Help - Custom design before buying?

[adhesive]

Hello all,

I''m quite new here ( I''ve posted a couple of times before, but with no replies

), and I''ve decided to just go ahead and post my whole story and explain how and why I need some help

.

Well, my boyfriend and I have been together for about 5 years and we''ve decided that we''re definitely going to get married. We would have done it sooner, except that I met him when I was in the eighth grade and I''m afraid that was a bit young to make such a permanent commitment (I''m not sure if that''s even legal!). Now I''m finally out of high school and about to start my college career. He is five years older than I am and has his permanent, secure, full-time job. We have always talked about marriage and knew that it was going to happen, we just didn''t know when except that it would be AFTER I got out of high school.

I''ve got a pretty good feeling that it''s going to happen sometime in the next few years and it''s time for me to buckle down and make a decision (he''s been "asking".) I''m extremely "picky" and have a very distinct style that is not easy to find (it''s difficulty to duplicate is what makes it "my style".) I''ve shopped and shopped and shopped for settings and thought quite hard about it, swaying from one to the other several times throughout the year and I believe I have finally found "the one" - WITH a few modifications.

I knew that I was going to have to have it custom-made, and that''s okay. The problem is that my BF hasn''t said "marry me - and choose your own ring." He''s always said that he wants to make sure that he gets me exactly what I want, and he''s asked me many times to describe to him what my style is like. But he also wants that element of surprise and he''s not going to let me run the show the day he actually proposes. I''ve just been shopping on my own so that when anyone brings up the question "so what type of ring are you interested in" I can just pull out the picture showing the exact one. I have a very good "vision" of what I want (a combination of two or three photos), I just need someone to put it all together for me. I also know that, in the end, I really want Leon Mege to design it (although, my BF insists that our local jeweler is going to do it...)

So, to the real question: Is there any way that I can get a jeweler to render a computer image of the "vision" that I have for me, without actually being committed to purchasing said ring or putting a down payment on it? I really just need something to be able to show to my BF when he asks me about it (casually, of course) without sounding too picky or demanding and without having to go through long, detailed explanations which will only confuse and intimidate him. A picture is worth a thousand words - and this is exactly what I need.

Any suggestions? I need help!

Thank you!!!
Adhesive

 

[Shaninj4]

Adhesive, the answer would be no. It takes time and effort and a person who knows what jewelery can or cannot do in order to make such a rendering that is feasibly possible. Often times it can be done for $100-$250.

Maybe try to draw it out for your boyfriend?

 

[kbarro1]

Another thing that people do is propose with just the diamond or the diamond in a temporary setting. So, you could tell him I want this type of diamond, let him pick it out and that way he could still completely surprise you with the proposal and let you design your setting after you have the diamond. That way, it is the best of both worlds- you get to be surprised and you get to design your own setting. I think this is a really good way if you are really picky b/c it is your setting and you want it to be as perfect as it can be. I am the same way and am super picky, so I actually got to design mine before he proposed and to be honest,
I knew exactly when the proposal was coming, so, I have a small amount of regret that I wasn''t completely surprised. Good luck!

 

[adhesive]

Thanks for the quick replies!

He''d never go for the proposal with a temporary setting. While I think it''s a GREAT idea, he wouldn''t buy it. He really wants it the traditional way (I''d like for him to think that he is the one choosing the setting and that I know nothing about it other than just nonchalantly showing him a picture of a setting I really like - and that''s the way he''d like it too, lol.) At the same time, I''m the one that''s going to have to look at it for the rest of my life, so I''d like him to hit the nail on the head as far as the details go, and presenting him with a photo via my mother would be perfect (she''s our *mediator* here: she emails him whenever I *mention* something to her about diamonds, settings, etc. - not sure if I''m supposed to know that or not....

)

I''m very confident that I could draw it out exactly, but a hand-drawn photo would be a little too conspicuous. Perhaps there is some sort of software out there that would let me "draw" it out on the computer and print it?

Any ideas?

 

[neatfreak]

Unless you are willing to pay a jeweler to do the CAD image for you, I think your only real option is to draw it yourself somehow. Is it really so unique that there isn''t something out there already that you could send him with a few "tweak" ideas?

 

[sunnyd]

Just my opinion, but if you want to go custom, you''re probably gonna want to be involved. Could you just tell him hey, I''ve been looking at settings and nothing really speaks to me. Would you consider going the custom route so we can make something we''re both happy with?

 

[adhesive]

Thanks, everyone!

I would like to be involved, and he does too - just, somewhat "indirectly" or "distantly" involved so as not to spoil the magic and surprise factor. I''d really hate to burst his bubble. I''m so choosy that throughout our five years of dating, I''ve never let him surprise me with anything. He''s tried, but I''ve always ended up finding out somehow and having to add my two cents. This time I''d like to pass on a couple of words and opinions, maybe a photo, and then leave it at that.

