PLEASE...advice needed about antique vs custom ring setting

[tlfiore]

Diamond shrinkage syndrome. The longer you look at it the smaller it looks!

Tooooooo funny! Yes, it might occur...

 

[tlfiore]

OP is already wearing a more delicate band than the one in the pic tho!

@tlfiore I had a thought that I've seen some very nice OECs in their original settings that would fit your budget which I could link if you were interested - including one that's quite similar to your current one in specs but is around $10k I think from memory. $10k is my current fantasy shopping budget for when I can convince my husband it's time to upgrade
Also if you love the Casablanca setting, you could always do the reverse of what soxfan did and get a smaller stone and set it in a smaller Casablanca?

Yes...very very interested in ideas and input! And THANK YOU for pointing out that I have NOT worn my Casablanca with my 11-diamond band...I just threw the Casablanca on tonight and took a quick pic. I hear what everyone is saying and I just feel a 2.5 OEC stone is too much for me...

 

[BlingDreams]

I hear what everyone is saying and I just feel a 2.5 OEC stone is too much for me...

A 2.5ct OEC is too big for you, or a 2.5 plus halo is too big for you? In other words, is it the size of your center stone that is too large or the overall finger presence?

Do you know the total diameter of your current Casablanca? My guess is its equivalent to a 5 or 6 carat OEC. I'm having a Casablanca halo made but for an asscher, and my 3ct asscher+setting will have the finger presence of a 9ct asscher when the halo measurement is included (~2mm each side).

A big decision too is are you a halo girl or a solitaire girl?

Finally, never apologize for your fingers!!! They are lovely. Besides, arthritis is out of your control so why apologize for it?!

 

[tlfiore]

A 2.5ct OEC is too big for you, or a 2.5 plus halo is too big for you? In other words, is it the size of your center stone that is too large or the overall finger presence?

Do you know the total diameter of your current Casablanca? My guess is its equivalent to a 5 or 6 carat OEC. I'm having a Casablanca halo made but for an asscher, and my 3ct asscher+setting will have the finger presence of a 9ct asscher when the halo measurement is included (~2mm each side).

A big decision too is are you a halo girl or a solitaire girl?

Finally, never apologize for your fingers!!! They are lovely. Besides, arthritis is out of your control so why apologize for it?!

Your reply reminds me of why I like the folks out here so much! Thank you! I think it really is the overall size and chunkiness of the DIAMOND that embarrasses me, as opposed to the overall size of the halo. But you raise a good point! I'm not sure which I prefer actually...a halo or a solitaire. Truthfully, I like them BOTH, which brings me to my ORIGINAL SOLUTION to the problem...keep my current Casablanca and purchase a simpler solitaire to wear with my large band, so I can change it up every now and then ...not sure where I'll get the money for that!!

 

[LLJsmom]

A 2.5ct OEC is too big for you, or a 2.5 plus halo is too big for you? In other words, is it the size of your center stone that is too large or the overall finger presence?

Do you know the total diameter of your current Casablanca? My guess is its equivalent to a 5 or 6 carat OEC. I'm having a Casablanca halo made but for an asscher, and my 3ct asscher+setting will have the finger presence of a 9ct asscher when the halo measurement is included (~2mm each side).

A big decision too is are you a halo girl or a solitaire girl?

Finally, never apologize for your fingers!!! They are lovely. Besides, arthritis is out of your control so why apologize for it?!

Exactly. The halo makes the ring look too big. The stone may just be fine. I think the halo adds at least 1.5mm on each side, which gives the center stone another 3 mm in diameter. You may fine the stone by itself in a solitaire setting just fine.

And how long have you been wearing he halo now? Have people said how long it took for DSS to set in?

 

[tlfiore]

Exactly. The halo makes the ring look too big. The stone may just be fine. I think the halo adds at least 1.5mm on each side, which gives the center stone another 3 mm in diameter. You may fine the stone by itself in a solitaire setting just fine.

And how long have you been wearing he halo now? Have people said how long it took for DSS to set in?

Oh you are so kind...thank you. Well, I've had the Casablanca with the 2.43 since March 2017 or so and I do wear it a few times a week. It's sorta like "breakin' in new shoes," I have worn the Casablanca around the house trying to get used to it. Can you imagine???

