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Looking for perfect Oval Split shank pave ER

IllNeverTell

Rough_Rock
Joined
Jun 30, 2014
Messages
11
Hello everyone!

I have been a lurker here for the past couple months as I began my engagement ring search for my gf. After learning masses of information (this site has been extremely helpful!) I have started to get a mental picture of the perfect ring; however, I can't seem to find a picture of something like it anywhere. I would love the expert opinion of you fine folks on my idea!

So, to start off, my smart girlfriend left me some hints as to what she is kind of looking for via her pinterest page (which I thought was an amazing idea). Here are some of the pictures that I've drawn inspiration from for what I want to get her (ignore the size of the rings):

http://media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/originals/3f/9e/d9/3f9ed9ff71697b85c5f775145536872c.jpg
As you can tell by the title, I really want an oval ER, and I love the simplicity of this ring!

http://www.pinterest.com/pin/104145810102744845/
Another oval, and w/ a halo. Again, pave band.

In my search, I have absolutely fallen in love with split shank rings. So, now to my ideal ring.

-Oval diamond, I am looking in the 1 - 1.3 carat range. Considering my budget, it will probably be F-1, and VS2-SI1.
-Split shank, pave. I tend to like bands that are thin and dainty, with the split occurring pretty low in the band. As for the pave, the only look that I really do not like is the bevel and bead set pave.
Pics:
[URL='https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/suggestion-please-wedding-band-for-my-split-shank-halo.172556/']https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/suggestion-please-wedding-band-for-my-split-shank-halo.172556/[/URL]
I really like the deep and wide split, as well as how thin the band is.
[URL='https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/fri-the-13th-is-my-lucky-day.66798/']https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/fri-the-13th-is-my-lucky-day.66798/[/URL]
I like this pave (U?), but I do not like how the pave continues after the split comes together.
http://www.danhov.com/engagement/solo-filo/danhov-solo-filo-split-shank-oval-center-engagement-ring-se101-ov#.U7LgPRZpvap
I like a lot about this Danhov ring, but I wish the pave did not go all the way up the prongs.
http://media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/originals/7e/c7/00/7ec7003399909c8c95344ece8ec02b17.jpg
If this were in white gold, I think the top view is almost (if not exactly) what I envision purchasing. I really like the look of the pave and split shank, and the claw prongs are exactly what I am looking for w/ the center stone.

I am having trouble envisioning what the carriage/ front-on-view of a split shank, but no halo oval ring would look like. I love the simplicity of the Danhov ring in that regards, but I don't know if other rings will be that simple if the split shank doesn't lead directly into the prongs? Some help envisioning this would be much appreciated!

To make this even more confusing for anyone trying to help me, I also really like oval split shanks w/ a halo. Some examples of rings I've been eyeing in this regard:
[URL='https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/1-5ct-oval-split-shank-halo-engagement-ring.189335/']https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/1-5ct-oval-split-shank-halo-engagement-ring.189335/[/URL]
This ring by Bumblebeetuna is absolutely gorgeous. However, I am looking for a smaller halo if I have one, as well as a deeper split shank (as I've mentioned before).
http://devatashbeluchi.com/index.php/engagement-rings/oval/1-00-carat-center-oval-cut-gia-diamond-split-shank-engagement-anniversary-ring-18k-white-gold-447.html
This ring by Devatash Beluchi is very appealing to me, but it looks like the center stone is very high off the halo. I feel like this would look weird from a front on view. I also don't like how large and obvious the prongs are on this halo ring.
http://www.pinterest.com/pin/417708934160350120/
This one by Donna Jewelry Co. seems to have just about everything I want (except maybe the prongs seeming so obvious). Does anyone know why some prongs seem to stand out more than others?
http://www.pinterest.com/pin/276971445807030980/
From this zoomed out view, this appears to be just about everything I want!

