HELP me decide! New rings ... torn between two styles!

[Acrossley]

Hi friends -
First time posting here! I am redoing/ upgrading my wedding set and have two inspiration rings. A local designer is completing the project, and I am trying to mainstream my images to give him for the design.

I LOVE the thin band - aware of the controversy - with a nice diamond. I have traditionally idolized Tacori, but I also I have loved a Ritani design for the past few months. I feel these two are similar ... any feedback? Anyone own the Tacori or Ritani pictured?


THANKS a TON!
Alisha

 

[yssie]

Fun project! Some thoughts -

How big is your centrestone? The number of melee that will fit in the gallery on the second one (Picture 5) and how proportional those thicker pave'd prongs on the first pic look w/ the centrestone will depend on its size

Tacori is pretty but again, I think quite busy and might overwhelm a smaller stone - also covers much of the pavilion, so you might notice that a poorly cut stone suffers in such a setting that does not allow helping light in through the pavilion, the top two designs are more open

 

[Acrossley]

Hi Yssie-
Good points! My center is currently 1.11, and I am looking at trading up slightly to a 1.4/ 1.5. Our budget allows for an "Average" stone in this category. I really want the size, and I am comfortable not having the "perfect" diamond just yet .... maybe for the 20th year??!

I am leaning towards the Ritani. My husband likes the embellishment on the Tacori, but I am not sure (as you said) how overwhelming it may be on my stone. Also, I wear a size 4.5.

Thanks so much!
Alisha

 

[yssie]

Ah - well, you don't need to worry about a 1.4ct being overwhelmed by the setting

A well-cut diamond takes in most of the light it throws out to you from the top. A not-so-well-cut diamond may allow significant amounts of light that comes in through the top to escape out the bottom (pavilion), leaving areas of diamond that don't appear to be sparkling (or doing anything) - these stones will benefit from light entering the pavilion, reflecting internally, and being outputted through the top of the stone back to you, filling in those otherwise "dead areas". A well-cut stone doesn't need the extra help (of light entering the pavilion) because there are no "dead areas".. hence my thoughts on the more enclosed head of the tacori.

 

[EHR2009]

I LOVE the first Ritani you posted!!!

 

[lovemybling]

I like them both but I LOVE the curves on the Tacori basket. So my vote would be for the Tacori

 

[wakingdreams53]

I saw the last Tacori (2515) in person the other day. GORGEOUS. Thick band though. It had a 2ct CZ, for a 1.1-1.5ct stone, it would be gorgeous, but it all depends on what you like and what looks and feels best on your hand. Sadly, from all of this online shopping, I've realized that you really have to go and try it on! Good luck, you've got great taste!!

 

[Acrossley]

Thanks for all of the replies, friends!
You are right ... rings are so different in person than just browsing online. Our local jeweler dropped Tacori last year ... I think we have one more in the area who still carries the line. When I visited the store over a year ago, I was drawn to the Ritani Endless Love. I selected it several times from the case and continue to come back to the delicate design. Actually, the ring shown with diamonds on the prongs is not a true Ritani ... I have seen it floating around here and other sites. Very similar, though, right? Since this is being custom designed, I am leaning towards the Ritani style with the pave diamonds on the circle encompassing the center (as shown in both images) but doing beading/ engraving on the doughnut and prongs ... maybe a small accent diamond on each prong? I think the engraving/ beading will pull in a touch of the antique feel I love about Tacori but keep my setting thin and delicate (accept for my diamond - hoping it will really show!) by going with the 2mm band width and dainty basket design.

My jeweler will do an initial mock up that I'll be able to post. Thoughts on the prong/ doughnut design? I am pairing it with a 2mm eternity band. The main band will be 3/4 pave with engraving on the remaining backside.

Also - thoughts on pave, micro-pave, and fishtailing? What would you call the one featured as Ritani? Pave?

THANKS SOOO much! You guys have been a blessing allowing me to talk this through ... My husband and jeweler are undoubtedly relieved to have a break from my "talking it out."

 

[TimMD]

I can't help but thinking that the first 2 settings look extremely similar to what I just custom designed for my fiancee from whiteflash and her stone is very similar to the size you are looking for so I thought I would share. (1.31 g vvs2 aca). This link is the setting I designed and the pictures are my actual ring with the 1.31 stone. (fiancees middle name is Elena )

http://www.whiteflash.com/engagement-rings/diamond-settings/elena-diamond-engagement-ring-1363.htm

If you are interested in how the size looks with the setting in real life (band is 2mm), here is the thread to some of the hand shots

[URL='https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/as-promised-the-handshots.155462/']https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/as-promised-the-handshots.155462/[/URL]

Lastly, I will attach a cool macro picture showing some of the detail of the fishtail pave.

Anyways, I just thought I would share because of the obvious similiarities in the ones you posted and what you were describing you wanted, especially with the stone size. I did not have any knowledge of either of those settings when I started but got my initial inspiration from what my fiancee told me she liked and my fascination of the "wondrous" by HOF, although in the end her setting came out a bit different. I hope the images help, good luck with your shopping!!

