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Metal type & style for 5 stone band BGD 1.70ct

woofmama

woofmama

Ideal_Rock
Joined
Sep 23, 2011
Messages
3,021
I am having a difficult time deciding which setting to choose for my BGD Five stone ring. The diamonds are all AGS0. Four of them are I VS2 and one is an H VS2. They are .33 to .35 ct.

All of my rings are either 18k WG or platinum. I love the bright shiny white of my Sholdt setting. It has held up incredibly well and hasn't needed any replating. My platinum ring is my mothers ring I had made less than a year ago. It is in rotation with my other rhr's so is still very bright shiny white as well.

Up until 2011 everything I had was YG. The primary reason for that is my age, turning 50 very soon :eek: Anyway most of my pre PS stuff was sold off and aside from a pair of hoops I kept none of my current stuff is YG. Oh there is one other piece, the DBTY I bought from Dandi which I'm having made into a bracelet eventually.

I have decided against the Nightingale or Sally for this piece. I want something very sleek and modern. I've somewhat ruled out the trellis as well. I *think* I want the U Prong :sun: Super proud of myself for even making that decision, as I am very indecisive about this ring!

So I am madly in love with the pictures of ZB's BGD Five stone in YG. I hope she doesn't mind me reposting them. This got me thinking I should go with YG for my ring. It is soooo rich and beautiful. My DH loves YG, he thinks white metal looks so plain. If I go YG I'll also get some plain bands to wear with it like ZB did.

So do you think I'll regret making the ring YG? Would you mix metals on such substantial pieces? If I have my super shiny WG EC band and EC e-ring on my left hand would it look bizarre to have this YG ring on my right hand? Actually I'm wondering if this is an either/or piece? Would you wear this as a RHR at the same time as your wedding set? Or as a left hand ring in place of your wedding set? I could see it going either way. Any and all thoughts welcome :))

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I think it can be used as a stand-alone wedding band and also as a RHR. I also made the switch over to white metals a few years ago. I personally would have in made in platinum. However, if you want to mix metals and wear both at one time, there is nothing wrong with that either. You can wear the yg DBTY bracelet when you wear the ring!

I think the Sally is my favorite BG 5 stone setting. Isn't that u-prong? I consider it sleek and modern. I do not like the way the stones stick up from the basket setting without the shank coming up to the right height like Tiffany does their bands. There are few 5 stone settings that I really like. The Sally and Tiffany ones are my favorites. I think the Sally is the one with the pinched shank and that is why I like it over the Nightingale.
 
Thanks DS. The Sally is a very pretty setting & I do agree it's very modern. In looking at the pictures of ZB's ring, do you think the Sally would look good flanked by two thin gold bands? I know I would like to wear it like that, I love the look :lickout:
I've never seen or tried a knife edge shank IRL. Would I need to buy knife edges bands to flank it with or would smooth bands look good?

I know most on here love platinum but I think I sold myself YG for this project ;))
 
I love the yellow gold - and I would also have the stones in white metal (gold? platinum) just like ZB's.
 
If you're going to regret not getting YG, then you need to get YG. You can always rhodium plate YG to make it white if you get sick of it. However, from the tone of your post, it seems like you really want YG, so that's what I think you should get. :)
 
SMC|1395867045|3641884 said:
If you're going to regret not getting YG, then you need to get YG. You can always rhodium plate YG to make it white if you get sick of it. However, from the tone of your post, it seems like you really want YG, so that's what I think you should get. :)
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Thanks SMC. I guess it does seem as though I really want to do YG. Between ZB's pictures and DH's YG love I was swayed. I also considered that it could be plated if I changed my mind later. I hope I don't but you never know ;))
 
If you love YG, you might also love RG too! :naughty:
 
Laila619|1395871939|3641927 said:
If you love YG, you might also love RG too! :naughty:
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:) Laila -I knew someone would bring up RG! As much as I see all of the beautiful RG on here I just don't think it is "me". Maybe I feel too old for it...I don't know why?!
I love the RG alloy that BGD uses. Junerose's three stone and new band are TDF! Just feel it isn't right for me.

