Marquise setting redesign suggestions sought

[sukran5714]

Hi there, this is my first post. I've been lurking for a while as I am considering changing my ering and wedding band settings. This may be becoming a habit as this is the 2nd time. I just know this isn't my "forever" setting so I'm looking for suggestions.

My original wedding set is 20 years old and 18k. The marquise setting goes to the finger so getting a wedding band was difficult so I had it custom made with 11 x 1pt diamonds. This seems to be a common issue with marquise diamonds unless they are set higher.


After 15 years of marriage, I wanted a wedding set with more bling. I didn't really know what I wanted so I listened to the jewellers suggestions and ended up keeping my marquise diamond tension set bridged over princess cut diamonds with a matching band in 14k.


When I picked up the rings I was disappointed but hubby had spent about $4k CDN on this upgrade and I wasn't going to say anything to upset him. The rings have always been a bit uncomfortable, mainly because they are so thick but also because the edges are quite sharp, I had the back of the diamonds filled because they were so uncomfortable. So I have been wanting to redo them for the past 5 years.

Now our 20th anniversary is coming up, and I noticed I've chipped the underside of the marquise just under the top edge. I don't think the setting provides enough protection especially as I wear the ring constantly. I have no idea if my insurance covers the chip (I'm waiting to find out). To add to the mix, for our 10th anniversary hubby bought a sapphire and diamond ring which I have since developed an allergy to even though it is 14k gold and purchased from the same jeweller that did the reset. So I need to get this ring reset also, I'm assuming to 14k non-nickel gold as the other 14k rings seem ok.


(note, the cluster is a family heirloom with rose cut diamonds so I'm not changing it - although I'd like to wear it with the other rings).

So given that I have 10x1pt rounds, 20x10pt princess cut diamonds, 6x10pt rounds, 1x2.5 carat sapphire and a 0.8ct marquise to play with I have some options. In theory I'd like to have 3 rings (wedding, ering, ann ring) and can use any of the remaining gold and gems to fund the changes, plus a small budget.

Here are some of my dilemmas:
- ering to be marquise or sapphire
- marquise to be set E-W or not (perhaps it's too small?)
- halo? buy more 1pt rounds to make a halo - are 1pt rounds big enough?
- reuse of 20 princess cut - perhaps a double row band?
- should i try to trade the princess cut for rounds?

What possibilities do you see? What are your thoughts on the above? I'd love to see pictures of rings I could make with the gems I have.
I'd really appreciate a 2nd opinion before I approach hubby.

Marina

 

[chrono]

Look around and take your time to design exactly what you want. Resets are $$$$$ and you want to be 100% sure you will love this setting for at least the next 5 to 10 years with no regrets. Start with a blank design slate (knowing that you may not use the existing stone since the proportions may not fit).

 

[tyty333]

I think E/W would be a great idea since you have had it N/S for so long. Here are a few of my favorite E/W settings...

[URL='https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/e-w-82-marquise-with-greenlake-jewelry-works-custom-setting.45411/']https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/e-w-82-marquise-with-greenlake-jewelry-works-custom-setting.45411/[/URL]

[URL='https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/my-new-e-w-marquise-diamond-ring-bezel-set.155813/']https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/my-new-e-w-marquise-diamond-ring-bezel-set.155813/[/URL]

 

[ccuheartnurse]

I agree with what Chrono has suggested. Although there are some reasonably priced vendors who may be able to create a custom piece for you, it still will cost you & also cost you your sanity. LOL It's all worth it in the end. You can do a search here for Marquise "Show me the ring" threads. There are a few lovely ones.

My go to site is always Pinterest (pinterest.com). There is always a lot of eye candy. It inevitably will be nerve wracking, but have fun with the process.

Judy

 

[drk14]

Now our 20th anniversary is coming up, and I noticed I've chipped the underside of the marquise just under the top edge. I don't think the setting provides enough protection especially as I wear the ring constantly. I have no idea if my insurance covers the chip (I'm waiting to find out).

Marina,
I think the situation with the damage (which I'm very sorry to hear about) introduces a lot of variability into your question. I'm having trouble understanding exactly where the chip is -- on the pavilion? the girdle? the point? What do you mean by "top edge"? If the damage is covered by insurance, they may repair or replace the diamond, either of which could potentially change the size and proportions of your marquise. If the diamond ends up being replaced, you may even have the option of choosing a different type of cut, if that's something you're open to.

I don't think it's a bad idea to try to figure out how to maximize the use of your existing melee stones. You will get better value out of them by recycling them then by trying to sell or trade them.

Here are some random thoughts and ideas, which are (obviously) my personal opinions:

* I think it will be dificult to successfully marry the princess melee with a marquise center. Thus, perhaps you can combine all 20 princess-cut stones into a half-eternity or 2/3-eternity band (depending on how far they will stretch down the shank), or buy additional princesses to make a full eternity band. I can't tell if your current band is channel set or perhaps bright-cut pave, but you could explore different pave styles for the princess melee to achieve a new look.

* I love the classical simplicity of your original e-ring, but if you want "more bling" I think that a halo is a splendid idea.

* I do think 1pt rounds are plenty big to use in a halo. Some might even consider them too big for a 0.8ct center marquise. You could explore using half-pointers for a halo, although you'd want to make sure you're working with a jeweler who is experienced in building micropave halos at such a tiny scale.

* Another option for your 1pt rounds (if you use 0.5pt melee in the halo) would be to use the large melee to bedazzle the shank.

As others have suggested, do look through the SMTB threads, Pinterest, etc., for inspiration ideas. Good luck!