Reading ASET report

[ASETNewbie]

Setting-wise she gave a few examples. Most of them shy away from traditional settings, but I take note of the need for corner protection . Some of the examples she gave are below. She really likes the sets, but so far haven't found the one that really jumps out to me. I liked the design of the barkev from the top, but that big blank side just isn't appealing to me.

I like the others as well, but haven't found one that mixes the "newer" style with the protection. I've also thought about going to a local jeweler I've talked to about custom designing a piece using these as examples, but also blending in the v prong setting.

For some reason the Halo setting just isn't for me. I know it's hers, I just kind of want that diamond to stand alone a bit to jump out.

 

[ASETNewbie]

These are right off her pintrest board so that makes it easy. Also, just was going say that the round settings are available in princess as well. The last one with the pear shape is just for reference on her style. Something "unique"

 

[rockysalamander]

Got it. Read through @sledge thread before he found "the one". We posted about 11 million options that have twists and twirls and crossovers, and mixes of all three. Maybe something will strike you. These all are for a round, but I think will give you a great jumping off point.

Post what you like and see if we can help you from there...

Round 1: https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/need-some-help-w-setting.240400/
Round 2: https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/picking-the-setting-take-2.240587/

 

[ASETNewbie]

Awesome, I'll read through that thread over the next couple days. So far today I've taken about 5 bathroom breaks to post replies here, lol. Might have to actually shut it down for tonight. Thanks again for the info. I'll chime back in once I read through the thread from sledge.

 

[rockysalamander]

Also, Check out Maevona. She's one of my favorite designers for folks wants something a bit different.

Soay Pave. This comes in white diamonds, but you can customize with other colors.

But imagine these prongs.


https://www.instagram.com/p/BfzGYUmhF1R/?utm_source=ig_share_sheet&igshid=19c01ikcdkbw7
https://www.instagram.com/p/BdBEYfcBU5t/?utm_source=ig_share_sheet&igshid=1g4rb5ae3q83l
https://www.instagram.com/p/BUeZ_d9ATbR/?utm_source=ig_share_sheet&igshid=mq8q22xyg327

 

[Lykame]

Setting-wise she gave a few examples. Most of them shy away from traditional settings, but I take note of the need for corner protection . Some of the examples she gave are below. She really likes the sets, but so far haven't found the one that really jumps out to me. I liked the design of the barkev from the top, but that big blank side just isn't appealing to me.

I like the others as well, but haven't found one that mixes the "newer" style with the protection. I've also thought about going to a local jeweler I've talked to about custom designing a piece using these as examples, but also blending in the v prong setting.

For some reason the Halo setting just isn't for me. I know it's hers, I just kind of want that diamond to stand alone a bit to jump out.

I REALLY like that C.W.Sellors one. I'm almost positive (99.9% sure) that's one of those rings where it is actually the engagement ring and the wedding band, and then you can have them separately or slot them together like that. I love that idea and think it would be really easy to modify it for a princess with the correct type of tip protection.

Yes you should read @sledge that is a grand idea too.

 

[ASETNewbie]

Thanks lykame. You are correct. It's a set where one piece is the band and the other the engagement. It's been at the top of my list, just haven't reached out to them to see if the can do a custom piece with a princess stone. But I think I'm going with the GOG diamond we discussed. They're closed until Tuesday, but have it on hold for me. Gonna reach out to cwsellors tomorrow to see if they'd be able to do a custom piece and if so, what it would cost. Otherwise I'll order the diamond and see if a local jeweler that does custom work can make me one in the same design for a princess cut. I think setting it "diamond" oriented to the band instead of square would look good.

Any thoughts on going local/custom?

 

[sledge]

LOL, I see @rockysalamander called me in here. I've felt your pain. It's going to get much worse, before it gets better. But the good news is it does get better.

FYI, I think the type of ring your girl wants is actually called a bypass style. Read the threads that @rockysalamander posted that started my journey. There are LOADS of beautiful rings suggested by her and several other in this community.

