Please help me overthink a pendant...

[HockeyMama]

I am finally getting around to resetting my original e-ring into a pendant. It's about a 1 carat princess of low cut and color bought a million years ago, but I feel bad letting it languish in a drawer. I was going to get an ACA pendant but had a lot of guilt about this one, so decided to set it and see how much I wear it. I am working my way up to a "neck mess" like @dkata (attached). I already have the long DBTY, about to get a 16 inch pendant, then need somehting with oomph in the middle.

I think I have decided on kite set, as it looks the least square (I know, I know, it's still square). And I definitely want it to move, not be fixed.

My question is, how to set the solitaire. For a "neck mess" look, is it best to have it on a bale or floating (see two photos)? And if on a bale, is fixed or mobile best? I see a lot of neck messes with pendants on an articulated bale, kind of like charms. The two rounds are what I mean by fixed bale or articulated bale. I do know this is entirely subjective but appreciate any and all opinions. Thank you!

 

[LilAlex]

The best thread title!

I got some ideas on this one and decided to go with a CS calibre-cut halo:

Help me design a diamond pendant with a CS halo please!

Posting in CS since I need help with CS design elements please! There is a bright 1.46 ct "earth-mined" RBC that the experts on Rocky Talky helped me conclude was only suitable for a pendant. It's very bright but not a lot of contrast and not much visual interest for a ring (and spouse is not...

www.pricescope.com

 

[HockeyMama]

The best thread title!

I got some ideas on this one and decided to go with a CS calibre-cut halo:

Help me design a diamond pendant with a CS halo please!

Posting in CS since I need help with CS design elements please! There is a bright 1.46 ct "earth-mined" RBC that the experts on Rocky Talky helped me conclude was only suitable for a pendant. It's very bright but not a lot of contrast and not much visual interest for a ring (and spouse is not...

www.pricescope.com

Thank you! I actually used two of your photos of the rounds… it was actually @voce and the drawing and discussion about torque that led me to the conclusion there may be an actual objective part to this decision. Maybe physics matters? My stone is 6.1x5.9 if it matters.

 

[purplesilk]

Hi!
This is one of my favourite neckmess combo.
The solitaire necklace chain is mobile and the pendant has a small fixed ring upon one prong.

 

[purplesilk]

For reference:
- the solitaire necklace is 0.55 ct;
- the venetian chain is 1 mm thick and 38 cm long;
- ring outer circumference is 2.5 mm; ring inner circumference is 1.5 mm
- dbty necklace is 100 cm long and I wrap it twice around the neck.

 

[purplesilk]

In my experience, both the sliding chain and the small ring upon the upper prong help the solitaire to stay at place.

 

[HockeyMama]

@purplesilk thank you so much! My dbty is 82cm so it won’t quite work as yours but I appreciate the vote for the sliding pendant with a bail. I also love the delicate 1mm chains. The measurement of your bail helps a lot, that was another doubt of mine.

 

[MissGotRocks]

A bit off topic but have you thought about a delicate halo for the princess cut stone? Just thinking that maybe a bale could be incorporated into the halo so the bale doesn’t look as long and cylindrical? Might add some sparkle to a stone you consider low color and cut quality? Just a thought!

 

[HockeyMama]

A bit off topic but have you thought about a delicate halo for the princess cut stone? Just thinking that maybe a bale could be incorporated into the halo so the bale doesn’t look as long and cylindrical? Might add some sparkle to a stone you consider low color and cut quality? Just a thought!

Definitely thought about it. But I’m not really a halo girl, and I would certainly need to match the low color of the center for it to be mind clean.

I also thought about doing a pave bail but couldn’t find pictures of that. I don’t want to milgrain it.

Ideally I want the princess to magically transform into a round, but I’ve given up on that happening because it hasn’t in 19 years.

 

[purplesilk]

In case you're interested in something different from solitaire (contour stones might be sapphires, emeralds, rubies,...)

 

[purplesilk]

Ideally I want the princess to magically transform into a round, but I’ve given up on that happening because it hasn’t in 19 years.

Sharing my thoughts:
- you don't like your diamond (its shape, cut and color) , so you won't be happy if you put it in solitaire necklace because the focus is on the stone;
- no need to hurry, when you have the founds, you can buy a small but mighty round diamond and put in a simple solitaire necklace setting;
- since you "need" an eyecatching pendant between the solitaire and the dbty necklace, you can mount your princess diamond in a fancy setting that focuses more on the design than on the big stone.
Again, just my opinion.

 

[AllAboardTheBlingTrain]

I agree with @purplesilk’s suggestion - if you’re not a fan of the shape of your stone, then a solitaire pendant is not going to scratch the itch.

