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MWM Flame or BGD Tiffany Style ?

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CaliSun

CaliSun

Shiny_Rock
Joined
Apr 23, 2009
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224
Hi,

As you may know, I was given an heirloom ring, which was to be replaced with my very own e-ring at our 5-year anniversary. Well, our anni is coming up in about 9 months (who''s counting?) and I''ve begun searching for my new dream wedding set.
36.gif


We are at the very beginning stages of all this - hubby is on board, we are setting a budget. But I want to be 100% sure of what I want well before the purchase is made. This is a big deal!

So, now I wonder - which do you all fancy: Mark Morrell''s Flame (without the sidestones) or Brian Gavin''s Tiffany Style Knife Edge e-ring?
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I have always loved the classic Tiffany e-ring. And, I have kind of decided already that the stone will (eventually) be from BGD. I do also love the idea of wearing a work of art, such as would be with a MWM. The Flame is just stunning. Two things I do not like about the MWM Flame, however, are the wait time (which is unavoidable, the man is an artist) and the fact that the setting seems to hide the stone a bit. And I fear that I will get sick of the design over time. What I love about the Tiffany style is that the stone is truly showcased and the setting is a classic. I don''t like the idea of wearing a ''knock-off'' but to me (correct me if I am wrong - please) BGD works are pure art as well.

The concept of purchasing the stone and setting from one place just seems easier, so I am leaning toward BGD. On the other hand, I have waited nearly 5 years, so waiting 6-9 more weeks wouldn''t harm me to wait with MWM.

For both of the above, what I am not crazy about is the thickness of their bands. I would prefer a 2mm e-ring band as I feel it accents the diamond more. Of course, I could be wrong with this and the extra metal may be needed for structural integrity.

And, I would like a channel-set diamond eternity band (no notch). My current w-band is a shared prong and I am just too active so it''s not practical. I''m always worried about it. Plus, the girdles would rub against my new beautiful e-ring... I don''t know that MWM makes this type of band. But I do believe that BGD does.

Okay, I will leave it at that.

What do you all think? Am I just looking to stinking early? Should we just go and try some more on? (yay fun!)

Thank you
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It''s definately a personal choice, but I would love to have Mark Morrell.
 
Hi Cali,

I personally love Mark''s Torchiere and his Flame is stunning too. If I were to get a six prong solitare, I would probably get one of these. They are beautiful. And you''ve waited this long, so really what''s another few weeks for, as you said, "a work of art"... honestly I don''t think *I* would ever get tired of a MWM. Would you get the diamonds in the head (my favorite part, personally)?

But you''ve always love the ''classic'' Tiffany solitaire, too. And you know you won''t get tired of that. On the other hand, would you always be wondering about the MWM?

I think what I would do is call and talk to Mark about the adustments you''d like made (it actually looks like on his front page that he might have done a thinner shanked flame for another customer) and for a matching band (I''d be surprised if he couldn''t make you a ''plain no notch'' eternity band.

And then I''d talk to Brian about what you want, get qoutes from both and take it from there.

I don''t know the pricing on either of those settings off hand, nor do I know if pricing is even a factor for you, so that may be a non-issue.

I do remember seeing a BGD Signature diamond in an MWM on the BGD site though, so I''m sure they work together... so for me personally, I don''t think one stop shopping, in this case would be a big concern. A lot of guys like one stop shopping and for a lot of them it''s a really good idea. But for something for an anniversary and where the wearer actually has input... I think you should get exactly what you want. Whatever that is. Good news is, you can''t go wrong with either.
 
Hi Sam82 and Gypsy. Thanks for your help!

I really do love the basket of the Flame. Think I''d go for no diamonds in it though to let the stone peek through...

MWMM Flamee.jpg
 
I just love how the simplicity of this setting showcases the stone. You really get to see a lot of the diamond, and I love that!
Ah, decisions....

BGD Tiffany.jpg
 
Apologies -
I should have noted that the first setting shown is Mark Morrell''s Flame.
The second is Brian Gavin''s Tiffany Style Knife Edge setting.
face1.gif
 
Can''t go wrong with either

MWM if you like his pieces and symmetry down to the micron is important to you. He is more expensive but worth it!
 
Date: 7/28/2009 12:08:57 AM
Author:CaliSun
Hi,

As you may know, I was given an heirloom ring, which was to be replaced with my very own e-ring at our 5-year anniversary. Well, our anni is coming up in about 9 months (who's counting?) and I've begun searching for my new dream wedding set.
36.gif


We are at the very beginning stages of all this - hubby is on board, we are setting a budget. But I want to be 100% sure of what I want well before the purchase is made. This is a big deal!

