Help – My Version of J Lawrence’s Drop Earrings

[FancyDiamond]

In the past, I posted mostly reveal threads in which I showed off my new diamond jewelry at the end when it was completed. This time, I want to start the reveal thread before my new jewelry is made. Why? This time involves a pair of drop earrings about which I have no clues and I do not know what to expect. In order to increase chance of success and avoid multiple iterations of CAD changes, I think it is wise to seek input here early on. Please help make my design perfect. Your comments and inputs are much appreciated.
First, I shall describe my design, ideas, limitations, and preferences. Second, I shall show the sketch/drawing I sent to my jeweler. Third, I shall show you the first CAD, without providing any of my thoughts, so as not to influence your thinking.
1. Inspiration Design – Drop earrings worn by Jennifer Lawrence at Oscars night.

 

[FancyDiamond]

I like the simple design, thin huggies or lever backs dangling with a gigantic, haloed rock. The result is serious bling without being too ornate. Unfortunately, to duplicate this masterpiece would be way too costly, particularly the two boulder center stones. The biggest diamond size I can afford is 0.7ct. In order to maintain the proportion and overall size of JL’s earrings, I add an extra halo to boost the size of the 0.7ct center stone. I have no idea about the sizes of the melees in JL’s earrings. I chose 5-pt for the outer halo and 3-pt for the inner halo. One special touch is placing a 5-pt (instead of 3-pt) in the north and south positions of the inner halo. Reason is that I prefer a slightly off-round (or oval-like) shape.
2. My Sketch
I did not specify much about the design, since I do not know the details myself. However, I stated my preference about the double halo dangler being dome-shape (like and want some 3-dimensional effect).

 

[FancyDiamond]

3. First CAD

Please tell me what you think.

 

[GemFever]

Great project!

My impressions:

- the CADs look pretty round, not oval-ish like you wanted
- there is not much visual contrast in size between the inner and outer halo, though in your drawing the inner halo looks smaller (and i like that touch)
- the connection between the huggie clasp and the halos is too long (jump rings, are they called?). The halo should dangle nicely, of course, but is that too big of a gap there?

 

[yssie]

Oh FD, and here we see yet another addition to your magnificent collection


I LOVE the inspiration earrings. They're bold, delicate, and they make a dressy statement without being too ornate, just as you said.

I actually think the CAD design is lovely on its own, but I don't love it as a representation of the aesthetic of the inspiration. The first thing I see when I look at the originals is a giant centerpiece framed with a delicate halo, but when I look at those CADs the first thing that catches my eye is the bullseye pattern of the three concentric rings - centerstone, inner halo, outer halo. And the more I think about it, the more I honestly can't think of any way of removing that three-ringed pattern given the 0.7ct centerstone size and the desired overall drop proportions...

I'm thinking out loud - what attracts me to the original isn't the fact that the center is a giant diamond, it's the fact that there's one clear large center entity framed by a clear single delicate halo. The center entity could be... well, it could be anything, really, as long as the proportions stay the same, right? What about a central pave cluster framed with a scalloped halo? That would provide the domed effect too. Or rose cut centers since they face up HUGE for the carat weight? Maybe even just plain metal - perhaps with a hammered finish to catch the light?


Did WF have any suggestions?

 

[mimB]

CADs look beautiful, and awesome job on the sketch!

A potential idea to enhance the off-round/oval shape you want - what if you place larger stones at N/S of the outer halo, above the 5 pointers in the inner halo? (I really love that touch, btw).
The inner halo does look off-round due to that nuance, but the outer still looks round. I guess if one wants a more dramatic affect, the stones of the outer halo can start as 5 pointers W/E, and then gradually increase in size towards N/S?
I don't know enough about diamonds to suggest a particular size, though. :/

I also think that the negligible difference between 3 and 5 pointers on the CAD is due to the same color metal visible between the layers - a diamond can easily be visually enlarged by a setting that peeks out from the sides.

I guess you could also play around with having the smaller stones on the outside halo.

To my untrained eye, CADs look delicious.

Also, couple more links for J Lawrence's earrings, fo fun:
http://christinaclarkevents.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/02/J-law-close.jpg
http://images.jewelry.com/Oscar-Jennifer-Lawrence-2.jpg
http://i.huffpost.com/gen/1006866/thumbs/o-JENNIFER-LAWRENCE-OSCAR-DRESS-2013-facebook.jpg

 

[FancyDiamond]

Great project!

