Setting keep it or else - I need your opinions

[lesco]

Hi,

For those who have read about the issues I had with my setting, just to give you an update, the vendor asked FI for one more chance to get it right. FI agreed. Since I am no longer involved in these decisions ( I''m fed up) and I left my FI in charge of dealing with this, I was ok with it.

So, yesterday I picked up the setting and well, again, it was not what I asked for. I have been stressing delicate prongs, minimal amount of metal facing up. I even provided the vendor with a sample ring. However, I am tempted to keep it as I really want to move forward with this. I have a wedding to plan, other things I''ll rather put my time on.

The vendor agreed to give me time to decide. I have until Tuesday. If I don''t want to keep it, he will give me my money back, no questions asked. This is when I really need your feedback. I find myself unable to make a rational decision. Please, please help me!

What would you do? I have attached some pictures

 

[lesco]

In the prior picture, I know the arrows are misaligned ... I can''t find the GIA inscription.

Picture #2
Hand shot

 

[Deelight]

IF you don''t love the setting now it will only bug you moreso in the future

Personally I would not settle for something I was not 110% happy with

 

[lesco]

Sorry Pic # 3 failed...

 

[lesco]

Pict #3 ---- Second try

 

[neatfreak]

Well, I have two things. First, I agree that if you don't love it now, it'll only bug you more. HOWEVER, what are your expectations here? Buying a stock setting from a vendor will never net you Leon Mege handmade prongs. So if that is what you are after, I don't think it's fair to ask the vendor to provide something they can't.

The OTHER thing here, is how big is your stone? Smaller stones will just naturally not look as delicate when put next to prongs. Prongs will just look a lot bulkier on smaller stones. Period. So make sure what you are after is comparing similar sized stones, because they can't just thin down prongs endlessly, there is a stopping point where it isn't secure anymore, and unfortunately smaller stones will just always look proportionately different with even the smallest prongs than big stones will.

I think it looks beautiful now...what is your problem with it still?

 

[Ellen]

It''s really hard to tell from macro photos how big they really are. That second pic from a distance doesn''t appear bad at all. They aren''t jumpimg out at me. But, it really matters what YOU think. If it''s going to bug you, there''s no point keeping it, as it will most likely always bug you. Yanno?

 

[Ice Princess Cristy]

I would return the setting.... if you are not happy now, you will always be bothered by it. I upgrade my stone, but I wouldn''t (at least at this point.... never say never....) want to change out my setting.... mainly because I just LOVE it. I couldn''t imagine not looking down at my ring and NOT loving it.

 

[lesco]

Hi Neatfreak,

This is not a stock setting. A new cast was made for it.
I wanted delicate prongs. They don''t necessarily need to come from Leon.
The stone is 6mm. With that said, I have a .29 carat in a six prong solitaire and the prongs are so delicate, they are almost imperceptible. So, In my limited knowledge, this is attainable.

Maybe you are right and I just have unreasonable expectations... Thank you for giving me your honest opinion. I need to hear it all.

 

[neatfreak]

Date: 5/23/2008 10:51:00 AM
Author: lesco
Hi Neatfreak,


This is not a stock setting. A new cast was made for it.

I wanted delicate prongs. They don''t necessarily need to come from Leon.

The stone is 6mm. With that said, I have a .29 carat in a six prong solitaire and the prongs are so delicate, they are almost imperceptible. So, In my limited knowledge, this is attainable.


Maybe you are right and I just have unreasonable expectations... Thank you for giving me your honest opinion. I need to hear it all.

Well, they don''t look bulky *to me* for that size stone. But it really is a personal thing. I just wouldn''t want you to get a Leon and have the prongs be just as big... If you are in NY why not make an appt with Leon and see if he could make something more delicate? If not, then you can realize that you might have unreasonable expectations, whereas if he says yes, then you can return this with more confidence.

 

[Itgirl76]

I am thinking that the other ring that you used as a sample was a much smaller diamond than your ring that you are getting set now. So it may be an issue where the prongs have to be bigger due to the size of your diamond. Just a thought

But if it bothers you that much now it will bother you more in the future.

 

[lyra]

I think part of the problem is the style of the setting in general. I''m not a fan of 6 prong settings. My diamond looked smaller in the 6 prong tiffany style setting, than in a 4 prong setting. My new setting has the diamond resting in a basket, and the prongs are barely visible at all, and it''s a fairly large stone (1.77ct). So perhaps a new style in 4 prong might be a better compromise for you. Your diamond does not look small in the distant pic, but I agree the prongs look a bit bulky in the close up shot.

 

[Rhea]

They look fine in the second photo. Actually, they look good full stop, but if they aren''t what you want then have another jeweller try.

 

[lesco]

I just wanted to take a moment to thank all of you for your votes and opinions. I know that over the course of the past two months, I have asked several questions on this matter and I'm very appreciative of the fact that I've always been given responses. I apologize if some of you are about sick of hearing my woes with this thing. Trust me, I am sick with myself.

I hope that at some point in the near future, I become knowledgeable enough to pay it forward and give someone in this forum as much help as you have given me. You are all incredible human beings and an incredible resource.

