help with setting suggestions...

[Laila619]

Wow Laila!! That's a HUGE difference!! Do you mind if I ask how big your center and sides are? Do you have a profile shot of your ring? Will you be wearing a wb with your three stone? I'll check to see if you have a thread. I adore it! I can't believe that's the same center stone!!

Thanks, Christina!! The center is 0.98 carats, and the sides are a little under .50 each. I'm thinking about getting a blingy band with 5 or 10 pointers, for extra sparkle. I don't mind if it looks gaudy, hehe. But for now I just wear it with a plain 2mm band. I don't have a thread yet though. Your center is a 1.2 carat, right? I think that's a great size! It'll look great in whatever you choose.

 

[Christina...]

packrat I was responding as you were posting. I feel better knowing that you're going to stay with a three stone. MR is amazing. He's on my short list too, depending on which direction I go.

I wasn't sure about the RB when I first got here. I had an I colored asscher before I traded for the J RB and I was really really surprised at how much more color I could see in the RB. I thought that one being a step cut and the other a brilliant that they would be similar in color. I sometimes looked through the pavilion and thought that it looked more like an L! And then I realized that I'm an idiot and was viewing the color outside in my heavily wooded backyard surrounded by trees and lawn, and that all this green was reflecting off from the diamond. yeah, it wasn't my brightest moment! So, I'm feeling better about that now and don't try to evaluate color under a tree anymore.

I feel like the size is perfect for my finger. It just sort of fits kwim? When I first put it on it reminded me of a favorite pair of jeans, the size just works. One of the problems is that I think that it has chunkier faceting than other RB's which I really love, but makes me think more of an early RB and that I should go with a more vintage setting, then I worry about matching side stones, but maybe the faceting isn't as unique as I think it is. I really don't have much experience with RB's. But I think that the real problem is just that I love so many different styles, so it's more me than it is the stone. But for some reason when I look at it, I think solitaire and diamond band, or three stone. I adore halos, but I'm almost afraid that if I decided to do one, that within a couple of years, styles are going to change and I'm going to be left with an expensive dated setting.

 

[Christina...]

Wow Laila!! That's a HUGE difference!! Do you mind if I ask how big your center and sides are? Do you have a profile shot of your ring? Will you be wearing a wb with your three stone? I'll check to see if you have a thread. I adore it! I can't believe that's the same center stone!!

Thanks, Christina!! The center is 0.98 carats, and the sides are a little under .50 each. I'm thinking about getting a blingy band with 5 or 10 pointers, for extra sparkle. I don't mind if it looks gaudy, hehe. But for now I just wear it with a plain 2mm band. I don't have a thread yet though. Your center is a 1.2 carat, right? I think that's a great size! It'll look great in whatever you choose.

That was exactly the proportions that I was thinking. I like the 1:2:1 ratio. I was going to ask if you had a thread because I couldn't find it. Do you see your shank at all? I like a dainty shank, but like Enerchi pointed out, I'd probably have to go with a 3mm if I went with a 3 stone, but I think that I would have side to side coverage if I went with .6-.65 sides and wouldn't see that shank anyway??

 

[novicediamond]

Hi Christina, your post has comforted me that Im not alone, My boyfriend and I bought a very modest .97 AVC over a month ago for my first ever E Ring and I have COMPLETELY done my own, his and GOG's Im sure head in re the setting, I simply cant decide!! Im sure boyfriend is wishing he hadnt got me involved now!...I went for the 2620 halo, then to a solitaire, now Im considering a three stone too!! Ive actually had the AVC shipped to Tacori, then cancellend, then sent it to Mark Morrell and Im afraid Im going to have to ring GOG on Tuesday to change that as well. He only accepts stones on Thursdays so GOG are holding the stone and in that time Ive manage to talk myself out of the Fancy Torchiere!!

I think because Im trying to do it all over the net isnt helping as there are no stores holding Tacori/Mark Morrell etc near me. I really believe trying on the designs is the most helpful way to narrow down options what you like on your hand, I also decided rose gold but have since also changed my mind on that, Im a nightmare!!! I will follow your journey carefully but fear I wouldnt be much help, however I totally understand where your at...