So which ring do you like more the standard u prong like ZB's or the Sally?
 
woofmama|1395874624|3641947 said:
Laila619|1395871939|3641927 said:
If you love YG, you might also love RG too! :naughty:
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:) Laila -I knew someone would bring up RG! As much as I see all of the beautiful RG on here I just don't think it is "me". Maybe I feel too old for it...I don't know why?!
I love the RG alloy that BGD uses. Junerose's three stone and new band are TDF! Just feel it isn't right for me.

So which ring do you like more the standard u prong like ZB's or the Sally?
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I understand. RG can feel a little young or trendy.

I really like this:

http://www.briangavindiamonds.com/wedding-and-anniversary-bands/eternity-bands/open-gallery-5-stone-18k-white-gold-5388w18

But I love ZB's ring too!!!!!!
 
I still love yellow gold too! It was the metal of the day for our generation and my husband, like yours, prefers it too. He likes the contrast between white diamonds and yellow gold.

I think there are lots of folks mixing metal colors so I would get exactly what you think would look best for this ring. I sometimes think folks are reluctant with the yellow gold as they don't want it to look like the 80's pieces - chunky, way too much metal and dated. More modern pieces in the rich yellow gold don't remind me of the 80's at all though.
 
woofmama|1395870708|3641914 said:
marymm|1395864823|3641852 said:
I love the yellow gold - and I would also have the stones in white metal (gold? platinum) just like ZB's.
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Thanks for your reply. Yes I would have the heads and prongs made in platinum. With the shank in YG. Do you like the conventional
u prong or the Sally http://www.briangavindiamonds.com/wedding-and-anniversary-bands/eternity-bands/sally-18k-yellow-gold-5395y18

Glad you like the YG :))
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I really do prefer the classic 5-stone U-prong setting.

While I do appreciate the look of the Sally, for me knife-edge shanks are too uncomfortable. I also see that the little bezelled melee diamond on each side of the Sally is in yellow gold - I'd want those melee in the same white metal as the 5 stones... if that isn't an option, I'd maybe see if Fancy Yellow melee could be used there instead of white diamonds.

I look forward to seeing what you decide on!
 
MissGotRocks|1395880565|3641996 said:
I still love yellow gold too! It was the metal of the day for our generation and my husband, like yours, prefers it too. He likes the contrast between white diamonds and yellow gold.

I think there are lots of folks mixing metal colors so I would get exactly what you think would look best for this ring. I sometimes think folks are reluctant with the yellow gold as they don't want it to look like the 80's pieces - chunky, way too much metal and dated. More modern pieces in the rich yellow gold don't remind me of the 80's at all though.
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Thank you for your reply MGR. I agree it was the metal of our day! I was visiting with a friend the other day who had on YG earrings, pendant and rings. It just looked so striking! Really helped me get off the fence about doing this ring in YG.

What is nice about this is really from the top only the diamonds in the platinum heads will show but you'll catch a glimpse of the YG from the side. I think it will look very modern. :))
 
marymm|1395881968|3642005 said:
woofmama|1395870708|3641914 said:
marymm|1395864823|3641852 said:
I love the yellow gold - and I would also have the stones in white metal (gold? platinum) just like ZB's.
Click to expand...

Thanks for your reply. Yes I would have the heads and prongs made in platinum. With the shank in YG. Do you like the conventional
u prong or the Sally http://www.briangavindiamonds.com/wedding-and-anniversary-bands/eternity-bands/sally-18k-yellow-gold-5395y18

Glad you like the YG :))
Click to expand...

I really do prefer the classic 5-stone U-prong setting.

While I do appreciate the look of the Sally, for me knife-edge shanks are too uncomfortable. I also see that the little bezelled melee diamond on each side of the Sally is in yellow gold - I'd want those melee in the same white metal as the 5 stones... if that isn't an option, I'd maybe see if Fancy Yellow melee could be used there instead of white diamonds.

