Selecting A Cushion

[bobdole]

My knowledge of rings is limited, but I have read all the pricescope articles.

I believe this diamond conforms to the rules in the cushion guide. I was considering putting it in this setting.

My budget is about 10k, but its not looking like I need to spend that much. Here is what I'm looking for. We are very active, and she never takes any of the other jewelry I have bought her off. It all gets pretty banged up from rock climbing, mountain biking, etc. I'd like to stay on the smaller side and get something that wont interfere with her active lifestyle or get stuck on anything. I believe her tastes lean toward a more antique look. This is what pushed me towards the cushion cut and the halo setting. I'm not sure an "antique" looking ring really meshes with the practicality she needs, but I'm gonna try. Keeping this a secret so I can't ask her.

I'm not totally set on a vendor, cut, or ring. You guys are the experts...thoughts? I'm interested in whatever you think fits the bill based on the above.

Thanks!

 

[diamondseeker2006]

Welcome!!! I'll try to answer quickly because it is getting late here! Basically, you can't choose a cushion by the numbers. You absolutely have to have pictures. Since you are trying for an antique style ring, please take a look at these excellent cushions:

http://www.goodoldgold.com/diamondResults.php?shape=16&optSym=128&inHouse=3&resultsColumns=268435535

They are getting some new ones in any day now, too. If you find one, we can suggest halo settings. GOG has many to choose from.

One more important note. No fine jewelry is suitable for wearing during rock climbing, yard work, etc. You have to take good care of it or you will find yourself having to replace it every few years or pay for numerous repairs. Little diamonds can fall out of the setting and any diamond can crack or chip. Most of us do not sleep in our rings and we take them off when doing cleaning, cooking, working out, etc. I suggest that when you get married, give her a second wedding band to wear when doing those activities that would damage a diamond ring. Here is an example of what I suggest for that purpose:

http://www.tungstenworld.com/4mm-3-Diamond-Womens-Tungsten-Wedding-Rings-Stone-Inlay/

 

[CharmyPoo]

A pave ring is never suitable for a very active lifestyle. Pave rings do have to be taken care of. The style is beautiful but absolutely do not recommend wearing the ring during rock climbing!

In terms of the diamond, it is difficult to evaluate cushions by numbers. Have you taken a look at some old threads to understand the difference between a modified cushion, cushion brilliant, chunky cushion or square H&A? They all have very distinct looks - cushions are definetly not equal and harder to purchase over rounds.

 

[Dreamer_D]

I think you need to find out what style of ring she wants somehow.

 

[tyty333]

Or...you could put the stone in a cheap ($300) temp white gold setting then you can both pic out an appropriate
setting for your lifestyle together. Please dont pick out an expensive setting that you're not sure she would like.

Its very rewarding to pick out a setting together...its a nice bonding experience for most couples.

 

[bobdole]

Thanks so much everyone.

I suggest that when you get married, give her a second wedding band to wear when doing those activities that would damage a diamond ring. Here is an example of what I suggest for that purpose:

Thanks, not a bad idea at all.

A pave ring is never suitable for a very active lifestyle. Pave rings do have to be taken care of. The style is beautiful but absolutely do not recommend wearing the ring during rock climbing!

I may be able to get her to leave the ring in the car when we go to the trails, but that's probably not a safe option either. Still, I doubt she will be diligent about removing it while gardening, cleaning, etc. I'm basing this on a pearl ring from our first anniversary that she wears like a wedding ring. And yes, it has lost diamonds from the pave and the pearl has fallen out twice.

What type of setting would be the most appropriate here, I'd like to look at a couple and see if any would match her style.

In terms of the diamond, it is difficult to evaluate cushions by numbers. Have you taken a look at some old threads to understand the difference between a modified cushion, cushion brilliant, chunky cushion or square H&A? They all have very distinct looks - cushions are definetly not equal and harder to purchase over rounds.

