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Setting Advice and Thoughts

IslandJ

Rough_Rock
Joined
Jun 22, 2014
Messages
23
Hi Everyone,

I was wondering if I get some opinions on settings. I'm thinking of either going for an AVR diamond or a H&A/RB diamond.

I really like this one but I'm afraid it might be unintentionally adding years to her life if she was forced to wear it.

http://antiqueengagementrings.com/shopping/shopexd.asp?id=358

We are both in our late 20s and I'm thinking she might appreciate the design, but to wear every day she would probably want a more "modern" looking ring.

http://www.goodoldgold.com/images/settings/Vatche%20Files%20w%203%20view%20large%20file/191%20SWAN/191%20swan%20%203%20view%20large.jpg

http://www.goodoldgold.com/images/classicjewelry/Tacori%20Images/2638/2638%20collage.jpg

http://www.goodoldgold.com/images/classicjewelry/Tacori%20Images/2623/2623%20COLLAGE.jpg

http://www.goodoldgold.com/images/classicjewelry/Tacori%20Images/2575/2575%20COLLAGE.jpg
This last one I'm not too sure about. I don't know how I feel about the baguettes along side a round stone. Would round side stones work better?

Please share your thoughts!
 
Welcome! :wavey:

As an AVR owner, I absolutely think you have some great ideas! I think Tacori settings are great and love the ones you posted! I do not like the quality of the ones from the first link you posted, so I would eliminate that. The other option through GOG would be Beverley K, and those generally run less than Tacori. These pics are from another site, but GOG can order them:

http://www.greenwichjewelers.com/shop/designers/beverley-k/products/k-round-diamond-engagement-ring-with-baguette-side-diamonds (setting can be ordered without a diamond)

http://www.greenwichjewelers.com/shop/designers/beverley-k/products/beverley-k-asscher-cut-engagement-ring (can be set with a round)

many others:

http://www.greenwichjewelers.com/shop/designers/beverley-k/1/viewall

Now...all that said....do you know for sure that she likes this style of ring? All of these are antique style. I love them and think they'd be gorgeous with an AVR. But if she likes a modern style ring with a modern round brilliant, these may not be for her. You really need to know what she likes.

I love the quality of Vatche settings, but I do not like the Swan because the wedding band is going to rub against the part that sticks out at the base.
 
diamondseeker2006|1404066080|3703298 said:
Now...all that said....do you know for sure that she likes this style of ring? All of these are antique style. I love them and think they'd be gorgeous with an AVR. But if she likes a modern style ring with a modern round brilliant, these may not be for her. You really need to know what she likes.

.

+100. Tell us about her. What is she like? What is her clothing style? Views on interior decor? Any historical era that fascinates her? Does she have a Pinterest account where she's posted ring hints? Can you ask a friend or relative who can be trusted to keep a secret?
 
As for the side baguette setting, it's a classic. Beautiful, elegant, highlights the round stone, makes it look larger.


Harry Winston:
baugette.png
 
lioness|1404071988|3703361 said:
As for the side baguette setting, it's a classic. Beautiful, elegant, highlights the round stone, makes it look larger.


Harry Winston:
baugette.png

I absolutely love the setting he posted, too! I am tempted to try it on myself!
 
ASK HER what she wants. Or ask her Mom, sister, cousin, or best friend for the love of Pete.

She's going to be wearing this for the rest of her life.
And MANY women don't like rounds.
 
DiamondSeeker - Hi! I've seen your AVR from prior posts and it looks beautiful! I remembered it being an "I" color and thought that might as well be a D-F for me because it looked pretty colorless to me. If you don't mind me asking, does the color show when looking at it from the side? I've been looking at the YT videos from GOG, and they all look pretty good staring from above, but when Jon would give a side profile, that's when you noticed the color. I also e-mailed GOG and received a response from David (Jon's son?) and stated that I could probably be safe with a VS2 J. So now I'm seriously contemplating either of the two.
http://www.goodoldgold.com/diamond/9893/
http://www.goodoldgold.com/diamond/9889/
My main concern between the two would be whether to go for the clarity or culet size.

