Need Some Help w/ Setting

[sledge]

Like many here, I am starting to look for an e-ring for my girl. She's given me some ideas about what she wants. Most of them is anything but "normal", lol.

Usually they involve a twist in the band, which makes it hard to find something -- depending where I am looking. Also, some of her tastes are a little bizarre to me. I'd probably prefer a more traditional and classic piece (for her) that will stay in style over the years and not be "trendy".

That said, I saw a Simon G band on WhiteFlash today that looked rather beautiful. Just curious to get some opinions and thoughts on this band. I'm fairly certain she will like it. However, she normally prefers one of the twists be plain metal instead of having both twists with diamonds. Also, she has made a comment that maybe a plain solitaire for the engagement and then the bling once we're married as she likes the fact the ring changes once the wedding happens.

I am looking at platinum. Ring size 7.5 to 7.75. Center stone TBD but thinking 1ct, round, D-G, VVS-VS and ideal cut. Yes, I will get an opinion on the stone before pulling the trigger. Just this setting is driving me a little bonkers. Also, I'd like to save a few bucks on the setting if I could. Platinum with the wedding band is $3,400.

Any thoughts/input/guidance? I would greatly appreciate it!

https://www.whiteflash.com/engageme...-g-mr1394-fabled-diamond-wedding-set-3442.htm

 

[rockysalamander]

Can you clarify your budget for the engagement ring? Let her buy her choose a wedding band down the road.

 

[rockysalamander]

I think she's been clear about her likes, so that is great for you. I don't love the setting you posted.

I like the more balanced twists in these...
https://www.jamesallen.com/engageme...d-pave-shank-contemporary-solitaire-item-6857
https://www.jamesallen.com/engageme...ss-engagement-ring-by-martin-flyer-item-54989
https://www.jamesallen.com/engageme...-and-twisted-shank-engagement-ring-item-17469
http://www.since1910.com/simon-g-sg...x6-pa0fgFW5ysVydUOjf7L2IRS_mbbuBoC4BMQAvD_BwE
http://www.since1910.com/simon-g-sg...O9JaetesgSpO6oLBXk9hNjvTiCS3keVBoCrwoQAvD_BwE
https://www.instagram.com/p/Bh4zbflBdZ9/?hl=en&taken-by=maevona
https://www.instagram.com/p/BhfBHfNBw6h/?hl=en&taken-by=maevona
https://www.instagram.com/p/Bgrd7c1B6yx/?hl=en&taken-by=maevona
https://www.instagram.com/p/BfZKrEeBURU/?hl=en&taken-by=maevona

 

[tyty333]

I saw a picture of that setting with a princess cut and it was just beautiful. The only negative to me is that if she wants to wear the wedding band
by itself she cant because its sculpted to fit around the e-ring so wont look good by its self. If you think she would like it, I'm not sure if I would let
that stop me.

 

[rockysalamander]

I saw a picture of that setting with a princess cut and it was just beautiful. The only negative to me is that if she wants to wear the wedding band
by itself she cant because its sculpted to fit around the e-ring so wont look good by its self. If you think she would like it, I'm not sure if I would let
that stop me.

I can see it being better with a princess, but with a round the loose twist at the top looks off.

 

[farrahlyn]

i really like the last JA option @rockysalamander posted. the big plus with this is it's classig AND you can wear a straight wedding band with it. this gives limitless options of bands so that she can stack and switch it up, etc. I also love the Maevona settings, the Fern and Poppy being the two i would have suggested as well. they have some really nice wedding bands that complement the e-ring as well.

 

[sledge]

Thanks for the feedback. Yes, she has been very helpful in the process. I have to say, I probably would have done a thin eternity band with 6 prong. I like that look. Also, I like the way some of the halo styles look; however, she does not seem to be a fan of the halos.

Also, we've had the conversation about princess cuts. I like them and some of the cushions as well, but it's not her thing. She has mentioned pears, ovals and rounds as her preferred but most things I've seen her point out involves rounds.

I don't think there will be an issue with her wanting to wear the band without the engagement ring. In fact, I think once we're married she would like those soldered so they are a single unit.

