help with setting suggestions...

[Christina...]

So, I haven't posted in SMTB yet because I wanted to wait until the ring was completed. So far though it continues to sit in my old setting. Dreamer said once that she had 'setting phobia' and I think that sums up my situation exactly! The trouble is my taste are eclectic, and I'm having a difficult time deciding on a particular style. One minute I'm thinking plain shank halo, the next, three stone, and then everything in between. So, I hoping that if I post a few designs, all you wonderful PSer can help me narrow down, what it is that I'm really trying to accomplish with this ring. So, I'll start by posting pics of the current ring and then adding photos of different designs that I've been considering.

 

[Christina...]

and here are some setting that I have considered


oops, I meant to mention that the last pic of the Beverly K is similar to one by single stone but made for a round, but with a cushion shaped halo. I wasn't able to post the pic from singlestone but I'll try to find a better pic.

 

[Christina...]

I know that whatever I choose it will be done it rose gold. Sometimes, I love the idea of a more ornate ering and then other times I love the idea of a beautiful solitaire with a large eternity wedder..

 

[Haven]

These settings are all so different! Gorgeous, but different.

I felt the same way when I was trying to decide how to set my current stone. Maybe it will help if you tell us what you love about each setting. Then we can see if there are any patterns as far as what is drawing you to these various settings.

I love the setting with the pink surprise stone, by the way. That one definitely helped inspire my current setting.

 

[TravelingGal]

What is it about your current setting that doesn't satisfy you? What is your lifestyle, and do you want a low maintenance setting, or don't mind one you have to baby a bit?

 

[Christina...]

Thanks Haven! I like them all for different reasons! I think that I want to optimize the size of my center stone, that's why I think that I'd like to go with a halo or side stones. But I also want to wear a wedding ring without having to worry about damage. The wb sitting flush isn't an issue and I wouldn't mind wearing a spacer, in fact I think that I might prefer it, I really like that look. I like some element of surprise. When someone looks at my ring, I want them to say 'wow, I've never seen that before!' I also love pretty galleries. I hadn't realized how often that I view my ring through the side. so I'd like to have pretty stems or some type of gallery work. I also want gorgeous prongs! My current setting is so bulky to me.

I really like the classic timeless look of a solitaire and eternity band too. I love the Vatche Caroline. I also like a 1.8-2mm shank. I guess I really just want whatever I choice to be a bit different than everyone else, even if it's just in a small way.

 

[Christina...]

What is it about your current setting that doesn't satisfy you? What is your lifestyle, and do you want a low maintenance setting, or don't mind one you have to baby a bit?

I hate my prongs! I really want claws, and I'm so over white gold. I know that I want to do something in rose gold. I like pave, but I think that I'm leaning toward a plain shank, because I'd really like to do an eternity, and I don't like pave on both the ering and wb, unless there is a spacer in between.

I'm a stay at home mom, so my rings don't take a lot of abuse. I don't sleep, shower or clean with them on, but at the same time, I don't want to have to take them off for fear of damaging them kwim? I want them to feel secure without feeling that they have to be babied all the time.

 

[Christina...]

I really love this one from single stone too, it's the one on the end
http://singlestone.com/index.php?page=collections&catID=3&pID=1166&startRow=0

 

[alene]

Wow, I could've written your post! Most of the designs you posted I have saved in my "inspirational" folder. I went back and forth between halo and 3-stone for months if not longer. I've finally made up my mind (or at least I hope so!) and will be getting a plain shank halo. I still love the idea of a 3-stone but since I have to pick one, I like well-made, very delicate halos a little bit more. A 3-stone is probably more practical when running around with the kids though.

 

[Christina...]

Wow, I could've written your post! Most of the designs you posted I have saved in my "inspirational" folder. I went back and forth between halo and 3-stone for months if not longer. I've finally made up my mind (or at least I hope so!) and will be getting a plain shank halo. I still love the idea of a 3-stone but since I have to pick one, I like well-made, very delicate halos a little bit more. A 3-stone is probably more practical when running around with the kids though.

That's funny, I was thinking the same thing when I read your thread. I really like the three stone idea when I think about optimizing the size of my stone. I don't think that there is a better option as far as finger coverage goes. I like a halo for the same reason. DH has been slow jumping on that train though, he is of the opinion that halos look like I'm trying to enlarge the size of the center stone because he couldn't afford to get me the larger center that I really wanted. I love that they had extra bling and presence. I like the plain shank too, for some reason I sometimes think that a pave band distracts from center and can actually make the center appear smaller. I have huge anxiety about deciding, and I want a hand forged piece too, so I can't really afford to change my mind once it's finished. Be so much easier if I could just have one of each!

 

[Gypsy]

Will help when I get home.

