Help pls with re-setting e-ring

[Phoenix]

As some of you PS'ers know, I'd been planning, for a while now, to upgrade my 3ct e-ring to a 4-4.5ct. However, in this economic climate, I am reluctant to part with a bunch of moolahs and have decided to put that project on hold for a while, particularly as I've just acquired the gorgeous pear (pls see one of my other threads in SMTR).

In the meantime, my e-ring is getting tighter and tighter due to my recent weight gain and my hands getting really swollen (both due to my thyroid condition

, but that's another story!). I used to be a size 4.25 and now am a 4.75. Because of this, my 3ct stone *looks* to me to be more like a 2.5ct (I know I know, it's not small but I'd still like a larger looking stone).

I really *need* and *want* to change my current setting. I am thinking something fairly hardy, not too fussy, elegant and yet different. At the moment, my setting is a classic Tiffany-ish style, and though it has served me well in the past two years, I am getting a bit bored (to be honest) of this IMO very plain setting (for *me* anyway).

Also, currently the stone sits far too low and this I think makes the stone look even smaller than it is (although it is admittedly a tiny teeny bit smaller for its weight, because it's cut a little bit deep despite its GIA triple Excellent rating). I LOVE the stone though and would like to set it in something that'd make it look a bit bigger and really showcase its beauty.

As I already have a micropave halo'ed ring, all things micropave or halo'ed is not something I'd consider for this e-ring.

Oh and I'd like not to spend too much (my budget is $2-3k max, or less if possible) for this new setting, as I am likely to upgrade the stone again within the next five years.

Would really appreciate all yr help and suggestions.

 

[Phoenix]

Here are some pics of my ring in its current setting.

First one, you can see how low it sits....

 

[Phoenix]

Another one...

 

[Phoenix]

One more...

Btw, these pics were taken one and 1.5 years ago when my fingers were not so swollen!

 

[Ellen]

Hi Phoenix,

Are side stones a consideration? And no micropave whatsoever? I'm just wondering what setting could help it look bigger, without some kind of sparkly help.... Maybe I'm misunderstanding, but it sounds like we're possibly looking at basically a simple solitaire, which is what you already have (and I adore btw).

 

[Phoenix]

Date: 10/18/2008 5:50:05 AM
Author: Ellen
Hi Phoenix,

Are side stones a consideration? And no micropave whatsoever? I'm just wondering what setting could help it look bigger, without some kind of sparkly help.... Maybe I'm misunderstanding, but it sounds like we're possibly looking at basically a simple solitaire, which is what you already have (and I adore btw).

Thank you, Ellen, for responding so quickly. You're a real sweetheart, as always

. (and you're always up soooo early, I don't know how you do it!?).

Eeeerrhhh, I am not really sure, to be honest. I guess I wouldn't say no micropave whatsoever, though I understand micropave is not for everyday wear and I do wear my e-ring everyday for 12-15 hrs a day. I am not so in favour of a simple solitaire setting anymore, which as you correctly said is what I already have (and thank you again, Ma'am!!

).

I was thinking perhaps something like a Tiffany novo but not sure if that it'd make the stone look bigger, and it does have the micropave band....which I am not sure abt....

.

And I am not so keen on side pears either. I don't know what I want, HELP!!

 

[Ellen]

Date: 10/18/2008 5:59:14 AM
Author: Phoenix

Thank you, Ellen, for responding so quickly. You''re a real sweetheart, as always

. (and you''re always up soooo early, I don''t know how you do it!?).

Eeeerrhhh, I am not really sure, to be honest. I guess I wouldn''t say no micropave whatsoever, though I understand micropave is not for everyday wear and I do wear my e-ring everyday for 12-15 hrs a day. I am not so in favour of a simple solitaire setting anymore, which as you correctly said is what I already have (and thank you again, Ma''am!!

).

I was thinking perhaps something like a Tiffany novo but not sure if that it''d make the stone look bigger, and it does have the micropave band....which I am not sure abt....

.

And I am not so keen on side pears either. I don''t know what I want, HELP!!

Trust me, I won''t be "doing it" today!

I just woke up at 3:30 for no reason and couldn''t get back to sleep.

I don''t normally get up THIS early. I''ll be napping later....

Anywho, thank you for the kind words miss.

