PSers with pave or halos...

[Dreamer_D]

Do you baby your rings? How often do you wear them? Have you had much maintenance/repairs to do?

I know there have been threads on this before, but I wanted to hear from my friends

 

[february2003bride]

When I had pave rings I did baby them. No ultrasonic, just cleaning with some dishsoap and a small toothbrush, took it off at night, no gym, etc.

Are you going for the halo over the 3 stone now? I have some "fun money" to burn and I will admit, I''m hooked back on getting a halo. Darn diamond shrinkage!

 

[LGK]

The one I had, I had for a year. It was 18K, single sided pave (top of shank pave''d, sides engraved). I didn''t baby it. At all. I ultrasonic-cleaned it frequently, I wore it constantly, I banged it into stuff. I never lost a stone, and it looked like it was in virtually perfect condition when I sold it. I was quite surprised at how it held up, actually. The appraiser who saw it said it was very well made and the melee was well set, which probably helped.

 

[Amethyste]

there dreamer!

I have a halo and pave all over my plpatinum setting and I wear mine everyday. I do not baby my ring but do take it off when I do some good scrubbing/cleaning to just not bang it around. Since its a pear and the belly of the setting rubs against my wedding band, I had to replace a couple of lost pave diamond in the last year or so. There are over 200 little pave diamonds in my pave setting, so a couple a year is pretty godo in my opinion.

I only take a soft toothbrush in jewelry cleaner to wash it, no ultrasonic EVER.

 

[ms.halo]

Dreamer, My rings are really delicate micropave and I wear them everyday. I was told by my jeweler to be very, very careful and to not open doors with my left hand or put any pressure on the ring. I''m a clutz, but I do my best. No problems yet (I''ve had my band for 6 years and my haloed ering for 1 year).

 

[Lula]

Halos are a girl's best friend, Dreamer, so if you're thinking along those lines, I'd say go for it!

I've had my halo setting since October. No maintenance, no repairs yet. I expected to lose a small stone by now, especially since the stones in the gallery are set flush without any prongs at all. But so far -- knock on wood -- no lost stones.

I was also worried I'd crack one of the sapphires, but it hasn't happened yet.

I do not baby my ring, though I am careful with it. That means I don't wear it in the shower; I remove it when I'm using any kind of chemicals/cleaning supplies.

But there have been many times when I have looked down at my hand, and thought, uh-oh, I should have taken my ring off! For instance, I try to remember to take it off when I'm walking the dogs because I'm afraid if they pull on the leash and it's wrapped around my hand, it could bend my ring. Well, I rarely remember to take it off before I got out with the dogs, so out it goes on the dog walks. It does give me an excuse to check out the SB fluorescence of my diamond, though!

I have also dropped it a few times on our hardwood floors

and on our countertops and on the bathroom sink. But I always remember to close the drain when I am in the kitchen or bathroom, even though the size and shape of my halo would make it difficult to lose my ring down the drain. Just a habit I got into with all my jewelry -- close the drain before I take it off.

Most nights I also forget to take it off before I go to bed, so I sleep with it on. Bad girl! But I put the ring box and my hand lotion on my bedside table, to remind me to take my ring off and put lotion on before bed. That's helped.

I won't wear it gardening.

I don't wear it traveling on a long trip, because I don't want to worry about theft/loss while I'm on a business trip or a vacation. Too much stress.

Several of my friends have asked me if I ever knock my ring against things because it sits so high off my hand, but that has not been an issue. Maybe it's because it doesn't spin on my finger, so it stays in place when I move my hand.

Cleaning a halo setting is a bit of a pain, though. I soak it in some jewelry cleaner, use a soft toothbrush from every angle, and then us a jewel jet to steam it. The jewel jet makes a huge difference. I would not use an ultrasound because of the bad things I've read on PS about melee settings and ultrasonics.

I clean it nearly every day. It doesn't take long, but it does make one long for a plain bezel setting at times!

 

[mrssalvo]

dreamer, I don''t baby my ring but I am more careful with it. I don''t wear it if I''m doing anything with my hands, to the gym or pool etc. But, i do wear it out and about in any of my other activities so it''s not like it sits in a box only to be worn on special occasions either. I haven''t had any problems with it thus far.

 

[lulu]

I''ve had a pave halo for a little over a year. I don''t wear my ring when I''m hanging around the house or gardening. But I wear it to run errands etc. Haven''t lost a stone.
I use a soft brush to clean it. I definitely don''t baby it. Mine''s 14k white gold.

 

[Bella_mezzo]

dreamer--what do you have planned

 

[Dreamer_D]

Date: 3/5/2010 4:26:26 PM
Author: february2003bride
When I had pave rings I did baby them. No ultrasonic, just cleaning with some dishsoap and a small toothbrush, took it off at night, no gym, etc.