Sorry for the tangent, back to settings we go. As you can see my sense of taste in this aspect isn't exactly the greatest. I guess the ring/setting I'd envision for her would be classy/elegant. Even though there's probably nothing as classic as a polished platinum setting, I also wanted it to have a little more character too. Her attention to detail is extraordinary so I believe she would appreciate a well crafted/designed setting.

I think the first link you posted fits the criteria. I took a look at the Beverley K settings on GOG and the pictures didn't do them justice. This is much nicer.

To answer your last question. I haven't been sure of anything since I started this search. Would you not recommend an AVR if in the past she has only been looking at RB/H&A diamonds?

Lioness - As for her style of clothes, it's conservative for the most part. We do live on an island so it gets pretty hot. On our days off she would wear either a flowy slip on dress or t-shirt/tank top with shorts and flip flops. For work (which might be a better indicator as she works A LOT) it would be a sleeveless blouse tucked into a pencil skirt and carry a cardigan for when it gets cold in the office.
Besides for Facebook, not very active in the social media sector. I'm not going to say she isn't into jewelry, but she doesn't really look. I guess that's partly my fault because I'm sure the only piece of jewelry she wants now is an engagement ring!

Gypsy - Although things could have changed, but the two things I'm sure of is 1.) She prefers a round cut diamond, and 2.) She wants a platinum setting. Believe me I've considered just asking her, but I really want to surprise her. We've been together long enough for her to possibly believe this day would never come. The element of surprise is something I don't want to lose. I've also thought about asking her friends/family but considering she doesn't talk about jewelry too often, and they might have strong opinions of their own. I'm afraid that their "suggestions" might lead me to purchase a ring that they like but not necessarily her.

At the end of the day I do believe she will love whatever ring I pick for her. I think what's most important to her is the thought and effort into picking out the ring. I don't want to possibly lose that by asking her friends/family. But then again at the same time, I don't want to pick out an ugly ring either :lol:


Lioness & Gypsy - It's great to hear from you two again! You both were very helpful on my last post and I'm glad that you're back to help on this topic.

DiamondSeeker - I appreciate your help and value your feedback as well! I look forward to your response.
 
Happy to help!! I would do this for a living if I could come up with a viable business model.

Conservative, sleek, possibly minimalist attire (sleeveless blouses and pencil skirts), attention to detail.... I'm getting a very 1990's Calvin Klein-type impression of her style. Clean, spare, yet open to an unexpected twist... What about a solitaire with a surprise? My first thought was the Vatche Caroline or 280. Here are links to GOG's website:

http://www.goodoldgold.com/images/settings/Vatche%20Files%20w%203%20view%20large%20file/187%20CAROLINE%20ROUND%20CTR/187%20caroline%20round%20ctr%203%20view%20large.jpg

http://www.goodoldgold.com/images/settings/Vatche%20Files%20w%203%20view%20large%20file/280%20SOLSTICE/280%20solitare%203%20view%20large.jpg

Ask GOG for more suggestions.

That's my 2 cents.

BTW, do you know her ring size? Does the heat make her fingers swell? Things to consider....
 
Or, a baguette side-stone setting....
 
ohhh the choices :read: .I think I've (with all of your help of course) narrowed down the setting as well.

I did have one last questions before I decide though. What do you all think of a three stone setting? http://www.goodoldgold.com/setting/V319/

I was thinking that with another one on each side, because of the design of the AVR, it'd almost look like a bouquet of flowers :lol:
Jokes aside, I think it could either be a hit or miss. From what I've read though it seems like the side stones should only be slightly smaller than the center diamond. So a 1.7ct diamond with .6ct side stones wouldn't really work huh? Then there's an issue with GOG's inventory as well. I don't think they have matching AVRs that wouldn't hurt the bank at the bank. But let's disregard that issue for now. I am curious to hear what your thoughts and the "rule of thumb" for a three stone engagement ring would be.

I found also found this video that showcases a three stone OEC ring. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XQw787DeogA
 
The ring in that video is to die for!
 
IslandJ|1404356777|3705722 said:
ohhh the choices :read: .I think I've (with all of your help of course) narrowed down the setting as well.

