Opinions on solitaire settings for my OEC

[stevielaine]

Hi All,

It is getting close to that time to pick out my ER setting for my OEC!!! I was very fortunate to have been able to visit the Single Stone showroom and also to meet with Grace from Jewels by Grace to see a few of Erika Winters designs.

Before seeing any of the rings in person, I was almost completely sold on the Grace solitaire by Erika Winters. After seeing the rings in person, I am now considering the Laurel solitaire as well!

Here is the Grace solitaire http://www.erikawinters.com/Engagement-Rings-Grace_Solitaire.html#.U32NXxXn-Uk

and the Laurel http://www.erikawinters.com/Engagement-Rings-Laurel-Solitaire.html#.U32O7RXn-Uk

I also like this buttercup solitaire from Single Stone in platinum and rose gold

So what do you guys think? Here are some pros and cons in my opinion, but I would love to hear what others think...


EW "Grace"
Pros-I love the look of 8 prongs and feel they might protect my stone better than a 4 prong.
I think the design is very unique, beautiful and feminine, and the detail is just amazing! I feel it kind of goes with the vintage look of my OEC.
It is the least expensive.

Cons-To me from the side view, it almost looks like the basket is just resting right on top of the band, if that makes sense?
I am afraid it might be hard to clean the stone.
I work in the veterinary field and am afraid it might sit too high, or be too delicate.



EW "Laurel"
PROS-I liked the style of this setting much more in person than I did in pictures. Grace called it "edgy" and I have to agree, though I also think the design is very classic.
I think this setting might sit a little lower on my finger, and the basket seems to flow into the band a little better to me.
Easy to clean the stone.
I like that I can see more of the diamond from the side.
I like the little extra sparkle with the pave in the band, but may decide to go without pave, because of my job.

CONS-I am afraid without the pave, it might be too simple, but with the pave, I would have a hard time keeping it clean, and would be worried about stones coming loose.
My BF is concerned that the 4 prongs may not be as secure, and is afraid of the center stone coming loose.



Single Stone buttercup solitaire
PROS-I like the vintage look of this setting. I got to see this setting with a stone similar in size to my own, so it was easy to visualize how it would look on my finger (as seen in the picture above).
With the open bottom, it should be easy to clean.
8 prong style, which I love.
Very low set on my finger.

CONS-Maybe too simple, especially since this is the most expensive setting.
Might be hard to find a band to go with.
I'm not sure if I like how the knife edges of the band go up so high on the sides of the diamond.

Anyway, thanks for reading my long rambling post, I appreciate any insight you may like to add.

Thank you again for your help, I know ultimately the decision is mine to make, but I do appreciate your knowledge and expertise! This is all so exciting!

 

[Lorelei]

Hi Stevie,

What an exciting project! Those are all beautiful settings but from what you describe with your job and for the type of stone you have, I would pick the EW Grace setting. If you are a DVM or VT then the ring would be removed for some procedures anyway and those are all quality settings that should withstand most daily activities, although rings certainly aren't invincible, they do need to be worn with care. Just be as careful as you can as you would be with any jewellery piece anyway and pick the one you love most.

 

[liaerfbv]

I would not pay SS prices for a plain solitaire setting. If you really want the buttercup, I would have someone recreate something similar in CAD. That being said, my favorite of your choices is the Grace, but I share your feelings about it just "sitting" on the band. I vote none of them and keep looking. When you find the one, you'll know.

 

[chrono]

I like that the buttercup is very open, sits low and has 8 prongs but the price is the stickler. I would have someone else create a ring similar to the SS ring but with my own twist on it.

 

[Fancygems]

I agree that I would not pay SS prices for a simple solitaire only a elaborate setting. The buttercup is set very low so I there would be difficulty finding a wedding band, and it would have a gap without sitting flush. I am not fond of the other two, I would like to see the head integrated more into the shank if that makes any sense. Keep looking until you just know! Good luck

 

[marymm]

As a possible option, this is a Leigh Jay Nacht setting I was looking into but my stone is too small - I really loved the shoulders and low profile - I think your stone should fit, if you like it - the link takes you to a completed ring but the setting is also available to order as a semi-mount...

http://antiqueengagementrings.com/shopping/shopexd.asp?id=3469

 

[stevielaine]

Thank you to those who commented and voted. Anyone have any comments on the Laurel, since that is the design I am most leaning towards at the moment?

