stones in her e-ring?
When you say turned on an angle do you mean kite set? Here is an example of a kite set princess solitaire https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/kite-set-a-princess-sure-why-not.153166/
I have never seen a kite set stone with half moon side stones and I think the shapes might be a little strange together. I think a three stone with 3 kite set princess stones would be beautiful or maybe with trilliant (triangle) side stones

Thanks for the pics. That is what I ment by angle, didn't know what it was called. So do you think a kite setting for the sapphires would look nice? I also think it is such a beautiful look with the colored stones. I'm not such a big fan of the trilliant side stone. I like half moon, princess, or round cut 1st. What about the channel on the side? Does that seem like a good idea?

I will try asking her for some more input, but really want it to be a surprise as much as possible. She had no idea that I'm gonna have a ring made for her .

I look forward to any and all help you all can provide.

 

[tyty333]

How do you see half moons with a kite set princess? Trying to picture it in my head. You are planning on going custom right?



Edit ...just saw you are planning on custom.

 

[justginger]

Blatant honesty: there is no way a kite set princess is going to look good with half moon sides, no matter whether they are diamond or sapphire. Those shapes are completely incompatible. If you want the princess set traditionally with half moons, perhaps - though to continue my honesty, I don't really like half moons at the best of times. And I don't think a large percentage of the population does. If she hasn't specifically said something about liking half moons, I'd skip them for sure.

If you want gemstone sides, I'd stick with either three princesses or three radiants. Check out the Diamonds By Lauren website for inspiration - David seems to stock a lot of three stone princess/radiant rings, using colored sides.

 

[INEEDHELP2]

Blatant honesty: there is no way a kite set princess is going to look good with half moon sides, no matter whether they are diamond or sapphire. Those shapes are completely incompatible. If you want the princess set traditionally with half moons, perhaps - though to continue my honesty, I don't really like half moons at the best of times. And I don't think a large percentage of the population does. If she hasn't specifically said something about liking half moons, I'd skip them for sure.

If you want gemstone sides, I'd stick with either three princesses or three radiants. Check out the Diamonds By Lauren website for inspiration - David seems to stock a lot of three stone princess/radiant rings, using colored sides.

Thanks for being honest. I really like the half moon idea, but its for her & not me, so I will rethink it. Three princesses does sound like a good idea. What's your take on pave vs channel? Also, you said look at David? which site is that?

 

[motownmama]

I'll admit I'm not totally "seeing" your description, but I want to chime in that I do love 1/2 moons and also sapphires, (so I'd call it a day with just the princess-straight-on and 2 1/2 moon sapphires), Otherwise it sounded busy with some of the other feature. Best of luck!!!!!

 

[mogster]

The site that justginger is referring to is http://www.diamondsbylauren.com/index.php.. I am glad she gave you her honest opinion because I was thinking similar but didn't have the heart to say it. The setting you described has a lot of great elements, but may look over the top all together in one ring if I'm understanding you correctly. I would not have a princess kite set unless you knew for certain that's what she would like.

 

[Heartly]

Hmm, I'm no expert, but I also winced at the half moons. What about the princess center with trap sides? Could look really nice...

 

[INEEDHELP2]

Hmm, I'm no expert, but I also winced at the half moons. What about the princess center with trap sides? Could look really nice...

Thanks for being honest, I liked the look of half moons in some rings I saw, but I guess this is for her and not me What are trap sides? I guess I will nix the half moon idea and just go with 3 princess, what is the best way to have the center stone set? I want to do a heart on the side of the ring if I can.. too much??

Thanks for all you input, any other help would be great.

Edit: saw a trap ring & its looks nice....Mmm something for me to think about.

 

[justginger]

I am glad no one's feeling were hurt, but I have seen toooooo many ugly rings (in real life and online) that girls dislike, but their guys have tried really hard to make just right. It's sad because it leads to hurt feelings or unhappiness on both sides. I'd rather throw a wrench in your plans right at the start than smile and nod when I honestly think that the plan is not a good one.

Kite set princess as a solitaire stone? Definitely.

Princess set normally with half-moons? Acceptable. It is just not MY taste, half-moons. Other people do like them, but within conversations I have personally had, it doesn't seem like there are many. I think this may be a risk to take, if your GF has not mentioned them before. You could try to be sneaky and mention that a coworker got a ring with them and you hadn't ever seen them before - ask what she thinks of them.

