good mounting for "Growing a diamond"

[Sizzle]

In trying to move away from my own setting drama, I''m wondering if people have advice on a good setting for "upgrading". There are several style (bezels, halos) where that''s just not practical. Is there anything besides a plain solitaire that could withstand several changes.. say going from a 1 carat to a 3 carat through the years?? Feel free to post photos, links etc.

 

[Harriet]

I can''t think of any. Does a tension setting count as a solitaire?

 

[honey22]

If you have a plain solitaire you can often change over the head on the band to account for the increased stone, but I don''t think you can stretch the prongs to accomodate a much larger stone. Changing the head can be a cheaper way of re-using some of the setting without forking out for a whole new one. I am not sure if all jewellers would do this though? I believe my solitaire head is designed for a slightly smaller stone, that way the stone could be set as low as possible, so at least in my case, a 0.6ct ish head can accommodate a 0.8ct RB stone.

 

[Gypsy]

Peg head solitare. Peg can be switched out to accomodate growing stone. Integrated head is a bad idea with upgrades on the horizon.

 

[arjunajane]

Hmmm..not sure if there is one good answer. I agree with Gypsy that a peg solitaire is the only real option that I''m aware of. I would think a tension could be a worse idea as it needs to fit the stone so perfectly..
In any case, I wouldn''t want to change a setting more than once, otherwise it may start looking like a "chop shop" job..but again, I''m no jeweler so that just mho!

 

[Rhea]

Would you consider going with an inexpensive, plain solitaire? I think one can start at about $250-$300 so that wouldn''t be too much of a waste each time and may not cost any more than changing a head out would anyhow.

 

[diamondseeker2006]

Date: 5/26/2008 6:46:56 AM
Author: Addy
Would you consider going with an inexpensive, plain solitaire? I think one can start at about $250-$300 so that wouldn''t be too much of a waste each time and may not cost any more than changing a head out would anyhow.

Ditto. That is the solution. Just get a new plain 14k solitaire until you have the final stone.

 

[Sizzle]

I was actully just "thinking out loud" you know. I guess I need to be exposed to more quality solitaire settings, because the ones I''ve seen tend to feel a little "flimsy". I haven''t seen many "peg head" mountings out here either.

 

[Rhea]

14K white or yellow gold for $250 at WF. Also comes in 6 prongs if you prefer.

18K white or yellow gold, slightly thinner band making your stone pop more and it''s a knife edge something a bit different, for $250 at JA.

14K white or yellow gold for $299 at Knox.

I''d just get your setting wherever you happen to be going for your upgrades. You''ll save money on the setting cost by not involving another jeweller in the process. If you let the place that you''re buying the diamond know that your upgrading plans I''m sure they would recommend an inexpensive setting so you wouldn''t waste too much money each time.

 

[neatfreak]

Date: 5/26/2008 10:09:15 AM
Author: Sizzle
I was actully just 'thinking out loud' you know. I guess I need to be exposed to more quality solitaire settings, because the ones I've seen tend to feel a little 'flimsy'. I haven't seen many 'peg head' mountings out here either.

I'm sure you have. Many cheap settings (and some that aren't so cheap!) are peg heads. It basically just means that the prongs "sit" on the band instead of being integrated into it.

 

[risingsun]

Some expensive settings use a peg head, as well

I have a HOF semimount with this type of head. It will accomodate upgrades and look great, at the same time. A new head would have to be made to accomodate a larger stone. Let me find a pic.

 

[risingsun]

Side view...I think it looks like a chalice...

 

[kcoursolle]

Date: 5/26/2008 4:48:12 AM
Author: Gypsy
Peg head solitare. Peg can be switched out to accomodate growing stone. Integrated head is a bad idea with upgrades on the horizon.

ditto this idea! Peg head settings are the only ones I can think of that can easily accommodate multiple updates. Basically they can remove the crown and replace it with each new diamond.

 

[marcy]

As long as it has a peg head setting (solitaire or semi mount) they should be able to go through several upgrades. How fun for you to have that to look forward to in a few years.

 

[somehowcollide]

Date: 5/26/2008 12:09:38 PM
Author: risingsun
Side view...I think it looks like a chalice...

(oh it does look like a chalice RS!)