 

[thecat]

I voted for Laurel. A simple 4 prong setting with a twist in the gallery view. Open enough to clean the pavilion easily and just so soft and romantic looking.

 

[Gypsy]

I love the Laurel. And the Grace. But the Laurel is one of my favorites. And I too would not pay singlestone prices for a solitaire. But more than that the buttercup doesn't allow for a flush fit straight band, and I like to mix and match bands. I think it keeps things exciting and I like that the Laurel is a blank canvas that the band can dress up as you like.

 

[stevielaine]

Ok, just to throw another wrench into the works, what do you guys think about this setting in plat? It is more expensive than the others, but not enough for me to totally eliminate it from my choices. The stone shown is pretty close in size to my stone, so this is close to how it should look in real life. It has a little more going on than the others, but I think it's lovely and I like the vintage look to go with my stone...hmmm

 

[ming]

I voted for the Grace, namely because I have been eyeing it myself. But I think the thing that has been 'bothering' me about the design is what you mentioned about it sitting on the band and not really being integrated. Thanks for pointing that out. I wonder if it could be easily modified to be more organic with the band.

I love the view from the top with the prongs surrounding the stone.

 

[stevielaine]

Hi Ming, I agree...the view from the top is gorgeous! I love the "crown" design and I just love the 8 prongs.

 

[Agnasia]

I voted for the Laurel setting. If money was no object, this is what I would choose for my own OEC. I think it's stunning, love the details and it's classic with a twist (so will never date).

But you have to go with your heart, I always think with having options you tend to want people to go for one over another and hearing other's opinions may help you realise which one you love the most deep down.

 

[mandasand]

I voted Grace - I like the bling in the gallery.

My ring came from JBEG. My hubby worked with Grace and she was amazing. I wouldn't hesitate to work with JBG.

 

[Gypsy]

The new one is one of my favorite settings. That gets my vote.

 

[yennyfire]

Ok, just to throw another wrench into the works, what do you guys think about this setting in plat? It is more expensive than the others, but not enough for me to totally eliminate it from my choices. The stone shown is pretty close in size to my stone, so this is close to how it should look in real life. It has a little more going on than the others, but I think it's lovely and I like the vintage look to go with my stone...hmmm

I love this one!! Second choice is the Grace...

 

[LLJsmom]

Laurel, with the pave on the shank.

The top down view of the Grace makes the outline of the stone kinda blend with the outline of the metal from the setting, so the stone doesn't really look round to me. I like seeing the outline of the stone.

 

[stevielaine]

Hi Guys,
Thanks for bringing this thread back up! I am still torn! I too love the bling in the gallery of the Grace, mandasand, and I have no qualms whatsoever about working with Grace. She has been fabulous! I just feel like if the head just sitting there on top is bothering me now, it will bother me forever, you know? My stone is much smaller than the one in the photos, so I wonder if that would make much of a difference in the finished product?

LLJsmom, I love that with the Laurel, I can definitely see more of the stone than with the others! And I also agree that it is classic, but with a little twist AND I like that I can pair it with many different kinds of bands!

Does anyone have feedback on four prongs versus six or eight? My stone is about 7mm, I am wondering if eight prongs would be overwhelming for that size of stone?

Gypsy, I'm glad you like the SS setting, it is one of my favorites as well! I think from reading your posts that we have similar tastes! I might be a little nervous wearing it to work since it looks SO delicate! It's almost too pretty for me! LOL I have actually started looking through all the Single Stone archives to look for something a little more simple than the one with the leaves, but a little more detailed than the buttercup...I kind of like this one, but maybe with some engraving or something to dress it up.
I have no idea what the underside of this setting looks like though.

Decisions, decisions...thanks for all of the comments!