Rethinking the whole halo idea...

[sugarski]

Hey everyone! So, I thought I wanted to put my family diamond [5.84mm/MRB/F VS2] in a particular halo ring, but I am finding it too frustrating to get exactly what I want from the designer/vendor. So I think it's back to square one. Thinking of choosing a much less expensive simple solitaire setting, which may or may not be upgraded at some future date.

I know a few things for sure: shank has to be plain, tapered, not knife-edge, and not super-skinny (but also not bulky); I don't want an ornate design with any sort of pave or surprise diamonds or anything like that; and I don't want the stone set high, though I am not entirely sure what "low-set" means, either. Basically- I need durable and practical for a low-maintenance mom of 3.

I LOVE the simple perfection of the Cartier 1895 setting, but tend to prefer 6 prongs. I also would prefer 18k yellow gold, at least for the shank... my other idea would be unplated wg, with which I am now obsessed thanks to PS (hi Yssie! ). Also? I may have BGD recut my stone, so if anyone can recommend one of their settings, it might make this whole process simpler. (Am I the only one who finds it hard to see what BGD's rings actually look like, with their stylized website photography?)

I have a Cartier tri-gold Trinity ring that may or may not be worn on the same hand as the solitaire. I have a stubby, pudgy, size 8.5 finger, and the Trinity takes up a lot of real estate for me, so practically speaking, the solitaire may be more of a RHR.

Anyone feel like helping me brainstorm?

 

[diamondseeker2006]

Hmm, well, if you are going to wear it more on your right hand, I'd really recommend just making a three stone ring. I think a plain solitaire by itself on the right hand looks a little lonely! And I will say, I think a 3 stone is more practical than a halo, too. So I will wait until you comment on this idea before I suggest any settings! (I am headed to bed now, though!)

 

[AprilBaby]

Agreed. I also have a size 8 finger and a 3 stone makes for nice real estate . It can be practical for a busy mom depending on how you set it. It's also very classic.

 

[Enerchi]

My LH/RH fingers are 7.75 & 8 - so I'm in a similar 'size range'. I really wanted a halo for my OEC and tried on a LOT of options recently. As much as I REALLY REALLY wanted one for that diamond, they just appeared too delicate and out of proportion on my chunky hands. I was so bummed... I would eventually LOVE to have a halo, but for me, I just felt better with a tapered ring that widened out to meet the width of the stone. Normally, my tastes go to 3 stones and I already have 3.... so it was hard to fight the urge not to go in that direction, but boy, do they give AMAZING finger coverage on a less than tiny hand!

I empathize with your struggle - what you want vs what may give you more bang for your buck or what makes your finger look slimmer. But go with what *YOU* want - You have to wear it, love it, show it off, be proud of it... do what you feel is best for you!

If you want to see what some halo's look like on a larger finger, my 2 NYC threads about my visits to IDJ and DBL show quite a few... and most of the rings were size 6 so they didn't even make it into "position", so to speak!

Good luck, sugarski! I hope you find the setting that makes you happiest!

 

[iluvdiamonds2]

Hello! I have been looking at settings for YEARS. I am fussy and can't find anything perfect, so I am 90% buying another new diamond altogether...Anyway, u can see my post (mine is set low") and take the poll!!
[URL='https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/low-setting-or-high-setting-mine-is-set-low-pics.170189/']https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/low-setting-or-high-setting-mine-is-set-low-pics.170189/[/URL]

HERE ARE SOME SETTINGS I FOUND FOR YOU, 30 DAY RETURNS 100% SATISFACTION GUARANTEE:

http://www.adiamor.com/Engagement-Rings/Results/Contour-Setting/14KYellowGold/1005

http://www.adiamor.com/Engagement-Rings/Solitaire/Ridged-Solitaire-Setting/18KYellowGold/1067

http://www.adiamor.com/Engagement-Rings/Solitaire/Six-Prong-Solitaire-Trellis-Setting/18KYellowGold/1376

Let me know what u think. Am i close??

 

[sugarski]

Hmm, well, if you are going to wear it more on your right hand, I'd really recommend just making a three stone ring. I think a plain solitaire by itself on the right hand looks a little lonely! And I will say, I think a 3 stone is more practical than a halo, too. So I will wait until you comment on this idea before I suggest any settings! (I am headed to bed now, though!)

