michael b. riviera vs. solitaire

[a_dude]

Hola! Any help would be greatly appreciated (I hope I''m posting in the right forum)..

I''ve narrowed it down to two choices:

Michael B. Riviera

&

Tiffany Solitaire

The stone will be a 2.5 - 3ct, D-G, triple EX, round diamond. I am very torn b/c I think the Riviera is an absolute work of art, but on the other hand the Tiffany Solitaire is a classic. I am also a little worried that the Riviera might be a little uncomfortable since it looks like the stones will constantly rub against her middle and pinky fingers. Also, I know the draw for her is the size/brilliance of the center stone and I''m wondering if the side stones of the Riviera take away from that.

But again the Riviera - to me - is unlike anything I''ve seen....

A few things about my girlfriend (if it helps you, help me!):

- She''s petite...5''2", ring size 4.25
- Her style is structured, but with flash (e.g., the cut of her wardrobe is very tailored, but either funky prints or accessories)
- She''s always talked about an eternity wedding band

Thanks in advance!

 

[atroop711]

Personally I'm loving the Riviera ring...I love a band with diamonds down the shank. It would be AMAZING with that huge center you want to buy...and would look FABULOUS with an eternity band too! Can't wait to see what

you buy!

As for your concern about it hitting her side fingers..it may...but what do you think about getting this setting custom made with a lower prong setting? I have a U-Prong eternity band (which I got from Whiteflash) and it sits so low it doesn't bother my other fingers at all.

I also don't think the side stones will take away from a 2.5 or 3ct center..the side stones don't look overpowering at all...btw if you do get it custom made you can choose the size of the side stones so they won't overpower the center.

 

[Ellen]

In my humble opinion, the MCF would definitely take away a bit of the attention from the center stone. I''m one for giving a great stone all the attention, but, that''s really just personal taste, doesn''t make it "right". On the other hand, it would definitely be "blingy", especially paired with an eternity band. Too much? Not for some, you know your gal best! Not sure on the comfort factor....

With a Tiffany setting, it''s classic, and will let the stone have center stage. My kind of ring. And she could mix and match bands more easily with it. A plain for lower key days, eternity for bingier days. So I vote for a Tiffany.

 

[dani13]

Definitely go with a solitaire, and then get a blingy eternity band for the w-band. Im not in love with that MB setting, just my honest opinion

 

[atroop711]

I forgot to add...you know your girlfriend best..if you think she''d like side stones then go for the riviera..if you think she wants simple and traditional...go for the tiffany. It''s a toss up. Not all women love simple and not all love blingy. GL

 

[dani13]

Just wanted to show you ps member sna77's wife's set- a tiff solitare with eternity band. GORGEOUS!!!!!

 

[Kasey3]

Between the two you have chosen-I would choose the solitare. I have the superbcert tiff repo with a 2.40 RB, finger size 4.25 and I love it. I do like the Michael B, but i think it would have to be more of a stand alone ring, and I do think it will take away from the center stone-And it is quite expensive!!! So IMO, i think you should put all your money toward the stone. A 3ct would solitare would be dreamy-and it looks great with an eternity band!

 

[Shopaholic]

I am torn, at first I was picking the solitaire since your GF's dress sounds like how I dress - very classic, structured, but I always accent with eye-grabbing accessories. Also, I am a bit bias since I love Tiffany & Co. and own the solitaire in just about the same specifications as you stated but I also have their channel set diamond band solitaire as well, and I would say that the side diamonds do detract a bit from the center but only from afar (the solitaire will show off the size of the center stone more), but let me tell you the huge amount of sparkle that comes from that ring because of the side diamonds - it is constantly scintillating since all the diamonds are catching light at all angles.

Anyways - then you state that your GF loves eternity bands - and so in that case I chose the Michael B. because I do not like it when the eternity band sticks out further than the band of the solitaire, so the Michael B. will have diamonds that will stick out the same amount as an eternity band. I guess you could have a solitaire made with a dense/thicker band that would match up to the eternity but you stated you want a Tiffany solitaire in which case you are stuck with their setting. For a Tiffany solitaire at that size stone, the width of the band will be around 2.5mm to 3mm, so if you want to match the width of the eternity band to it, it would probably have to be 2+ ct tw. Though she does have small fingers so you may only need a 2ct tw band.