I have a question for you about the two rings in your photos (which are beautiful)...they are not the same carat size, are they? The one in the solitaire setting looks larger than the one in the yellow gold setting (which is beautiful). I would imagine, given your posting that the diamond in the HALO setting would look LARGER than the one in the sleek solitaire setting (if they are the same carat weight and size).

 

[tlfiore]

I had the acacia. My stone looked SO small. I reset it in an 8 prong. My stone looked SO small. I reset it in a casablanca. It looked SO huge. I was appalled. Thought I made a huge mistake. And then I gave it 8 hours. Now it's perfect. Your BAND Is what is messing with you IMO. I'm not sentimental and have bought and sold like it's my job and I just got a raise, but how do you feel about adjusting the bands? After I got my casa, I opted for an 1.8 mm tiffany band and a 1.3 mm tiffany metro. It's all about balance. I think you need to wear it with no bands for a while. DSS is real. I think I am the only one on this forum who has bought the casablanca TWICE for two different size stones?

soxfan...I meant to post this earlier...do you have any photos of the same diamond...your OEC...in both the Casablanca and the Acacia????

And I'm reading through your downsizing thread...

 

[tlfiore]

soxfan...I meant to post this earlier...do you have any photos of the same diamond...your OEC...in both the Casablanca and the Acacia????

And I'm reading through your downsizing thread...

soxfan...saw photos in an old thread. I think your OEC looks HUGE (and gorgeous) in the Acacia setting...but huge

 

[LLJsmom]

Oh you are so kind...thank you. Well, I've had the Casablanca with the 2.43 since March 2017 or so and I do wear it a few times a week. It's sorta like "breakin' in new shoes," I have worn the Casablanca around the house trying to get used to it. Can you imagine???

I have a question for you about the two rings in your photos (which are beautiful)...they are not the same carat size, are they? The one in the solitaire setting looks larger than the one in the yellow gold setting (which is beautiful). I would imagine, given your posting that the diamond in the HALO setting would look LARGER than the one in the sleek solitaire setting (if they are the same carat weight and size).

In the pic, the solitaire is a 3 carat OEC, 9.14-9.20mm. The one in the illusion setting (the correct term that I just learned) is about a 2 carat OEC.

Sorry, I didn't read the thread where you said the diamond itself was too big. I suggest that you try putting the OEC into a temp four or six prong solitaire setting to see if it really is the stone that is too big or if it's the setting, before you sell it. You just want to be sure about the real problem before you lose money selling the stone and setting.

 

[diamondseeker2006]

I think the Q-R color diamond is best in the halo and easier to sell as it is. I would want a higher color for a solitaire. Therefore, I feel like she needs to start over and find a smaller, higher color diamond either to set in another Casablanca or a solitaire.

 

[soxfan]

If the ring doesn't do it for you, it doesn't do it for you. But I definitely think for a solitaire, you do need a higher color diamond- An L would be fine for me. But I think selling the whole ring and starting over is your best bet.

 

[Gussie]

I think the Q-R color diamond is best in the halo and easier to sell as it is. I would want a higher color for a solitaire. Therefore, I feel like she needs to start over and find a smaller, higher color diamond either to set in another Casablanca or a solitaire.

Do you think the ops diamond is too warm overall for a solitaire or is it the edges that should be of concern? What about a bezel set acacia? I am learning here and am curious what more experienced psers think.

 

[diamondseeker2006]

A Q-R is light yellow. I just personally would not go that low for a solitaire as it is not going to look white in any light, really. I think it is fine in a halo because the halo can give some contrast between the stone color and the halo..as in, embracing the color. In fact, Queenie has a Q color OEC in a Casa and she used yellow gold for the cup around the stone to enhance the yellow. I don't recall her girdle, but if it is very thin, then yes, I would not set it in a solitiare with prongs..maybe 8, though.

She seems size sensitive, so it would make more sense to me for her to go for 1.7-2.0 ct stone in a higher color, like K. Then she can set it either way.

 

[tlfiore]

In the pic, the solitaire is a 3 carat OEC, 9.14-9.20mm. The one in the illusion setting (the correct term that I just learned) is about a 2 carat OEC.

Sorry, I didn't read the thread where you said the diamond itself was too big. I suggest that you try putting the OEC into a temp four or six prong solitaire setting to see if it really is the stone that is too big or if it's the setting, before you sell it. You just want to be sure about the real problem before you lose money selling the stone and setting.

