Need Help Choosing Between 2 Settings (Poll and Pros/Cons)

[DanW3228]

I need to decide between 2 settings for a round half carat diamond. Which do you prefer? What are pros and cons of each?

Some cons I've come up with:
Setting 1: harder to make, difficult to fit with wedding ring because of shape
Setting 2: slightly more expensive because of side stones, maybe less unique than first one?

 

[diamondseeker2006]

Re: Need Help Choosing Between 2 Settings (Poll and Pros/Con

I would do #2 with the halo version. I certainly don't think it is less unique than #1. I'd only have Singlestone make these.

Here is #2 with the halo, but it is showing a .86 ct diamond.

 

[MollyMalone]

Re: Need Help Choosing Between 2 Settings (Poll and Pros/Con

By any chance, do you have more pics of #1? Looks as if the prongs were intended for a cornered stone, so they now "cut into" a round in an odd way (and don't seem to be holding the stone securely), but maybe the angle at which the pic was taken is creating that impression.

 

[DanW3228]

Re: Need Help Choosing Between 2 Settings (Poll and Pros/Con

I would do #2 with the halo version. I certainly don't think it is less unique than #1. I'd only have Singlestone make these.

Here is #2 with the halo, but it is showing a .86 ct diamond.

That is a very pretty ring, but my girlfriend is not a fan of halos. I had actually showed these styles to a local jeweler because I was more familiar with him and I'm concerned with meeting a 6 1/2 week deadline. Is it a bad idea to do this? (I apologize if this is a an ignorant question, I really am a noob at this).

 

[soxfan]

Re: Need Help Choosing Between 2 Settings (Poll and Pros/Con

i love setting number #2!

 

[DanW3228]

Re: Need Help Choosing Between 2 Settings (Poll and Pros/Con

By any chance, do you have more pics of #1? Looks as if the prongs were intended for a cornered stone, so they now "cut into" a round in an odd way (and don't seem to be holding the stone securely), but maybe the angle at which the pic was taken is creating that impression.

This is the only other image I have seen of it (found it using the google search for similar images). The jeweler said it would be difficult to recreate because it's hard to determine what the sides look like.

 

[MollyMalone]

Re: Need Help Choosing Between 2 Settings (Poll and Pros/Con

Then you should definitely go with that one from Single Stone (#2), if you can comfortably afford it. You already know that she likes the Single Stone one (it is lovely) & it eliminates the need to design a ring from the ground floor up.

 

[redroze]

Re: Need Help Choosing Between 2 Settings (Poll and Pros/Con

Hi Dan, i voted for 1 as I think it's a beautiful setting for your size stone as it will give it some oomph. 2 however is a personal fave as I'm asking a PS vendor to do a similar setting. I have found it was a hard setting to match though...so be sure to get a resin model before approving with your local jeweler, whichever setting you choose. Single Stone is a pricey vendor so be aware that your setting may cost as much as or more than the half carat diamond (assuming it's not a heirloom)?

I'm curious...why do guys have a 1-2 month timeframe? For a premade setting it's fine, but for custom I think it's risky. I just noticed a lot of guys here talk about having a short timeframe. Nice that you're eager to propose though!

 

[Maisie]

Re: Need Help Choosing Between 2 Settings (Poll and Pros/Con

I really like the second one you posted. I enquired about the price of it from singlestone a couple of months ago. For the ring with a .86ct H I1 diamond (as shown on their website) was $6600. I don't know how much the setting would be on it's own.

 

[diamondseeker2006]

Re: Need Help Choosing Between 2 Settings (Poll and Pros/Con

I would not trust a local jeweler to make either of these, unless you are local to someone like SingleStone or Steven Kirsch or something! Most jewelers are not going to be able to recreate these well. It will help a LOT if redroze's ring turns out well, and then we can recommend ERD for that shank design. I am hopeful about that, but it won't work with your time frame.

Have you gone to look at Tacori or Beverley K settings? Honestly I think your time frame is kind of short to do custom unless you just call SingleStone tomorrow and ask them to make #2 for you. I think it is safer to choose a setting that you can see and then have ordered for your diamond.

Oh, and Van Craeynest would be fabulous for a diamond that size! Simpler rings begin on page 4 of Engagement rings:

http://www.vancraeynest.com/index.php?page=gallery&startRow=21

 

[redroze]

Re: Need Help Choosing Between 2 Settings (Poll and Pros/Con

The first ring is kinda sorta like this ring....

http://www.custommade.com/filigree-diamond-engagement-ring-vintage-solitaire/by/diamondzone/

You only need to see my past posts to see how hard these kind of rings are to do! I feel like ERD May fire me as a client (seriously)! But as DS mentioned, fingers and toes are crossed that the setting does the original justice.

 

[DanW3228]

Re: Need Help Choosing Between 2 Settings (Poll and Pros/Con

Hi Dan, i voted for 1 as I think it's a beautiful setting for your size stone as it will give it some oomph. 2 however is a personal fave as I'm asking a PS vendor to do a similar setting. I have found it was a hard setting to match though...so be sure to get a resin model before rocketing with your local jeweler, whichever setting you choose. Single Stone is a pricey vendor so be aware that your setting may cost as much as or more than the half carat diamond (assuming it's not a heirloom)?

I'm curious...why do guys have a 1-2 month timeframe? For a premade setting it's fine, but for custom I think it's risky. I just noticed a lot of guys here talk about having a short timeframe.

I am concerned about how the settings will complement the size of the stone, so it's good that you mentioned that. It's interesting what you are saying about the resin model, I had mentioned making it semi bezel, but I'm still undecided about that. The jeweler I went to gave me a quote of 1,850 for the second design in 14k rose or white gold (he said it's less expensive because he does everything onsite). He quoted me 1,500-1,600 for the first one. The diamond is handed down to me from my grandma, so it comes at no cost.

For your last question, I think a lot of men (including me) are not great at planning in advance and/or may not understand the time requirements. I put it off because I wanted to make sure I had enough saved up for our trip to Europe (in May) before trying to purchase a ring, because I know many places want a deposit. I do regret not giving myself more time.

 

[redroze]

Re: Need Help Choosing Between 2 Settings (Poll and Pros/Con

For your last question, I think a lot of men (including me) are not great at planning in advance and/or may not understand the time requirements. I put it off because I wanted to make sure I had enough saved up for our trip to Europe (in May) before trying to purchase a ring, because I know many places want a deposit. I do regret not giving myself more time.

Are you sure you're not related to my husband? LOL...mine is an upgrade and I knew about as much as you before coming here. My one advice is to take the advice from these ladies/guys very seriously. They are experts and love jewelry, and no much more about this than either of us. I agree you should go the Tacori route...beautiful pieces and you'll know what you're getting. I wouldn't trust those low quotes.

Good luck!

 

[DanW3228]

Re: Need Help Choosing Between 2 Settings (Poll and Pros/Con

Ok, thank you for all your input. I have found one other ring that I like because of the filigree on the sides.
http://antiqueengagementrings.com/shopping/shopexd.asp?id=246

Is Leigh Jay Nacht Inc. a reputable place?