Need major help with finding a diamond men’s band

[mrmedoes]

Why am I having such a tough time finding any sort of men''s wedding band that remotely meets my interest? Basically, I''m looking for a channel set white metal ring. I''ve seen a few rings that kind of increase in size (probably from .1 to .15 maybe .2) as they move towards the center, but they''ve had odd styles to them. It''s not that I''m being a snob about the diamonds, as they''re small enough that I''m pretty much fine with anything that''s not atrocious. I do want round cut ones, as I don''t like the look of channel set princess. I''ve also seen the extremely small channel set men''s bands, which aren''t quite my taste. I''d like a little more diamond and a little less gold. These .05 - .08 aren''t quite calling my name.

If I had to guess, I''d say that my ideal goal would be around 7-9 diamonds at .1-.15. I saw this (http://www.billbarnes.com/product.asp?product=4780) and it''s intriguing, but I''d like a little more diamond dominance, even if it meant a slight drop in quality (down a grade or two in color/clarity). Of course it’s also yellow, which is a major no-no according to the fiancée. I don''t mind 14k if it needs to be for price. I also definitely don''t need designer. I just would like to have a little flash, which is completely odd since I never wear jewelry, but we got to live sometime.
Is this something that exists? If so, can someone point me in the right direction? I still have time (until April), but I feel kind of helpless because I can''t find anything. Her choice was so easy because we got the precision set flush fit.

As always, I appreciate any help and/or recommendations!

 

[niceice]

Most of the online diamond dealers offer custom design and production services. Why not work up a good sketch of what you are looking for, including detailed information such as your finger size and the width of the band and ask one of them for a quote. Generally speaking, it is a good idea to allow for at least 1.0 - 1.5 mm of metal on each side of the channels and you might want a bit more depending on your activity level for durability reasons. Remember that larger diamonds require that the ring be deeper, seems like a simple concept but you''d be amazed at how many people don''t realize that and ask for a ring with 0.20 point diamonds that is only 2.0 mm deep which would result in the culet (bottom point) dragging across their finger all the time. Other things that are good to know is how you would like the ends of the channel to look... Do you want the channel to taper down to a gentle V or end in a U shape or be boxed off? Be as detailed as possible so that the jeweler who you choose to work with will have a better chance of being able to fulfill your desires. Good luck!

 

[tonysgeko]

Mr.Medoes, found this pic of a graduated band ring that I photoed out some of the outer band because it was too thick. Is this the concept you are thinking about? I think Todd is right, custom made to your specifications because I had a difficult time locating an already made ring that had a 20 pointer as the center.

.08 .10 .15 .20 .15 .10 .08 <------how''s this configuration sound?


Whatever you decide please post a pic of the finished ring.

 

[mrmedoes]

I really like that graduated ring - that''s a lot like one I saw that was two-toned (it had a higher yellow ridge along the chanel).

As for the custom idea, I guess my biggest issue is that I hate to waste someone''s time if I''m going to find out that it''s going to be ridiculously expensive. I have no idea what the price difference tends to be between custom work versus something that can be located.

Call me strange, but I''d spend it on her in a second, but spending it on myself just seems weird.

 

[Colored Gemstone Nut]

Date: 8/4/2006 9:56:47 PM
Author: mrmedoes
I really like that graduated ring - that''s a lot like one I saw that was two-toned (it had a higher yellow ridge along the chanel).

As for the custom idea, I guess my biggest issue is that I hate to waste someone''s time if I''m going to find out that it''s going to be ridiculously expensive. I have no idea what the price difference tends to be between custom work versus something that can be located.

Call me strange, but I''d spend it on her in a second, but spending it on myself just seems weird.

Hello MRMEDOES: This a couple issues with mens rings. The first issue is that there is in "My Opinion" a somewhat limited market for men''s setting''s. Many of the rings I have seen are very "Cheezy" looking, with exibiting that mass produced stamped out look.

I think custom would be the way to go, but what is your price range for this ring. A custom ring can be up to twice as much depending on the quality of stones and setting ideas you might have. I think custom is the way to go in my opinion if you can work with a little healthier budget. Tony''s Geko has some good point''s listing the graduated diamond layouts and I have seen him post some great men''s rings in the past.

I guess it''s how much your willing to spend. What are your main priorities on finding a men''s band?

 

[mrmedoes]

Date: 8/5/2006 5:37:54 AM
Author: Colored Gemstone Nut

Date: 8/4/2006 9:56:47 PM
Author: mrmedoes
I really like that graduated ring - that''s a lot like one I saw that was two-toned (it had a higher yellow ridge along the chanel).

As for the custom idea, I guess my biggest issue is that I hate to waste someone''s time if I''m going to find out that it''s going to be ridiculously expensive. I have no idea what the price difference tends to be between custom work versus something that can be located.

Call me strange, but I''d spend it on her in a second, but spending it on myself just seems weird.

Hello MRMEDOES: This a couple issues with mens rings. The first issue is that there is in ''My Opinion'' a somewhat limited market for men''s setting''s. Many of the rings I have seen are very ''Cheezy'' looking, with exibiting that mass produced stamped out look.

I think custom would be the way to go, but what is your price range for this ring. A custom ring can be up to twice as much depending on the quality of stones and setting ideas you might have. I think custom is the way to go in my opinion if you can work with a little healthier budget. Tony''s Geko has some good point''s listing the graduated diamond layouts and I have seen him post some great men''s rings in the past.

I guess it''s how much your willing to spend. What are your main priorities on finding a men''s band?

I completely agree. The max that I will go is $2-$3k, and even that would have to be just mind blowingly fantastic. That being said, I''d go there if need be. I wouldn''t even really know where to start on custom mens stuff.

 

[mrmedoes]

Anyone?

 

[pricescope]

Overstock has some and they use to have a good return policy too.

This one described: "The five diamonds are bezel-set in a channel on the band..."

 

[heylorac11]

Hello to mrmedoes & the rest of the group. My name is Carol & I''ve been reading, learning & lurking for a while now. I found your post very interesting in that my husband is having the extact same problems you are. We did things in reverse by getting married first and are now looking for rings. Like you, he''s not been very impressed with the rings we''ve seen for men. He''d like something channel set & would like more diamond appeal from the ring overall. Second, he feels weird about spending the money on a ring for himself but would have no problem spending it on me. That being said we decided to go custom. I showed him some of the beautiful custom rings that have appeared on this site. Because we live near Seattle we decided to go to Greenlake Jewelers. Currently we are having a men''s band done in platinum with channel set stones. The ring will have 3 princess cut stones and 2 trillion cuts for either end of the channel. This next part is kind of hard to explain, but I''ll give it a try. Following off the diamond channel will be heavy stippling all the way around the ring to the other edge of the diamond channel. There will be approximately 1-1.5mm of high polished edge above and below the diamond channel. Yes, we are spending some money on this but I want my husband to have something he likes and makes him happy to wear. Plus, he''s worth every penny that''s being spent on this ring and more! Since we are middle aged, got married rather spontaneously in Las Vegas and are both working in good paying jobs I feel we can spend a little more on rings that make us happy. We saw the wax cast today and one suite of stones. Decided the stones are a little too small so will be checking out another suite of stones as soon as they come in. It''s a very exciting process and I believe he''ll have a beautiful ring when it done. Good luck in your ring search and I hope you find something that makes you happy!