 

[packrat]

Wow, I could've written your post! Most of the designs you posted I have saved in my "inspirational" folder. I went back and forth between halo and 3-stone for months if not longer. I've finally made up my mind (or at least I hope so!) and will be getting a plain shank halo. I still love the idea of a 3-stone but since I have to pick one, I like well-made, very delicate halos a little bit more. A 3-stone is probably more practical when running around with the kids though.

That's funny, I was thinking the same thing when I read your thread. I really like the three stone idea when I think about optimizing the size of my stone. I don't think that there is a better option as far as finger coverage goes. I like a halo for the same reason. DH has been slow jumping on that train though, he is of the opinion that halos look like I'm trying to enlarge the size of the center stone because he couldn't afford to get me the larger center that I really wanted. I love that they had extra bling and presence. I like the plain shank too, for some reason I sometimes think that a pave band distracts from center and can actually make the center appear smaller. I have huge anxiety about deciding, and I want a hand forged piece too, so I can't really afford to change my mind once it's finished. Be so much easier if I could just have one of each!

I'm the same way, and was also considering starting a thread, too funny! I agonize over every little thing, worried I'm going to make the wrong decision and be unhappy/stuck w/it. And I also like a lot of different styles so..yeah, makes it hard, I totally agree.

I like the halos you posted, but I *really* like the JbEG Julia, with and w/out the surprise stone in the gallery. It would look gorgeous w/an eternity!

 

[Enerchi]

From a quick look, I sense that you like bling and are looking for finger width and impact - based on the designs you've posted and the option of wearing an eternity band. (and seriously, you wouldn't be a full fledged, card carrying, PSer if you weren't into the "diamond bling out" on an upgrade!!! So I'm proud of you, girlfriend, for wanting the WOW factor! )

If you were going to add a honkin' eternity band or 1/2 eternity band, you won't be seeing as much of the profile as you'll hope to - that will block some of your view when you look at your finger. And having a spacer is there to just separate the 2 rings from damaging each other, so it's not there to give you 'viewing distance', KWIM?? I love the trellis prongs on my ring, but with my 1/2 eternity, I really don't see them from 'my side' and my surprise diamond is completely blocked from 'my side' as well.

Do you like the width of your existing setting? A 3 stone would not give you the thin band you like in most of the others, but it sure gives you the coverage and sparkle factor. I'm a 3 stone fan, so that would be my bias, and to make it somewhat different than others, you could go with 1/2 moons or traps for the side stones (allowing more of the thinner band to be viewed on the edges of the setting) and perhaps the side stones are more of a blush or champagne colour to work with the RG???

This is the concept - prongs, 1/2 moons, maybe not basket but trellis (oops, there goes MY preference again!). Just as an idea - not the specific design but a starting point perhaps? http://www.diamondsbylauren.com/index.php/jewelry/-three-stone-diamond-ring-201-greenish-yellow-w-yellow-half-moon-diamonds-gia-r4395-

I could see a smaller eternity working well with that - say .15 points? not too overwhelming but maximizes your bling factor

I'm just rambling...

 

[Christina...]

Thank you so so much ladies!

Gypsy Thank goodness! I've been wondering where you were! And I'm so happy that you saw my thread, because I think that you have impeccable taste! I can't wait to hear your thoughts!

packrat I'm so relieved to know that I'm not the only PSer who's indecisive. There are just way too many gorgeous rings around here, and I love something different about each and every one. But at the same time I want to do something that makes it uniquely mine kwim? I really love the jbEG too, but now that she isn't doing custom...I've seen other similar designs, but it would have been so nice to have had a piece by them. You should start a thread, I always think it's helpful reading other posters threads. Are you resetting your ering? doing a rhr?

enerchi Thats all really great insight! I still don't wear a wedding band because I knew immediately that my ering setting wasn't going to be my forever setting, and it seemed a waste to spend a lot of money on bands that wouldn't work with my future forever setting. (is that even coherent??) Anyway, so I really miss not having one, and I love the idea of a 5 stone 7 stone or eternity, but I think that it would have to be with a very delicate plain shank solitaire, or with just a great solitaire. My center is only 7mm so I want to maximize it's size and not overwhelm it with wedder, so I wouldn't even know what size stones to consider. I had initially thought 10pts for an eternity, or 15 for a 5 or 7 stone? I really don't have enough experience with them though to even have a clue.

Good point about the gallery, but your point sort of makes me sad. Mike Robinson has a couple of rings with the most amazing gallery work, that I think it might be worth being WB-less to have the joy of wearing one. I was also thinking that the gallery is a great place to add that bit of surprise to the ring as well, but if no one, including me is going to see it, then now it just sounds like an expensive extra that in the end no one will really be able to appreciate.

