Help setting 1.5ct ACA round (solitaire or cushion halo)

[shakenrocks]

Hi folks! I can't believe this is my first post, because I've learned SO MUCH here from just searching and reading the threads over the past few months. Sorry for the length in advance! I'll try to make my post skimmable.

Diamond Selection
I think I've made it through my diamond selection with your help, and found this with the help of Traci at WhiteFlash:

1.506 ct H SI1 A CUT ABOVE® Hearts and Arrows Super Ideal Round Cut Loose Diamond
http://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-2838112.htm

I thought diamond selection would be the hard part, and I'd just stick the thing in a ring and be done with it, but now I'm realizing there's another stage in this game Setting selection!

Solitaire vs Cushion Halo
After doing my research and putting together notes from my GF's reactions towards certain things (she says she likes certain things, but her reaction says otherwise ), I've narrowed my selection down to either a solitaire setting or a cushion halo.

To be honest, all the solitaire settings look the same to me and don't really impress me from internets photos, so I'm leaning away from this

Cushion Halo notes so far
What I really need help with is determining different options for my preferences so far. The "Guinevere" from WF caught my eye and has been my first (and only?) choice for a while now: http://www.whiteflash.com/engagement-rings/solitaire/guinevere-solitaire-engagement-ring-180.htm

One thing I don't really like about it is the "metal band" around the halo. From research today, it seems that this is called "Bright Cut" pave, and I would prefer something like "V-cut" (maybe?). At least for the halo diamonds to feel like they're floating around the center stone, rather than being explicitly "set" inside of metal.

After doing more research, someone posted a link to the "Selene", which is a double halo that doesn't show this "metal band" as much. Negative is that it looks "chunkier". http://www.whiteflash.com/engagement-rings/solitaire/selene-solitaire-engagement-ring-1591.htm

The price point for these is comfortable for me as well (1500-2000), but I'd prefer not to go over that

Overall, I think what I'm looking for is something that doesn't take away attention from the center stone, but augments it (that's why I like the plain shank halo). My GF is petite and tall and has "timeless" tastes (I do too) with a little something added, and I think "simple halo" matches. I've seen more ornate settings, and I'm not a fan. Some people enjoy more ornate True Religion jeans, but we are more "nice designer jeans that don't show their brand but fit really well" type of people

If any of you have photos of 1.5ct rounds in cushion halos that match these criteria, that would be awesome! I'm also looking for more options that match my critieria.

Thanks in advance!

 

[diamondseeker2006]

The selene setting looks nice, but unless she really wants a larger appearing stone, I personally favor the solitaire with a diamond wedding band. WF carries the Vatche U-113 Tiffany repro setting which several of us here have.

A really nice custom halo is probably going to be in the $4000-5000 range, so I'd really encourage you to go with the solitaire now and concentrate on a diamond wedding band closer to the time of the wedding.

 

[distracts]

I actually don't think the Guinevere halo is brightcut pave. It does have a metal edge, but it doesn't look like the area around the stones has been cut out in the process of setting them. Which is what makes it brightcut. *shrug*

 

[shakenrocks]

The selene setting looks nice, but unless she really wants a larger appearing stone, I personally favor the solitaire with a diamond wedding band. WF carries the Vatche U-113 Tiffany repro setting which several of us here have.

A really nice custom halo is probably going to be in the $4000-5000 range, so I'd really encourage you to go with the solitaire now and concentrate on a diamond wedding band closer to the time of the wedding.

Thanks for the recommendation! I haven't done much research into settings yet, so your feedback really helps I'll look into the vatche setting you mentioned

 

[shakenrocks]

I still feel pretty lost going through these settings. I'm trying to find a style that fits with my gf's personality.

She has a unique style and won't wear articles of clothing that are obviously a certain brand (like True Religion jeans), opting for stuff that looks designer but may or may not be. One exception is handbags. She has a couple LV and a Miu Miu bag that she loves. She really likes shoes but every time we go shopping, she never buys anything We consider whether something is "worth it" about 10 times before buying something. I took note of this appreciation of shoes and got her some classic shoes with a twist: Christian Louboutins. It took me a while geting over that sticker shock, but I did it! The problem is she loves them so much she never wears them

She's very smart, very educated, and we live in Texas.