Are you going for the halo over the 3 stone now? I have some ''fun money'' to burn and I will admit, I''m hooked back on getting a halo. Darn diamond shrinkage!

I don''t know! All I know is that I will reset this year and I am very torn between a halo (most likely Ritani or Vatche) and a three stone. I am sure I will post some threads asking people''s advice.

Are you not loving your Scott K anymore?

 

[Kaleigh]

Hey Dreamer,

I vote 3 stone. Low maintenence, low key= no worries. I can''t lie. My RHR is an asscher, with a halo micro pave. It''s very well made, not some fly by night jeweler.

I have lost 2 stones from the mele, and each time had to send it back.

That = a PITA

I baby my rings. I don''t wear them unless I am going out. And when I am out, I am very delicate with my hands... I am soooo anal, it''s crazy..

You are such a busy Mom, I just feel a 3 stone would be more fitting for your lifestyle now....

You want something hassle free, worry free at this point right??

Pave is neither of those....

I had to speak up as one of your friends....

 

[Dreamer_D]

Date: 3/5/2010 9:01:41 PM
Author: Kaleigh
Hey Dreamer,

I vote 3 stone. Low maintenence, low key= no worries. I can''t lie. My RHR is an asscher, with a halo micro pave. It''s very well made, not some fly by night jeweler.

I have lost 2 stones from the mele, and each time had to send it back.

That = a PITA

I baby my rings. I don''t wear them unless I am going out. And when I am out, I am very delicate with my hands... I am soooo anal, it''s crazy..

You are such a busy Mom, I just feel a 3 stone would be more fitting for your lifestyle now....

You want something hassle free, worry free at this point right??

Pave is neither of those....

I had to speak up as one of your friends....

Yes indeed, and that counts Ms Kaleigh! But it is so pretty...

Part of me just wants my dream ring, and practicality be darned. I would go with a brand well known for its quality, and it would likely only have pave around the diamond. Anyways, you are right. But it is sort of "practical" versus "romantic and unique" and it is hard not to weight the latter heavily. Part of why I want a reset is because a simple solitaire is just too run of the mill for me. But maybe I can come up with a unique and amazing three-stone design?

 

[mrssalvo]

dreamer, you know my saga. I went with the dream ring, thought it was too much for every day, tried to sell it, missed it, got it back again and I sent practicality out the door. My ring is handmade pave though and I do think makes a difference in how it holds up. Of course it''s still possible to lose stones but it''s worth it to me. Ritani has an excellent reputation so I think if you stick with a designer that has a super high quality/standard like ritani you will be fine. We rarely here of anyone loosing stones out of their Ritani pave rings. However, kaleigh is right that there are no worries with a 3 stone and it''s a classic design.

 

[Dreamer_D]

Date: 3/5/2010 10:13:56 PM
Author: mrssalvo
dreamer, you know my saga. I went with the dream ring, thought it was too much for every day, tried to sell it, missed it, got it back again and I sent practicality out the door. My ring is handmade pave though and I do think makes a difference in how it holds up. Of course it''s still possible to lose stones but it''s worth it to me. Ritani has an excellent reputation so I think if you stick with a designer that has a super high quality/standard like ritani you will be fine. We rarely here of anyone loosing stones out of their Ritani pave rings. However, kaleigh is right that there are no worries with a 3 stone and it''s a classic design.

This was my thinking on the brand. If I were to do pave, I would want the "tank" of pave (according to Bill Pearlman

)

 

[ChunkyCushionLover]

Date: 3/5/2010 4:21:29 PM
Author:dreamer_d
Do you baby your rings? How often do you wear them? Have you had much maintenance/repairs to do?

I know there have been threads on this before, but I wanted to hear from my friends

My wife has ERD HW micropave setting. Often ultrasoniced and steam cleaned occasionally for about 5 months no issues yet on either band or ring.
My local jeweler and I agree if a stone is going to come out best it comes out in the ultrasonic than elsewhere. Its very easy for a decent jeweler to put back in a stone and many won't even charge for this.

Make sure the work is done by a reputable setter and jeweler and I see a minimal problem I don't feel these rings have to have special care unless they are ultrathin or you are talking about really small diamonds like 0.5 pointers and under.

 

[Gypsy]

Yup. I do. Lost two stones to date. One I knocked to kingdom come while sleeping the other just fell out. PITA is right. Beautiful, but not imminently practical. If you want to wear your ring all the time, I'd say three stone or solitaire. If you want a ring to wear out of the house that makes a large impression. Halo. If I had a larger center, I'd have gone for a three stone in a heart beat. But I adore my ring.

