Help finding the proper jeweler for this ring

[MissAva]

I am wondering if anyone could help me here. A male friend of mine wants to propose to his girlfriend over the Easter Holiday. He has the proposal worked out, but no ring.
I sent him link to different Pricescope vendors and he is still hesitant about buy something over the internet, which is understandable. I am going to show him my ring just as soon as I have it back in hopes of encouraging him.
His girlfriend likes oval shaped diamonds, and he would like to get her a unique setting that is “perfection”. After discussing different options he found the ring pictured below. What he and I have discussed is instead of doing rounds on the sides having graduated ovals for the first three or four stones and then having it go to round diamonds for the underside of the shank.

Has anyone hear ever seen anything like that? Or do you have any recommendations of who would make it?
I am a little concerned about the viability of his idea for a few reasons.
1- her fingers are small about a 4.5 or a 4.75 according to her sorority sister/roommate who “borrowed” a few rings for us to take to a local jeweler
2- he wants a fairly large oval, no smaller then 2.25 cts, and no bow tie, I am not sure it can be found by Easter
3- with a finger her size and stone the size he wants for her I am not sure that it will be as simple as her thinks to have things proportioned correctly
4-the other stones will need to be found
5- she doesn’t wear a lot of larger jewelry I am worried she will think this ring is uncomfortable

 

[mrssalvo]

I tried on that ring at Pearlman''s. It was way to much for my 3.5 fingers. I''m not sure about the design either. I like ovals mixed with other stones but ovals next to ovals isn''t one of my favorite combos. Maybe Ana can do her magic to give us a visual. As for the custom work..you know all the good ones who could pull it off.

 

[ecf8503]

I saw and tried on this ring while at Pearlman''s as well. It is beautiful, to be sure. My fingers are about the same size (4.5-5 depending on band width) as the lady in question. Let me say - this ring is LARGE - beautifully made (Michael B), but heavy and quite overpowering on me (I think).

If she doesn''t wear a lot of large jewelry, a 2+ ct oval itself will be huge, and I think an oval in a setting like this may be ..... too much. We''re talking big stones here - and I assume platinum and custom craftsmanship - it would be a shame to spend that kind of money and have her not feel comfortable wearing it. I don''t know what their station in life is or will be in the future, but is this size / style ring appropriate?

For reference, GOG has a 2.11ct oval right now that is 10.22 x 6.97mm - that''s big on smaller fingers. Does he know how BIG a 2ct oval really is?

What if he tries to find just the stone and propose with a temp setting, then design a setting she will feel comfortable with together?

Just throwing some thoughts out there. Perhaps he should call Bill Pearlman, as Bill seems to have a good eye for what "looks good" on different people.

 

[Dee Jay]

I''m with Mrssalvo on this one; I think all ovals might not be the best thing. But an oval with side rounds--could be fabulous! And with that combo, I would want a slightly fatter oval for the center rather than a really skinny one. L/W ratio maybe 1.4 (ish). Just my opinion...

 

[singer]

I think the ring looks strange...cagey looking, if that makes sense. If she isn''t a real big jewelry person, I am not sure she would like this ring

 

[gailrmv]

Mat,
One of my favorite settings for ovals is with simple baguettes... might she like that?
I agree with the others about concerns with the ring posted.
Just wondering, you said something about when you get your ring back... what are you having done to it? I hope you get it back soon!!!
Gail

 

[koko]

Matadora, I just recommended this jeweler in another thread, the reason is that they are very highly regarded here in Atlanta, you can order online, but they do lots of custom work & sell several different designers.....they are also a B & M located here in the Buckhead section of the city so they''re not only an "online" jeweler. I''m sure your friend could e-mail them a picture & they would give him a quote. A co-worker used them & was extremely pleased. www.solomonbrothers.com

 

[MissAva]

Honestly I think part of it is that he is trying to outdo his younger brother who did the whole X5 proposal. (And yes I know he will read this, but I have told him this already.

) I think she would like an eternity band. She is is a pearls and polo''s kind of girl, she wears a cute little rolex. She is also a big time brand girl, and I think he would proably be better off avoiding custom. I dunno.

 

[valeria101]

Date: 1/13/2006 3:12:21 PM
Author: mrssalvo
I tried on that ring at Pearlman''s. It was way to much for my 3.5 fingers. I''m not sure about the design either. I like ovals mixed with other stones but ovals next to ovals isn''t one of my favorite combos. Maybe Ana can do ...

Thanks

Large rings on small fingers are all too familiar (size 3 here). And this one looks like a torture device... from the side.

On someone with larger ring size (6-7, more...) it would probably be just great. To me, the wearable version would be a ''five stone'' ring. It would look the same - five is more than enough to span the finger, and the graduated stones - especially a combination of fitted shapes looks like the most elegant thing in the world... for some... like me, for example.

I would probably do a layout with an oval centre - if this is the shape of choice, and perhaps matching fancy sides - traps and bullets, perhaps. These come in ''cut to model'' sets in which two (or more) pairs of stones are cut to fit together like pieces in a puzzle. The effect is a band of diamond around the finger, with the slightly different pattern of brilliance showing there is some ''complexity'' involved. Quite nice... and not at all usual, as matching everything is critical.