I look forward to seeing what you decide on!
Click to expand...

I emailed Denise at BGD and she also raised asked if I had ever tried on a knife edge band. I admit I would be unhappy if after all of this time and expense the ring were uncomfortable. I think I'll stay with the regular u-prong setting. The Sally is beautiful but might be a risky choice for me. Thank you again!
 
hey there!! :wavey:

If it were me, and if you have the budget, I'd go platinum. Platinum doesn't seem to go in and out of style/fashion like YG has - its remained consistent on the jewelry scene. Platinum is a classic choice.

BUT --- if that wasn't your preference, then I'd still go w the WG option over YG. While it was (almost!) the only option back when you and I were getting engaged (...and dinosaurs roamed the earth!), I think the white metals have taken over in popularity now. NOT TO SAY you have to go with what the masses are going with! I'm just thinking that, for me, YG had its time and something as gorgeous as a 5 stone that you are building, I'd hate for you to have 2nd thoughts about "should I have gone white metal not yellow?"

Rambling thought - that's probably not helpful!! - but if I were creating this, I'd be going white metal (preferably platinum) and probably the U prong setting vs the trellis (of which I'm a HUGE fan of!) but the U seems to suite this style to beautifully.

Good luck!
 
Enerchi|1395884032|3642028 said:
hey there!! :wavey:

If it were me, and if you have the budget, I'd go platinum. Platinum doesn't seem to go in and out of style/fashion like YG has - its remained consistent on the jewelry scene. Platinum is a classic choice.

BUT --- if that wasn't your preference, then I'd still go w the WG option over YG. While it was (almost!) the only option back when you and I were getting engaged (...and dinosaurs roamed the earth!), I think the white metals have taken over in popularity now. NOT TO SAY you have to go with what the masses are going with! I'm just thinking that, for me, YG had its time and something as gorgeous as a 5 stone that you are building, I'd hate for you to have 2nd thoughts about "should I have gone white metal not yellow?"

Rambling thought - that's probably not helpful!! - but if I were creating this, I'd be going white metal (preferably platinum) and probably the U prong setting vs the trellis (of which I'm a HUGE fan of!) but the U seems to suite this style to beautifully.

Good luck!
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Ah my dear fellow cavewoman :lol: You are right about platinum being classic & timeless! If I went with a white metal I would choose Platinum rather than WG for this ring. But the YG is calling my name this time. The pictures of ZBs ring are just so beautiful :love: I will be making a final decision by Monday. I do know I'm choosing the classic u-prong for sure.
 
woofmama|1395885130|3642045 said:
Enerchi|1395884032|3642028 said:
hey there!! :wavey:

If it were me, and if you have the budget, I'd go platinum. Platinum doesn't seem to go in and out of style/fashion like YG has - its remained consistent on the jewelry scene. Platinum is a classic choice.

BUT --- if that wasn't your preference, then I'd still go w the WG option over YG. While it was (almost!) the only option back when you and I were getting engaged (...and dinosaurs roamed the earth!), I think the white metals have taken over in popularity now. NOT TO SAY you have to go with what the masses are going with! I'm just thinking that, for me, YG had its time and something as gorgeous as a 5 stone that you are building, I'd hate for you to have 2nd thoughts about "should I have gone white metal not yellow?"

Rambling thought - that's probably not helpful!! - but if I were creating this, I'd be going white metal (preferably platinum) and probably the U prong setting vs the trellis (of which I'm a HUGE fan of!) but the U seems to suite this style to beautifully.

Good luck!
Click to expand...

Ah my dear fellow cavewoman :lol: You are right about platinum being classic & timeless! If I went with a white metal I would choose Platinum rather than WG for this ring. But the YG is calling my name this time. The pictures of ZBs ring are just so beautiful :love: I will be making a final decision by Monday. I do know I'm choosing the classic u-prong for sure.
Click to expand...