 

[Dreamer_D]

Date: 3/6/2010 12:47:00 AM
Author: Gypsy
Yup. I do. Lost two stones to date. One I knocked to kingdom come while sleeping the other just fell out. PITA is right. Beautiful, but not imminently practical. If you want to wear your ring all the time, I''d say three stone or solitaire. If you want a ring to wear out of the house that makes a large impression. Halo. If I had a larger center, I''d have gone for a three stone in a heart beat. But I adore my ring.

I generally take my rings off at night and when I work with my hands, but wear them the rest of the time. I think this will be a hard decision for me to make. My diamond is a 1.2ct RB (6.85mm diameter). Does that qualify as a "larger center" in your books Gypsy? I won''t be offended if it isn''t

 

[Catmom]

Hi Dreamer, I''ve had my ring for three years. I don''t baby it at all. As a matter of fact the only time I take it off is when I shower. I sleep in it and I do work in it which freaks out my hubby at times but doesn''t bother me at all. I don''t use the ultrasonic on it but it does get a good steam cleaning quite often plus I brush clean it every day. I have never lost a stone. I think that the durability all depends upon how the ring is made. I know some lose stones immediately and others like mine never lose a stone.

 

[risingsun]

I have had my halo since the summer. I don''t wear it when doing household chores, sleeping, showering or dog grooming. This is no different than with my previous setting. So far, no problems. I''m not hard on my rings, but I wear them most of the time. I say, if you want a halo, go for it

 

[february2003bride]

Date: 3/5/2010 8:42:35 PM
Author: dreamer_d

Date: 3/5/2010 4:26:26 PM
Author: february2003bride
When I had pave rings I did baby them. No ultrasonic, just cleaning with some dishsoap and a small toothbrush, took it off at night, no gym, etc.

Are you going for the halo over the 3 stone now? I have some ''fun money'' to burn and I will admit, I''m hooked back on getting a halo. Darn diamond shrinkage!

I don''t know! All I know is that I will reset this year and I am very torn between a halo (most likely Ritani or Vatche) and a three stone. I am sure I will post some threads asking people''s advice.

Are you not loving your Scott K anymore?

No, I still love my SK! I went to a local jeweler to try on diamond bands with my SK ring. Just for fun I tried on a thin halo that caught my eye and of course, loved it. I also tried on a Ritani Royal Crown with round channel side stones and loved it too! It was the extra sparkle/ bling that I loved. I may keep the SK and get a diamond band or I may change it. I''m in no rush and love my SK setting.

 

[Dreamer_D]

Feb I think you just need more than one wedding set. With the money spent on so many resets, you could keep your current set and save up for maybe a .5ct in a halo! Best of both worlds, right? Some day I will probably have more than one wedding set too. For now, I am trying to decide what to do right now

All I know for sure is that a simple solitaire is not for me. But what to do with instead is a whole other matter

 

[shimmer]

Date: 3/6/2010 4:34:01 PM
Author: dreamer_d
Feb I think you just need more than one wedding set. With the money spent on so many resets, you could keep your current set and save up for maybe a .5ct in a halo! Best of both worlds, right? Some day I will probably have more than one wedding set too. For now, I am trying to decide what to do right now

All I know for sure is that a simple solitaire is not for me. But what to do with instead is a whole other matter

That's what I'm doing! I'm setting my 0.59 oec/tranny in a bev k bezel halo, and will have a cushion solitaire/three stone once I find the perfect stone. Well, that's the plan right now anyhow

I change my mind every few days so we'll see!

Dreamer-do you have a local jeweler you feel comfortable with to go to for repairs?

That would be a big factor in my decision to go with a halo or not. I've also had to get over the psychological aspect of not wanting to 'hurt' my rings and as a result being unable to enjoy them fully. Now that we can get good insurance in Canada, I'm over it and will wear them as much/wherever I want

So happy! Can't wait to see what you end up with

ETA: to answer your question- I have not had to have any maintenance with my Tacori halo. ETA2: I only wear it about once a week, no ultrasonic or steam (b/c of the garnet, I did both when my diamond was in it).

 

[february2003bride]

Date: 3/6/2010 4:34:01 PM
Author: dreamer_d
Feb I think you just need more than one wedding set. With the money spent on so many resets, you could keep your current set and save up for maybe a .5ct in a halo! Best of both worlds, right? Some day I will probably have more than one wedding set too. For now, I am trying to decide what to do right now

All I know for sure is that a simple solitaire is not for me. But what to do with instead is a whole other matter

Nah, I''m a one set woman! I''m actually 100% happy with my current set and had always intended to eventually get a diamond band to go with my SK setting. I should probably just stay away from the settings section at the jewelers

I''m just pondering it, seriously doubt I''ll actually go through with it. Plus I got my SK setting for so cheap that if I were to sell it, I would make money on it.