The only differences between what I want and the photo I have are these:
The photo I have shows a three stone ring, and I just want a solitaire (essentially just chop off the two sidestones)
The photo shows a two-toned ring, and I''d like it all in platinum (or white gold - I haven''t quite decided)
The photo shows a square-cut emerald(gemstone) center stone, and I''d like a jubilee diamond
The photo shows single prongs, and I''d prefer split-claws (or double prongs)
And the photo shows more of a "tapered cathedral-type" setting on the outside of the two sidestones, and I''d prefer for the head to meet the shank directly without the shank splitting and tapering upward (if that makes sense - think more "Tiffany classic" than "tapered cathedral" - with a perfectly round shank)

I think I''m just going to go ahead and show him the picture I have, explaining these "tweaks." Were my explanations clear enough? Do you think he''ll get the gist of it?

If it would make it easier to understand, let me know and I''ll attach the photo.

Thanks again

 

[neatfreak]

Date: 5/29/2008 4:41:34 PM
Author: adhesive
Thanks, everyone!


I would like to be involved, and he does too - just, somewhat ''indirectly'' or ''distantly'' involved so as not to spoil the magic and surprise factor. I''d really hate to burst his bubble. I''m so choosy that throughout our five years of dating, I''ve never let him surprise me with anything. He''s tried, but I''ve always ended up finding out somehow and having to add my two cents. This time I''d like to pass on a couple of words and opinions, maybe a photo, and then leave it at that.


The only differences between what I want and the photo I have are these:

The photo I have shows a three stone ring, and I just want a solitaire (essentially just chop off the two sidestones)

The photo shows a two-toned ring, and I''d like it all in platinum (or white gold - I haven''t quite decided)

The photo shows a square-cut emerald(gemstone) center stone, and I''d like a jubilee diamond

The photo shows single prongs, and I''d prefer split-claws (or double prongs)

And the photo shows more of a ''tapered cathedral-type'' setting on the outside of the two sidestones, and I''d prefer for the head to meet the shank directly without the shank splitting and tapering upward (if that makes sense - think more ''Tiffany classic'' than ''tapered cathedral'' - with a perfectly round shank)


I think I''m just going to go ahead and show him the picture I have, explaining these ''tweaks.'' Were my explanations clear enough? Do you think he''ll get the gist of it?


If it would make it easier to understand, let me know and I''ll attach the photo.


Thanks again

Those tweaks are VERY easy for a good jeweler to understand. But just so you know, Jubilee diamonds are not being produced, so they can be hard to find. Your BF will have to start early and be flexible on that one...Good Old Gold would be my vendor of choice to locate a Jubilee for you...

 

[sunnyd]

Ditto neatfreak. Sounds easy enough to follow, can we see a pic of your inspiration?

 

[adhesive]

Not being produced?!?!

Man, that makes everything a lot more difficult.

Here''s my beauty, the love of my life, the "one"
( oh, yea, and my BF is pretty great too...

)






It''s the one on the left.
Photo courtesy of www dot richardkrementzgemstones dot com

 

[adhesive]

Here''s another (this time it''s on the right)

 

[adhesive]

Here's a similar one from the rkg bridal line (which has since been sold to armadani). It's not the one I'm dreaming of, but the picture may help to see it a little differently.
photo courtesy of Pearlman's Jewelers

 

[adhesive]

Another similar one

 

[adhesive]

And here''s an example of how I''d like the head to meet the shank (sort of)
Courtesy of www dot artofplatinum dot com

 

[Pandora II]

Why doesn''t he propose without the ring and then you can have all the fun of doing the ring together afterwards?

That''s what my FI and a lot of my friend''s FIs did - you get a hugely suprise proposal because there is no hint of it coming - and I also ended up with a second ring as a placeholder till mine was done, which is very handy for travelling!

 

[adhesive]

The only thing I''d have against that is that I''m very much against excessively long engagements, and I know that I do not want to be engaged for more than one year (during which time I''ll be completely consumed with planning the actual wedding.) If I''m this picky and obsessive about my engagement ring, you can imagine how particular I''m going to be about the wedding itself!!

 

[Miranda]

Perhaps you could put a power point together for him that he could then pass along to the jeweler (psssst - Leon) of his choice. Just make sure the elements that are the MOST important to you are understood completely. Oh, heehee, and good luck on being surprised. My DH has been trying for 18 years and hasn''t managed one yet, LOL! I always find out.

 

[adhesive]

Lol, phew! Glad I''m not the only one

Were you surprised when he popped the question? If no, do you regret not having been surprised?

 

[Miranda]

Date: 5/29/2008 9:11:16 PM
Author: adhesive
Lol, phew! Glad I''m not the only one

Were you surprised when he popped the question? If no, do you regret not having been surprised?

