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Need help designing a Radiant cut ring with traps

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OsGirl

Rough_Rock
Joined
Dec 15, 2011
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Hi everyone!

My SO and I have been in the process of engagement ring shopping. I decided that I wanted either a cushion, radiant, or princess cut ring (didn't want round, but now I wish I had added asscher to the mix after seeing all of the lovely asscher stones). After seeing A LOT of different stones and A LOT of different wholesalers/independent jewelers, we picked a gorgeous radiant stone. I know that a lot of people don't like the "crushed ice" look of radiants, but when we saw this particular stone both of us knew that it was immediately the right stone for us. It was absolutely gorgeous and kind of an aha! moment.

My SO has been incredible throughout the process and basically said that since I'm the one who has to wear it all of the time, that I should be as involved as possible - which is amazing. I'm so glad he didn't surprise me as I thought our tastes were pretty dissimilar. He knew that I would enjoy the process of researching (and I have done LOTS of lurking here :)) and selecting much more than he ever could. Plus, less work for him. ;)

So anyway, we found this particular stone and luckily BOTH of us fell in love with it. I'm so happy that we went to try rings on together because the ring I think we're going to get is completely different from the ring I thought I wanted. Originally, I wanted a princess cut (possibly with a halo) on a thin micropave band. After trying them on, I realized I didn't like they way they looked on my hand. We decided to move on to a plain band with a solitaire.

Here's my question: How would a radiant cut ring look with step cut traps?

I don't want too much finger coverage (I know, crazy right?) and I would like to still be able to see part of the band on my fingers. While I really do like three stone rings on other people, I wanted my center stone to be the main focus. My jeweler (who has been great) suggested smaller traps on either side to enhance the main stone while still giving it a little extra bling.

Here are the relevant dimensions:

I don't have the full stats in front of me, but I know the center is a GIA H VS2 stone 1.3 carat stone. Its dimensions are 6.82 - 5.84 x 4.07. The traps are 0.16 carats each. My finger size is a 4. Honestly, these sizes mean very little to me in real life measurements so the help of the experts here would be very useful!
 
HI Os,
Congratulations on the engagement!
I'm also a lover of a nice crushed ice radiant- glad you've looked in person.

In terms of step cut traps next to a crushed ice radiant.....
It can work- although it's not what I'd call "traditional"- I've done rings like that but generally it's a yellow center with colorless traps- so I'm trying to emphasize contrast.
When all three stones are colorless, it is a very nice effect of they all have the same type of sparkle- it makes the center look larger. You've already said you're not looking for size.....

As far as picking the right size trapezoids, there's no way I've found other than using the stones themselves next to each other to see how they line up.
Even if the measurements seem correct, things like the angle of the corners really come into play.
Can your jeweler show you the stones next to each other in a box so you can "feel" the way they work together?
 
I would look at the diamond with the side stones so you can see if you like the proportions together. Perhaps get different pairs of side stones to look at? Trillions could also look nice with a radiant stone.

congratulations on finding your diamond! is the jeweler going to custom make the ring? if so I would ask to see several examples of their work. also, there are many different styles of three-stone rings...I would look at a lot of them so you can incorporate the elements you want into your ring.
 
RD: Thanks for the congratulations!

I've never seen a radiant in real life, but when I saw it in front of me the sparkle was unbelievable!

I am meeting with my jeweler on Tuesday to give a final design okay. She's supposed to send me a computer generated image of the stones together in our mounting (not sure what the correct name for this is :cheeky: ) tomorrow. She definitely seems to understand that I want the traps understated, so hopefully that will carry through. But I really liked the idea of the kind of randomness of the radiant with the organized pattern of the step cuts while still maintaining the same lines and flow of the diamonds shapes. Despite massive amounts of searching, I haven't been able to find a image of a radiant stone with small step cut traps on a hand so any further guidance/opinions is definitely appreciated!

slg47: Thanks for your congrats too! The jeweler is going to custom make my ring (which is very new and exciting for me! :appl: ) and I have looked at other pieces of their work and have found them all to be beautiful. But again, I don't really know much about this process as I've never done anything like it before! I am planning on looking at other side stones as well - I have looked at trillions, but the sharp edge of them don't really appeal to me. If you have anything I should specifically ask for or that I should be on the lookout for, please let me know!
 
Hi Osgirl and congratulations on being "pre-engaged"!! So glad you and your SO are working this process together- he sounds very understanding. :))

Have you thought about half moons ( I'm sure there is a better name than that for them, but that's what they look like!) to complement the softness of the radiant stone, in place of a hard edge like the trillion and trapezoids might? I agree with RD & slg that you are best to look at different options on site with your jeweler so you can really see whAt works best. You'll know it when you see it - just like your aha moment finding your stone.

What a fun project - enjoy the process! (and keep us posted!)
 
HI:

Let your jeweller know you'd like to see the side stones next to the center stone--mock up if you will. A reasonable request.

