Recycling project

[Harriet]

I have 3 pairs of small, but treasured, diamonds that were given to me by my parents. Pair 1 is 0.03 each, pair 2 is 0.16 each, and pair 3 is 0.31 each. I'm thinking of having them bezeled and set in a 16-inch white-gold chain. The stones would be spaced out, with the largest 2 at the bottom, followed bythe 2nd-largest, etc. Thoughts? Thanks!

Btw, I've gotten a quote of $500. Does that sound reasonable?

 

[iheartscience]

I like this idea a lot! It will end up looking like a Diamonds by the Yard Tiffany necklace, right? The only thing I would want to change is to add one more, slightly larger diamond (maybe a .5 carat?) and put it in the middle. I think that will make it look more balanced.

 

[Harriet]

Thanks! I''m shying away from buying more diamonds though.

 

[Gothgrrl]

I think it would look yummy. The quote seems pretty reasonable too.

 

[Harriet]

In terms of size, is Pair 3 too out-of-synch with the other 2?

 

[Gothgrrl]

IMO it may be a tad too large.

 

[Harriet]

Oops, I meant Pair 1.

 

[diamondseeker2006]

I also think you need an odd number of diamonds, with the largest in the center. I can see having one of the .31''s in the very center, with a .16 and a .03 on each side. I don''t see how it will work to use all 6 unless you buy at least a half carat stone to go in the middle. I have a slight feeling that the .03''s might be too small with the others, too. The .16''s are half the weight of the .31''s, so logically I might go to .08''s or so for the smaller ones. It''s hard to judge this without seeing the stones, though. I do like the idea overall.

 

[Harriet]

I can''t buy any more diamonds! What if I invert my 0.41 Lucida, bezel-set it, and place it in the middle?

 

[Rock Candy]

Date: 4/12/2007 10:43:30 PM
Author: Harriet
I can''t buy any more diamonds! What if I invert my 0.41 Lucida, bezel-set it, and place it in the middle?

I like that idea, Harriet!

 

[kcoursolle]

Sounds lovely to me! However, since you don''t have an odd number of diamonds, how about stringing the stones randomly in size along the chain? Just a thought. Quote sounds very reasonable.

 

[Harriet]

Rock Candy,
Will the different shapes look weird?

kcoursolle,
Interesting idea. How would you arrange the stones?

 

[Harriet]

I think the quote is reasonable, but the jeweller called my ACA "yellow."

 

[Rock Candy]

Date: 4/12/2007 10:59:49 PM
Author: Harriet
Rock Candy,

Will the different shapes look weird?


kcoursolle,

Interesting idea. How would you arrange the stones?

Not at all - in fact it will create more interest and draw the eye toward the Lucida. You were thinking of setting the Lucida "on point"?

 

[Harriet]

By "on-point", do you mean inverted? If so, yes. Would the Lucida have to be bezelled as well?

 

[Rock Candy]

Date: 4/12/2007 11:30:19 PM
Author: Harriet
By ''on-point'', do you mean inverted? If so, yes.

Harriet, the Lucida is a square shape, correct?

 

[Harriet]

Square with cut corners.

 

[Rock Candy]

Date: 4/12/2007 11:39:23 PM
Author: Harriet
Square with cut corners.

Ok, that''s what I thought, but was all of a sudden doubting myself. By "on-point", I meant setting it diagonally with the little clips at North, South, East and West.

 

[Harriet]

No bezel then?
Here''s Nicrez''s informed description of the Lucida:

It''s a mixed cut, meaning brilliant on the pavillion and step cut on the crown. It is square in shape like a radiant (with cut corners not to really exceed more than half the length of the sides), and will exhibit a higher crown and deeper pavillion, as an asscher would, but has a unique look of (to me) "Asscher Radiantesque".

 

[diamondfan]

I would space them randomly in thin bezels along the chain.

 

[Harriet]

Including the Lucida?

 

[diamondfan]

Maybe, but I think it might overpower the two really small stones...you might have to play with it. I think alone, in a halo, it would be great on a thin chain though...

 

[Kaleigh]

Gosh you got me usually I like a uniform look, but am thinking the Lucida shouldn't be bezeled. I'd ask irina tomorrow to photoshop 2 versions for you. One with all of them bezeled and one with the rounds bezeled and the Lucida set with small prongs. I think it would stand out more that way. But would love to see it photoshopped. Irina is a master at it. And may have extra ideas for you as well.

 

[Harriet]

DF,
I'm thinking of not using the 2 smallest stones. They are too out of proportion. Also, they are not of the greatest quality -- the other 4 are from the same reputable jeweller.

Kaleigh,
Good idea. I refer to Irina's work as "Photoshop Magic." Separately, I wonder if it would be viable to not bezel any of them.

Starryeyed,
Come help!

 

[Harriet]

Am I correct in thinking that this is a fairly simple project that doesn't require that much expertise?

 

[iheartscience]

Date: 4/12/2007 11:18:51 PM
Author: Harriet
I think the quote is reasonable, but the jeweller called my ACA ''yellow.''

What?!! That is so wack...your diamond is gorgeous, seriously! Methinks he/she was just mad you didn''t get that honkin'' beauty of a ROCK from them!

 

[Harriet]

Maybe, or he''s highly colour-sensitive.

 

[starryeyed]

I''m here Harriet!

I think your idea is great! I think the spacing will be key. You could put the two 0.03 diamonds near the back to accent your shoulders and then space the other equi-distantly with bezels around them.

The Lucida as the centerpiece sounds perfect! You''ll have to play with it to determine which orientation will look best on your neck.

Have you decided how long you want to chain? 16", 17", or 18"? I''m a big fan of 17", but that'' just me.

 

[Harriet]

You're such a dear! I could put the 2 teensy diamonds near the clasp as surprise diamonds. Currently, I'm thinking 16-inches, but I'll try on the various lengths just be to sure.

 

[surfgirl]

That sounds really pretty. You could also have them bezel set but dangling by one or two links from a delicate chain so they have movement, if you like that sort of look.