Need advice on a 1.7ct round in a halo + pave setting

[rockinit]

Hi all,

I'm shopping for a ~1.7ct EX/EX/EX in a halo + pave setting, with the following requirements. Hoping you good folks at PS can help steer me in the right direction! Thanks very much in advance!

* Eye clean is a must, willing to go to SI but I'm seeing so many inclusions on even SI/VS ACAs. I guess the magnification is throwing me off. Color H+.
* 16-20k budget for everything, and would love to be on the lower end.
* she is very petite (4), so I'd like a very thin halo and very thin width to the pave.
* I'd like a very short height to the crown in the setting. I'm seeing a lot of halo settings where the center stone sits much much higher than the halo, I'd like to avoid this.
* Would like zero/minimal space space between the center stone and halo. I'm seeing some on WH that exhibit this, is this a function of center stone size, or the way the setting crown is designed? How can I avoid this?
* I like a round stone, but really also digging the squarish halo setting. That seems to be popular here as well. What are the drawbacks of round stone + cushion halo? Will this create a space between stone and halo?

Now regarding the center stone and vendor-
In general, I'm not able to find any WH setting matching the above. I've done business with WH in the past and have had an an excellent experience, but at this time I'm finding several settings on BN meeting my requirements (and much cheaper). Questions-
* My concern is the fact that I can't even verify if the diamond is eye clean with BN. Because of this, is BN a nonstarter for PS folks?
* BN's turnaround times for diamond + setting seem almost too good to be true. Is this an indication of quality of setting? Or nothing to worry about in that regard?
* JA also has a few settings I like. But their turnaround time is much slower than BN (at least per the site).

Happy Mother's Day!

THANK YOU!

 

[LLJsmom]

Check out this thread with a lot of Victor Canera's rings. His halos seem to check all your boxes, in particular the very little space between the center stone and the halo, minimal metal around the diamonds, and his round in a cushion halo is my favorite etc.
https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/post-your-victor-canera-beauties-here.175281/

Victor cuts super ideal cuts and you get a discount on his setting if you get his stone as well.

Easiest way to contact him and get information and get comfortable with him is to give him a call. Just go to his website and call. He's very nice and easy to talk to, and very low pressure. I would ask to speak to him directly. Not that Nicholas isn't nice. But personally I feel more comfortable after talking to him directly.
https://www.victorcanera.com/

This particular PSer made a very detailed posting of her comparison of his work and other well respected pave specialists. This will give you a good idea of the quality of his work.
https://www.pricescope.com/communit...ond-in-victor-canera-emilya-halo-ring.181019/

Good luck.

 

[rockinit]

Wow, thanks so much. That's the exact halo/pave I'm looking for. My only concern is timing, seems to be a special order. Will call tomorrow.

 

[blueMA]

Also checkout Whiteflash's Halos
https://www.whiteflash.com/engagement-rings/halo/#!sz=12

 

[rockinit]

A few non-custom option that I really like, would love your input-

https://www.jamesallen.com/engageme...-pave-diamond-halo-engagement-ring-item-53019

https://www.brilliantearth.com/Waverly-Diamond-Ring-(1/2-ct.-tw.)-White-Gold-BE1D64-3957961/

This one looks to very profile, which I love, but is lacking diamonds on the prongs- https://www.jamesallen.com/engageme...-halo-engagement-ring-round-center-item-18459

Here's a version of that with some diamonds near the crown - https://www.jamesallen.com/engageme...e-accented-diamond-engagement-ring-item-53041

https://www.jamesallen.com/engageme...shion-outline-pave-engagement-ring-item-49998

This one looks to be the winner so far. Very low profile, diamonds on prongs. The only con I see so far is the somewhat wider shank at 1.9- https://www.jamesallen.com/engageme...-pave-diamond-halo-engagement-ring-item-53019

https://www.jamesallen.com/engageme...e-and-pave-gallery-engagement-ring-item-53040

The only one I like from WF is the Danhov LE112, but it is 4,600 for platinum!

 

[blueMA]

I prefer platinum for lower maintenance and denser metal, but the prong work is better on the Waverly.