Yours is good advice that others have alsogiven. Thank you. I'm actually going to chat with Caysie (finally) of CvB inspired designs (later today) who I'm sure will help me a lot. I'm going to share my concerns with her and explore other custom or semi-customized options. I think before I do anything with an Acacia or anything else, I will see if she can send along a few "sample" settings, so I can try stuff on (both a smaller Casablanca and/or an Acacia that can house my current large stone).

I am not that into diamonds, really so this is all a bit perplexing to me...not confusing really but puzzling. I HAD A FEW FOLKS BALK AT THE COLOR OF MY DIAMOND, which actually perplexes me 'cause I think the diamond is pretty enough. I am not that intimate with the 4Cs of diamonds...as you can tell...so the "poor color" or low color means zero to me.

I do understand the diamond will look completely different should it be put in a more open crown or setting vs a more contained one. I also know this diamond will show most of its color when viewed from the SIDES versus from top-down (where it appears white).

Thanks for all the help...you have been great.

 

[tlfiore]

I think the Q-R color diamond is best in the halo and easier to sell as it is. I would want a higher color for a solitaire. Therefore, I feel like she needs to start over and find a smaller, higher color diamond either to set in another Casablanca or a solitaire.

Thank you...yes...this has been my thinking, my concern.

 

[tlfiore]

If the ring doesn't do it for you, it doesn't do it for you. But I definitely think for a solitaire, you do need a higher color diamond- An L would be fine for me. But I think selling the whole ring and starting over is your best bet.

Thanks soxfan...I'm actually set to speak with Caysie later today. I really didn't want to turn this into a huge production (which is why I opted out of the custom Acacia in the first place...too stressful for me...I don't find such stuff fun...more aggravating). But I will know immediately what will and what will not work, if I can try certain settings on first. I know what I like and I have a relatively good design sense. I never wear my Casablanca with my monster wedding band 'cause together they look horrible...both detract from the other.

My gut tells me I need to see an Acacia to determine which diamond carat size, if any works for me with my wedding band and that ring, etc. Based on that, it's one decision. Conversely, I need to see the Casablanca with a much smaller diamond, etc...which is a different decision. Frankly, I'm feeling I would love the Casablanca IF THE DIAMOND WERE A LOT SMALLER, change it up with all sorts of bands, stack it, etc.

 

[tlfiore]

A Q-R is light yellow. I just personally would not go that low for a solitaire as it is not going to look white in any light, really. I think it is fine in a halo because the halo can give some contrast between the stone color and the halo..as in, embracing the color. In fact, Queenie has a Q color OEC in a Casa and she used yellow gold for the cup around the stone to enhance the yellow. I don't recall her girdle, but if it is very thin, then yes, I would not set it in a solitiare with prongs..maybe 8, though.

She seems size sensitive, so it would make more sense to me for her to go for 1.7-2.0 ct stone in a higher color, like K. Then she can set it either way.

Just reading all the posts...you have given such great information and advice...thank you! AND I THINK THIS COMMENT IS SPOT-ON! If you read the threads, I think soxfan's "original" OEC looks massive in the Acacia Setting, while soxfan thinks it looked dwarfed...go figure.

"Size Sensitive"...that's funny...made me chuckle! YOU ARE CORRECT AND VERY PERCEPTIVE...good at what you do, I'm sure! I AM sensitive to any intrusive, glitzy, glam. Sometimes, I feel FOR ME, the ring is ostentatious. I imagine if I lived back in Manhattan, and I had my uber-professional job, I'd feel differently. Now I feel like a good target for a mugging when I wear my ring.

 

[diamondseeker2006]

I am also size sensitive, that's how I picked up what you were feeling! My stone is about the same size as yours, and I have also met Caysie and tried on her former Casa with this size stone, and it looked huge on me! I live in the southeast and not in a big city, so even this 8.4mm is big. So I couldn't possibly wear it in a halo! But I would like to have a smaller stone to set in a Casabanca because I love the setting so much!

Many of us have found that it took some experimenting to figure out what we really wanted. Unfortunately, that can be an expensive way to do things! I don't think Caysie has many sample rings to send out, but I can see why you might want to try an acacia before ordering one. At least you know what a Casablanca would look like but with a smaller stone!

 

[BlingDreams]

Have you done a search for photos of the Acacia setting? I think several people on PS have had it. That might help you decide what you like.