My impressions:

- the CADs look pretty round, not oval-ish like you wanted
- there is not much visual contrast in size between the inner and outer halo, though in your drawing the inner halo looks smaller (and i like that touch)
- the connection between the huggie clasp and the halos is too long (jump rings, are they called?). The halo should dangle nicely, of course, but is that too big of a gap there?

1. CAD looks round, not oval-ish like I wanted - Agree. This is one of the three first-impressions I got when I first saw the CAD. Yes, Ishall try to do something about it.

2. Not much contrast between the inner and outer halo - Guess there is not enough of a visual size difference between 3-pt and 5-pt. Perhaps, the angle of the each halo plays a role as well.
I am not worried about any size difference btween the two halos. I prefer the inner halo to "merge" with the center diamond, so as to boost the size of the center diamond. The outer halo is to boost the size of the dangler, and can appear separate from the center diamond.

3. Connection between huggies and halo is too long, big gap - Agree. This is another one of my first impressions. I need smaller connection rings to make the top part delicate, so as to put focus on the big dangler. As you said, the gap is too long. I need to reduce it by about 1/3. Hope that by using smaller rings and placing the rings closer together will help.

Thanks for your comments. They help confirm my doubts.

 

[Hera]

I think rose cuts are an excellent suggestion. Perhaps an inner bezel around the rose cuts to add a little size and delineate the rose cut from the halo.

 

[FancyDiamond]

Oh FD, and here we see yet another addition to your magnificent collection


I LOVE the inspiration earrings. They're bold, delicate, and they make a dressy statement without being too ornate, just as you said.

I actually think the CAD design is lovely on its own, but I don't love it as a representation of the aesthetic of the inspiration. The first thing I see when I look at the originals is a giant centerpiece framed with a delicate halo, but when I look at those CADs the first thing that catches my eye is the bullseye pattern of the three concentric rings - centerstone, inner halo, outer halo. And the more I think about it, the more I honestly can't think of any way of removing that three-ringed pattern given the 0.7ct centerstone size and the desired overall drop proportions...

I'm thinking out loud - what attracts me to the original isn't the fact that the center is a giant diamond, it's the fact that there's one clear large center entity framed by a clear single delicate halo. The center entity could be... well, it could be anything, really, as long as the proportions stay the same, right? What about a central pave cluster framed with a scalloped halo? That would provide the domed effect too. Or rose cut centers since they face up HUGE for the carat weight? Maybe even just plain metal - perhaps with a hammered finish to catch the light?


Did WF have any suggestions?

I am with you. The one thing that attracts me to the inspiration piece is as you said, "there is a clear, large entity framed by a clear single halo". It is this combination that makes the piece simple and elegant. Not sure a cluster center will yield the same effect of a clear, single piece. Therefore, I would stick to the 0.7ct center diamond surrounded by a halo with NO GAP. My question to you is if I should lower the center diamond such that it sits at a level closer to that of the inner halo? Or is the current arrangement good enough, if I can succeed to differentiate the outer halo from the center combo (by creating a bigger gap between the two halos and making the outer halo more oval in shape)? I shall provide a drawing to illustrate what I mean.

 

[FancyDiamond]

Thank you all for suggestions. I took each advice and tried out updating sketch to see effect, and ended up with the changes as shown in attached drawing. I think by moving the top/bottom melees of the outer halo further out, I can get a more oval-ish shape.

I decided not to consider rose cut, because I prefer the brilliance of a RB diamond. Later, I may use the same design and put a well-cut sapphire in the center with no inner halo.

I also tried placing a 10-pt melee in the north and south position of the outer halo. The result does not give the desied effect.

Now, going back to my updated sketch, please examine and let me know what you think.

 

[ooo~Shiney!]

WOW. I can't help you here, but I just wanted to say
you have an amazing idea and Boy, PS'ers have the Eagle Eye,
no kidding.
I CAN'T WAIT to see this project reach completion.

Let me add, I love the pictures of Jennifer Lawrence.....
My new favorite actress, I loved her ever since I saw her in Winter's Bone,
and she just gets better and better *(aaand more and more beautiful !!!)

