If you had 10K….

[SylviaF]

I love the stacked bands! I think those are so elegant and classy. I may go that route if I can convince hubby, he prefers a more traditional center stone and thinks I'll regret it down the road if I get a colored center stone, or stacked bands.

We did talk about visiting some other stores that perhaps have more variety and see if we can gain some perspective.

I have no qualms about a 1 ct stone. In my visit to a jeweler a few months ago I tried on a 1.5 ct and it felt huge to me. I'm not one to be flashing a huge rock. My finger size is 4.5. My lost engagement ring was a .50 ct stone and it still felt beautiful and substantial because of the setting.

 

[apacherose]

quote="ennui|1437786147|3907139"]I'll be the oddball ... if I had $10,000, but didn't know what I wanted, I'd put it in the bank until I saw something that made my heart go pitty-pat. You don't want to buy something just to be buying something ... and someday, you'll see the ring you want, and you'll have the money for it.
quote]

Plus +1... I echo not to get something until your heart/emotion is in it! Don't just 'check the boxes'...

I read your words, and thought, you are an artist, buy a piece of art. Something that appeals to your aesthetics and pleases you to look at.

For myself, I'd vastly prefer a diamond ring vs. several stackers. I get a lot of pleasure looking at a sparkly diamond and I'd not give it up.

I will say that the Leon emerald ring wows me, like, waa-how, but I get not wanting to be the 'little sister(in-law)', lol.

I am obsessed with this setting by Victor Canera, made for Acinom's amazing tourmaline, but, the lines and details are so beautiful and would translate to a different center beautifully. (one of Victor's antique cushions?) It is a hand made piece of art, and has elements you might like if Leon's work appeals to you. If you buy your center with Victor, you can get a bit of a discount on setting.



https://www.victorcanera.com/rings/engagement/tri-wire-cathedral-solitaire

Um, I also like that going this route would not even be close to 'competing'- it is in a league of its own, and if you went with one of the antique cushions or old European cuts, they really play with light differently than other cuts, and they have these amazing high crowns that are just so gorgeous and interesting to admire. So, again, definitely a little off the beaten path, but still beautiful and classic.

 

[rubybeth]

I love the stacked bands! I think those are so elegant and classy. I may go that route if I can convince hubby, he prefers a more traditional center stone and thinks I'll regret it down the road if I get a colored center stone, or stacked bands.

We did talk about visiting some other stores that perhaps have more variety and see if we can gain some perspective.

I have no qualms about a 1 ct stone. In my visit to a jeweler a few months ago I tried on a 1.5 ct and it felt huge to me. I'm not one to be flashing a huge rock. My finger size is 4.5. My lost engagement ring was a .50 ct stone and it still felt beautiful and substantial because of the setting.

I know what I would do with $10,000, but I think you really do need to try on different things. Maybe a trip to a larger city to try on more options would be good. It seems you are very visual (being an artist, this makes total sense to me... my husband has an artistic nature and he appreciates 'seeing' things in a way that's different from me), and trying on something is different than looking at a computer screen photo/video.

If you like the stacking look, why not get a one carat center stone and couple stackers to mix and match? I have a bunch of fairly inexpensive stackers and it's fun to mix it up. I agree you may miss having a solitaire or other diamond ring if you don't get one.

 

[EvangelineG]

I have a lot of mixed feelings about this. On one hand I love nice jewelry; I notice it on other women, and I want to have a sparkly diamond because it's pretty.

On the other hand, I live in a very materialistic area where many people have huge diamonds as part of a luxury lifestyle. My 1ct diamond would be nothing in this sea of wealth, however part of me feels a sort of guilt, that by wanting it I'm becoming like them. (I'm sure some may find it silly and maybe immature. I know that if I gave all my money away and deprived myself of all wealth it wouldn't make a dent in fixing this world.) I don't know if that makes any sense.

This doesn't sound silly. I have had many of the same thoughts and concerns myself. I don't think I will ever be comfortable with the reality of luxury for the few while the many struggle for the basics. It is a lousy fact of our world and it isn't silly to have qualms about how we participate in that disparity.

