Help! Choosing a halo setting; sale ends tonight!

[LonghornLawyer]

I've been looking at halo settings - with a little bit of a vintage look - for about 2 months now, and I haven't found too many in my price range (I'd like to spend less than $1,500 on a setting) that I've liked.

All the shane co. settings are affordable, but the center stone appears to sit above the halo (rather than somewhat inside it and slightly sticking out of it) based on the placement of the prongs.
http://www.shaneco.com/Catalog/ProductDetail.aspx?X=27506

I've found quite a few i've liked from MDC diamonds (in terms of style), but the quality of the metal work doesn't look amazing. Does anyone have any experience with MDC diamonds? Here is a link to one of the settings I like:
http://www.mdcdiamonds.com/engagementdetails.cfm?Stock=ES321&Country=US#

Finally, I found one on Ross-Simons that I really liked and is on sale until this evening.
http://www.ross-simons.com/products/491331.html

However, I've read a few negative things about Ross-Simons so I'm not really sure what to do. I'm thinking I will order the Ross-Simons setting and return it if it looks cheap. Does anyone have any other suggestions? Are there any reputable sites that sell halo settings for under 1500? Is Ross-Simons the best I can do at this price point? Also, side question, can I set a ring with a smallish stone (.5-.6) now and reset it with something much larger after I finish law school?

Thanks very much for the advice.

 

[suchende]

A $1500 halo is certainly do-able, but you're right to be concerned about upgrade-ability. A different type of setting would be better; you can replace the head of other types of settings to accommodate a larger stone. I don't think that will be as feasible with the types of settings you're looking at.

 

[LonghornLawyer]

Thanks for the response! What type of setting would I have to look at to ensure upgradability. Would should I be looking for? Do you have any sites/brands you could suggest? Thanks very much.

 

[slg47]

well, if you want to upgrade and use the same setting, a halo is not your best bet.

Beverly K makes some nice antique-inspired halo settings under $1500. Pearlman's jewelers carries them and I believe they will set outside stones without a fee (ask though, and mention you are on PS)

ETA if you want the diamond to sit lower in the setting I would ask the jeweler.
http://www.pearlmansjewelers.com/jewelry-designers/beverley-k-jewelry/rings/117PP1/
http://www.pearlmansjewelers.com/jewelry-designers/beverley-k-jewelry/rings/108PP1/
http://www.pearlmansjewelers.com/jewelry-designers/beverley-k-jewelry/rings/115PP1/

 

[diamondseeker2006]

No, you should just reset a colored stone into that setting later when you are able to upgrade the diamond. I like the Ross-Simons ring for a stand-alone ring, but it is going to have a big gap between the wedding band the way it is made. I like a little gap so the two rings don't look like one wide ring, but this setting is best without a wedding band, to me.

I'd steer clear of the others because 1 has had bad reviews here and the other is unknown to me. Let me look for a minute and see if I see other settings in your budget from a more reliable source.

With halo settings, you have to have the setting made to fit your stone. Or the setting has to be a stock size that happens to fit your stone. So be very careful ordering a setting like this if you already have your diamond.

Okay, I see what slg has posted and I will concur that Beverley K is a superior quality setting and Pearlman's and Good Old Gold carry their settings. Both are trustworthy and excellent jewelers.

 

[tyty333]

Here are a few in your price range from PS vendors. Depending how big you upgrade the stone it will probably not fit into the
same halo.

http://idjewelryonline.com/product_info.php?cPath=42_44&products_id=1894&cType=ER
http://idjewelryonline.com/product_info.php?cPath=42_44&products_id=1890&cType=ER
http://idjewelryonline.com/product_info.php?cPath=42_44&products_id=5867&cType=ER

We have seen this setting done several times with different shape stones and it is stunning...
http://www.whiteflash.com/engagement-rings/solitaire/guinevere-solitaire-engagement-ring-180.htm
Follow the links on this thread to see one that belongs to a PSer
[URL='https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/hand-pics-of-wf-guinevere.157390/']https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/hand-pics-of-wf-guinevere.157390/[/URL]
[URL='https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/my-new-wf-ering-upgrade.148378/']https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/my-new-wf-ering-upgrade.148378/[/URL] /* here it is with an oval */

Beverly K are a great value. Very nice quality at decent prices.
http://www.pearlmansjewelers.com/jewelry-designers/beverley-k-jewelry/rings/115PP1/35/
http://www.pearlmansjewelers.com/jewelry-designers/beverley-k-jewelry/rings/100PP1/28/
http://www.pearlmansjewelers.com/jewelry-designers/beverley-k-jewelry/rings/102PP1/7/

A little more than you want to spend...
http://www.whiteflash.com/engagement-rings/diamond-settings/halo-prong-diamond-engagement-ring-521.htm

Very reasonable
http://www.jamesallen.com/engagement-rings/pave/-18k-White-Gold-Pave-Set-Diamond-Engagement-Ring.html

 

[LonghornLawyer]

Thanks very much for all of the responses. Beverly K certainly fits the style I'm looking for. However, the white gold looks extremely dull in the pictures. Is that just poor lighting, or do they always kind of look like that? Also, The total carat weight is only .16 for the Beverly K setting I liked, while the Ross-Simons setting from my original post has a total carat weight that is more than double. Does the quality of Beverly K setting outweigh that difference?