 

[JaneSmith]

You'd have to sketch this to make sure, but I've got an idea that may work.
To create the illusion of a oval, use an seven pointer flanked by two five pointers at the twelve and six o'clock positions.
Put a superfine milgrained ''bezel' between the inner halo and outer halo to trick the eye into seeing one big centre stone.
Use 15 pointers for the outer halo to give it extra oomph and really play up on this one being the only halo.
Make a notch in the bottom of the huggie so there is only one little ring for the pendant part to dangle from, then it will look like it is right up against the bottom of the huggie, but will still have sideways movement.

 

[diamondseeker2006]

I don't think moving the outer halo and causing a gap will really move you closer to your inspiration pictures. Have you considered doing the center with a large white topaz or sapphire and then making them more like the inspiration pair?

 

[FancyDiamond]

I don't think moving the outer halo and causing a gap will really move you closer to your inspiration pictures. Have you considered doing the center with a large white topaz or sapphire and then making them more like the inspiration pair?

I realize and understand that my design will not resemble the inspiration piece completely. It has, however, the same idea of a thin pair of huggies with large danglers. As much as I love the simple elegance of the inspiration piece, I am not sure I want to give up sparkling diamonds for sapphires. I may change my mind if my design in diamonds is much less pleasing than the inspiration piece in sapphires.

Let me ask you the question. Would you prefer FOR YOURSELF

1. my design in diamonds, or
2. inspiration design in white sapphires?

 

[FancyDiamond]

You'd have to sketch this to make sure, but I've got an idea that may work.
To create the illusion of a oval, use an seven pointer flanked by two five pointers at the twelve and six o'clock positions.
Put a superfine milgrained ''bezel' between the inner halo and outer halo to trick the eye into seeing one big centre stone.
Use 15 pointers for the outer halo to give it extra oomph and really play up on this one being the only halo.
Make a notch in the bottom of the huggie so there is only one little ring for the pendant part to dangle from, then it will look like it is right up against the bottom of the huggie, but will still have sideways movement.

Thank you for your suggestions. I tried sketching by using the various size melees per your suggestions. The combination did result in a more well-defined oval shape. However, by comparing the two, old and new sketches, I found that I prefer the fatter "oval" of the old design. My conclusion is that by pushing the top/bottom melees slightly outward is enough to yield the desired shape for me.

Thank you also for the ingenious idea of making a notch in the bottom of the huggie and using only one connection ring (instead of three rings). I shall include this suggestion in my list of changes.

 

[Rhea]

I think the jump ring between the hoop and the drop are too long. The CAD doesn't look as domed as the original. Jennifer's seemed to sparkle from all angles and I think you could do that with a more curved earring.

I agree with the comment about using a rose cut diamond for the centre.

 

[Rhea]

To answer your other question, I might consider a white topaz or sapphire in the middle with a diamond halo to get closer to the look. I'm a bit biased though, I think these are stunning! http://jewelsbyericagrace.smugmug.com/Jewelry/Earrings/Aquamarine-Halo-Dangle/22309668_qVKhkW#!i=1782623713&k=2RJx4F7

 

[Smith1942]

This is SO interesting, to see a project from the early stages!

I did not pick up on any of the issues raised by commenters - I just thought the CADs looked stunning. I'm probably a lone voice in the wilderness here, but I don't like JL's as much because I think the centre stones are just too large. To me, the size is in the "I might be a fake diamond" territory. Yours is much nicer, and with the halos will have a ton of sparkle.

About the gap being too much, I wonder if that's just because these are macro shots? I have drop earrings from Blue Nile and they have an annoying habit of not making that gap long enough and putting too-small rings there, so they don't swing and dangle enough. I think that gap looks fine!

Can't WAIT to see the SMTB thread! When do you expect to have them?

 

[hippi_pixi]

To answer your other question, I might consider a white topaz or sapphire in the middle with a diamond halo to get closer to the look. I'm a bit biased though, I think these are stunning! http://jewelsbyericagrace.smugmug.com/Jewelry/Earrings/Aquamarine-Halo-Dangle/22309668_qVKhkW#!i=1782623713&k=2RJx4F7

i thought of these earrings too. each to their own of course but i personally would prefer the look of a big center stone. wouldn't it be possible to source large diamond cut colorless topaz or sapphire?

otherwise i would have an inner halo of mele set right up against the center stone so as to give the impression of 1 large stone and then maybe a tiny air line before the 2nd halo so as to look more like a centerstone and single halo if that makes sense.

with the design you have already id go for a more curved drop so as to be closer to a section of a spere rather than a flat disc

 

[diamondseeker2006]

I don't think moving the outer halo and causing a gap will really move you closer to your inspiration pictures. Have you considered doing the center with a large white topaz or sapphire and then making them more like the inspiration pair?