Hmmm, this might be a challenge, I''ll have to think on it and see what I can come up with. About the sidestones, I wasn''t really thinking pears, just about settings with smaller stones (of varying possible shapes, but nothing particular in mind). I''ll see what I can come up with. Are you wanting Plat or WG?

 

[Phoenix]

Date: 10/18/2008 6:17:37 AM
Author: Ellen

Date: 10/18/2008 5:59:14 AM
Author: Phoenix

Thank you, Ellen, for responding so quickly. You're a real sweetheart, as always

. (and you're always up soooo early, I don't know how you do it!?).

Eeeerrhhh, I am not really sure, to be honest. I guess I wouldn't say no micropave whatsoever, though I understand micropave is not for everyday wear and I do wear my e-ring everyday for 12-15 hrs a day. I am not so in favour of a simple solitaire setting anymore, which as you correctly said is what I already have (and thank you again, Ma'am!!

).

I was thinking perhaps something like a Tiffany novo but not sure if that it'd make the stone look bigger, and it does have the micropave band....which I am not sure abt....

.

And I am not so keen on side pears either. I don't know what I want, HELP!!

Trust me, I won't be 'doing it' today!

I just woke up at 3:30 for no reason and couldn't get back to sleep.

I don't normally get up THIS early. I'll be napping later....

Anywho, thank you for the kind words miss.

Hmmm, this might be a challenge, I'll have to think on it and see what I can come up with. About the sidestones, I wasn't really thinking pears, just about settings with smaller stones (of varying possible shapes, but nothing particular in mind). I'll see what I can come up with. Are you wanting Plat or WG?

OMG!!! That's faaaarr tooooo early!!

. You poor thing!! I hate that, getting up early for no apparent reason, though that's been happening to me a lot lately [sigh]. I really hope you can go back to sleep later.

I thank you very much for putting a lot of thoughts into this, Ellen. Re plat vs WG, I'd love plat but am thinking I shouldn't really spend more $ than I'd have to, particularly if I am going to upgrade the stone again, though of course if I really do love the setting, I could always keep it and redo the head later (you could hear the upgrade wheels churning, right, LOL?).

 

[Ellen]

Date: 10/18/2008 6:23:37 AM
Author: Phoenix

OMG!!! That''s faaaarr tooooo early!!

. You poor thing!! I hate that, getting up early for no apparent reason, though that''s been happening to me a lot lately [sigh]. I really hope you can go back to sleep later.

I thank you very much for putting a lot of thoughts into this, Ellen. Re plat vs WG, I''d love plat but am thinking I shouldn''t really spend more $ than I''d have to, particularly if I am going to upgrade the stone again, though of course if I really do love the setting, I could always keep it and redo the head later (you could hear the upgrade wheels churning, right, LOL?).

Yes.

And I hope I can sleep later too, as we have a dinner to go to tonight. If I don''t sleep first, I''m sure I will look as bad as I''ll feel.

 

[honey22]

What about a higher setting? Maybe a cathedral setting, it makes the stone look larger IMO.

AJ has a gorgeous setting from WF, their legato I think (two many wines to remember properly) and it look great. Not too hight but the tapered band makes the stone pop. I love a thin band with a tapered shank, it really showcases the diamond and make it appear larger.

You could always add some bling on the band, but I think it does sometimes detract from the main attraction, your centre stone.

http://www.whiteflash.com/Engagement-Rings/Styles/Solitaire/-Legato--Sleek-Line_1118.htm

or some of these, or something along these lines?

http://www.whiteflash.com/Engagement-Rings/Styles/Solitaire/-Flush-Fit--Cathedral-Style-Ring_1065.htm

http://www.whiteflash.com/Engagement-Rings/Styles/Solitaire/-X-Prong--Trellis-Solitaire_977.htm

http://www.whiteflash.com/Engagement-Rings/Styles/Diamond-Settings/The--Legato--with-Micro-Pave_1071.htm

 

[MMT]

Phoenix I just have to tell you I think your set is absolutely gorgeous as it is. I love the picture with the thin eternity band on either side. I''m sure I will love your new one and shopping is half the fun but wow it''s beautiful now.

Date: 10/18/2008 5:04:24 AM
Author: Phoenix
Here are some pics of my ring in its current setting.

First one, you can see how low it sits....

 

[wishinpink]

Good luck in your search!!! I have a thyroid problem too =( sucks huh?