 

[slg47]

Thanks very much for all of the responses. Beverly K certainly fits the style I'm looking for. However, the white gold looks extremely dull in the pictures. Is that just poor lighting, or do they always kind of look like that? Also, The total carat weight is only .16 for the Beverly K setting I liked, while the Ross-Simons setting from my original post has a total carat weight that is more than double. Does the quality of Beverly K setting outweigh that difference?

I would not be concerned with total carat weight in the setting but rather with overall proportions and style. I think the band is more delicate on the Beverley K ones so the tcw is necessarily smaller. I would just pick what appeals to you!

 

[lbling]

I prefer the Ross Simons ring out of the settings that you posted. I am not familiar with the company as I am from Australia but if they have a good return policy and it indicates that if you are not happy with the product you can return it due to inferior quality I suggest you give it ago.

 

[LonghornLawyer]

Thanks everyone for the responses. I haven't picked out the diamond yet, but I know it will be between .5 and .6. Do I need the exact measurements before I order the setting, or can the local jeweler set it without issue as long as the setting is within the ball park?

I've narrowed it down to the Ross-Simons ring and this Beverly K:
http://www.pearlmansjewelers.com/jewelry-designers/beverley-k-jewelry/rings/115PP1/


It just so happens that I'm currently visiting family 30 mins away from Pearlman's, so I think I'll order the Ross-Simons ring while it is on sale and look at the Beverly K rings this week. If the Beverly K is considerably better, then I'll just return the Ross-Simons setting.

Quick side question: I emailed Ross-Simons asking for the diamond size the setting is supposed to use, and they said the setting can be set with nearly any sized diamond. I thought Halo settings had specific ranges they could accomodate (depending on the individual setting), is that a red flag?

 

[slg47]

they may make the setting to fit the center stone once they know the measurements. i would ask about this.

 

[lbling]

I think the Beverly K from Pearlmans is a much better option. IMO it is of a better quality. Slg you offered great alternatives! I think this is a much better option. If it was me I would be going the Beverly K.

 

[mrssalvo]

You are fortunate to be able to get to Pearlmans in person and see the rings!! I have been to their store a few times and it's incredible what they have being located in such a small town. They are so friendly too. I think you have a good plan. It certainly doesn't hurt to order the setting you like that's on sale but do be 100% sure of their return policy.

 

[MTMOM]

I have what looks like the same exact setting. It is from Gabriel & Co. It is .50 of G/H diamonds and my ring could accommodate a stone from 1-3 ct. My stone is 3 ct for reference and because of the size of the center stone there is no gap between the center stone and the halo. I love the ring. It is very sparkly and well made.

 

[Christina...]

I vote Beverly K! Gorgeous!!

 

[Christina...]

I have what looks like the same exact setting. It is from Gabriel & Co. It is .50 of G/H diamonds and my ring could accommodate a stone from 1-3 ct. My stone is 3 ct for reference and because of the size of the center stone there is no gap between the center stone and the halo. I love the ring. It is very sparkly and well made.

WOW!! You have an incredible ring! I bow to you and inspire to have bling like you!! Stunning!

 

[MTMOM]

Thanks Christina, it was a surprise for my 20th anniversary. It is a RHR but sometimes I sneak it over to the left hand.

 

[Christina...]

Thanks Christina, it was a surprise for my 20th anniversary. It is a RHR but sometimes I sneak it over to the left hand.

I'm hijaking another thread, but you need to get that bad girl in the 'show me the ring' thread and the 'halo thread' Amazing!

 

[MTMOM]

Quick side question: I emailed Ross-Simons asking for the diamond size the setting is supposed to use, and they said the setting can be set with nearly any sized diamond. I thought Halo settings had specific ranges they could accomodate (depending on the individual setting), is that a red flag?[/quote]

I have the same ring. The way it was explained to me was I could go from a 1 ct to a 3 ct with the prong as they are. They explained that with a 1 ct stone there would be a gap between the stone and the halo, as I am sure you have seen around, and with a large stone there will be a smaller gap. There is no gap with my stone because of its size.

I love the setting and get lots of comments on it. I have a pave band that I sometimes wear with it and it does not rub against the side of the ring, which is great because there are tiny little diamonds there too. Good luck !