Help me design my setting :-)

[diamondseeker2006]

The only thing is, platinum holds up far better than gold and I would want the prongs out of platinum unless you are trying to have the stone appear more yellow. I think a lot of yg prongs would detract from the diamond, personally. But that is a personal preference, obviously!

I do think you have to change a design at least 20% in order to use a current one as inspiration. I love migraine and engraving on a basket and would be inclined to do that myself if I ever settle on a diamond and make a new setting! But I adore Victors engraving the most and wouldn't do it unless you can see examples of their engraving.

 

[valmanin]

The only thing is, platinum holds up far better than gold and I would want the prongs out of platinum unless you are trying to have the stone appear more yellow. I think a lot of yg prongs would detract from the diamond, personally. But that is a personal preference, obviously!

I do think you have to change a design at least 20% in order to use a current one as inspiration. I love migraine and engraving on a basket and would be inclined to do that myself if I ever settle on a diamond and make a new setting! But I adore Victors engraving the most and wouldn't do it unless you can see examples of their engraving.

This particular diamond seems to look brighter and whiter next to YG, but now sure if it would once set. It kind of reminds me of how white coati's diamond looks set in the YG bezel. But, yes, the durability factor is a question. It could also handle platinum...it is that very unique color that is not too warm for a white metal.

I feel comfortable using Adam for the milgraining as he feels very confident in his bench and he has stated several times very "delicate" milgraine. Engraving is another story. I don't think I will venture that far out on a limb for this setting...that seems like a whole other world.

I just can't come up with a way to marry Haven's ring and the JbEG Julia. Wouldn't that change both of them 20%???

 

[diamondseeker2006]

Yes, I think that would change them 20%. The thing is, does Adam have a someone you can talk to who actually makes and design rings? Because what I do in this situation is send Victor the two designs and say I like these and please combine them for me into one design! Let the ring designer help you!

 

[valmanin]

Yes, I think that would change them 20%. The thing is, does Adam have a someone you can talk to who actually makes and design rings? Because what I do in this situation is send Victor the two designs and say I like these and please combine them for me into one design! Let the ring designer help you!

Ahhhh...good point! Not sure exactly. He did allude to the fact that we would be working to design something, but not sure if it would be him or someone else. I will ask on Monday.

That being said, I am pretty much a control freak. So, part of me wants to know exactly what I want before I get him involved. Maybe that's the wrong way to go about it, but honestly I think PSers have such amazing ideas and massive amounts of knowledge so thought I'd start here first.

 

[diamondseeker2006]

I see no problem asking both! I just know in my case that as a designer, victor can think of things that I can't. Plus, he knows what will work and what will not. I just tell him no if he suggests an element that I do not want.

 

[valmanin]

I see no problem asking both! I just know in my case that as a designer, victor can think of things that I can't. Plus, he knows what will work and what will not. I just tell him no if he suggests an element that I do not want.

That makes sense. I will find out how the design aspect works at OWD on Monday. In the meantime I will hopefully get ideas from the brilliant people here.

 

[diamondseeker2006]

Sounds like a plan! I still think Havens could be made with 6 prongs by adding prongs at 3 and 9:00. Then move the other 4 closer together so they are all spaced right. I would also made the shank a little wider than they made hers.

 

[valmanin]

Sounds like a plan! I still think Havens could be made with 6 prongs by adding prongs at 3 and 9:00. Then move the other 4 closer together so they are all spaced right. I would also made the shank a little wider than they made hers.

How wide would you make the shank? Do you like 6 or 8 prongs? They would obviously be in platinum if I went with a variation of Haven's ring. I would skip all the surprise diamonds too. I am still trying to figure out why the basket with the milgraine part of Haven's ring looks so low on the stone. I LOVE the way it looks...just trying to understand it. Is it just because her stone has such a high crown? Or is it something in the design?

 

[diamondseeker2006]

I would do a 2mm shank on a 3 ct stone. That is thin!

I need to look back at Havens ring to see what you are talking about. Just a sec.

Okay, I think it appears low because it is thinner than many side bars usually are. I think it could be a little wider.

I'd probably do 6 prongs personally, but 8 is okay on a larger stone like yours. You will have to really redesign Haven's entire head to work in 8 prongs, though.

