I’m back and needing more opinions!

[FutureChocolateMLK]

Ok, so I haven’t been active on here for a few years. In that time I’ve gotten divorced, moved halfway across the country, started a new career and unexpectedly met a wonderful man that treats me the way I deserve (finally!). We’ve been together about a year and a half and I feel a proposal is on the horizon. We’ll say in the next year? He knows I’m particular and he’s afraid he’ll choose a ring I don’t love so he wants me involved in the process when the time comes. So me being me, I’m already browsing. For those of you that followed my last journey (calling @swaye2010 and @Taurus2313 !) I designed a beautiful 3 stone with DK but I just feel like that time in my life needs to be forgotten and I should start fresh with a new project.

Now to the fun stuff - Here’s a couple links for you to look at. I’m also seriously considering yellow gold or two tone because I’m wearing so much more of it here lately. I even finally bought a 1ct Lightbox pendant that I wear every single day and I love it. I’ll probably get a loose 1ct for the center in my ring when we decide to move forward.

I adore this ring and probably wouldn’t change a thing:

.36 Mid-Century Halo Diamond Engagement Ring in Platinum

.36 Mid-Century Halo Diamond Engagement Ring in Platinum. This lovely vintage engagement ring features a .36 carat round diamond.

www.filigreejewelers.com

This one I’d redesign the gallery and delete the extra stones underneath. I just love the mixed cut halo.

Signature Halo Statement Ring

Bold and brilliant, this 14k gold ring showcases a round Hearts & Arrows Forever One™ moissanite gemstone at its center. It is encircled by a cluster of marquise and oval-cut stones, forming a breathtaking halo. This design is part of our patented Signature Collection.

www.charlesandcolvard.com

This one I really like now but not sure I’d still love the hearts in 20 years:

Diamond Engagement Rings from Chicago Jeweler dimend SCAASI

Browse Diamond Engagement Rings For Women ... Tell your personal love story and create something distinct with our custom engagement ring options.

www.dimendscaasi.com

The C&C is my favorite right now, but also the most expensive. I’ve reached out to DK for quotes on the first 2 and there’s about a $500 difference.

Excited to hear everyone’s thoughts! It’s good to be back!

 

[kb1gra]

I like the first one. I think the mixed cut halo is very in right now but might be one of those things that feels dated very quickly.

 

[swaye2010]

Hey girl! So glad to hear you are in a better place in life now! Would you consider the Lightbox lab diamond’s? With a coupon code, the 2 carats are $1440 or you can get a smaller one and make a halo. I know the double refraction was always a thing for you.

 

[FutureChocolateMLK]

I like the first one. I think the mixed cut halo is very in right now but might be one of those things that feels dated very quickly.

I tend to lean that way myself. Also the added security of a bezel appeals to me. Do you think it would look ok in yellow gold though? I feel like vintage designs are typically done in white gold or platinum.

 

[FutureChocolateMLK]

Hey girl! So glad to hear you are in a better place in life now! Would you consider the Lightbox lab diamond’s? With a coupon code, the 2 carats are $1440 or you can get a smaller one and make a halo. I know the double refraction was always a thing for you.

Thank you so much! I’m absolutely in a much better place in so many ways.

Definitely! I love my pendant I got from Bloomingdales. I wouldn’t go any bigger than a carat, and with an airline and halo I wonder if I could go even smaller?

 

[vintageinjune]

Welcome back! It is wonderful to hear that you are at a good place in life, congratulations.

While I adore that mixed cut halo, especially for that "classic with a twist" vibe, the snag factor is what gives me the most pause (My hands are constantly in and out of pockets and gloves though, so this may not be a consideration for some). The example ring also has a center stone of 8mm, and scaling down the halo to give the same look with a 6.4mm stone might be difficult.

The first ring is timeless, and you love it as is, and matching a halo to any size center stone will never pose an issue as those are easy to scale to taste. Plus, it looks like it would be much easier to move hands in and out of pockets, and will look great in any metal choice.

 

[FutureChocolateMLK]

Welcome back! It is wonderful to hear that you are at a good place in life, congratulations.

While I adore that mixed cut halo, especially for that "classic with a twist" vibe, the snag factor is what gives me the most pause (My hands are constantly in and out of pockets and gloves though, so this may not be a consideration for some). The example ring also has a center stone of 8mm, and scaling down the halo to give the same look with a 6.4mm stone might be difficult.

The first ring is timeless, and you love it as is, and matching a halo to any size center stone will never pose an issue as those are easy to scale to taste. Plus, it looks like it would be much easier to move hands in and out of pockets, and will look great in any metal choice.

Thank you for the kind words! I said the same “classic with a twist” about the C&C setting, and although I’m not constantly putting my hands in my pockets or gloves, I too worried about the snag factor. I’m at a desk all day but rarely, if ever, take my jewelry off. So even though it might not snag, I could easily bend a prong or lose a stone.

I know DK could execute either design flawlessly, even with a smaller center stone size, but the proportions definitely wouldn’t be the same. I wish I could try on similar designs to see which I prefer on my hand! Thanks for reassuring me the yellow gold would be ok with the first design. I worried about that choice too.

