Opinions wanted ...should I spend more money to change halo?

[Rockredo]

Ok so I have already posted a few times about my new cushion halo for my round diamond. It was a custom setting, no CADs or anything, and since getting the ring a month ago I have to come to dislike a few things about the ring. It is well made and a beautiful ring, the changes are more just personal preference. Anyway the first issue is I would have preferred a round halo not a cushion..mine is a squarish looking cushion. I also would prefer curved struts and a round band not a flat one. Anyway the jeweler took my setting to the benchmen and he is saying for a additional $500 they will change the head of the ring, so the halo would be a round one. The setting was very expensive and I feel like this a lot since they can use the existing metal and diamonds...thoughts?

 

[SB621]

Re: Opinions wanted ...should I spend more money to change h

Honestly I think you should just let that alternation go. If I remember correctly you just don't love the ring. I wouldn't invest more money into to make more changes. If your jeweler won't buy it back then I would either hold on to it and learn to live with it or sell it for whatever you can get and have your dream ring made.

I'm just concerned that since it was an expensive setting to put even more $$$ into that you won't see a huge improvement. Would you love the ring that much more if it were changed? Or would you still have issues with other areas of it?

 

[Rockredo]

Re: Opinions wanted ...should I spend more money to change h

That's my gut feeling too SB621. I truly don't love all the other aspects of the ring and I would rather wait to get the exact ring I want. Sadly this experience will cost me money but I have come to realize all the little details that I would have preferred. Thanks for that validation!

 

[momma2boys]

Re: Opinions wanted ...should I spend more money to change h

It sounds like if you switch out the halo you will still not love all aspects of it. I'm guessing the costs come from the labor involved to re-make the halo as well as switching it out. Would they really re-use the metal? That is labor-intensive also...or I think anyway.

This is a really tough decision...I've been there and trust me - you will regret switching out the halo if you're already thinking that it STILL won't be your dream ring.

Good luck and keep us posted!!

 

[Rockredo]

Re: Opinions wanted ...should I spend more money to change h

Right...if I switch the halo and add another chunk of change into the setting, and still don't love every aspect I will really be sorry I compounded the problem. I am going to take my time and if I can sell the setting and can exactly what I want for my forever setting I will be happier long term. It's funny that I thought I wanted a flush fit and now I realize I would prefer a small gap...the halo hangs down over the tiny pave wedding band and it looks like one fat band to me. Never would have thought I would have wanted a tiny space. Ok, decision made...thanks for chiming in.

 

[momma2boys]

Re: Opinions wanted ...should I spend more money to change h

Right...if I switch the halo and add another chunk of change into the setting, and still don't love every aspect I will really be sorry I compounded the problem. I am going to take my time and if I can sell the setting and can exactly what I want for my forever setting I will be happier long term. It's funny that I thought I wanted a flush fit and now I realize I would prefer a small gap...the halo hangs down over the tiny pave wedding band and it looks like one fat band to me. Never would have thought I would have wanted a tiny space. Ok, decision made...thanks for chiming in.

It's amazing the things you realize once you're wearing the ring/setting!!!! I really feel that some people are just plain old lucky and get it right from the beginning...other people - like me - think they have it figured out but then realize that they don't!!

 

[Rockredo]

Re: Opinions wanted ...should I spend more money to change h

Exactly! Although I know many people aren't picky - I clearly am

 

[smilligan]

Re: Opinions wanted ...should I spend more money to change h

Right...if I switch the halo and add another chunk of change into the setting, and still don't love every aspect I will really be sorry I compounded the problem. I am going to take my time and if I can sell the setting and can exactly what I want for my forever setting I will be happier long term. It's funny that I thought I wanted a flush fit and now I realize I would prefer a small gap...the halo hangs down over the tiny pave wedding band and it looks like one fat band to me. Never would have thought I would have wanted a tiny space. Ok, decision made...thanks for chiming in.

I agree with the other posters that changing out the head won't really solve the problem. Still, have you thought about using a small spacer? A ~2mm spacer should separate the band and ring enough to give the appearance of two distinct rings. They are fairly cheap and that could be a way to alleviate some of the problems until you get your dream setting.