 

[blueMA]

If you're budget conscious on the setting to get the bigger stone, also consider https://www.fourmine.com/catalogsearch/result/?q=halo+platinum+ring

 

[rockinit]

I prefer platinum for lower maintenance and denser metal, but the prong work is better on the Waverly.

Agree, setting will be in Platinum.

 

[rockinit]

Question- is it better to get a setting with a simpler crown/gallery to allow for more light to pass through and therefore make for a brighter center stone?

Will the same diamond sparkle more in this-
https://www.jamesallen.com/engageme...-halo-engagement-ring-round-center-item-18459

versus this-

https://www.jamesallen.com/engageme...-pave-diamond-halo-engagement-ring-item-53019

 

[blueMA]

Light performance between the two will be negligible and should not be the deciding factor.

I personally prefer the cathedral setting of the 17350P nevertheless

 

[rockinit]

After comparing about a dozen similar settings between BN, JA, and BrEa, I've narrowed it down to the following. BN eliminated because all seem to have very high profiles/prominent prongs. I will also call Victor Canera tomorrow.

This is the largest at 2.3mm width and most expensive ($3350) but very nice. I wonder if it is too bulky for her size 4 finger- https://www.brilliantearth.com/Luxe-Sienna-Halo-Diamond-Ring-Platinum-BE1D460-3958246/

This is pave all around, unique from the others. Still nice and narrow at 1.8mm- https://www.brilliantearth.com/Valencia-Halo-Diamond-Ring-(1/2-ct.-tw.)-Platinum-BE1D568-4250547/

Very thin/feminine at 1.4mm but still high total ct at 0.50; stones on crown. Seems I can't go wrong with this one- https://www.brilliantearth.com/Waverly-Diamond-Ring-(1/2-ct.-tw.)-Platinum-BE1D64-3957964/

I'm noticing that the center bezel on all of the JA is much thicker/higher than the BrEa ones. I will call to inquire about this, but I think this doesn't look great. Too much metal. On the upside, the center stone on some of the JAs seem to sit more flush with the halo. Others less so. And it isn't always a function of center stone size.

https://www.jamesallen.com/engageme...shion-outline-pave-engagement-ring-item-49998

This one has a very thick bezel (don't like)- https://www.jamesallen.com/engageme...-pave-diamond-halo-engagement-ring-item-53019

https://www.jamesallen.com/engageme...-halo-engagement-ring-round-center-item-18459

Side diamonds don't go as low as I'd like- https://www.jamesallen.com/engageme...e-and-pave-gallery-engagement-ring-item-53040

 

[Mturgeon05]

I am going through this exact process right now. Thought I was set on a delicate cushion halo with round center, but fell in love with a bigger round halo instead. Nonetheless, I have been working with David Klass to create my visions and I love his work. I bought my 1.61 round stone from Blue Nile and it is perfect - The folks on this site found a true stunner at an unbeatable price (BN price matched), and they delivered quickly and as promised.

I adore Victor’s work, but if you are looking for something a little more budget friendly, you should check out DK:

This was the original design he was working on for me, but cushion shaped halo:



Just another option for you. Good luck!!

 

[rockinit]

I am going through this exact process right now. Thought I was set on a delicate cushion halo with round center, but fell in love with a bigger round halo instead. Nonetheless, I have been working with David Klass to create my visions and I love his work. I bought my 1.61 round stone from Blue Nile and it is perfect - The folks on this site found a true stunner at an unbeatable price (BN price matched), and they delivered quickly and as promised.

I adore Victor’s work, but if you are looking for something a little more budget friendly, you should check out DK:

This was the original design he was working on for me, but cushion shaped halo:



Just another option for you. Good luck!!

That ring looks spectacular. I'll check him out. What was your total timeline? Or still ongoing?

I'm also still not 100% sure between round center/round halo OR round center/cushion halo. How did you decide?

 

[Mturgeon05]

After comparing about a dozen similar settings between BN, JA, and BrEa, I've narrowed it down to the following. BN eliminated because all seem to have very high profiles/prominent prongs. I will also call Victor Canera tomorrow.

