Final CAD's? I think so!! What do you think?

[JB4_CO_BUCK]

I will keep my thoughts to myself....just thought I would get some other posters opinions. Thanks in Advance

 

[Enerchi]

My first reaction was "busy" - although I know that the CADS are often a less refined than what the finished and polished product will be.

I love the halo and I love the bezeled sides, but I'm just not confident the 2 styles blend well together in the same ring. The profile of the bezels seems very 'ruffled' - as a result of the size of the pave used - is this a feature that you requested? Is this a surprise for your fiance or has she given input as well?

Had you tried the design with prong set diamonds along the sides, so the styles are more similar?

(...but if I'm way off base, and you are both over the moon in love with the CAD's... just ignore me! )

 

[ecf8503]

I have to agree - the style of the bezeled sides with the halo style just don't match to my eye. But if YOU love it then ignore me.

 

[diamondseeker2006]

The shank and under the halo is way too bulky to me.

 

[JB4_CO_BUCK]

My first reaction was "busy" - although I know that the CADS are often a less refined than what the finished and polished product will be.

I love the halo and I love the bezeled sides, but I'm just not confident the 2 styles blend well together in the same ring. The profile of the bezels seems very 'ruffled' - as a result of the size of the pave used - is this a feature that you requested? Is this a surprise for your fiance or has she given input as well?

Had you tried the design with prong set diamonds along the sides, so the styles are more similar?

(...but if I'm way off base, and you are both over the moon in love with the CAD's... just ignore me! )

Its a surprise, but this is based off research we did together. This pic is of the setting she fell in love with, but I made a couple changes to make it unique to what I think she would love.

 

[Gypsy]

Hmm.

Well, I'm not loving it. But that might be because even conceptually, combining that shank with that halo isn't something I really like. So I'm not sure my comments are going to constructive because most of them would be geared toward changing the fundemental design.

That said, I can't see the whole gallery but I'm pretty sure it's blocky and I'm not gonna like it.

 

[JB4_CO_BUCK]

The shank and under the halo is way too bulky to me.

You guys are killing me, lol.

BG warned it would look bulky because of some extra material they build into the ring. I was very clear when I told them I want it to still appear delicate. Its 15% "bigger" than it will be finished

She wears a size 4 also....and those side stones are only 4 ptrs and the halo are 1 ptrs.

I really don't think this is going be bulky at all, especially on the finger.

I could be wrong though

 

[diamondseeker2006]

If BG warned you that it will be bulky, then you need to listen to them, because they do this everyday! I would absolutely back up and ask them for suggestions. That sample ring does not have the shank thickness (depth) that yours does.

 

[JB4_CO_BUCK]

You misunderstood.....they said the CAD's would look "heavier" and "bulky" compared to the finished product.

"Please note that the CAD appears heavier than the finished ring as we allow for a 15% overage of material for the casting process. This excess is shaved down after the ring has been cast." They actually called before they sent the CADS because they knew I would question its bulkiness

I also have been on the phone with them several times and they assured me it would look much more delicate when finished.

As for the "sample ring" the shank diamonds are graduated and are 8 ptrs at the top near the center stone and get smaller towards the bottom......the diamonds on the CAD...like I mentioned are 4ptrs.

EDIT: CAD diamonds are 3ptrs not 4 on the shank, and 2ptrs on the halo i think - the center stone is slightly over a carat

 

[Gypsy]

You misunderstood.....they said the CAD's would look "heavier" and "bulky" compared to the finished product.

"Please note that the CAD appears heavier than the finished ring as we allow for a 15% overage of material for the casting process. This excess is shaved down after the ring has been cast." They actually called before they sent the CADS because they knew I would question its bulkiness

I also have been on the phone with them several times and they assured me it would look much more delicate when finished.

As for the "sample ring" the shank diamonds are graduated and are 8 ptrs at the top near the center stone and get smaller towards the bottom......the diamonds on the CAD...like I mentioned are 4ptrs.

EDIT: CAD diamonds are 3ptrs not 4 on the shank, and 2ptrs on the halo i think - the center stone is slightly over a carat

I gotta tell you I'd shrink the shank to 2 pointers ASAP. I'd ask them for the thinnest bezels they can manage on those stones as well. Then go down to 1.5 pointers on the halo.

Trust me, what you've got there is a monster of a ring. Also that last bezel, the one that meets the halo should be open, not closed like the inspiration ring.

Also tilt the halo 20-30% away from the center stone. You don't want the flying saucer halo look you've got there.

And tell them to do something artistic and elegant in the gallery. I do not like what I see there at all.

 

[Enerchi]

I gotta tell you I'd shrink the shank to 2 pointers ASAP. I'd ask them for the thinnest bezels they can manage on those stones as well. Keep the Then go down to 1.5 pointers on the halo.

Trust me, what you've got there is a monster of a ring. Also that last bezel, the one that meets the halo should be open, not closed like the inspiration ring.