 

[lknvrb4]

I really like the Ritani.

 

[Acrossley]

TimMD -
LOVELY ring! I really like the band width ... what size his her stone exactly? I may have missed that ... what are the spec? I like the cathedral build up to the stone. Another thought!

I am torn between the fishtail and a pave/ micro pave with small miligrain edges edges .... See the two pictured. I am pretty mush sold on the Ritani look, but I need to decide:

1.) Band Style
2.) Basket Detail - all diamonds/ some engraving/ miligrain

I want to carry over some of the antique/ old world feel from the Tacori .... I just like the daintiness of the Ritani.

Keep your opinions coming!

 

[kathleenmv]

Sounds like you may go custom, but wanted to say that I own the last Tacori pictured and I looooooooooooove it! I added pave to the band to give it a little extra bling. Here are a few photos. Hope this helps!

 

[Acrossley]

kathleenmv -
WOW. That is stunning. So this is very hard .... seriously. I am sold on the pave, though. I have wanted pave/ beading for a long time and recently discovered the fishtailing. Now to confirm which style ....

Kathleenmv -
For comparison, what size is your stone? How many mm's is your band?

THANKS!!



BTW -
It looks like your band does not sit flush .... is it just the picture or is that true?

 

[kathleenmv]

Hiya,

The band is about 2mm. The stone is just a bit over 8mm (8.2 or something).

I know that modifying a designer's style isn't everybody's cup of tea, but I'm really happy I added pave to the band. It was exactly what I wanted.

You have some wonderful options to consider. I think no matter which you choose, your ring will be gorgeous.

 

[kathleenmv]

Oops. Just saw your PS.

No, the band doesn't sit flush. I'm not sure a traditional/regular band will because of the basket. But I'm totally cool with it. Most of the time, they snug up together pretty well. My wedding band is a Tiffany Legacy. I liked going slightly non-matchy.

 

[Acrossley]

Well,
I think it is lovely!

I had wanted my band to sit flush ... that is one point for the Ritani style. Do you have any side angles of the ring really showing off the pave/ diamond detail? How many carats is the stone (if you don't mind me asking)? And FINALLY - what size do you wear? I am heading out today to our Ritani/ Tacori jewelers in hopes of seeing them both. My custom design will vary regardless, but at least I'll have a very good idea.

 

[gemgirl]

Another vote cast for the Ritani.

 

[kathleenmv]

I'd say the rings fit "flush-ish," but it's not a true flush fit.

My stone is 2.19 carats. It's an August Vintage Round, so it faces up a wee bit smaller than, say, a H&A diamond.

I'm horrible with photography, but here's a side view of the basket. The detail is much more delicate in person.

Hope this helps!

 

[kathleenmv]

Shoot. Forgot to answer your ring size question. I wear a 5.5.

 

[Acrossley]

Thanks for all of your help!
So funny - I AM a photographer .... ring details are very difficult. I have a specialized micro lens for such shots, so I understand!
Could I ask you to include an image from the side the of the band? I really wanted to see the detail of the pave/ diamond along the side. Sorry I wasn't clear No worries of it's too much trouble!

I will not have any larger than 1.5 in my setting (going up from 1.1). I love the way your stone looks, BUT it is significantly larger

 

[kathleenmv]

I looked through my tiny collection of not-so-great photos, and I don't have any shots of the band. BUT I'm happy to take some this afternoon while my kiddos are napping.

I think a 1.5ct stone would look divine in any of the settings you're considering!

 

[TimMD]

TimMD -
LOVELY ring! I really like the band width ... what size his her stone exactly? I may have missed that ... what are the spec? I like the cathedral build up to the stone. Another thought!

I am torn between the fishtail and a pave/ micro pave with small miligrain edges edges .... See the two pictured. I am pretty mush sold on the Ritani look, but I need to decide:

1.) Band Style
2.) Basket Detail - all diamonds/ some engraving/ miligrain

I want to carry over some of the antique/ old world feel from the Tacori .... I just like the daintiness of the Ritani.

Keep your opinions coming!

The stone in her ring is 1.31/G/VVS2, a cut above from Whiteflash, the stone is 7.07mm, so about 0.25-0.3mm smaller than a 1.5 stone. I was stuck between going with the miligrain or just the pave alone but that is why I liked the fishtail pave so much, I thought it gave it a nice unique look without miligrain. I was worried about the miligrain being too much on much a dainty setting, but I could be wrong. I think the fishtail pave turned out nice, that is why I tried to send you that one macro. I actually bought her a macro for our canon SLR just to take pics so I may have one of the profile showing off the fishtail, if not I will have her shoot one when she wakes up to give you an idea (she a nurse and works the night shift). It is funny, I too was very obsessed with the band sitting flush and I actually bought the band at the same time (see the WF pics) and it sits perfectly flush. I too love the Ritani setting (1st image in your post) and thought there were some strong similarities to her ring.