I have looked at the different types of cushions. The "chunkier" cushion is what I'm looking for, but when I'm actually shopping I have a hard time telling the difference online. The report shows how the diamond is cut, is that something I could use to narrow it down to a few stones? I'm not really sure what to look for, but if I can find it at a vendor who also has a suitable setting I will go ahead and get aset images.

I think you need to find out what style of ring she wants somehow.

She's the type that will love whatever I get her, but I'm working hard to figure out her tastes. I've looked through her other jewelry and I think I have a good idea of the general style. Also, I've recruited her friends to approve the final ring before I pull the trigger.

 

[bobdole]

Or...you could put the stone in a cheap ($300) temp white gold setting then you can both pic out an appropriate
setting for your lifestyle together. Please dont pick out an expensive setting that you're not sure she would like.

Its very rewarding to pick out a setting together...its a nice bonding experience for most couples.

So you are thinking purchase it online pre-set in the cheapest setting I can find. Would it be best to replace the setting locally at that point? How would that work, I guess it would be nice to get in with somebody local who will be doing all the repairs

If she did look online for a new setting, what if it was from a different vendor. Would I have to ship the stone to them to be set? Is that safe?

 

[Mayk]

If you like the halo get a simple, plain band and encourage her to take off her engagement ring for activities. I have a halo and would not dream of wearing it to the gym or cycling... In fact I bought a plain band for just that purpose. If she wants to wear it all the time I am sure the experts here will tell you..simple setting or maybe bezel set.... To protect the stone... Lovely setting though....

 

[diamondseeker2006]

Either get the ring set in a cheap tiffany style setting for the proposal and then take her to local fine jewelers to choose another setting or get the more elaborate setting from the vendor from whom you buy the diamond. It doesn't make any sense to me to be mailing the stone to another diamond vendor to get a setting. It has to be done when one has a custom setting made by a ring designer/maker, though.

She does need to learn to take care of the ring and not wear it all the time, though. As I said earlier, the only thing one could really wear all the time is the tungsten carbide. The best setting for an active person would be a bezel setting that surrounds the edges of the diamond and has no other diamonds on it, but still, it will look scratched and ugly in no time if she wears it doing the things mentioned. The alternate wedding band needs to be worn when doing those things.

Here are examples of a bezel setting:

http://www.crossjewelers.com/products/dept.asp?FolderID=13

And one more thing...get a good insurance policy. It will not cover the ring for wear and tear, but if it is lost or stolen, you'll be glad you had the insurance! Never leave rings in the car, ever!)

 

[bobdole]

http://www.crossjewelers.com/products/dept.asp?FolderID=13

"I want to wear my ring all the time!" Here you will find the most complete collection of bezel-set diamond engagement rings for active women.

Great Link! I think that helps a lot. Regarding the scratching, if it where white gold we could have it "plated" annually correct? What would maintenance be like for other metals? Which material do you think is more appropriate for us?


There have been a lot of good suggestions I haven't considered. I'll let it soak in before I decide if...

* I get a temporary setting, and she chooses
* We get two rings, but she only wears one for everyday use
* A bezel set ring she can always wear is more appropriate.

 

[diamondseeker2006]

I truly think since we really have zero idea about her preferences, not to mention she probably has not thought through all the implications about her lifestyle and wearing a valuable ring, I think you should go with the plain white gold tiffany solitaire for the proposal and explain to her you will look for the permanent setting together. Now I will add that millions of people use that kind of setting for a permanent setting, and she may want to keep it as it is. But she just needs the alternate wedding band that she can wear when a ring might be damaged. Because it sounds like she is sentimental so you just need to make the extra wedding band sentimental, too!

18k white gold that can be replated is fine, or the harder platinum alloy with 95 plat/5 ruthenium both would be okay choices. But neither will work wearing rock climbing, etc. I take my rings off before cooking because I don't want to be banging them on pots and pans accidentally! (or wearing them down or scratching them from grasping handles, etc.) I really want to get one of those tungsten bands myself!

 

[bobdole]

Yeah, don't worry I can take care of the style part. But this was very helpful on the type of setting and type of metal. I probably need to start a new thread for the rock now, since this went a different direction.