Precious stone needed for gorgeous new home...needn't be perfect!

[tlfiore]

Oh God... @MollyMalone First off, thank you so much for your encouragement and support with this "change in direction," which is sorta difficult for me. It's difficult only 'cause I know very little, if anything about MRB...so I'm learning...quickly!

And please...no no no...accept my apologies if in any way I insinuated your comments to nala were critical of me. No no no...you've been anything but that...IMHO

It's so good to see your comments echo my initial sentiments & impressions about disco ball MRBs versus not! The few MRBS one seller dropped into my setting today were not disco ball in any way...not in any light...the trick in-store lighting, blocked in-store lighting, creeped into a corner of the store lighting...and outside near window natural lighting (front of store...with an escort tethered to me...like I can run-hehehehehe).

No...you have been great. Please continue following, okay???

 

[diamondseeker2006]

I just looked up the inspiration ring, and they estimate the center stone at 1.49 cts. So that explains why the center stone looks smaller and is set lower, and the whole setting is scaled smaller.

 

[MollyMalone]

Custom is hard. Period. Full stop. You love your setting. Just focus on that. Whatever lead you to that outcome, you love that setting. That is an achievement.

Highlighting this because it's so wise and beautifully articulated.

If I had PhotoShop (and knew how to use it), I'd create a virtual cross-stitch sampler with the words embroidered on it for you, tifiore ; - )

 

[tlfiore]

@diamondseeker2006 I am reading your post with great interest...thank you! What you cite about the 2.43 ct and the weight, the diamond height and all, the diamond seating, etc makes lots of sense!

I will share a funny-something with you 'cause you are so correct in one regard (and many regards-smile).

So, buried in one thread or another, is a picture of my Kithara Setting prior to milgraining. When I saw the setting in an initial pic sent by Caysie, I said to Caysie, "Ya' know...to me the setting is gorgeous and I love it...but it lacks a certain 'je ne sais quoi,' don'tcha' think? To which Caysie replied, "Not sure...what do you mean?" Well, I was on this re-engraving/milgraining kick with my nearly 20 year old Ben Moses 11-diamond Replica Victorian Wedding Band Ring at the time, so I said, "I dunno...milgraining, etching." Caysie said "Uhhhhhhh, I...hmmmmm...erhhh...okay...we'll try it but when it's done, it's done." I said "Okay..."

Well, when I saw the macro photo of the milgrain, I shrieked! I am NOT known for brevity (no kidding), so I left this looooong voice mail message on Caysie's cell phone boo-hoo-hooing (not happy tears) about "I made YOU ruin my ring!" I should have stayed out of it. In pics, I DETESTED the milgraining.

Caysie in her own sweet and PATIENT way (along with a few others in the know) reassured me that "macro-photography captures milgrain in the most ineffective & unattractive way." Caysie also said "seeing and viewing the ring now WITH milgrain, she wouldn't have done the ring any other way."

Well, IRL the milgrain is perfection. Everyone who has seen the ring says "It's a masterpiece and a work of art." And the milgrain TOTALLY compliments and pulls together the incredible, luscious details of the gallery lyres or kitharas or harps. Hard to explain but it is gorgeous!

Thank you!

 

[tlfiore]

Highlighting this because it's so wise and beautifully articulated.

If I had PhotoShop (and knew how to use it), I'd create a virtual cross-stitch sampler with the words embroidered on it for you, tifiore ; - )

Awwwwww...you are so so sweet and kind! Thank you!

 

[tlfiore]

I just looked up the inspiration ring, and they estimate the center stone at 1.49 cts. So that explains why the center stone looks smaller and is set lower, and the whole setting is scaled smaller.

Yup...very true. And I did know all of this going into the custom design. FWIW, I love my setting 10,000% more than the inspiration ring! Love the French Cuts, love the antiquity of the lyres on the shoulders...and the gallery (I call it the basket)...ALL of the gallery was Caysie's design. Caysie initially suggested a traditional Fleur-de-Lis gallery, which I didn't necessarily want...too ordinary. I said "Hmmmmm, let' do something with the theme of the Kithara, blah, blah." Caysie said, "Wait a minute." And a few minutes later...



versus


The woman (IMHO) is truly gifted and a real visionary. You throw her an idea and she comes up with the unimaginable! And the awe demonstrated by my DH about the setting and her work (and her bench's work), is something beyond--because--my DH is EXTREMELY CRITICAL (a trait I dislike in him...but I love him bunches). Can't get the disco ball thing out of my brain! Bear with me!

 

[diamondseeker2006]

Yup...very true. And I did know all of this going into the custom design. FWIW, I love my setting 10,000% more than the inspiration ring! Love the French Cuts, love the antiquity of the lyres on the shoulders...and the gallery (I call it the basket)...ALL of the gallery was Caysie's design. Caysie initially suggested a traditional Fleur-de-Lis gallery, which I didn't necessarily want...too ordinary. I said "Hmmmmm, let' do something with the theme of the Kithara, blah, blah." Caysie said, "Wait a minute." And a few minutes later...



versus


The woman (IMHO) is truly gifted and a real visionary. You throw her an idea and she comes up with the unimaginable! And the awe demonstrated by my DH about the setting and her work (and her bench's work), is something beyond--because--my DH is EXTREMELY CRITICAL (a trait I dislike in him...but I love him bunches). Can't get the disco ball thing out of my brain! Bear with me!