I know you said you’re not a fan of halos, but what about cluster/modified cluster designs? Posting a few of my favs from the internet that have square or rectangular centre stones:

 

[HockeyMama]

Hmmmmm… @purplesilk @AllAboardTheBlingTrain those are great suggestions and all quite beautiful. One day I hope to have a Graff like cluster ring. I had strongly considered putting it in a ring like that, but I would never wear it because it’s not me.

It really isn’t about the funds, more about feeling sad my original e-ring sits in a box. I have one son and I would never give it to him for my future daughter in law because I want her to have what she wants and not hate me forever. (I can overthink literally anything).

I kind of feel like those fabulous pendants would be expensive camouflage. Putting it in a pendant is only a few hundred dollars (“only” in a first world relative kind of way) and kind of an experiment. I’ve read a lot on here about earrings and pendants being out of sight and out of mind so some people settle on less favorable or expensive stones?

The “fancier” pendant I have in mind for the middle of my neck mess is something simple like a pave heart or circle to soften the look.

 

[tyty333]

I prefer the setting without a bail but cant tell if that is stationary or not. I would not want stationery. I would want it to be
able to move so I dont keep having to relocate it to the center.

I hesitate putting it in some of the settings that look like they're more for OECs/older stones. Just doesn't work in my mind
with a princess (more modern cut).

I love the neckmess look you're going for. I would put it in an inexpensive setting and give it a try to see how you like it. I think
I paid about $60 for a stuller setting for a pendant (several years ago). Still wear it today. You can always change it later after
wearing for a while.

 

[HockeyMama]

I prefer the setting without a bail but cant tell if that is stationary or not. I would not want stationery. I would want it to be
able to move so I dont keep having to relocate it to the center.

I hesitate putting it in some of the settings that look like they're more for OECs/older stones. Just doesn't work in my mind
with a princess (more modern cut).

I love the neckmess look you're going for. I would put it in an inexpensive setting and give it a try to see how you like it. I think
I paid about $60 for a stuller setting for a pendant (several years ago). Still wear it today. You can always change it later after
wearing for a while.

It will definitely be mobile. David Klass will make the basket for me so I'm confident he can do it that way. My concern with the bail is that it actually looks a little 90's mall jewelry? I definitely would not try to antique up a princess. I wish there were more photos of princess solitaire pendants.

Stuller has dozens of princess pendant mountings. In platinum it looks like they are closer to $200. Given how picky I am I have decided to pay a little extra and go with DK because I can see drawings and even get a mold. I may just ask him to draw it both ways. The man has the patience of a saint. I am currently also testing his patience with my five stone ring.

 

[purplesilk]

@FornasettiLover : sincerely hoping you'll like the solitaire necklace.
Please post pictures when you get it.
XOXO

 

[Cerulean]

If I wanted the illusion of a round, I’d set it in a pendant like this:



This ring was designed by Erie Basin if you want to look them up, maybe they’d even set it for you. It’s sleek, it’s modern, it disguises the shape by having a 2-tone setting, and I think it is honestly a stellar design!

You could add a large bail to swap the chains for neck mess vibes! I also think the 2-tone would be perfect for layering.

 

[HockeyMama]

@FornasettiLover : sincerely hoping you'll like the solitaire necklace.
Please post pictures when you get it.
XOXO

I sincerely hope so too! . Thank you.

 

[voce]

I'm going to chime in since the OP mentioned me. I agree for a princess cut no bail is more pleasing on a 2D layout tho emphasis the geometry--however, if you actually hang it by one corner, as in the second picture in the first post, in actual wear I think the stone will flip to the side left or right, so it's not facing straight on but at an angle.

I would urge you to consider either using a bail or, sans bail, having the necklace chain affixed to two corners instead of just one if you don't want the stone to rest at an angle in the 3D world.

 

[HockeyMama]

If I wanted the illusion of a round, I’d set it in a pendant like this:



This ring was designed by Erie Basin if you want to look them up, maybe they’d even set it for you. It’s sleek, it’s modern, it disguises the shape by having a 2-tone setting, and I think it is honestly a stellar design!

You could add a large bail to swap the chains for neck mess vibes! I also think the 2-tone would be perfect for layering.

I think these are likely a little to expensive for an experiment that may fail, but did you see the man in the moon? That is exactly the look I want for the middle of my "mess"... I love a little whimsy!

 

[Cerulean]

I think these are likely a little to expensive for an experiment that may fail, but did you see the man in the moon? That is exactly the look I want for the middle of my "mess"... I love a little whimsy!