I think that should give everyone a pretty decent idea of exactly what I'm looking for. Now, my price range is 8-10k, do you think it is possible I can get everything I want within that price range? Will I have to go through someone to get this custom made for me? What is everyone's advice on how to best get this done?

And finally, my last question: I am able to get access to "The Mart" in Atlanta to do some shopping. What is everyone's opinion on purchasing an engagement ring through a vendor there? I've heard that you can get your best bang for you buck at somewhere like this, and also that the selection is massive (so hopefully I can find what I'm looking for).

I really appreciate any help you have to offer me and thank you in advance!

Cheers!
 
Well, it looks like you want a halo. The three PS vendors who do most of that work are Victor Canera, Steven Kirsch, and Engagement Rings Direct. When I shopped for my wife's upgraded ER, I found that VC and SK were on the high end of the quotes, went with Chris at ERD, and very happy. Please note I have never seen in person halo's from VC or SK, so not a bash on them, but their work looks great. Others will chime in.

One other point, most PS forum members shy away from malls and brick and mortar stores (GOG to be exception) due to price and quality.
 
Willy,

Thank you for the quick reply! I was under the impression that "The Mart" was more than just a mall jewelry store. From what I understand, it's a place where business owners/ boutiques go to buy clothes and jewelry to then resell, so I was under the impression you could get jewelry and other items at close to cost. I understand that for diamonds, there will always be a mark-up, but I was hoping I could get a great deal by purchasing from one of the vendors there. That was my reasoning behind trying to go. Of course, I don't have much experience with it, which is why I am reaching out for help from those who have more knowledge than me!

I will definitely look into those companies you listed. I've read a ton about them already from other postings! So you think the only way for me to get this ring is to have someone make it for me? What is the normal timeframe on something like that (I have a good three or four months)?

Thank you!
 
Hello,

I thought there was a topic on the the mart recently but here is another topic that might be helpful. Unless you are quite educated on diamonds, I personally wouldn't take the risk of selecting a quality diamond and/or ring there, particularly for an oval. I think you can do better using a pricescope vendor and the expertise of PS members.
https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/the-mart-in-atlanta.162671/

I assume your budget is for both the diamond and ring? Assuming yes, Engagement Rings Direct was mentioned and I highly recommend them! Here is a thread on their rings (and I noticed I need to add my new ring!), but pregcurious posted an oval with halo on page 2 (both diamond and ring through ERD). SK and VC (also mentioned) would be great hand forged options too but likely more expensive. I would plan on a custom ring taking about 4-8 weeks in total, depending on the vendor and how many changes you have (if CAD). etc.
https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/show-me-your-erd-brilliantly-engaged-thread.192763/

Good luck!
 
Tweeter,

That makes sense since I really wouldn't know if I was getting a good deal or not. If I were to approach ERD about designing a ring, do you think they would mind if I sent them descriptions of two proposed rings and had CADs made for both? I really am struggling between halo or not, and I think the only way I will decide is if I see them both.

Thank you!
 
Ok. Your budget is good. Yes you can get everything you want.

This are the two settings I think you should send and ask for a CAD of.
1.
oval_halo_split_shank.jpg
2. But with v-cut pave not brightcut.
maytal%20oval%201.jpg


ERD can do a CAD version of either for you for about 3,000-3,500.

10k leaves you about 6,000ish for a center stone with a little safe wiggle room.

I think you should stick to G or better eyeclean SI1 or better ovals 6,500 and under from a vendor that provides ASETs. NO bowtie, or a very well blended minimal bowtie only. L/W ratio of 1.28 or greater.

GOG and JA and ERD would be my choices and maybe B2C for the stone. ERD and GOG would have to call in stones for you.
 