 

[novicediamond]

Hi Christina, your post has comforted me that Im not alone, My boyfriend and I bought a very modest .97 AVC over a month ago for my first ever E Ring and I have COMPLETELY done my own, his and GOG's Im sure head in re the setting, I simply cant decide!! Im sure boyfriend is wishing he hadnt got me involved now!...I went for the 2620 halo, then to a solitaire, now Im considering a three stone too!! Ive actually had the AVC shipped to Tacori, then cancellend, then sent it to Mark Morrell and Im afraid Im going to have to ring GOG on Tuesday to change that as well. He only accepts stones on Thursdays so GOG are holding the stone and in that time Ive manage to talk myself out of the Fancy Torchiere!!

I think because Im trying to do it all over the net isnt helping as there are no stores holding Tacori/Mark Morrell etc near me. I really believe trying on the designs is the most helpful way to narrow down options what you like on your hand, I also decided rose gold but have since also changed my mind on that, Im a nightmare!!! I will follow your journey carefully but fear I wouldnt be much help, however I totally understand where your at...

 

[Christina...]

novicediamond That's horrible! I guess my stone is at least set and I'm able to wear it and enjoy it while I'm deciding on it's new home. I think your right though, that choosing a setting would have been much easier in my pre-PS days. However, I'm sure that the quality and beauty of the design will be much more appealing now. I'm in a rural area as well, and it make trying on quality designs more difficult, and I would love to be able to work with someone local on a hand forged piece, but that's not an option either. It's definitely looking like setting season around here, so at the very least we aren't alone!

 

[Enerchi]

Hey Christina! I think the 3 stone might be up your alley- lots of side to side coverage and you can design or ind a more vintage look with perhaps some melee involved. I think you lean more vintage than modern, right? The shank doesn't have to be too wide but you won't see much of it w the three diamonds.

Def do a spacer if your thinking anything other than plain wedding band. RG spacer would compliment the RG ering setting- maybe get that in a different karat weight or variety! you could have the softer RG colour for the ering and the richer intense RG in the spacer.

 

[alene]

I'm in NYC and have tried on so many rings, they're just all starting to look the same after a while! I think trying rings on does help but then I've never tried on a ring and thought - this is it! The closest I've come was when trying on a Tacori with a plain shank and the tiniest halo but then I immediately thought of all the things I'd want to change it it, thus going custom now. After months of trying, I'm still finding it difficult to commit to one thing. Also, my biggest concern about halos is the same, that they might look dated in a few years. But you know, people were worried that it was going to be a very 2005 look, then 2006, etc and they are still around and more popular than ever. If they do become completely dated in 10 years or so, maybe I'll just put a colored stone in it for some big anniversary... I don't know, I'm not even a halo person, there is just one kind that I really like. I really like 3-stones too but they actually don't look great on me or with my band, and my band is one thing I've never been tempted to change (at least not yet).

 

[packrat]

I'm out in the boonies, too, having to do it all over the internet. We have a jewelry store in town but it's..well, it's small and there's sooo not much to use for reference as far as trying things on to see how they look on you. You about have to take chances on things.

Looks like there's several of us who don't know what we want/what to do!

 

[Dreamer_D]

Here is another photo that could convince you about a three stone, which is my vote utterly and completely.

This is a 7.7mm (1.7ct) solitaire, a 7mm center with 5.8mm sides (1.25ct and .75ct in MRBs), and a 7mm solitaire. Having worn all thee I can tell you in no uncertain terms that for hand presence and wow factor the three stone beats the heck out of the sam size center-stone solitaire and the larger solitaire too. I have not worn a halo, but I have tried them on, and that look gives you a bigger *ring* but it does not increase bling and hand presence the way a three stone does.

 

[packrat]

Good comparison pic Dreamer!

 

[Christina...]

packrat and alene I vote we go on a ring shopping spree! We can meet in the diamond district and spend a wonderful weekend trying on beautiful rings! Of course we may come back more confused than ever, but it will have been a really fun weekend!