If you like that, you should check out Anthony Lent too! He has amazing pendants. I wear a silver crescent moon from him all the time

 

[HockeyMama]

I'm going to chime in since the OP mentioned me. I agree for a princess cut no bail is more pleasing on a 2D layout tho emphasis the geometry--however, if you actually hang it by one corner, as in the second picture in the first post, in actual wear I think the stone will flip to the side left or right, so it's not facing straight on but at an angle.

I would urge you to consider either using a bail or, sans bail, having the necklace chain affixed to two corners instead of just one if you don't want the stone to rest at an angle in the 3D world.

@voce this is exactly the kind of objective info I needed! Thank you so much! A tilting pendant would drive me bonkers. Do you think that would be true if the necklace slides through the back and the basket is flat? Kind of like this in a kite orientation (found it on Stuller)... I can handle the truth if you think it's all destined to tilt unless a bail or fixed.

 

[bludiva]

Definitely thought about it. But I’m not really a halo girl, and I would certainly need to match the low color of the center for it to be mind clean.

I also thought about doing a pave bail but couldn’t find pictures of that. I don’t want to milgrain it.

Ideally I want the princess to magically transform into a round, but I’ve given up on that happening because it hasn’t in 19 years.

the only example i could find was from lightbox but the bail can do a lot to change the shape of your pendant imho, this one turns a square into a more of a star-shaped ornament to me which is really nice.

 

[voce]

@voce this is exactly the kind of objective info I needed! Thank you so much! A tilting pendant would drive me bonkers. Do you think that would be true if the necklace slides through the back and the basket is flat? Kind of like this in a kite orientation (found it on Stuller)... I can handle the truth if you think it's all destined to tilt unless a bail or fixed.

I think this would lay flat. Good job finding it!

 

[HockeyMama]

the only example i could find was from lightbox but the bail can do a lot to change the shape of your pendant imho, this one turns a square into a more of a star-shaped ornament to me which is really nice.

That’s a great point and may be why I was drawn to the bail versions. Kind of like a North Star.

 

[HockeyMama]

I think this would lay flat. Good job finding it!

Darn, it means I’m back to a purely subjective decision. Time to break out a coin to flip.

 

[dkata]

At first, I’m happy you liked my layering! Thank you!

A few informations, and thought’s:
My pendant is on a bail, and the setting is a simple Stuller setting, which I bought online. I prefer a setting on a bail, as fixed set stones tend to move sideways on my neck.

Regarding your princess cut stone:
As @purplesilk already mentioned, if you don’t really like a stone anymore, resetting it won’t help. Maybe you can “tolerate” it in a pendant, as you won’t see it as often, but is it really worth to put funds in resetting it?

BTW every young woman, who is going to be your daughter in law, can be happy, to have such a considerate mother in law.

Anyway, have fun at the process and wear it in health, and most importantly, post a neckshot, when it’s ready!!

 

[HockeyMama]

At first, I’m happy you liked my layering! Thank you!

A few informations, and thought’s:
My pendant is on a bail, and the setting is a simple Stuller setting, which I bought online. I prefer a setting on a bail, as fixed set stones tend to move sideways on my neck.

Regarding your princess cut stone:
As @purplesilk already mentioned, if you don’t really like a stone anymore, resetting it won’t help. Maybe you can “tolerate” it in a pendant, as you won’t see it as often, but is it really worth to put funds in resetting it?

BTW every young woman, who is going to be your daughter in law, can be happy, to have such a considerate mother in law.

Anyway, have fun at the process and wear it in health, and most importantly, post a neckshot, when it’s ready!!

Thank you for the input. I'm leaning toward the bail at this point, now just to decide if I want it pave.

I feel like I've unfairly maligned the stone. I certainly didn't love it on my hand and am so much happier with my ACAs. I think, in the right setting and the right "mess" I could be happy with it. If for no other reason than sentimentality.

I will definitely return with photos... I imagine a few weeks? Then, on to finding the perfect middle pendant for my mess!

 

[lovetodream]

Hi, @FornasettiLover - did you ever set this? I also have a elongated princess ering diamond that I'm planning to make as a pendant for a hopeful neck mess. Would love to see your final outcome! Love, Also an Overthinker

 

[HockeyMama]

Apologies! I made a show me the bling thread but forgot to link it here. I've gotten 2/3 of my "mess". My long chain is about 34 inches. My pendant is shown at 18 inches and 16 inches. I haven't fiured out the middle pendant yet. And I think I would also like a plainish 15 inch chain to wear with the pendant on less dramatic days.

I love my pendant and I love wearing it and knowing what it means. My husband has also expressed that he likes seeing me wear the stone he chose, and neither of us really expected that.

ETA: fixed bale, claw prongs, basket setting flat on the back, made by David Klass