For myself, I came to appreciate the aesthetic value and artistry in some of these pieces of jewelry. I also make art, and my H and I have collected art. I didn't have the same qualms about spending money on art as I initially did about jewelry, because I believed that supporting artists and their art was worthy and important. From spending time on PS, I have come to appreciate jewelry making as an art form. I am proud to support many of the vendors on here who are doing such exciting things with incredible passion and skill.

Another consideration is the fact that these pieces are not disposable. They are tomorrow's heirlooms. The money spent is not "lost" like so much of what we waste nowadays on electronics, appliances and furniture designed to be disposable. I love the idea that my diamond may be passed down to a great grandchild someday to wear or to be sold to help them in some way.

I also like to remember that as humans we have always used these talismans. Our diamond rings are a modern version of a pretty stone on a cord worn to ward off evil or as a token of love. These adornments become powerfully symbolic and important to their owners, and I think that's really cool. I like the history I like the layers of meaning.

I don't think you are in any danger of becoming like the people you see with large diamonds/luxury lifestyles whose values don't jibe with your own. Choose something that feels right for you personally. I like Apacherose's suggestion to buy a piece of wearable art. Find a diamond cutter or jewelry maker doing something that you find exciting from an aesthetic and artistry perspective and support their work and/or design something for yourself by going the custom route.

 

[SylviaF]

I have a lot of mixed feelings about this. On one hand I love nice jewelry; I notice it on other women, and I want to have a sparkly diamond because it's pretty.

On the other hand, I live in a very materialistic area where many people have huge diamonds as part of a luxury lifestyle. My 1ct diamond would be nothing in this sea of wealth, however part of me feels a sort of guilt, that by wanting it I'm becoming like them. (I'm sure some may find it silly and maybe immature. I know that if I gave all my money away and deprived myself of all wealth it wouldn't make a dent in fixing this world.) I don't know if that makes any sense.

This doesn't sound silly. I have had many of the same thoughts and concerns myself. I don't think I will ever be comfortable with the reality of luxury for the few while the many struggle for the basics. It is a lousy fact of our world and it isn't silly to have qualms about how we participate in that disparity.

For myself, I came to appreciate the aesthetic value and artistry in some of these pieces of jewelry. I also make art, and my H and I have collected art. I didn't have the same qualms about spending money on art as I initially did about jewelry, because I believed that supporting artists and their art was worthy and important. From spending time on PS, I have come to appreciate jewelry making as an art form. I am proud to support many of the vendors on here who are doing such exciting things with incredible passion and skill.

Another consideration is the fact that these pieces are not disposable. They are tomorrow's heirlooms. The money spent is not "lost" like so much of what we waste nowadays on electronics, appliances and furniture designed to be disposable. I love the idea that my diamond may be passed down to a great grandchild someday to wear or to be sold to help them in some way.

I also like to remember that as humans we have always used these talismans. Our diamond rings are a modern version of a pretty stone on a cord worn to ward off evil or as a token of love. These adornments become powerfully symbolic and important to their owners, and I think that's really cool. I like the history I like the layers of meaning.

I don't think you are in any danger of becoming like the people you see with large diamonds/luxury lifestyles whose values don't jibe with your own. Choose something that feels right for you personally. I like Apacherose's suggestion to buy a piece of wearable art. Find a diamond cutter or jewelry maker doing something that you find exciting from an aesthetic and artistry perspective and support their work and/or design something for yourself by going the custom route.

Thank you so much for this. You are right, I wasn't seeing it from that perspective. Just the same way I price and sell my art for the public, a jewelry artisan is pricing and selling his art, for materials, labor, his/her artistic vision, etc.

 

[SylviaF]

quote="ennui|1437786147|3907139"]I'll be the oddball ... if I had $10,000, but didn't know what I wanted, I'd put it in the bank until I saw something that made my heart go pitty-pat. You don't want to buy something just to be buying something ... and someday, you'll see the ring you want, and you'll have the money for it.
quote]

Plus +1... I echo not to get something until your heart/emotion is in it! Don't just 'check the boxes'...

I read your words, and thought, you are an artist, buy a piece of art. Something that appeals to your aesthetics and pleases you to look at.

For myself, I'd vastly prefer a diamond ring vs. several stackers. I get a lot of pleasure looking at a sparkly diamond and I'd not give it up.

I will say that the Leon emerald ring wows me, like, waa-how, but I get not wanting to be the 'little sister(in-law)', lol.

