Help me review my WF CAD images!!

[denverboy]

My inspiration ring is here :
linkkkkkkkkkkkk

Notes: There will be milgrain around the melee.

The main changes I wanted to make to it were:
1) Change the basket to a circular strip going around it.
2) Make the center diamond on the front and back sides be more of a focal point by having it bezel set with milgrain around it.

Questions
1) I am thinking about having the basket "strip" a bit higher so its more vertically centered rather than at the "Bottom" of the prongs. Yay or nay?
2) Do you think the center diamond should be slightly larger in size?
3) Any suggestions or things that look weird to you? Please share all your thoughts (doesn''t mean i''ll take all the advice but I at least want to hear it

)
4) Do you think the curved sides should be at even more of a concave angle?

 

[denverboy]

another

 

[stone-cold11]

I think the front and back ''surprise'' diamonds are a little redundant in this design cause there are diamonds there already. Change to a surprise gem stones, her birth stones or some other color other than colorless.

 

[denverboy]

thanks for the feedback stonecold
actually i was going to have the birthstones mounted inside the shank near the bottom ( I emailed the CAD guy asking if he forgot to include these in this model). That does make the ring a bit "busy" i know but since these aren''t seen during normal wear they are more for the "meaning" of it.

When she wears the wedding band it will be covering one side remember so I don''t know if I like the idea of one of the birthstones always being covered.

 

[diamondseeker2006]

Is this ring going to stand alone? I think it is very pretty, but it will be hard to make a wedding band fit close to it. Those side diamonds on the shank are hardly going to be visible, so I''d leave them as is. You don''t want them more prominent if you plan to have a wedding band with it. It may rub them as it is.

 

[denverboy]

Date: 9/16/2008 8:01:39 PM
Author: diamondseeker2006
Is this ring going to stand alone? I think it is very pretty, but it will be hard to make a wedding band fit close to it. Those side diamonds on the shank are hardly going to be visible, so I'd leave them as is. You don't want them more prominent if you plan to have a wedding band with it. It may rub them as it is.

I'm planning on getting a matching curved-to-fit wedding band. They didn't CAD that up yet b/c they wanted to make sure I like the look of this ring first.

I may get them to change the way it curves so that its more straight at the ends at it approaches the sides and builds to more of a curve in the middle near the center stone - hard to explain but maybe i'll photoshop it up later.

 

[stone-cold11]

I get what you mean with the birthstones. I am just not sure of the side diamonds, quite redundant especially with a wedding band which will cover at least one side. How about no side diamonds and get 2 matching eternal ring type wedding bands? Those u prong diamond type that I saw someone posted today?

Just some crazy ideas...

 

[denverboy]

good ideas/suggestions folks, thanks! now.. i think by side diamonds you are referring to the front/back side and not the left/right side stones you''d see from a top view correct?

i know one front/back side will be covered by the wedding band but i guess i don''t mind that b/c there''s still the other side that will completely face out. hmm anyway i could give a few reasons why i like the front/back side diamonds, but to keep it short i don''t think i''ll be changing that part of the design b/c thats more of a major change. i''m looking for more minor suggestions (like the one birthstone one)

now the prongs and basket look pretty huge to me - do you think that''s just the CAD bulkiness or do you think it is oversized somehow

 

[stone-cold11]

http://www.jewelryexpert.com/CATALOG/sapphire-diamond-ring.htm
This is what I mean by a double matching wedding band.

Ok, now to your questions.
1) Basket strip I am assumng you mean that strip where the small diamonds around the prongs? Can youjust wrap it around the prongs instead of matching it with the prong angles? That will more of the main diamond, the centerpiece of the project will be more prominent.
2)Center diamonds should be larger...
4)I like more concave too.

My crazy 2cts opinions.

 

[denverboy]

Date: 9/17/2008 8:24:13 AM
Author: Stone-cold11
http://www.jewelryexpert.com/CATALOG/sapphire-diamond-ring.htm
This is what I mean by a double matching wedding band.

Ok, now to your questions.
1) Basket strip I am assumng you mean that strip where the small diamonds around the prongs? Can youjust wrap it around the prongs instead of matching it with the prong angles? That will more of the main diamond, the centerpiece of the project will be more prominent.
2)Center diamonds should be larger...
4)I like more concave too.

My crazy 2cts opinions.

I definitely thought about the double band style and actually really liked it, but decided against it b/c if she wanted to take the ERing off she''d have to take both off (minor annoyance maybe), I assumed it would be more expensive (double the melee and platinum) and these designs are maxing out my budget, and if she did ever wear the band alone she MIGHT be ok with a single curved band but a double band would definitely look funny w/o the ering there as well. good idea though - i almost didn''t know this style existed until i happened to see it at a store the other day

1) I''m not sure what you mean about the diamonds wrapping around the prongs. this stuff is so hard to explain in words w/o being able to point at pictures isn''t it grr! =P
2) oops I was referring to the center diamond on the front/back sides that is bezel set, not the big center main stone sorry. I was considering making that stone a bit larger than the melee next to it

 

[arjunajane]

In my complete honest opinion, I feel like the diamond is being over whelmed by the setting...
Is this a real life equivalent to your diamond's actual size?

