Please show me the simplest solitaire settings

[boston_jeff]

Date: 5/12/2007 3:07:02 PM
Author: aljdewey

Date: 5/12/2007 2:54:57 PM

Author: Harriet


I did have an uncomfortable conversation with Leon (I''d rather not go into specifics) versus a great one with Mark Morrell.

To me, that''s a huge piece of the puzzle. If communication isn''t fluid in the custom process, the end result could potentially suffer.


That''s why I bristled a bit at the ''leon is the only logical choice'' mantra. For some, he is the absolute best solution, but since not all folks are the same, I don''t believe he''s the best solution for everyone.


I spoke to Leon when I was considering custom, and from that conversation, I felt pretty sure that we''d have struggles communicating. While his workmanship is fantastic, the ability to communicate smoothly and fluidly is a key element of custom for me, so I went another way.

I totally agree, but isn''t that problem greatly minimized when what Harriet is seeking is very simple and based on a ring that has already been made (the one in the catalogue)? Seems like communication is less of an issue when there is not much to communicate...

 

[Harriet]

Date: 5/12/2007 3:03:58 PM
Author: mrssalvo
harriet,

If you didn''t click with Leon there is nothing wrong with that. there are some that just don''t for whatever reason. There are also folks here that didn''t click with MM. it''s about finding the person or vendor you do click with and would feel comfortable with enough to reward them with your business.

Mrssalvo,
Maybe we''ll click in person, maybe we won''t. But I need to explore my options because an e-ring setting plus wedding band will be a significant outlay.

 

[Harriet]

Date: 5/12/2007 3:07:02 PM
Author: aljdewey
To me, that''s a huge piece of the puzzle. If communication isn''t fluid in the custom process, the end result could potentially suffer.

That''s why I bristled a bit at the ''leon is the only logical choice'' mantra. For some, he is the absolute best solution, but since not all folks are the same, I don''t believe he''s the best solution for everyone.

I spoke to Leon when I was considering custom, and from that conversation, I felt pretty sure that we''d have struggles communicating. While his workmanship is fantastic, the ability to communicate smoothly and fluidly is a key element of custom for me, so I went another way.

This country is huge. It seems that there should be more than 1 choice. Alj, what did you end up doing in the end?

 

[Harriet]

Date: 5/12/2007 3:12:20 PM
Author: boston_jeff

I totally agree, but isn''t that problem greatly minimized when what Harriet is seeking is very simple and based on a ring that has already been made (the one in the catalogue)? Seems like communication is less of an issue when there is not much to communicate...

Touche! But, LM wouldn''t even discuss the project with me unless he had my stone in hand (and our office hours conflict), even though my stone is just a plain ole round brilliant.

 

[mrssalvo]

Date: 5/12/2007 3:16:02 PM
Author: Harriet


This country is huge. It seems that there should be more than 1 choice.

there isn't one choice. we've given you several

Do keep in mind that many local jewelry stores still don't have website. sure, a small B&M might do amazing work for the locals but they just don't have a way to attract internet shoppers. The names that keep getting repeated here do so for a reason. these are the folks that will usually work long distance and have a proven track record of many happy customers. Custom is a scary road for a lot of folks and I probably would hesitate commissioning a project to someone that I could only find one or 2 referrals on. Just thought of someone else though, Mark T at engagementringsdirect. he's also local to you and made some beautiful rings for some pricescopers. I still wouldn't rule out looking at a few designer solitaire's. that way you can see them in person, try them on and know exactly what you are getting.

 

[Harriet]

Thanks again! I''ll follow up on your suggestions.

 

[crown1]

hi harriet!

i just went to a thread you started in march sometime about your reset. i wanted to take a look at your ring before commenting here. the ring is lovely as is. i am not sure why you are wanting to reset other than you just changed your mind about what you like. nothing wrong with that.

in the thread you said you had a quote from leon and a pic was shown that you planned to reset like (pic said compliments of irina i think). is that still the style you are after? i believe that had a diamond shank. it was also lovely.

i don't blame you for not jumping into another setting without doing plenty of research and making sure it is something you can enjoy for a while. you have a lovely ring and don't have to do anything unless you want to. i think that most rings shown here are beautiful and the designers mentioned all seem to do lovely work but no one is without flaws or quirks and perfection is hard to find. i think you should take your time and see for yourself what is going to appeal to you. by that i mean both style and designer.

this is absolutely none of my business and i only offer it to maybe give a different perspective here. you have gotten many lovely pieces in a short amount of time and we all encourage more bling. maybe you just need to mull this over in your head since over time we tend to change our minds and want something different. just something i was thinking and wanted to tell you that you have lovely things and can afford to wait until something hits you as just the right thing. you are young and have plenty of time to shop around.

eta: i don't think that the thinnest bands are the only game in town. i, in fact, don't have one. i like the medium and thick bands also. most on here go for thin and they are stunning but not for everyone.

 

[Harriet]

Hi Crown 1,

I haven't 'seen' you in a while. Your input is always appreciated.