 

[Phoenix]

Date: 10/18/2008 7:18:06 AM
Author: honey22
What about a higher setting? Maybe a cathedral setting, it makes the stone look larger IMO.

AJ has a gorgeous setting from WF, their legato I think (two many wines to remember properly) and it look great. Not too hight but the tapered band makes the stone pop. I love a thin band with a tapered shank, it really showcases the diamond and make it appear larger.

You could always add some bling on the band, but I think it does sometimes detract from the main attraction, your centre stone.

http://www.whiteflash.com/Engagement-Rings/Styles/Solitaire/-Legato--Sleek-Line_1118.htm

or some of these, or something along these lines?

http://www.whiteflash.com/Engagement-Rings/Styles/Solitaire/-Flush-Fit--Cathedral-Style-Ring_1065.htm

http://www.whiteflash.com/Engagement-Rings/Styles/Solitaire/-X-Prong--Trellis-Solitaire_977.htm

http://www.whiteflash.com/Engagement-Rings/Styles/Diamond-Settings/The--Legato--with-Micro-Pave_1071.htm

Thanks for your reply and kind suggestions, honey.

A cathedral setting is definitely one of the possibilities, something I''ve been considering for a while now, just a bit worried abt the ring getting knocked often and getting damaged. Still considering it for sure. Do you have any nice pics you can post?

The other WF settings are very nice too. I wonder if the band is a wee bit too wide though and thus would make the diamond look smaller (I''ve heard that thinner bands tend to make the stone "pop" more).

Thank you.

 

[Phoenix]

Date: 10/18/2008 3:10:18 PM
Author: MMT
Phoenix I just have to tell you I think your set is absolutely gorgeous as it is. I love the picture with the thin eternity band on either side. I''m sure I will love your new one and shopping is half the fun but wow it''s beautiful now.

Date: 10/18/2008 5:04:24 AM
Author: Phoenix
Here are some pics of my ring in its current setting.

First one, you can see how low it sits....

Thank you, MMT....but you''re not helping, LOL!!!

.

Seriously though, thank you for yr kind words. I do love the current setting, I just wish my diamond appeared a little larger [SIGH]!!

 

[Phoenix]

Date: 10/18/2008 3:17:44 PM
Author: wishinpink
Good luck in your search!!! I have a thyroid problem too =( sucks huh?

Thank you, wishinpink. I does indeed SUCK!! Big time.

I hope you have yours under control (?). I''m still having regular tests, trying to figure out how best to control it (am going through varying types of treatment, including alternative medicines)

.

 

[grapegravity]

Date: 10/18/2008 3:17:44 PM
Author: wishinpink
Good luck in your search!!! I have a thyroid problem too =( sucks huh?

I also have it too, it runs in my family.. I have avoided taking pills for it all my life but my wedding planning has worsen my thyroid condition...

 

[Phoenix]

Please keep your suggestions coming please. Thank you.

In the meantime, what do you think of the Tacori 2604? Does it make the stone look even smaller? Do you think the band is a bit too chunky?

All opinions and suggestions welcome!

 

[purrfectpear]

It would certainly pop in this, and I think it would give it a larger presentation without pave.

 

[UCLABelle]

Okay, I may win for the most ring changes---so I shouldn''t be saying this, but I personally LOVE your ring and think it is HUGE! I would just re-size it!

 

[Phoenix]

Date: 10/19/2008 1:10:42 AM
Author: grapegravity

Date: 10/18/2008 3:17:44 PM
Author: wishinpink
Good luck in your search!!! I have a thyroid problem too =( sucks huh?

I also have it too, it runs in my family.. I have avoided taking pills for it all my life but my wedding planning has worsen my thyroid condition...

I am trying to avoid taking pills but not sure if it''s an option

. My mom had it and now I have it too. I''ve found out that stress does indeed take its toll and make the condition worse.

I''d like to take yoga to relieve my stress but finding the time is a challenge, or maybe I am just making excuses.

I hope you find a way to relieve yr stress too.

 

[Phoenix]

Date: 10/19/2008 1:13:24 AM
Author: purrfectpear
It would certainly pop in this, and I think it would give it a larger presentation without pave.

I LOVE that! Is it facetfire''s? Have been seriously considering it too.

Found this also:

https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/im-engaged-story-and-pics.19378/

Love the knife-edge band.