So to round it all up - a solitaire will show the size of the center from afar more, having side stones will give you a more "bling", sparkly look.

Hope that helps, sorry if it's confusing, it's hard put thoughts into writing.

As a final disclaimer though, I too have a hard time deciding which look I like best, even to this day, hence my need for multiple rings...

 

[litebrite]

Your girlfriend''s style sounds somewhat similar to mine. I think if you go with the classic Tiffany setting, it''s elegant, beautiful and timeless. She can wear it into meetings and different settings with either a plain wedding band or an eternity band if she wants to dress it up (and with the size of the center stone, it won''t necessarily need dressing up! It''ll be a stunner all on its own regardless.)

Also she can customize the eternity band if she wants alternating diamonds/sapphires/rubies etc or if she wants an eternity band with alternating round brilliant/princess or marquise. This way she can join in on the decision of the band, and it will truly reflect her style, and it''ll be a collaboration between the two of you.

congrats and she sounds like a lucky lady.

 

[litebrite]

Also I know that for me, I wouldn''t want the diamonds rubbing against my fingers and for that reason I have a comfort fit band and a 1/2 eternity.

If she wants the attention on the center stone, go with the solitaire setting.

 

[a_dude]

Thank you all! I''m still undecided but leaning towards the solitaire. Unfortunately, I dont know if that''s b/c I prefer that one or b/c I just had a very interesting and disappointing experience with Michael C. Fina.

Earlier in the week, I sent an e-mail asking my consultant to show me a few 3ct stones if I changed my mind from the Michael B. to a solitaire setting. I got a response saying "If price, and not value, is what you are looking for we are not the place."

That''s a fair statement if price was an issue we were discussing, but I never mentioned or even suggested it...... It was a pure assumption on her part - I''m very ticked!

 

[Sam82]

I don''t really like the Micheal B ring. That''s just my opinion. So, I would definately go with the Tiffany solitaire. Your wife can always have it reset in the future (maybe for a significant anniversary) if she really wants to.

RE: the rude e-mail, I would take my business elsewhere. You are going to be paying a lot of money for the ring and you deserve great service.

Best of luck to you

 

[atroop711]

Date: 7/16/2009 7:59:49 PM
Author: a_dude
Thank you all! I''m still undecided but leaning towards the solitaire. Unfortunately, I dont know if that''s b/c I prefer that one or b/c I just had a very interesting and disappointing experience with Michael C. Fina.


Earlier in the week, I sent an e-mail asking my consultant to show me a few 3ct stones if I changed my mind from the Michael B. to a solitaire setting. I got a response saying ''If price, and not value, is what you are looking for we are not the place.''


That''s a fair statement if price was an issue we were discussing, but I never mentioned or even suggested it...... It was a pure assumption on her part - I''m very ticked!

that was very rude of them. I wouldn''t give them the business. There are so many reputable and NICE vendors out there that bend over backwards to help you with your purchase.

 

[bigdiamondtinygal]

Count me in for the vote against the Riviera setting. With a 2.5 center stone, I think it would detract from the center. Plus, it doesn''t look so comfortable to wear.

I think the solitaire would be gorgeous. Though I don''t really care for 6 prong settings, Tiffany or not. Do you know if she does? You might also think of considering a classic 4 prong solitaire setting by someone like Leon Mege. There aren''t many people who would turn down a Leon!

Here''s a pic: http://www.artofplatinum.com/4images/details.php?image_id=50

And another (a bit more delicate): http://www.artofplatinum.com/4images/details.php?image_id=350

Just an idea.

 

[FancyDiamond]

Date: 7/16/2009 7:59:49 PM
Author: a_dude
Thank you all! I''m still undecided but leaning towards the solitaire. Unfortunately, I dont know if that''s b/c I prefer that one or b/c I just had a very interesting and disappointing experience with Michael C. Fina.

Earlier in the week, I sent an e-mail asking my consultant to show me a few 3ct stones if I changed my mind from the Michael B. to a solitaire setting. I got a response saying ''If price, and not value, is what you are looking for we are not the place.''

That''s a fair statement if price was an issue we were discussing, but I never mentioned or even suggested it...... It was a pure assumption on her part - I''m very ticked!

Just for that nasty remark, I shop somewhere else.