 

[SB621]

Re: Opinions wanted ...should I spend more money to change h

That's my gut feeling too SB621. I truly don't love all the other aspects of the ring and I would rather wait to get the exact ring I want. Sadly this experience will cost me money but I have come to realize all the little details that I would have preferred. Thanks for that validation!

Well in the words of my grandmother, "oh honey you are preaching to the choir!" I made several mistakes with my inital diamond and setting. I was so sure I wanted an MRB and that I wanted a non halo setting (they were tacky after all! ) and several years later and several very expensive mistakes later I now have my dream ring (AC in halo). Just look at your options. You might be able to co-sign the ring, or a vendor might be able to use some of the materals for a recycle. You definitely have options so don't settle for trying to fix something that you won't love to begin with.

Goodluck!

 

[braga123]

Re: Opinions wanted ...should I spend more money to change h

I think that 500 is a fair price for the amount of labor they will have to do. IF you like the quality of the overall work and the diamonds, 500 might be the most economical fix to achieve the round shape. The other option involves losing up to 50% if you sell it, not to mention the time it will take to sell it. Then, you have to factor in the cost of your new setting, and with PS standards, that might be A LOT more! It sounds like the other issue you now have with the ring might be workable, especially with stacking bands. To put things in perspective, add up all the money that you might invest on the setting, and how this money could have been spent on more bling, or upgrading the stone.

 

[Rockredo]

Re: Opinions wanted ...should I spend more money to change h

Update....I talked it over with my husband and decided to have them change it to a round halo for $480 more. I was positive I wanted the round halo over the squared cushion and to sell the old and redo the entire setting would still end up costing me a few thousand dollars plus the time and stress. I emailed the jeweler and asked to redo it and wanted no airline and claw prongs. He wrote back and said YES. So I pick it up 2 days ago...good news is I love the round halo shape! So happy with this. However, there is a slight tiny airline and bead prongs. Now I know I have been annoying with this, but he told me there was NO way to have a diamond sit low and not have an airline and that this was the way it was supposed to be orchestrated. SO....while it only cost $500 to change it, it still isn't really 100% right...to me. And how then does everyone else end up with NO airline?...

 

[Rockredo]

Re: Opinions wanted ...should I spend more money to change h

Pic of side view

 

[braga123]

Re: Opinions wanted ...should I spend more money to change h

It is hard to see the airline from the pictures you posted, but are you unhappy because the stone does not sit on the halo entirely? Was your cushion halo set the same way? Are you unhappy with the prongs as well? Did you mention these concerns to your jeweler?

 

[SB621]

Re: Opinions wanted ...should I spend more money to change h

Claw prongs are not actually an easy thing to do. While many on PS consider it standard in the vast majority of b&m jewelry stores they don't have skilled benches who can replicate them. Did you ask to see an example of claw prongs by your jewelry? He might have thought he could do it, but after a few atempts went with what he could do.

You should always check out a portfolio or examples of the bench's work before you sign on the dotted line. That will at least let you know if they are capable of pulling off your vision.

On the other hand it might have been an oversight and he completely forgot. Or it was miscommunicated to the bench (assuming they don't do work on site but actually send out).

 

[Rockredo]

Re: Opinions wanted ...should I spend more money to change h

My cushion setting had the halo sitting flush with the diamond. It had prong settings. I emailed him and told him I was unhappy, and he fired back a snotty email saying this was the WAY it was supposed to be done, the other setting had corners to sit the diamond lower. He said he would have the prongs clawed if I want. I am happy with the round halo shape, but he obviously does not understand how this can be done with a diamond low and no airline. I am angry because I clarified it would be just like the other with flush fit and claw prong and he said YES in all caps and then pretty much ignored that part. I paid an extra $480... So not sure what to do but I am DONE dealing with the store in question.

 

[SB621]

Re: Opinions wanted ...should I spend more money to change h

Sorry double post!

 

[Rockredo]

Re: Opinions wanted ...should I spend more money to change h

SB621, thank you... Complete learning experience for me. I also realize that no airline is not as common as most people on PS are familiar with. Yes, the store sends to a bench in NYC. I will say I do prefer it to the cushion which was too square for my liking, and most people can't see the airline gap - it's only from a side angle. He told me they usually bead set the round halos and that claw prongs were for cushion or square settings?