I have a radiant with side traps--it is a lovely combo. But of course I am biased.... :bigsmile:

cheers--Sharon
 
Canuk_Gal: Thanks for you input. I will certainly ask for various mock-ups. Can you post a picture of your radiant with traps? I would appreciate a "real life view!"

tyty33: That's a great ring! I'm actually terrible at visualizing as I came across the image earlier, but have had trouble trying to figure out how it would look with a colorless stone and with step cut traps. But it definitely has helped me figure out the proportions I am looking for!

Enerchi: Thank you for the suggestion of half moons! I will add them to the list and I will definitely keep you all updated on the process!
 
OsGirl|1324180991|3083818 said:
Canuk_Gal: Thanks for you input. I will certainly ask for various mock-ups. Can you post a picture of your radiant with traps? I would appreciate a "real life view!"

tyty33: That's a great ring! I'm actually terrible at visualizing as I came across the image earlier, but have had trouble trying to figure out how it would look with a colorless stone and with step cut traps. But it definitely has helped me figure out the proportions I am looking for!

Enerchi: Thank you for the suggestion of half moons! I will add them to the list and I will definitely keep you all updated on the process!
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cheers--Sharon
 
Oh my, and on a banana too! Your ring is gorgeous and makes me feel more confident about my initial inclination. I particularly like how you have great coverage but can still see your band. Would you mind telling me the stats or your ring size?
 
I think traps would be pretty and I love Sharon's ring. Because the proportions are PERFECT on hers, IMO. And with your measurements, yours sounds like it is similar to hers in proportion and shape (squarish rectangle). But I wanted to suggest Trillions (there are very triangular ones, then there are ones with some 'pudge' -- kinda like fat pears. I like the pudgy ones) though as I, personally, really like the look and also think it will give you finger coverage without overwhelming you.

Here's a pic (with pudgy trillions):

Radiant with Trilliants.jpg
 
OsGirl|1324183593|3083836 said:
Oh my, and on a banana too! Your ring is gorgeous and makes me feel more confident about my initial inclination. I particularly like how you have great coverage but can still see your band. Would you mind telling me the stats or your ring size?
Click to expand...


HI:

Thank you. My finger size is a 5 3/4 (or so). I have several bands and they all fit rather well with the ER, although I must admit I like to wear the ER alone and I do not often wear that eternity ring with the ER as pictured. Oddly enough the best band that fit "perfectly' is a band with a slight curve in it--and Tiffany makes a lovely one.

The center stone is a 5.01 and the side traps .56 points each (if memory serves....) so as Gypsy points out; proportion is key. I also like the "pudgy" side traps Gypsy showed as the visual as almost like a pear but the flat side of the trill would abutt the radiant perfectly.

Have fun playing with side stones--and let us know how it turn out!

cheers--Sharon
 
Gypsy: Thank you Gypsy! I will add pudgy trillions to the list of sidestones to look at. I showed SO likes this look and he said "shiny!" - so I think that's a good thing. :)

canuk_gal: Your ring is amazing - I keep coming back to look at it. :love: :love: I think I may have been unclear though as to what I mean by I want my band to be visible. I meant the band on my actual e-ring, not my wedding band. If I misunderstood you then obviously never mind. ;)
 
What you are calling the band is called the "shank" (the band of the engagement setting). So when you describe it, calling it the shank will avoid confusion. ::)

You are very welcome. Please keep us updated. I can't wait to see what you decide on!
 
D'oh! Good to know.

I'm meeting with my jeweler tomorrow morning, so hopefully I will be back with more information!
 
HI:

Sorry for the confusion :oops: --I think Gypsy cleared that up. Yes, I think looking at other side stones is great for comparison sake.

Let us know how it unfolds!

cheers--Sharon
 
Update!

I met with the jeweler early today after we told her that I wanted to see a variety of sidestones to : 1) make sure the three stone look is the one I want, and 2) make sure that the stones are the right ones for me. I looked at trillions, pears, brilliant traps, and step cut traps, rounds, and probably some others I don't remember!

Wouldn't you know it but after all of that, SO and I went back to our original instinct (although he did like the pears) and chose step cut traps. I think they looked really great - unique without being too out there. I like the clean lines of these with the randomized pattern of the radiants. I feel silly saying this, but I think it reflects my personality (ha! yeah, I don't know what that means either). I like clean contemporary lines with a little bit of flash. As you know my big concern was that I wanted the shank ( ;)) thanks Gypsy and canuk_gal) to be visible and I didn't want it too look clunky and overwhelm my finger as I have very small hands. I feel slightly more confident on that front.

Anyway, here's an image with the stones that we are using - barring any significant concerns from all of you. I'm sure that they are slightly "photographically enhanced," but it will give you an idea of whether or not the proportions look right. The great thing about the trip was that it reconfirmed how much I love the center stone. I was worried I may have built it up in my head, but it's just as gorgeous as I remembered!

ring_41.jpg

Hopefully that worked. Anyway, these are the stones with the band that I will have. I picked white gold as I liked the warmer look on my hand. So any thoughts, comments or concerns about band size, stone size or selection, prongs (something I never would have thought of until I diligently started reading PS!)?
 