So, now I wonder - which do you all fancy: Mark Morrell's Flame (without the sidestones) or Brian Gavin's Tiffany Style Knife Edge e-ring?
31.gif


I have always loved the classic Tiffany e-ring. And, I have kind of decided already that the stone will (eventually) be from BGD. I do also love the idea of wearing a work of art, such as would be with a MWM. The Flame is just stunning. Two things I do not like about the MWM Flame, however, are the wait time (which is unavoidable, the man is an artist) and the fact that the setting seems to hide the stone a bit. And I fear that I will get sick of the design over time. What I love about the Tiffany style is that the stone is truly showcased and the setting is a classic. I don't like the idea of wearing a 'knock-off' but to me (correct me if I am wrong - please) BGD works are pure art as well.

The concept of purchasing the stone and setting from one place just seems easier, so I am leaning toward BGD. On the other hand, I have waited nearly 5 years, so waiting 6-9 more weeks wouldn't harm me to wait with MWM.

For both of the above, what I am not crazy about is the thickness of their bands. I would prefer a 2mm e-ring band as I feel it accents the diamond more. Of course, I could be wrong with this and the extra metal may be needed for structural integrity.

And, I would like a channel-set diamond eternity band (no notch). My current w-band is a shared prong and I am just too active so it's not practical. I'm always worried about it. Plus, the girdles would rub against my new beautiful e-ring... I don't know that MWM makes this type of band. But I do believe that BGD does.

Okay, I will leave it at that.

What do you all think? Am I just looking to stinking early? Should we just go and try some more on? (yay fun!)

Thank you
21.gif
Click to expand...

Personally I would go for the BGD setting over the Flame because you don't want the diamonds in the head. I have seen pictures of the Flame without the diamonds and I didn't like it as much as I liked it with the diamonds. Compared directly the the BGD setting, to me the Flame without the diamonds doesn't look as elegant. I also agree with you that the Flame hides more of the diamond, which I don't like. Regarding the wait for MM, I think 6 weeks is fine to wait considering you will have a stunning and flawless ring at the end. As Gypsy has said BGD has worked with MM before so that shouldn't really be a problem if you decide to go with MM for the setting.

Have you considered the Torchiere? That has the Flame head but a thinner shank. Aaaand just to complicate things further how about the Sunburst?
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You said you didn't want the accent diamonds and that setting is made without accent diamonds. With the Flame/ Torchiere if you decided to leave out the accent diamonds then you would just be left with the lil holes where the diamonds are supposed to go (well thats what I have seen from the pictures anyway). The Flame and Torchiere are beautiful settings but they are just not the same without the diamonds.

On a side note I'm stuck in a similar situation to you
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Although I'm not getting engaged until next year I'm trying to make my mind up between the Petite Sunburst and BGD Tiffany (don't think we will go for the real thing from Tiffany). It so hard to choose!
 
It would have to be MWM for me. I love his work. BGD''s work is also impeccable but lots of people have a tiffany
replica (probably not as nice as BGD''s though). I would want something different.

Cant lose though, they are both lovely!
 
I''d probably go for the MWM.
 
Date: 7/28/2009 12:52:25 AM
Author: Gypsy
Hi Cali,

I personally love Mark''s Torchiere and his Flame is stunning too. If I were to get a six prong solitare, I would probably get one of these. They are beautiful. And you''ve waited this long, so really what''s another few weeks for, as you said, ''a work of art''... honestly I don''t think *I* would ever get tired of a MWM. Would you get the diamonds in the head (my favorite part, personally)?

But you''ve always love the ''classic'' Tiffany solitaire, too. And you know you won''t get tired of that. On the other hand, would you always be wondering about the MWM?

I think what I would do is call and talk to Mark about the adustments you''d like made (it actually looks like on his front page that he might have done a thinner shanked flame for another customer) and for a matching band (I''d be surprised if he couldn''t make you a ''plain no notch'' eternity band.

And then I''d talk to Brian about what you want, get qoutes from both and take it from there.

I don''t know the pricing on either of those settings off hand, nor do I know if pricing is even a factor for you, so that may be a non-issue.

I do remember seeing a BGD Signature diamond in an MWM on the BGD site though, so I''m sure they work together... so for me personally, I don''t think one stop shopping, in this case would be a big concern. A lot of guys like one stop shopping and for a lot of them it''s a really good idea. But for something for an anniversary and where the wearer actually has input... I think you should get exactly what you want. Whatever that is. Good news is, you can''t go wrong with either.
Click to expand...
As always, Gypsy''s hit the nail on the head. I agree with everything she said.
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I personally would go for the MWM in a hearbeat. The more fluid lines really appeal to me. As mentioned above, BGD has worked with him, and I''m sure he could make any tweaks you want to the setting.
 
