next question...what is more important..setting or center stone..going in a few hours!?

[courtneyclv]

I believe that the cut of the center stone does make the ring, but so does the setting. My friend said that in reality, nobody cares about the setting and it is all just extra ''junk''.

Now I know what my price range is..I LOVE this setting is antique, engraved, filigree, etc..but with all the detail it is a lot..and has .82 ct. alone.
With it, I cannot get over a carat center stone, to stay in the price range.
OR

i can get a setting with less carets and a larger center stone, maybe 1.25

What do you think is more important? I dont want my setting to take away from my center, but I also want something with detail that looks antique..all all of those things are more expensive.

I asked the jeweler if they can remake the setting I like with smaller side stones, but it would cost more because of labor.

hmm

Courtney

 

[jrob529]

Date: 11/8/2006 3:19:59 PM
Author:courtneyclv
I believe that the cut of the center stone does make the ring, but so does the setting. My friend said that in reality, nobody cares about the setting and it is all just extra ''junk''.

Now I know what my price range is..I LOVE this setting is antique, engraved, filigree, etc..but with all the detail it is a lot..and has .82 ct. alone.
With it, I cannot get over a carat center stone, to stay in the price range.
OR

i can get a setting with less carets and a larger center stone, maybe 1.25

What do you think is more important? I dont want my setting to take away from my center, but I also want something with detail that looks antique..all all of those things are more expensive.

I asked the jeweler if they can remake the setting I like with smaller side stones, but it would cost more because of labor.

hmm

Courtney

Go for the setting with the larger center stone. You can always chane settings down the road.The price range for setting shouldn''t be that much different. Have you considered buying from an online store?

 

[lehcarm]

Hi Courtney,

I don''t think a setting in "junk." The same stone can look comepletely different when set in different settings. Some settings can enhance a stone, and some can detract.

I would say that it depends on what you think is most important, a larger stone, or a setting that you adore! Have you looked around at multiple places for a detailed setting that matches what you are looking for but with a smaller price tag? Maybe you could post a picture of what you really want to see if someone has an idea of other stores/designers who might have the style you are looking for, but cheaper.

Personally, the difference between 1 and 1.25 is a big diference! I''m no expert, so I don''t know what the actual diameter differences would be, but I would have to guess that it would be visible. Have you tried on different siezed diamonds to even see the size difference on your hand? Who knows, once on your hand, you might see that .82 carat setting with a 1 carat center stone is all you need. On the other hand you might love the look of a 1.25, and not want to go any smaller.

I don''t have a lot of experience, I''m in the beginning stages of looking myself, but from reading other postings on the board, it think it is a good idea to try on as many styles and sizes as you can to make sure you are going to get something that you will love forever! You could always get the setting you love with a smaller stone and upgrade the size of the stone in the future. How many vendors have you looked into about getting a setting custom made? I''m sure there are price differences.

It all comes down to what you really want. Be sure to show us the pictures once you find it!

 

[swingirl]

It varies as some ladies like the stone to dominate and some like the setting and stone to compliment each other. The setting is not just extra junk. Certainly in the case of antique rings the detail of the band, side stones, engraving, etc. was what MADE the ring and the small center stone was just part of it.

So its up to you as far as what you like and what looks good on your hand. If you are looking at setting that has a lot of embellishment or side stones, you have to consider the size and shape of the center stone so the proportion is right. If you are going for a solitare you can buy the center stone first and always find a setting that it fits into.

 

[mtrb]

In my opinion I would go for the big high quality center stone... I have heard settings being referred to as "junk" in the diamond district of Boston. People focus on the center stone, and settings are usually cheaper and much of the cost you pay is in the labor, not the value of a setting..The diamond is the main course while the setting is the garnish. You can always upgrade your setting at a later date.
I bought my wife a simple solitaire setting, knowing full well that she would choose the setting of her dreams later. Instead I bought her the most superior diamond I could afford and popped the question with that.

 

[anacgarcia]

for me both are important, my fi never really gave me a budget, we set it when we started looking in stores. We decided no more than 10k and at least 1ct., I ended up spending 8k, but I really love both my stone and my setting

I think a nice setting makes the diamond look bigger and more beautiful..

Maybe you can pick another setting, not as expensive as the one you chose, and get something in between, like a 1ct but with a setting you love...

by the way, if you like antique settings maybe you find something here antiqueengagementrings.com

 

[courtneyclv]

WOW!!! Thanks for the fast replies everyone!

My little secret is that we have about a $3500 credit at this particular store. So that is why I am going there..my budget is a little double that...
They have a TON of settings, always getting more in. If I dont see one today that I love, I will wait. I do love the one setting, but like I said, the side stones are large and .82 for just the setting, I think, is a whole lot.

When I go today. I will see what they have, and try on settings with center stones. It is hard to just pick out a setting without seeing an overall photo. If they dont have centers in, radiant which I am trying to get, I will use a CZ of about the same carat weight I am looking at.

I have also thought of this...I LOVE the look of a square-ish radiant center with trillion sides... (my dream Tacori ring)

http://www.mulloysjewelry.com/jewelscart2000/store/jewelscart2000_viewItem.asp?idProduct=208

What about just a solitare radiant (I can get larger because of no side diamonds) and then some kind of wrap-around band with trillion sides for my wedding band later on?

Hmmmm...

 

[:)]

Hi Courtneyclv - just make sure that the CZ has the same dimensions as the stone you are interested in.

 

[courtneyclv]

I went to the jeweler yesterday and am more confused than ever! They didnt have in any center stones. I am doing that tomorrow at 1pm..hoping to see some radiants and princess cuts 1-1.5 carats.

I saw more settings that I loved, but without a center stone, and they only had CZ that seemed tiny to me..i couldn''t tell a thing.

Hopefully my ''dream ring'' (if that exists) will just jump out at me.

ahhh