shape
carat
color
clarity

Help me choose a setting for my 1.30ct E VS1Distinctive Gem lab diamond!

What setting would you choose?

  • Bezel

    Votes: 1 5.0%
  • Four-prong

    Votes: 7 35.0%
  • Two-tone bezel

    Votes: 1 5.0%
  • Six-prong

    Votes: 11 55.0%

  • Total voters
    20

mayaINaU

Brilliant_Rock
Joined
Jan 1, 2021
Messages
663
I am so excited:) I have been wanting an engagement ring upgrade for a while, and after I got my ACA studs, I knew I had to do it in lab diamond if I wanted to match that sparkle but get an increase in size. After much deliberation, I purchased a 1.30ct E VS1Distinctive Gem lab diamond from Distinctive Gem today. Jon will be making the setting, and my budget is around $1,000. My thoughts are: platinum, most likely four prongs (because I actually like how it makes the diamond look a bit square), possibly Tiffany-style tab prongs. I want a simple, classic, streamlined look that is low-set, comfortable to wear, and durable. I went to Tiffany yesterday and tried on the Tiffany True setting: https://www.tiffany.com/engagement/...ring-with-a-round-brilliant-diamond-GRP11929/, which I really liked. But, I would like to round the shank a bit to make it more comfortable.
Does anyone have thoughts about the durability of that type of head? Could it get knocked around because it's only attached at the bottom point?

I also love a bezel, but wonder if that is too much of a major choice for an e-ring.
Here are some bezels I love: https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/my-aca-in-be-bezel.220042/post-3997330 (I like the two-tone look of this)
and https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/my-new-5-02ct-old-european-brilliant.268517/.

Your thoughts and other inspiration are appreciated.
 

Kim N

Ideal_Rock
Premium
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Oct 6, 2005
Messages
6,388
I'd suggest going to a store and trying on a bezel setting before deciding. Personally, I love the True setting and think it would be lovely with a more rounded shank. The head looks a little more integrated with the shank than a regular peg-head solitaire, so I don't think there'd be too much of a durability issue, especially if you ask for it to be low-set.
 

DejaWiz

Ideal_Rock
Joined
Apr 23, 2021
Messages
5,954
Have you checked Jon's designs at DG? He can design and make just about anything you want.



 

mayaINaU

Brilliant_Rock
Joined
Jan 1, 2021
Messages
663
Have you checked Jon's designs at DG? He can design and make just about anything you want.




I had browsed them but not in detail yet. You have some great picks there, thank you! I love the way the Bonnie is open at the bottom and how the Judy doesn't have a (rail? would you call it that?). It reminds me of a Sholdt design I like.
 

mayaINaU

Brilliant_Rock
Joined
Jan 1, 2021
Messages
663
I'd suggest going to a store and trying on a bezel setting before deciding. Personally, I love the True setting and think it would be lovely with a more rounded shank. The head looks a little more integrated with the shank than a regular peg-head solitaire, so I don't think there'd be too much of a durability issue, especially if you ask for it to be low-set.

Agreed, thanks!
 

DejaWiz

Ideal_Rock
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Apr 23, 2021
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5,954
I had browsed them but not in detail yet. You have some great picks there, thank you! I love the way the Bonnie is open at the bottom and how the Judy doesn't have a (rail? would you call it that?). It reminds me of a Sholdt design I like.

I don't think it will pose any problem at all for him to make you a True style setting.
Durability should be just fine, since it's a basket style head.
When you mentioned you liked a more squared look of a four prong, it reminded me of a setting that I had seen on DG's website a while back, just couldn't remember it...fired up the search and voila, there it was (Bonnie) on the first page of results!
 

oncrutchesrightnow

Ideal_Rock
Joined
Apr 17, 2006
Messages
2,635
I don’t think the True setting is too delicate because although it looks like it is attached only at one ”point” the attachment exists on all sides. Another option is to lower the basket just a little into the shoulders, which if you round the shank, could push the metal up higher to provide additional security combined with a lower basket.
 

diamondseeker2006

Super_Ideal_Rock
Premium
Joined
Jan 11, 2006
Messages
58,547
You'd just have to eliminate the T on the True setting and have the basket bars on all 4 sides. I think it would be fine. That ring wouldn't be uncomfortable as the shank is now. But of course, if you like the look of a rounded shank, that would still look good with the rounded side bars on the basket.
 

mayaINaU

Brilliant_Rock
Joined
Jan 1, 2021
Messages
663
You'd just have to eliminate the T on the True setting and have the basket bars on all 4 sides. I think it would be fine. That ring wouldn't be uncomfortable as the shank is now. But of course, if you like the look of a rounded shank, that would still look good with the rounded side bars on the basket.

Yes, I agree with that, and I don’t particularly want to keep the “T” iconography of it.
 

kb1gra

Brilliant_Rock
Joined
Jul 6, 2012
Messages
1,118
I wear a 2ish ct True daily and the edge on the shank is actually quite comfortable, it’s nowhere near the knife edge of the classic solitaire. I’ve had mine about a year and no issues. The shank gives it a little visual interest - Noam Carver makes a similar solitaire with a soft edge on the shank if you want inspiration with a different basket.

