help me pull the trigger....finally

[unsettled]

Ok, so I have been paralyzed by reset regret for the last 2 years. I really, really love this James Allen setting.

https://www.jamesallen.com/engageme...r-milgrain-diamond-engagement-ring-item-49486

I have looked at it over and over and over and OVER again. But I can't buy the setting empty. I have to send them my diamond, they set it, send it back to me. If I don't like it, I can return it, but I am out $200 setting fee plus shipping. They can't even give me any approximate measurements of the completed ring with a 1.5 carat diamond. I am just afraid that the pictures on the website are so magnified that I will disappointed in the completed size of the ring. I want heft. Not dainty. And they only have one example of a 1.5 carat diamond in the recently purchased rings section.

I ordered this ring about 2 years ago and was very disappointed with the size. It was actually very well made. It just was very dainty.
https://www.orospot.com/product/r3016ven/2ct-moissanite-graduated-diamond-engagement-ring-gold.aspx

So, what do you experts think? Will the JA setting be similar is size to the Orospot setting? Have you seen pictures of this JA setting completed? The price on it seems a little too good to be true. And during the sale, it's an even better price.

I have been waffling on this for so long and started so many threads about this style of ring. I feel like I need to just do it and move on. Or just forget about it.

 

[unsettled]

I really love these proportions of @pixgirl 's cushion with french cuts.

 

[BlingDreams]

My opinion is that it’ll be dainty and not hefty. The website lists the width of the ring as 2mm (my guess is that’s the thinnest point) and the total carat of side diamonds as .47cts.

It looks like they increase the width of the setting to be proportionate with your center stone. What are it’s size specs? Perhaps you can ask what’s the width of the ring would be where it meets the center stone; that should allow you to sketch it out on paper and then decide if it’s what you’re looking for. That’s how I’d proceed from here.

Have you found any mountings in B&M stores that you like the size of?

 

[unsettled]

I tried this tacori ring that I liked. It had a smaller center than mine. (I have a 1.5 carat, about 7.4 mm I think) I liked these proportions. But I don’t like the price tag or the ornate ness of tacori.


I asked if I could get the widest measurement where the shank meets the center. And they said they make it for each center stone. So no finished measurements are available. At all.

So that is my worry too. That it will be dainty. And I will have wasted time and money.

 

[BlingDreams]

I tried this tacori ring that I liked. It had a smaller center than mine. (I have a 1.5 carat, about 7.4 mm I think) I liked these proportions. But I don’t like the price tag or the ornate ness of tacori.


I asked if I could get the widest measurement where the shank meets the center. And they said they make it for each center stone. So no finished measurements are available. At all.

So that is my worry too. That it will be dainty. And I will have wasted time and money.

That photo really helps. And here again is where opinions are subjective! To me, that ring is dainty/delicate but, to you, it has heft. I actually think the JA setting will look very much like that one (from the top-down view).

I’d vote go for it

ETA: Have you used the “try on” feature they have? That should give you your answer too.

 

[unsettled]

That photo really helps. And here again is where opinions are subjective! To me, that ring is dainty/delicate but, to you, it has heft. I actually think the JA setting will look very much like that one (from the top-down view).

I’d vote go for it

ETA: Have you used the “try on” feature they have? That should give you your answer too.

I guess in a world of 2mm pave shanks, it feels hefty-ish!

I did use the try on feature. But it doesn’t let you choose a size for the center stone. So I am not sure if what I am seeing is even close to accurate.

 

[LLJsmom]

I don’t think it will be dainty if you compare it to a 2mm shank. However the carat weight of diamonds (.47) probably remains the same regardless of the size of the ring. I would keep that in mind. With the kind of setting I have generally seen people go custom because they want that look and it would depend on the size of the center stone. Since you are getting a premade at a decent price just try it or you will be obsessing forever. And if it isn’t what you wanted then it wasn’t that much. Or, go custom to be certain it is exactly what you want.

 

[unsettled]

I don’t think it will be dainty if you compare it to a 2mm shank. However the carat weight of diamonds (.47) probably remains the same regardless of the size of the ring. I would keep that in mind. With the kind of setting I have generally seen people go custom because they want that look and it would depend on the size of the center stone. Since you are getting a premade at a decent price just try it or you will be obsessing forever. And if it isn’t what you wanted then it wasn’t that much. Or, go custom to be certain it is exactly what you want.

I asked that question when I chatted. If the carat weight remains the same? If so, why aren’t there any measurements. He said that it varies according to the center stone size and is a min of .47.

I think I may just do it. It is a great price. And could help me decide on a forever setting one day. If there is such a thing.

 

[McGinnis]

I think I may just do it. It is a great price. And could help me decide on a forever setting one day. If there is such a thing. [/QUOTE]

Cant wait to hear your feedback!

 

[nala]

I think it will be like the previous one that you didn’t like. IMO neither is dainty.

 

[luv2sparkle]

I don't think you will be able to get the look you want if the stones are not proportionate with the size of the center stone. I think it will be like the one you ordered, which I actually love. I would call David Klass and have him make you exactly what you envision in your head.

 

[rockysalamander]

I also think it will be exactly like the OroSpot setting you returned. I'm also in favor of going custom, but that will be less returnable. I've always loved the Erica WInters Minna.

 

[luv2sparkle]

I also think it will be exactly like the OroSpot setting you returned. I'm also in favor of going custom, but that will be less returnable. I've always loved the Erica WInters Minna.

That setting is gorgeous but crazy expensive. Like minimum 14k.

 

[sledge]

Many companies nowadays are creating fake settings using 3D printers and sending them out to customers to inspect before making their final purchases. I think Four Mines is one such company. You can get like 3 or 4 settings and if you don't return then they are a nominal fee ($20-30/ea best I recall).