Thanks, DS... you know, I was NEVER thinking I wanted a three-stone. Probably because both my mom and sister have them and I wanted to be different. However... I gotta admit some of those trellis 3-stones are amazing. It looks like I could have BGD make me one, with sidestones, for about the same price as the halo I was looking at and I imagine the CS would be much better (perhaps the quality, too). Plus: MORE DIAMOND SHOPPING!

How is a 3-stone more practical than a halo?

OTOH.... I do love the 1895-type design, and I *am* planning on getting that half-eternity one of these days. So it wouldn't be lonely all the time!

 

[sugarski]

Agreed. I also have a size 8 finger and a 3 stone makes for nice real estate . It can be practical for a busy mom depending on how you set it. It's also very classic.

AprilBaby, do you have any pics of your 3-stone? I agree it's a classic design! My mom and sister are nothing if not classy dames.

 

[sugarski]

My LH/RH fingers are 7.75 & 8 - so I'm in a similar 'size range'. I really wanted a halo for my OEC and tried on a LOT of options recently. As much as I REALLY REALLY wanted one for that diamond, they just appeared too delicate and out of proportion on my chunky hands. I was so bummed... I would eventually LOVE to have a halo, but for me, I just felt better with a tapered ring that widened out to meet the width of the stone. Normally, my tastes go to 3 stones and I already have 3.... so it was hard to fight the urge not to go in that direction, but boy, do they give AMAZING finger coverage on a less than tiny hand!

I empathize with your struggle - what you want vs what may give you more bang for your buck or what makes your finger look slimmer. But go with what *YOU* want - You have to wear it, love it, show it off, be proud of it... do what you feel is best for you!

If you want to see what some halo's look like on a larger finger, my 2 NYC threads about my visits to IDJ and DBL show quite a few... and most of the rings were size 6 so they didn't even make it into "position", so to speak!

Good luck, sugarski! I hope you find the setting that makes you happiest!

Thanks so much for the kind words, Enerchi! I will hunt down those threads- I know they will be very helpful.

I gotta say, I can't wait for my studs to arrive. Compared to this ring search, the earring search was easy.

 

[diamondseeker2006]

Hmm, well, if you are going to wear it more on your right hand, I'd really recommend just making a three stone ring. I think a plain solitaire by itself on the right hand looks a little lonely! And I will say, I think a 3 stone is more practical than a halo, too. So I will wait until you comment on this idea before I suggest any settings! (I am headed to bed now, though!)

Thanks, DS... you know, I was NEVER thinking I wanted a three-stone. Probably because both my mom and sister have them and I wanted to be different. However... I gotta admit some of those trellis 3-stones are amazing. It looks like I could have BGD make me one, with sidestones, for about the same price as the halo I was looking at and I imagine the CS would be much better (perhaps the quality, too). Plus: MORE DIAMOND SHOPPING!

How is a 3-stone more practical than a halo?

OTOH.... I do love the 1895-type design, and I *am* planning on getting that half-eternity one of these days. So it wouldn't be lonely all the time!

I think a three stone falls more into the "simple but elegant" category. For someone who has a very casual lifestyle, I think it just makes more sense as any ring with a pave halo just looks more "dressy" to me. Plus pave can be more delicate..easier to lose little stones and that kind of thing. I have a feeling that a BG 3 stone would stand out in comparison to others since the cut quality probably would be so much better. I just think that look gives the nicest finger coverage when working with a stone that size. I'd go as close to .5 each for the sides as you can. And you could still wear it with a small eternity ring as well!

 

[sugarski]

Hello! I have been looking at settings for YEARS. I am fussy and can't find anything perfect, so I am 90% buying another new diamond altogether...Anyway, u can see my post (mine is set low") and take the poll!!
[URL='https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/low-setting-or-high-setting-mine-is-set-low-pics.170189/']https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/low-setting-or-high-setting-mine-is-set-low-pics.170189/[/URL]

HERE ARE SOME SETTINGS I FOUND FOR YOU, 30 DAY RETURNS 100% SATISFACTION GUARANTEE:

http://www.adiamor.com/Engagement-Rings/Results/Contour-Setting/14KYellowGold/1005

http://www.adiamor.com/Engagement-Rings/Solitaire/Ridged-Solitaire-Setting/18KYellowGold/1067

http://www.adiamor.com/Engagement-Rings/Solitaire/Six-Prong-Solitaire-Trellis-Setting/18KYellowGold/1376

Let me know what u think. Am i close??