 

[SB621]

Re: Opinions wanted ...should I spend more money to change h

Save up your money and have ERD do the setting for 2.5k or in that area last time I checked.

I'm sorry I know how frustrating this situation is. I have been there before and I'm now stuck with a bracelet that was very expensive and that I don't wear + have some rather negative feelings towards.

Enjoy your ring for what it is now and when you are ready I would start competely over.

 

[SB621]

Re: Opinions wanted ...should I spend more money to change h

SB621, thank you... Complete learning experience for me. I also realize that no airline is not as common as most people on PS are familiar with. Yes, the store sends to a bench in NYC. I will say I do prefer it to the cushion which was too square for my liking, and most people can't see the airline gap - it's only from a side angle. He told me they usually bead set the round halos and that claw prongs were for cushion or square settings?

Actaully the no airline is more a matter of fit vs. what is standard. If you really want no airline it is best to go custom. When you use stock settings that fit a range a gap or airline may or maynot happen.

I would keep your current ring and reset with a colored stone and then get your dream setting down the road.

 

[Rockredo]

Re: Opinions wanted ...should I spend more money to change h

I was already talking to Chris at ERD. My husband talked me into just letting them redo the halo since it was easier and cheaper. I don't dislike the ring... I just wanted it to look flush and no gap without being way above it. I send two rings to JBEG to sell so once they do I am going to have ERD redo it. My only question now is should I still pay the $480 because it was not done as asked? He is arguing with me that this IS the way it's supposed to be done!

 

[braga123]

Re: Opinions wanted ...should I spend more money to change h

My jeweler always uses stock settings and they do have a tight airline which is only noticeable by me and really doesn't bother me. If he customized it, I don't see why they didn't fit it tightly. I don't understand how you will get away with not paying the amount in question--aren't you wearing the ring already?

 

[junebug17]

Re: Opinions wanted ...should I spend more money to change h

Sorry your ring still isn't quite right - I agree with SB that a stock setting might not always fit the exact specifications of the stone…I have a Simon G setting and supposedly it was made to fit my stone so that the diamond would be set very low, and it turns out I have a slight airline - a tad disappointed at first but I have decided not to pursue changing it (I'm pretty sure it's as low as it can go anyway) and I'm fine with it - I don't think anyone else notices except me anyway lol. I guess for the particular head your jeweler used, the stone is set as low as possible.

For now, maybe you could get the claw prongs and start saving for a custom made setting - that will ensure that the diamond sits flush. In the meantime, you have a really beautiful ring to wear. It looks fantastic on your hand. If I saw someone wearing your ring in public, I would think it is gorgeous!

I'm sorry this didn't turn out as you hoped.

eta: Just saw your post and what you intend to do…really not sure about you getting your money back, although I guess you can argue the work wasn't as promised…I guess you can try, not sure the jeweler is under any obligation to refund your money…not too much experience in this area, hopefully others will weigh in.

 

[Rockredo]

Re: Opinions wanted ...should I spend more money to change h

I am wearing this ring, and it was custom! That's the part I am frustrated with....although he used the exact same shank of the other cushion setting, so he says the halos are exactly the same size...but that due to shape changes it doesn't fit exactly the same with the prongs. Before it was a floating basket with small claw prongs, not it has prongs that extend thru the halo and to the shank, but fits flush. I guess part if me feels foolish for spending the extra money when it's still not exactly right. On the other hand no one but me notices the airline and I love the round shape.

 

[momma2boys]

Re: Opinions wanted ...should I spend more money to change h

I'm sorry that you're still not completely happy with your ring!! The only thing I want to add is that spending several thousand dollars more just to have a setting that makes the diamond sit a little bit lower to eliminate the airline, seems like an awful lot. I know what it's like to not be 100% happy with your ring/setting, but I just wonder if it will always bother you or if you'll grow to not mind it at all. It is so subtle. And the rest of the ring is absolutely beautiful!! Just something to think about.

 

[braga123]

Re: Opinions wanted ...should I spend more money to change h

I'm sorry that you're still not completely happy with your ring!! The only thing I want to add is that spending several thousand dollars more just to have a setting that makes the diamond sit a little bit lower to eliminate the airline, seems like an awful lot. I know what it's like to not be 100% happy with your ring/setting, but I just wonder if it will always bother you or if you'll grow to not mind it at all. It is so subtle. And the rest of the ring is absolutely beautiful!! Just something to think about.

