newbie needs help with setting design

[silvercons]

Hi

I am yet another newbie dipping her toes into unchartered territory and hoping for some “gems” of knowledge hehehe for her engagement ring.

My partner and I looked around for engagement rings for a little while in retail stores and came out of the whole experience both underwhelmed and overwhelmed at the same time. Underwhelmed by the setting choices and overwhelmed by our lack of knowledge. It was only once I started researching and then referred to Pricescope that I became a little more knowledgeable and realized that I love the look of a cushion in a platinum setting.

I would love some input in regards to a setting. I definitely want my wedding band to sit flush to my ER and for it to have a vintage-ness to it. I really love the look of milgrain, engraving, tapering and the look of a cushion with two pears flanking it.

I’ve loaded a few of ring pics. As no one particular ring has all those features I’m guessing I will have to have it custom made unless of course there is a setting out there that I haven’t seen. I guess what I really want to know is will it look too busy? Our budget will be $6000 in total ( I live in Australia so I will have to pay a 10% tax on top as well) so I’m a little afraid that after all those frills I want in a setting I won’t really have much in the way of a central diamond. That being said I don’t necessarily need a big rock.

Given my budget constraints I’m hoping a rectangular cushion that is bright, has fire and pleasing to the naked eye won’t be too much of a stretch. Or perhaps my love of frills are unrealistic given my budget?

I’ve read on previous post that Good Old Gold, Engagement Rings Direct and Art of Platinum are good places to look for cushions. Is it best to chose a cushion from one of these vendors and then ask them to make to setting (Art of Platinum will be out of my price range though)?

I’ve also heard good things about James Allen, Brian Gavan Diamonds and White Flash’s great customer service in regards to custom rings, so do I ask them to make a setting and source me a cushion?

Or should I source my cushion and setting from 2 different vendors? Any other vendor suggestions would be most welcomed too. Should I be concerned about the compatibility of my central stone to the side stones (as most of the 3 stone setting include the side stone) if that is the way I decide to go?

Oh my so many questions, thank you in advance for your much needed advice.

 

[Gypsy]

I have good news for you. I think I can work with your budget and get you something amazing. HOW? Stock setting, not custom, and hand engraved!

I think I can make it work for you.

Let's say 1800 for the setting (that's high, I'm hoping). That leave us with 4,200 for the center. I can work with that.

Let's see what I can find. Rectangular cushion. Got it.

Off to work! And happy about it!

 

[silvercons]

I can't believe ring shopping has made me so nervous but I am definitely more excited now

 

[Gypsy]

Okay. Let's start you off with these.

These are both four main cushions, but they do have some potential. You would put them on hold and request an ASET image.

http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/H-VS1-Good-Cut-Cushion-Diamond-1501084.asp 6.4x 5.5
http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/E-VS2-Ideal-Cut-Cushion-Diamond-1280374.asp 6 x 5.1

Then there is this one.
http://www.goodoldgold.com/diamond/9736/ 6 x 5.4 (I like this one, and am leaning toward it for you, if you like chunky cushions) If you like it put it on hold now.

 

[Gypsy]

Okay Stuller is down and I think what I want is on there.

BUT... good news is... I think that for 1800-2000 we can get the setting custom made for you if we have ID Jewelry do it. And I know they can make it and make it beautiful for you. A pair of pears for about 400-500. Setting for 1000-1200 in platinum. Then the hand engraving. I think Yekutiel might be able to swing that for you.

And if you go with this stone: http://www.goodoldgold.com/diamond/9736/ or one around that price. Then you can afford the custom setting. In platinum. From IDJ.

What you want is a:
Three stone setting that allows for a flush fit band (last picture you posted), but with pear side stones and a shank that tapers and pinches right where it meets the pears. Then hand engraving all over it. First pic (I wouldn't send the second pic, it will only confuse them).

FIRST though... Let's see if Stuller is up and running later this weekend and see if we can do it with stock pieces-- cause that would be ideal.

 

[pandabee]

good luck silvercons!!!! you can't go wrong with gypsy's advice...the rectangular cushion with pears on either side sounds absolutely lovely.

 

[silvercons]

A work colleague has just recommended I take look at a diamond wholesaler in Australia that she used, I never really looked before as I always thought fancy cuts such as cushions would be too expensive here in Oz.

Do you have any thoughts on their cushions or are they pricey for what they are?
http://www.diamondexchange.com.au/