Thanks for your suggestions, iluvdiamonds2! I really like the trellis one especially. However, I think my fave solitaire is still the Cartier, so if I go in that direction I will probably be looking for something as close to that as possible.

I voted in your poll. I agree with everyone else- your current setting is beautiful and if it were me, I wouldn't change it.

 

[Niel]

And you considered the sholdt bezel? I do t think it sits to high. Also I love my ritani, the micro pave is so sturdy and its very minimalist. Nothing fancy
http://www.whiteflash.com/engagement-rings/solitaire/ritani-endless-love-solitaire-engagement-ring-2059.htm

http://www.briangavindiamonds.com/engagement-rings/pave-and-side-stones/piper-sholdt-14k-white-gold-5777w14

 

[sugarski]

Hmm, well, if you are going to wear it more on your right hand, I'd really recommend just making a three stone ring. I think a plain solitaire by itself on the right hand looks a little lonely! And I will say, I think a 3 stone is more practical than a halo, too. So I will wait until you comment on this idea before I suggest any settings! (I am headed to bed now, though!)

Thanks, DS... you know, I was NEVER thinking I wanted a three-stone. Probably because both my mom and sister have them and I wanted to be different. However... I gotta admit some of those trellis 3-stones are amazing. It looks like I could have BGD make me one, with sidestones, for about the same price as the halo I was looking at and I imagine the CS would be much better (perhaps the quality, too). Plus: MORE DIAMOND SHOPPING!

How is a 3-stone more practical than a halo?

OTOH.... I do love the 1895-type design, and I *am* planning on getting that half-eternity one of these days. So it wouldn't be lonely all the time!

I think a three stone falls more into the "simple but elegant" category. For someone who has a very casual lifestyle, I think it just makes more sense as any ring with a pave halo just looks more "dressy" to me. Plus pave can be more delicate..easier to lose little stones and that kind of thing. I have a feeling that a BG 3 stone would stand out in comparison to others since the cut quality probably would be so much better. I just think that look gives the nicest finger coverage when working with a stone that size. I'd go as close to .5 each for the sides as you can. And you could still wear it with a small eternity ring as well!

It's so funny. I was SO sure I wanted a halo but everything you say makes so much sense. Yeah- I am not at all sure pave is for me.

Re: the 3-stone: I don't think, though, that my budget will allow for .5 each on the sidestones in a high color (since my center is F). Then I'm getting into the well-over-3k range- so, almost twice what I had budgeted. Another issue is that as you point out, sidestones from BGD/WF/another great vendor will be SO beautifully cut... so will they look completely wrong with my "very good" cut center?

Hmmmm. What to do. I could forget about the half-eternity entirely (or until my 25th anniversary). Or get much smaller sidestones. Or go back to the solitaire idea. Or scrap the whole thing and put the stone in a milgrain bezel pendant...

EDITED TO CLARIFY: When I said earlier that the 3-stone could come in at around the same budget as the original halo, I was looking at .5ctw on the sidestones, or about $500 + a $1300ish setting.

 

[sugarski]

And you considered the sholdt bezel? I do t think it sits to high. Also I love my ritani, the micro pave is so sturdy and its very minimalist. Nothing fancy
http://www.whiteflash.com/engagement-rings/solitaire/ritani-endless-love-solitaire-engagement-ring-2059.htm

http://www.briangavindiamonds.com/engagement-rings/pave-and-side-stones/piper-sholdt-14k-white-gold-5777w14

Hi nielseel! Thank you for the suggestions!

I think I am off the halo idea entirely now. This is the only one I ever came across that really "spoke to me", kwim? I think mainly because I love the gallery: http://www.clay-pot.com/images/D/RICHARD-LANDI---Diamond--8605-0D.jpg

I still love it but, for various reasons, it would be difficult to have customized in any way, so I'm going to look at other options. I so appreciate your feedback.

 

[Niel]

And you considered the sholdt bezel? I do t think it sits to high. Also I love my ritani, the micro pave is so sturdy and its very minimalist. Nothing fancy
http://www.whiteflash.com/engagement-rings/solitaire/ritani-endless-love-solitaire-engagement-ring-2059.htm

http://www.briangavindiamonds.com/engagement-rings/pave-and-side-stones/piper-sholdt-14k-white-gold-5777w14

Hi nielseel! Thank you for the suggestions!

