Exhausted and overwhelmed.

[MeowMeow]

Definitely to have the stone tested yes find another one.

If you like their settings and they are convenient to you then stick with them anyway. I personally use a jeweller many here might not approve of. But they are so willing to work with me with setting whatever I want and when tested are pretty knowledgable. So I feel comfortable knowing what they sell me is legit. They just don't do picture perfect prongs that we love here. But everything is well set and doesn't fall out so I stick with them.
Maybe ask them if they have any kind of social media or record of pictures of settings they made in the past so you can see?

 

[DoeEyes]

@MeowMeow Good idea. I am sending messages to the people who recommended them on the neighborhood group and seeing if I can get some first-hand experiences. The pictures on their Facebook page are mostly just pictures of what they have for sale, but you can't tell if it's something they set or not. So far I heard back from one person who said she had an antique ring that was stuck on her finger and had to be cut off, and this store cut it off for her and repaired it so well that she couldn't even see where it was cut. Plus the customer service she said was phenomenal.

 

[twang07]

I don't know of any retailer but there are many options online. I'm not sure if you are open to purchasing a mounting online. Ivy Rose has a wonderful selection of affordable mountings.

https://ivyandrose.com/products/vin...-setting-round-flower-vine-antique-style-ring

Also this seller has some cool mountings!
https://www.thelordofgemrings.com/c...semi-mount-ring-14kt-white-gold-setting-round

 

[DoeEyes]

@twang07 Thanks, I just checked out the ivyandrose settings and they don't have the plain 6-prong band I'm looking for. The only thing close I found is this, and I don't like the way the prongs are arranged, I prefer when there's one at the top and bottom. https://ivyandrose.com/products/rou...ng-setting-white-gold-vintage-solitaire-10653. From thelordofgemrings, this is the only one I might like but I need to see more angles, and it only comes in size 6.5 so it would need to be resized. Not sure if that will cost extra. https://www.thelordofgemrings.com/c...-semi-mount-ring-14k-white-gold-setting-round

I'll have to check with the jeweler about what it would cost to order from something online, I assume she would charge me a setting fee.

 

[MelloYello8]

@frogplus You might consider this setting. The price is with the center stone but the seller takes custom orders which would presumably be much less. Might even be worth getting platinum, or palladium if possible, to avoid replating.

https://www.etsy.com/listing/619998...e-engagement-ring-14k?ref=shop_home_active_64

 

[muskokathompson]

I would look at stuller settings - most jewellers can order them in and they are inexpensive, sturdy and have many lovely designs! Mine was $350 Canadian in 14 kt unplated white gold including setting my stone.

 

[DoeEyes]

@MelloYello8 Thanks I messaged the seller!

@muskokathompson I've tried looking on the Stuller website so many times because it's always recommended but it's really difficult to look. They have so many settings that all look almost identical, and none of them show the price so I can't even get an idea of which ones would be in my price range.

I just narrowed it down to solitaire, 6 prong, round, 14k white gold, and there are 66 results. Of those 66 I think I could narrow it down to these 13, but then I have no clue how to pick from these. I would really need to see them in person. Would I give my jeweler all 13 and ask her to order them all for me to look at? Wouldn't she need to pay for them all or does Stuller send them free for jewelers to show a customer and then only pay for the one I get?

https://www.stuller.com/products/14...yId=11054&recommendationSource=CategoryBrowse
https://www.stuller.com/products/14...yId=11054&recommendationSource=CategoryBrowse
https://www.stuller.com/products/14...yId=11054&recommendationSource=CategoryBrowse
https://www.stuller.com/products/15...yId=11054&recommendationSource=CategoryBrowse
https://www.stuller.com/products/15...yId=11054&recommendationSource=CategoryBrowse
https://www.stuller.com/products/17...yId=11054&recommendationSource=CategoryBrowse
https://www.stuller.com/products/16...yId=11054&recommendationSource=CategoryBrowse
https://www.stuller.com/products/16...yId=11054&recommendationSource=CategoryBrowse
https://www.stuller.com/products/16...yId=11054&recommendationSource=CategoryBrowse
https://www.stuller.com/products/16...yId=11054&recommendationSource=CategoryBrowse
https://www.stuller.com/products/15...yId=11054&recommendationSource=CategoryBrowse
https://www.stuller.com/products/15...yId=11054&recommendationSource=CategoryBrowse
https://www.stuller.com/products/16...yId=11054&recommendationSource=CategoryBrowse

 

[muskokathompson]

Have a look at the stuller settings thread here:
https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/show-me-stuller-settings.212118/
My jeweller was able to give me prices for everything I asked about. Mine was this one:
https://www.stuller.com/products/build/122004/?groupId=113775#/mounting-options and as I said, was under $300 US with setting fees. All of the plain 6 prong solitaires were around the same price +/- $50. Prices went up with engraving, pave, etc.