 

[swaye2010]

I would do the 1 carat with the bezel halo. Very practical and if you are still doing work in the medical field, it might be the best choice. I think 1 carat with 1.8mm stones or something like that. DK can absolutely make this. I just ordered an OEC lab diamond through Sam. He is doing precision cut moissanite and lab diamond’s now. You could also do it with an OEC and a round brilliant halo. The stones are too small to worry about them being OEC for that halo.

I am also resetting my blue sapphire and doing a cluster with 3mm OEC lab diamond’s. I don’t think I could go with a cluster halo like that. There are too many prongs. A typical round one is better. When it is well done, they don’t get snagged. My only problem is metal shopping carts. They are the enemy of any halo ring!

 

[kb1gra]

I tend to lean that way myself. Also the added security of a bezel appeals to me. Do you think it would look ok in yellow gold though? I feel like vintage designs are typically done in white gold or platinum.

I love yellow gold. Vintage designs are often done in platinum, yes, but I really love yellow gold and I am stoked it's having a moment right now.

 

[vintageinjune]

Thanks for reassuring me the yellow gold would be ok with the first design. I worried about that choice too.

Oh, the yellow gold will be divine! While these aren't exactly the same, I did find some vintage/vintage inspired type rings in yellow gold to give you an idea:

 

[blingmeupscotty]

What a fun time GOOD FOR YOU on all fronts congratulations

 

[FutureChocolateMLK]

I would do the 1 carat with the bezel halo. Very practical and if you are still doing work in the medical field, it might be the best choice. I think 1 carat with 1.8mm stones or something like that. DK can absolutely make this. I just ordered an OEC lab diamond through Sam. He is doing precision cut moissanite and lab diamond’s now. You could also do it with an OEC and a round brilliant halo. The stones are too small to worry about them being OEC for that halo.

I am also resetting my blue sapphire and doing a cluster with 3mm OEC lab diamond’s. I don’t think I could go with a cluster halo like that. There are too many prongs. A typical round one is better. When it is well done, they don’t get snagged. My only problem is metal shopping carts. They are the enemy of any halo ring!

I’m not in the medical field anymore, but I’m very clumsy and I feel like I wouldn’t “baby” a ring at all. I considered an OEC but my heart just loves a round brilliant for some reason. I got an OEC in moissanite just to see the cut and I wasn’t in love once I got it in person. I know, I’m crazy. I drool over them on here but I don’t think I’d be happy with it being my “forever ring.” If that makes sense.

I’ve tried to look at a cluster with a round halo, but I just don’t love it like I love the mixed cuts. It adds just enough visual interest (and finger coverage !!!) to make me happy. It is a LOT of tiny prongs to worry about though.

I’ve been looking at two tone designs too, and considering that. So many options, it’s hard to decide! I can’t wait to see your next project! Do you have pics of the setting you’re thinking about?

 

[FutureChocolateMLK]

What a fun time GOOD FOR YOU on all fronts congratulations

Thank you so much!

 

[FutureChocolateMLK]

Oh, the yellow gold will be divine! While these aren't exactly the same, I did find some vintage/vintage inspired type rings in yellow gold to give you an idea:

Oh my goodness, I am DROOLING over that third one!!! I think you just solidified my decision. I really wish I could find a stock setting somewhere I liked instead of having to go the custom route. It would make my life (and his) so much easier!

 

[swaye2010]

Oh my goodness, I am DROOLING over that third one!!! I think you just solidified my decision. I really wish I could find a stock setting somewhere I liked instead of having to go the custom route. It would make my life (and his) so much easier!

You can always order a solitaire setting from Tianyu. Yes, I have the cluster halo which is going to be pretty huge. I am thinking about putting the OEC in my modern halo. It is slightly bigger then what I have so I will probably have to recast it again. If not, I am going to do something with that 2 toned, ruby collar ring. I don’t want to start thinking too far ahead until I see the stone. I need to get a feel for the color. Labs don’t always look exactly like a mined diamond. Sometimes they can have a hazy experience from the few I have tried.

LB had 2ctw cushion earrings today, which I have not seen before. Maybe you could order a single cushion or a new Princess cut. They have had emerald’s a few times but it has mostly been RB, cushion and Princess so far. They seem to keep releasing new things each week now though. It is much cheaper still then the Chinese prices.

Stag & Finch will be launching a new site soon with an output of several hundred stones cut per day. An infinite number of colored labs if you want some quality side stones for a 3 stone.

Don’t forget about Ivy & Rose. I would get a Target halo and add a center stone. Very easy, good coverage and very affordable with a moissanite or lab diamond.

 

[FutureChocolateMLK]

You can always order a solitaire setting from Tianyu. Yes, I have the cluster halo which is going to be pretty huge. I am thinking about putting the OEC in my modern halo. It is slightly bigger then what I have so I will probably have to recast it again. If not, I am going to do something with that 2 toned, ruby collar ring. I don’t want to start thinking too far ahead until I see the stone. I need to get a feel for the color. Labs don’t always look exactly like a mined diamond. Sometimes they can have a hazy experience from the few I have tried.