I dunno, maybe just me but I feel there's alot going on - are you open to a 4 prong head instead of 6?
It is very pretty, but I think this is one of those times when you need to take something off before leaving the house, lol

Of course, this is just my 2c, pls feel free to disregard!

ps. I also second Stone Cold's idea of using birth stones for the surprise bezels.

 

[denverboy]

yes it should be the same size as the real life diamond b/c I have already selected the stone from them (0.716 carat), size 4.5 ring. It definitely is a more elaborate setting but to me that comes w/ the more antique style this was inspired from. But I will keep staring at it and see if I think it is TOO much like you said But my goal is to give her a ring, not a diamond w/ some metal holding it up. The only hints I got from her was that she liked antique styles and something unique.


by the way, here is an image of what I mean by making the top view angle more concave . 1st is the current curve shape, 2nd and 3rd are more concave curves. I think I''ll get them to change it in this way. what do you think?

 

[sparxs111]

I really like the ring, but in MY opionion with MY taste, I feel the prongs overwhelm the diamond, and smaller prongs would be nice. But as I said I like the ring, but I would want smaller prongs that don''t take away from the stone.

 

[denverboy]

Date: 9/17/2008 2:56:04 PM
Author: sparxs111
I really like the ring, but in MY opionion with MY taste, I feel the prongs overwhelm the diamond, and smaller prongs would be nice. But as I said I like the ring, but I would want smaller prongs that don''t take away from the stone.

sparxs111 - I totally agree... I was trying to search for other 6-prong ring CAD designs and actual photos but couldn''t find any of BOTH to compare (CAD to real ring). Because I KNOW the prongs in CAD models are bulky... it''s just a matter of if they are too bulky even taking that into consideration. Let me ask you this - in the images on the ebay page, do you think the prongs in that inspiration ring are ok in size?

I considered a 4 prong style but I think 6 slim prongs looks more antique and I do like the rounder look of 6 prongs with this setting shape.

So if anyone out there has a CAD image and actual photo of a 6-prong custom ring to see how the prongs shape up, please post a link! Otherwise I will talk to Joe the CAD guy again to discuss

 

[stone-cold11]

I think I prefer the 3rd option for the curving of the ring. Can you do without the basket ring of diamonds? I think just having prongs there will show off the centerpiece more.

And ya surprise bezel diamonds should be bigger else they just look like the rest of the melee diamonds.

 

[sparxs111]

The ring in the ebay page has a lot more delicate prongs, with rounded head that taper down to a point on the diamond. The whole prongs themselves look for rounded and not the square chunky of the CAD drawing. Talk to them, and they will be able to change it if you want. The less prong there is as long as there is enough metal for security the better in my mind as they then won't take away from the stone. I also personally like things flush to the stone as it won't get caught on things and snag.

 

[sparxs111]

Here are some nice tapered prongs nice and flat to the stone for an example. These are for a 6 prong tiffany replica from exceldiamonds. Don't forget this is only my preference!!! Good luck in your desinging process! I think your ring is great and she'll love it.
K

 

[diamondseeker2006]

I'll tell ya, I think this is really risky if she did not show you a similar setting. I think it is pretty, but I can tell you honestly that I hate curved wedding bands. You can't just wear the wedding band at times you don't want to wear the e-ring. I would like this ring a lot better if it was just the center section without the curved sides. Then you could still have the milgrain edge and make a matching straight wedding band.

Something like this with milgrain:

http://www.whiteflash.com/Engagement-Rings/Styles/Diamond-Settings/Sleek-Line-Pave_1184.htm

 

[stone-cold11]

Why is that so? I just think it is unique, didn''t know that it was unwearable? Is it uncomfortable?

 

[oobiecoo]

I don't know that it is uncomfortable, but a curved band isn't very practical in my opinion. What if she doesn't want to wear her e-ring some days because of travel or certain activities?... then she'll be stuck having to wear a curved wedding band or nothing at all. They just look funny on their own in my opinion.

ETA: If I were to make any changes to it, I would take out the diamonds in the basket area and also make it so that a normal, straight band can be worn with it.

 

[kcoursolle]

I like all of your suggestions. I might also suggest having the cathedral part of the setting be more integrated with the head where it meets the basket.