As far as budget, I am flexible. At one point I had configured a 1ct for about $6,700 and thought that was reasonable. That was before I had started looking at H&A collections and some of the fancier designer settings. I can increase to $10k+ but would like to stay lower if I can find the right combination. It's more about getting a good value and beautiful ring than a hard limit budget. FYI, I will probably the be the picky one with the stone. At one point she tried to say 1/2 carat was probably enough, but a few weeks back we stopped by a local shop and she seemed to favor the 1 carat. I do want to be careful and not get too flashy as she mentioned that was one of her concerns. Also, she has even mentioned getting a CZ and she wouldn't know the difference. And it may be true. I have to watch TV and movies in HD or 4k. She's fine with standard def on a 16:9 HD screen. But I prefer the real deal, and I think she does too in reality.

Here is another one I found that she seems to like as well. It's similar to the JA style that Rocky suggested. Some of the later ones on Instagram I don't think she will like. She saw similar rings and dismissed them in some of her other web searches.

https://www.fourmine.com/shop/engagement-rings/twisting-vine-diamond-ring?metal=150&shape=167

I think this is another one she mentioned she liked:
https://www.fourmine.com/shop/engag...e-diamond-engagement-ring?metal=150&shape=167

And maybe this one too:
https://www.fourmine.com/shop/engag...t-diamond-engagement-ring?metal=150&shape=167

 

[sledge]

Looking back at the first JA suggestion, I do really like that one. I think she will too. It really is similar to the FourMine setting. On either of those rings, what type of a wedding band would you recommend? She tends to like the curved ones that hug against the e-ring vs a plain round eternity band style.

 

[sledge]

I was browsing the JA site. Haven't done much research, but off the cuff here was a diamond that I thought might work well in that setting. It's only an SI1, which I assume is eye clean but my original target was a VS2 or better.

https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-di...g-color-si1-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-3712589

Setting & stone was very affordable @ $5,570

 

[farrahlyn]

I was browsing the JA site. Haven't done much research, but off the cuff here was a diamond that I thought might work well in that setting. It's only an SI1, which I assume is eye clean but my original target was a VS2 or better.

https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-di...g-color-si1-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-3712589

Setting & stone was very affordable @ $5,570

Not a fan, i doubt that'll be eye clean. VS1 and better eye clean but when you get to VS2 and SI, it's not a given.

https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-di...f-color-si1-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-4655444

https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-di...g-color-vs2-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-4798544

https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-di...h-color-vs1-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-4658805

https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-di...d-color-si1-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-4743822 strong fluoro so would want to make sure it's not causing any hazniess.

JA actually has some really nice stones right now but i'm out of time. i'm sure someone else will come along with more suggestions!

 

[sledge]

Wow, really like the VS2 -- thank you! Falls more inline with my own criteria I set, and price is still very reasonable @ $6,150. Debating if there is a reason I should NOT put this diamond on hold.

Not a fan, i doubt that'll be eye clean. VS1 and better eye clean but when you get to VS2 and SI, it's not a given.

https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-di...g-color-vs2-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-4798544

https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-di...h-color-vs1-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-4658805

JA actually has some really nice stones right now but i'm out of time. i'm sure someone else will come along with more suggestions!

 

[farrahlyn]

Wow, really like the VS2 -- thank you! Falls more inline with my own criteria I set, and price is still very reasonable @ $6,150. Debating if there is a reason I should NOT put this diamond on hold.

i'd put it on hold ASAP and request an idealscope.

 

[sledge]

i'd put it on hold ASAP and request an idealscope.

Haha, I was just posting back to say I might have been a little zealous but I went ahead and placed a hold on it. I also requested an idealscope. My rep said it may take a day or so to get the images. When I do I will post. Also, I'm guessing she saw the diamond (or she's well trained) as she was talking about how beautiful and firey it was.

FYI -- it scored a 0.9 on the HCA tool!!

Now if the setting was so easy, lol.