Sure enough, it happens

There is a section of the Art of Platinum catalog called ''Five Stone Rings'' - quite nice... but the site is down now. Maybe later...

I liked how the stones fit together and flow in this setting below - plus, the side view is less ''cagey'', IMO:

I suspect that the extra vertical support bars on the setting below were needed because the side-stones come at a steeper angle (either a higher setting or smaller ring size can cause this). I am not sure - a jeweler could tell you which is why - these are only some random options.

Btw. the shop is called "Estate rings'' but I think these settings - nice as they are, are ''new'' - multiple incarnations of the same design are available (hard to believe about an antique) and the seller does not label this as an original from X-Y-Z era, as it does with the obviously vintage pieces.

Another point...

If diamonds are wanted all the way around, pave is allot more reasonable and easy, even with relatively large stones (not the usual pointers, maybe 10~ish to keep it comfortable.). I would not go all around with basket set stones. It isn''t clear from the DK picture if this is the case with that ring. MrsSalvo... you know...

I was actually trying to imagine a setting like that, with brilliant cut trap & bullet sides and an oval. If this sounds relatively OK and I have it my way, a picture should follow

About ovals fitting together - well, as long as they cover the finger the setting ends up wider and more ''diamond packed'' than it would with rounds (at the bottom of the post). THIS is the original picture, doesn''t look half bad to me. Thoughts?

The bits and pieces mentioned here will be photoshopers together when some procrastination excuse is needed again (30 minutes?

)

In the meantime, here''s a version of a five-stone ring with an oval: there is more going on there than five matched diamonds in a platinum frame... lots of pave and a Paraiba tourmaline. The shape is quite fab and elegant, IMO - thought I''d mention. The glowing stone helps too!

The side stones are described as ''Tycoon'' cut - but numerous versions of non-step cut traps exist, some better some worse and not necessarily branded.

Hope some of this helps.

 

[valeria101]

Date: 1/13/2006 7:43:59 PM
Author: Matatora

. She is also a big time brand girl, and I think he would probably be better off avoiding custom. I dunno.

That's great, but Garry is right... about branding in jewelry (my Q & his A buried on This Thread).

The few brands built on a track record of superb quality are quite a different bunch than the one-season-at-a-time marketing stunts. You can have the best of both worlds, but the combination costs allot more than either (trendy name w/o quality or quality alone). Which will please and impress more this time, well, that your friend knows better.

If he is not well versed in buying this sort of thing (diamonds, fine jewelry), it may be worth hinting at this little bit.

My 2c

 

[ecf8503]

Date: 1/13/2006 7:43:59 PM
Author: Matatora
Honestly I think part of it is that he is trying to outdo his younger brother who did the whole X5 proposal. (And yes I know he will read this, but I have told him this already.

) I think she would like an eternity band. She is is a pearls and polo''s kind of girl, she wears a cute little rolex. She is also a big time brand girl, and I think he would proably be better off avoiding custom. I dunno.

OK - what about proposing without a ring? Would she be offended? Or would she be flattered and enjoy shopping for this very special, meaningful, it-will-be-on-her-hand-FOREVER (well.... until she upgrades!) item with the man who wants to give it to her? I was proposed to without a ring - I liked it that way, as it separated the physical ring from the meaning behind it, which is REALLY what marriage is all about, right? Marriage is about a committment, not rocks and metal - they are mereley a symbol (albeit a very valued one to many). When I look at my original e-ring stone it reminds me that we picked it out together!

 

[valeria101]

Date: 1/13/2006 7:43:59 PM
Author: Matatora
...
I think she would like an eternity band. ...

 

[MissAva]

Oh Miss Ana, where did you find that oval...I like it, I wonder if he will.

 

[allycat0303]

Oh well, honestly, that first ring pic doesn''t do anything for me...it''s too...I don''t know...everything.

And a 2.25 oval is great, if it''s what she wants. Some woman like big, and some don''t (blasphamy on pricescope I know), I think the most important thing in a "surprise e-ring" is knowing and understanding your woman enough to get her something that meets her tastes, needs, etc. If she''s an eternity band kind of girl, then I think the oval eternity band (with fairly large ovals) would be stunning.

 

[valeria101]

Date: 1/14/2006 2:30:51 PM
Author: Matatora
Oh Miss Ana, where did you find that oval...I like it, I wonder if he will.

Which one?

The blue ring? It was made by Jr. Dunn Jewelers for AGTA. Can''t see the setting on their website though.

The eternity ring is from Precisionset and the graduated version a drawing...

 

[BrownEyes]

If the girl in question is into brand-names, Tiffany & Co. makes a lovely oval diamond engagement ring with tapered baguette side-stones. I can''t seem to find the ring on the Tiffany website, but I''ve seen it at the Tiffany store and it''s lovely ... substantial, classy and elegant without being overbearing ... it may be perfect for a "pearls and polos" kind of girl ...

Wish I could find the link for you

, but I''m sure you know what I mean.

 

[msdarlinjoy]

Hello Matatora!