This is the largest at 2.3mm width and most expensive ($3350) but very nice. I wonder if it is too bulky for her size 4 finger- https://www.brilliantearth.com/Luxe-Sienna-Halo-Diamond-Ring-Platinum-BE1D460-3958246/

This is pave all around, unique from the others. Still nice and narrow at 1.8mm- https://www.brilliantearth.com/Valencia-Halo-Diamond-Ring-(1/2-ct.-tw.)-Platinum-BE1D568-4250547/

Very thin/feminine at 1.4mm but still high total ct at 0.50; stones on crown. Seems I can't go wrong with this one- https://www.brilliantearth.com/Waverly-Diamond-Ring-(1/2-ct.-tw.)-Platinum-BE1D64-3957964/

I'm noticing that the center bezel on all of the JA is much thicker/higher than the BrEa ones. I will call to inquire about this, but I think this doesn't look great. Too much metal. On the upside, the center stone on some of the JAs seem to sit more flush with the halo. Others less so. And it isn't always a function of center stone size.

https://www.jamesallen.com/engageme...shion-outline-pave-engagement-ring-item-49998

This one has a very thick bezel (don't like)- https://www.jamesallen.com/engageme...-pave-diamond-halo-engagement-ring-item-53019

https://www.jamesallen.com/engageme...-halo-engagement-ring-round-center-item-18459

Side diamonds don't go as low as I'd like- https://www.jamesallen.com/engageme...e-and-pave-gallery-engagement-ring-item-53040

To give you an idea of width, my wedding band is 1.9mm and my temporary Ering setting is 1.7 mm (which I find way too thin). I’m a 5.75. For my halo I’m going with 2mm.

 

[Mturgeon05]

That ring looks spectacular. I'll check him out. What was your total timeline? Or still ongoing?

I'm also still not 100% sure between round center/round halo OR round center/cushion halo. How did you decide?

I tried on like 30 and just fell in love with the bigger round. I felt like it showed off the round center better and was so much more impressive (to me) than the more delicate cushion. Here is the one that changed my mind (this pic does it no justice, but you can get an idea of size - tcw of setting was .80).



I also loved how low profile it was - probably my biggest concern:





But it was just in a local store, so I’m having DK design it for cheaper and better quality. Once set on design, he told me 20 day turnaround.

 

[rockinit]

I tried on like 30 and just fell in love with the bigger round. I felt like it showed off the round center better and was so much more impressive (to me) than the more delicate cushion. Here is the one that changed my mind (this pic does it no justice, but you can get an idea of size - tcw of setting was .80).



I also loved how low profile it was - probably my biggest concern:





But it was just in a local store, so I’m having DK design it for cheaper and better quality. Once set on design, he told me 20 day turnaround.

I can't seem to send you a PM. At the expense of adding some noise to my own thread, what size is that center stone in these pics? And width of the band?

 

[blueMA]

That Luxe Sienna is gorgeous... Not a fan of the Valentina - smaller top pave rows could look contrived with less sparkle, and be ware of the side pave on the band that'll scratch against a wedding band. I also like the JA cathedral setting for simplicity. Size 4 finger is indeed dainty, so a more dainty and delicate setting may look better but it really depends on her personality! Cushion vs round pave is a matter of choice. These are all great candidates and your soon-to-be fiance is a lucky gal!

 

[rockinit]

That Luxe Sienna is gorgeous... Not a fan of the Valentina - smaller top pave rows could look contrived with less sparkle, and be ware of the side pave on the band that'll scratch against a wedding band. I also like the JA cathedral setting for simplicity. Size 4 finger is indeed dainty, so a more dainty and delicate setting may look better but it really depends on her personality! Cushion vs round pave is a matter of choice. These are all great candidates and your soon-to-be fiance is a lucky gal!

+1 on Sienna, I just wish it were a tad narrower. I think a 1.7 will get lost with the size of those halo/pave diamonds. That setting needs 2+.

Valentia is out... too much going on.

 

[rockinit]

I really want to love one of the JAs but look at how thick that bezel is...



View attachment 627564

 

[Mturgeon05]

I can't seem to send you a PM. At the expense of adding some noise to my own thread, what size is that center stone in these pics? And width of the band?