LB had 2ctw cushion earrings today, which I have not seen before. Maybe you could order a single cushion or a new Princess cut. They have had emerald’s a few times but it has mostly been RB, cushion and Princess so far. They seem to keep releasing new things each week now though. It is much cheaper still then the Chinese prices.

Stag & Finch will be launching a new site soon with an output of several hundred stones cut per day. An infinite number of colored labs if you want some quality side stones for a 3 stone.

Don’t forget about Ivy & Rose. I would get a Target halo and add a center stone. Very easy, good coverage and very affordable with a moissanite or lab diamond.

I don’t think deep down I’m a solitaire gal. I’ve tried to love them but just something about them falls short for me. That’s when I fell down the 3 stone rabbit hole, but I want to steer clear of that style just because of it being similar to my original design. I’ve always been drawn to halos. I never imagined wanting a round, but I’m set on that shape now for some weird reason. Have been for quite a while.

I wish Ivy & Rose would hurry up and offer a stock setting like what I want! All they need to do is replace the colored stones with diamonds and I feel like it would sell like CRAZY. I priced a custom setting through them and they were higher than DK. I feel like for his craftsmanship you cannot beat his quotes.

 

[vintageinjune]

18K Yellow Gold Art Deco Inspired Octagonal Halo Engagement Ring

Milgrain borders, side baguettes, and a classic bezel all add to the decadent baroque feel of this Art Deco-inspired engagement ring. The Pavé halo playful disperses a spectrum of light, accenting the center diamond or gemstone of your choice.

www.jamesallen.com

14K Yellow Gold Vintage Glamour Halo Diamond Engagement Ring

This vintage inspired engagement ring has all the charm and glamour of the Art Deco era in modern times. A band embellished with delicate milgrain tapers in to meet baguette diamonds that set the stage for an alluring halo with claw prongs.

www.jamesallen.com

14K Yellow Gold Tear Drops Halo Diamond Engagement Ring

Tear drops shapes with fine diamonds harmoniously surround the center stone forming a glamorous halo. Accompanied by a pavé shank, this heavenly ring will set you aside.

www.jamesallen.com

I do not know the cost of the rings DK quoted, but here are a few options that can be done in yellow gold and are stock, plus you can order the diamond from them as well and have the completed ring shipped if any of them strike your fancy and are in budget.

 

[FutureChocolateMLK]

18K Yellow Gold Art Deco Inspired Octagonal Halo Engagement Ring

Milgrain borders, side baguettes, and a classic bezel all add to the decadent baroque feel of this Art Deco-inspired engagement ring. The Pavé halo playful disperses a spectrum of light, accenting the center diamond or gemstone of your choice.

www.jamesallen.com

14K Yellow Gold Vintage Glamour Halo Diamond Engagement Ring

This vintage inspired engagement ring has all the charm and glamour of the Art Deco era in modern times. A band embellished with delicate milgrain tapers in to meet baguette diamonds that set the stage for an alluring halo with claw prongs.

www.jamesallen.com

14K Yellow Gold Tear Drops Halo Diamond Engagement Ring

Tear drops shapes with fine diamonds harmoniously surround the center stone forming a glamorous halo. Accompanied by a pavé shank, this heavenly ring will set you aside.

www.jamesallen.com

I do not know the cost of the rings DK quoted, but here are a few options that can be done in yellow gold and are stock, plus you can order the diamond from them as well and have the completed ring shipped if any of them strike your fancy and are in budget.

I’ve seen a couple of these in my search. I hadn’t seen that second one though! It’s really unique. DK quoted me $1650 for a custom setting so for the price, I feel like I can’t go wrong because I’ll be getting exactly what I want.

 

[vintageinjune]

I’ve seen a couple of these in my search. I hadn’t seen that second one though! It’s really unique. DK quoted me $1650 for a custom setting so for the price, I feel like I can’t go wrong because I’ll be getting exactly what I want.

Oh, yes, for that price absolutely 100% get the custom ring, made specifically for your diamond. Hands down best option. Oh, this is so exciting! The planning stage is so fun.

 

[FutureChocolateMLK]

Oh, yes, for that price absolutely 100% get the custom ring, made specifically for your diamond. Hands down best option. Oh, this is so exciting! The planning stage is so fun.

I don’t even know a timeline on when this will all come together, but I’m pretty excited too!

I’ve never even considered being a part of the process and not being 100% surprised with the ring and when it happens etc but he said he wanted me to be involved because I’m so picky.

 

[FutureChocolateMLK]

David asked if I’d like him to draw something up. How can I say no to that??? I feel bad because I have no idea when this will all happen, but it doesn’t hurt to go ahead and get the CADs together, right?

ETA: I’ve requested 10k yellow gold so it’s less yellow and more durable.

 

[FutureChocolateMLK]

Oh, yes, for that price absolutely 100% get the custom ring, made specifically for your diamond. Hands down best option. Oh, this is so exciting! The planning stage is so fun.

I asked for 10k yellow gold and lab diamonds and the price dropped to $1,450!

 

[FutureChocolateMLK]

CADs!!!!