Poll: Which setting for my 3.62 OEC?!?!

[armywife13]

So, I am purchasing a 3.62 L/M VS1 OEC 9.65x9.45 from jbeg and I need to make my decision about the setting now. I am down to two choices, their Gabbie Halo or Julia solitaire.

Here is a link to the Gabbie halo, the pictures show my 3.62, which is currently set in the Gabbie:

http://jewelsbyericagrace.smugmug.com/JbEGSignatureSettingsandSpecia/Halos/The-Gabbie-Halo-Setting/15232017_cCzpHK#!i=1141631700&k=zywyp

Here is the link to the Julia setting, it would look almost identical with my diamond since they are similar sizes and color:

http://jewelsbyericagrace.smugmug.com/JbEGSignatureSettingsandSpecia/Plain-and-Pave-Solitaires/The-Julia-Solitaire/12794553_8DFVw7#!i=821497484&k=FyFaZ

Additional info that factors into the decision:
-I have size 8.25 fingers, so the halo would help with finger coverage
-I can get the Gabbie for $1000, or Julia for $2600

I know the Gabbie is a better deal and is a gorgeous, unique halo-and it is my favorite style halo. However part of my is still yearning for the Julia solitaire. I am, down to my two favorite settings and they are polar opposites, so I am having a hard time deciding. Would it be wise to go with the Gabbie since it is such a great deal and gorgeous? Then I could leave the option of changing to the Julia later. Or do I go for the Julia right away? Everyone has such great taste, so I trust your opinions...please help!

 

[TravelingGal]

I'm not a fan of that halo...bits-a-missin'! The other one is gorgeous, and I vote for that with a stone of your size. I'm not talking to consideration cost here...just what I find aesthetically appealing.

 

[stargurl78]

I don't care for that halo at all. LOVE the Julia though so that definitely gets my vote!

 

[SparklyOEC]

I voted for the Gabbie halo. Love the gallery! How exciting for you!

 

[armywife13]

Thanks for your opinions, travelingGal and stargurl. I do love the solitaire, it is classic with a twist and the 8 prongs are to die for. Plus I like the versitility of a solitaire setting. Part of me keeps going back to the halo because it is unique, increased finger coverage and also because it is a great deal. Though the cost isn't either isn't bad. I figured I would seek out ya'lls opinions since I am sure Grace is about to pull out her hair. I keep emailing her every few weeks changing my mind about the setting. I do need to get a final decision done in the next day or so though....

 

[armywife13]

I voted for the Gabbie halo. Love the gallery! How exciting for you!

Thanks for your opinion! It is truly a special halo. I am exited to choose the setting...though the ring is still many months away from being on my finger. Lol. I just have to let Grace know if I want the Gabbie or if they can put it up for sale in the coming weeks.

 

[SparklyOEC]

Either way, you will have a gorgeous ring!

 

[winternight]

Wow, that will be a fantastic ring! My vote was non-halo since that is what I have and I'm so happy I made that choice (although at that size I don't think you really have to worry about finger coverage!) I think the solitaire is so classic and will go with many different types of looks. Honestly I think a halo at that size might be a bit much in person. And I love the prongs on the solitaire.

Again, what a fantastic ring!!

 

[armywife13]

Thanks for your vote, thoughts and opinion. They are helping me to make my decision!

 

[diamondseeker2006]

I think the girdle should make the decision easy! If it is very thin or extremely thin, then you need to do a halo or bezel. If it is thin-slightly thick, then you could choose the Julia. The halo setting is beautiful so I might stick with that because of the excellent price. Although, it would help to know if this is going to be worn as an e-ring or not.

 

[armywife13]

I think the girdle should make the decision easy! If it is very thin or extremely thin, then you need to do a halo or bezel. If it is thin-slightly thick, then you could choose the Julia. The halo setting is beautiful so I might stick with that because of the excellent price. Although, it would help to know if this is going to be worn as an e-ring or not.

Thanks for the response, DS. The diamond was recently repolished, so there are no issues with the girdle (yay!). And I will be wearing it as my e-ring. With the halo, I might wear it by itself or get a matching band and wear a thin spacer in between. With the solitaire I will get a band to wear as well, I am unsure at the moment if it will be a diamond band, engraved band, or plain band.

 

[diamondseeker2006]

I think the girdle should make the decision easy! If it is very thin or extremely thin, then you need to do a halo or bezel. If it is thin-slightly thick, then you could choose the Julia. The halo setting is beautiful so I might stick with that because of the excellent price. Although, it would help to know if this is going to be worn as an e-ring or not.

Thanks for the response, DS. The diamond was recently repolished, so there are no issues with the girdle (yay!). And I will be wearing it as my e-ring. With the halo, I might wear it by itself or get a matching band and wear a thin spacer in between. With the solitaire I will get a band to wear as well, I am unsure at the moment if it will be a diamond band, engraved band, or plain band.