I want to reset because (i) I prefer a rounded, as opposed to knife-edge look; and (ii) the band is not even in width, and so won't sit flush with my wedding band.

No side diamonds for me. The one stone is enough!

We got the stone and picked the setting hastily, which we regret. I'd like to be more prudent this time. The old setting won't go to waste -- I'll put a coloured stone in it.

Many thanks for your advice!

I have kiddy-sized hands, and think a thin band would work best. Don't worry -- I won't go so thin as to put my stone in peril.

 

[crown1]

i am sure that you know what is best and i am with you on the knife edge. i have a plain platinum solitaire mounting for my 3.2 round. i like simplicity for my e-ring.

i also would want to be able to wear the wedding ring next to the e-ring. i like to be able to switch things around though and sometimes wear the e-ring on the right hand and some stacking eternity bands on the left. then other days i can wear the e-ring on the left hand with an eternity or two if i like. when things are simple you can be more versatile, imho.

there are plenty of mountings and designers out there and yours will come. i monitor the threads and will see your beauty when you find it.

 

[Harriet]

Oh, could I please see yours?
Another reason that I''d like to keep my wedding set simple is that I''ll be getting a channel-set Trinity for days when I don''t want to wear my stone (don''t worry, the Trinity won''t be for quite a while).

 

[crown1]

i am a computer dummy! i can get in and out and research but not much more. even if i could post the pictures i would not as my family and friends would think i am nuts. i very much enjoy following the threads and seeing everyone''s pictures but i just can''t put my life out there. i hope you understand i do not think i am better than anyone else i just lead a different lifestyle. that is not saying that it is the best it is just mine.

 

[Harriet]

I completely understand. Didn''t you see my scratched-out face on the "Travel Eye-Candy" thread?

 

[crown1]

i did at that! i was sorry i was not there soon enough to get to see your lovely face.

 

[aljdewey]

Date: 5/12/2007 3:12:20 PM
Author: boston_jeff

I totally agree, but isn't that problem greatly minimized when what Harriet is seeking is very simple and based on a ring that has already been made (the one in the catalogue)? Seems like communication is less of an issue when there is not much to communicate...

I know you mean well, Jeff, but you're really oversimplifying it. No, frankly, the problem isn't minimized just because her baseline is a ring from the catalog.

My ring was inspired by one in his gallery (so theorhetically had been quasi-'done before'), and yet the few simple modifications I wanted seemed offensive to him. They weren't huge mods, either......one involved making the tips of the prongs heart shaped. Another was to slightly lower the side stones a bit. NOTHING earth shattering. Nothing enormously transformative; pretty basic done-that-before stuff (i.e SIMPLE).

It was my feeling that the modifications I wanted to make the ring my own were viewed as insults to him....i.e. as though his design needed "improving upon". It didn't, I just wanted something that reflected ME.

The clincher was a few comments he made suggesting that my stone wasn't significant enough to warrant the investment into a custom setting of this nature, and the given design wouldn't 'look right' because my stone wasn't big enough. Uh.......game over.

The laughable thing about that last part? When I finally posted pics of my ring, the first thing someone said to me was "wow, that looks JUST LIKE this LM 3-stone ring I've loved for a while."

Reeeeeeeeeeeeally? You don't say!

 

[aljdewey]

Date: 5/12/2007 3:16:02 PM
Author: Harriet
This country is huge. It seems that there should be more than 1 choice. Alj, what did you end up doing in the end?

I still went custom; I just went to someone else who I felt was a better fit for me communication-wise and who was enthusiastic about making my heart''s desire happen. And I was not disappointed.

 

[Harriet]

Date: 5/12/2007 6:08:16 PM
Author: aljdewey
I know you mean well, Jeff, but you''re really oversimplifying it. No, frankly, the problem isn''t minimized just because her baseline is a ring from the catalog.

My ring was inspired by one in his gallery (so theorhetically had been quasi-''done before''), and yet the few simple modifications I wanted seemed offensive to him. They weren''t huge mods, either......one involved making the tips of the prongs heart shaped. Another was to slightly lower the side stones a bit. NOTHING earth shattering. Nothing enormously transformative; pretty basic done-that-before stuff (i.e SIMPLE).

It was my feeling that the modifications I wanted to make the ring my own were viewed as insults to him....i.e. as though his design needed ''improving upon''. It didn''t, I just wanted something that reflected ME.

The clincher was a few comments he made suggesting that my stone wasn''t significant enough to warrant the investment into a custom setting of this nature, and the given design wouldn''t ''look right'' because my stone wasn''t big enough. Uh.......game over.

The laughable thing about that last part? When I finally posted pics of my ring, the first thing someone said to me was ''wow, that looks JUST LIKE this LM 3-stone ring I''ve loved for a while.''

Reeeeeeeeeeeeally? You don''t say!

I''ve gotten that sense from him before.
I hope you told him off!