 

[foxinsox]

Haha, I was just posting back to say I might have been a little zealous but I went ahead and placed a hold on it. I also requested an idealscope. My rep said it may take a day or so to get the images. When I do I will post. Also, I'm guessing she saw the diamond (or she's well trained) as she was talking about how beautiful and firey it was.

FYI -- it scored a 0.9 on the HCA tool!!

Now if the setting was so easy, lol.

If there’s nothing at James Allen you love, you could take your inspiration pics and the rest of budget and get David Klass to make you a custom setting and matching band? His prices are very reasonable and his quality is very good. Plus you could involve your fiancée in the setting design process so she has exactly what makes her heart sing whenever she looks at it, given that her tastes appear to be quite specific for this ring.

 

[farrahlyn]

Haha, I was just posting back to say I might have been a little zealous but I went ahead and placed a hold on it. I also requested an idealscope. My rep said it may take a day or so to get the images. When I do I will post. Also, I'm guessing she saw the diamond (or she's well trained) as she was talking about how beautiful and firey it was.

FYI -- it scored a 0.9 on the HCA tool!!

Now if the setting was so easy, lol.

awesome! I think the IS is going to be lovely on it, i don't see anything to worry about. It'll just give you time to ponder over it.

did you see this setting?
https://www.jamesallen.com/engageme...ave-bypass-diamond-engagement-ring-item-49488

I LOVE this JA setting for larger stones but prefer the one above over this one for the diamond size you're looking at. i think a split shank can overwhelm a stone: https://www.jamesallen.com/engageme...d-pave-shank-contemporary-solitaire-item-6859

or this one that @rockysalamander had posted, this would be beautiful with a curved band if she seems to really like that look.
https://www.jamesallen.com/engageme...ss-engagement-ring-by-martin-flyer-item-54989

 

[sledge]

If there’s nothing at James Allen you love, you could take your inspiration pics and the rest of budget and get David Klass to make you a custom setting and matching band? His prices are very reasonable and his quality is very good. Plus you could involve your fiancée in the setting design process so she has exactly what makes her heart sing whenever she looks at it, given that her tastes appear to be quite specific for this ring.

It's not that I can't find anything I don't like, but I have a very hard time pinpointing her "10" in a ring. I think she even has a hard time describing it and being clear. Most women are like this is my ring. She's either not found her 10 yet, or just not wired the same. The stuff I have suggested are styles I've seen her say she likes.

About the time I found the first Simon G setting, I also found this one which I thought was classy and gorgeous -- yet, not the cheapest. Somehow (to her) this classifies as too much and something an old lady would wear and not something she likes at all. Go figure.

https://www.whiteflash.com/engageme...468-passion-halo-diamond-wedding-set-4555.htm

Maybe a custom setting is the ticket. I just hate that because I don't want to totally kill the surprise of it all for her. But if I did a cheap solitaire with the caveat she can design something maybe that is the best answer.

awesome! I think the IS is going to be lovely on it, i don't see anything to worry about. It'll just give you time to ponder over it.

did you see this setting?
https://www.jamesallen.com/engageme...ave-bypass-diamond-engagement-ring-item-49488

I LOVE this JA setting for larger stones but prefer the one above over this one for the diamond size you're looking at. i think a split shank can overwhelm a stone: https://www.jamesallen.com/engageme...d-pave-shank-contemporary-solitaire-item-6859

or this one that @rockysalamander had posted, this would be beautiful with a curved band if she seems to really like that look.
https://www.jamesallen.com/engageme...ss-engagement-ring-by-martin-flyer-item-54989

She may or may not like that first one you linked. It's probably not my favorite, but we appear to have different tastes on the setting. I would like to find something we both like, although at the end of the day, it is her ring.

The last one I am more certain she will dislike. I've pointed out a few halo styles before, and she doesn't seem to be a fan.