I did have one last questions before I decide though. What do you all think of a three stone setting? http://www.goodoldgold.com/setting/V319/

I was thinking that with another one on each side, because of the design of the AVR, it'd almost look like a bouquet of flowers :lol:
Jokes aside, I think it could either be a hit or miss. From what I've read though it seems like the side stones should only be slightly smaller than the center diamond. So a 1.7ct diamond with .6ct side stones wouldn't really work huh? Then there's an issue with GOG's inventory as well. I don't think they have matching AVRs that wouldn't hurt the bank at the bank. But let's disregard that issue for now. I am curious to hear what your thoughts and the "rule of thumb" for a three stone engagement ring would be.

I found also found this video that showcases a three stone OEC ring. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XQw787DeogA

Three-stone rings are lovely! However, it's sometimes difficult to find a band that sits flush with the ring without it being curved. There may be times that your lady will want to wear the band by itself, and curved bands look wonky on their own. Be sure that any three-stone you choose has enough room for a straight band to sit flush.
 
CanuckAB said:
The ring in that video is to die for!
Another vote for the three stone beauty!
 
Short post, just wanted to share. I had David compare two AVRs with a H&A

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J6Lr7gp8FA0&list=UUe_V0Cpb5TXhi2j80WFLuLA

The video didn't impress me as much as I thought it would, but to fair I didn't really get a good chance to look. I have to always look over my shoulder to make sure she doesn't catch on :)
Thoughts?

Also, I've read that the side stones should only be a little smaller than the center stone. Would it be very awkward if I purchase a 1.7 ct stone and .7-1ct side stones? What's the biggest difference I should go if considering this route?

I've seen many posts and links, thanks! Will check them out and reply soon.
 
My eyes always go to the AVR's over MRB's. That's just me tho. I have an AVC three stone and I love love a million times love it. My stones are pretty close in size, and I like the look of that better than when the sides are quite a bit smaller. To my eyes it flows better, and the center stone still is obviously the key stone, but the sides seem more like a part of the group than accents. My setting is super low and bands fit w/it nicely.
 
No. The proportions are a matter of preference there is no rule. Personally I love the look of 40 pointers with a 1.6 center because it's a three stone, but it lets the center stone be the star.

file.jpg

the %s are wrong (the math is wrong) but it gives you an idea of different looks. They all look good. And like I said, I personally think 40 pointers and a 1.5-1.7 center would look great.
 
Little late, but I hope those who celebrate enjoyed their July 4th!

Thank you to all that replied and for your feedback on the three stone engagement ring. I think I'm convinced that's the route I want to go.

Another question I forgot to ask, do you think a "J" color diamond set on a platinum band is a bad idea? I'm worried that it will make the "J" color more noticeable in a bad way.

Great point lioness! When you almost think you're done with one ring, here comes another.

Packrat & lioness - What settings do you recommend to avoid the possible issue posted by lioness?

Do you think I'll run into an issue with either of these?
http://www.whiteflash.com/engagement-rings/three-stone/vatche-x-prong-3-stone-engagement-ring-2816.htm
http://www.dvatche.com/index.php?page=collection&catID=3,12&alt=2

Attached are the photos that were sent also. I'm not sure whether to go for the far left or far right. David had said the one to the far left looked whiter than the the one to the far left, which I can see in the video. However, the one on the far left has a slightly large culet, while the one to the far right has a medium.

avr1_3.jpg
avr2.jpg


Gypsy - The pic you posted with the ratios is INCREDIBLY helpful. I read that the ratio should be a 3:1 or 2:1, but pictures speak louder than words. I might choose the .42 & .45 you posted earlier to go with it, unless you don't think the I colors would go well with the J. I was also wondering why you chose the .42 instead of the .44. Was it because of the large culet for the .44?


Side note: Thanks for hanging in there with me thus far everyone. After this I might have one last post before finalizing my decision.
 
.
 
I picked those two for sidestones because their facet and dimensions were so similar. The other "I" had a slightly different facet pattern under the table.

