Revisiting the board for insight: AVR vs AVC, warmer colors

[MGoldRN]

Hi folks,
So, I'm posting for some insight regarding my recent purchase and engagement. You're probably able to view my previous posts, but to sum it up, I purchased an AVR set in a Leo Ingwer WG w/ H&A pave. I proposed over the weekend and my now fiancé absolutely loved the ring. However, the ring was sized as a 4 and is just a bit too loose. We noted that once over the knuckle, the ring would move 360 degrees freely and require little resistance to slide off the knuckle. I do not suspect the ring would fall off in this state, but rather be more of an annoyance. We took the ring to a few local jewelers who did not feel comfortable sizing the ring down to 3.75 because it would "risk altering the integrity of the pave stones." One jeweler did recommend adding sizing beads, which could be done within a week. I did call GOG, and they felt confident that if I made the trip to them (about 3 hr drive) they would be able to size it appropriately on site, as well as add sizing beads if necessary. SO... I guess my only real option is going to have it adjusted on site at GOG, which is not necessarily a bad thing, just an inconvenience. But, this leads me to my current dilemma... When discussing about the specifics of the ring to my fiancé, she stated that she absolutely loves round diamonds and cushions (glad I chose round over princess). She does not seem color sensitive at all, and stated she would not mind a warmer diamond. Me personally, after inspecting the AVR that I have bought, I do like the stone and the setting, but not sure if I truly LOVE it. I do know that my fiancé is totally satisfied with the ring, and perhaps it should be less about what I want . The august vintage stone is so unique (hence why I chose this cut), but a 0.81 I color round almost does not do it total justice. I am starting to wonder that if we're making the trip up to GOG, should I perhaps spend a bit more cash to get a warmer cushion... There's a few listed that I am considering and the dimensions would be currently ~5.9 x ~5.9 mm going to ~6.15 x 6.15 mm. Color would be going from I to K or L. As far as the setting, since the Leo Ingwer was a custom order, we are kind of "stuck" with it. This is not necessarily a bad thing as the setting is very lovely, but I just wonder how it will look set with a warmer AVC instead of the current AVR.

Apologize for the long post, but just looking for some thoughts. Ideally the ring could have been the best size and I wouldn't have to worry about going to GOG to have it adjusted (then leading me to consider other center stones). Also, what are your thoughts on sizing beads vs having it sized appropriately vs having both done? I feel less confident in the jewelers around here after being told no by 2 places to have it sized, and I will make the trip to GOG if I have to.

 

[MissGotRocks]

Re: Revisiting the board for insight: AVR vs AVC, warmer col

I think sizing beads can and do work well for some. I would probably call GOG and get their thoughts on resizing.

As for the center stone, as long as she Is happy, you can be happy. Have you asked her how she felt about trading up? If she loves rounds and she loves this ring, I would probably stick to the AVR or an ideal round cut stone. Maybe it would make a great trip for the two of you so that you can look at all options at GOG!

 

[Asscherhalo_lover]

Re: Revisiting the board for insight: AVR vs AVC, warmer col

Considering we're heading into cooler weather season when fingers tend to be smaller vs. summer when fingers tend to swell a little, I would just put temporary beads and see how she does through the season. Also remember, once she's wearing it with a wedding band that may make difference in the fit. Try it on with some wedding bands (if you can find size 4 in store to try) and then you'll have a better idea.

If she's happy with the ring I would leave it alone until maybe a future anniversary upgrade.

 

[marymm]

Re: Revisiting the board for insight: AVR vs AVC, warmer col

Considering we're heading into cooler weather season when fingers tend to be smaller vs. summer when fingers tend to swell a little, I would just put temporary beads and see how she does through the season. Also remember, once she's wearing it with a wedding band that may make difference in the fit. Try it on with some wedding bands (if you can find size 4 in store to try) and then you'll have a better idea.

If she's happy with the ring I would leave it alone until maybe a future anniversary upgrade.

+1

 

[diamondseeker2006]

Re: Revisiting the board for insight: AVR vs AVC, warmer col

I absolutely agree with NOT resizing! It has already been stated, but fingers swell in the summer and it will fit tighter with a wedding band. If necessary, do add sizing beads.

As far as the diamond goes, you can offer her the option of going to GOG to looks at other colors and AVC's. But as you said, it doesn't really matter what your preference is. If she loves the ring, you need to go with her preference. But if you want to offer her the option of choosing another stone, you obviously can. But it can't be a lot bigger and still fit in that setting. Personally, I'd rather have the I color stone. I wouldn't want a tinted stone against the white pave shank of the setting. And I guess that is to be expected since I have an I color AVR myself!