I love the idea of the 6 prong solitaire, but I also feel that she should get something "unique", which is some kind of twist on the classic. I thought getting a super ideal cut would be it, but now the setting is stressing me out

 

[GirlyGirl]

Choosing a setting is very, very difficult.

Have you looked at Vatche's entire collection?

http://www.dvatche.com/

As WF carries the line, I think they could get anything they make.

 

[shakenrocks]

Choosing a setting is very, very difficult..

Perhaps you could propose with the diamond in temporary setting. Then both of you could either choose a setting or have one custom made. She seems like someone who would truly appreciate custom.

That sounds like a great idea Do many people do this? What are "temporary settings?"

 

[GirlyGirl]

Choosing a setting is very, very difficult..

Perhaps you could propose with the diamond in temporary setting. Then both of you could either choose a setting or have one custom made. She seems like someone who would truly appreciate custom.

That sounds like a great idea Do many people do this? What are "temporary settings?"

It is basically a diamond holder. I hope someone else chimes in to explain.

I edited my above post to suggest looking at Vatche. http://www.dvatche.com/ because WF could probably get any setting from them.
Very classic. High quality.

She might like Beverly K. http://www.beverleyk.com/semi-mounts.html?limit=30
Surprisingly affordable and uncommon.

 

[Gypsy]

What is your budget?

Here are some halos.
I like this one: http://www.beverleyk.com/semi-mounts/8wr1181-c-7-0rd-d-d-m.html Reminds me of the buckle detail on a lot of high end designer bags. I don't like the matching band, but she doesn't need to buy that.

I like this one as well: http://www.beverleyk.com/semi-mounts/8wr658-a-d-d-m.html

 

[Gypsy]

This is one of my favorite settings, period: http://www.engagementringsdirect.com/zoe-petite-split-shank-4-prong-solitaire-engagement-ring-bpid-73-18.html

And this is EASILY my favorite 6 prong. Look at the base of the head, how it forms a flower??? It's just stunning! http://www.engagementringsdirect.com/fleurette-6-prong-bouquet-inspired-solitaire-engagement-ring-bpid-70-18.html

 

[Gypsy]

Settings by Vatche to consider:

http://dvatche.com/photos/product/zoom/168_0.jpg 1536 - Serenity Collection

http://www.dvatche.com/index.php?page=collection&catID=2,15&startRow=72&id=99&alt=2 Very classic three stone with Baguettes but might suit her.

http://dvatche.com/photos/product/zoom/10_0.jpg 1502 - Serenity Collection

http://dvatche.com/photos/product/zoom/53_0.jpg Caroline

http://dvatche.com/photos/product/zoom/55_0.jpg Caroline with pave

 

[shakenrocks]

My budget is growing, depending on what I find Initially I thought I'd be able to go with $2k for the setting, but that's easily exceeded with some really nice solitaires haha

I wanted to keep the entire purchase under 15-20k, which seems ridiculous in my head (I can afford it, but it still seems ...). I've already bumped into that budget with the stone alone, so I definitely didn't take the setting into account.

I do like the Vatche Grace since it's a simpler halo with small details I like. The problem is that it would be a very costly mistake if she didn't "love" it, and I could've gotten away with a temp setting and we pick something out together.

I personally don't like the Beverly K settings because they have too many details (I can't explain it...)

Even the things she has that are designer aren't "loud", and only people who really appreciate would know Here's an example of one:

 

[shakenrocks]

Settings by Vatche to consider:

http://dvatche.com/photos/product/zoom/168_0.jpg 1536 - Serenity Collection

http://www.dvatche.com/index.php?page=collection&catID=2,15&startRow=72&id=99&alt=2 Very classic three stone with Baguettes but might suit her.

http://dvatche.com/photos/product/zoom/10_0.jpg 1502 - Serenity Collection

http://dvatche.com/photos/product/zoom/53_0.jpg Caroline

http://dvatche.com/photos/product/zoom/55_0.jpg Caroline with pave

These are great options! I was looking through the vatche collection and saw a lot I liked. One question I have is how "different" do the rings look with different sized diamonds? i.e. would a 1.5ct diamond look like those? different proportions?