 

[tlfiore]

I am also size sensitive, that's how I picked up what you were feeling! My stone is about the same size as yours, and I have also met Caysie and tried on her former Casa with this size stone, and it looked huge on me! I live in the southeast and not in a big city, so even this 8.4mm is big. So I couldn't possibly wear it in a halo! But I would like to have a smaller stone to set in a Casabanca because I love the setting so much!

Many of us have found that it took some experimenting to figure out what we really wanted. Unfortunately, that can be an expensive way to do things! I don't think Caysie has many sample rings to send out, but I can see why you might want to try an acacia before ordering one. At least you know what a Casablanca would look like but with a smaller stone!

Yes...you are so understanding! Thank you for your thoughtful reply. And after receiving so much great feedback here on PS and giving things some thought, I think I may just go with a very pretty, unique, EOC solitaire, about 1.5 carat with lovely embellished shoulders. That's what I truly wanted to begin with. I have a similar ring in mind...I'll try linking it here. I purchased before from this store (prior to designing the Casablanca) 'cause I LOVE their items. I know stuff is over-priced... I sent my purchase back, however because the EOC was more of a transitional.

Can folks please tell me what they think about this ring...not your usual PS item but I like it...a lot. Also any feedback about the genre, Era, design, etc can help me ARTICULATE what it is I am hoping for.
https://www.etsy.com/au/listing/527025891/antique-engagement-ring-edwardian-art?ref=hp_rv

Thanks everyone...as an aside, I'm hoping Erica will be listing my Casablanca real soon! Gonna email the Consignment Agreement to her in a few moments. The Casablanca will be priced to sell...not looking to make anything on it...will even take a loss...just want enough to cover another ring +/-

 

[BlingDreams]

Can folks please tell me what they think about this ring...not your usual PS item but I like it...a lot. Also any feedback about the genre, Era, design, etc can help me ARTICULATE what it is I am hoping for.
https://www.etsy.com/au/listing/527025891/antique-engagement-ring-edwardian-art?ref=hp_rv

It's an interesting design and appears to show very well on a finger. It also falls in line with the vintage feel you want. But before I'd make any purchase I'd want a GIA cert on the stone to verify all specs and see what the dimensions really are. I'd also want proof of it being an antique, since they're probably charging a premium for that.

 

[tlfiore]

Yes...I actually work with a local jeweler here in Tecumseh MI, a family owned business that has been around for years. I will take anything I buy (if it isn't from someone trusted here on PS) and have it examined, evaluated, etc upon receipt. If at first glance the ring appears to be in good standing, I'll have my jeweler pull the stone and send it to GIA in NYC. I'm not gonna ask the owners of P&P to pull a stone...they have a good eye for Art...but they are not jewelers

 

[diamondseeker2006]

I think that's a very pretty ring, but I can't tell that much about the cut on the center stone. I would not have it removed from the setting, personally, just because I wouldn't want the prongs weakened in any way. Your jeweler can verify if the stone is real and close to the specs advertised. If you love it, then I'd just wear it! If you don't, I'd return and choose a diamond separately and have Caysie make a reproduction setting like that!

I'd negotiate the price down some, too.

 

[tlfiore]

I think that's a very pretty ring, but I can't tell that much about the cut on the center stone. I would not have it removed from the setting, personally, just because I wouldn't want the prongs weakened in any way. Your jeweler can verify if the stone is real and close to the specs advertised. If you love it, then I'd just wear it! If you don't, I'd return and choose a diamond separately and have Caysie make a reproduction setting like that!

I'd negotiate the price down some, too.

Oh thank you! I never thought of having Caysie custom make something like this...I just thought she primarily worked within her styles. That's a great thought. Do you think she could do it???

 

[diamondseeker2006]

Caysie is the best I know of for making antique style settings! She is a very talented artist. She has made two custom rings for me so far based on antique rings I liked. We are working on another one now! I do love many of her existing designs, but she loves to do custom pieces! It also allows me to find stones I love, and then she can make the setting to perfectly fit the stone and my finger!

Have you seen the thread of Caysie's work for PS members? Many are one-of-a-kind custom designs that people asked her to make. Some may have shown her inspiration rings and others she might have designed from scratch. But she can easily reproduce antique rings.

https://www.pricescope.com/communit...-jewelry-the-new-cvb-eye-candy-thread.211825/

 

[BlingDreams]

We are working on another one now!

Say whaaaaaat?! Exciting!! Are you going to hold out on us until it's done or do we get an inkling of what you're doing???