I totally understand about having found something close, but not quite the one. There are so many gorgeous rings on PS, but seldom do I think 'WOW! I really really want to try that on!!' I always think that they are perfect for the person who is wearing it, but there is always something that I would want to tweak if it were mine, and thats the problem I have selecting something. Not to mention that I am so very uncreative and have a terrible time trying to picture the final project. And I'm a terrible artist, so I can't even draw something up that doesn't look like a kindergartner did it.

And Alene, I think your right about halos. I keep expecting them to go out of style, but everyday there seems to be another popping up. I think that my reluctance is that DH is really slow getting on board with it. He certainly would mind me doing one, I just know that it's not his first choice and it always been important to me that we do the ring together, for some reason, I've always considered them to be 'our' rings, and for the most part he really enjoys being part of the process and we sort of make a good team to, keeping each other grounded when some of the ideas get a bit too over the top!

Enerchi You know I really like the idea of going with two different color rg's. I had sort of thought that I would do rg for the ering and wedder and wg for the spacer, but it never occurred to me to do a darker more cooper-y spacer in between. I think that might be really beautiful and add interest. I think that part of my problem might be trying too hard to change different setting options to suit me, that I'm overlooking some really simple ways to spice things up and make them unique to me. I really like the idea of playing with different metal combinations. You have some really great insight! Thank you!

Dreamer That is an excellent comparison pic! I think that the center on the 3-stone looks larger than the 7.7! I totally agree that a three stone is going to give more coverage and wow factor than any other option. I think the only thing holding me back is that I had a previous engagement years and years ago, and had a 3-stone. It was a lot smaller than this one would be, but I still think of it when I consider going in that direction again. I still see him from time to time and I would just die if he noticed and thought that I was trying to recreate that ring for some reason! Small stuff really, and I don't think it will hold me back if I find a truly amazing 3-stone design that I really really love. Thanks for the pic, it really helps with trying to visualize the finger coverage. you're about a 6.5 right?

 

[backwardsandinheels]

If you just invented something, or are made of money, why don't you look at Leon Mege's r937 or r4217 under three-stones on his site?

 

[rubybeth]

What about a 3-stone with pears? Brian Gavin Diamonds has a few different options, here's one:

http://www.briangavindiamonds.com/engagement-rings/three-stone/grace-3-stone-pears-18k-white-gold-5557w18

It would be a little different than a regular 3-stone with all rounds, plus give you finger coverage without the halo look (my DH doesn't like halos, either! ).

 

[firelover]

Christina - I thought I am the only crazy(stupid) one here who doesn't know what I want...My fiance has given up asking about the setting...Its just not going to be ready in time...I am so confused..I am afraid it won't be right and I will regret it. Also, I dont want get a ring made thinking I might be changing it in a few years...So now its been more than a month I have had the stone and still don't know what to do with it. I go back and forth...

This thread is very helpful for a lost soul like me....

 

[Dreamer_D]

What about a 3-stone with pears? Brian Gavin Diamonds has a few different options, here's one:

http://www.briangavindiamonds.com/engagement-rings/three-stone/grace-3-stone-pears-18k-white-gold-5557w18

It would be a little different than a regular 3-stone with all rounds, plus give you finger coverage without the halo look (my DH doesn't like halos, either! ).

My thought too.

And if your ring ends up as a three stone and is bigger and better than the one your ex gave you.. well, that seems a win win to me

 

[kat08]

The settings you posted are all beautiful! For what it's worth, I like the first two the best. I like the last one, too, but I wonder if your wedding ring would sit flush with it?

 

[mandasand]

I am in love with the single stone, but I think if you're wanting more coverage a 3-stone would be very nice!

 

[alene]

packrat and alene

And Alene, I think your right about halos. I keep expecting them to go out of style, but everyday there seems to be another popping up. I think that my reluctance is that DH is really slow getting on board with it. He certainly would mind me doing one, I just know that it's not his first choice and it always been important to me that we do the ring together, for some reason, I've always considered them to be 'our' rings, and for the most part he really enjoys being part of the process and we sort of make a good team to, keeping each other grounded when some of the ideas get a bit too over the top!