I think I am off the halo idea entirely now. This is the only one I ever came across that really "spoke to me", kwim? I think mainly because I love the gallery: http://www.clay-pot.com/images/D/RICHARD-LANDI---Diamond--8605-0D.jpg

I still love it but, for various reasons, it would be difficult to have customized in any way, so I'm going to look at other options. I so appreciate your feedback.

thats understandable
What kind of sid stones would you be thinking of? Other diamonds or sapphires?

 

[sugarski]

And you considered the sholdt bezel? I do t think it sits to high. Also I love my ritani, the micro pave is so sturdy and its very minimalist. Nothing fancy
http://www.whiteflash.com/engagement-rings/solitaire/ritani-endless-love-solitaire-engagement-ring-2059.htm

http://www.briangavindiamonds.com/engagement-rings/pave-and-side-stones/piper-sholdt-14k-white-gold-5777w14

Hi nielseel! Thank you for the suggestions!

I think I am off the halo idea entirely now. This is the only one I ever came across that really "spoke to me", kwim? I think mainly because I love the gallery: http://www.clay-pot.com/images/D/RICHARD-LANDI---Diamond--8605-0D.jpg

I still love it but, for various reasons, it would be difficult to have customized in any way, so I'm going to look at other options. I so appreciate your feedback.

thats understandable
What kind of sid stones would you be thinking of? Other diamonds or sapphires?

Oooh. I was thinking diamonds but now I assure you I'll be spending the next few hours looking at sapphires.

 

[Laila619]

Hi sugarski,

This 3 stone from WF is really nice and I think it would be practical too for a busy lifestyle:

http://www.whiteflash.com/engagement-rings/three-stone/3-stone-trois-brillant-diamond-engagement-ring-846.htm

$1995 with .50 ctw side stones.

Also the Classic Three Stone from BGD is nice and it's similar to the Cartier solitaire in design (except with three baskets instead of one of course):

http://www.briangavindiamonds.com/engagement-rings/classic-three-stone-18k-white-gold-5377w18

 

[Laila619]

If you just want a clean-looking solitaire, the Grace is nice and simple but the finger coverage won't be as good:

http://www.briangavindiamonds.com/engagement-rings/grace-18k-white-gold-5414w18

Also the Cathedral solitaire:

http://www.briangavindiamonds.com/engagement-rings/solitaire/cathedral-solitaire-18k-white-gold-5550w18

 

[Niel]

I dont know if this would look good with your size stone but its got the 6 prongs on the center stone
http://www.whiteflash.com/engagement-rings/three-stone/3-stone-butterflies-diamond-engagement-ring-230.htm

or pears!
http://www.whiteflash.com/gallery/three-stone-engagement-rings/tsavorite-and-diamond-engagement-ring-7703.htm
lots of finger coverage that way

 

[iluvdiamonds2]

Hello! I have been looking at settings for YEARS. I am fussy and can't find anything perfect, so I am 90% buying another new diamond altogether...Anyway, u can see my post (mine is set low") and take the poll!!
[URL='https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/low-setting-or-high-setting-mine-is-set-low-pics.170189/']https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/low-setting-or-high-setting-mine-is-set-low-pics.170189/[/URL]

HERE ARE SOME SETTINGS I FOUND FOR YOU, 30 DAY RETURNS 100% SATISFACTION GUARANTEE:

http://www.adiamor.com/Engagement-Rings/Results/Contour-Setting/14KYellowGold/1005

http://www.adiamor.com/Engagement-Rings/Solitaire/Ridged-Solitaire-Setting/18KYellowGold/1067

http://www.adiamor.com/Engagement-Rings/Solitaire/Six-Prong-Solitaire-Trellis-Setting/18KYellowGold/1376

Let me know what u think. Am i close??

Thanks for your suggestions, iluvdiamonds2! I really like the trellis one especially. However, I think my fave solitaire is still the Cartier, so if I go in that direction I will probably be looking for something as close to that as possible.

I voted in your poll. I agree with everyone else- your current setting is beautiful and if it were me, I wouldn't change it.

Hi! Thanks for voting and thanks for the compliment on my ring! I guess I should keep it as it its. After all it's original. I guess I'll just have to buy a new stone.... Check out this site - MANY settings....
http://www.itshot.com/diamond-engagement-rings/solitaire-engagement-ring-settings-mountings-1.aspx?limit=140

 

[kal2021]

If you are looking for a Cartier 1895 look alike (which happens to be the same ring I fell in love with), this is the best it gets IMO and it is from BGD: http://www.briangavindiamonds.com/engagement-rings/elegance-18k-yellow-gold-5415y18.. I posted the yellow gold version since you said that is what you like but keep in mind I'm pretty sure their yellow gold photos are just photo shopped yellow, so the real thing would be much prettier in person (I find the color a bit bright in these photos).