I am obsessed with this setting by Victor Canera, made for Acinom's amazing tourmaline, but, the lines and details are so beautiful and would translate to a different center beautifully. (one of Victor's antique cushions?) It is a hand made piece of art, and has elements you might like if Leon's work appeals to you. If you buy your center with Victor, you can get a bit of a discount on setting.



https://www.victorcanera.com/rings/engagement/tri-wire-cathedral-solitaire

Um, I also like that going this route would not even be close to 'competing'- it is in a league of its own, and if you went with one of the antique cushions or old European cuts, they really play with light differently than other cuts, and they have these amazing high crowns that are just so gorgeous and interesting to admire. So, again, definitely a little off the beaten path, but still beautiful and classic.

That ring is absolutely stunning! Wow! It's just breathtaking. I just recently started looking at VC's work a bit more closely and I really like the subtleties in his design. This one and the Evelyn are both striking a note with me.

https://www.victorcanera.com/rings/the-evelyn-pave-solitaire

 

[LLJsmom]

How about this, a little offbeat but simple and won't get it in the way of your life.

https://www.pricescope.com/forum/pr...ransitional-ring-by-single-stone-t215029.html

Single stone settings alone are worth $3-4k, as a conservative guess.

 

[LLJsmom]

I know you don't want a halo but you get a stunning setting by Steven kirsch and an amazing asscher.

http://www.jewelsbygrace.com/signed...gia-k-vvs1-halo-by-steven-kirsch#.VcKk4opHZR4

This was another PSer's.

 

[ccuheartnurse]

You've been given some great advice where to search for styles. I would also recommend Caleb Meyer. His styles, which are mainly, if not all bezels & seem to fit in line with a rustic, sporty or simple (not fussy) kind of living. There are elements you can definitely pick & choose from many of his styles to get to one that defines your personality the best.

http://www.calebmeyer.com

He does not work with outside stones & prefers to source his own. For this reason, many people do not have him make their rings. If you pick & choose & come up with your own style or one you wish to reproduce, I know David Klass as done a great job of doing just that. You may want to reach out to him. I don't recall if you've settled on Leon making your ring or not. He does custom pieces so you tell him what you prefer. LOL

I love Sholdt bezels as well. This isn't going to be easy. One thing, find the stone YOU love, & design the style YOU love. You're the one that is going to wear it.

All the best..
Judy

ETA...Forgot his father's website... James Meyer.
http://www.jamesmeyerjewelry.com

 

[SylviaF]

Thank you so much for all your thoughts and suggestions in regards to my future ring. They are so helpful and are bringing me closer to finding the right answers. I've been doing a lot of reading on these forums this past week, and in the process, thinking about what suits my personality and what I want.

Reading my original post, I realize my description of myself is not accurate. I found a nice questionnaire posted by Gypsy in an older thread and had some fun pondering on the answers to those questions.

(Please do not feel obligated to read below as this could get long)

I do have a casual lifestyle. I'm in my mid -late 30's. I live near the water and do a lot of water sports with my hubby and kids. I work from home (I'm a photographer) and homeschool my kids so during the week I'm mostly home, cooking and taking care of our family.

However, I do meet with clients and my clients are usually refined. We also go out on occasion to nice dinners and theater, etc. When I dress up for these occasions, my style is understated elegant and ladylike. I believe in quality so I have more expensive clothes but less of them, same with shoes and bags. I like brands if their quality is there, but it's not a status thing for me. I have very little jewelry and what I have is understated and small. My clothes, shoes, and bags tend to be neutral and in natural materials. I wear very natural makeup. When I do wear any pattern it's usually because it's in beautiful colors and it's a piece that is almost like a work of art, but again, that's unusual and my going out clothes are ladylike, tailored, and elegant but current.

Then my house is mid-century modern leaning towards minimalism. I like simple, clean lines. Again, everything is in neutral colors.

And I'm not a bubbly, extremely outgoing person. I'm warm but quiet, tending to relate to people more one on one than in crowds.

This is what I looked like this weekend at a family birthday luncheon. So about 30% of the time I'm dressed like this, the rest of the time I'm in shorts.