 

[arkieb1]

Re: Revisiting the board for insight: AVR vs AVC, warmer col

Actually if you swap to an AVC into that setting it will be a larger carat weight because cushions have a smaller spread than rounds do. I think you need to go and look at a range of diamonds and work out which one she will be happiest with. Ask GOG to get out a selection that can be fitted into your setting and let her pick..... Some people like lower coloured stones others don't like warmer colours at all. It's a very personal choice. They also might be able to cut the head off that setting and fit one that will hold a larger stone - you need to ask them what your options are.

 

[MGoldRN]

Re: Revisiting the board for insight: AVR vs AVC, warmer col

Thanks for all the opinions and insight. I might have gotten a bit discouraged with the whole process, thus making me rethink about the center stone. My FI truly loves the current stone so that's what will stay (not that there is anything wrong with it in the first place!). However, I had the chance to go to a local reputable jeweler today and he sized her finger as a 3.5 with the sizing bands. He also felt comfortable that he could size it AND/OR add sizing beads if necessary. Taking into consideration all the thoughts about sizing and climate, my FI feels more comfortable having it sized to a 3.75 and having beads added if necessary. She recalls that the last time she was sized it was during the warmer months and was noted to be 3.75.

On a side note, the jeweler was quite impressed with the AVR stone, and being a retailer of Leo Ingwer, he enjoyed the setting as well. However, he took the time to display the setting and melee stones under a microscope and found several flaws. He noted that 4 of the melee stones were significantly loose/not set appropriately. He also noted that some of the melee stones were just "fair" cut, and one of them had a large chip near the girdle. After I thoroughly inspected this ring when I first received it a few weeks prior, my untrained eye must have missed these issues. I felt so upset that this is turning into such a damn headache. GOG told me that they were going to set each melee with H&A to maximize brilliance. To have found such sub-par quality is very frustrating. It also makes me wonder about the integrity of what is stated to customers. The jeweler recommended that I reach out to GOG and hopefully they will make good on their customer service. I will reach out to them tomorrow as they are closed on Mondays. This whole process got me thinking that perhaps I should have just stuck with a plain old solitaire setting... Very discouraged.

 

[Gypsy]

Re: Revisiting the board for insight: AVR vs AVC, warmer col

I definitely think you should call GOG now about the setting. I would let them know ASAP and see what they say.

As for the center stone, I agree with DS. For an engagement ring I think I is a better choice than going warmer.

 

[PintoBean]

Re: Revisiting the board for insight: AVR vs AVC, warmer col

As you have pointed out, this is a jeweler you went to see, who's business includes selling same/similar settings. I suggest going to an independent appraiser for an objective examination of your setting. You can locate one that is close to you under the resources tab.

https://www.pricescope.com/appraisers

 

[MGoldRN]

Re: Revisiting the board for insight: AVR vs AVC, warmer col

I definitely think you should call GOG now about the setting. I would let them know ASAP and see what they say.

As for the center stone, I agree with DS. For an engagement ring I think I is a better choice than going warmer.

Thanks for chiming in Gypsy. I am not sure what I was thinking about when I was considering making an exchange for the center stone. The ring is beautiful as is, but now my concern shifts to the quality of the melee stones and how they were set. Just hope it all works out.

 

[MGoldRN]

Re: Revisiting the board for insight: AVR vs AVC, warmer col

I absolutely agree with NOT resizing! It has already been stated, but fingers swell in the summer and it will fit tighter with a wedding band. If necessary, do add sizing beads.

As far as the diamond goes, you can offer her the option of going to GOG to looks at other colors and AVC's. But as you said, it doesn't really matter what your preference is. If she loves the ring, you need to go with her preference. But if you want to offer her the option of choosing another stone, you obviously can. But it can't be a lot bigger and still fit in that setting. Personally, I'd rather have the I color stone. I wouldn't want a tinted stone against the white pave shank of the setting. And I guess that is to be expected since I have an I color AVR myself!

Thanks DS, I think we will end up having the beads added. But I also think that making the ring 3.75 will be more comfortable as this was probably the size it needed to be in the first place. In regard to the center stone... It's perfect the way it is. You know us men, always want to obsess over something and try to control it

 

[Gypsy]

Re: Revisiting the board for insight: AVR vs AVC, warmer col

It will work out. GOG will make it right 100%. Don't even think for a second it won't.

Get on the phone with them and ask for Jon or Sarah.

Okay?

