Picky Newbie needs help with solitaire setting options...

[OneNJen]

I am hoping that some of you can make a reccommendation for me. I just inherited approximately a .75 carat "good" round diamond that is currently being appraised by my local jeweler. I am planning to make a solitaire necklace out of it, but I need some help with the setting choice.

I''ve been doing some research on the internet and reading archives of the forums, but all this jewelry talk is new to me...and everyone on here seems so informed.

I know I want an 18 inch chain in platinum or 18k white gold. I am inclined to like more modern, simple settings.

I know that I DON''T LIKE prong settings and rabbit ears.

I kind of like a bezel setting, but I don''t want the pavillion to be hidden. I found a G&A tension setting that I am IN LOVE WITH but the jeweler tried to talk me out of it, claiming that they are insanely expensive for what they are.

Does anyone know of any faux tension settings for pendants? Or knowing my preferences, do you have any suggestions? Pictures and links would be helpful!

 

[Sparkalicious]

Hi OnenJen! Welcome!

I''m not sure you''ll like it b/c it''s not a tension setting, but, based on your description, I thought you might be interested in a half bezel setting?

Click here to see one on the WF website.

Do you, by chance, have a picture of the G&A setting that you love?

Good luck on your search!

 

[OneNJen]

The tension setting... I don''t know how to post pics, but here is the link...

http://www.gelinabaci.com/index2.html

Then click tension, then pendants, I like the first two... can''t decide if I would like the matte or the shiny gold.

 

[Sparkalicious]

Oh WOW! That is so pretty ... no wonder you like it so much!
Unfortunately, I can''t recall seeing anything else similar yet quite as lovely as that one ... Is it in your price range? If so, get it and forget what the sales person said.
G&A are tension set gurus .... Tension set needs to be done right, no point in getting a replica if it can''t be done as well or better than the original, right?
It''s gorgeous! If you do get it, please, please post some pics!

 

[surfgirl]

Just as an FYI, the 3-prong solitaire setting on a necklace is gorgeous. The "rabbit ears" effect you mention is, IMO, indicative of sloppy craftsmanship. I have such a setting and the "ears" should be the same size or very close to the chain size and this, the chain melts into the setting and you dont even see it.

 

[door knob solitaire]

As sure as I suggest this...it will never be found. But somewhere some how over the rainbow...I have seen a bezel with an open slotted edge. Would that be enough for your pavilion requirements? Again..still a full bezel, top and bottom, but the edge is slotted with maybe 4 breathing holes. (so you can peek at or visit your pavillion any time you wish!)

I would like to encourage your consideration for the bezel. There have been many psers that showed us their bezel in comparison to their prong...and you really get the feeling you are looking at a much larger stone. Oh , congrats on the new stone gift...treasure to get it in a special way.

 

[OneNJen]

Spark-- I know I would find a voice of reason on this board!!! I haven''t gotten a quote from my local guy, but a vendor I found in NY gave me a quote of almost $1300 for the 18K pendant only!

I knew it would cost more than a bezel, but I had no idea that much more. It''s certainly something I have to think long and hard about becuase I seriously am in love with the setting. If I do decide to go ahead and do it, I''ll be sure to post pics!

Surf- do you have a picture of your setting?

Door- I had no idea I was getting this, so it was a really nice surprise. It belonged to my childless great-uncle who just passed at the age of 97!!! I''m hoping I share some of his genetics.... I''ll have to do a careful forum search to see if I can find what you are describing to me...

Thanks guys for all of your responses!