Please help me choose/build an ER setting

[memogensen]

I'm happy to say that I have pulled the trigger on a diamond and am now onto the daunting task of finding and/or custom designing the setting. The center stone is a 1.475 H SI1 RB from BGD.

http://www.briangavindiamonds.com/diamonds/diamond-details/1.475-h-si1-round-diamond-ags-bl-104074030027

Now onto what looks to be the more challenging part, the setting! After visiting a handful of different jewelers with my girlfriend and pouring over online images for hours on end, I finally have a solid idea of her ideal setting. Below is a link to a setting we found at Knox Jewelers (Minneapolis based jeweler) that she really liked. Unfortunately, Knox doesn't set out of house diamonds or sell empty settings.

I would like to use "Diana" as a base if possible and this is where I am hoping you folks can help!

http://www.knoxjewelers.biz/products/Diana

Today, I also stumbled upon the following setting from Steven Kirsch (thanks gypsy), which I believe fits the mold:

http://www.stevenkirsch.com/engagement/halo/r0104.html


Here are a few of the things she liked about different settings:

*Single two face cushion halo - Seeing that I already bought a RB, what are your thoughts on a cushion halo with a round center stone?

*Split shank - single row of diamonds the turn into a split shank

*Pave

*Mill grain

*Filigree

*Surprise stone - possibly colored (purple or blue)

*Rose gold - As long as the setting was on the thinner/softer side, she seemed to prefer rose gold. Possibly do the filigree and/or the halo in rose gold and the rest in white/platinum? Kinda still torn on this...

I am struggling to decide whether I should continue to look through the endless settings or just have BGD custom design a setting based on Diana. BGD has given me a quote of around 4k, which is a bit more than what I would like to spend, but doable.

I would like to hear peoples thoughts on the designing process and if it is worth the while. I assume certain vendors/individuals are easier to work with than others and that there is varying levels of quality and craftsmanship; none of which I know. It would seem logical to have the setting made by BGD, as that is where the stone is from, but I am unfamiliar with the quality (I assume great) and value of their custom work.

I'm completely open to suggestions, so please fire away!

You all are greatly appreciated!

Matt

 

[Gypsy]

BGD has made settings like that, and made them well.

 

[memogensen]

Thanks Gypsy, I was hoping you would chime in with your expertise and take on the situation! So you would lean towards just having BGD custom design a similar setting? I like the idea of having everything done through one jeweler.

Do you think around 4k is good value?

Will a round center stone with a cushion halo work well together?

Thanks again!

 

[mdmc]

Just wanted to add.....I LOVE a round in a cushion halo! I have a solitaire that I love but my other choice was to put it in a cushion halo. I may still do that some day. I really like the setting from Steven Kirsch.