Gypsy and Niel,

Thank you two for your help! :)

So I was browsing B2C and I'm curious why you sent me those two specific diamonds. I found these, and they are all within the proposed price range, are a little bit larger than the ones you sent me, are excellent cut, G or above in color, and have SI1 or above clarity.

http://www.b2cjewels.com/dd-5143114-1.15-carat-Oval-diamond-G-color-VS1-clarity.aspx

http://www.b2cjewels.com/dd-5134391-1.13-carat-Oval-diamond-D-color-SI1-clarity.aspx

http://www.b2cjewels.com/dd-4731108-1.19-carat-Oval-diamond-D-color-VS1-clarity.aspx

I did notice that these did not have the Aset view. Is there a way I can request it for these diamonds? Also, the second one has a strong blue fluorescence. I've looked fluorescence up, and I don't fully understand it. As a noobie, a blue fluorescence sounds almost desirable. Would someone mind explaining that to me?

As for the CADs, I fly out to spend some time w/ my GF tomorrow (and secretly, to ask her parents permission to ask their daughter to marry me), so I will probably draft up an email and send it to ERD tomorrow!

I'm so excited to get everything rolling, and so thankful for everyone's help!!!
 
I sent you those because they have the real pictures, not a sample image posted, and they have strong ASETs for ovals. And that's what you need.

All the stats you posted are irrelevant. All that matters is the image and the ASET when buying online. If there is a video that is great as well.

I went through 20 ovals to pick those two. And all twenty had images posted and ASETs. Only 2 were worth a second look.

The ones you posted only have sample images. And there is no way to know if they are worth your time or not. Stick ONLY to stones at B2C with AT LEAST a picture of the actual stone posted. Then you can ask for an ASET if the image is good. But it's hard to tell with the way their images are taken. I've seen stones with beautiful photos have terrible ASETs.

JA has videos posted of each and every stone. And that way you can decide which three are worth your time. You only get THREE ASETs per purchase though, so pick carefully.

You might getting a halo. Halos are the big equalizer with slight differences. ALSO please note DIMENSIONS with fancies. NOT carat weight. a .90 oval can EASILY face up larger than a 1.0 oval.

Concentrate on performance and dimensions don't worry about the weight of the stone.
 
Unfortunately the best ovals at JA are above your budget:

http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/oval-cut/1.02-carat-f-color-if-clarity-sku-338366 This one should ASET almost solidly green, but hopefully it will have some nice flecks of red and a few of blue for contrast. Please pay attention to the spread (dimensions of this stone): 8.19*5.49*3.11

This one is 18 points heavier: http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/oval-cut/1.20-carat-e-color-si1-clarity-sku-251216 and while it is a bit wider, it is also much shorter 5.83*7.64*3.89


So pay attention to dimensions. I would get and ASET of the first stone, the 1.02. If it ASETs out well, you can get the setting in 18kt white gold instead of platinum to save money on the setting and afford it.

YOU ONLY GET THREE ASETS at JA. They will try to persuade you to do them all at once. Don't do it. There aren't 2 others worth wasting time on right now, but there might be later on. SO... for now. Just get the ASET of the one.
 
Not to hijack this thread, but ... what happens if you don't like any of your three selected diamonds' idealscopes from James Allen? Can you pay for additional ones? Or do you ask your brother (or fiancé) to order three more?
 
Lizabeth|1404280127|3705039 said:
Not to hijack this thread, but ... what happens if you don't like any of your three selected diamonds' idealscopes from James Allen? Can you pay for additional ones? Or do you ask your brother (or fiancé) to order three more?

Technically you are SOL, Lizabeth. Whether you can conspire with others you know for a work around is something that I can't comment on. I can only tell you what the vendor's policy is so you aren't surprised by it.
 
Gypsy,

That makes total sense. After posting my response, I started to compare the actual sizes of the diamonds and I realized that 1.01 would appear just as big as the other rocks that were 10 points higher.

In the Aset images, what would a bow tie effect look like?
 