 

[ringo865]

Keep the setting simple (no halo diamonds, no pave, no bark) and let her pick out or design the forever set that she likes. (e.g., more diamond budget)

As for welding the band to the ER, many of us do not weld because we like to switch up a hundred different combinations of stacking (which would be less possible should the band be soldered to the engagement ring). (Just a thought, no right answer)

 

[rockysalamander]

Keep the setting simple (no halo diamonds, no pave, no bark) and let her pick out or design the forever set that she likes. (e.g., more diamond budget)

As for welding the band to the ER, many of us do not weld because we like to switch up a hundred different combinations of stacking (which would be less possible should the band be soldered to the engagement ring). (Just a thought, no right answer)

I agree with @ringo865. If you are not clear on her style, use a basic solitaire and then take her to tons of stores to try things on. Maybe she can find "the" setting. Custom is for when you know what you want, but it does not exist. Or, you really trust a designer and will just leave it all in their hands. Or, you have a oddly shaped stone. You may end up in custom, but first look at all options available. So, she can say, "I like the head on X, but the shank on Y and I want the gallery more Z".

 

[Bron357]

My 5 cents, don’t overthink it. There are 10 million ring settings and unless you have a definite idea or preference it becomes totally overwhelming very quickly.
I’d go simple and classic, a solitaire setting with some shoulder diamonds. Then, if later on she decides on something else more personalized, she can go for it.

 

[LaylaR]

I don't know that I would even pay for a temp setting in this case. I'd recommend you consider just proposing with the diamond and let her pick out her setting herself.

 

[sledge]

Thank you everyone. Looking over so much stuff today, I can agree this can be overwhelming. The choices are endless, and the sad fact is many of the choices I would make may not agree with her.

Re-reviewing some of the posted items today, I personally keep coming back to this JA setting. What rings in my ear is how she liked having both plain & diamond during one of our conversations. I may try to non-nonchalantly run this up the flag pole to gain her opinion. If it's a no-go then I'm of the latest opinion that maybe I should propose with a diamond only and let her become part of the setting choice.

https://www.jamesallen.com/engageme...d-pave-shank-contemporary-solitaire-item-6858

Any additional comments on the diamond that I placed on hold? I can start a new thread when the idealscope images arrive.

https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-di...g-color-vs2-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-4798544

 

[farrahlyn]

@sledge does she have a pinterest page? Several of the members here are really great at seeing trends in pictures of settings ladies have posted and coming up with a setting if you post some snapshots of her pinterest.

I do have to wonder if the difficulty here is that your tastes are so different? you're trying to find something that you like in what she clearly likes. No offense but this is her ring, she will have to look at it every day. You have already said that the diamond doesn't seem to matter a whole lot to her but it does to you. So from my POV, you have injected your preferences in the diamond. the setting should be about her. i think you could either propose with a very simple, inexpeisive solitaire and let her choose a setting. Or throw your preferences out the window and focus on exactly what she likes. Maybe even have a friend of hers (or mom or sister) take her shopping to try on rings and get feedback on what her preferences are.

 

[sledge]

@sledge does she have a pinterest page? Several of the members here are really great at seeing trends in pictures of settings ladies have posted and coming up with a setting if you post some snapshots of her pinterest.

I do have to wonder if the difficulty here is that your tastes are so different? you're trying to find something that you like in what she clearly likes. No offense but this is her ring, she will have to look at it every day. You have already said that the diamond doesn't seem to matter a whole lot to her but it does to you. So from my POV, you have injected your preferences in the diamond. the setting should be about her. i think you could either propose with a very simple, inexpeisive solitaire and let her choose a setting. Or throw your preferences out the window and focus on exactly what she likes. Maybe even have a friend of hers (or mom or sister) take her shopping to try on rings and get feedback on what her preferences are.

There is probably some truth to what you are saying. FWIW I showed her the JA paved twist that Rocky recommended and I kept coming back to. She didn’t get super excited or anything. I asked her opinion and she said I already showed it to her (she was thinking of the FourMines setting). It’d be really nice to get that big excitement but i haven’t yet. But part of it might be her trying to play it cool. It’s harder for her to open aup and be excited like that until she actually hears the question and it’s reality, not just talk.