In the end, the right decision boiled down to a custom build with DK Jewelry out of LA. Not the easiest of things to do, especially since this was my first ever ring custom ring build but with the help of this community I think it turned out pretty damn good. My girl has the ring of her dreams, and it's unique to anything else we've seen.

Here is a link documenting the last leg of my journey for the e-ring. FYI, I am about to start the journey for her wedding ring and my wedding ring in the near future (many have asked, so stay tuned ).

https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/dk-bgd-custom-setting-the-home-stretch.240843/

Glad to help anyway I can. One piece of advice that is helpful but kills the surprise a little is to take her ring shopping and let her gravitate towards what she likes. I learned many of the rings my girl liked online she didn't like in-person.

Spoiler alert. Here is a pic of the final product:

 

[Lykame]

Thanks lykame. You are correct. It's a set where one piece is the band and the other the engagement. It's been at the top of my list, just haven't reached out to them to see if the can do a custom piece with a princess stone. But I think I'm going with the GOG diamond we discussed. They're closed until Tuesday, but have it on hold for me. Gonna reach out to cwsellors tomorrow to see if they'd be able to do a custom piece and if so, what it would cost. Otherwise I'll order the diamond and see if a local jeweler that does custom work can make me one in the same design for a princess cut. I think setting it "diamond" oriented to the band instead of square would look good.

Any thoughts on going local/custom?

I think that stone is the right choice!!!

I think GOG does custom? Might be worthwhile asking them. I'm not sure what people think of them for settings but I'm sure a search on this forum might reveal opinions.

I personally am quite a big fan of having the person who sells me the stone also set it, as it somehow feels like they then have more invested in being perfect. Having said that, as you will have seen, @sledge sourced his stone through one vendor and then had another vendor make his ring; as he chose wisely there was no issue at all. Based on @sledge's ring and his experience I would have no personal hesitation reaching out to David Klass.

Also when I was looking at that setting you like I had the same thought - setting it with the tips NSEW I think would be stunning! I meant to say actually, whoops. Really don't think it would be difficult to ensure the tips were well protected.

I know it's stressful but it's also super exciting, please keep us updated!!!

 

[sledge]

I would agree that if expertise, pricing and schedule are all favorable then doing it all at one spot is preferred. As mentioned I bought my stone from BGD in Houston and had DK in LA build the setting.

I had zero issues using BGD for both as their reputation is solid for providing the finest diamonds, delivering custom settings and provide amazing customer service. In short, Lesley and Brian are people you WANT to work with if possible. But the ring my girl wanted was unique and more costly with BGD. I wrestled with the decision but ultimately ended up using DK because of their superb reputation, unique ability to envision and deliver unique projects, attention to detail and IMO very fair pricing for what they offer.

Early on I advised BGD and DK I was working with both. Lesley held my stone in their vault all safe and secure while DK and myself worked through the design process. When Amy said she needed the diamond to finalize detuals and start casting and setting, it was very easy. I talked with Lesley and she shipped overnight directly to DK. It went out about 5-6pm CST and was confirmed received by DK less than 24 hours later!

Truly this was no obstacle at all and went silky smooth. Again I think excellent customer service from both sides made it a breeze. Just a side note but i learned Brian and David were actually old mates of yesteryear and had maintained their friendship and also a good working relationship.

This was just icing on the cake in my books. Two quality companies should be able to work together IMO. If not then one or both don't deserve your business. I'd have zero issues recommending BGD and DK. I've not worked with GoG but heard good things. If you think there is a chance you will use DK for the setting I'd have an honest conversation with both to ensure both are committed to making your experience hassle free and wonderful.

FYI any custom ring build with any jeweler will likely frustrate you at some point. As great as DK was I had emotional low points. They and this community was there to help me through then but as a guy it can be hard to properly communicate about jewellery or I felt so, although I tried hard to learn the language and adapt as much as I could. It's much easier to pick a setting and be done with it. However, in my experience it's much more rewarding and worth the hard work of doing custom if your girl isn't the typical solitaire or "easy to please" setting girl.