 

[diamondseeker2006]

Say whaaaaaat?! Exciting!! Are you going to hold out on us until it's done or do we get an inkling of what you're doing???

It's hard to give you an inkling because I don't feel sure about design direction yet! Poor Caysie! I am much easier when I have some ideas coming into a project, but this time I don't! The stone is a light yellow antique cushion and relatively small, so that's a little hint!

 

[foxinsox]

Yes...very very interested in ideas and input! And THANK YOU for pointing out that I have NOT worn my Casablanca with my 11-diamond band...I just threw the Casablanca on tonight and took a quick pic. I hear what everyone is saying and I just feel a 2.5 OEC stone is too much for me...

I think you've decided to go to consignment now (sorry I got busy at work and didn't get a chance to post last night) so these might be too big if a 2.5 is but have a look and see what you think.
This is what I would get if I had a lottery win tomorrow as I love light brown stones and the faceting on this one catches my eye every time I look at plus that setting is very cool. Probably a bit big tho and I think over budget sorry?
Probably too yellow but I love the setting and again the top down view.
Also probably too big and maybe out of budget too? But love the setting.
If I were buying a stone, I'd go that L I linked on Loupetroop the other day (on hold to you?!) or this 1.78 L VS2 cos that kozibe is ridiculous

 

[foxinsox]

Can folks please tell me what they think about this ring...not your usual PS item but I like it...a lot. Also any feedback about the genre, Era, design, etc can help me ARTICULATE what it is I am hoping for.
https://www.etsy.com/au/listing/527025891/antique-engagement-ring-edwardian-art?ref=hp_rv

I really like this - but yes I'd make an offer rather than just pay that price.
Also they have this one too on their website https://pebbleandpolish.com/antique-edwardian-engagement-ring-with-1-65-carat-old-european-cut-diamond-center

 

[tlfiore]

I really like this - but yes I'd make an offer rather than just pay that price.
Also they have this one too on their website https://pebbleandpolish.com/antique-edwardian-engagement-ring-with-1-65-carat-old-european-cut-diamond-center

Hey foxinsox...you are so sweet to follow my post and my ridiculous dilemma. The diamond you cited above is GORGEOUS! Believe it or not, as I've trolled for another ring (and I love looking at beautiful diamonds, so I've done this in the past), I'm ALREADY having symptoms of DSS-lololololo

And I cannot say THANK YOU enough for helping me out. See, I have no family to speak of and was transplanted from New York City to Southern Michigan (which I love) in 2006. But it's not like there are folks around here who I can chat it up with about diamonds...and I've not made tons of friends because I've been out-of-the-workforce (and the world) with cancer and other afflictions...

THANK YOU FOR HELPING ME...and thanks to others.

So, why AM I so self-conscious and why AM I taking this darn ring-thing so seriously?

So, My dear husband, John and I go to our little local microbrewery here in town last night, Tecumseh Brewery (which I love) for a microbrew and a sandwich. As I chatted it up with one of the servers there at the bar, who we befriended (she's a dear) and showed her pics and all, she said "Woman...WHAT DO YOU CARE ABOUT WHAT OTHERS THINK?...put that gorgeous (CvB) ring on, wear it and ENJOY...you've been through a lot!"

So I thought, "Here is a Tecumseh gal with 3 kids...works as a barmaid in a microbrew...about 40 years young...really humble and sweet...grew up here and lived here her entire life...WHY AM I TAKING THIS RING SO SERIOUSLY...WHAT IS WRONG WITH ME???"

Tecumseh Michigan...sweet little train stop farming town (for folks on their way to Chicago from Back East, back in the ol' days)...train depot is now a shop...population 8000

NO foxinsox...THE RING HAS NOT GONE TO CONSIBNMENT YET

Now, Erica just sent me FedEx stuff...

I actually ALSO have a beautiful 1.75 tcw PARISIAN MINE CUT DIAMOND BAND, totally restored to new, which I may part with to fund a new solitaire. I'm toying with the idea of keeping my CvB Casablanca and just buying something OLD in WHITE GOLD to wear with my MONSTER WEDDING BAND...just to have fun with...nothing too spectacular...doesn't even have to be OEC...just switch things out now and again!

I gotta say I REALLY love the diamond in my Casablanca...you would love it 'cause it has this incredible copper glow indoors (with incandescent and natural light).

FEELING LIKE AN IDIOT!!

C-O-N-F-L-I-C-T-E-D
A-M-B-I-V-A-L-E-N-T