Neatfreak, I think your suggestion was very valid and I followed suit. I had a conversation with Leon today, via phone. He agreed to meet with me next Tuesday to discuss further. At this point I will decide how to proceed.

I see most of you (based on the votes) agree in that I should return the setting and shop for something else I would like better. Gosh, I feel so guilty in doing so as I really appreciate the vendor I have dealt with. Plus, there is nothing really wrong (in terms of craftsmanship) with the setting this time around. It's just not to my liking. Is this enough reason to return it? I know he runs a business after all but both FI and I truly appreciate him as an individual. If we were dealing with some mass producer, no biggie, we will turn our backs and never think twice. I need to put my big girl pants on and make a damn decision once an for all.

Once again, a heartfelt thank you to all of you.

 

[arjunajane]

I voted return the setting - no need to feel guilty, it seems like your vendor has been reasonable.
Find something you love, but of course make sure expectations are reasonable (not saying yours are not at all, I want delicate prongs too.).

 

[lesco]

Allright guys, here are some updates. I came back from my meeting with Leon and he seems of the opinion that yes, he can made a much delicate setting. What he explained to me is that the setting I have was cast for a larger stone, hence the disconnect I see between diamond and setting.

Options:
He recommended I go for a halo. He has one in stock which he is 90% sure would fit my diamond. His concern is that in his opinion my diamond is a tad deep (sad - his opinion - I did not think so it's 61.9%) so it might not fit length wise. he could make the same setting for my stone regardless. The difference between the one he has available and the custom made one is $500. Overall, if I go for this setting I would be spending close to what I spend on the diamond. It would be something like a ratio of 55% diamond - 45% setting.
I would love to go for it but it seems like a stupid purchase. You know, I'll rather put that money on the diamond.

This is the setting

http://www.artofplatinum.com/4images/details.php?image_id=320. He will take the OMC out and fit my stone in. He says he has better plans for the OMC.

The "cartier" inspired solitaire is still an option but he really tried to discourage me from that one. He says that I need something with more presence...

So, I have until 5:00 pm to decide... Any thoughts? Keep or return?

 

[Ellen]

lesco, if you have said previously, forgive me for not knowing. But how long will you have this stone? If you're planning on upgrading, I wouldn't go with an expensive setting right now myself.

And I personally don't think that's really that deep.

 

[lesco]

upgrading? I wish. No, I doubt it.
Diamond talk has been banned from my vocabulary. PS too by the way - haha I still manage!

Yes, I would love to go for that halo setting but financially it might not make any sense. I guess the bottom line is I have a tiny stone... That''s why the setting is big for it!

 

[Rhea]

The Leon ring is beautiful. It''s the one ring that my DH really likes that has made him say that jewellery is worth buying. "Work of art" are the words he used.

I agree with Ellen, if you''re planning to upgrade then it''s not really worth it to spend quite so much on the setting since it can''t be used again.

 

[lesco]

Yes, it is. I almost fell of my chair when I saw it in person. It is exquisite.
It looks like it was made by fairies working with tiny tiny little hands.

ETA: You are some lucky gal ... Your DH says work of art - my FI told me are you nuts?

Well... If I ever upgrade I can always set a colored stone in it... ( wishful thinking)

 

[Ellen]

Well, it sounds like you need to return the setting, if possible, since I really think it''s going to bug you. But what to do after that, I honestly don''t know what to tell you....Could you maybe find another nice, simple, inexpensive setting, and live with that for awhile, til you truly know what you want to do?

 

[Rhea]

Date: 5/27/2008 3:10:59 PM
Author: lesco
Yes, it is. I almost fell of my chair when I saw it in person. It is exquisite.

It looks like it was made by fairies working with tiny tiny little hands.


ETA: You are some lucky gal ... Your DH says work of art - my FI told me are you nuts?

Well... If I ever upgrade I can always set a colored stone in it... ( wishful thinking)

Ah, but it''s the only time my DH has used that phrase to describe jewellery (but electronics are regularly "sleek and sexy"). And that phrase was used well after I got engaged

.

I don''t think the cost of stone to setting matters, it''s the whole package that you wear, but you do still sound pretty torn. It sounds like you have some time to shop and think, that''s always good.

 

[lesco]

Date: 5/27/2008 3:18:26 PM
Author: Ellen
Well, it sounds like you need to return the setting, if possible, since I really think it''s going to bug you. But what to do after that, I honestly don''t know what to tell you....Could you maybe find another nice, simple, inexpensive setting, and live with that for awhile, til you truly know what you want to do?

Yes, this is probably what I would do. I am so undecided It''s pathetic. I''m ashamed of myself.
Thank you Ellen for still keeping up with my horrid stupidity.

 

[lesco]

A decision was made. I am keeping the setting as a temporary one and I will continue to look for a more permanent home for my "little" diamond. I need some time to find what I really want to do... I cannot make decisions with the damn clock ticking.

I made two guys very happy today ... My vendor and my FI... That has to count for something.
If anyone is interested in the Leon Mege setting and has an .70 - .80 pointer, give Leon a call. The setting is drop dead gorgeous in person. Grab it while it''s there.