I think you should go 3 stone, personally. I know you ultimately want a larger diamond center stone but a three stone will give that oomph you are looking for. The halo would give the visual of a larger stone but I do agree with Kaleigh that since you are a mom you don''t want to have to baby your rings and have them off more than on! With a solitaire or 3 stone, it''s so easy to just keep it on and forget about it. With the halo, you''d have to make sure to take it off so it wouldn''t get damaged. The only time my rings are off is when I''m putting hand lotion on! I do love that about my set.

 

[Bliss]

I don't baby my rings either!

Never lost a stone. ERD did a great job - the ring is very very heavy/solid and sturdy. I think it also helps that the diamonds only cover the top portion of the ring and not the 2 sides. But I have banged my rings around a lot and have not had any problems yet. Aiyee! I hope typing that last sentence doesn't jinx me! Jinx!!!

Sooooooooo excited for you, dreamer!

 

[Gypsy]

Hi Dream, I think 6.85 mm is a nice size. Mine is 5.87 x 5.86 and an asscher (which draws your eye inward unlike rounds) if mine had been around 7mm and round cut (lots more sidestone options) I would have gone for a non-halo setting. But I am not a round person, so I can''t say what I would get... but if you want me to think about it I''d be happy to.

 

[Dreamer_D]

Thank you everyone, for once again helping me out!

I went to a local jeweler today and they happened to have some nice settings for me to try, pave halos, three stones. And once again it was clear as DAY what my preference was... THREE STONE BABY! I felt the same way at Tiffany but had myself questioning things again. Pave is pretty but it just isn''t "me". So I am getting a three-stone this year!

They were also kind enough to help model some different size side stones for me and help me decide on the ratio I like. With my 1.2ct 6.85mm diamond my favourite ratio was with 4.6mm side stones, around .38cts. It feels so good to know!

Now hopefully I will not get distracted by the swan song pf pave yet again...

 

[MissGotRocks]

Half the battle is knowing what you want - the other half is coming up with it! At least now you feel - with a reasonable degree of certainty - what you want. Good luck - I''m sure you will make it happen!

 

[Kaleigh]

DD knowing what you want is half the battle, and yay for a 3 stone. I can''t wait to see what you do!!!!!

 

[Gypsy]

Date: 3/6/2010 9:42:10 PM
Author: dreamer_d
Thank you everyone, for once again helping me out!

I went to a local jeweler today and they happened to have some nice settings for me to try, pave halos, three stones. And once again it was clear as DAY what my preference was... THREE STONE BABY! I felt the same way at Tiffany but had myself questioning things again. Pave is pretty but it just isn't 'me'. So I am getting a three-stone this year!

They were also kind enough to help model some different size side stones for me and help me decide on the ratio I like. With my 1.2ct 6.85mm diamond my favourite ratio was with 4.6mm side stones, around .38cts. It feels so good to know!

Now hopefully I will not get distracted by the swan song pf pave yet again...

PAVE is what RHR and stackable bands are for! Indulge yourselve on a lovely piece of pave. Just not for your engagment ring. If you love 3 stones. Get the three stone hon. I thought about it and my choice would be three rounds, followed by pear sidestones, followed by baguettes. But what I'd buy is a 5 stones with a specific design that I like.

Knowing what you want is important. Are you 100% sure about your center, since you want a three stone? And who are you planning on having do your setting? Leon makes stunning three and five stones.

 

[Dreamer_D]

Date: 3/6/2010 9:59:47 PM
Author: Gypsy

I thought about it and my choice would be three rounds, followed by pear sidestones, followed by baguettes. But what I'd buy is a 5 stones with a specific design that I like.

Knowing what you want is important. Are you 100% sure about your center, since you want a three stone? And who are you planning on having do your setting? Leon makes stunning three and five stones.

Oh rounds is my absolute preference. Although a little "tame" or "conventional", boy-oh-boy it is the BLING factor that I love. It looks really great on my hand and is almost so blingtastic it is obscene when combined with my Dream band. Its perfect

.

As to my center, I love its size and love its color... the only thing that *may* change in the future is the clarity. I figure I will have BGD do the setting -- probably a simple "tiffany" style basket setting, I like the simplicity. If I ever decide the change out the center, I cannot imagine it will be hard to do the switcheroo -- it would be for a stone of the same size. But I will make sure of this before I do anything. I really love my current G SI2 99% of the time. But sometimes I go hunting for the table inclusion and of course can find it

But only if I hunt. Why would I do that? LOL. ETAMy husband wants me to keep this diamond, and I would really hurt to part with it, so in the end that may be the deciding factor.

Leon is great of course, but not my cup of tea I think.

Our third anniversary is actually this May, so I think this reset is very apropos! I too would love a five-stone. Perhaps for our fifth!