I love the MWM petite sunburst with band that litebrite posted!
 
is there anyway to actually see a bgd setting (tiffany, say) or mwm setting in person? i''m guessing there is not.
 
I''ve been dying to own a MWM piece since the very first day I discovered Pricescope. If the choice were mine I would definitely go with him.
 
Date: 7/28/2009 12:26:38 PM
Author: climbman
is there anyway to actually see a bgd setting (tiffany, say) or mwm setting in person? i'm guessing there is not.
Click to expand...

I don't know. Some vendors will send things out on memo for you to see (Pearlmans will). But usually not custom houses, as they make the settings to order for each stone. And both BGD and MWM aren't public store front shops, I mean... they have a physical presence and if you are in the area to my knowledge both will make an appointment for you to go see them (I know there was at least one person who went to see MWM at his workshop), but they don't have a walk in store that just features all their stock like a standard jewelery store. So, I doubt that either will have settings sitting that they can send out for you to see. But I could be wrong. If it's worth it to you, give them a call and ask. For all I know Mark's got a a couple sitting around that he'd be happy to send out. LOL.

Thanks Gecko!
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Um.. can I vote for putting diamonds in the head? LOL.
 
Date: 7/28/2009 2:00:38 PM
Author: Gypsy

Date: 7/28/2009 12:26:38 PM
Author: climbman
is there anyway to actually see a bgd setting (tiffany, say) or mwm setting in person? i''m guessing there is not.
Click to expand...

I don''t know. Some vendors will send things out on memo for you to see (Pearlmans will). But usually not custom houses, as they make the settings to order for each stone. And both BGD and MWM aren''t public store front shops, I mean... they have a physical presence and if you are in the area to my knowledge both will make an appointment for you to go see them (I know there was at least one person who went to see MWM at his workshop), but they don''t have a walk in store that just features all their stock like a standard jewelery store. So, I doubt that either will have settings sitting that they can send out for you to see. But I could be wrong. If it''s worth it to you, give them a call and ask. For all I know Mark''s got a a couple sitting around that he''d be happy to send out. LOL.

Thanks Gecko!
35.gif


Um.. can I vote for putting diamonds in the head? LOL.
Click to expand...
I''ll second that!

Any prong configuration of more than 4 blocks off most of the stone anyway - so the added little blingers might be nice to have!
 
I kind of prefer the simplicity of the Tiffany style, but that''s just me! I hope you get a chance to see those two in person, sometimes it make a huge different to be able to see them on your hand.
 
I think the fluidity of the MWM Flame is gorgeous!
 
Date: 7/28/2009 2:46:22 PM
Author: geckodani

Date: 7/28/2009 2:00:38 PM
Author: Gypsy


Date: 7/28/2009 12:26:38 PM
Author: climbman
is there anyway to actually see a bgd setting (tiffany, say) or mwm setting in person? i''m guessing there is not.
Click to expand...

I don''t know. Some vendors will send things out on memo for you to see (Pearlmans will). But usually not custom houses, as they make the settings to order for each stone. And both BGD and MWM aren''t public store front shops, I mean... they have a physical presence and if you are in the area to my knowledge both will make an appointment for you to go see them (I know there was at least one person who went to see MWM at his workshop), but they don''t have a walk in store that just features all their stock like a standard jewelery store. So, I doubt that either will have settings sitting that they can send out for you to see. But I could be wrong. If it''s worth it to you, give them a call and ask. For all I know Mark''s got a a couple sitting around that he''d be happy to send out. LOL.

Thanks Gecko!
35.gif


Um.. can I vote for putting diamonds in the head? LOL.
Click to expand...
I''ll second that!

Any prong configuration of more than 4 blocks off most of the stone anyway - so the added little blingers might be nice to have!
Click to expand...
Me too!! If this thread was about the Flame with diamonds vs BGD replica then I would vote for the Flame hands down.
 
Thanks everyone for all your help!

So, just to make matters a smidge more complicated....

What is the deal with the ring called ''Flame-Buoyant'' on Mark Morrell''s website? Wow!!
That may be the answer to everything right there - it shows more of the diamond than the Flame (I think), has the cute little diamonds in the head and everything.
What I love about the Flame is the open-ness of the design. So if I went with it, it would be sans-diamonds. But the Flame-Buoyant design manages to incorporate the diamonds in the head while maintaining the open-ness of the Flame design.