+1.
But I also want to add that if you do decide to go through ERD, you might then wonder if you should have gone with Victor Canera...IOW, how much money do you want to invest in a setting?

 

[junebug17]

Re: Opinions wanted ...should I spend more money to change h

Momma2boys makes a good point…in that last pic your diamond looks like it's set pretty low, only you can decide if it is worth several thousand dollars to have it set a smidge lower…I'd be happy if mine was set that low lol - obviously it depends on how much all of this matters to you, if a new setting is going to make you happier with your ring, it might be worth it…only you can answer that, good luck with your decision!

 

[Rockredo]

Re: Opinions wanted ...should I spend more money to change h

Junebug. Is the setting you are referring to your picture? The ironic part is I only went to this jeweler from the very beginning because I wanted to checkout the ritani setting for a flush fit halo. I googled stores near me that carried it and I stopped in. Now the cushion shape was MY idea from the beginning but he talked me right out of ritani and into custom. I later decided I wanted the halo to follow the stone shape. However, now it am looking at Ritani and I don't see an airline. My gut tells me that when they changed out the halo, they went with a stock round halo head, otherwise it would be tighter? Anyway...I appreciate the feedback and I am going to live with it for awhile, the bead prongs actually don't bother me, although I love those claw prongs!

 

[WillyDiamond]

Re: Opinions wanted ...should I spend more money to change h

Agree with others, speak to Chris at ERD. Wife's ER with halo has no airline, as requested.

 

[junebug17]

Re: Opinions wanted ...should I spend more money to change h

Junebug. Is the setting you are referring to your picture? The ironic part is I only went to this jeweler from the very beginning because I wanted to checkout the ritani setting for a flush fit halo. I googled stores near me that carried it and I stopped in. Now the cushion shape was MY idea from the beginning but he talked me right out of ritani and into custom. I later decided I wanted the halo to follow the stone shape. However, now it am looking at Ritani and I don't see an airline. My gut tells me that when they changed out the halo, they went with a stock round halo head, otherwise it would be tighter? Anyway...I appreciate the feedback and I am going to live with it for awhile, the bead prongs actually don't bother me, although I love those claw prongs!

Yes, it's the one in the pic. If you click on my topics, I have a thread about the ring and there are profile pics that show how the stone is set. I told the jeweler I wanted the stone set very low to protect the girdle of my OEC, and he ordered a setting that was for a larger stone to do that. When he set it, he told me he set the stone a bit higher so that more light would reach it, but I think it was set as low as possible and he just said that so I wouldn't make a fuss. In hindsight, I guess I should have had him send the diamond to Simon G, maybe they would have customized it more to be more flush, who knows. I was thinking about taking it back and seeing if the diamond could be lowered a bit, but TBH I really don't feel like dealing with the jeweler anymore. I also think my setting is designed to have the diamond a bit high, that's how the sample at the store was.

I was also wondering if maybe your jeweler used a stock halo head instead of a custom-made one. You'd think it would fit flush if it was custom.

Interestingly, I didn't ask for claw prongs but the jeweler did them that way! To be honest, they really aren't noticable anyway! And oh, this is funny - I initially went to this store to look at Ritani settings as well, and the jeweler ended up showing me all of his custom pieces and I could tell he was trying to get me to go that route!

I'm so sorry this hasn't been a smooth process for you! Give it a little time and see how you feel - it really is so pretty! And ERD is always an option if you decide you want to start over.

 

[Rockredo]

Re: Opinions wanted ...should I spend more money to change h

Thanks everyone. I think I just had too high of an expectation that for $500 more my ring was going to be perfect. I do love round and am very happy with this change over the too square cushion shape, so I am telling myself that the extra money was worth changing the shape. I am just peeved with the airline mainly. Since it was first a 3 stone ring the .50 sides are now halo earrings , with a tiny airline as well. Well they match ?! I attached a pic of the airline. I guess I just KNOW I am never upgrading the stone, I promised my husband that so I just want to be totally happy with a forever setting since I was resetting it. I figure if it still bugs me I will go with redo. Lesson learned though!