 

[diamondseeker2006]

I am going to have to add, though, that I think the Vatche Swan is still pretty outstanding with a 3 ct stone. Couldn't you mix metals with bands and just get it in all platinum? Didn't you say you didn't care about a strictly antique style setting? I just think that swan would look amazing with a 3 ct OEC!

 

[valmanin]

Okay...don't laugh as I am a TERRIBLE drawer. But, when I'm determined...hee hee...

Here is a starting point...

Please be critical...I am not easily offended and I really want to get this right.

 

[diamondseeker2006]

So are the prongs on the ends the ones that would be at 3 and 9:00? I am not loving 3 coming up from the side of the basket.

 

[valmanin]

So are the prongs on the ends the ones that would be at 3 and 9:00? I am not loving 3 coming up from the side of the basket.

That picture would have 8 prongs so I just added three in the middle. I used the JbEG Julia like this as an idea for the prong area...my prongs look like shark teeth though...not good at sketching.

http://jewelsbyericagrace.smugmug.c...turing/12794553_8DFVw7#!i=822099885&k=3zGWzdc

 

[diamondseeker2006]

What doesn't work about that is because in Haven's design, the two outer prongs are from a 4 prong design with prongs at something like 4:30 and 7:30 and nothing coming out at 3 and 9. If yours are coming out at 3 and 9, then you only have 2 prongs supporting the basket.

This is frustrating trying to explain and I can't draw and post because I am not at home with my regular computer, camera, etc.

 

[diamondseeker2006]

Ok, I will have to look back at the Julia a sec.

I don't like the three prongs coming out from the basket. When I see twolittlebirds Julia setting, I think the two prongs coming out of that basket is enough. You are almost going to be at the Julia design other than 8 prongs.

 

[valmanin]

Ok, I will have to look back at the Julia a sec.

I don't like the three prongs coming out from the basket. When I see twolittlebirds Julia setting, I think the two prongs coming out of that basket is enough. You are almost going to be at the Julia design other than 8 prongs.

Yep...just realized that what I drew would end up being a 10 prong. Well, anyway, you get the idea and it sounds like it's not quite working.

I think I am going to need more ideas. Anyone up for the challenge?

 

[arkieb1]

You know this is spooky I had been looking at the JBEG Ring for design ideas as well. I was thinking a 8 prong but with an old fashioned underbasket with work on the gallery, so from the top it looks like the JBEG ring but at the bottom it looks like a proper deco basket but work diamonds into it. I was going to have a platinum head and yellow gold body.

 

[valmanin]

You know this is spooky I had been looking at the JBEG Ring for design ideas as well. I was thinking a 8 prong but with an old fashioned underbasket with work on the gallery, so from the top it looks like the JBEG ring but at the bottom it looks like a proper deco basket but work diamonds into it. I was going to have a platinum head and yellow gold body.

That is spooky! Can't wait to see THAT...if that is what you are still thinking. I am having a difficult time changing anything enough to make an "inspired by" since all the rings I love are perfect as is.

 

[arkieb1]

Actually I was tossing up between that and a modified version of Victor's Sophia with the French cuts (nope not like the standard one or like the bezel) a different version.... Or an 8 prong head, diamond undergallery and slim channel set sides with millegrain and alternating french cut round, french cut, round - I saw that on an antique ring once and loved it. I have crazy bad design ideas in my head. Now I just need to find a damn stone so I can own a few of them!!!!

 

[valmanin]

I am starting to think I will scrap the two tone idea b/c unless I just totally copied Haven's ring I am too afraid of it looking cheesy and forced.

I think I will stick with yellow gold.

Here is another idea...it is from OWD so would be much easier/less risky since they have done it before. I would want a different design on the basket because I am not really a heart person. Also, is it set too low...can't tell. So, is this a contender or should I stick with the Julia/Haven/swan idea?

 

[missy]

I love the OWD ring setting. It's very graceful and elegant. I would also leave the hearts out as I'm not a fan of hearts in jewelry either. I don't think it's set too low but I love the look of low settings and had them set my OEC as low as possible. It's just very appealing to me. So it depends on your preferences. But I do love this OWD setting!