YAY "U" prong!! At least that decision is made!! I love a good trellis - and lord knows that BGD does make a beauty (oh, says the owner of a BGD trellis 3 stone! HAHAHA!) but I think the U prong, in this case, would be perfect. Knife edge? um... I have both knife and rounded dome rings and for me, the knife edge is not noticeable. It is what it is. I don't find it uncomfortable but I guess others are bothered by it.

YG is beautiful w colourless/near colourless stones, so there is that high contrast aspect, that is very appealing. Hmmm... a dilemma!!


(but I'm still going white metal!! Enerchi votes Platinum :bigsmile: )
 
What u-prong setting are you talking about? I remember someone getting one in the past and I told them it was set too high. I believe they got it and later decided it was set too high. So I would want to be sure about that part.
 
diamondseeker2006|1395885919|3642054 said:
What u-prong setting are you talking about? I remember someone getting one in the past and I told them it was set too high. I believe they got it and later decided it was set too high. So I would want to be sure about that part.
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This one: http://www.briangavindiamonds.com/wedding-and-anniversary-bands/eternity-bands/classic-5-stone-u-prong-18k-yellow-gold-5446y18

It's the same one ZB has in the pics. Multiple Psers in the Five Stone ring thread have this setting and I've looked at the threads. There didn't seem to be a problem. Was it maybe Mayk''s ring you're thinking of? I don't believe it was set by BGD.
Regardless I will specify that I want it set low. I like it when the stones wrap around the finger. If I were making a full eternity I would do the basket/tiffany style. But for this I love the idea of the open sides.

I still haven't completely ruled out the Sally, do you think the shank would be uncomfortable? Would that style look good with thin plain bands on either side?
 
If you look at the profile of the Sally, you can see how the shank meets up at the side of the last stones. This is what I do not like about the standard u-prong. It just looks like the last prongs stick up out of the band rather than having the shank come up to meet it. Very hard to explain. I think the Nightingale has a rounded shank, though, if you don't like the Sally. But no, I do not think it would be uncomfortable at all. The Sally has more of a ridge than a true knife edge, and the fact is, those three fingers are almost never pressed together. I do not feel my knife edge and it is a lot sharper edged than that one.

But really, I am not trying to talk you into something you don't want. I just think the Sally is a more refined style than the standard one. I can't see any reason that the bands wouldn't work with it just fine, but maybe you could ask BG to take a picture of a sample ring, if they have one, with a band on either side. I don't know if they keep samples or not, though. If you do go with the standard u-prong, then that is good that you will ask them to set your stones low. I am going to go check and see if I remember who had the one that was set high and see where theirs was from.

I love the yellow gold and think diamonds really stand out with the contrast. I just switched over because my coloring goes so much better with white metals. My sisters both are more blond, and they both still wear all their yellow gold pieces with a little sterling silver fashion jewelry here and there!
 
Thanks DS. I do see what you mean about the end stones meeting the shank and also prefer the look of the shank coming up to meet the stones. I considered asking for a slight modification for the end stones, perhaps having those in a half bezel just where the shank meets the diamond. I believe Gypsy did that on the Aurora band. Would have to go thru that thread to be sure, and it's getting too late here for me. I think the proportions on the link you attached are perfect height wise. The diamonds in that band are also the same size and color as mine, but my ring size is 7.5 while hers is 5. Regardless it gave me a very good visual of the correct height to have the diamonds set.

I do agree that the shank on the Sally is pretty! I showed it to my DH & he loved it as well. It's a very classy look. I'm not really interested in the Nightingale. Originally it was my first choice but after going thru the five stone thread, ummm maybe a million times the simpler u-prongs just caught my eye. I know the Sally/Nightingale are quite similar except for the shank detail, while I find the Sally to look refined and classy, I see the Nightingale as a bit "too much", kwim?

I'm glad you like the YG/Platinum idea. Very happy with my choice on that.