I agree 100% with Kasey3 in that put all your money towads the center stone. Get the best spec you can with your money - best cut, largest possible size of 3 carats or more, colorless, and VS2 or higher. A high cut, 3 plus carat stone on a classic Tiffany solitaire rings will make a statement with plenty of blinks.

 

[MissGotRocks]

I wouldn''t think of purchasing a stone from Michael C. Fina after that remark. Pearlman''s carries Michael B as well - you could check on pricing with them.

I think the Riviera is a beautiful setting but in the end I would be afraid it would overshadow the center stone. I thought about that ring at one time and even toyed with the idea of having someone else make it. I guess when it all comes down to it, I prefer diamonds and shiny metal without the embellishment of the stones going all the way down the sides. That''s just me though - doesn''t necessarily mean your lady wouldn''t love it. If you go with the Tiffany solitaire, are you planning on buying the ring from Tiffanys?

Just one more thought - have you asked her which ring she would really like to have? It will be something she will hopefully wear everyday - you would want her to love it and be comfortable with it.

 

[D&T]

Date: 7/16/2009 8:49:40 PM
Author: FancyDiamond

Date: 7/16/2009 7:59:49 PM
Author: a_dude
Thank you all! I'm still undecided but leaning towards the solitaire. Unfortunately, I dont know if that's b/c I prefer that one or b/c I just had a very interesting and disappointing experience with Michael C. Fina.

Earlier in the week, I sent an e-mail asking my consultant to show me a few 3ct stones if I changed my mind from the Michael B. to a solitaire setting. I got a response saying 'If price, and not value, is what you are looking for we are not the place.'

That's a fair statement if price was an issue we were discussing, but I never mentioned or even suggested it...... It was a pure assumption on her part - I'm very ticked!

Just for that nasty remark, I shop somewhere else.

I agree 100% with Kasey3 in that put all your money towads the center stone. Get the best spec you can with your money - best cut, largest possible size of 3 carats or more, colorless, and VS2 or higher. A high cut, 3 plus carat stone on a classic Tiffany solitaire rings will make a statement with plenty of blinks.

ditto- oh goodness what nerve of the consultant to say that to you! guess they really didn't need your business anyways in this economy ehh?

 

[mrssalvo]

if you go with the Michael B, definitely go through Pearlmans...

that said, I vote for the solitaire with a blingy eternity...

bottom line, which does your gf want??

 

[VRBeauty]

The Riviera isn''t doing much for me either. To me it looks like a very busy setting, and I think it would look even busier on your GF''s tiny finger, or with a blingy eternity band.

There are many beautiful, tailored options between the busy Riviera and the stark cleanness of the Tiffany solitaire. Have you checked out some of the beautiful Leon Mege rings owned by PS''ers? An exquisitely curved shank and beautiful, hand-crafted prongs can turn even an unadorned solitaire into a unique piece of art.

 

[Gypsy]

Date: 7/17/2009 1:32:30 AM
Author: VRBeauty
The Riviera isn''t doing much for me either. To me it looks like a very busy setting, and I think it would look even busier on your GF''s tiny finger, or with a blingy eternity band.

There are many beautiful, tailored options between the busy Riviera and the stark cleanness of the Tiffany solitaire. Have you checked out some of the beautiful Leon Mege rings owned by PS''ers? An exquisitely curved shank and beautiful, hand-crafted prongs can turn even an unadorned solitaire into a unique piece of art.

Ditto. I''m not loving the Michael B at all. It''s not a setting I would buy for someone unless they had tried it on and loved it. Just too... particular.

There are some gorgeous solitaire options out there though. And I''d pair it with a Blingternity too.

 

[October2008bride]

With a stone of that size, I would definitely get the classic Tiffany solitaire setting. The other could be overkill IMO. Save the setting money and put it towards a great eternity band as others suggested.

 

[katiedid]

I vote for the solitaire and eternity band 100% (and not just because that''s what I have!). I''m not crazy about that Michael B. ring and I think with an eternity band, it would be a little much for me personally. Your gf is tiny and that would be a heck of a lot of bling!! But as everyone else has said - you know her best!

For what it''s worth, unless you know her heart is set on the Tiffany solitaire, I''d consider the Mark Morrell that Gypsy posted. I love that ring!