Of course saying that, and having my experience it is almost pure magic seeing the actual DK ring compared to the original inspiration. I'm biased but IMO DK took clunky and unrefined and delivered a very sexy, classy and refined piece. And that is just priceless in so many ways for both me and my girl.

 

[OoohShiny]

This one.

https://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/princess-cut-loose-diamond-3961079.htm

Oh my god to die for, and I'm not usually a fan of princess cuts. If you do wire transfer this is nearly your budget and Whiteflash have a great upgrade policy.

Ooh, that is nice - amazing ASET / contrast/facet patterning!

Probably the best Princess ASET I've seen!

So I chatted with goodoldgold and put that diamond on hold. I asked for what you advised Rocky and here was his response:
______
Here is a video of it under different lighting conditions.

Now THAT's how you do a video in a full range of different lighting conditions to enable accurate remote assessment

I know @Rhino is no longer at GOG but I'm not sure who else to pass my praise on to!

 

[ASETNewbie]

Allright folks, quick update. The diamond with GOG has a deposit down on it so 1/2 way there. They're working on an estimate to do the CWSellors ring, but with a NSEW princess setting. Depending on the price it sounds like that is where I'm going. If not, I'll reevaluate my options.

Worst case I scale back on the diamond a bit, get the ring she really wants and upgrade the diamond in the future. Ideally we'll get this all done through GOG so I have one outfit to work with in the future for touch-ups, service, resizings, etc.

I'll provide an update once I know where we land on the ring. Hoping the cost isn't exorbitant, but we'll just wait and see.

 

[Lykame]

Allright folks, quick update. The diamond with GOG has a deposit down on it so 1/2 way there. They're working on an estimate to do the CWSellors ring, but with a NSEW princess setting. Depending on the price it sounds like that is where I'm going. If not, I'll reevaluate my options.

Worst case I scale back on the diamond a bit, get the ring she really wants and upgrade the diamond in the future. Ideally we'll get this all done through GOG so I have one outfit to work with in the future for touch-ups, service, resizings, etc.

I'll provide an update once I know where we land on the ring. Hoping the cost isn't exorbitant, but we'll just wait and see.

Okay this is really exciting!

Hmm, I can understand why the setting is an important part of this. It's just difficult because the diamond you have found is really a great find, too! You would be lucky to find such a stone again anytime soon. Would there be a slightly more basic but still unusual setting she would be okay with for an initial engagement ring and then you could upgrade the setting for the wedding? I don't know whether that's feasible; ultimately I want this to work out fully for you!!!

Keep us updated with how this goes!

 

[sledge]

Allright folks, quick update. The diamond with GOG has a deposit down on it so 1/2 way there. They're working on an estimate to do the CWSellors ring, but with a NSEW princess setting. Depending on the price it sounds like that is where I'm going. If not, I'll reevaluate my options.

Worst case I scale back on the diamond a bit, get the ring she really wants and upgrade the diamond in the future. Ideally we'll get this all done through GOG so I have one outfit to work with in the future for touch-ups, service, resizings, etc.

I'll provide an update once I know where we land on the ring. Hoping the cost isn't exorbitant, but we'll just wait and see.

Glad to hear you picked a stone. Your journey sounds much like my own in the fact picking the stone wasn't terribly difficult but finding the setting was quite challenging. It's a different pressure than those that just buy a big stone and slap in a simple solitaire.

To make your life easier and keep you on track, I would say do not change your diamond now that you have decided that is "the one". Instead, adjust the setting around the diamond. Personally I wouldn't limit my options to GoG for the setting. I haven't worked with them, but they seem like great people. The issue I see looking from the outside in is that they don't have many setting selections, and their GoG collections seem very limited (no princess cut options at all, at least on their website).