 

[GirlyGirl]

Does WF offer a temp setting loaner at no cost? Some vendors do. It doesn't hurt to ask.

If not, here are their least expensive settings. $350
http://www.whiteflash.com/engagement-rings/solitaire/6-prong-tiffany-style-solitaire-engagement-ring-582.htm
http://www.whiteflash.com/engagement-rings/solitaire/4-prong-tiffany-style-solitaire-engagement-ring-587.htm

It is pretty enough to wear until she chooses her perfect setting.

 

[Gypsy]

[URL='https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/leon-mege-cushion-brilliant-2-01-1-10-ratio-g-vs2.119815/']https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/leon-mege-cushion-brilliant-2-01-1-10-ratio-g-vs2.119815/[/URL] Favorite setting for someone who loves understated elegant details. Would look great with a round as it's a twist on this setting by Tiffany: http://www.tiffany.com/Engagement/Item.aspx?GroupSKU=GRP10019#f+7/0/0/0/0/0

If you don't like the Beverly K I wouldn't go for the Grace by Vatche.

I think you should consider split shanks. http://www.pearlmansjewelers.com/prodshots/59AA18.jpg

 

[Gypsy]

Does WF offer a temp setting loaner at no cost? Some vendors do. It doesn't hurt to ask.

They don't for their in house. Whether they do settings on memo for Vatche I don't know, but I've never heard of Vatche allowing that.

 

[Gypsy]

Settings by Vatche to consider:

http://dvatche.com/photos/product/zoom/168_0.jpg 1536 - Serenity Collection

http://www.dvatche.com/index.php?page=collection&catID=2,15&startRow=72&id=99&alt=2 Very classic three stone with Baguettes but might suit her.

http://dvatche.com/photos/product/zoom/10_0.jpg 1502 - Serenity Collection

http://dvatche.com/photos/product/zoom/53_0.jpg Caroline

http://dvatche.com/photos/product/zoom/55_0.jpg Caroline with pave

These are great options! I was looking through the vatche collection and saw a lot I liked. One question I have is how "different" do the rings look with different sized diamonds? i.e. would a 1.5ct diamond look like those? different proportions?

I actually think a 1.5 carat diamond is very similar to the ones pictured in terms of proportions.

 

[milton333]

WF does do custom setting work. Here's what I'd suggest for "unique." Round in a cushion-shaped halo. I'd ask if WF can create something like the setting below, but with a plain shank to make it more budget-friendly. You want a cushion-shaped halo, angled at 15-20 degrees, and will need to decide if you want it to sit flush with a wedding band, that will be important to the design of the gallery under the diamond. The halo melee is bead-set, but the milgraining on the edge of the halo diminishes the "band of metal" look around the edge of the halo while still keeping things budget-friendly. They may be able to make it work for you in your budget.

 

[shakenrocks]

Does WF offer a temp setting loaner at no cost? Some vendors do. It doesn't hurt to ask.

They don't for their in house. Whether they do settings on memo for Vatche I don't know, but I've never heard of Vatche allowing that.

Not sure what this means? "settings on memo"

https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/leon-mege-cushion-brilliant-2-01-1-10-ratio-g-vs2.119815/ Favorite setting for someone who loves understated elegant details. Would look great with a round as it's a twist on this setting by Tiffany: http://www.tiffany.com/Engagement/Item.aspx?GroupSKU=GRP10019#f+7/0/0/0/0/0

If you don't like the Beverly K I wouldn't go for the Grace by Vatche.

I think you should consider split shanks. http://www.pearlmansjewelers.com/prodshots/59AA18.jpg

Now I'm wondering if my own personal preference if I were to wear this ring is getting in the way of me picking what SHE would like

Once when I watched her try stuff on, I noticed that I didn't like the split shanks on her finger. I forget what her comment was exactly, but I don't remember it being positive. (maybe neutral).

For me, the difference between the Beverly K and Grace/Guinevere by WF are in the overall shape I think. Simple shank, smooth line into the thing where the diamond goes. I hope that makes sense I really appreciate the help!