I realize and understand that my design will not resemble the inspiration piece completely. It has, however, the same idea of a thin pair of huggies with large danglers. As much as I love the simple elegance of the inspiration piece, I am not sure I want to give up sparkling diamonds for sapphires. I may change my mind if my design in diamonds is much less pleasing than the inspiration piece in sapphires.

Let me ask you the question. Would you prefer FOR YOURSELF

1. my design in diamonds, or
2. inspiration design in white sapphires?

Ideally I'd do it with a rose cut diamond in the center! I think if you are after some dressy, blingy earrings, these will fit the bill. I think anything with a double halo is going to be an evening wear piece only. So if that is your aim, it will be fine.

I have seen white topaz in some designer pieces that I thought were pretty since large rose cut diamonds would be cost prohibitive in something like a long chain necklace or even earrings when a large center stone is used. That would be a way to get the same look as the inspiration piece. But again, it sounds like it was more the style of earring you were after than actually duplicating them.

 

[diamondseeker2006]

To answer your other question, I might consider a white topaz or sapphire in the middle with a diamond halo to get closer to the look. I'm a bit biased though, I think these are stunning! http://jewelsbyericagrace.smugmug.com/Jewelry/Earrings/Aquamarine-Halo-Dangle/22309668_qVKhkW#!i=1782623713&k=2RJx4F7

Wow, that was exactly what I was talking about other than I'd want them rose cut or in some antique cut instead of checkerboard!

 

[JaneSmith]

You'd have to sketch this to make sure, but I've got an idea that may work.
To create the illusion of a oval, use an seven pointer flanked by two five pointers at the twelve and six o'clock positions.
Put a superfine milgrained ''bezel' between the inner halo and outer halo to trick the eye into seeing one big centre stone.
Use 15 pointers for the outer halo to give it extra oomph and really play up on this one being the only halo.
Make a notch in the bottom of the huggie so there is only one little ring for the pendant part to dangle from, then it will look like it is right up against the bottom of the huggie, but will still have sideways movement.

Thank you for your suggestions. I tried sketching by using the various size melees per your suggestions. The combination did result in a more well-defined oval shape. However, by comparing the two, old and new sketches, I found that I prefer the fatter "oval" of the old design. My conclusion is that by pushing the top/bottom melees slightly outward is enough to yield the desired shape for me.

Thank you also for the ingenious idea of making a notch in the bottom of the huggie and using only one connection ring (instead of three rings). I shall include this suggestion in my list of changes.

I'm glad you're happy with the shape and dangle connection.
I found a couple of pictures, one to illustrate my point about a defining line of milgrain between the inner and outer halo, and one to point out how a larger melee for the outer halo really adds to the emphasis that there really is only one halo. I find pictures help me more than explanations.


I would only have the one line of milgrain on your earrings.


Obviously bigger than you intend, but shows how dramatically a large halo alters a smaller middle.

 

[luv2sparkle]

I love your earrings and what you have come up with so far. For me, I would add some tiny metal work scrolls in between the rows to add some interest and I would put a pretty scroll work backing with a few small stones on the back to make them stunning from both sides.

 

[FancyDiamond]

I love your earrings and what you have come up with so far. For me, I would add some tiny metal work scrolls in between the rows to add some interest and I would put a pretty scroll work backing with a few small stones on the back to make them stunning from both sides.

I took your advice and requested a price quote for adding a 10-pt melee in the middle of a patterned back. Vera advised against it due to extra weight and inability to clean the diamonds easily. At the end, I decided against the addition, mainly because of extra weight. I remember the weight of my 3-plus-carat huggies, and I think it is the maximum I can comfortably wear. Guess the weight of the current dangling earrings is already reaching the maximum tolerable weight.

As for the tiny metal work scrolls in between the two halos, I doubt the gap is large enough, but I shall ask.

Thank you for your suggestions.

 

[FancyDiamond]

But again, it sounds like it was more the style of earring you were after than actually duplicating them.

You are right. I love super-cut diamonds too much to give them up.

 

[FancyDiamond]

But again, it sounds like it was more the style of earring you were after than actually duplicating them.

You are right. I love super-cut diamonds too much to give them up.