So there are a few options -- maybe they can work with CW Sellors (appears to be from the UK) for the ring design you want. I suspect that may be very expensive. Or perhaps they can work with another ring vendor to ship in the what you want. Mark Schneider has quite a few of the flowy and twisty bypass style rings that might work for you -- check out his site! His prices are expensive though. I considered recreating a Mark Schneider ring with DK and got quoted a little less than $2,000 (Mark's price was around $5-6k IIRC) so if you are open to custom building a ring you might be able to get the design you want without blowing your budget.

That said, here are a few more options that may or may not work for you:

https://www.diamondboutiqueonline.c...iamond-bypass-engagement-ring-semi-mount.html

This one appears to be a Gabriel & NY ring as well, but I didn't find it quickly looking on Gabriel's website. Not sure it would work anyway as there is a halo around the round stone and you will need princess. But the "legs" extend a little further past the stone than another similar I found below, which I think is closer to some of your inspiration pictures.

https://www.gabrielny.com/engagement-ring/ER11684R4W44JJ

https://www.gabrielny.com/engagement-ring/ER4249W44JJ

https://www.gabrielny.com/engagement-ring/ER12336R4W44JJ

 

[ASETNewbie]

Glad to hear you picked a stone. Your journey sounds much like my own in the fact picking the stone wasn't terribly difficult but finding the setting was quite challenging. It's a different pressure than those that just buy a big stone and slap in a simple solitaire.

To make your life easier and keep you on track, I would say do not change your diamond now that you have decided that is "the one". Instead, adjust the setting around the diamond. Personally I wouldn't limit my options to GoG for the setting. I haven't worked with them, but they seem like great people. The issue I see looking from the outside in is that they don't have many setting selections, and their GoG collections seem very limited (no princess cut options at all, at least on their website).

So there are a few options -- maybe they can work with CW Sellors (appears to be from the UK) for the ring design you want. I suspect that may be very expensive. Or perhaps they can work with another ring vendor to ship in the what you want. Mark Schneider has quite a few of the flowy and twisty bypass style rings that might work for you -- check out his site! His prices are expensive though. I considered recreating a Mark Schneider ring with DK and got quoted a little less than $2,000 (Mark's price was around $5-6k IIRC) so if you are open to custom building a ring you might be able to get the design you want without blowing your budget.

That said, here are a few more options that may or may not work for you:

https://www.diamondboutiqueonline.c...iamond-bypass-engagement-ring-semi-mount.html

This one appears to be a Gabriel & NY ring as well, but I didn't find it quickly looking on Gabriel's website. Not sure it would work anyway as there is a halo around the round stone and you will need princess. But the "legs" extend a little further past the stone than another similar I found below, which I think is closer to some of your inspiration pictures.

https://www.gabrielny.com/engagement-ring/ER11684R4W44JJ

https://www.gabrielny.com/engagement-ring/ER4249W44JJ

https://www.gabrielny.com/engagement-ring/ER12336R4W44JJ

I really like those settings. I'm going to check them out. The good old gold guys do you have the option of having a custom-made, so I'm going to see what they come back with for a number. I am a little anxious because I anticipate a pretty significant price, so I'm going to keep looking in the interim. David, the guy that I'm working with from there, said that their people should be able to use the CW sellers ring and create a custom design for the princess cut. I like the fact that it would be completely unique but also know that I have a budget I have to stay Within. I think I'll heed your advice and stick with the stone. More to come once I get some numbers back from GOG

 

[sledge]

What do you consider expensive for a setting? Based on what I built with DK and the unique design style you want, I think about $2,500 to $3,000 would be a reasonable budget for your e-ring & wedding band.

Also metal type will play into the price. I was lucky with DK. He uses a white gold (WG) and palladium mix for his WG option. There was only a few hundred difference between WG/palladium and platinum. My girl wanted the shine of WG and DK recommended WG for strength, etc. due to my specific design elements so I stuck with WG and took the few hundred dollar discount.