Thanks for your suggestions! This ring is very important to me as it's marking my 50th b-day and other accomplishments I'm very proud of so I want it to be perfect :))
 
Woofmama, you told me you liked modern settings, but I had no idea you and I were designing basically the same ring! Happy 50th!

I grew up in the 80s too and YG was the thing to have. Then when gold prices shot up later in the decade and no one could afford it, most people went to the more affordable silver, which is beautiful in its own right. I can remember wearing my gold in the 90s and being teased for wearing the unfashionable jewelry. But I never sold my gold to buy other jewelry. I kept it AND bought other jewelry - mostly silver. :lol:

I really like the u-prong with the platinum head and the YG body. I think you'll get no contrast from the platinum for a seamless look, yet have the rich beauty of the YG right underneath it. Plus, it will open the door for you to mix your metals more easily if you wish to because the two-tone ring will introduce both colors, so anything will match. Besides, who cares what anyone else thinks? Your DH loves YG, you love YG, get it and enjoy it. If one day you desire something else (like on your 55th birthday ;)) ) get that and then switch them out as the mood hits. Half the fun is planning for it, right?

I really like it and think you will enjoy it! It's modern, yet classic.
 
I like the YG idea, can't wait to see it. :naughty:
 
Hi Woofmama

I think yellow gold sounds great! But for setting, I'd go with the 5 stone shared prong. It's way lower than the two you mentioned and, in my opinion, follows the curve of the finger better. In a lot of 5 stone rings, the outer stones seem to 'kick up' a bit, rather than following the exact curve. They curve a bit - just not as much as the finger curves. I like a 5 stone ring to sit really 'tucked in', so low and curved is my choice.

However, I'd definitely do a yellow gold shank with platinum head, as you're planning - but I'd also ask them to shave the shank so it cuts in gracefully at the sides, rather than forming a straight, unbroken line the same width as the stones. I'm sure the same design could be done, say, 2.5mm at the back, cutting down to 1.8mm at the front. that would really highlight the stones, without compromising the curve or making the stones sit higher that necessary.

So if I were doing a 5 or a seven stone, that's what I'd do. I just got a Tiffany 7 stone bar set, though, so I'm out of the ring buying game for the short term! :)

(edited for typos)
 
Just came back to add - the reason I'd be shooting for it to be set as low as possible is for the flow to be as gentle as possible between the diamond ring and the rings you wish to wear on either side. Obviously, I have no problem with a solitaire sitting higher than a wedding band, but for 5 stone rings, I prefer there to be a flow, rather than the 5 stone ring sitting above the side stones in a disconnected way. I feel the 5 stones swamp the bands unless they're set low on the finger, and it's not a look I enjoy. For that reason also, I'd go with bands that were slightly thicker/deeper (as opposed to wider) than normal - say 2.2mm (e-weddingbands.com makes a comfort fit wedder of this depth) or 2mm at a minimum. And then I'd be trying to get that baby sitting as low to my finger as possible so the three rings complemented each other and none of the rings got lost, visually. This is personal preference, I realize, but I suspect it might be in line with where your head is. A 5 stone with a tapered shank isn't dated or modern as such - it's a classic.
 
SandyinAnaheim: Thanks for your input. I love u-prong settings! The trellis is popular as well and I did consider it but kept going back to the u-prong for this ring. I'm 100% certain I'll have it made in YG.

Mrs Blop: Thanks for the suggestions :)) I do understand what you are referring to about the shared prong wrapping around the finger. My EC E-W five stone ring is set in this manner and it looks much more like a band. I really want this ring to be more of a statement piece and love the idea of seeing the entire diamond from the side. The thing I love the most about my e-ring Sholdt semi-bezel is seeing the entire side of the diamond. If I were getting this ring with 20-25 ct stones and planned on pairing with a solitare shared prong would be my choice.

So YG with a platinum head it is :D Still a wee bit undecided and the exact u-prong style but definitely u-prong. Thanks everyone :wavey:
 
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