Was I surprised when he popped the question..........I''m not sure how to answer that. Let''s leave it at this. He THOUGHT I was surprised. I was supposed to be surprised. I didn''t know for sure when or where it was coming, but, I will say that I had a very good idea it was coming. To this day he thinks I was completely surprised. I sure hope he isn''t lurking, though, diamonds are my hobby not his so I doubt he is. We were young and I had strong opinions about marraige. I really must give him a great deal of credit. He had no idea whether or not I would say yes. In his mind it very well could have ended our relationship. I marvel at this thought all of the time. Could you imagine proposing to someone who may say no? Hahaha...Of course I knew I would say yes, but, I let him sweat it out for a few weeks while planning a very romantic proposal *insert evil laughter*. Good thing he loves my evil side, huh?

So, do I regret not having a surprise? Nope. It was sort of a surprise since I didn''t know if he would go through with it or not. And the planning was all his doing - so that really WAS a surprise. In the end, for us, it was better that I knew and prepared myself for it. And for me it was good to know that he was willing to propose knowing I may say no. Not sure if that makes any sense and it is neither here not there. It has worked out well as we just celebrated our 13th anniversary. Our history is probably a bit different than yours, though. A little more sorted, perhaps!

Do you want to be surprised? Do you not like surprises or do they just not work out?

 

[kbarro1]

Date: 5/29/2008 11:45:01 PM
Author: Miranda

Date: 5/29/2008 9:11:16 PM
Author: adhesive
Lol, phew! Glad I''m not the only one

Were you surprised when he popped the question? If no, do you regret not having been surprised?

Was I surprised when he popped the question..........I''m not sure how to answer that. Let''s leave it at this. He THOUGHT I was surprised. I was supposed to be surprised. I didn''t know for sure when or where it was coming, but, I will say that I had a very good idea it was coming. To this day he thinks I was completely surprised. I sure hope he isn''t lurking, though, diamonds are my hobby not his so I doubt he is. We were young and I had strong opinions about marraige. I really must give him a great deal of credit. He had no idea whether or not I would say yes. In his mind it very well could have ended our relationship. I marvel at this thought all of the time. Could you imagine proposing to someone who may say no? Hahaha...Of course I knew I would say yes, but, I let him sweat it out for a few weeks while planning a very romantic proposal *insert evil laughter*. Good thing he loves my evil side, huh?

So, do I regret not having a surprise? Nope. It was sort of a surprise since I didn''t know if he would go through with it or not. And the planning was all his doing - so that really WAS a surprise. In the end, for us, it was better that I knew and prepared myself for it. And for me it was good to know that he was willing to propose knowing I may say no. Not sure if that makes any sense and it is neither here not there. It has worked out well as we just celebrated our 13th anniversary. Our history is probably a bit different than yours, though. A little more sorted, perhaps!

Do you want to be surprised? Do you not like surprises or do they just not work out?

Sorry to put this in your thread, but Miranda, I need to see more pics of that ring!!! I tried to make another thread but I don''t think you would just find it on your own, so post them here https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/paging-miranda-i-want-pictures-of-that-ring.86484/

 

[arjunajane]

Adhesive, the photos and changes you have described is quite a common style - I''m sure you can find images that match pretty much exact to what you want, which would make things easier with your BF. Have you gone through the solitaire''s on Leon''s site, as your description seems to match his style to me..?

 

[adhesive]

Miranda: I LOVE surprises, but they never seem to work out. The idea of being completely surprised and taken off guard is lovely, but I am so impatient. In order for him to make sure he gets exactly what I want, he''s always got to ask my mother''s or brother''s opinion (as they both know my style far better than anyone else), thus he has to tell them what he''s up to. I can''t explain why I do it or how and why I can''t stop, but I always end up "figuring it out" either from little clues he gives unknowingly or by blatantly coming out and BEGGING those who do know anything about it for hints until they end up spilling the beans. Also, he sucks at keeping secrets - he gets so excited about the whole ordeal that he starts to purposely tell me little bits and pieces of information hoping that I''ll forget or that I won''t pick up on them (but I never forget and I ALWAYS pick up on them.) But this time, he''s got my number, and he hasn''t told ANYONE when or how he''s doing it - just THAT he''s doing it and that it''s going to be sometime within the next 10 years (seriously - he hasn''t given ANYONE ANY details - even my mother knows NOTHING about it because he knows I''ll torture her until she tells me.) So, we''ll see. Maybe this time will be a REAL surprise

Arjunajane: Yes, I''ve looked through most of the solitaires on Leon''s site, but none of them have that key part of the ring that I love so much: the pears on the sides between the prongs. That is the main reason that I love the ring, and the "tweaks" are just how I would improve on it to highlight the look of those diamonds and the center stone. It took me SO long to find this ring - I didn''t think it was that common, or I would have come across it sooner. Maybe I''m looking in the wrong places! Is there anywhere else I should be looking?

 

[Miranda]

Haha! Well, maybe you have a ''real'' surprise in store. My DH is the same way. He lets too many hints slip out because he is excited.