 

[Harriet]

Date: 5/12/2007 6:05:36 PM
Author: crown1
i did at that! i was sorry i was not there soon enough to get to see your lovely face.

That''s me in my avatar.

 

[kohdy]

Date: 5/12/2007 11:39:22 AM
Author: Harriet

Date: 5/12/2007 2:11:13 AM
Author: kohdy
Harriet! I really like this setting Jeff suggested.

I know you were asking someone on another thread about this setting before so I know you are interested!

Your big rock is going to really shine with this setting!!! Before I get too excited, though, let me check out ''the others'' that PSers are putting on the table! For a true master piece, however, I strongly recommend Leon!!!

Had I known about him before I started lurking on this site, I would have gone with him too! Not that I regret my decision now...

PS I still vote for the LEON setting after viewing everything on the table so far. Not that the others aren''t beautiful... it''s just that I am in love with Leon. Frankly, I have developed a little bit of an obsession with man named LEON ever since I first lay my eyes on his rings!!!

Pal,

.
Don''t let your hubby hear that!

Haha... you''re the smart one, Harriet! I will definitely listen to your advice on this one!!!

Shh... don''t tell him!!!

 

[kohdy]

Oh Harriet,
I just remembered this setting. I was deciding between this setting and Ritani for myself. I went with Ritani because I liked the idea of a bazel set, but this was quite breathtaking to look at. I know it''s not really a solitaire, but it looked really wonderful with a RB. This by the way is $4000. I know Davidson & Licht only has two stores in the bay area, but maybe someone else can make a similar setting?

 

[diamondseeker2006]

Wow, what a gorgeous design! But $4000 for a simple solitaire...ugh!!!

 

[diamondseeker2006]

Let me just say this. My impression from what I have read here as well as my own personal experience is that it is EASY to work with Leon or Mark Morrell if you want an exact copy of something they have already made. But if you are uncertain of exactly what you want, and you have to go back and forth with the ideas and you dislike something they propose, then you are very likely to have a more difficult experience.

So my advice is, find the setting you like, and ask the maker to make you one. I also agree with crown that super thin bands (under 2mm) are a trend that I think will go out of style.

 

[february2003bride]

Harriet,

Another name to look inot is Quest Jewelers. They have done stunning custom work, my solitare included! Pete and Huan were great to work with; very easy conversations, feed back, advice, etc.

Do a search on PS and you''ll see many threads about them.

www.questjewelers.com

HTH!

Carrie

 

[Harriet]

Date: 5/13/2007 1:45:01 AM
Author: kohdy
Oh Harriet,
I just remembered this setting. I was deciding between this setting and Ritani for myself. I went with Ritani because I liked the idea of a bazel set, but this was quite breathtaking to look at. I know it''s not really a solitaire, but it looked really wonderful with a RB. This by the way is $4000. I know Davidson & Licht only has two stores in the bay area, but maybe someone else can make a similar setting?

Thanks Kohdy! I''ll look into it.

 

[Harriet]

Date: 5/13/2007 10:28:49 AM
Author: diamondseeker2006
Wow, what a gorgeous design! But $4000 for a simple solitaire...ugh!!!

DS,
It might be due to the side diamonds.

 

[Harriet]

Date: 5/13/2007 10:34:21 AM
Author: diamondseeker2006
Let me just say this. My impression from what I have read here as well as my own personal experience is that it is EASY to work with Leon or Mark Morrell if you want an exact copy of something they have already made. But if you are uncertain of exactly what you want, and you have to go back and forth with the ideas and you dislike something they propose, then you are very likely to have a more difficult experience.

So my advice is, find the setting you like, and ask the maker to make you one. I also agree with crown that super thin bands (under 2mm) are a trend that I think will go out of style.

DS,
You make perfect sense, as always.
I''m not venturing below 2mm, on Oldminer''s advice.

 

[Harriet]

Date: 5/13/2007 10:56:29 AM
Author: february2003bride
Harriet,

Another name to look inot is Quest Jewelers. They have done stunning custom work, my solitare included! Pete and Huan were great to work with; very easy conversations, feed back, advice, etc.

Do a search on PS and you''ll see many threads about them.

www.questjewelers.com

HTH!

Carrie

Hi Carrie,
Your solitaire is stunning!

Thanks for the names. I''ll check them out.

 

[Miranda]

How is the decision going Harriet? Check out Quest. From what I''ve seen on this board, they do beautiful custom work.

 

[Harriet]

Will do. Happy Mother''s Day!

 

[Miranda]

Thank you! Happy Mother''s Day to you too...From your doggies!

 

[kohdy]

Date: 5/13/2007 10:28:49 AM
Author: diamondseeker2006
Wow, what a gorgeous design! But $4000 for a simple solitaire...ugh!!!

Oh yeah... that''s the thing, though, Harriet... The one from Davidson & Licht is NOT a simple solitaire. It''s a micropave... very dainty and elegant... I just thought it might look so beautiful with your stone on your cute little finger. That''s all...

Sorry for diverging...