 

[sugarski]

Hi sugarski,

This 3 stone from WF is really nice and I think it would be practical too for a busy lifestyle:

http://www.whiteflash.com/engagement-rings/three-stone/3-stone-trois-brillant-diamond-engagement-ring-846.htm

$1995 with .50 ctw side stones.

Also the Classic Three Stone from BGD is nice and it's similar to the Cartier solitaire in design (except with three baskets instead of one of course):

http://www.briangavindiamonds.com/engagement-rings/classic-three-stone-18k-white-gold-5377w18

Hi Laila! These are really pretty, thanks!

 

[sugarski]

If you just want a clean-looking solitaire, the Grace is nice and simple but the finger coverage won't be as good:

http://www.briangavindiamonds.com/engagement-rings/grace-18k-white-gold-5414w18

Also the Cathedral solitaire:

http://www.briangavindiamonds.com/engagement-rings/solitaire/cathedral-solitaire-18k-white-gold-5550w18

I really like these too. In fact, the Grace is going on my shortlist right now

 

[sugarski]

Hello! I have been looking at settings for YEARS. I am fussy and can't find anything perfect, so I am 90% buying another new diamond altogether...Anyway, u can see my post (mine is set low") and take the poll!!
[URL='https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/low-setting-or-high-setting-mine-is-set-low-pics.170189/']https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/low-setting-or-high-setting-mine-is-set-low-pics.170189/[/URL]

HERE ARE SOME SETTINGS I FOUND FOR YOU, 30 DAY RETURNS 100% SATISFACTION GUARANTEE:

http://www.adiamor.com/Engagement-Rings/Results/Contour-Setting/14KYellowGold/1005

http://www.adiamor.com/Engagement-Rings/Solitaire/Ridged-Solitaire-Setting/18KYellowGold/1067

http://www.adiamor.com/Engagement-Rings/Solitaire/Six-Prong-Solitaire-Trellis-Setting/18KYellowGold/1376

Let me know what u think. Am i close??

Thanks for your suggestions, iluvdiamonds2! I really like the trellis one especially. However, I think my fave solitaire is still the Cartier, so if I go in that direction I will probably be looking for something as close to that as possible.

I voted in your poll. I agree with everyone else- your current setting is beautiful and if it were me, I wouldn't change it.

Hi! Thanks for voting and thanks for the compliment on my ring! I guess I should keep it as it its. After all it's original. I guess I'll just have to buy a new stone.... Check out this site - MANY settings....
http://www.itshot.com/diamond-engagement-rings/solitaire-engagement-ring-settings-mountings-1.aspx?limit=140

I am having trouble with that link for some reason. Will try again a bit later.

 

[sugarski]

If you are looking for a Cartier 1895 look alike (which happens to be the same ring I fell in love with), this is the best it gets IMO and it is from BGD: http://www.briangavindiamonds.com/engagement-rings/elegance-18k-yellow-gold-5415y18..... I posted the yellow gold version since you said that is what you like but keep in mind I'm pretty sure their yellow gold photos are just photo shopped yellow, so the real thing would be much prettier in person (I find the color a bit bright in these photos).

Thanks! I agree, it's gorgeous. And yes-- it's so weird the way the yellow is made to look so harshly bright on a lot of the websites!

I actually spoke to Lesley today and am leaning towards sending her my stone to perhaps have recut, and then depending on its final dimensions, either doing one of their solitaires (Elegance or Grace being my faves atm) or one of their three-stone trellis designs.

A few questions for anyone who may know:

*What exactly is the difference between the Crossed and Trellis 3-stone rings from BGD, and how do they differ from the WF version? Can anyone point me to pics of any trellis 3-stone in yellow gold, to give me an idea of how that might look? Are there any other especially nice trellis designs elsewhere that I should look at?

*I asked someone at WF today about the Vatche Caroline (which seems like another really beautiful version of the Cartier 1895) and was told it could not be modified to have no pave on the gallery. Yet according to this thread, it CAN be changed: [URL='https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/custom-design-vatche-caroline-ring-from-whiteflash.171998/']https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/custom-design-vatche-caroline-ring-from-whiteflash.171998/[/URL]
Not sure what to do with that... kinda makes me want to cross WF off my list just to make everything simpler.