And tell them to do something artistic and elegant in the gallery. I do not like what I see there at all.

+1 Very succinctly said, Gypsy! JcoBuck, I think these suggestions would really get you closer to your inspiration ring. As it stands now, you are not going to achieve that look. Sorry.

 

[yssie]

What are you looking for from us JB4?

There are holes on the undersides of the bezeled sides in the inspiration, I don't see them in the BGD. Is that a deliberate omission? I would probably recommend them, there is more than enough metal to make an otherwise sturdy design.

To clarify your note: yes, CADs are heavy/bulky compared to the final product because some of that excess metal is shaved off in the polishing. Areas that the polishing tools can't access won't be affected - they'll remain exactly as cast. That's one of the downsides of casting intricate designs - the tools can't get into all the nooks and crannies to clean up... I would not consider your design "intricate", but the shoulder/struts area is busy enough and the overall design is bold and heavy enough that I honestly do not think you are going to get the "delicate" look you seem to be seeking.

I would also recommend asking them to blunt the inside edges significantly in the CAD for casting, the current inside edges are very sharp and will only be marginally blunted in finishing and combined with the scallops of the bezel I'm imagining teeth digging into the skin when she puts it on or takes it off..


ETA: what Gypsy said.

 

[Laila619]

The sample ring is much prettier than BGD's version, in my opinion.

First of all, the sample ring looks more delicate. It's also not a cathedral style, whereas yours is. Also, the bezeled diamonds on the shank in the sample appear to be graduated in size; they get smaller as they go down the shank. Yours all look like the same size. I don't know, I personally would just go with the sample ring. It's hard for a vendor to replicate a design like this. Is there a reason you didn't want to just go with the sample?

 

[JB4_CO_BUCK]

Wow...thank you so much for hte suggestions.

A lot of you hit points that I would have let go though it is exactly what I am going for.

Again, I am not going for extremely delicate.

The main things she liked about the "inspiration ring" were the bezeled shank and, the way she put it, nice design under the halo.

The one thing she did mention she would prefer was a ring that allow for the wedding band to sit flush against it without having to "shape" around the setting....hence why I went to a more cathedral style and the non graduated diamonds on the shank.

Thanks Gypsy!!

I did want a little more "elegance" to the gallery...thank you for finding the right word for me. I am still waiting on the exact sizes of the side stones before I correct them but I will certainly mention your suggestions.

Enerchi, no apologies necessary....I appreciate all the feedback especially when it brings me closer to what I was thinking.

Yssie, are you sure about the holes in the "inspiration ring" because I only see them in the band? What is the upside to having the holes, more light?

I honestly don't need the thing to be super delicate just not a monster like Gypsy said.

I do like the idea of a more rounded inside edge and will suggest as such. Thank you for that!!

Lailia619...I touched on your questions above. I guess a simple answer is I am just trying to make it exactly what she wants

 

[Laila619]

Yssie, are you sure about the holes in the "inspiration ring" because I only see them in the band? What is the upside to having the holes, more light?

Easier to clean the diamonds, because the pavilions are where they usually need cleaning the most, and with a close-backed setting, you can't access them at all.

 

[Gypsy]

The holes are called azures and since your ring is not wisp thin, the design can handle them structurally, and they do make cleaning much easier and more effective.

You mentioned something I missed in your last thread.

So making all the diamonds the same size was not because she asked for same sized diamonds, but rather because she wants a flush fit straight wedding band. Same reason for the gallery modifications.

Okay.

How about some of these ideas for the gallery:



From BGD, they can adjust this design for a cathedral shank and I think it would be flush fit



Another BGD ring that allows for flush fit and would work with your design:
http://www.briangavindiamonds.com/engagement-rings/pave-and-side-stones/halo-engagement-ring-18k-white-gold-5441w18


This by the way is what I mean by a tilted halo:

 

[diamondseeker2006]

I'll agree with what the others said including graduating the stones on the shank and the tilted halo, definitely.

 

[JB4_CO_BUCK]

I definitely like the tilted halo and the idea of it having azures, but I actually think she will like the current gallery with a little more elegance/artistry in it. I saw similar styles with her and she really really liked them.

I just hope BG isn't going to be ticked with me going back for a second time with changes.

- smaller shank and halo stones, sized depending on what is already there

- a more tilted halo

- more rounded inside edges...more like a comfort fit with azures beneath the stones

- a little more design/artistry/elegance in the gallery (not as blocky looking)

-Last bezel near the halo needs to be open like the others

I think those changes are more what I am looking for!!!


Thank you all for the feedback. I am overwhelmed by the help.

 

[JB4_CO_BUCK]

This by the way is what I mean by a tilted halo:

What pt do you think the diamonds on the non tilted ring's shank are?

 

[Gypsy]

I'm pretty sure both those are 1 pointers with a 2 carat center stone.