I think I am leaning towards MWM. Every time I see his work, my heart skips a beat. That''s got to mean something. What''s 6 weeks when I''ve been daydreaming about it for 5 years. Dang. Thanks for slapping some sense into me (nicely, of course!).

Gypsy - Holy macaroni - Yesss I think I always would wonder, you are so right! I am at the infancy stages, but it can''t hurt to explore every option. At least then when that thought arises I will know.
litebrite - thanks for the link to the bands! I
emlove.gif
the 2mm eternity. Ooooo how pretty would that be together?
geckodani - I couldn''t agree more. The fluidity of MWM''s work is just stunning. His is a softer knife edge, which I feel may be more comfortable as well.
 
The Flame-boyant is exactly the one I was talking about when I said "it actually looks like on his front page that he might have done a thinner shanked flame for another customer" ... one thing about that one though: it does look like the ''openess'' might be a function of the size of the stone. SO, clearly that means BGD has to find you a large stone
11.gif
... but if MWM can replicate that look for your stone: I vote for diamonds in the head.
9.gif


And, always happy to help so you are more than welcome. Settings are really important... the BGD Tiffany (as a lot of their other settings are) is lovely. But just the words you used to describe your impression of the MWM... go back and read your own post, you clearly had a desire for the MWM but were trying to be practical. But... after 5 years, I figured it''s time to throw practical out the window and go for ''true desire.''


MAKE SURE YOU POST PICS THOUGH, I think that Flameboyant needs a PS photoshoot.
31.gif
 
Date: 7/29/2009 2:33:32 AM
Author: Gypsy
The Flame-boyant is exactly the one I was talking about when I said 'it actually looks like on his front page that he might have done a thinner shanked flame for another customer' ... one thing about that one though: it does look like the 'openess' might be a function of the size of the stone. SO, clearly that means BGD has to find you a large stone
11.gif
... but if MWM can replicate that look for your stone: I vote for diamonds in the head.
9.gif



And, always happy to help so you are more than welcome. Settings are really important... the BGD Tiffany (as a lot of their other settings are) is lovely. But just the words you used to describe your impression of the MWM... go back and read your own post, you clearly had a desire for the MWM but were trying to be practical. But... after 5 years, I figured it's time to throw practical out the window and go for 'true desire.'


MAKE SURE YOU POST PICS THOUGH, I think that Flameboyant needs a PS photoshoot.
31.gif
Click to expand...

Ditto Gypsy.

CaliSun, you're pining for a MWM ring, girl... you're trying hard to be even-handed and give BGD a chance, but your posts light up when you're talking about MWM rings.

Go for it! You know you'll regret it if you don't his rings a chance!

And by the way... I totally swoon for that tantalizing head and those strong but sensuous shanks too!
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I think the shank on the Flame-Buoyant is the same as the regular Flame but it just looks thinner because of the huugeee rock. It also looks more ''open'' because the diamond is large. MM could definately make a thinner shank for you if you wanted. I''ve read in another post that the thinnest he will go is 2mm. I hope this helps. I actually love the Flame-Buoyant design more than the original Flame and I think it will be easier to see the surprise diamonds too. It looks like there is a little diamond in the hole inside the shank too. Very nice!
 
I can''t thank you all enough for you time and assistance. Some things in life are well worth waiting for, and this will be one of them for me...
Until then, I will be dreaming of this ring! And, I promise to send pics when the time is right (bear in mind, this may be a year from now!)


Date: 7/29/2009 2:33:32 AM
Author: Gypsy
The Flame-boyant is exactly the one I was talking about when I said ''it actually looks like on his front page that he might have done a thinner shanked flame for another customer'' ... one thing about that one though: it does look like the ''openess'' might be a function of the size of the stone. SO, clearly that means BGD has to find you a large stone
11.gif
... but if MWM can replicate that look for your stone: I vote for diamonds in the head.
9.gif


And, always happy to help so you are more than welcome. Settings are really important... the BGD Tiffany (as a lot of their other settings are) is lovely. But just the words you used to describe your impression of the MWM... go back and read your own post, you clearly had a desire for the MWM but were trying to be practical. But... after 5 years, I figured it''s time to throw practical out the window and go for ''true desire.''


MAKE SURE YOU POST PICS THOUGH, I think that Flameboyant needs a PS photoshoot.
31.gif
Click to expand...
Gypsy - You are so right. I did go back and read my posts. MWM''s work has always made my heart skip a beat. So I have to go for it!!

Thanks again everyone
face1.gif


FlameBuoyant.JPG
 
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