Stone measured 8.4mm across and band was 2mm

 

[blueMA]

A 1.7 center with a halo will look prominent on a size 4 finger and I don't think you need a 2+

@Mturgeon05 thread is https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/thoughts-on-this-setting.240783/#post-4340086

 

[Mturgeon05]

A 1.7 center with a halo will look prominent on a size 4 finger and I don't think you need a 2+

@Mturgeon05 thread is https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/thoughts-on-this-setting.240783/#post-4340086

Totally agree! My fingers aren’t so dainty.

 

[blueMA]

Look at the review photos under the Luxe and you can see it paired with a much smaller stone. I don't think the setting will overpower a 1.7 carats.

 

[EllieTO]

Be careful with pave where it could be in contact with the wedding band (assuming she wants to wear a wedding band with it eventually, which most women do). For example, the Valencia should not be worn with another band next to it at all, because it's a 3-sided pave. Your choices at JA have the same problem - on the "platinum embellished gallery" the basket pave starts quite low, so a band won't sit flush and will be scratched by the pave. The other JA with the surprise diamond on the shank right under the head - it looks like the surprise diamond is protruding and it's such a stupid design element because 1. it will be covered up by a wedding band, and 2. it will scratch the wedding band. The basket of the Waverly is set higher, so that should fit flush with a wedding band without it touching the pave on the basket. Just some things to consider.

Victor Canera's work is the best there is, but would be out of your budget for a 1.7 ct in a halo. But, I think you'd be ok with a 1.5 ct. He doesn't have a large selection of diamonds, but at least you know you can't go wrong with any one of them, so just pick what's in your price range. For what it's worth, I'd much rather have a Canera with a 1.5 ct than a 1.7 JA or BE. Especially on a size 4 finger.

I would put this in one of his halos and you should come in within budget: https://www.victorcanera.com/diamonds/ags104097665003-1.526-i-vs2-ideal-hearts-arrows-round.
There's also an H VS1 for 14K if you want whiter. https://www.victorcanera.com/diamonds/ags104097665004-1.514-h-vs1-ideal-hearts-arrows-round
Also note that he doesn't usually set outside stones, but it may be worth asking.

 

[rockinit]

https://www.brilliantearth.com/rings/cyorings/view_diamond/5501614/?sid=3957964

https://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-3971985.htm

https://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-3838493.htm

https://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-3947719.htm

https://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-3925304.htm

https://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-3971985.htm

https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-di...color-vs1-clarity-true-hearts-cut-sku-3978103

 

[blueMA]

I recommend that you stay above H color as you originally intended unless you've seen one IRL and comfortable with the color. I'm color sensitive and personally don't consider below G. There's noticeable color jump between H and I and even more jump as you go down further. Surrounded by lighter pave stones and platinum, the color difference will stand out.

 

[rockinit]

I recommend that you stay above H color as you originally intended unless you've seen one IRL and comfortable with the color. I'm color sensitive and personally don't consider below G. There's noticeable color jump between H and I and even more jump as you go down further. Surrounded by lighter pave stones and platinum, the color difference will stand out.

I know, but I need to compromise. I'd have to spend about $2k more to get eye clean at H, all else equal.

Eye clean vs I (and not H), I would assume eye clean is more important?

 

[blueMA]

The cut is most important. It doesn't have to be a superideal H&A but the proportions must be correct. Look up HCA tool under pricescope and reject ones above 2. As long as a stone is eye clean, any stone above Si1 is a contender. There are many bad SI 1 stones out there nowadays but you can find very clean ones if you look around. Also consider florescence, as long as a stone isn't cloudy. Include Brian Gavin Blues for stone search - they're excellent cut and not hazy/cloudy. I'm in bed but I'll look around more tomorrow if someone else hasn't chimed in by then.

 

[rockinit]

Thanks a lot, appreciate it.

Agreed, I’ve been running the HCA calc all weekend

My main filters have been-
Excellent cut +
No fluorescence
1.7ct +
I +
SI +
Eye clean

 

[rockinit]

This one looks promising- https://www.briangavindiamonds.com/...ls/1.665-i-si1-round-diamond-ags-104096763070