Flipping, wandering pendants! (WF Bellerina)

[wasser]

I fortunately stumbled upon this place through a Google search and have since been pouring through threads. I was originally interested in a simple diamond pendant for my wife. When I first saw the Bellerina pendant at WF it really didn't impact me. After reading Belle's thread and seeing the images, the neck shots in particular, I was sold! I think it's just perfect.

However, I have a few questions and wanted some advice. This may all be moot depending on the costs (I've emailed WF questioning the cost of modification).

I've seen pictures of both the stock dual bale mount and the modified single bale. Aesthetics aside, as I understand it there are some possible pros and cons to each. Basically it's this:

Dual Bale

• Pros
  
  no flipping

• Cons
  
  pendant wander - with a stationary pendant it's possible for it to move off center as the chain moves

Single Bale

• Pros
  
  less likely to wander as it rides on the chain and gravity keeps it roughly centered
  
  interchangeable chains are possible

• Cons
  
  possible flipping

Am I missing something? Have I misunderstood the implications of the single or dual bale with respect to flipping and wandering? For some reason my mind thinks flipping and "wander" would be an issue with either design. I suppose it's mostly a matter of degrees.

 

[lyra]

To further prevent flipping, having the chain made to a custom length is an option. Sometimes just a half inch or inch longer makes the pendant sit at the right place. We''re all different, so it''s natural that we wouldn''t all wear the exact same length chain. Just a further idea.

 

[milton333]

Date: 12/1/2007 3:43:53 PM
Author:wasser
For some reason my mind thinks flipping and ''wander'' would be an issue with either design.

In my experience, wandering happens with either a stationary or single-bale pendant. If you have a pretty heavy pendant, a single bale might prevent this. You''d have to have a pretty big diamond in the setting for the weight to be sufficient, in my opinion.

It also may depend on the type & width of the bale and the type of the chain. A skinny single bale with a link-style chain, combined with a lightweight pendant, can result in the bale catching in the intersection of two chain links and riding along up the neck. A box chain or some other style might prevent that, but might be less aesthetically pleasing with a delicate pendant.