Setting help please! Vintage-inspired setting for modern diamond?

[jam87]

Hi all! Longtime lurker here, finally getting to post. My boyfriend has bought a diamond and has asked for my input on the setting, and I am all over the place. Don't know exact specs but it's around 1.7-2 ct MRB. I definitely want yellow gold, but going back and forth between setting options.

Option 1: Solitaire. I feel these are more traditional (obviously) and love the flexibility it gives you, but kind of want something more unique. I've always loved vintage-inspired solitaires but a) I'm unsure how a modern diamond would look in one and b) I feel like I always see them with enormous stones. I've tried on some stones around the size I'm getting and it looked rather large on me (sz 6) but still, not sure. Things I've liked so far...

- I'm obsessed with the EW Margot, but definitely more than we were looking to spend.
- CvB Dahlia is gorgeous, but not sure if it'll look too plain with a more modest diamond size. I also like the CvB Elsa.
- I also love something like this but not sure if it will look good with a modern diamond (or who makes things like this).

Option 2: Three stone with pear sides. I was originally inspired by the Catbird Juno and love the style and how it's a bit different. However I'm worried that the pears will overwhelm the center stone and kind of blur together. Another one I like is this, which I found somewhere on here I believe - hope the user doesn't mind!

Orrrr I could end up somewhere in between. I really want something a little more "special" than a standard solitaire, but none of the more mainstream retailers seem to have anything that's not a plain solitaire or full pave. The closest I've seen is a few from Brilliant Earth: the Aria (pear side stones but tiny), Leighton (wrap sides), and Caliana (all would be with a round of course).

Any advice on which way I should go, or suggested settings I haven't thought of? Thank you!!

 

[Miss Marple]

If the EW Margot is your dream setting, maybe go with a very simple solitaire for now and upgrade later?

 

[jam87]

That’s a good point - I should have mentioned I’m not entirely sold on the brushed finish or the milgrain. I guess I worry with a modern diamond it’s a little too antiquey?

 

[soxfan]

Ask CVB about her "olivia" setting.

 

[Gussie]

We could be ring twins. I have had a Dahlia with an mrb and will get my new EW Margot this week (also mrb). I like MRBs best and I love an antique style setting and have no problem mixing the two. Just as I have no problem wearing a high end designer silk blouse with vintage Levi's.

But if you are considering upgrading in the near future, remember that these settings are expensive. I would recommend a less expensive"temp" setting such as the Stuller crown until you have a stone you will keep a while. The Stuller crown is gorgeous and doesn't break the bank.

 

[kmoro]

That’s a good point - I should have mentioned I’m not entirely sold on the brushed finish or the milgrain. I guess I worry with a modern diamond it’s a little too antiquey?

Of course this is just my personal opinion, but I don’t think a “modern” diamond would look odd in any antique-style setting. It wouldn’t even have crossed my mind, lol.

 

[Gussie]

Also some of these settings can be made without milgrain or brushed finish if you prefer; you just need to ask the designer. My Margot is a polished finish. Take a look at VC, I think his setting are gorgeous and a few of them have a vintage vibe with a bit more modern look.

 

[jam87]

Thanks for the input! To clarify I’m not planning on upgrading the stone any time soon, but it’s a good point that if I can go simple for now and reset down the road.

I’ll check out VC, thanks!

 

[foxinsox]

Hi all! Longtime lurker here, finally getting to post. My boyfriend has bought a diamond and has asked for my input on the setting, and I am all over the place. Don't know exact specs but it's around 1.7-2 ct MRB. I definitely want yellow gold, but going back and forth between setting options.

Option 1: Solitaire. I feel these are more traditional (obviously) and love the flexibility it gives you, but kind of want something more unique. I've always loved vintage-inspired solitaires but a) I'm unsure how a modern diamond would look in one and b) I feel like I always see them with enormous stones. I've tried on some stones around the size I'm getting and it looked rather large on me (sz 6) but still, not sure. Things I've liked so far...

- I'm obsessed with the EW Margot, but definitely more than we were looking to spend.
- CvB Dahlia is gorgeous, but not sure if it'll look too plain with a more modest diamond size. I also like the CvB Elsa.
- I also love something like this but not sure if it will look good with a modern diamond (or who makes things like this).

first, pending congratulations! How exciting and also yay boyfriend for getting your input into the design!
David Klass could do this one as I’m pretty sure he’s done the same or very similar setting before. While this one is by Hancock Diamonds (I have it saved cos it’s gorgeous!), it’s very similar to one Ring Concierge do. I don’t believe it’s a copyrighted design being a vintage design.
I would say that 1.7-2ct isn’t that wee so the Dahlia etc would all look gorgeous at that size.
Also if you’re looking for simple but a little different what about bezelled with bezelled side stones?

ALSO how do you want your wedding band to sit? Flush or with a small gap or are you ok with a big gap or having to get a fitted band? That may play into your setting decision too

 

[jam87]

Thank you all! I am leaning more and more towards the Dahlia or something like it (would prefer 6 prongs I think). I figure I can always get a three stone for my right hand later on - this is my one chance for the classic engagement solitaire. Plus it means I can have more fun with wedding bands