 

[denverboy]

thanks for all the suggestions again. kcoursolle - I think that's a good idea and I'll see if the cathedral part can merge into the prongs/basket somehow.

about the curved band - I understand it's a risk, but I think she would like that it is more unique than the majority of rings out there that are straight bands. I also know it means the band alone may look funny. I think the only time she'd take off the Ering would be travel and rare occasions, and if the curved band does look weird on its own then I was thinking we'd just get some cheap eternity style ring (even with cz's) just something to say "hey buddy she's taken" =P But I think she's more the type to prefer uniqueness over complete practicality if that makes sense.

but there's another good question for the ladies - how often do you prefer to take off your Ering other than travel/vacations and maybe working out at the gym?

 

[oobiecoo]

I wear my wedding band alone once or twice per week for things other than travel and working out.

 

[denverboy]

Date: 9/17/2008 10:36:43 PM
Author: oobiecoo
I wear my wedding band alone once or twice per week for things other than travel and working out.

I guess I should add a second part to the question - how often and for what? =P Just wondering if its stuff everyone does or if its certain special activities

 

[:)]

Hi Denverboy - I am also sort of feeling like the setting is overwhelming the diamond. Just my two cents. I love that you want to create something for her, but I am thinking maybe applying an editing eye might be good. Just my two cents, take it or leave it - After all you know her best!

 

[denverboy]

Date: 9/17/2008 11:22:04 PM
Author:
Hi Denverboy - I am also sort of feeling like the setting is overwhelming the diamond. Just my two cents. I love that you want to create something for her, but I am thinking maybe applying an editing eye might be good. Just my two cents, take it or leave it - After all you know her best!

are you referring to the bulkyness of the basket and prong area? or everything about the setting? (shape, features)? I agree it looks a bit overwhemling compared to the center stone right now, i''m just trying to determine what can fix that haha =D

i''m trying to listen to the criticism and suggestions w/ open ears and and open mind but it''s getting a bit depressing w/ the amount of ppl who seem to not really like it =/ I''m hoping it just looks overwhelmingly bulky/big b/c of the prongs and basket mainly, so hopefully when they revise the CAD it will be better. I don''t think i could bare to eat the $250 CAD fee and just quit on this.

 

[:)]

No, don''t quit!!! YOu are being very creative! I don''t not like it (or hate it for that matter!), I just think refining it at this point would be good - I think it is from the top view that I see too much - I think the two metal pieces on either side are distracting me/drawing my eye away from the stone. Could you consider modifying that? Either thinning out the solid metal pieces or eliminating?

 

[kcoursolle]

Date: 9/17/2008 10:29:40 PM
Author: denverboy
thanks for all the suggestions again. kcoursolle - I think that''s a good idea and I''ll see if the cathedral part can merge into the prongs/basket somehow.

about the curved band - I understand it''s a risk, but I think she would like that it is more unique than the majority of rings out there that are straight bands. I also know it means the band alone may look funny. I think the only time she''d take off the Ering would be travel and rare occasions, and if the curved band does look weird on its own then I was thinking we''d just get some cheap eternity style ring (even with cz''s) just something to say ''hey buddy she''s taken'' =P But I think she''s more the type to prefer uniqueness over complete practicality if that makes sense.

but there''s another good question for the ladies - how often do you prefer to take off your Ering other than travel/vacations and maybe working out at the gym?

Hi denver, I take off my ring all the time when working out, cleaning, going to bed, etc. However, I have a separate cheapie band to wear on vacation that is just a plain band so I don''t attract any attention.

 

[oobiecoo]

Date: 9/17/2008 10:43:20 PM
Author: denverboy

Date: 9/17/2008 10:36:43 PM

Author: oobiecoo

I wear my wedding band alone once or twice per week for things other than travel and working out.

I guess I should add a second part to the question - how often and for what? =P Just wondering if its stuff everyone does or if its certain special activities

I usually wear just a band to clean, cook, and to run some errands if I haven''t showered and gotten myself together first. Or if its SUPER hot outside and I just don''t want the thickness of an e-ring AND band on one finger.

 

[oobiecoo]

Date: 9/18/2008 12:00:06 AM
Author: denverboy

Date: 9/17/2008 11:22:04 PM

Author:

Hi Denverboy - I am also sort of feeling like the setting is overwhelming the diamond. Just my two cents. I love that you want to create something for her, but I am thinking maybe applying an editing eye might be good. Just my two cents, take it or leave it - After all you know her best!

are you referring to the bulkyness of the basket and prong area? or everything about the setting? (shape, features)? I agree it looks a bit overwhemling compared to the center stone right now, i''m just trying to determine what can fix that haha =D


i''m trying to listen to the criticism and suggestions w/ open ears and and open mind but it''s getting a bit depressing w/ the amount of ppl who seem to not really like it =/ I''m hoping it just looks overwhelmingly bulky/big b/c of the prongs and basket mainly, so hopefully when they revise the CAD it will be better. I don''t think i could bare to eat the $250 CAD fee and just quit on this.

I don''t think you should give up! I do hope that your gf has given you some indication that she likes the more antique style and other than that, I think revising the CAD will work out well!