 

[Acrossley]

[/quote] The stone in her ring is 1.31/G/VVS2, a cut above from Whiteflash, the stone is 7.07mm, so about 0.25-0.3mm smaller than a 1.5 stone. I was stuck between going with the miligrain or just the pave alone but that is why I liked the fishtail pave so much, I thought it gave it a nice unique look without miligrain. I was worried about the miligrain being too much on much a dainty setting, but I could be wrong. I think the fishtail pave turned out nice, that is why I tried to send you that one macro. I actually bought her a macro for our canon SLR just to take pics so I may have one of the profile showing off the fishtail, if not I will have her shoot one when she wakes up to give you an idea (she a nurse and works the night shift). It is funny, I too was very obsessed with the band sitting flush and I actually bought the band at the same time (see the WF pics) and it sits perfectly flush. I too love the Ritani setting (1st image in your post) and thought there were some strong similarities to her ring.[/quote]

You are correct - very strong similarities. in face, the image is one I have in my idea folder ... what made you decide to do the cathedral type lead up rather than the flatter look? Does that make sense? The stones I am looking at are 1.4-1.5, so it is a great comparison. I still like both band styles. I am trying to follow my instincts, too. I have always loved beading and pave, so I think the fishtail may be a shiny new idea trying to dissuade me

I really love both of these, but I think my basis is going to be the Ritani style ... I want to incorporate some beading/ engraving on the prongs rather than all diamonds. I also beleive what Yssie said about the Ritani setting - my diamond will not be superb and the more open design will allow more fire from my stone : )

I appreciate any more feedback!

 

[Acrossley]

Hi friends! The trip to the jewelry store proved rather productive. I found a Simon G setting that was ALMOST perfect. There was not any detail on the prongs or top/ bottom of the bands. They'll be able to add it, though, in house. I also looked at 1.5 carat/ H/ VS1 that was very lovely. I already placed my current setting in the hands of the first jeweler to help price the custom work. I'll have to get it Monday and take it to the jewelers from today to get a fair price comparison on the trade.
The Simon G has a .7 mm band ... I know the controversy over the thin band, but the jeweler and manufacturer both guarantee the design. Any bad experiences with the thinner designs? It is so lovely IMO.

Thoghts on this?
http://simongjewelry.com/details.php?products_id=2266&categories_id=50&viewall=y&

 

[mrssalvo]

I love the Ritani! It was on my upgrade ring list for a very long time. Ritani seems to know how to do pave b/c you rarely here of stone coming out of their settings which was a huge plus for me when I was looking. I also liked how a wedding band will sit flush. That ring looks great with a band on either side of the solitaire too The tacori is lovely though, I don't think you can really go wrong with either.

 

[Acrossley]

I love the Ritani! It was on my upgrade ring list for a very long time. Ritani seems to know how to do pave b/c you rarely here of stone coming out of their settings which was a huge plus for me when I was looking. I also liked how a wedding band will sit flush. That ring looks great with a band on either side of the solitaire too The tacori is lovely though, I don't think you can really go wrong with either.

Thanks for the feedback!
I really like the Ritani, too, but would have it recreated to save money. I understand the value in Ritani's design, but I cannot put that much money into it.

What do you think of this Simon G? Tried it on tonight and really loved it!!

 

[diamondseeker2006]

Sounds like you may go custom, but wanted to say that I own the last Tacori pictured and I looooooooooooove it! I added pave to the band to give it a little extra bling. Here are a few photos. Hope this helps!

Whoa!!! Ms Kathleen!!! I think we need a thread in Show Me the Bling of your Tacori with an AV round!!!!

As far as the question in the OP, I would have to say I adore the combination of a modern cut stone such as H&A in the Ritani and old cuts such as OEC's or AV rounds in antique style settings.

I am not sure what you meant by getting an "average" stone, but I hope you get ideal or excellent cut and mean average for color and/or clarity!

 

[Acrossley]

Yes, when I say average I mean H-I/ VS1-VS2 ... not superb specs. I know to go better on the cut, but could you educate me more on the HOA, OEC, etc.? I just looked up some information. How do you decide which goes best with a setting? Which would you recommend and why for the Simon G? Are these stones uniquely different than those purchased from a local jeweler? Do you have to request these?

Sorry for all the questions

 

[slg47]

Hi friends! The trip to the jewelry store proved rather productive. I found a Simon G setting that was ALMOST perfect. There was not any detail on the prongs or top/ bottom of the bands. They'll be able to add it, though, in house. I also looked at 1.5 carat/ H/ VS1 that was very lovely. I already placed my current setting in the hands of the first jeweler to help price the custom work. I'll have to get it Monday and take it to the jewelers from today to get a fair price comparison on the trade.
The Simon G has a .7 mm band ... I know the controversy over the thin band, but the jeweler and manufacturer both guarantee the design. Any bad experiences with the thinner designs? It is so lovely IMO.

Thoghts on this?
http://simongjewelry.com/details.php?products_id=2266&categories_id=50&viewall=y&

did you mean 1.7 mm band??? .7 would be TINY!

as far as the diamonds, post in RockyTalky and we can help out. I would get whatever stone YOU like best and put it in the setting.

 

[Acrossley]

Yes - 1.7

Will do! Thanks for the tip!