Most places don't use a WG/palladium alloy and instead use a cheaper yellow gold and rhodium plate it. That is significantly cheaper than platinum. I think most other options I considered was about $700+ difference. When I talked with Mark Schneider directly, it was several THOUSAND dollars difference!

Regardless, if GoG is going to commit to custom making the setting then I would definitely get a few other quotes. Obviously I am happy with DK and the work they did for me. I am getting ready to start the matching wedding band shortly. It sounds like you are in NYC and like having the ability to get face to face with the GoG folks. I didn't have that luxury. I bought my diamond from BGD in Houston, and DK designed/built the setting in LA and then shipped to me at a separate remote location. It's doable is all I'm saying. No pressure to go that way though, just know you do have other options.

Also, whoever you go custom with, be sure to post the CAD's and renderings here and people will chime in and help you get everything just perfect. This was my first ever custom ring build, and the community here was awesome at helping me.

 

[ASETNewbie]

Thank you Sledge. This is some great info to have. I think I'm going to reach out to a couple other places just to compare and contrast offers and craftsmanship on the setting. Tancer the question about expensive, I have a ceiling in my head of 3000 for the band and ring.

I'm actually not in New York, I'm based out of San Antonio currently. I just like the idea of having it all done at one shop so if anything were to happen in the future it's only one place I have to deal with. I will get it insured outside of there just to be safe, but just like the prospect of going back to one shop for work or upgrades.

I might reach out to DK over the weekend when I have some time to sit down and put an email together to them. Then they can review and get back to me as they're able. I'll keep everyone posted here on the progress as we go. Thanks again to everyone who's chimed in.

 

[sledge]

I'd be very shocked if a $3,000 budget doesn't get you what you want. It's definitely worth talking to a few different places. While the design you are doing isn't identical to my girls, it is unique and not easy so everyone will not excel at that type of custom work. You want to have someone with some experience doing that style.

While not exactly in your backyard, BGD and WF are both located in Houston. That's only about 3 to 3.5 hours away from you. Both are super ideal vendors and truly top notch. And both have custom work benches that could help you build/design a setting to your liking.

I'm just not sure if either will do a custom setting if they aren't selling the stone. Maybe @Texas Leaguer can clarify for WF. You can reach out to Lesley @ BGD via email through their site, or simply just call them. While I think BGD occasionally sees items here on PS, I don't believe they have any active representatives that post, etc.

I'm sure @rockysalamander might have a few other jewelry shops besides those mentioned that could possibly help build you something.

 

[Texas Leaguer]

While not exactly in your backyard, BGD and WF are both located in Houston. That's only about 3 to 3.5 hours away from you. Both are super ideal vendors and truly top notch. And both have custom work benches that could help you build/design a setting to your liking.

I'm just not sure if either will do a custom setting if they aren't selling the stone. Maybe @Texas Leaguer can clarify for WF. You can reach out to Lesley @ BGD via email through their site, or simply just call them. While I think BGD occasionally sees items here on PS, I don't believe they have any active representatives that post, etc.

I'm sure @rockysalamander might have a few other jewelry shops besides those mentioned that could possibly help build you something.

Thanks for the query Sledge.

Whiteflash policy does include working with customer diamonds and setting into regular catalogue items. The details are here: https://www.whiteflash.com/about-di...g-with-customers-diamonds-and-jewelry-875.htm

However, our custom manufacturing is reserved for Whiteflash diamonds. Policy here:
https://www.whiteflash.com/engagement-rings/custom-design/

 

[sledge]

Thanks for the query Sledge.

Whiteflash policy does include working with customer diamonds and setting into regular catalogue items. The details are here: https://www.whiteflash.com/about-di...g-with-customers-diamonds-and-jewelry-875.htm

However, our custom manufacturing is reserved for Whiteflash diamonds. Policy here:
https://www.whiteflash.com/engagement-rings/custom-design/

Thank you for the quick response @Texas Leaguer, much appreciated.