 

[diamondseeker2006]

Re: Revisiting the board for insight: AVR vs AVC, warmer col

Are you sure GOG set the melee in that ring? I would have thought that the Leo Ingwer setting came like that. That is not a high end brand and you are generally not going to have top quality melee in a ring like that. But if they did set the stones, then you can maybe reorder the ring in the correct size. I would not go below 3.75.

 

[MGoldRN]

Re: Revisiting the board for insight: AVR vs AVC, warmer col

Are you sure GOG set the melee in that ring? I would have thought that the Leo Ingwer setting came like that. That is not a high end brand and you are generally not going to have top quality melee in a ring like that. But if they did set the stones, then you can maybe reorder the ring in the correct size. I would not go below 3.75.

I am aware that with a higher end name perhaps they would use better stones. But, this is the message straight from GOG, "The ring is made by Leo Ingwer style # LEF073.79. It has .40 cttw, looks like 20 X two pointers. The metal for the prongs have enough metal to share on each diamond. I would recommend this ring for a nurses lifestyle. In 14K white gold, we will use H&A diamonds for max sparkle." So, needless to say I was expecting a bit more... And either way a significant chip on one of the stones seems a bit unacceptable. And 4 of the stones being noticeably loose is a bit frustrating.

Either way, I was able to reach out to GOG and they are taking care of it. They are also having it sized as 3.75 while it's in house.

 

[MGoldRN]

Re: Revisiting the board for insight: AVR vs AVC, warmer col

It will work out. GOG will make it right 100%. Don't even think for a second it won't.

Get on the phone with them and ask for Jon or Sarah.

Okay?

Thanks for the support Gypsy. GOG did contact me today after my email and stated they will sort out any issues with the ring. I have to say, the first time process of buying a diamond ring online sight unseen has been one heck of a ride. I am happy that my fiancé loves the ring as is. I guess one could always want something different than what one already has. What I learned here has served me well.

 

[Sunstorm]

Re: Revisiting the board for insight: AVR vs AVC, warmer col

I am glad that this is being resolved OP but just wanted to add a few comments. Something sounds fishy about this jeweler, you should take everything with a grain of salt when a jeweler tries to put down the quality of another's workmanship. I am especially suspicious here because I very highly doubt that GOG would set chipped stones and have several stones lose. Ok, it is possible that the setting came like that, it can also happen that people make mistakes, after all we are human but I was positive that they would take care of the problem. If you ever wonder about quality, as it has been said, you should always go to an independent appraiser.

As far as the center stone, I am glad you stuck to it because I honestly would not swap the center stone unless I wanted to change the entire ring too. Generally speaking, it is best to leave it alone so it does not affect the integrity of the piece, unless you must do repairs, resizing, etc. In general, when in doubt, don't, this is especially important when it is a hand forged piece, custom made, with intricate details, a lot of pave, etc. Glad you are having it resized by GOG because I would have told you to go that route instead of a jeweler you do not know. The beads, well, some like them some do not. I do not use them myself.

As to the sizing in particular, I can tell you though that although I am a European 52, sometimes my ring finger swells up to almost 54 and sometimes I can wear a 51 no problem. My ER is a 54, I got it like that, kept it like that and wear it no problem. It may also sound strange but you get used to wearing a bit loser ring and somehow do not really feel it after a while. Now of course I would caution you if there is any chance it can slip off and mine is a wide band, those are better when a bit larger. That said, it can be a good idea to wear the ring for a few days. What she can wear also depends on her knuckles though, since mine are large compared to the size of my fingers, my rings would never slip off even if 2 sizes too large. It also depends on the center stone, if large, the ring is more likely to turn around than with a smaller center stone. Yours may be fine. As others have also noted with a wedding band it will feel more snug, you may want to have your fiancee wear it for a few days and try it on with different wedding bands just to be sure you want to have it resized. Not trying to convince you not to have it sized but to think it over.

 

[MGoldRN]

Re: Revisiting the board for insight: AVR vs AVC, warmer col

I am glad that this is being resolved OP but just wanted to add a few comments. Something sounds fishy about this jeweler, you should take everything with a grain of salt when a jeweler tries to put down the quality of another's workmanship. I am especially suspicious here because I very highly doubt that GOG would set chipped stones and have several stones lose. Ok, it is possible that the setting came like that, it can also happen that people make mistakes, after all we are human but I was positive that they would take care of the problem. If you ever wonder about quality, as it has been said, you should always go to an independent appraiser.

