setting for active hands

[twalk]

Hey everybody! First of all thanks to everyone for making this such an amazing resource for those of us (me!) who formerly had no clue! Now at least I know how much I don''t know.

Anyway, based on what I''ve learned here and from the good people at GOG I''m on my way to picking out a nice .9x F or G VS1/2 square H&A (just not sure exactly which one yet). That part seems to be under control, however...I''m having some trouble trying to figure out what kind of setting to go with. I''ve talked with my gf about it some, but I really want to keep it as much of a suprise as I can. She''s made it clear that she''s not super picky, and that if anything simpler is better. She likes x prong style settings and this one from scott kay www.scottkay.com/bridal/products.aspx?categoryId=92&page=1&productId=1555, but I''m worried that these settings leave the diamond too exposed. The issuse is that she is a physical therapist, and thus is always working with her hands. At first she didn''t think it was that big of a deal, but then the other day she was talking to a friend (also a therapist) who had a bezel set ring. The friend said it was nice since it doesn''t have the diamond sticking up snagging on clothes and scratching people. For someone in this line of work is a prong setting a bad idea? If so, where should I look for a more protective/lower profile setting? Also, the way I understand it square H&As require round settings, which kind of complicates things too. All opinions and recommendations are greatly appreciated!!

D

 

[mrssalvo]

I guess i''d find out what she really wants and go from there. I used to be an aquatics director and my hands were always exposed to various chemicals like chlorine, that aren''t good for many settings.my husband bought me a traditional round solitaire, but he also bought a plain whitegold band to wear to work. If she wants to wear her engagement ring all the time, something low or with a bezel might be a better idea if she likes the style of those rings too.

 

[firebirdgold]

If she likes the x-prong setting, she may not like a flatter bezel set like the tiffany etoile style. (I happen to love both). You might want to try to find a cathedral bezel or half-bezel setting. Most full bezels, that are not custom made, are for round stones. I listed the etienne perret low halo in the ''indestructable'' category for my bf. (I''m a horrible clutz.) A princess, IMO, tends to look better with a half bezel anyway. There''s an attractive one at www.krikawa.com, but it may not be smooth enough. I''d suggest going to b&m''s and checking out different styles for their ''rub-over'' quotient. But I''ve always trusted my hands more than my eyes.

 

[twalk]

Thanks for all of your input! I think we may end up going to a b&m so she can try on some rings and hopefully decide what she likes. Personally, I really like the half bezel settings, but I''d rather make sure it''s something she really likes.

I am wondering though if square H&A diamonds are good candidates for bezel setting or not due to the extremely thick girdle on the flat sides. Has anyone tried this? Thanks!

 

[Rod]

If she likes the half bezel style, and you're going B&M shopping, if you have a Movado store near you, check out their solitaire settings, or go to Movado.com. They're simple and beautiful.

Good luck........

 

[jaz464]

This setting from WF is a half bezel but still lifts the diamond up for better viewing. So you get a higher look without prongs:

http://www.whiteflash.com/Engagement-Rings/Styles/Diamond-Settings/Symphony-Half-Bezel-Pave_748.htm

 

[tomswife2007]

Hey D,

I happen to love my version of the x prong setting because of the fact that it does not expose too much of the diamond, but does allow light to go in and out to allow for brilliance and scintillation. I have attached a pic of it, but it may not be very clear.

I have to agree with what was said earlier...if your GF likes the x prong, she probably won''t like a bezel setting. They are beautiful, but they do hide all of the diamond pretty much. On the other hand, I personally do not like the higher settings because of how much I hear my friends complain about getting their prongs caught on everything. I mean you do have to be careful when you are wearing a diamond ring to begin with, but should not have to worry about wearing it in fear of snagging it on a sweater or hitting it against something ythat ou walk past. Not an expert...just an opinion from experience. Good luck and looking forward to seeing the finished piece!