Okay, I was going to say that if it was going to be a RHR, then definitely stay with the halo. That is great that the girdle is not too thin and you can have the choice! I think for an e-ring, I would choose the Julia.

 

[hawaiianorangetree]

I don't care for that halo at all. LOVE the Julia though so that definitely gets my vote!

These were my thoughts. I love halos but this one doesn't really appeal to me, however the price difference woul be a little hard to swallow.

 

[armywife13]

I don't care for that halo at all. LOVE the Julia though so that definitely gets my vote!

These were my thoughts. I love halos but this one doesn't really appeal to me, however the price difference woul be a little hard to swallow.

The halo is great deal. But the solitaire is very romantic and gorgeous as well!

 

[armywife13]

Okay, I was going to say that if it was going to be a RHR, then definitely stay with the halo. That is great that the girdle is not too thin and you can have the choice! I think for an e-ring, I would choose the Julia.

Yes, the recent repolish is a great perk. Not having the girdle be a major concern is a rarity when it comes to OECs. I definitely want this to be on my left hand. If I do the solitaire, I am considering doing the setting and a plain matching band in unplated 18k wg, like yssie's. I think it might compliment the color of the diamond. Either that or I will do platinum and possibly get band with single cuts for my wedding band.

 

[Dreamer_D]

Since it is already mounted in the halo can you have it sent to you as is to try and see if you like it?

 

[dani13]

Love, love, love the Julia for your stone!! That setting is just so gorgeous and perfect to show off your stunning diamond!!! To me, the biggest consideration would be that I would want my e-ring be an "everyday" ring, one that you will not have to baby and be afraid to wear, which would be my concern with the Gabbie with all that pave. I know there is a pretty significant price difference, but in the end it will probably be worth it. Plus, just aesthetically, I prefer the solitaire with your large stone. I don't think I would halo 3.5+ ct stone, but that's my opinion only and just pertains to my taste.

Good luck, and can't wait to see what you choose!!!!

 

[lknvrb4]

I prefer the Julia because with a stone that large you do not need a halo. I diamond that size deserves to stand out on its own.

 

[Enerchi]

I voted for the Julia and it was the prongs that made my decision! I love the 'spider claw' look of them and the openness of that style. Something about that design just drew me to it, over the Gabbie. I loved the "petals" on the mounting under the Gabbie but I was not enamoured by the scalloped halo effect.

Your stone is not a small stone (DUH!) so it isn't as though you need the extra width! Which ever you go for will be beautiful, but my eyes were drawn to the Julia.

Good luck!

 

[Bella_mezzo]

I think DD's idea is great, can you have it sent to you as is, wear it for a week or so and then send it back if you decide you want the Julia?

 

[armywife13]

Thanks four opinions, dani, lknvrb4, and enerchi!

Dreamer and Bella_mezzo-I can't for a few reasons, unfortunately. One is that the stone is not in the setting because they are going to put it up for sale soon. Plus I am making payments on the diamond/entire ring for the next few months, so I can't get it in my possession until its fully paid.

 

[Skippy123]

singing ::Julia, Julia, Julia::

 

[armywife13]

singing ::Julia, Julia, Julia::

Haha, I love your enthusiasm, Skippy!

 

[Christina...]

I think that both are gorgeous, but I voted for the Julia because with all the bling of that 3+ monster, you won't need the help of the gabbie. I cant wait to see this beauty. How much longer do you (we) have to wait?

ETA. I just reread the posts and saw that I have to wait a few months..... summer...will you ever get here?

 

[armywife13]

I think that both are gorgeous, but I voted for the Julia because with all the bling of that 3+ monster, you won't need the help of the gabbie. I cant wait to see this beauty. How much longer do you (we) have to wait?

With the Gabbie halo, I would have the ring July/August. If I decide to purchase the Julia setting and a wedding band for with it, it will probably be closer to October. I sure hope this year goes by quick!

 

[vintagelover229]

I love them both-but since the gabby is more affordable now and you love it I say go for it!

You can ALWAYS save up for the julia later on down the road and sell the gabby (and probably get what you paid into it or close to it) OR put a beautiful sapphire/gemstone in it later for a RHR once you reset


Either way congratulations on the beautiful stone!!

 

[Amys Bling]

I like the halo

 

[armywife13]

Thanks Amy's Bling, me too!

Vintagelover....I like the way you think!

 

[junebug17]

This is a tough decision - I keep going back and forth, so I can only imagine how you feel! I'm leaning towards the gabby because you love it, you seem a little concerned about finger coverage and this would take care of that, and because it's a good deal. And as others have pointed out, you could always switch to the Julia down the road. It's going to be gorgeous, no matter what you choose!

 

[decodelighted]

I have LOATHED the Gabby since I first laid eyes on it. So you can guess my vote!

ETA: People tend to put the choice THEY prefer first in a list of options ... so I think I can guess YOUR vote as well

ETA #2: Why don't you order a more moderately priced solitaire setting *elsewhere* and ask them to set your stone into *that*. The Julia seems way overpriced to me.