 

[muskokathompson]

Also, having looked at your options, the solstice in comfort fit would be my choice in a low or medium setting. I don’t like a knife edge on my finger, and I don’t like my stone too high. You can check to see what you think for yourself about those options in your local jeweller - they will have solitaires in many styles. I like the solstice better than the other choices because the head is more integrated and elegant. The others look boxy to me.
https://www.stuller.com/products/16...yId=11054&recommendationSource=CategoryBrowse

 

[DoeEyes]

Also, having looked at your options, the solstice in comfort fit would be my choice in a low or medium setting. I don’t like a knife edge on my finger, and I don’t like my stone too high. You can check to see what you think for yourself about those options in your local jeweller - they will have solitaires in many styles. I like the solstice better than the other choices because the head is more integrated and elegant. The others look boxy to me.
https://www.stuller.com/products/16...yId=11054&recommendationSource=CategoryBrowse

I think it looks too wide to me, the shank, but it's so hard to tell in the pictures and video. It does say it's 2.5mm and from what I've seen in person even 2mm is too wide for me. I'm not sure how thin is safe to go but maybe somewhere between 1.5 and 1.8mm. And if the shank is on the higher end of that, I really would love a taper towards the stone. With the half carat, all of those things really make it pop.

 

[pearaffair]

Stuller is probably going to be your best bet, price wise. Unless you’re jeweller has some other good options! I messaged you on weddingbee, btw.

Also I think it’s a super sweet idea you have for your mom! I did something similar for my mom

 

[muskokathompson]

I have a .52 in mine and the shank is 1.8 mm with a taper. I love it, but you’d need to like the antique ness of the 122004 - it has a little crown on the side. You might prefer the knife edge solstice as that would look narrower.

 

[jbake]

@frogplus On the Stuller website, go to “Locate Jeweler,” if you can find the jeweler you’ve been working with, they may have an option to view as “jeweler’s showcase.” In any case, the jewelers showcase has the price listed.

https://mohrcreations.jewelershowca...m=140309L&recommendationSource=SearchRedirect

 

[DoeEyes]

I have a .52 in mine and the shank is 1.8 mm with a taper. I love it, but you’d need to like the antique ness of the 122004 - it has a little crown on the side. You might prefer the knife edge solstice as that would look narrower.

I think 1.8mm with a taper is exactly what I need! The 122004 isn't perfect for me, I prefer when there's one on top and bottom and two on each side, this one has them slightly rotated so that there are two on top two on bottom and one on each side. I'm also not crazy about the crown on the side. The Stuller settings don't all show the shank width which really makes this extra hard!

 

[DoeEyes]

@frogplus On the Stuller website, go to “Locate Jeweler,” if you can find the jeweler you’ve been working with, they may have an option to view as “jeweler’s showcase.” In any case, the jewelers showcase has the price listed.

https://mohrcreations.jewelershowca...m=140309L&recommendationSource=SearchRedirect

So my local jeweler that I visited today is not listed, but many others in Philly are. How do I view as jeweler's showcase?

 

[muskokathompson]

How about this one? The shank is 1.7 mm
https://www.stuller.com/products/121916/?groupId=110952

 

[DoeEyes]

How about this one? The shank is 1.7 mm
https://www.stuller.com/products/121916/?groupId=110952

Wow! It's almost TOO tapered. What exactly do the measurements mean?
Approx. Shoulder Width: 1.7 mm
Approx. Shank Base Thickness: 1.6 mm
Approx. Shank Base Width: 3 mm
Approx. Shoulder Height: 1.8 mm
Is the Shank Base the bottom that you'd see when you're looking at your palm? So that area is 3mm wide and 1.6mm thick? And the shoulder would be the area next to the stone? I think I would rather have 2mm shank base and tapering to like 1.6mm or even 1.8mm at the shoulder/stone.

 

[jbake]

So my local jeweler that I visited today is not listed, but many others in Philly are. How do I view as jeweler's showcase?

I just entered Philadelphia as the location & scrolled to the first jeweler with jewelers showcase listed. I’m assuming a store has to opt in for it to show up or something. But down by phone, email, website, some will have an option for Jeweler Showcase. If you click on that, it will be the Stuller site, but with prices & an option to add things to a quote. I like adding anything I’m interested in & just pull the page up when I’m in my jeweler’s store. There’s also an option to submit your quote, but I haven’t done that.

 

[DoeEyes]

My jeweler showed me these to settings today which I like except that this part between my finger and the stone seems so high. The shoulder? Is this normal and I'm not going to find anything better or are these high? That was my main issue with both of these.

 

[Golden_bird]

My jeweler showed me these to settings today which I like except that this part between my finger and the stone seems so high. The shoulder? Is this normal and I'm not going to find anything better or are these high? That was my main issue with both of these.

I guess you mean the prongs and the head of the setting where the diamond is attached . They will be little bit shorter when the stone set ,but still , I think if you would like a very comfortable ring ,look for a low set setting

 

[MamaBee]

My jeweler showed me these to settings today which I like except that this part between my finger and the stone seems so high. The shoulder? Is this normal and I'm not going to find anything better or are these high? That was my main issue with both of these.

