Exposed Girdle on a Tension Setting?

[rums]

Hello!

I'm having some problems trying to determine what kind of setting to get. I'd like to purchase a setting like the following for an engagement ring:

http://www.absolutetitanium.com/t-ex.html

and the diamonds I've been specing out is about .85 ct, which are around 6mm in width.

I've spoken to an e-mailed a few different manufacturers of Titanium tension settings, and have received different answers as to whether the girdle can remain exposed or not, and if this is a risk. I understand that having it exposed does pose an element of risk as opposed to having a ring the same width as the stone, but this doesn't look as aesthetically pleasing plus it makes for a honkin' wide ring.

Does anyone here have this (or a similar) setting with an exposed and 'over-size' diamond that can speak from experience, good or bad? Any chips? No problems at all? I've read that the ring should be about 2/3 the width of the stone (from Mr. Boone, I believe), or 1mm/side (4mm ring for a 6mm stone), and even: "No, we won't even do that for you at all.". If it matters, the ring is going to be a size 6.

Thanks so much,
Rums.

 

[chialea]

You might want the intended wearer of the ring to try on a tension setting before buying it. I was looking at one, but they were far too large on me, and looked very, very silly. The saleslady thought the was quite funny, even. It's possible that the titanium ones are smaller, but they don't look like it from the pictures on the web.

If you want a more delicate looking tension setting, try one that goes on the "other" sides of the diamond, like this:
passby setting which comes in white gold and platinum.

Just a note about the diamond -- at least for the G&A settings (and I think others) you need to have at least a VS2 diamond, with no inclusions breaking the surface, and low strain (which apparently isn't a big deal unless you're doing a tension setting). I believe you can find something about strain on niceice's site; they're generally quite informative and helpful.

 

[JoangA]

I have a tension set with a 1.2 diamond. The diamond is wider that the band, so the girdle is exposed, however I have not worried about it.

I don't wear my ring when I'm working in the garden, for extra protection. I've had it almost 4 years and no problems. I still love the magical look of the setting.

 

[rums]

chialea: Thank you for the suggestions and links. The 'wrap around' is nice but not quite what I'm after. The diamond will certainly be a VS2 or better, and thanks for the info on strain -- I'll be certain to investigate that as well before I make a final decision on the stone.

JoangA: Do you have any pictures of your setting? How much of the girdle is exposed (ex: sticking out 1mm top & bottom), and did you have any problems insuring it? I'm glad to hear it's still doing fine!

Both: Thanks for the replies!

Rums.

 

[Mara]

one comment, price out other titanium companies before buying... I used AT for Greg's ring and it was 2 times as much as other companies in terms of price though they were very nice to work with. the ring turned out to be too big and since we had a short timeline before the wedding, Bruce Boone of Boone Rings re-made a new ring for us in ONE DAY! plus from looking at his prices on the site, they seem to be much cheaper..and same materials.




now I wish I'd gone directly to Bruce rather than dealt with AT...they took 4 weeks to make the ring and tons of emails etc...with Bruce it was literally a one day turnaround. I mailed the too-big ring with diamond on Wed and had the new one in my paws on Friday morning at 10am.

so just do all your homework before committing. if it's a branded/trademarked design you probably have to use them but if it's not...shop around!

Good luck!

 

[rums]

Mara: Thanks for the warning about AT. I've heard nothing but fantastic things about Bruce's work (and superb turnaround times). The main reason I'm looking at AT or TitaniumEra is because I'm located in Canada so that may prove to be a bit of a logistical nightmare sending diamonds across the border (I don't want to get hit with an additional 17% excise + GST tax) However, if it can be worked out, I may proceed with Bruce anyway.

Regardless, I'd still love to hear about some more experiences from anyone that has a tension setting with a stone larger than the width of the ring. Anyone? Any 'on the hand' pics out there?

 

[jimhwu]

That looks just like the Gelin & Albaci platinum setting that I gave my fiance. She has a 1ct stone and the ring is between 4-5 mm thick. Anyways, she loves it and wears it every day. It's been about 8 months since I proposed and we've had no problems with it whatsoever. She is careful with it when she take it off. She usually place it back in the ring box or on a soft cloth so the girdle won't smack against anything. Other than that, we don't worry about it. The ring was insured as soon as I got it in my hands so we're not really worry about it. Anyways, the design is simple and beautiful. So, I say if you really love it, go for it.

Jim

 

[chialea]

What I've read on the web about tension settings is basically that eventually you're going to chip the girdle a bit, but just insure it and it's no big deal. Rings are meant to be worn, and minor chipping that you can get fixed probably isn't an issue if you really love the setting.

 

[rums]

Jim: Congrats on your engagement, and I'm glad to hear the ring is doing fine. I guess my gf will have to follow suit and just be a bit more careful with it, and I think I'm going to get a stone with a medium girdle which should help with some small nick resistance.

chialea:

I hope that minor chipping isn't just a 'fact of life' with this setting!

 

[chialea]

I hope it isn't either... I'm completely going on hear-say with this one, since the tension settings I liked looked huge on my hands!

I'll keep my fingers crossed for you. Just be careful with the ring, and don't do any manual labour or rock-hauling with it on, and I'm sure it'll be fine. If it isn't, you have it insured, et tant pis