I have to agree with Valeria101 on this one! That ring is not only "cagey" the prongs are going to be very abrassive on the sides of her delicate fingers! Ouch!

If she is into brand names, perals and polo, in a sorority ... sounds like she is into classy lines. Less is more. Quality versus quantity. Definately she probably knows what she wants from life, and will end up getting it.

She doesn't wear alot of jewelry? Why is that? Is it because she is very active? Or is she more a modern lady that is more bold in her personality, versus a shy dainty lady and into fairy tales, fru-fru & milgrain? You know what I am trying to get at ... not trying to offend anyone, but we all have a personality fingerprint that say's ... "This is my style!"

I bet anything she would love,

#1: Name brand Platinum setting with classic lines.

#2: 1.5 - 2 ct. fancy cut center stone, like a Royal Asscher, Lu'cere, or an Oval!

*Name brand/platinum setting would give her status.

*Stone size not too overpowering for her delicate sized fingers, yet substantial enough.

*Fancy cut center diamond makes a statement of "I am unique and have something that isn't seen just everday."

I wish him the best of luck, and much happiness to come for the two of them! Keep us posted.

P.s. Tell your friend to never mind what the brother did. When you start trying to keep up with Mr. Jones ... you end-up not getting the woman you love what she would like. Might as well hand over whatever you got to Mrs. Jones, ect.

 

[valeria101]

Btw...

From Fabrikant there is something called the ''Royal Oval'' cut... and the jewelry that comes with the brand is quite fab.

 

[msdarlinjoy]

Hi Matatora!

Do you think he might like any of these?

View attachment oval 4 matatora 2.jpg

 

[msdarlinjoy]

Opps. only one pic downloaded, sorry ... haven''t quite figured out this posting thing.
Here''s the other.

View attachment oval 4 matatora 1.jpg

 

[msdarlinjoy]

Sorry for the huge last pic ...

This one is from the Pearlman site.

View attachment oval 4 matatora 3.jpg

 

[msdarlinjoy]

I love this one as well, love the east/west idea. This is also from the Pearlman site.

View attachment oval 4 matatora 4.jpg

 

[KristyDarling]

Ehhhhh, I''m sorry but I have to be honest -- I don''t like that ring. Cagey is a good word to describe it, and also -- well, overwhelming. Why clutter up a fantastic 2.25 carat oval (HUGE!) with similar-sized ovals next to it? 2.25 is already very large and would be stunning either on its own or with fine details such as pave/engraving or proportional sidestones (but only one on each side), but to have *graduated* ovals next to it just seems like it''s going to be, well, Liberace. Plus it will look a lot more like a (humongous) band than an engagement ring. (if the big blingy band-look is what she wants, then great!)

Sorry if this sounded kinda blunt, but I don''t think the finished product is going to be what anyone expected. My 2 cents.

 

[KristyDarling]

I agree with the above poster that a pearls-and-polo girl would probably rather have something more classic rather than super-blingy. Oval center with a pear on each side in a basket setting would be a great compromise of both blingy AND classic...but not too flashy. I get the feeling that if lady doesn''t wear a lot of jewelry but she''s into branded things, then something classic like ANY of the Tiffany 3-stone engagement sets will be more up her alley.

Then again, a romantic surprise proposal without a ring is a great idea. She can then pick out exactly what she wants! I''m a big believer in that.

 

[msdarlinjoy]

Yes, if he does go for the 2.25 oval, make it be the center of attention. Nice side stones as the icing on the cake so to speak. Also, if she is more modern in her taste, how about that center stone on a classic platinum band, and then you both go shopping for the ??? eternity wedding ring? Or if she likes fru-fru and the whole 9 yards, how about this one ... also from the Pearlman site, Love those 1/2 moon sides!

 

[coda72]

Well, if she''s a brand name girl, Harry Winston has an oval with half moon sides (in my opinion, one of the most beautiful combinations), they have an oval with baguettes, and they also have an oval solitaire. I couldn''t get the pictures to download here, but they''re all found on harrywinston.com.

 

[ecf8503]

Tiffany Oval with baguettes - lovely!

 

[MissAva]

He is meeting with her mother this weekend, he already has the family blessing, and they are going to discuss ring options. He knows that she hates pave, doesnt like halos, or yellow gold, doesnt want too wide of a band, or something trendy. Hopefully her mother will have a picture of something she does like.

 

[Rod]

Sorry???? Did you say he has the families blessing and the mother will be discussing ring options with him?? Is this like the year 1890? Wow, is he ever in for a fun time with the ''in-laws!" He''ll obvisously never be permitted to do anything on his own without the families input??

 

[MissAva]

No it is not 1890, but it is the South, I guess we just do things differently down here, but then my fiancé is from NJ and he asking my father for his blessing too. He asked her parents and siblings as a sign of courtesy and respect. He is meeting with her mother so that he can try and be sure to buy her something she will love, he is being thoughtful, not restricted, he asked her to help him. I don’t see anything wrong or unusual with wanting to give your future wife the perfect proposal and moment, and since her family is very close why not enlist their help when they are willing?