mm widths of settings...anyone? please?

[Laila619]

Hi,
I am resetting my .98 ct diamond into a new semi-mount and I am SO confused about what width I want for the shank. I don't want it to be too bulky or thick because I feel it takes away from the center stone (and it can look a bit masculine). However, I also do not like a really dainty look because I feel it doesn't look substantial and the metal on the shank will thin with time and wear.

Upon browsing through settings on vendor sites, most of ladies mounting seem to be in the 2mm - 3.8mm range. The problem is, without trying a ring on, I have no idea what, for instance, a 3.5mm looks like. It's hard for me to visualize it because I have no basis for what a 3.5 or a 3mm looks like. I don't want to just pick something and make a mistake. So my questions are:

1) what mm width (in your opinion of course) is a happy medium between not too chunky but not too dainty/flimsy?
2) can one measure the width of the shank of a ring with an ordinary household ruler to see how wide it is? If yes, then I can at least try and measure the width of some rings I already own to get an idea
3) what is your preferred mm width for a ladies semi-mount? What do you wear?

I am thinking 3mm might be the magic number but I'd really like to hear your opinions.

If it makes a difference, I have long fingers (sz. 5.5 - 6) and will be wearing it with a band of the same mm width. Thank you so much for your help!

 

[Ellen]

Before I try answering your questions, why not hit up a jewelry store and try different widths on? That really is the best way to know.

 

[Laila619]

Hi Ellen,

Because in the past when I've asked a sales associate what mm width the setting is, they look at me like I have two heads! They're like, "Um, it doesn't say on the tag." I don't think these sales associates are very knowledgable; they probably don't understand what I'm asking.

The B&M stores around me are no help--I have the usual Zales, Kay, and Jared to choose from. They are so unknowledgable!

Could I bring a ruler and measure it myself?

 

[Gypsy]

Try to call around to places that carry merchandise AND have an in house jeweler for repairs, etc. Make an appointment. When you get there ask for their calipers and for the jeweler to come help you. Tell him you are looking to see what bands look good on your finger, and that you''d like the mm size of the width of the bands you like best on you. When he asks you why... just tell him that you are very detail oriented and want to make sure you know what you like so that when you tell your FI, there''s no mistakes.

 

[Diamond Explorer]

I think your idea to bring a accurate ruler or millimeter gauge into the store could be a good one. You can then take the measurements of various rings, and get a feel for how various widths look. Good luck with your search!

edit: Gypsy's idea could be even better, use the shops millimeter gauge.

 

[Ellen]

Date: 7/29/2009 6:30:23 PM
Author:Laila619
Hi,
I am resetting my .98 ct diamond into a new semi-mount and I am SO confused about what width I want for the shank. I don''t want it to be too bulky or thick because I feel it takes away from the center stone (and it can look a bit masculine). However, I also do not like a really dainty look because I feel it doesn''t look substantial and the metal on the shank will thin with time and wear.

Upon browsing through settings on vendor sites, most of ladies mounting seem to be in the 2mm - 3.8mm range. The problem is, without trying a ring on, I have no idea what, for instance, a 3.5mm looks like. It''s hard for me to visualize it because I have no basis for what a 3.5 or a 3mm looks like. I don''t want to just pick something and make a mistake. So my questions are:

1) what mm width (in your opinion of course) is a happy medium between not too chunky but not too dainty/flimsy? 3mm
2) can one measure the width of the shank of a ring with an ordinary household ruler to see how wide it is? If yes, then I can at least try and measure the width of some rings I already own to get an idea Yes.
3) what is your preferred mm width for a ladies semi-mount? What do you wear? I wear a 3.5ish Ering with a 3.5 WB, but I like wider bands. A lot of it is personal preference!

I am thinking 3mm might be the magic number but I''d really like to hear your opinions.

If it makes a difference, I have long fingers (sz. 5.5 - 6) and will be wearing it with a band of the same mm width. Thank you so much for your help!

Ditto gypsy, but I answered in case that can''t/doesn''t happen!

 

[KittyBling]

I'd go with a 2.5mm band since its thin enough to let the centre diamond pop but still looks substantial and sturdy. For myself I would go for a 2mm-2.5mm band. Using a ruler at home could work but different types of bands look different even if they are the same mm. For example a 2mm knife edge band and a 2mm flat band will look different in terms of thickness. It's best to try and find a store, which has lots of wedding bands or you could order cheap silver or steel bands from ebay in different mm widths to try on and see what you like best.

 

[diamondringlover]

I think 2.3 to 3 mm would be perfect, my wedding band is 2.6 on the bottom and 3.6 on the top and it seems to be the perfect width with out being to wide

 

[vespergirl]

I think that 3 mm would probably be the perfect width for you - not super delicate, not too thick.

 

[cindygenit]

3mm!

 

[chamois]

Another consideration might be the length of your finger. My fingers are extremely short (annoyingly so), if I want to wear more than one ring at a time I need my bands to be on the thin side, especially if I want to wear my eternity ring as well as my wb & er on the same finger. If you have long fingers then you can probably get away with wider a band.

 

[mrssalvo]

I''d go 2.5 with an approx. 1 carat stone...not too thin and not too thick, but like the others suggested going to try them on in person is the best.

 

[D&T]

I actually like between 2.5-3mm (max), I had a 3.3 or 3.5ish and it started to look a little chunky to me imo.. my RB was 1.21 ct. Best to try some bands on at a B&M for better reference

 

[Laila619]

Thanks for all your opinions everyone!

I truly appreciate it.

So I went to a local family owned jeweler tonight to try on some rings. They had a mm gauge there, so they were able to tell me how wide my current setting and band are. Get this, my e-ring is 4mm at the top, tapering to 2.5 mm. That is way wider than I thought it looked.

My current wedding band measured in at 3mm.

The settings I liked the most were about 3mm. Anything under that I felt was too flimsy on my fingers (really long).