HUGE Thank You and Halo Question

[metromom]

I am a lurker and this is my first post. I wanted to first say thank you to everyone on pricescope for all your wonderful suggestions, pictures, stories, etc. Before I started reading this site, I assumed the only place to buy a diamond was a BM store!
Anyway, I am having my engagement ring reset. I have a 2.02 oval and I am looking to get a halo around it and set in a split shank with micropave. I have learned so much about custom design and what I do and don''t like by reading this. Anyway, I got quotes from Whiteflash and Quest. I am in the lucky position to be in the dc metro area and was actually able to visit Quest personally (pete is amazing!)

So here is my question. My oval is an I color. Whiteflash suggested that in my halo and shank I use the beautiul ACA diamonds in an F/G color and that it would not make my center stone look yellow, but rather enhance it''s sparkle and beauty. Quest, on the other hand, suggested I stay strictly with matching I color diamonds in the halo and shank so that everything is consistent.
For those of you in a similar position and now have a halo, what do you recommend? What color did you use in relation to your center stone? And any pics with your recommendation would be great.

Again, thank you so much!!

 

[jstarfireb]

I don''t have a halo, but I do have surprise diamonds with my I-color princess from Whiteflash. The surprise diamonds are F/G, exactly as you described. I don''t have great pictures, but in most lightings, they look fine together. Only in my bedroom, where I have very yellowish lamps and walls, is the difference visible - and only then because the surprise diamonds are face-up against the profile side of my center stone, and the side of a stone will usually show more color than the face. Anyway, not sure if that helps since mine isn''t actually a halo, but I think the F/G stones will probably be fine.

 

[door knob solitaire]

Welcome MetroMOM!!

Sorry, I can''t answer your question...but I would like to tell you your choice in design will be fabulous! The oval is made to be in a split shank...and the size of your stone will look even larger with the halo. It will be a serious conversation starter.

Can''t wait to see your dream turn into reality.

DKS

 

[mrssalvo]

I''d probably go with the recommendation of the jeweler you choose. I do know gals here have stones that are lower in color than the pave stones and say they cannot tell a difference though.

 

[dod]

I just recently purchased an oval e-ring with a halo. The center stone isa GIA H color, and the halo/shank has G/H color pave. I would not worry at all about putting an I color (GIA cert) with F/G color stones as long as the oval faces up white and does not have huge dark spots. I have seen many ovals that were H and I color that face up whiter than some F and G colors due to the cut. If you are confident that your oval faces up white enough, I would have no worries, as long as the people selling it are confident, as well. Good luck...


dod

 

[Miranda]

I have a 1.2 ct H color (EGL, so it's probably higher by GIA standards) oval set in a halo with g color stones. The center stone is warmer than the other stones, but, I don't think it looks bad. I think either way you'll be fine. Maybe they have photos of examples for you to see.

ETA: I think I mean lower by GIA standards...Anyway, I mean it has more color than a GIA stone probably would.

 

[metromom]

DOD:

Would you mind posting a pic of your ring if you have one? I tried searching the threads but could only find seperate pics of your setting and your stone.

Thanks so much!

 

[fullojoy]

Quest just made a ring for me. When I figure out how to post the pictures, I will. My ring has a 3 carat radiant center, which is an I color. To my eye, it is white as can be. The trapizoid side stones are H color, and I can''t see any difference between them and the center stone. I have all the trust in the world in Pete, and would go with his recommendation. You would probably save money going with the lower colored stones. As long as the stones in the halo are well cut, they will sparkle, regardless of their color. The band of my ring is 3 sided micropave, and the stones are G/H. Regardless of the angle at which I stare at my ring, it just sparkles! Good luck

 

[FireGoddess]

If you stay within 2 color grades you're pretty much guaranteed to be fine. My center stone is a D and my melee are F/G. And they're teeny, teeny tiny. And I can't tell any color difference at all.

 

[kcoursolle]

I don''t have a halo, but honestly I don''t think it''s going to matter a ton either way. It''s really hard to tell color difference in smalll stones. Beautiful project by the way, keep us updated with pictures!

 

[diamondseeker2006]

I think you''d be fine either way! You are very fortunate to live near Quest, and that would be a factor for me since many pave rings do occasionally lose little stones.

 

[metromom]

Thanks everyone. We have decided to go with Quest and the capable hands of Pete. I shared my concerns and he assured me that either way would look great, and since my center stone faces up white and is closer to an H, he will use G/H color diamonds for the halo and shanks. He thinks I should have initial drawings and CAD pictures late next week and I will definitely post and share them with everyone. Thanks again!

 

[dod]

Sorry metro, I don''t have any pics up yet and the ring is in safe keeping until I give it to her... I will post pics within a couple of days, though... I don''t believe there are any pics of the stone I chose b/c I did not post about it because EVERY stone I posted about that was descent was mysteriously reserved when I called back a few hours later. Live and learn... I hope all works out well with your ring...


dod