[

Christina, I'm actually jealous that your husband wants to be involved in the process! I think it's great. Mine wants nothing to do with it, he's not happy that I'm resetting at all even though my original setting is basically broken and I can't wear my ring. Plus I think my DH dislikes 3-stones and halos just about equally as both add bling and his jewelry esthetic is - the less noticeable the better. He'd much rather I spent a few thousand on clothes that some "little thing" I'll wear on my finger... What does your DH think about 3-stones? Do they appeal to him more than halos?

 

[Gypsy]

Hello Lady! I haven't forgotten you. Let me see if I have anything in my bag of tricks.

Before I do that though. You were having second thoughts about that J stone. I don't want you to spend money setting a stone you are ultimately not in love with. So talk to me about that.

 

[Gypsy]

Okay so here are a few suggestions. Based on your comment that you want it to be something outside of the common run of rings, and more unique.

Non- Halo: (the third is a hand engraved bezel, not a halo)

 

[Gypsy]

Halo suggestions.

First, I love this ring by Beverly K. It combines a halo with a three stone type look without the Superbowl Ring effect. It looks delicate but substantial at the same time. http://www.beverleyk.com/semi-mounts/8wr1181-c-7-0rd-d-d-m.html

The next ones are concepts. But what I am proposing on some of them is a modification. So read my notes under each of them.

The LAST one is my strongest suggestion IF you want a halo: OCTAGONAL PRONG SET HALO. I would CHANGE THE SHANK , and do a PLAIN SHANK. And I would prong set the center. I would do bright cut pave with fine milgrain for the halo. AND add milgrain to either side of the shank (Like the Aurora Band Shank).

 

[packrat]

I love your bag of tricks, Gypsy-you always have fun stuff in there. I love that octagonal halo, and the engraved bezel..is that one from JbEG? I was really rooting for a three stone but those two are right up there.

 

[Gypsy]

Thank you sweetie. Yes, it is JBEG. I loved it when I saw it and had to snake the image. It's such a great idea for a bezel.

 

[Christina...]

Aww! Thank you all so much ladies!! I volunteered at my sons school today, so this is this first chance I've had to log on, and I'm blown away by all the fantasic suggestions!!

backwardsandinhighheels Dang! I am so very NOT made of money, but those are gorgeous aren't they?! I wish I had style enough to sport a haloed three stone! I so envy people who can!

rubybeth I've looked at the three stone with pears a few times, but I keep thinking that I would like it better with half moons! Not to dredge up old stuff, but I absolutely loved surfgirls ring...well, I never had the opportunity to see her ring but I did see the replica that started all the contraversy and it is truly remarkable, I think with a few tweaks I could be very very happy with something like that. However, I have a RB and this ring had an OEC so the asthetic would be quite different and probably not nearly as appealing.

firelover It appears that many of us are in the same boat. I'm so sorry that you're having such a difficult time deciding what to do. It's even more nerve racking with your fiance doesn't 'get it'. I've been really lucky that way. Have you considered setting your stone in nice solitaire for now so that you can at least wear it? Then when you do decide on the setting of your dreams it won't feel like money down the drain? There is so much to consider, and you will be wearing your ring for a very long time, so I understand completely wanting to get it right the first time, but it makes me sad that you aren't wearing your beautiful diamond at all. I hope that you find some inspiration through this thread. I just logged in and haven't had a chance to look through the other threads, have you started your own? If so, I'll check it out and see if I can be any help.

Alene I am very lucky, but I try to be very careful how often I bring the subject up. I learned my lesson during the diamond upgrade. He like to be involved and is very good about it, but he would pull his gorgeous hair out if I tried to engage him in discussions as often as I'd like. I found that narrowing down some ideas and then presenting them to him for his thoughts helps a lot. He can then give me his thoughts and we can discuss what we like and don't like about each one, and then I can run off to do some more digging around and a week or so later, go back to him with what I've come up with. It works for us. If you're ring is broken then you NEED a new setting, there is nothing worse than looking down at your hand and seeing an empty setting! Maybe you should go on a clothes buying spree and then secretly return everything and fund your setting with the refund! Guys are funny aren't they? Mine is great with jewelry and clothes, but thinks its silly to spend lots of money on handbags and sunglasses.