The first one is a high profile setting. I had one like that and I whacked my stone on everything. I think for your size stone I like the second one better. I think the basket is really pretty and the prongs are lower. It isn’t a low profile but doesn’t look too high either. It looks like a knife edge which means the band will sit higher but be thinner..hard to explain. Look at some pics of everyone’s rings and look at the heights..See if you can get an idea how high or low you want your setting.

 

[DoeEyes]

Sorry I didn't really explain well. I'm fine with the height of the prongs since I know they'll be a little lower after setting. It's this part that I think is too high. Is this called the shoulder?

 

[MamaBee]

Yes..That’s just the design..It would be a personal preference whether you like it or not...You can definitely get one that is lower if you don’t like it.

 

[MamaBee]

You could get a lower profile like this one..

 

[Polished]

It seems to be a thing with the tapered band to be higher on the shoulders. I looked at the Brian Gavin website and their half round six prong style seems to not come up as far as their tapered six prong style:

https://www.briangavindiamonds.com/engagement-rings/solitaire/tapered-classic-style-half-round-5540
https://www.briangavindiamonds.com/...assic-style-half-round-18k-white-gold-5478w18

I do think Brian Gavin"s tapered ring looks lovely and dainty on a hand:

https://blog.brianthecutter.com/201...e-half-round-ring-size-4-25-cheyne-hand-shot/

 

[DoeEyes]

It seems to be a thing with the tapered band to be higher on the shoulders. I looked at the Brian Gavin website and their half round six prong style seems to not come up as far as their tapered six prong style:

https://www.briangavindiamonds.com/engagement-rings/solitaire/tapered-classic-style-half-round-5540
https://www.briangavindiamonds.com/...assic-style-half-round-18k-white-gold-5478w18

I do think Brian Gavin"s tapered ring looks lovely and dainty on a hand:

https://blog.brianthecutter.com/2011/05/09/u-k-customer-thrilled-with-her-brian-gavin-tapered-tiffany-style-half-round-diamond-solitaire-engagement-ring…/dscf7923-1-110ct-f-si2-18k-white-gold-tapered-tiffany-style-half-round-ring-size-4-25-cheyne-hand-shot/

Oh interesting. I guess it does make sense that a tapered band would need to have higher shoulders for stability. I like both of those BGD settings. I think I still prefer the taper even though it has higher shoulders.

It's annoying how difficult it is to find the perfect setting, especially since my wishlist seems so simple. I just don't want to pay for custom so I'm stuck trying to find all the details I want in a premade setting.

 

[MamaBee]

Oh interesting. I guess it does make sense that a tapered band would need to have higher shoulders for stability. I like both of those BGD settings. I think I still prefer the taper even though it has higher shoulders.

It's annoying how difficult it is to find the perfect setting, especially since my wishlist seems so simple. I just don't want to pay for custom so I'm stuck trying to find all the details I want in a premade setting.[/QUOTE
You’ll find it! You’re a good shopper!

 

[DoeEyes]

I think I found my setting tonight.

It's a very simple 6 prong ~2mm tapered band in 14k white gold, exactly what I've been looking for. I started tearing up in the store looking at it. I think I just feel in my heart that it's right.

It's going to be $275, setting fee and sizing included. We had decided on a budget of $600, maybe even more for the perfect setting. So I told my boyfriend that he's going to owe me some Lightbox earrings for Christmas.

I left my Lightbox diamond there and she wanted me to sleep on it and call her with my final answer when I'm certain. I expect that tomorrow morning I'll be calling her with the green light, but I'm going to sleep on it to be 100% sure. I took a bunch of pictures that I'm just staring at and tearing up. I think my search is over.

I tried to be open to EVERYTHING and ultimately decided that natural diamonds aren't worth it for me at this point in my life. Maybe that will change later. Right now I just can't stomach the cost. Lightbox was the perfect solution for me. I got the size and the sparkle at the price I wanted.

I debated between posting the pictures or waiting until my real ring is here, but I'm too excited so I'm posting! I want to hear everyone's thoughts on this setting before I say yes for sure.

This is with a .4 carat diamond just sitting in the setting, not actually set. Mine will be half carat. My only concern is it will look too low after my stone is set, and have a short and fat look.

What do you guys think? Green light or do you think it's going to look short and fat once it's set with a half carat?

 

[kindred]

The shoulders are a little higher than I thought you wanted, but if you love it, go for it. You sure can't beat the price! I love your plan to get earrings at Christmas.

 

[MamaBee]

I love the setting..but it’s what YOU love..I don’t know what you mean about short and fat..Are you thinking the setting is too low profile? Make sure this is the setting YOU want..not what all of us think. You’re going to wearing this ring for a long time..possibly forever..Don’t feel pressure to make the decision tomorrow...but it sounds like you MAY have made your decision..crying when you look at it is a good sign!
I love that you told your boyfriend you want Lightbox studs for Christmas..