Here is what I'm talking about (I like the Grace. Circled what I don't really like in the BK and a Verragio from WhiteFlash I picked randomly):
yay


nay

 

[shakenrocks]

WF does do custom setting work. Here's what I'd suggest for "unique." Round in a cushion-shaped halo. I'd ask if WF can create something like the setting below, but with a plain shank to make it more budget-friendly. You want a cushion-shaped halo, angled at 15-20 degrees, and will need to decide if you want it to sit flush with a wedding band, that will be important to the design of the gallery under the diamond. The halo melee is bead-set, but the milgraining on the edge of the halo diminishes the "band of metal" look around the edge of the halo while still keeping things budget-friendly. They may be able to make it work for you in your budget.

That's awesome! I did send this custom one as an example of something I liked to Traci at WhiteFlash. Still one of my top choices [URL='https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/whiteflash-cad-images-modified-guinevere-halo.175812/']https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/whiteflash-cad-images-modified-guinevere-halo.175812/[/URL] :

 

[Gypsy]

You don't like milgrain. That's what the bumpy finish detail at the edge of the pave is called that you circled. Beverly K customizes. They can omit the milgrain on anything they make and just leave a high polish edge.


I have a plain shank halo too. I didn't want milgrain on it either.

Here's my ring for reference since you are considering the style:










I think that if you like the look, it's a great setting style. I personally don't care for the Guinevere as I prefer cathedral shanks (where the shank comes up to meet the halo, like mine. Unlike the Guinevere where the head sits on the shank).

Here's one that I think is perfect. It's by Steven Kirsch and is just right: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o6jUIwrdrnM&feature=colike If you want a halo, you shouldn't skimp on quality and Steven is one of the best (he did my halo as well.

 

[Gypsy]

Now I'm wondering if my own personal preference if I were to wear this ring is getting in the way of me picking what SHE would like

It's hard to balance that. You do the best you can.

 

[shakenrocks]

I've learned a ton in this thread!

I'm ok with the millegrain bumpy finish stuff, what I meant to circle were the big loops and swirlies that the 2 other photos have haha.

I do like yours Gypsy, where the shank comes up to meet the halo. I didn't know what the term for that was. I did notice a lot of halos (esp round/round ones) look like discs sitting on top of a ring that look like they would break off at any time. It also makes it feel like the ring + halo are two different pieces. Having the cathedral helps make it feel like one cohesive piece.

As far as the plain shank goes, I personally like that, and it's especially awesome that you posted photos of it being paired with the wedding band that has diamonds in it. I know my gf likes the shank to have diamonds all the way around (I remember she said this at one point), but I think having a wedding band that provides that looks better (IMO).

Unfortunately, the more I learn, the more I know how many options there are that I'm not considering, and the more difficult it is to figure this out! I think what may ultimately end up happening is I'll propose with a simple setting, introduce her to this site, and we'll all figure out this setting thing together haha

 

[Gypsy]

Unfortunately, the more I learn, the more I know how many options there are that I'm not considering, and the more difficult it is to figure this out! I think what may ultimately end up happening is I'll propose with a simple setting, introduce her to this site, and we'll all figure out this setting thing together haha

Honestly, I REALLY can't tell you how much I encourage you to do this.

My husband proposed with my diamond in a temp setting and it was awesome for me to be able to choose what I wanted and what looked best on my hands.

[URL='https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/select-my-temp-setting-6mm-round.180489/']https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/select-my-temp-setting-6mm-round.180489/[/URL] This poster is considering three REALLY LOVELY temp settings that would work well for you too. Whiteflash can order any of these from the manufacturers. The first two are $500 in white gold and the last is $700 in platinum (for yours I'd go with the last in platinum).

I think that's a really nice option, any of those settings are MUCH nicer than your usual temp settings. It allows her to wear the ring and show it off, keeps the diamond perfectly safe while you shop together for a nice setting, and if it takes a while to find the 'right' setting those temps have enough style that they'll look great in the interim. ESPECIALLY if she wants eternity pave on the shank (all the way around) and you are considering a plain shank... I wouldn't risk getting it wrong. Wait, get her a temp and consult her.