 

[valmanin]

I love the OWD ring setting. It's very graceful and elegant. I would also leave the hearts out as I'm not a fan of hearts in jewelry either. I don't think it's set too low but I love the look of low settings and had them set my OEC as low as possible. It's just very appealing to me. So it depends on your preferences. But I do love this OWD setting!

Thanks Missy! Do you wear a band with yours as well? I know you have a similar type setting.

I forgot to mention that it would be 8 prongs instead of 6. I need some ideas for basket design...hmmm....

 

[missy]

I love the OWD ring setting. It's very graceful and elegant. I would also leave the hearts out as I'm not a fan of hearts in jewelry either. I don't think it's set too low but I love the look of low settings and had them set my OEC as low as possible. It's just very appealing to me. So it depends on your preferences. But I do love this OWD setting!

Thanks Missy! Do you wear a band with yours as well? I know you have a similar type setting.

I forgot to mention that it would be 8 prongs instead of 6. I need some ideas for basket design...hmmm....

I have 8 prongs too. And I love the look. The prongs are tiny and delicate so IRL there is no detraction from the main attraction.
I have 2 WB's that I alternate wearing with my OEC. One is made up of swiss cut diamonds and the other is a simple engraved vintage platinum band. Both are true vintage bands.

For the basket design I would go with something simple but it's such a personal preference that it is hard to make a recommendation. I am sure Adam would have some good suggestions.

 

[diamondseeker2006]

I actually love the OWD setting and Missy's as well. I really think that basic design is most true to the period of the diamonds. I think they work great with the large diamonds because even though the setting is low, the stones sit up a nice height due to their size. I also am just too old for hearts in the setting, so I'd want another design there. But I really like this idea better than the others on the thread. I am leaning this way myself, except I have the problem of my stones being a bit smaller and I am not sure if they'd be too low for me in this setting design. I LOVE the 8 prongs on larger stones, too.

Wonder what the pricing is on this setting?

Also, do you know the size of the diamond in the yg setting? I am hoping it is smaller than mine because I like the setting with a larger stone. (And just FYI, I am not getting that setting. I have other similar crown setting pictures already.)

 

[starrylight]

Why not a fleur de lis design instead of hearts? Somewhat reminiscent of the Sophie?

 

[diamondseeker2006]

Here is a side view of Mara's:

 

[diamondseeker2006]

Why not a fleur de lis design instead of hearts? Somewhat reminiscent of the Sophie?

Ha! That is what I was planning, actually! Just wanted to say it now so no one would think I had copied! But I think that may work better with 6 prongs than 8 because of more space between the prongs.

 

[missy]

Why not a fleur de lis design instead of hearts? Somewhat reminiscent of the Sophie?

Ha! That is what I was planning, actually! Just wanted to say it now so no one would think I had copied! But I think that may work better with 6 prongs than 8 because of more space between the prongs.

Oh, I think that design would look amazing with your AVR DS!

My basket detail is different than Mara's but not much IMO. Sort of inverted curved triangles.
It almost looks like M's along the basket side which ofc I quite like.

And by the way, who cares if something is copied (IMO ofc)? I think it is very flattering.

 

[GemFever]

I'm no good with settings and ideas, but I do love the look of this style from OWD! I'd also replace hearts with something else, but otherwise it's perfect!

 

[diamondseeker2006]

Why not a fleur de lis design instead of hearts? Somewhat reminiscent of the Sophie?

Ha! That is what I was planning, actually! Just wanted to say it now so no one would think I had copied! But I think that may work better with 6 prongs than 8 because of more space between the prongs.

Oh, I think that design would look amazing with your AVR DS!

My basket detail is different than Mara's but not much IMO. Sort of inverted curved triangles.
It almost looks like M's along the basket side which ofc I quite like.

And by the way, who cares if something is copied (IMO ofc)? I think it is very flattering.

Glad to see a close up of your side view, Missy!!! I just LOVE everything about your diamond and setting!

I have the same attitude you do. I just shared my french cut band idea with brightice yesterday. All antique designs have already been done, so why worry if someone else likes it and makes one, too?!

I am just sort of bummed that my temp setting might take 3 weeks when I could possibly have a new setting made within a week or two of that time.