Thank you to all of you for your responses and comments during these two month process. I really appreciate all the help.

 

[Ellen]

Date: 5/27/2008 7:10:21 PM
Author: lesco
A decision was made. I am keeping the setting as a temporary one and I will continue to look for a more permanent home for my ''little'' diamond. I need some time to find what I really want to do... I cannot make decisions with the damn clock ticking.

I made two guys very happy today ... My vendor and my FI... That has to count for something.
If anyone is interested in the Leon Mege setting and has an .70 - .80 pointer, give Leon a call. The setting is drop dead gorgeous in person. Grab it while it''s there.

Thank you to all of you for your responses and comments during these two month process. I really appreciate all the help.

No, that''s never a good time to make such an important decision. Now maybe you can relax, take your time, and figure it all out. And it''s not like you''re walking around with a horrid setting, far from it!

BTW, being indecisive is not stupid. Don''t make me smack you.

 

[arjunajane]

Date: 5/27/2008 7:16:02 PM
Author: Ellen

Date: 5/27/2008 7:10:21 PM
Author: lesco
A decision was made. I am keeping the setting as a temporary one and I will continue to look for a more permanent home for my ''little'' diamond. I need some time to find what I really want to do... I cannot make decisions with the damn clock ticking.

I made two guys very happy today ... My vendor and my FI... That has to count for something.
If anyone is interested in the Leon Mege setting and has an .70 - .80 pointer, give Leon a call. The setting is drop dead gorgeous in person. Grab it while it''s there.

Thank you to all of you for your responses and comments during these two month process. I really appreciate all the help.

No, that''s never a good time to make such an important decision. Now maybe you can relax, take your time, and figure it all out. And it''s not like you''re walking around with a horrid setting, far from it!

BTW, being indecisive is not stupid. Don''t make me smack you.

I agree with ellen - your headin'' for a smack!

Lesco, pls don''t be so hard on yourself - i don''t know how many PS''ers can claim not to be indecisive on settings - I think it comes from having such great access to quality work..

Sounds like you''ve made the right decision - definately not the kind of purchase you want to make when not absolutely sure.

And, fwiw, I like your ring. Sure, the prongs could be a lil smaller, but its still very pretty.

 

[Diamond*Dana]

I think you made the right decision, it is too risky to make such a big decision in such a short time. I think that your ring looks beautiful as is, BTW.

 

[lesco]

Guys, don't worry no need for a smackin' from PS. FI was very pissed w/ me (not anymore) so I got my smackin' allright.

Funny story --- I guess that women are from venus men are from mars thing is true. Both vendor and FI developed some sort of bond so I'm outnumbered. So vendor goes : You know It looks you are still not pleased. Fi responds, yes, I know ... you can see the dismay in their faces...

poor guys I have them traumatized.

Hey, at least I got Leon to agree with me regarding the proportions of the ring. One for my team.

Arjuna thank you for the compliments. I know, we have so many resources and examples here on PS that we want the very best. I was thinking about the same thing coming home tonight. Gosh, I'm worrying about some prongs and all of this nonsense. I mean, who is going to stop and say oh my gosh did you see the ginormous prongs on this ring ????? only me folks... only me. One thing I have to say is that after seeing Leon's work in person the guy is worth it!

By the way, is .82 carat ( 6mm) considered that small??? I get a lot of you know, for a stone that size...
I got the same speech about 6 times today, I swear!

 

[arjunajane]

I think 0.8 is a nice and respectable size for an ering,one that I and most people I know would be very happy with.

And yeah, it helps to put things in perspective sometimes , considering how much we sweat over the little details on here so much - I know its all in good fun and I lurve it, but its really not **Real Life** if you kwim?
Imho, It helps to step away sometimes and just appreciate what you have - a gorgeous ring and a Fi that loves you (and whatever else is in your life right now!)..

There is always time for upgrades and changes in the future - and as you said, it would be sooo very strange to hear somebody whisper to her friend .."Wow, did you see how Big the prongs are on her ering?? - eewww!"

ha ha , as if, lol!
I''m sure the only comments you will receive will be compliments on you and your Fi''s excellent choice!

 

[honey22]

I guess I am biased but 0.8ct is not a tiny stone! I have one and I think it looks large. I have been taking more notice of people around me and their rings and I rarely see diamonds over the 0.4-0.5ct mark. PS skews your impression of diamond size - we are used to seeing ginormous blingy rocks here, so you become '' mheh - it''s only a 3ct - it''s a baby!''. But in real life, I am sure a 0.8ct is pretty sizable. I think it also depends on your finger size - if you go by that chart thingy you quite often see around here, the ''gold standard'' seems to be a 1.0ct on a size 6 finger which gives around 39-40% finger coverage I believe. My ring is a size 5.25 with a 0.8ct stone gives the same finger coverage. So as you can see, a smaller stone can look larger or smaller depending on your finger size.

Ok, after all that rambling, I am not sure I have a point - oh yeah! You ring is really beautiful! I think the size is perfect!