Okay, it is good to hear your love for the setting as it is! I agree that it is perfectly designed. Her drawings are even beautiful. I wouldn't consider altering a thing about the setting. I am just hopeful that the decrease in diamond size to 8.1mm will do the trick and make it perfect for you!

 

[rockysalamander]

What about that 1.95 from LAD? If 8.07 mm will work...it's aweful pretty.
european-cut-diamond-gia-i-vs1/

 

[tlfiore]

What about that 1.95 from LAD? If 8.07 mm will work...it's aweful pretty.
european-cut-diamond-gia-i-vs1/

Thank you for following me and continually helping me! I appreciate you a whole lot.

Hey...I've had an awful day today, so I've done very little in the way of must-dos. Erica @ LAD is next on my list of return emails, which I hopefully will get to either later today or first thing tomorrow.

So, I love the 1.95 from LAD and I think it may work...Erica thinks so, too. But here's the thing. Primarily, Erica (who I adore) is very optimistic about the sale of my intact Casablanca Ring and she is going to take it on consignment. And I totally understand 'cause Erica's diamond inventory is glorious. However, even with the sale of my Casablanca and a very generous percentage of that applied towards any diamond in Erica's inventory (through the graciousness and kindness and generosity of Erica), I will still need to put out (what for DH and I right now) is a boat-load of cash for a diamond from LAD (or for ANY OEC).

Ergot the "awful day" today ie: with dear husband (who is not being so dear today).

Additionally, from what I've gathered and from what I'm seeing, in general I think a simple ol' MRB may be the WIN-WIN-WIN right now, primarily due to a few considerations. First, a MRB I think, will work well with the setting challenges, thus giving me the diamond height I'm seeking and overall look I'm hoping for. Secondly, MRBs are readily available and accessible. And thirdly, MRBS are more affordable and within our budget right now. It's all good!

I'm happy for all I have and I am eternally grateful for everything my DH, Caysie, the folks on this forum, Erica, Adam and everyone else have done for me!

Next on my wish-list (should I live long enough to realize it) will be a lovely, INTACT old pre-loved platinum diamond ring with a 1.50 ct-ish Antique Cushion Cut. Gives me something to hope for and look forward to

But after the brawl this morning, I don't think any antique cushion will be finding a new home here anytime soon.

May I be frank? I'm starting to understand and empathize more with @ILikeShiny 'cause this entire pre-loved Casablanca setting, OEC 2.43 ct, custom ring design, 2.43 ct not working in custom setting, find new OEC for custom setting, find new MRB for custom setting, run here 'n there, call all over, consign Casablanca, buy OEC, not buy OEC, see Adam @ OWD, travel to NYC for OEC, buy MRB, etc etc thing has taken away some of the "joy" from the final end product. Well, truthfully it's taken away most of it. It's tiring and I'm finding it stressful.

Edit to above: I do not intend to imply any fault or blame to anyone. I take full responsibility for it all 'cause I created all this. And I am extremely grateful for being able to have a CvB Custom Design, a husband who loves me enough to see me realize my long-time-coming solitaire, people who care enough to help me (an "Internet Stranger," as someone referred to me on another thread-smile) and so many other Blessings in my life...so much in my life!

@scarsmum just got the alert to your thumbs up on an up-thread post in which YOU were acknowledged! Glad you saw this shout-out

 

[scarsmum]

Thank you for following me and continually helping me! I appreciate you a whole lot.

Hey...I've had an awful day today, so I've done very little in the way of must-dos. Erica @ LAD is next on my list of return emails, which I hopefully will get to either later today or first thing tomorrow.

So, I love the 1.95 from LAD and I think it may work...Erica thinks so, too. But here's the thing. Primarily, Erica (who I adore) is very optimistic about the sale of my intact Casablanca Ring and she is going to take it on consignment. And I totally understand 'cause Erica's diamond inventory is glorious. However, even with the sale of my Casablanca and a very generous percentage of that applied towards any diamond in Erica's inventory (through the graciousness and kindness and generosity of Erica), I will still need to put out (what for DH and I right now) is a boat-load of cash for a diamond from LAD (or for ANY OEC).

Ergot the "awful day" today ie: with dear husband (who is not being so dear today).

Additionally, from what I've gathered and from what I'm seeing, in general I think a simple ol' MRB may be the WIN-WIN-WIN right now, primarily due to a few considerations. First, a MRB I think, will work well with the setting challenges, thus giving me the diamond height I'm seeking and overall look I'm hoping for. Secondly, MRBs are readily available and accessible. And thirdly, MRBS are more affordable and within our budget right now. It's all good!