A princess with traps would be lovely. A diamond princess with sapphire traps would be gorgeous, or even the reverse - a sapphire centerstone and diamond sidestones. Keep in mind that good quality (in terms of color, size, saturation) blue sapphires are not cheap these days - the revival of Princess Diana's engagement ring has made them very hot commodities. You can save a bit of money on them if you don't mind them being treated, but nice, untreated blue sapphires are not that easy to find and relatively pricey.

You know that sapphires come in other colors though, right? Is it definitely blue you want, or would you consider other colored sapphires? That would definitely drop the price of the sidestones, if you chose a non-blue stone.

Although, backing up - are you relatively sure you want a three-stone ring? Has she expressed what sort of settings she likes?

As for channel versus pave. How much does she use her hands? GENERALLY channel-set is more secure, for girls who are very active. That being said, I have a Leon Mege pave engagement ring and use my hands on a fairly continuous basis at work (gloves on and off all the time) and have had no issues whatsoever. Pave looks more delicate to me, I prefer it. Channel set is very traditional and sturdy. I think you'll find pave settings to be a bit more expensive than channel-set ones, but that being said, it will come down to exactly which settings you're looking at, and if they're a designer brand.

 

[justginger]

I forgot to add, the 'heart on the side' you're referring to - you mean on the gallery, the basket of the ring? That can be done. Here is a channel set mount that Whiteflash custom made and you could get replicated: http://www.whiteflash.com/gallery/diamond-engagement-rings/heart-channel-set-engagement-ring-11701.htm

 

[E B]

Hmm, I'm no expert, but I also winced at the half moons. What about the princess center with trap sides? Could look really nice...

Thanks for being honest, I liked the look of half moons in some rings I saw, but I guess this is for her and not me What are trap sides? I guess I will nix the half moon idea and just go with 3 princess, what is the best way to have the center stone set? I want to do a heart on the side of the ring if I can.. too much??

Thanks for all you input, any other help would be great.

Edit: saw a trap ring & its looks nice....Mmm something for me to think about.

What does your girlfriend do for a living? Does she use her hands a lot (gardening, cooking, sculpting, etc.)?

 

[webdiva]

Does she like kite-set princesses? It's really a personal preference and I personally would HATE it. It's up to the person. If she does, go for it. If she doesn't - eek!

I would set the sapphire as either a surprise stone inside the band or as an accent on the profile (undergallery) - because if she coordinates all her clothes - blue doesn't match everything. I'd also only do the heart on the undergallery, it's something a girl may grow out of...

 

[webdiva]

I know it's tough to put together a custom ring - check out some ideas on Gabriel & Co and Beverley K sites - some of the more antique rings have heart undergalleries. Happy designing!

www.gabrielengaged.com
www.beverleyk.com

 

[INEEDHELP2]

OMG...How do people ever get the right ring . I sat down with her last nite & told her I needed some guidence & would you believe she changed the whole game on me She was so set on princess and when I showed her pics of diff princess rings, she finally said she liked round and pave. I explained the diff between pave and channel (i like channel ), but can't convince her on it. OH WELL. So, after that, I don't think I'll ask her any more ??'s She wants a solitaire with pave and that's all she told me. So now I will be looking for just the right round Alas my search will be starting all over from scratch I had spent the last couple of months looking at sooooo many sites & checking a couple a b&m stores to actually see rings and now.... Well, these are the things we do for the ones we

You all have been very, very helpful with your advice. Thank you.

I still will be adding my own touch to the ring to give her some surprises.

Does she like kite-set princesses? It's really a personal preference and I personally would HATE it. It's up to the person. If she does, go for it. If she doesn't - eek!

I would set the sapphire as either a surprise stone inside the band or as an accent on the profile (undergallery) - because if she coordinates all her clothes - blue doesn't match everything. I'd also only do the heart on the undergallery, it's something a girl may grow out of...

Great idea about the stone & I will see how I can fit this in

I forgot to add, the 'heart on the side' you're referring to - you mean on the gallery, the basket of the ring? That can be done. Here is a channel set mount that Whiteflash custom made and you could get replicated: http://www.whiteflash.com/gallery/diamond-engagement-rings/heart-channel-set-engagement-ring-11701.htm

I love this look and will see how I can do it on my new design

Nibor332 just posted a pic of a beautiful ring, I will get some ideas from that. Don't know how to post the like, but its in Rocky Talk.