I really do like a thin band too, so point taken about a three stone. I know that I wouldn't be happy with a shank larger than 3mm and I really prefer around 2. I have no idea if this actually looks better on my hand, but it's definitely my preference. If I had a larger rock then a slightly larger shank would sound more appealing to me. BUT, how much of the shank would I really see once I added .6 or .7 side stones? I also think that if I had a three stone that I wouldn't want to wear a WB, or I'd have no idea what I would want for a wedding band again....

I feel like I'm making some progress though. I'm also going to need to make a shout out to Yssie to help me figure out my alloys, rose gold seems a bit tricky and I know exactly the color that I'm hoping for. Oh, I also love love love a mix of wg and rg too, so I may try to implement something like that into the design.

Sometimes I think that I should just call VC or MR and tell them I'm sending off my stone and make me something beautiful, but alas, I'm too much of a control freak, I could never stand it! *sigh*

 

[backwardsandinheels]

How about this for a band with the Steven Kirsch? This gets you your hand forging, high quality, 1/2 bling compromise band (not diamonds all around) only problem is getting those rose golds to match. BTW did you see latest rose gold Asscher halo on jbeg? Gah! Someone get that !


http://www.victorcanera.com/media/catalog/product/cache/1/image/f70789faf960271843312b35002e0d2e/j/y/jymnwm.jpg

 

[CharmyPoo]

I like your current design best

 

[hmr_mama]

What about a halo and a three stone?

http://www.pearlmansjewelers.com/jewelry-designers/beaudry-jewelry/rings/86B1/

http://www.pearlmansjewelers.com/jewelry-designers/ritani-jewelry/rings/50QQ1/

 

[Christina...]

I like your current design best

Really Charmy?! That means a lot coming from you, thanks so much! I had considered having the prongs filed down while I decide on a setting. They just don't look nearly as sexy as other prong work that I see around here. I will say that with my limited experience with pave, and my lack of anything to compare it to, that I've been impressed with my pave. It's just an inexpensive JA setting, but I've had zero issues with it's construction and the pave even after a year of daily wear is still very tight and secure. So, I do consider myself fortunate in that case.

What would you suggest as an option to spice it up a bit? I had considered at one time, purchasing the matching wb and wearing a 1.8mm plain rose gold band between the two. I thought that it would add texture, contrast and interest to the ring. Do you have any thoughts?

 

[Christina...]

What about a halo and a three stone?

http://www.pearlmansjewelers.com/jewelry-designers/beaudry-jewelry/rings/86B1/

http://www.pearlmansjewelers.com/jewelry-designers/ritani-jewelry/rings/50QQ1/

I do like the ritani, and I like that price a lot too! That could be a really pretty option in rg and a plain shank or dainty pave shank wedder. I just added it to my inspiration folder. It's funny, I know I've seen that design before, but sometimes when someone else makes the suggestion, it looks different. Of course, I've looked at so many different settings lately that my eyes blur, so being able to view an individual design with fresh eyes helps! Thanks hmr mama!

 

[Christina...]

backwardsandinhighheels I can't find the asscher on jbEG. Is it part of the preview? How or why I haven't signed up for the newsletter yet is beyond me! Can you link it? I'm sure I'm going to want to shoot myself in the foot when I see it, seems as I just traded my asscher!

 

[Laila619]

Christina,
As someone who just got a three stone ring, I vote for that. It really makes a huge impact. I had a channel set solitaire before, and once I reset into the three stone, the whole ring just looked a lot blingier and had more presence IMO. Here are my 'before' and 'after' makeover pics. Hope this helps you out! A halo is a beautiful option too though--either one will add a lot of coverage. Good luck with your decision.

 

[Christina...]

I found this band and I really really like this as well.

 

[backwardsandinheels]

http://jewelsbyericagrace.us4.list-manage2.com/track/click?u=442b27df3ef96e142fefc297d&id=e14941daf6&e=22e6c91cdb
Signing up for this newsletter is like getting a present everyday

 

[packrat]

Oh no, you're definitely not alone! I consider myself the reigning queen of project anxiety. Maybe I'll start a thread after lunch and we can hold each others hands so we don't make ourselves miserable.

I have a three stone right now, so I echo Laila's sentiments on that front (the three stone is what I'll be resetting). I love the coverage, and I think it makes my finger look long and lean instead of short and stubby. And I totally hear you on wanting something just a smidge different from the pack. Even if you have a standard setting, if you add milgrain or a surprise stone, that gives it just an extra touch of "you".

I don't have any diamond bands to check and see how much of the gallery you'd be able to see. Maybe if you put a plain metal band in between for a spacer it would put enough space there you'd be able to see the gallery? Or if you went w/smaller diamonds in the band maybe?

 

[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!!

 

[Christina...]