 

[Phoenix]

Date: 10/19/2008 1:19:44 AM
Author: UCLABelle
Okay, I may win for the most ring changes---so I shouldn''t be saying this, but I personally LOVE your ring and think it is HUGE! I would just re-size it!

Yes, you do win the prize for the most ring changes, he he.

I would wish I could just re-size it [sigh]!! That''s what I''d been planning but alas in this economic climate, I am not going to be able to spend the kind of money I''d have to, to get the larger size and the specs I''d want.

 

[decodelighted]

Date: 10/19/2008 1:29:52 AM
Author: Phoenix

Date: 10/19/2008 1:19:44 AM
Author: UCLABelle
Okay, I may win for the most ring changes---so I shouldn''t be saying this, but I personally LOVE your ring and think it is HUGE! I would just re-size it!

Yes, you do win the prize for the most ring changes, he he.

I would wish I could just re-size it [sigh]!! That''s what I''d been planning but alas in this economic climate, I am not going to be able to spend the kind of money I''d have to, to get the larger size and the specs I''d want.

I think she means re-size the band of your current ring ... with a laser or something ... any jeweler could take it up a 1/2 a size while you wait. Probably for less that $100 dollars.

 

[Phoenix]

Date: 10/19/2008 1:34:01 AM
Author: decodelighted

Date: 10/19/2008 1:29:52 AM
Author: Phoenix

Date: 10/19/2008 1:19:44 AM
Author: UCLABelle
Okay, I may win for the most ring changes---so I shouldn''t be saying this, but I personally LOVE your ring and think it is HUGE! I would just re-size it!

Yes, you do win the prize for the most ring changes, he he.

I would wish I could just re-size it [sigh]!! That''s what I''d been planning but alas in this economic climate, I am not going to be able to spend the kind of money I''d have to, to get the larger size and the specs I''d want.

I think she means re-size the band of your current ring ... with a laser or something ... any jeweler could take it up a 1/2 a size while you wait. Probably for less that $100 dollars.

He he, sorry, silly me!!

I''ve thought abt that too, but the re-sizing would not solve the problem of the stone appearing smaller, he he.

 

[grapegravity]

Date: 10/19/2008 1:25:49 AM
Author: Phoenix

Date: 10/19/2008 1:10:42 AM
Author: grapegravity

Date: 10/18/2008 3:17:44 PM
Author: wishinpink
Good luck in your search!!! I have a thyroid problem too =( sucks huh?

I also have it too, it runs in my family.. I have avoided taking pills for it all my life but my wedding planning has worsen my thyroid condition...

I am trying to avoid taking pills but not sure if it''s an option

. My mom had it and now I have it too. I''ve found out that stress does indeed take its toll and make the condition worse.

I''d like to take yoga to relieve my stress but finding the time is a challenge, or maybe I am just making excuses.

I hope you find a way to relieve yr stress too.

My doctor told me that exercise does help to reduce the weight gain from taking the pills... I am currently go to work out at the gym once or twice a week and actually I have lost a little bit weight because I also watch what I eat...
My other method of relieve my stress is jewellry shopping...

btw, my doctor said that there is a chance for ppl like us no need take thyroid pills after 6 months if the condition gets better (she has patients that only needed to take pills for 6 months and then the thyroid condition was back to normal for a long time!) ... so I''m trying my best to stay calm and also have a healthy lifestyle...

I hope you will get better soon and perhaps no more thyroid pills for you later on!

 

[Phoenix]

Date: 10/19/2008 1:39:24 AM
Author: grapegravity

Date: 10/19/2008 1:25:49 AM
Author: Phoenix

Date: 10/19/2008 1:10:42 AM
Author: grapegravity

Date: 10/18/2008 3:17:44 PM
Author: wishinpink
Good luck in your search!!! I have a thyroid problem too =( sucks huh?

I also have it too, it runs in my family.. I have avoided taking pills for it all my life but my wedding planning has worsen my thyroid condition...

I am trying to avoid taking pills but not sure if it's an option

. My mom had it and now I have it too. I've found out that stress does indeed take its toll and make the condition worse.

I'd like to take yoga to relieve my stress but finding the time is a challenge, or maybe I am just making excuses.

I hope you find a way to relieve yr stress too.