It might be worth asking JA if they have this option. If not, ask if they can ship to a trusted jeweler in your area that can allow you to see the setting in-person. If you don't like it, the jeweler can ship back to JA. It would be some shipping expense, but might be an option.

Personally I'd do as much research as reasonable, and if you are happy with it then pull the trigger. Sounds like worst case you will be out $250 if you don't like it. I know everyone views money differently, but you've fretted about this for 2 years. What is $250 in the big picture to know for sure? It's okay to spend the money and not like the ring instead of sitting in limbo. You need to pull the trigger IMO so you can find peace.

 

[rockysalamander]

That setting is gorgeous but crazy expensive. Like minimum 14k.

Fair enough. Frenchies are expensive, but DK made a lovely ring along these lines too.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BMpw8i8g1z3/?hl=en&taken-by=davidklassjewelry

 

[luv2sparkle]

@rocky salamander- I would talk to David Klass in a heartbeat. I had a quote for the Minna and it was actually 14,900 with 1 carat french cuts. Incredibly beautiful though.

 

[unsettled]

Thanks y’all. I think I’ve decided to purchase it. If it doesn’t work out, I’m not out a whole lot of money. If it does, I get a pretty setting for a great price.

If it doesn’t work out, I will eventually contact David Klass to make a setting for me. But I am really trying to avoid that if I can. I am not very good at verbalizing what I want. Or envisioning the final product. So custom scares me!

 

[sledge]

Glad to hear this @unsettled. No one likes to waste money, but I think in this case, you not going through the process will be regret or what if moment you always question. Kudos for pulling the trigger. Let us know how it all goes!

And @luv2sparkle and @rockysalamander....$14k for a setting!

Everyone has different budgets and it was a gorgeous ring, but..but...but...LOL. On a serious note, while the ring was beautiful I have often questioned the value of the ornate side designs. I personally like some of them, especially with diamonds. Others tend to think they are a waste of money. A small detail I like that is wasteful is the small diamonds under the main stone (not sure the name).

 

[unsettled]

Well, I ordered it at 11 pm last night. Nothing like getting in on a sale just under the wire. And they are actually going to make the setting and send it to me without me having to send in my diamond and have it mounted. So that makes me very happy.

So I would only be out $100 if I end up not loving it. And at least I will know! I will report back when I receive it. They said 2-3 weeks. But we will see........

 

[BlingDreams]

Well, I ordered it at 11 pm last night. Nothing like getting in on a sale just under the wire. And they are actually going to make the setting and send it to me without me having to send in my diamond and have it mounted. So that makes me very happy.

So I would only be out $100 if I end up not loving it. And at least I will know! I will report back when I receive it. They said 2-3 weeks. But we will see........

Congratulations!! No more driving yourself crazy (except for the next 2-3 weeks! )

Share hand shots once it’s in!

 

[Lorelei]

Glad to hear this @unsettled. No one likes to waste money, but I think in this case, you not going through the process will be regret or what if moment you always question. Kudos for pulling the trigger. Let us know how it all goes!

And @luv2sparkle and @rockysalamander....$14k for a setting!

Everyone has different budgets and it was a gorgeous ring, but..but...but...LOL. On a serious note, while the ring was beautiful I have often questioned the value of the ornate side designs. I personally like some of them, especially with diamonds. Others tend to think they are a waste of money. A small detail I like that is wasteful is the small diamonds under the main stone (not sure the name).

I'm the same way as you, all about the rock!

But unsettled, I think you made the right choice for yourself, let us know what you think of it!

 

[unsettled]

Well they emailed yesterday and said I do have to send in my diamond for them to build the setting.

 

[unsettled]

So they got some measurements for me. They said the diamonds closest to the center will be 3.5 mm and .15 each. So just a little larger than the 10 point stones in my wedding band. And the overall width is 4.7 mm wide at the widest and tapers to 2.6mm.

Any thoughts on this? I think it sounds like it will be more substantial than the orospot setting I ordered. And close to the Tacori one that I liked in the store. But I don't know the exact measurements of those......

 

[blueMA]

I just can't wait to see your finished ring! I hope it turns out better than expected.

 

[unsettled]

I am sending in my diamond tomorrow!

 

[unsettled]

Look what was just delivered! I am going to wear it a few days and make a final decision. But at first glance, I like it a whole lot. It looks more substantial on my finger than my tapered baguette setting. It looks nice with my 7 stone. It sits very low and I like that a whole lot.

And what I was looking for was a more substantial setting that wasn’t a halo and wasn’t over the top blingy. It’s definitely sparkly, but it isn’t over the top.

 

[rockysalamander]

Look what was just delivered! I am going to wear it a few days and make a final decision. But at first glance, I like it a whole lot. It looks more substantial on my finger than my tapered baguette setting. It looks nice with my 7 stone. It sits very low and I like that a whole lot.

And what I was looking for was a more substantial setting that wasn’t a halo and wasn’t over the top blingy. It’s definitely sparkly, but it isn’t over the top.

It looks great!

 

[Matthews1127]

Look what was just delivered! I am going to wear it a few days and make a final decision. But at first glance, I like it a whole lot. It looks more substantial on my finger than my tapered baguette setting. It looks nice with my 7 stone. It sits very low and I like that a whole lot.

And what I was looking for was a more substantial setting that wasn’t a halo and wasn’t over the top blingy. It’s definitely sparkly, but it isn’t over the top.

This looks wonderful!! I hope you love it!!!

 

[natasha-cupcake]

I think it's gorgeous! I love the tapered setting and the diamond accents. I think it looks amazing with the diamond band.

 

[blueMA]

It looks great!