Michael B Crown Lace Recommendations

[kennedy]

I''m interested in setting my 2.4 ct AGS 0 round in the Michael B Crown Lace (this is the rounded version of the Lace design). I was told by Michael B''s son, Matthew, that they would definitely recommend setting my stone in the full version (3.2 mm) vs. the petite version (2.5 mm). He said the full version has stronger prongs and that my stone would dwarf the petite version. They routinely recommend setting stones larger than 1.5 ct in the full version. I haven''t seen the rings in person again since seriously considering them for my re-set, but, in pictures, the full version looks so thick. Perhaps in real life, it looks much more delicate, but I''m worried that the full version will make my stone look small. I don''t think I plan on wearing the matching wedding ring if that makes a difference. I will likely opt for nothing or for a thin pave band. I will see the rings in person shortly, but wanted to know if anyone here has seen the two versions. I don''t want to go against the advice of the designer himself, so I''m a bit confused because I was definitely planning on the petite version until speaking with Matthew.

Also, do you all think that the Crown Lace design is timeless or trendy? I''ve loved it for several years, but I''m worried that it won''t stand the test of time. Thoughts?

Thanks in advance for any input.

 

[mrssalvo]

I personally love the crown lace...heck i love just about anything made by michael b

. as for the width, is there any way to you can get to a retailer to see them in person before you decide? I personally love a thinner band and would *want* the 2.5 but do understand the securtiy of going a touch wider. I think seeing them in person could really help make your decision.

ETA: just reread that you will see them in person soon. i'd just wait until then b/f you decide. I probably wouldn't go against the designers recommendation though. and I think the crownlace will be timeless, i don't really see it as trendy at all. I also love it when you flank the center ring with the tiny wisp bands MB makes...it's just a gorgeous set

 

[kennedy]

Hi MrsS,

Yes, I will be able to see them in person before deciding. From everything I've seen, I prefer the petite version, but Matthew wasn't just saying that the full version would look better, he was saying it would be a more secure choice. I guess I would just feel weird about going against Matthew's advice.

ETA: Just thought I'd add that Michael B's customer service so far is superb.

 

[Gypsy]

I ADORE the Lace collections by Michael B and have for years. I think they are very timeless and classic. A lovely way to get a unique design and some sparkle without overdoing it. As to safety, I wouldn''t feel very good going against the designers recommendation, but would also prefer a thinner shank... so I can''t help you there except to say that you have to make the decision after you''ve seen them both. Good luck, and please post pics of your new setting when you get it, either way, it''s going to be stunning!

 

[mepearl53]

Go with which ever one you like. Matthew is my friend but a lawyer Both work well and have never had problems with either width.

 

[angeline]

Date: 10/3/2007 1:13:10 PM
Author: mepearl53
Go with which ever one you like. Matthew is my friend but a lawyer Both work well and have never had problems with either width.

I was just going to suggest asking Bill! He beat me to it. I too would prefer the 2.5mm. Whichever you choose, make sure you post pics!!!

 

[diamondseeker2006]

In most cases I''d prefer the 2.5mm, but with the lace collection, it seems like the lace effect might show better on 3.2mm. I think I''d be open minded until I could try them both on. Either is fine for your size stone, though.

 

[kennedy]

Thanks, Mepearl, for chiming in here. It''s good to know there''s no real structural issue should I decide I prefer the petite version.

Diamondseeker -- You make a good point about the lace effect being more visible in the larger version. You may have a point there -- I will keep that in mind when I see them in person.

MrsSalvo -- I saw in another thread that you said you don''t think of pave as durable enough for 24/7 wear. Would you include the Crown Lace as the type of ring that shouldn''t be worn all the time? I want a ring that is pretty durable and can withstand everyday wear. I would expect to lose a melee diamond here and there, but don''t want to have to baby my rings.

 

[mrssalvo]

Date: 10/4/2007 5:33:50 PM
Author: kennedy


MrsSalvo -- I saw in another thread that you said you don''t think of pave as durable enough for 24/7 wear. Would you include the Crown Lace as the type of ring that shouldn''t be worn all the time? I want a ring that is pretty durable and can withstand everyday wear. I would expect to lose a melee diamond here and there, but don''t want to have to baby my rings.

kennedy, MB is one of the masters of pave. the rings are handmade and durable. the lace isn''t as subject to damage as 3 sided full pave rings are IMO but there is still quite a bit of pave on them. I think they can be worn everyday but would still recommend not wearing them in the examples I mentioned above like lifting weights, gardening, i.e digging the dirt etc. there was a thread on losing pave a while back where bill pearlman chimed in with some great words when discussing why a stone might come out. here is what he said:

"I have carried Michael B and Ritani since their entry into the jewelry business and have never had a problem with their workmanship or with diamonds popping out or loosening. The thinnest we carry a e-ring is 1.9mm which is a Ritani. There are Michael B bands as thin a s 1.6mm. None of the designers we have can you press down on a section of the ring and collapse the seating of the diamonds which I suspect has happened here. Generally caused by drilling the seat too deep or the walls around the diamonds were to thin thickness wise. What they all have in common are superior quality control departments so problems are kept to a minimum.

Any diamond can be knocked out of a ring and any diamond can be loosened in a setting. Biggest culprits are working out, house or yard work, clinching the steering wheel of a car to tightly. These all will have a effect on the way a ring holds up. I believe in wearing jewelry where it is appropriate but understand that not everyone will do this. To this I say stay with the brands with the best reputations. They cost more but for those who have them I''m sure most would say that with routine care they never have problems with them. There is so much that goes on in the manufacturing of jewelry that it''s buyer beware. Just using the word pave does not mean that they are all made with the same attention to detail. The designers above are perfect examples of this."


I think this shows a quality ring probably won''t have problems but you will have to be careful and take care of it, baby it a bit. You''ll have to decide if that''s the type of setting you want and if it''s worth it.