 

[rockysalamander]

David Klass in LA, Wink Jones of High-performance Diamonds, Maytal Hannah, IDJewelery in NYC, Greenlake Jewelry.

 

[Texas Leaguer]

Thank you for the quick response @Texas Leaguer, much appreciated.

You're more than welcome Sledge.

For those that may not know it, using the @username in a message is a good way to get the attention of the member you would like to hear from. It places an alert in your inbox when you logon to pricescope that takes you right to the post. Great communication feature!

 

[ASETNewbie]

I know it's been a few days so just wanted to give her a quick update. I finally got back the CAD renderings this morning from David at goodoldgold, I was going to post it to the group here for some feedback. A couple things I plan on giving his feedback, and David actually suggested these as well upfront, was I need protection on the naked corners of the diamond and to scale back the V on the covered corners since it hides a way too much of the diamond.

I'm not a huge fan of a side profile since that mount looks like some fat lightning bolt. I know the CAD renderings are going to be bulkier than the finished product. Not sure if there's a realistic way to do it since the design itself doesn't leave in good number of contact points for the prongs / mount.

Just opening it up to the group and keeping everyone involved here. Open to feedback from the masses.

 

[rockysalamander]

I feel like the ring needs some serious tweaks to flow with a princess cut and this size ratio. I'll have a careful look in a few hours. But, right away there is way too much rounded and curves for such a square diamond, the bypass legs need to be pulled in and follow the stone, the setting need to flow better, the side view is all metal and very flat. I think we can take this concept and make it work better.

Do you want to keep the diamond kite set (points top and bottom) or would a twist work? Adding the twist would help get the parts to flow, but I'm up for any challenge.

See below for a better overall shape (not recommending this specific design).

Twist vs. Kite set

 

[Lykame]

I know it's been a few days so just wanted to give her a quick update. I finally got back the CAD renderings this morning from David at goodoldgold, I was going to post it to the group here for some feedback. A couple things I plan on giving his feedback, and David actually suggested these as well upfront, was I need protection on the naked corners of the diamond and to scale back the V on the covered corners since it hides a way too much of the diamond.

I'm not a huge fan of a side profile since that mount looks like some fat lightning bolt. I know the CAD renderings are going to be bulkier than the finished product. Not sure if there's a realistic way to do it since the design itself doesn't leave in good number of contact points for the prongs / mount.

Just opening it up to the group and keeping everyone involved here. Open to feedback from the masses.

Firstly, great progress!

Secondly, yes, a few tweaks need to be made...!

I like the NSEW tips a lot. The v tip covers are way too big and all the tips need to be protected by covers not just two of them.

I think @rockysalamander has made lots of insightful comments but I just wanted to additionally add... How much inclusion can be seen from the side? I'm such a big fan of exposing as much of the side of the diamond as possible. I think it's a shame there's so much metal hiding the side of this diamond. If you pay for the weight of it, it would be nice to see some of that weight rather than just the face up appearance!

Having said that, having settings that cover the side of the diamond can have some benefits. Some people like that look - fair enough. If you don't like any tint and just want to see the more white face up appearance then fair enough (depending on actual colour of diamond, colour sensitivity etc). If the stone is eye clean from the top but not so much from the side then it might not be to everybody's cup of tea to be able to see the side either.

Annnd finally... Now you're onto the CAD stage perhaps start a new thread specifically mentioning CADs in the title? The might be a good idea. Reference people back to this thread as part of this journey.

Just some thoughts!

This is super exciting!!!

 

[rockysalamander]

Here's how I would approach this. Lots of pictures ahead.

I'm using a different design as the basis as it was easier to show the tweaks. I'm not trying to change your design but find a better form of it to match your square stone. I used elements of the others settings she linked to pull together some ideas. I will take no offence if you hate my ideas.

1) BLUE move the plain shank closer to the pave shank, but add in a curve like your CAD. (blue arrow, blue filled shape and blue circle). The plain shank is closing the gap in the split by moving a bit closer and adding width to the pave shank side in a curved way.