FYI I got the ideal scope image for those following that want to weigh an opinion on the stone. I have until today to decide so I’d like the feedback if you have the time. I started a new thread...

https://www.pricescope.com/communit...ope-need-input-on-this-diamond-please.240443/

 

[farrahlyn]

There is probably some truth to what you are saying. FWIW I showed her the JA paved twist that Rocky recommended and I kept coming back to. She didn’t get super excited or anything. I asked her opinion and she said I already showed it to her (she was thinking of the FourMines setting). It’d be really nice to get that big excitement but i haven’t yet. But part of it might be her trying to play it cool. It’s harder for her to open aup and be excited like that until she actually hears the question and it’s reality, not just talk.

FYI I got the ideal scope image for those following that want to weigh an opinion on the stone. I have until today to decide so I’d like the feedback if you have the time. I started a new thread...

https://www.pricescope.com/communit...ope-need-input-on-this-diamond-please.240443/

yeah, i'm getting the feeling that she doesn't want to hurt your feelings, KNOWING your taste is so different so she's not saying much. i have done the very same with my hubby. Our tastes are very very different in a lot of things so we have to compromise. If she feels like you have strong feelings about something, i'm guessing her reaction is usually ambivilant... that's me to a "T".

i think the safest bet is to have a good friend/mom/sister take her shopping and drag her into some mall stores to try on rings for fun. but make sure it's someone that won't insert their personal opinion into her tastes. I know you're getting worn out looking but don't settle on what you think she might like. Step back for a little bit, ask others to do some detective work and please post some of her pinterest pics here so we can dig up some suggestions. I even remember one guy posting some pics of his GF jewelry which is VERY telling. Also, unlike the stone, there's no need to jump on something so just wait it out until you find the perfect thing.

 

[farrahlyn]

i'm just going back and re-reading some of the previous statements. I would encourage you to show her the Maevona instagram page. i think they are a similar feel to what she's liked, just more refined and maybe a bit more quirky. I know you said she saw some similar and she dismissed them.... but there's really not a lot of settings that look like Maevona. they are quirky but very elegant. I feel like one of the settings Rocky posted could be strong contenders, along with maybe these:

Poppy setting
https://www.instagram.com/p/BhMU_FzhPks/?hl=en&taken-by=maevona
https://www.instagram.com/p/BhrcjhWhwUG/?hl=en&taken-by=maevona

Aster
https://www.instagram.com/p/BdQuZj9hIff/?hl=en&taken-by=maevona

Tansy:
https://www.instagram.com/p/BcLLn1xgWrQ/?hl=en&taken-by=maevona (the one at the top of the finger in the video

 

[sledge]

Thank you for getting so invested in this, I do appreciate it!

I will show her some of the Maevona stuff and see if she is drawn to anything. I actually kind of liked the Poppy setting and could see her liking that one pretty well. I like the first pic with the wedding band, but don't care for the stone/style (not sure name) on the sides of the main stone. In the second pic, I think it's the same ring, but they used a different style of stone for those side pieces and IMO it looks better. The stones/style in the twisty part is okay on either (for me).

I see why they used that style because the wedding band matches it. I just think the center stone is more defined in the second pic because it has more metal around it and not quite so busy. I wonder what it would look like even if it didn't have a stone in those "side pieces".

Anyhow, it gives me some food for thought. And I agree she may like this style more than what I am trying to pick for her. I know it's her ring, but I'd like to at least like it, lol.

i'm just going back and re-reading some of the previous statements. I would encourage you to show her the Maevona instagram page. i think they are a similar feel to what she's liked, just more refined and maybe a bit more quirky. I know you said she saw some similar and she dismissed them.... but there's really not a lot of settings that look like Maevona. they are quirky but very elegant. I feel like one of the settings Rocky posted could be strong contenders, along with maybe these:

Poppy setting
https://www.instagram.com/p/BhMU_FzhPks/?hl=en&taken-by=maevona
https://www.instagram.com/p/BhrcjhWhwUG/?hl=en&taken-by=maevona

Aster
https://www.instagram.com/p/BdQuZj9hIff/?hl=en&taken-by=maevona

Tansy:
https://www.instagram.com/p/BcLLn1xgWrQ/?hl=en&taken-by=maevona (the one at the top of the finger in the video

 

[farrahlyn]

Thank you for getting so invested in this, I do appreciate it!