 

[Gypsy]

I definitely like the tilted halo and the idea of it having azures, but I actually think she will like the current gallery with a little more elegance/artistry in it. I saw similar styles with her and she really really liked them.

I just hope BG isn't going to be ticked with me going back for a second time with changes.

- smaller shank and halo stones, sized depending on what is already there

- a tilted halo approximately 20-30 degrees

- more rounded inside edges...more like a comfort fit with azures beneath the stones

- MUCH more design/artistry/elegance in the gallery (not as blocky looking)

-Last bezel near the halo needs to be open like the others

- Bezels no thicker than seen here: http://www.briangavindiamonds.com/wedding-and-anniversary-bands/eternity-bands/sapphire-and-diamond-bezel-18k-white-gold-5434w18

I think those changes are more what I am looking for!!!


Thank you all for the feedback. I am overwhelmed by the help.

Three edits above in your vendor directions, for specificity and efficient communication. Also I added a direction about the bezel thickness, you do not want the metal to overwhelm the diamonds, so have them no thicker than what you see in that link. Also send them examples of galleries you like. I really like this one, just tell them to make sure to modify it to allow for flush fit if you like it too.

 

[Enerchi]

Wow - if you are able to get those changes made, as Gypsy suggested, I think the new CAD's will be 100% closer to the delicate design you initially wanted to copy.

Sounds like an excellent and specific description - can't wait to see the new CADs! And do not worry about BGD being 'upset' with you - they want a happy customer and will do what's needed to get you to that point! Do not fret Jb4CoBuck!

 

[JB4_CO_BUCK]

Wow - if you are able to get those changes made, as Gypsy suggested, I think the new CAD's will be 100% closer to the delicate design you initially wanted to copy.

Sounds like an excellent and specific description - can't wait to see the new CADs! And do not worry about BGD being 'upset' with you - they want a happy customer and will do what's needed to get you to that point! Do not fret Jb4CoBuck!

First to Gypsy...man you are straight forward...lol. Thank you!

I actually sent this gallery in first and the CAD is the result. I really think she would like this but again they had to adjust it to have it sit flush.


Enerchi, Thanks, I know they want to help me make exactly what i am thinking.

I am sort of in a time crunch too which makes me antsy.

 

[Gypsy]

Wow - if you are able to get those changes made, as Gypsy suggested, I think the new CAD's will be 100% closer to the delicate design you initially wanted to copy.

Sounds like an excellent and specific description - can't wait to see the new CADs! And do not worry about BGD being 'upset' with you - they want a happy customer and will do what's needed to get you to that point! Do not fret Jb4CoBuck!

First to Gypsy...man you are straight forward...lol. Thank you!

I actually sent this gallery in first and the CAD is the result. I really think she would like this but again they had to adjust it to have it sit flush.


Enerchi, Thanks, I know they want to help me make exactly what i am thinking.

I am sort of in a time crunch too which makes me antsy.

Yes, I am straight forward. It's a blessing and a curse.

How bad is the time crunch?

And... I'm not a fan of that gallery. The one I posted last is a BGD design, so it should be relatively easy for them to do, since they've done it before. All they need to do to make it work for your design is some slight modifications.

 

[JB4_CO_BUCK]

Sorry Gypsy, I just don't think she would like that one.

She said that she liked some design in the gallery (aka not plain), but nothing "too much"

Time Crunch is about end of the month

 

[Gypsy]

Okay how about one of these. The first is simpler has a surprise stone, works with flush fit and it really elegant. The second I've edited in a surprise stone (the gray and black circle in the center of the picture), that would be either a diamond OR her birthstone. I prefer the second.

 

[chel180]

Okay how about one of these. The first is simpler has a surprise stone, works with flush fit and it really elegant. The second I've edited in a surprise stone (the gray and black circle in the center of the picture), that would be either a diamond OR her birthstone. I prefer the second.

I love the gallery on top one
Just to adding my 2cents along with everyone else. I think you have the makings of a beautiful ring here (once it's toned down a bit ). And I think the suggestions above will get there. I'm looking forward to seeing the next round of CADs.

 

[JB4_CO_BUCK]

Looks like I will have to incur a fee if I move forward with my requested changes since its considered a new design.

Not sure how that is fair, since the basic design is not changing (if I leave the gallery alone, which I think my GF will still love)


I am going to actually have a convo with Brian in a little bit. He also sent a picture that shows the gallery better and I like it

 

[JB4_CO_BUCK]

Thank you again for all the feedback.

I spoke with Brian and he is very reassuring.

I also have seen a much better view of the gallery and I think it is awesome and think my GF will love it.

 

[Enerchi]

Glad to hear you had a chance to speak directly with Brian and you feel reassured! Hope it all pans out the way you envision it. Is he sending another set of CAD's for you to look at? I don't think the cost of $450 for a redesign is unreasonable, if you do change the design. It does require time and expertise to get it right and, at that level of quality, so you do 'get what you pay for' (as I'm constantly reminded by my DH!!)