Gypsy!!!! I'm so so happy that you are here! Did you have an amazing time??!! I want to hear all about it! I haven't had a chance to look at all the photos yet, but it's my next stop! It's fantasic to have you back!

Ok, so your bag of trick is just .....YUM! But first thing is first...I'm keeping my RB. We had a rough week or so and I wasn't sure that we were going to hit off, but I have to say that I think that it was mostly my fault. I knew it was going to be different than the asscher, but I don't think I was prepared for just how different! I also don't know if you saw my post about trying to evaluate her color by standing on the back lawn under some trees? Yeah, I'm an idiot! My asscher just didn't reflect quite the same way! Anyway, now that we have spent some sunny days together, I'm liking her a whole lot. I love the big kite facets and the high crown and teeny tiny table, and it has lots of fire, that was my biggest concern, because I thought the asscher had amazing fire, I wanted the RB to as well, and I haven't been disappointed. Photography is harder though, weird right?! So, yes maam, I'm ready to proceed with the setting!

So, I haven't mentioned budget anywhere yet. I like to leave that part out. Initially we said $3500, but now we are thinking that it would be ok to stretch it to 5k, if it meant that we were getting exactly what we wanted. Unfortunately, when I checked prices fpr sidestones, in .7ct range, it looks like I'm going to be pushing that budget. I do have a matching pair of .5 Ceylon sapphires that are kicking around, but it's not really something I think I'm interested in for this project.

Ok, we both just looked at all the suggestions and here are my thoughts...I love the first non-halo that you posted, with the bagguette sides. I love love love it, but DH really doesn't like bagguettes and he nixed this one. However we both really like the marquis and bagguette one that you posted. He would like to incorporate milgrain and I sort of like that idea as well, but where and how?

I think as far as halos go, I'm sort of stuck on the idea of a plain shank emilya with a cushion shaped halo. I've tried to imagine what it would look like with a very fine milgrain bezel, but everytime I try to picture it, it gets mucked up in my head. I also really really like the grymera, but it was just done by a PSer and I don't know how I could switch it up a bit. What do you think of doing an emilya with the shank of the grymera?

And lastly, what are your thoughts of a solitaire setting, maybe Caroline with a five or seven stone wedder? I sometimes think that this is the best way to go, because it's timeless, classic, elegant, and then I think....boring What size stones would you use in a 5 or 7 stone wb if your center is 1.2?

Oh, I sort of mentioned it above, and I may kick myself for bringing it up, but what are your thoughts on something similar to surfgirls but with a RB, maybe something more modern less vintage? frenchies?

I'm sure that I've forgotten to mention half the things I had wanted to, but I'm sure this is more than enough for now. I'll try to find a few more pics to post too. But I really like the two that you suggested, I'm going to spend so more time looking at them. Thank you so so much for all your work! It's so nice to have you back! We missed you!

 

[Christina...]

some pics

 

[marymm]

Christina - this is slightly off-topic and I do apologize, but I am enamored with the EC-eternity band you posted on the 1st page of this thread - would you happen to recall the vendor? Thank you!

 

[packrat]

I think that's Pixley's set (stunningly gorgeous!!) and the band looks like a Singlestone band to me. Maybe search for Pixley and her thread will come up?

 

[ariel144]

I like the antique octagonal one with the small fleur-de-lis on the sides...and the last one with the 6 prongs...they are all so different but those two speak to me the most. I really like the antique reproduction rings and with your J color would be nice.

 

[yssie]

A thought from a purely practical perspective - I would stay far far away from tri-wire for a daily-wear ring, because that crevasse between the the two round wires on the underside of the shank can't help but collect water/lotion/grime - it'll require fastidious cleaning and drying every time you wash your hands, etc., or it could get really dirty and uncomfortable.


I LOVE the engraved JbEG halo and the marquise & baguettes one you and your DH liked, only I would change the baguettes to pears to better keep with the brilliant cut theme and curvy lines