In the asset you notice how it has a black line in the middle? Bowtie. Also if its a big stripe of red in the middle, though not a bowtie and still effect how the diamond looks. The faciting would be different in the middle than the ends. You want them to be relatively spread out evenly so it has an even sparkle throughout. Not broad flashes in the middle and splintery at the sides. A small bow tie is not the end of the world though. So don't worry I'd you've found a stone you like with an itty bitty one (note the pic of the marquise) one OK, one bad lol

uploadfromtaptalk1404301713098.jpg

uploadfromtaptalk1404301719023.jpg

uploadfromtaptalk1404301727133.jpg
 
To answer your question, I am guessing ERD can do a halo and non-halo version CAD for you, but I am not a 100% positive. Also, you can work with ERD to source the diamond if you want (as Gypsy mentioned). They can send you pictures of diamonds and I am pretty sure ASETs as well. I worked with Chris there and he is extremely easy to work with. He helped me source a round diamond a year ago and then I worked with him on CAD design recently. Ovals are definitely more challenging for picking a well cut stone with minimal bow tie, but you have very knowledgeable PSers helping, so you are in good hands!

As for halo versus non-halo, that is a tough call, as it seems your girlfriend likes both from her hints? In my opinion, a halo will give her a much “blingier” look than non-halo and much more finger coverage (the halo will add ~3mm to the diamond width). When I got my halo ring, I was shocked at the finger coverage and absolutely love it! But some people don’t want that! So, does your GF normally wear very blingy jewelry or does she wear more simple, classic jewelry? Halos are very personal, so can you ask any of her friends for opinions? Just some thoughts…
 
Hey everyone,

It's been a long time since I've updated, but I have some news. So Chris from ERD and I have been emailing and met in person once and decided on a gorgeous Oval (sorry, don't remember the specs and don't have it w/ me yet). From there, we have worked on the renderings, and this is where we are after the 1st edits came through. I think this is the one we are going to get in a plastic resin. Btw, I decided to go with the non-halo :)

What do y'all think?

becky_s_ring_10.jpg

ring3_37.jpg

ring4_24.jpg

ring2_61.jpg
 
I like the no halo split shank. But I think the split shanks need to curve toward each other instead of being straight. It is a much more custom and elegant look. This is what I mean:

ring3_37-_curve.jpg
 
Gypsy,

I 100% agree with you, and didn't even realize that my ring was straight vs. a lot of the others I've looked at having that curve. I sent the suggestion to Chris, so hopefully we won't have any problems and can get that edit made.

Thank you for your help! I don't know what I would've done without everyone's suggestions and support!
 
I agree with Gypsy's recommendation. It's going to be a beautiful ring. You could also consider to have pave added on the cup. Just an idea:

_21159.jpg
 
Hey guys,

So I got some more updated pictures. What do y'all think? We have a very subtle curve now. Due to a little miscommunication, we have actual ring pictures instead of a CAD. Just thought I'd mention that.

er2_3.jpg

er_0.jpg
 
I think that looks beautiful
 
quite nice
 
Beautiful :appl:
I love the curve in the shank. It will be gorgeous.
 
Perfect. Sincerely.
 
:bigsmile:
 
Thanks everyone! Tuesday they are adding the french cut pave. I'll be sure to update with pictures as I get them.

Again, thanks for all the help!
 
Well friends,

Got an awesome email today! My ring is finished! Chris sent me over some pictures. Take a glimpse at this bad boy!



ewr3.jpg

ewr2.jpg

ewr1.jpg

So, I'll give you my impression and then please give me your honest impression.

I am literally over the moon with the finished product. I took a good couple back and forth emails and phone calls, but this ring is exactly what I imagined. I couldn't have pictured it any more perfect. I absolutely love the simple carriage and singularity of the center stone. I think the shank pave perfectly accents that without taking away from it. That nice subtle bend in the shank looks great (thanks to everyone for pointing that out!). I can't wait to pop the questions to Ms. Special with this bad boy.

So, what are your impressions?
 
Gorgeous. Truly. I even pinned it to Pinterest already.
 
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