As far as the center stone, I am glad you stuck to it because I honestly would not swap the center stone unless I wanted to change the entire ring too. Generally speaking, it is best to leave it alone so it does not affect the integrity of the piece, unless you must do repairs, resizing, etc. In general, when in doubt, don't, this is especially important when it is a hand forged piece, custom made, with intricate details, a lot of pave, etc. Glad you are having it resized by GOG because I would have told you to go that route instead of a jeweler you do not know. The beads, well, some like them some do not. I do not use them myself.

As to the sizing in particular, I can tell you though that although I am a European 52, sometimes my ring finger swells up to almost 54 and sometimes I can wear a 51 no problem. My ER is a 54, I got it like that, kept it like that and wear it no problem. It may also sound strange but you get used to wearing a bit loser ring and somehow do not really feel it after a while. Now of course I would caution you if there is any chance it can slip off and mine is a wide band, those are better when a bit larger. That said, it can be a good idea to wear the ring for a few days. What she can wear also depends on her knuckles though, since mine are large compared to the size of my fingers, my rings would never slip off even if 2 sizes too large. It also depends on the center stone, if large, the ring is more likely to turn around than with a smaller center stone. Yours may be fine. As others have also noted with a wedding band it will feel more snug, you may want to have your fiancee wear it for a few days and try it on with different wedding bands just to be sure you want to have it resized. Not trying to convince you not to have it sized but to think it over.

I appreciate your thoughts and concerns. While I do agree that most local jewelers that I dealt with had very limited knowledge and may even perhaps attempt to sway me in the wrong direction, I did not get that vibe from this particular jeweler. In fact, upon inspecting the stone to determine if he would work on it, he asked my fiance and I if we saw it under a microscope. He stated the center stone was definitely a great cut, but as he inspected each melee stone he wanted to point out some flaws I may or may not know about. He then proceeded to say that while he would gladly size the ring how ever we wanted, he felt it would be appropriate to ask GOG to inspect the ring as well to clarify any issues. In my opinion, he did not have to be honest with me, nor did he have to take the time to point these things out. I did not feel as if he was trying to put down craftsmanship or even try to make a sale. I have seen that it is rare to come across a local jeweler that will be straight forward.. this is unfortunate and even applies to most salesmen for anything besides jewelry. Anyway, the size 4 is definitely just a bit too big once over the knuckle. I'm staying positive that a 3.75 will be just about perfect as this is what it probably should have been in the first place. On regard to quality of melee and stability of the shared prongs, people make mistakes and I'm just unfortunate enough to have encountered one. GOG does massive volume sales, things happen and I'm just glad they were willing to correct it.

 

[Sunstorm]

Re: Revisiting the board for insight: AVR vs AVC, warmer col

OP, of course there are knowledgeable local jewelers and brick and mortar jewelry stores, even if not so common, they do exist. I was not trying to tell you otherwise but it is also normal that they may try to impress you because they will gain your trust and confidence with that and this is how they get new customers. There is nothing wrong with that. Understanding how goldsmiths work though (even if my specialty is not working as a goldsmith but sourcing gems and designing, I have have limited experienceas a goldsmith), I can tell you that no two goldsmiths will work alike and it often happens that they think their solution is the best. That is just the nature of things. Many times workmanship can be executed in several different ways and one is not necessarily better than the other, just different. This may not have been the case here but a reputable vendor will stand behind their product. Even the best will sometimes make a mistake. I have no idea who set the stones in your ring so I cannot comment there. Good thing is that everything will soon be in order, please keep us posted!

 

[TC1987]

Re: Revisiting the board for insight: AVR vs AVC, warmer col

I've had locals knock my Internet purchases. They can't knock the center stone, and probably can't even come close to providing a stone of equal cut, quality, and value. But you went there with a problem with the setting, and the local shop certainly would like the opportunity to sell a new high-end setting to you. Go to an independent appraiser for a neutral opinion.

 

[MGoldRN]

Re: Revisiting the board for insight: AVR vs AVC, warmer col

Just wanted to provide an update regarding the whole situation. GOG was able to verify that there were some melee stones that had unacceptable flaws related to how they were set, as well as the overall clarity characteristics. GOG stated that while issues like this are rare, things happen and it is impossible for them to inspect every single melee stone within a batch. GOG stated that they planned to exchange their entire batch of melee stones where these came from so that no one else would encounter the same issue. Each stone was taken out of the setting, inspected, replaced if needed, and then reset securely. GOG was also able to size the ring to 3.75 while in-house. The turnaround time was 1 day. I am extremely happy with the customer service at GOG. I understand that all businesses make errors, but what makes a great business is how well they stand behind their product.

The ring fits absolutely perfect and my FI is happier than ever to have it on her finger. Although discouraging at first, I guess it all worked out in the end. Thanks for the thoughts and insight everyone.