Help me decide - H&A melee or Solasfera?

[jenniann]

Ok guys, I need your help.

I''m having Good Old Gold make me two 11 stone bands with 0.03 melee but I can''t decide whether to go for their standard H&A melee (G-H, VS/SI1) or Solasfera melee. There isn''t much in the price difference, Marie at GOG thinks about $50 per band (so $100 total) - has anyone seen the Solasfera melee (or the GOG H&A melee come to that)? What do you think - worth the extra $ or am I really not going to see any sifference when they''re that small? $100 doesn''t sound like much but it''s an extra $100 towards a pair of earings so I want the cash to count.

Any and all advice appreciated!

Thanks!

 

[Ellen]

I doubt many have seen Solasfera melee, I haven''t. I''d ask Jon what the difference is, if any. Or, if you asked real nice, he might make a video for you.

 

[Lorelei]

Date: 12/18/2008 4:29:44 PM
Author: Ellen
I doubt many have seen Solasfera melee, I haven''t. I''d ask Jon what the difference is, if any. Or, if you asked real nice, he might make a video for you.

I have a ring with ACA melee and they are gorgeous, I haven''t seen Solasfera mels though, ditto asking Jon.

 

[MissDimity]

Just went to www.solasfera.com to look at their diamond showcase.

Each diamond has 91 facets (92 with cutlet), "to capture , move and return light".

I think ''online'' the showcase diamonds placed in pave/ melee in a ring, make it look too busy. They look like they would detract away from a feature solitaire diamond.

HOWEVER, I think you should see both in real life before making a decision.

 

[jenniann]

Thanks for the comments so far!

I actually stumbled upon some GOG videos this morning, 2 of which included a comparison on Solasfera diamonds next to H&A stones (admittedly full size stones rther than melee but enough to give me the idea).

I can definately see the difference and like the smaller, more frequent flashes of fire and contrast, I suppose it''s just a question of whether this would show up in stones as small as 0.03ct.

Unfortunately I live in the UK so seeing them in person first won''t be possible.

Off to mull it over (and probably harass Marie with yet more questions!) but any other comments welcomed.

Thanks again guys!

 

[swingirl]

I would probably save the $100. The regular H&A that GOG uses are probably beautiful and as sparkly as you can get. The facets are so small at the melee size there''s only so much you can get from them. Either way make sure you post a photo when you have them!

 

[diamondseeker2006]

I think that is too small to benefit from 91 facets. In fact, some jewelers use stones with less facets than the H&A''s for melee. So I''d go with the H&A in stones that small.

 

[just looking]

I had GOG make a setting with 12 .05''s ( 6 on each side) and it looks beautiful. I''d like to get a picture posted but believe it or not, I''m having trouble getting a good focus. The microscope at work is too close and the handheld is too far away. Finding the correct lighting is tough as well.

 

[geckodani]

Date: 12/19/2008 12:13:11 PM
Author: diamondseeker2006
I think that is too small to benefit from 91 facets. In fact, some jewelers use stones with less facets than the H&A''s for melee. So I''d go with the H&A in stones that small.

Ditto. I have 1 point ACAs in my band, and they sparkle quite well.

 

[jenniann]

Thanks everyone!

I think I''m pretty much decided o the H&As now but justlooking - if you can find a photo I''d be really interested to see it.

My new dilema is do I go for 11x0.03ct stones or 9x0.04ct stones? I''ll be wearing the 2 bands together, maybe with a plain band in between - any thoughts?

Might move this to a new thread......

Thanks again!