This shank is actually continuous under the stone (PURPLE ARROW) and meets it's pair on the other side. This keeps the culet off the finger.

2) RED. The pave shoulder is angled closer to the diamond such that it follows the diamonds along its side. The shoulder and stone are roughly parallel along the diamond. The pave shank is losing width only along the non-diamond side and you have diamonds to the tip (just like the CAD) to taper to a smaller ending. I would end the pave shank where the tip of the "V" would be in a V-prong. I think the wing-link pave shoulder looks out of proportion and will make this not terribly wearable. Many of the settings you posted have that feature.

Whichever you decide, the end of the pave shank should be a crisp shape. You don't want paddle looking ends, but a nice bevel-shaped end. Last sample image with continuous shank shown in yellow. The girdle of the princess stone is floating over the inner metal rim of the pave shank (just like a halo when you don't want any airline).

3) GREEN. The V-prong is formed by sharing wall thickness of the diamond-side of the pave and adding a return where there is no shank. Look at the plain setting. They may need to thicken up the diamond-side of the bead channel to allow for a set (aka, invisible groove the diamond girdle sits inside of). But, you can now also have 4 symmetrical V-prongs without adding a lot of bulk.

4) You want the melee diamonds in the pave in the shank to rotate outward by about 20% by the time they are parallel to the diamond. So, they are flat on the shank and then rotate outward (fall away from the center stone) by the time they get to the diamond.

5) ORANGE & READ from above. The pave shank moves upward so that it is parallel to the diamonds side and just above the girdle. You won't see the metal from the basket on this side. By the tip the inner rim of the pave shank meets the tip, it needs to be "above" the girdle to allow it to have another leg added to make a V-prongs. If it lands too low on the diamond at the N/S points, you won't have the ability to make it look like the V-prong is from the same piece of metal.




My idea from the side




Plain shank showing it form the V-prongs, but you would use your pave shank.


Continuous shank

 

[yssie]

I will add just one thing to @rockysalamander's excellent summary... you do not want a setting that features sharp-ended shank protrusions like the below - those sharps will catch on absolutely everything. Sweaters. Hair. Blankets. Interiors of pull-out drawers (ex. file cabinets).

 

[rockysalamander]

I will add just one thing to @rockysalamander's excellent summary... you do not want a setting that features sharp-ended shank protrusions like the below - those sharps will catch on absolutely everything. Sweaters. Hair. Blankets. Interiors of pull-out drawers (ex. file cabinets).

I agree. That seems to be the detail that is hardest to resolve here. She likes the look of them, if not the wearability. But, I hate leaving metal pointy bits out there to catch on everything. I'm hopeful that if they can be refined they will be no worse than those on a bypass/tension set princess. I think another CAD will be helpful to see how they sort out. There is a lot of little things the finisher can do...but thats down the road....

 

[sledge]

@rockysalamander and I had some similar ideas, but she shamed me in the sketch department, lol.

In a nutshell, suck those "wings" in to the princess. Try to get rid of the tips that will catch everything, while still leaving some detail she will like. Then suck in that other shank as thin as possible. I re-drew in this view in purplish color.

I personally like having all 4 tips covered. I don't like the size of the tip covers now. I see what they did. The original inspiration had similar things on the round diamond. I just don't think it works here, and looks really funny in the side view, which is what I think you don't like either.




Lastly, I really liked the inspiration pic @rockysalamander posted where they wrapped and formed the tip. Below is a very, very crude drawing how this could work for you.

 

[yssie]

@rockysalamander agreed... that CW Sellors setting (and the current GoG CAD) are would be acutely irritating, but something like the G&Co could be pretty easily mitigated. Taking from a couple of your suggestions and ending the shank in an angled straight (instead of at a pokey point) and filling in the negative space...



And now that looks an awful lot like a slight modification of @sledge's princess ... but TBH I would angle the tips of even that.