I think a 1.3 in a Sholdt Fremont with the open gallery would be so pretty and rock solid.
 

mayaINaU

Brilliant_Rock
Joined
Jan 1, 2021
Messages
663
Thanks, @kb1gra! I agree the shank looks nice, though I was concerned that it felt a bit odd between my fingers. I know it's all a matter of getting used to a new ring. I love the look of the Sholdt Fremont but it's a bit outside the budget I have set for this project. However, I think the Judy 1301 (https://www.distinctivegem.com/coll...an/products/style-1301?variant=31156353761385) seems to echo what I like about both the True and the Fremont....so many decisions to make.
 

mayaINaU

Brilliant_Rock
Joined
Jan 1, 2021
Messages
663
I might just try to go over to Blue Nile today to try on a bunch of settings at once to eliminate a few ideas.
 

kb1gra

Brilliant_Rock
Joined
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Messages
1,118
Thanks, @kb1gra! I agree the shank looks nice, though I was concerned that it felt a bit odd between my fingers. I know it's all a matter of getting used to a new ring. I love the look of the Sholdt Fremont but it's a bit outside the budget I have set for this project. However, I think the Judy 1301 (https://www.distinctivegem.com/coll...an/products/style-1301?variant=31156353761385) seems to echo what I like about both the True and the Fremont....so many decisions to make.

Are you sure? I had one made in 14k and it was $790 just a few months ago. I believe the quote for 18k was $1010, plus setting fee, of course, depending on who you source from. Just food for thought. I'm sure Jonathan can make you something very similar, he just did a very nice bezel design for me that's going to production this week.
 

mayaINaU

Brilliant_Rock
Joined
Jan 1, 2021
Messages
663
Are you sure? I had one made in 14k and it was $790 just a few months ago. I believe the quote for 18k was $1010, plus setting fee, of course, depending on who you source from. Just food for thought. I'm sure Jonathan can make you something very similar, he just did a very nice bezel design for me that's going to production this week.

I will check into it...I saw it in platinum at Pearlman's for $2,000 so I assumed it would be out of reach. https://www.pearlmansjewelers.com/jewelry-designers/sholdt-jewelry/rings/21ZZ1/. Is that the same gallery as this one (https://www.briangavindiamonds.com/Engagement-Rings/solitaires/ida-6987) but just without the engraving, I wonder?

Speaking of Sholdt, how great are these:


https://www.briangavindiamonds.com/Engagement-Rings/solitaires/isabella-6991

Maybe for a future re-set!
 

kb1gra

Brilliant_Rock
Joined
Jul 6, 2012
Messages
1,118
I will check into it...I saw it in platinum at Pearlman's for $2,000 so I assumed it would be out of reach. https://www.pearlmansjewelers.com/jewelry-designers/sholdt-jewelry/rings/21ZZ1/. Is that the same gallery as this one (https://www.briangavindiamonds.com/Engagement-Rings/solitaires/ida-6987) but just without the engraving, I wonder?

Speaking of Sholdt, how great are these:


https://www.briangavindiamonds.com/Engagement-Rings/solitaires/isabella-6991

Maybe for a future re-set!

I have the pave version of the semi-bezel, actually. I'll have to take a picture of it but it is gorgeous. I love Sholdt's work. The setting I was referring to above is the 281, which I think Brian Gavin calls the Khloe. They have it in plat for $1490, so that sounds about right.
 

mayaINaU

Brilliant_Rock
Joined
Jan 1, 2021
Messages
663
I’d love to see a picture of your semi-bezel.
 

kb1gra

Brilliant_Rock
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Messages
1,118
I’d love to see a picture of your semi-bezel.

Remind me and I will get one when I get in from a business trip at the end of this week.
 

mayaINaU

Brilliant_Rock
Joined
Jan 1, 2021
Messages
663
I’m also wondering if anyone knows what the difference is between Jon’s (or any) master bench and the regular bench? Like what are some examples of differences you would see in the finished product, even if it’s a simple solitaire? Thanks!
 

mayaINaU

Brilliant_Rock
Joined
Jan 1, 2021
Messages
663
Oh, I just love this one! Thanks for sharing! I have this on my "someday" list.
 

kb1gra

Brilliant_Rock
Joined
Jul 6, 2012
Messages
1,118
Would you mind telling me how many carats the center stone is and your ring size? Thanks!

It is 1.32ct (just squeaks in under 7mm at 6.93mm) and I am a size 5.75.
 

Kim N

Ideal_Rock
Premium
Joined
Oct 6, 2005
Messages
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That's gorgeous! The claw prongs are killer.
 

mayaINaU

Brilliant_Rock
Joined
Jan 1, 2021
Messages
663
I am going to make a few small tweaks but otherwise I think this is the one!
 

YadaYadaYada

Super_Ideal_Rock
Premium
Joined
Feb 2, 2016
Messages
11,840
After you commented on my thread, I had to hunt down your post about your DG ring. This is going to be amazing, I love the setting you picked out too!
 

jaysonsmom

Ideal_Rock
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Mar 13, 2004
Messages
4,879
I chose 6-prong because I actually like enhancing the roundness of a round diamond. I also love rounds in 8 prongs, kind of the opposite of your aesthetic.
 
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