Oh no, you're definitely not alone! I consider myself the reigning queen of project anxiety. Maybe I'll start a thread after lunch and we can hold each others hands so we don't make ourselves miserable.

I have a three stone right now, so I echo Laila's sentiments on that front (the three stone is what I'll be resetting). I love the coverage, and I think it makes my finger look long and lean instead of short and stubby. And I totally hear you on wanting something just a smidge different from the pack. Even if you have a standard setting, if you add milgrain or a surprise stone, that gives it just an extra touch of "you".

I don't have any diamond bands to check and see how much of the gallery you'd be able to see. Maybe if you put a plain metal band in between for a spacer it would put enough space there you'd be able to see the gallery? Or if you went w/smaller diamonds in the band maybe?

I hope you do start a thread, I'd love to see what you have in mind. I think going from a three stone to something else, would be nerve racking. You must have fantastic finger coverage now, are you afraid of giving that up? I truly thought that once I decided on a stone that the personality of the diamond would lead me in the right direction, but I've had the RB for a month now and she's not even whispering an opinion! And until I have an idea of what I want, I can't even begin to think of who I want to do the work for me. DH definitely has a budget in mind though, and he ain't whispering it!

 

[Christina...]

http://jewelsbyericagrace.us4.list-manage2.com/track/click?u=442b27df3ef96e142fefc297d&id=e14941daf6&e=22e6c91cdb
Signing up for this newsletter is like getting a present everyday

Stunning! Now that's some finger coverage, even on my big 8 fingers! I've always loved Gypsys' halo and had thought of doing something similar before I purchased the RB. I would have loved to stay with an asscher but I really wanted a 7mm and I a 7mm asscher just wasn't in the budget this time. We do hope to go back to a larger 2-2.5ct AC in the future, but it will be the distant future....like get my little guy through college and then we'll talk future.

I"m off to sign up for the newsletter. I'm a bad PSer!

 

[packrat]

Oh no, you're definitely not alone! I consider myself the reigning queen of project anxiety. Maybe I'll start a thread after lunch and we can hold each others hands so we don't make ourselves miserable.

I have a three stone right now, so I echo Laila's sentiments on that front (the three stone is what I'll be resetting). I love the coverage, and I think it makes my finger look long and lean instead of short and stubby. And I totally hear you on wanting something just a smidge different from the pack. Even if you have a standard setting, if you add milgrain or a surprise stone, that gives it just an extra touch of "you".

I don't have any diamond bands to check and see how much of the gallery you'd be able to see. Maybe if you put a plain metal band in between for a spacer it would put enough space there you'd be able to see the gallery? Or if you went w/smaller diamonds in the band maybe?

I hope you do start a thread, I'd love to see what you have in mind. I think going from a three stone to something else, would be nerve racking. You must have fantastic finger coverage now, are you afraid of giving that up? I truly thought that once I decided on a stone that the personality of the diamond would lead me in the right direction, but I've had the RB for a month now and she's not even whispering an opinion! And until I have an idea of what I want, I can't even begin to think of who I want to do the work for me. DH definitely has a budget in mind though, and he ain't whispering it!

Slowly typing a thread up in another window. I'll be staying w/the three stone, just the setting is what I'll be changing (maaaybe a bigger center tho). I had a five stone and it just wasn't working, so then I switched to these. It's a lot blingier than the five stone.

Is the RB not what you wanted, is that why it's not speaking to you? Or is she just playing coy and making you do all the work on deciding what her new home will be?

 

[Christina...]

Oh no, you're definitely not alone! I consider myself the reigning queen of project anxiety. Maybe I'll start a thread after lunch and we can hold each others hands so we don't make ourselves miserable.

I have a three stone right now, so I echo Laila's sentiments on that front (the three stone is what I'll be resetting). I love the coverage, and I think it makes my finger look long and lean instead of short and stubby. And I totally hear you on wanting something just a smidge different from the pack. Even if you have a standard setting, if you add milgrain or a surprise stone, that gives it just an extra touch of "you".

I don't have any diamond bands to check and see how much of the gallery you'd be able to see. Maybe if you put a plain metal band in between for a spacer it would put enough space there you'd be able to see the gallery? Or if you went w/smaller diamonds in the band maybe?

NO WAY!! I can't believe that you're going to reset your three stone! I had completely forgotten that you just did the AVC 3 stone. It looks so amazing on you! I have no idea how you're going to top that!! I remember reading the thread and being very impressed how large it looked on your hand. I know you mentioned maybe working with MR, and I can totally understand the temptation of that, but your ring is so so pretty!!!

 

[Mikla]

I really love this one from single stone too, it's the one on the end
http://singlestone.com/index.php?page=collections&catID=3&pID=1166&startRow=0

I really love that one too. I'm not too crazy about the little wrap around detail behind the shoulders, but the rest of it . . . stunning!