My hubby and cousin who I spoke to this weekend think something with a bit of a vintage vibe would suit me, but I'm leaning towards something more simple. Originally, I didn't pay much attention to round brilliants but now I'm wondering if a beautifully cut RB in a simple or pave solitaire is the way to go (exactly what I said I didn't want in the beginning). I've seen some veterans of this forum, who have a ton of different rings, eventually go back to a beautiful RB because of its classic, timeless appeal and I'm wondering if they are on to something.

My only reservation about a solitaire is that I may get bored with it eventually.

Thank you for letting me ramble, writing my thoughts helps. $10 - $15k is a big investment for us; I want to get it right.

 

[Travelgal]

I love your style! If you are considering vintage, here are a couple that might work:

http://erstwhilejewelry.com/collections/vintage-engagement-rings/products/1-04-carat-edwardian-engagement-ring

http://erstwhilejewelry.com/collections/engagement-rings-by-erstwhile/products/rule-of-three

http://erstwhilejewelry.com/collections/vintage-engagement-rings/products/60-carat-j-e-caldwell-vintage-diamond-engagement-ring

http://www.langantiques.com/products/item/10-1-6478 (the center stone is kind of glassy, but I think the ring is cool and unique)

https://www.singlestone.com/rings_c29/page3/erin_p450/

https://www.singlestone.com/vintage_c3/page2/dej-2_p167/

 

[decisively_unsure]

If I was spending 10k I would put 9k of it into the most beautiful stone I could find and use the rest for a classic platinum setting. Simple.

If one thing is for sure, you can tire of a ring design, but you can never tire of a stunning diamond. You can reset a diamond, but you can't reset a ring...

 

[HegemonyCricket]

I do have a casual lifestyle. I'm in my mid -late 30's. I live near the water and do a lot of water sports with my hubby and kids. I work from home (I'm a photographer) and homeschool my kids so during the week I'm mostly home, cooking and taking care of our family.

However, I do meet with clients and my clients are usually refined. We also go out on occasion to nice dinners and theater, etc. When I dress up for these occasions, my style is understated elegant and ladylike. I believe in quality so I have more expensive clothes but less of them, same with shoes and bags. I like brands if their quality is there, but it's not a status thing for me. I have very little jewelry and what I have is understated and small. My clothes, shoes, and bags tend to be neutral and in natural materials. I wear very natural makeup. When I do wear any pattern it's usually because it's in beautiful colors and it's a piece that is almost like a work of art, but again, that's unusual and my going out clothes are ladylike, tailored, and elegant but current.

Then my house is mid-century modern leaning towards minimalism. I like simple, clean lines. Again, everything is in neutral colors.

And I'm not a bubbly, extremely outgoing person. I'm warm but quiet, tending to relate to people more one on one than in crowds.

This is what I looked like this weekend at a family birthday luncheon. So about 30% of the time I'm dressed like this, the rest of the time I'm in shorts.
...

My hubby and cousin who I spoke to this weekend think something with a bit of a vintage vibe would suit me, but I'm leaning towards something more simple. Originally, I didn't pay much attention to round brilliants but now I'm wondering if a beautifully cut RB in a simple or pave solitaire is the way to go (exactly what I said I didn't want in the beginning). I've seen some veterans of this forum, who have a ton of different rings, eventually go back to a beautiful RB because of its classic, timeless appeal and I'm wondering if they are on to something.

My only reservation about a solitaire is that I may get bored with it eventually.

Thank you for letting me ramble, writing my thoughts helps. $10 - $15k is a big investment for us; I want to get it right.

I really appreciated this questionnaire, because I do feel like it helps everyone understand what your day-to-day life is like and come up with solutions that would make sense for you.

When you described your life and personality, I pictured DorotheaBrooke's custom Maytal Hannah bezel with petals:
[URL='https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/custom-maytal-hannah-ring-with-gog-august-vintage-cushion.201826/']https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/custom-maytal-hannah-ring-with-gog-august-vintage-cushion.201826/[/URL]

Maybe in platinum or white gold for you, since you tend to wear more neutrals? Rose gold is my favorite, but I do feel like it's a very . . . specific . . . look. Grace has some lovely antique cushions in the 1-2 ct range here:
http://www.jewelsbygrace.com/loose-diamonds/1-ct-to-2-00

I don't know how much Maytal's settings are, but assuming she could quote around $2k, plus $5k to $10k for the center stone (depending on how big you want to go), you might even have some money left over for one of those CvB or Erika Winters bands.