I'm happy for all I have and I am eternally grateful for everything my DH, Caysie, the folks on this forum, Erica, Adam and everyone else have done for me!

Next on my wish-list (should I live long enough to realize it) will be a lovely, INTACT old pre-loved platinum diamond ring with a 1.50 ct-ish Antique Cushion Cut. Gives me something to hope for and look forward to

But after the brawl this morning, I don't think any antique cushion will be finding a new home here anytime soon.

May I be frank? I'm starting to understand and empathize more with @ILikeShiny 'cause this entire pre-loved Casablanca setting, OEC 2.43 ct, custom ring design, 2.43 ct not working in custom setting, find new OEC for custom setting, find new MRB for custom setting, run here 'n there, call all over, consign Casablanca, buy OEC, not buy OEC, see Adam @ OWD, travel to NYC for OEC, buy MRB, etc etc thing has taken away some of the "joy" from the final end product. Well, truthfully it's taken away most of it. It's tiring and I'm finding it stressful.

Edit to above: I do not intend to imply any fault or blame to anyone. I take full responsibility for it all 'cause I created all this. And I am extremely grateful for being able to have a CvB Custom Design, a husband who loves me enough to see me realize my long-time-coming solitaire, people who care enough to help me (an "Internet Stranger," as someone referred to me on another thread-smile) and so many other Blessings in my life...so much in my life!

@scarsmum just got the alert to your thumbs up on an up-thread post in which YOU were acknowledged! Glad you saw this shout-out

Ha! Thanks. Okay glad your reflection is bearing fruit. Here’s a stone for your consideration, should you really enjoy selling settings and negotiating prices! I think it’s overpriced personally but it’s a lovely diamond. I would take another week to just really contemplate the kind of sldiamond that will make this ring feel right for you. https://loupetroop.com/listings/rin...lash-eye-clean-si1-platinum-ring-size-4-dot-5

 

[MollyMalone]

How about giving yourself a break from this for awhile, @tlfiore ... except maybe sending off the Casablanca to Erica & setting up your PS account so you get alerted when new items appear in Preloved PS Jewels.

MRBs that are/close to 7.65 mm x 7.70 mm x 5.00 mm, the dimensions of the MRBs that worked well in your eyes and the opinions of your local benches-other consultants, aren't rare & the Kithara setting isn't subject to deterioration, won't sprout legs and run off ; - )

 

[tlfiore]

How about giving yourself a break from this for awhile, @tlfiore ... except maybe sending off the Casablanca to Erica & setting up your PS account so you get alerted when new items appear in Preloved PS Jewels.

MRBs that are/close to 7.65 mm x 7.70 mm x 5.00 mm, the dimensions of the MRBs that worked well in your eyes and the opinions of your local benches-other consultants, aren't rare & the Kithara setting isn't subject to deterioration, won't sprout legs and run off ; - )

@MollyMalone Thank you for sensing my fatigue (which is pretty detectable). It's just been a rough day. I appreciate everything you've said and all the help you have offered. It's just been a long 5 days or so. I'm taking your advice!

 

[rockysalamander]

@MollyMalone Thank you for sensing my fatigue (which is pretty detectable). It's just been a rough day. I appreciate everything you've said and all the help you have offered. It's just been a long 5 days or so. I'm taking your advice!

@MollyMalone said exactly what I was going to post. Give yourself some time to just kinda process all this.

 

[LightBright]

After you take some time off, i would recommend a couple things. One, like Diamondseeker said in a previous post, get a cz MRB and set it in the setting. See if you like the profile of the MRB with your setting. MRBs have lower crown angles than old cuts, so sit flatter in a setting. You say this looks beautiful with your ring, so you may be on to something. You could also get a Transitional Cut Cz or moissy (See the Synthetics Board for more details as they are not supposed to be discussed here).

Two of the inspiration photos you posted were of very flat crowned old cuts with large tables. One was an antique cushion. One was a bit of a “European Cut” Transitional (not all Transitionals are blocky checkerboards).

If you like this flat look, of a diamond dropped into a low to the finger setting, you might want to look at:

Modern 60/60 cuts, like the one linked to above by scarsmum that is owned by HappyNewLife, or old cuts like early modern 60/60s (there’s a photo of one in this thread), https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/got-early-modern-round-brilliant.180926/

Modern cut antique cushions in the style of Boston Jeff’s (https://www.pricescope.com/communit...old-mine-brilliant-leon-mege-solitaire.62389/). (Not all old cut cushions have comparatively flat crowns with broad tables but his stone’s cut style does).

European Cut Transitionals. For example, Dreamer’s George: https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/my-dream-ring-8-1mm-european-cut-diamond.177658/page-5

After reading your posts, I’m beginning to think you DO NOT want the classic look of the high crown Old European Cut. So knowing that, you might want to consider what cuts have a flatter profile which seems to suit you and your setting.

 

[GearGirly]

I know this is off topic as far as the stone but I would love to see more pictures of the setting!!!