My doctor told me that exercise does help to reduce the weight gain from taking the pills... I am currently go to work out at the gym once or twice a week and actually I have lost a little bit weight because I also watch what I eat...
My other method of relieve my stress is jewellry shopping...

btw, my doctor said that there is a chance for ppl like us no need take thyroid pills after 6 months if the condition gets better (she has patients that only needed to take pills for 6 months and then the thyroid condition was back to normal for a long time!) ... so I'm trying my best to stay calm and also have a healthy lifestyle...

I hope you will get better soon and perhaps no more thyroid pills for you later on!

That's very interesting that one can stop taking pills after a while, once the thyroid level is back to normal. I never knew that. Thanks for that infor.

Thanks for your kind words too. Hope yours gets better soon.

And yes, jewellery shopping does indeed relieve stress, he he.

 

[honey22]

Date: 10/19/2008 12:52:37 AM
Author: Phoenix

Date: 10/18/2008 7:18:06 AM
Author: honey22
What about a higher setting? Maybe a cathedral setting, it makes the stone look larger IMO.

AJ has a gorgeous setting from WF, their legato I think (two many wines to remember properly) and it look great. Not too hight but the tapered band makes the stone pop. I love a thin band with a tapered shank, it really showcases the diamond and make it appear larger.

You could always add some bling on the band, but I think it does sometimes detract from the main attraction, your centre stone.

http://www.whiteflash.com/Engagement-Rings/Styles/Solitaire/-Legato--Sleek-Line_1118.htm

or some of these, or something along these lines?

http://www.whiteflash.com/Engagement-Rings/Styles/Solitaire/-Flush-Fit--Cathedral-Style-Ring_1065.htm

http://www.whiteflash.com/Engagement-Rings/Styles/Solitaire/-X-Prong--Trellis-Solitaire_977.htm

http://www.whiteflash.com/Engagement-Rings/Styles/Diamond-Settings/The--Legato--with-Micro-Pave_1071.htm

Thanks for your reply and kind suggestions, honey.

A cathedral setting is definitely one of the possibilities, something I''ve been considering for a while now, just a bit worried abt the ring getting knocked often and getting damaged. Still considering it for sure. Do you have any nice pics you can post?

The other WF settings are very nice too. I wonder if the band is a wee bit too wide though and thus would make the diamond look smaller (I''ve heard that thinner bands tend to make the stone ''pop'' more).

Thank you.

I don''t have any pics to post of a cathedral setting unfortunately. I have WF Tiff classic setting, in ygold, and had them thin the band down. When it arrived in Melb, I changed my mind, and had Holloway Diamonds slightly smooth off the edges, so it ever so slightly tapers towards the stone. It was only a difference of 0.2mm but I really made the stone pop IMO. It''s now 2mm band with 0.8ct stone but you get the idea. Here is the link anyway, probably not helpful though.

https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/finally-honeys-photoshoot.91404/

 

[crown1]

hi! i agree with the poster who suggested sizing the band up to fit your finger. i know that is not what you want but it seems most cost effective since you state you will be rethinking a larger stone in a couple of years. i do like what you have now and don''t think the cathedral will make that much difference for the money you''d need to spend. the couple thousand could be put toward the future upgrade. of course, you should do as you wish just my thought.

 

[LD]

Sorry no advice on the setting because I''m unfamiliar with the US sellers but just wanted to sympathise with the thyroid issue. Another sufferer here. I was diagnosed 2 years ago and now take thyroxine 100mcg for life. In all honesty I feel great - the tiredness has gone and I don''t feel the cold like I used to. The tablets help to manage weight and you certainly shouldn''t put weight on with them so please don''t avoid the tablets because of that. Just wanted to add that you should look at your adrenals as well as they''re linked to the thyroid and may need a bit of help to get them into action again. (They shut down if the thyroid isn''t functioning properly but can be restarted again so it''s not a long term problem).

 

[coatimundi_org]

Date: 10/19/2008 1:13:24 AM
Author: purrfectpear
It would certainly pop in this, and I think it would give it a larger presentation without pave.

Love this setting! I think a bezel/half bezel is a great idea!
...but I'm biased-heh-heh--just reset my stone in a bezel!

I think thicker shanks can sometimes make the diamond look more substantial, as the entire piece is more substantial. I like the tapering on the Sholdt half bezel.

Phoenix--sorry about your thyroid condition--hope you are ok!