I will show her some of the Maevona stuff and see if she is drawn to anything. I actually kind of liked the Poppy setting and could see her liking that one pretty well. I like the first pic with the wedding band, but don't care for the stone/style (not sure name) on the sides of the main stone. In the second pic, I think it's the same ring, but they used a different style of stone for those side pieces and IMO it looks better. The stones/style in the twisty part is okay on either (for me).

I see why they used that style because the wedding band matches it. I just think the center stone is more defined in the second pic because it has more metal around it and not quite so busy. I wonder what it would look like even if it didn't have a stone in those "side pieces".

Anyhow, it gives me some food for thought. And I agree she may like this style more than what I am trying to pick for her. I know it's her ring, but I'd like to at least like it, lol.

I LOVE the hunt for the perfect setting. I can see that the pear stones on the poppy isn't really for everyone. if she likes it, you could see if they would replace the pears with a round stone, that would be really flattering. it would be semi-custom but it doesn't hurt to ask.
Also, their try at home service is REALLY nice! http://www.maevona.com/maevona-try-at-home.html

Check out their store locator too just incase there is a retailer near you:
http://www.maevona.com/store-location.html

 

[bludiva]

Thank you for getting so invested in this, I do appreciate it!

I will show her some of the Maevona stuff and see if she is drawn to anything. I actually kind of liked the Poppy setting and could see her liking that one pretty well. I like the first pic with the wedding band, but don't care for the stone/style (not sure name) on the sides of the main stone. In the second pic, I think it's the same ring, but they used a different style of stone for those side pieces and IMO it looks better. The stones/style in the twisty part is okay on either (for me).

I see why they used that style because the wedding band matches it. I just think the center stone is more defined in the second pic because it has more metal around it and not quite so busy. I wonder what it would look like even if it didn't have a stone in those "side pieces".

Anyhow, it gives me some food for thought. And I agree she may like this style more than what I am trying to pick for her. I know it's her ring, but I'd like to at least like it, lol.

I think it would be nice for you to pick out the setting together if there isn't one that's a clear winner right now in her mind. Small details totally change the look of the ring - I could see how the twisted band w/ square halo looks like an "old lady ring" to her compared to a twist with no halo and less melee. It's a subtle difference but you look at that ring every day so it can drive you crazy if you don't love it. I haven't read the whole thread so apologies if you've done this already but the other thing to keep in mind is styles that you may love in pictures, you may not like them as much on your hand. So it may help a lot if you can go try them on so she can see how they feel. You're being super thoughtful and I'm sure she'll be delighted with the end result. Good luck!

 

[rockysalamander]

Vanessa Nicole makes a really pretty twisted shank ring. Its narrower than some of these style so it will suit a range of diamonds. Some of these twisted shanks gets pretty wide and then really need a bit diamond to suit (at least one of the JA ones and many others have a double shank under the finger. A curved wedding band would look quite pretty.





Showing the setting without stones:

All set.

I don't know the cost. But, their FAQ says they will accept outside diamonds. You could start with getting a quote for the ring, if you like it, in your metal choice if you provide you own diamond.

 

[sledge]

Wow rocky, you outdid yourself. I really, really like that thin twist style. Looking at her site, she has made some really gorgeous rings! There was several from her gallery I'd be interested in. Anyhow, I have reached out and sent a contact request. Crossing fingers she responds back soon.

Vanessa Nicole makes a really pretty twisted shank ring. Its narrower than some of these style so it will suit a range of diamonds. Some of these twisted shanks gets pretty wide and then really need a bit diamond to suit (at least one of the JA ones and many others have a double shank under the finger. A curved wedding band would look quite pretty.





Showing the setting without stones:

All set.

I don't know the cost. But, their FAQ says they will accept outside diamonds. You could start with getting a quote for the ring, if you like it, in your metal choice if you provide you own diamond.