For the center stone I like the one on the far right, personally. But why don't you ask them to take a picture of EACH center stone option with the two sidestones and see which three look best together. Since that's the point of it all. :wink2: And no there is no issue with I colored sides and a J center. One color grade difference is fine and quite often seen.

As for the flush band issue. Yes, the Vatche settings will have that issue.

You need a gallery like these in profile to allow a flush fit band:
http://www.engagementringsdirect.com/anna-three-stone-ring-bpid-318-15.html
http://www.briangavindiamonds.com/engagement-rings/three-stone/truth-x-3-18k-yellow-gold-5450y18
http://www.briangavindiamonds.com/engagement-rings/three-stone/queen-dinah-3-stone-18k-white-gold-5678w18


You can buy any of these. Have GOG send the setting vendor the stone dimensions (copies of the lab reports are fine) and then they will order/make the setting for you, and send it back to GOG and then GOG can set your stone in it for you.

:wavey:
 
IslandJ|1404178267|3704152 said:
Believe me I've considered just asking her, but I really want to surprise her. We've been together long enough for her to possibly believe this day would never come. The element of surprise is something I don't want to lose. I've also thought about asking her friends/family but considering she doesn't talk about jewelry too often, and they might have strong opinions of their own. I'm afraid that their "suggestions" might lead me to purchase a ring that they like but not necessarily her.

At the end of the day I do believe she will love whatever ring I pick for her. I think what's most important to her is the thought and effort into picking out the ring. I don't want to possibly lose that by asking her friends/family. But then again at the same time, I don't want to pick out an ugly ring either :lol:
You are in my head! Get out!! :lol:

This is pretty much my situation exactly so I sympathise entirely :))
 
ooohshiny - Glad to hear it! That means you must be getting ready to ask the big question soon too. Congrats! I hope you're having it a lot easier than me in picking out a ring though. I'm super indecisive so every time I'm about to pull the trigger my hands get clammy and I back out :shock:

Gypsy - I think ooohshiny passed the ESP over to you because now you're in my head. I woke up this morning thinking the exact same thing. As it's an AVR is a cut pretty much trademarked by GOG I can't exactly walk into a store and compare. I will post pics once received!
Thanks for posting the settings for comparison. I see how it would effect it now. I can't imagine the (what looks like) minor protrusions caused by the vatche prongs/settings would cause the space between the ER and WB to be significant though.
 
IslandJ|1404573118|3707284 said:
ooohshiny - Glad to hear it! That means you must be getting ready to ask the big question soon too. Congrats! I hope you're having it a lot easier than me in picking out a ring though. I'm super indecisive so every time I'm about to pull the trigger my hands get clammy and I back out :shock:
LOL You have no idea...

I have been copying and pasting links and pictures onto an Excel spreadsheet, just over the top of the boxes and ignoring layout but so I can scroll up and down - I'm now over 2000 lines worth of options... :shock: :lol: (That's not 2000 rings, just that's how much all the photos and links have taken up, it's not one option to a line, fortunately!) And I still have some more websites to trawl... :?


I think I'm just going to go Custom and be done with it - hopefully I can find someone who can combine all the different elements I like and make them look nice in the end!


I hope you can find one that really jumps out at you, I think there is one out there for all of us that is 'just right' but it's the finding it that is hassle! :)
 
My eyes went to the far right one as well. Color-wise, I can't say on that b/c I prefer warmer/lower colors. The settings that Gypsy posted, they all have a "bridge", the shank goes all the way around the finger, so where the diamonds sit will be up above that and bands will sit next to the bridge. I have "wraps" on the shank sides of mine, so my band doesn't sit 100% flush, but that whole like...1mm or whatever, is not noticeable.

ETA: Far right diamond, I meant. Way to not elaborate, sorry.

100_0.jpg

100_1.jpg

100_25.jpg
 
[quote="IslandJ|1404573118|3707284" I can't imagine the (what looks like) minor protrusions caused by the vatche prongs/settings would cause the space between the ER and WB to be significant though.[/quote]

Can you ask GOG or Vatche to confirm? They've dealt with this issue before, they have the answers.
 
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