HI Osgirl
To me that image looks completely "photoshopped"- it does not seem possible to create such an image with photos of loose stones.
Quite honestly it looks like something taken out of a book- or an internet site as opposed to an actual photo of the stones you've picked
In fact, the side diamonds don;t even look like traps- they seem to have a chevron design at the outer edge.
Mind you that can be a lovely combo, and it's entirely possible my concerns are meaningless in your situation....
 
Rockdiamond: Haha yes, you're right - that's what I said when I first saw it - that it was definitely photoshopped.

But those are what the stones more or less look like and those are the size of the stones relative to each other. I also don't know that they are step cut trapezoids! I thought they were based on everything that I've seen and other websites I've seen, but we more or less said "THOSE ONES!" pointed at them among the multitude of things we were shown, and that was that. They may very well be a "chevron design!" I will have to email her and ask her later today.

Wow, I have so much to learn!

In any case, it is definitely a very photoshopped image, but those are the size and proportion of the stones we picked - and the side stones do actually look like that. With that in mind, do you like the design and proportions?
 
Os- saying it's "photoshopped" - in this case, means a very good possibility there's no relation between the photo the stones you saw.
Or put it another way- it looks like a random photo- there's little likelihood those are the actual stones you saw- and therefore the ratios of size are not relevant to the actual stones you're buying.
 
Thanks very much for your comments RD!

In the original email conversation with the jeweler I asked her the size of the stone in the image in comparison to my own center stone and then asked her for some more specs for my own stone. She responded and said that the stones in the image "are the exact stones we are using for your ring." It's clear to me that the image is enhanced, but from our (mine and SO's) memory of the stones and the fact that I do trust my jeweler completely, I feel pretty confident that the image is of the stones in my ring.
 
That would mean that they built the ring to photograph then take it apart to show you.
Are you saying you've actually seen the stones with your own two eyes?
A seller sending that photo- and telling you those are the specific stones in a ring they are building rasises ALL kinds of red flags.
Is this an internet seller, or a local store?
 
The seller is a local store - it's local, but I believe they have a couple of other locations in other cities. They have a great reputation and I have had a couple of friends use them for their engagement rings with no problem.

I first saw the stones in a ring very much like my future ring, complete with the side stones (that I thought were traps). This first brought the idea of moving beyond a solitaire. However, I didn't like the band that they were in so she said that they would generate an image of the ring with a different band to send to me so we could get an idea of what it would look like. When I went in for the second time to see if I wanted something different, I saw them loose. We went with the original plan that we had all along and they sent us the image they had made.

Obviously you are the expert here! If this still sounds like a concerning situation, please let me know. But everything I have heard about these jewelers and my own experience has led me to be very comfortable with them.
 
Hi OsGirl. Not a professional, but to my eye - that looks GORGEOUS! I love the proportion and it fits with what your original plan was--not too much finger coverage, shank/band showing and radiant with the most pleasing side stones for you and your SO. Enjoy - and we can't wait to see the finished project!!!
Great choice - and glad you had fun with the jeweller, trying on all sorts of stone options!
:appl: :appl: :appl:
 
I agree that the ring in the photo looks great- my concern is one of a general nature- for all consumers reading this.
If a seller is using photos that are too good, it's a concern- again, not necessarily in your case OS- however it would be akin to someone on a dating site putting up a photo of an attractive movie star. You'd know it was not a real photo- same here.

You've mentioned the diamond you're buying has a GIA report- if you can list the GIA report number, and the weight, we can verify that part.

Having friends that are satisfied with the store is a great start. If we looked over the deals they got, we might also have considerations- readers of this forum are 100 times better educated than the average jewelry store customer. Again, this might not apply to your specific situation, but you're here, so I assume you want to exhaust all the possibilities - for your own comfort.
 
Enerchi: THANK YOU! I'm so happy that you like it. I'll keep you updated!

Rockdiamond: Thanks for your kind words and general concerns too! I definitely appreciate the need to be educated about this process and be an informed consumer - and you are right, that's the reason that anyone is on PS. I will send out an email asking her for the GIA cert number. ETA: She showed us the certification at the store, but I don't have a copy with me. SO might. I'm glad that you think the ring looks good though!
 
GIA number and exact weight please.
In your original post you said "1.3"- there needs to be two digits after the decimal place.

FYI- many folks have posted here thinking the diamond they were looking at was 'GIA Certed", only to find out it was a different lab.
Are you 100% sure the diamond has a GIA report?

I do think that ring looks good- but the photo is so "unreal" it does absolutely nothing to increase my confidence in the seller's truthfulness. Remember, only a tiny percentage of internet sellers have actual photos of the diamonds- and many that use sample photos- which may look nothing like the actual diamonds they are selling. Those photos look just like the photo you posted

Hopefully my concerns are misplaced- but way better safe than sorry- while you still have your money, check this out carefully.
 
David Levy's website has some good examples of different types of stones to put with your main rock. No experience with them. Yours looks great though so far, I hope it works out as you wish. Can't wait to see the ending :wavey:
 
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