please can soemone help. i have a one carat brilliant and want to set it in a ring so a weddign ring can sit flush next to it. i don''t want the setting to be too high and would prefer claws. any help gratefully received
Have you looked at the D. Vatche x-prong settings. They have a lower profile and have matching bands that are contoured to fit flush with the ring.
Check it out:
http://www.diamond-rings.cc/solitaire_xprongs.asp
or
http://www.dvatche.com/eclipse/new_catalouge.htm
There are many posts on this ring, it is very popular for this reason. Run a search for D.Vatche or x-prong and you'll find a lot of helpful information. There are also many similar styles by other designers.
I am also in the UK and was looking to buy an engagement ring about 3-4 months ago. Got engaged last week!!
Was in exactly the same position as you - based in UK but wanted to see some of the De Vatche range. I emailed them in NY and asked whether they had any stockists in the UK so that I could have a look at some of their rings in person. Unfortunately they came back saying there is currently nobody in the UK who carries their stock.
The only two suggestions I have if you really want to see the design in person are:
1. Try and find someone in the UK who owns a De Vatche X-Prong (or any other setting you are interested in) and see whether you can meet up with them to inspect it.
family know when and where you are meeting them, pick a public place with lots of people about to meet, and take a friend or two along with you. sorry if that's obvious, but it's good sense!>
2. If you happen to be heading Stateside (or are able and want to make a specific trip - far too $$$ for me!) check out one of their stockists over there.
I ended up choosing another designer and design for different reasons, but I really liked De Vatche's range. I also bought the ring setting before I had seen it in person. As it turned out, that was fine because I (and my g/f) absolutely love it, but it was a risk at the time and the advice to inspect in person if at all possible before buying is very sound.
If you do end up deciding to buy a setting without seeing it first, make sure you know the vendor's return policy inside out - you want the ability and enough time after delivery to give you the opportunity to return the ring for refund in case you decide it's not for you. Explaining your position to the vendor may help.
family know when and where you are meeting them, what time you should be finished, pick a public place with lots of people about to meet, and take a friend or two along with you. sorry if that's obvious, but it's good sense!>