P.S. I know nothing abt rounds. My budget for stone is 4k, what do you think I will be able to get?? When I was looking at princess cut I could almost get 1ct for that limit. I'm sure a round in my budget will be less

 

[webdiva]

OMG...How do people ever get the right ring . I sat down with her last nite & told her I needed some guidence & would you believe she changed the whole game on me She was so set on princess and when I showed her pics of diff princess rings, she finally said she liked round and pave. I explained the diff between pave and channel (i like channel ), but can't convince her on it. OH WELL. So, after that, I don't think I'll ask her any more ??'s She wants a solitaire with pave and that's all she told me. So now I will be looking for just the right round Alas my search will be starting all over from scratch I had spent the last couple of months looking at sooooo many sites & checking a couple a b&m stores to actually see rings and now.... Well, these are the things we do for the ones we

You all have been very, very helpful with your advice. Thank you.

I still will be adding my own touch to the ring to give her some surprises.

Does she like kite-set princesses? It's really a personal preference and I personally would HATE it. It's up to the person. If she does, go for it. If she doesn't - eek!

I would set the sapphire as either a surprise stone inside the band or as an accent on the profile (undergallery) - because if she coordinates all her clothes - blue doesn't match everything. I'd also only do the heart on the undergallery, it's something a girl may grow out of...

Great idea about the stone & I will see how I can fit this in

I forgot to add, the 'heart on the side' you're referring to - you mean on the gallery, the basket of the ring? That can be done. Here is a channel set mount that Whiteflash custom made and you could get replicated: http://www.whiteflash.com/gallery/diamond-engagement-rings/heart-channel-set-engagement-ring-11701.htm

I love this look and will see how I can do it on my new design

Nibor332 just posted a pic of a beautiful ring, I will get some ideas from that. Don't know how to post the like, but its in Rocky Talk.

P.S. I know nothing abt rounds. My budget for stone is 4k, what do you think I will be able to get?? When I was looking at princess cut I could almost get 1ct for that limit. I'm sure a round in my budget will be less

Ok - I have to be honest with you - I don't think she knows what she wants because she may not have tried on any rings in person. This is NORMAL for women. It's a process as you balance budget with wants. I myself went through the same thing!

A setting will be at least $1000 for a stock pave setting (much more for custom) so that leaves about $3000 for the stone - netting you about a .7-.8 in the J color range, smaller in a higher color range. Can she go out and try stuff like that on? It may be smaller than she's expecting, depends on how big her fingers are.

Here's a beautiful James Allen setting for $625 - it's super thin, though:
http://www.jamesallen.com/engagement-rings/pave/18k-White-Gold-Thin-French-Cut-Engagement-Ring.html

$1000 for something more practical : http://www.jamesallen.com/engagement-rings/pave/18k-Yellow-Gold-French-Cut-Pave-Ring.html

 

[INEEDHELP2]

Hello Everyone ,

Ok, so I'm just starting the process of getting a ring made. . It will be RB (.81) center with a slightly twisted pave shank, cross/x prong with the claw design and a heart on the gallery, Platinum . Now for my questions...should I go for single claw, double claw or I just saw a heart shaped prong. Would the heart shape go with the hearts on the side, or would that be to much for the ring? Also, I plan to put a very small ruby in the heart, to much? She loves ladybugs, so I thought it would be a nice touch . Any suggestions regarding the pave setting. I would like it look as close to channel as possible, how do I go about that look. I don't like all the metal that surrounds the pave look, but I want to make sure the pave will not fall out. I want the shank to be as strong as it can be, not sure what the designer will come up with, just want to have some ideas incase they show me something I don't like. Work is being done by BGD.

You guys have helped my so much so far, from picking stone etc, now I need just a little more help.

Thanks

 

[Enerchi]

I'd go simple - you could have a mini ruby hidden INSIDE the shank, if it is possible by the vendor, but too much... can be... well, "too much"!

For a .81 diamond, I'd be inclined to go with single delicate prongs so there is more diamond showing than prongs. Double prongs could work if they are very fine.

I love the detail you are willing to put into this - you sure do listen closely and pay attention to the things your future bride likes!! Keep up that great habit!

 

[mandasand]

I love the look of double claw prongs because I think it adds something unique. I also think the prongs should be delicate like Enerchi suggests. I think they should be able to file them so it has a subtle look.