Setting my new GOG OMC cushion

[Mirabelle_2010]

Hello, PS!

After 8 long months, I have finally chosen a diamond for my engagement ring: a GOG OMC cushion (~1.7 carats, 7 * 7.2mm). It’s gorgeous and I love its character (and Jon is such a pleasure to work with!). However, choosing a setting is proving to be difficult. I would love your advice.
Here is what is important to me:
Low setting—as low as possible
Bezel set (preferably) or flat, rounded antique-style prongs
Side diamonds or melee matches my diamond (it is a warm, luscious M!).
Platinum
Delicate but sturdy enough to wear every day without worrying
I want to wear a wedding band with it
A pretty underside/ basket
Set E-W
Budget: 2-6K
Here is a brief synopsis of my indecision:
I had it narrowed down to these three settings:

My fiancé wasn’t crazy about the JM setting, but he fiancé loves the side detail on the LM setting, so we decided on the LM… And within 6 hours, I started second guessing myself (why does this always happen!?!?). I’ve wanted a halo for years, but worry I''ll grow tired of it because they seem to be everywhere. I also worry that a sparkly halo will clash with the chunkiness of my OMC. And, I don’t want to risk melee contrast with my center stone.

So, with that said, here are the new options I’m considering...
Option 1
Get the LM design without the halo. My concern, however, is that I don’t want it to look like a split shank from the top (I just want the swirls to be visible from the side). Not sure if this is possible without the added width of the halo to cover it, while still keeping it low. If so, do you think it would look better with a bezel or flat rounded prongs (I do not like pointy prongs)?

 

[Mirabelle_2010]

Option 2
Forget the swirly sides and get it set with step cut, channel set diamonds (like this but with no halo). I wonder if step cut side diamonds would match the facets of an OMC better?

 

[Mirabelle_2010]

Option 3
Something similar to Kate Beckinsale’s set (I love the contrasting bands). But, what do you think about this style with a bezel instead of prongs? But, how can I still make the underside pretty? Should I get a basket setting with pave diamonds?
Option 4
Something else? Ideas?

Thanks for your help!

 

[swingirl]

I love the one you posted by Leon Mege. I'd have the stone bezel set, though. The curly things are so delicate and subtle. I really like them.

 

[Diamondbug]

My vote is for the 23rd St jewelers.......a merger between the Leon Mege and James Meyer. BEAUTIFUL....I love the shank detail.

 

[bigdiamondtinygal]

I''d vote for a Leon and James Meyer mixed setting. I think you should take the swirly design and ring from the Leon and have the center stone set with the james meyer style bezel with that gorgeous millgrain. I would have Leon do it. It would be absolutely gorgeous. Maybe someone can photoshop it for you. Can''t wait to see what you choose and how it turns out.

 

[Gayletmom]

I like Option 2 without the halo. The step cuts seem, to me, the perfect compliment to the chunky OMC.

What fun, hope you are enjoying yourself!

 

[CharmyPoo]

I have seen that 23rd street jeweler setting in real life. It is pricey but lovely. It gets my vote!

 

[Ellen]

Date: 9/11/2009 2:30:41 PM
Author: Mirabelle_2010

Option 2
Forget the swirly sides and get it set with step cut, channel set diamonds (like this but with no halo). I wonder if step cut side diamonds would match the facets of an OMC better?

I''m a "less is more" kinda gal, so this version appeals most to me. And the look you would be going for reminded me of this LM setting with a cushion, in case you hadn''t seen it. I absloutely love this, and think the French cut side stones go perfectly. Real life pics on page 3.

 

[diagem]

Date: 9/12/2009 9:20:54 AM
Author: Ellen

Date: 9/11/2009 2:30:41 PM
Author: Mirabelle_2010

Option 2
Forget the swirly sides and get it set with step cut, channel set diamonds (like this but with no halo). I wonder if step cut side diamonds would match the facets of an OMC better?

I''m a ''less is more'' kinda gal, so this version appeals most to me. And the look you would be going for reminded me of this LM setting with a cushion, in case you hadn''t seen it. I absloutely love this, and think the French cut side stones go perfectly. Real life pics on page 3.

What French Cuts??

You (or the other thread) mean squares (or Carre)??

 

[diamondseeker2006]

I think that 23rd St. setting is made by Singlestone. I''d recommend contacting them if you want that style because the price might be less dealing with them directly. I''ve always loved that setting!

 

[Ellen]

Date: 9/12/2009 11:58:06 AM
Author: DiaGem

Date: 9/12/2009 9:20:54 AM
Author: Ellen

I'm a 'less is more' kinda gal, so this version appeals most to me. And the look you would be going for reminded me of this LM setting with a cushion, in case you hadn't seen it. I absloutely love this, and think the French cut side stones go perfectly. Real life pics on page 3.

What French Cuts??

You (or the other thread) mean squares (or Carre)??

Yes, whatever those little stones on the band are.

The poster, who worked with Leon to make the ring called them that, I just "assumed" they knew what they were?

 

[Cehrabehra]

this is totally off topic - but what is the name of the font you used when you made your first picture in this thread? I like it! hehe

 

[risingsun]

Date: 9/11/2009 3:07:47 PM
Author: Diamondbug
My vote is for the 23rd St jewelers.......a merger between the Leon Mege and James Meyer. BEAUTIFUL....I love the shank detail.

Absolutely agree!! It's a stunning setting. I know there are a lot of halos on PS and I have one also. IRL I see very few halo engagement rings. I would go for the setting as is

 

[shimmer]

You have probably seen this, but here is a video of a GOG OMC in a tacori halo. I think it is stunning! I really want to halo mine but it didn''t work out with my round so I''m nervous to try it again.

http://vimeo.com/6401615

 

[Mirabelle_2010]

THANK YOU!

This is so very helpful! I''ve been in a hopeless rut for two weeks trying to figure out the setting, and I feel reenergized now.

So... the Leon Mege without the halo: I worry about not knowing what the ring will look like from the top. I''m not sure I want it to look like a split shank, but my fiance loves the swirl, so I have a sweet spot for it (it''s the only design he''s had a strong opinion about). I just don''t think a ~7mm stone is wide enough to lay on top of the swirls. I asked Leon, and he said he needs to see the stone before he can really talk details. But I''m nervous to do that without a bit of assurance it can be done. He also advised against matching the melee to the color of the center stone, and against a filigree basket because it would make it look to old... I think Leon is a master at what he does, but I got the impression that reproduction rings were not his favorite.

The 23rd Street Jewelers design is actually my absolute favorite, but at 6K, a little too expensive for my comfort level. DIamondseeker2006, thanks for the advice. I''ll check with Singlestone. Does anyone have photos of rings on hand with that triple wire band (besides the lovely JM rings)?

Thanks so much, Ellen, for the link to the channel set cushion-- very helpful and what a gorgeous ring! I need to check on the availability of lower colored

Cehrabehra, the font is Candara

Shimmer, the video was so helpful! I had NOT seen it before. Thank you so much!

My next steps: check with Singlestone and keep checking for more helpful advice! If anyone is able to photoshop the LM ring with just a bezel, I would be very grateful! I''ll also post some pics of my stone.

Thank you everyone!

 

[decodelighted]

Oops -- posted in the wrong thread. Heh! Here''s what I meant to say here ...
"I think either the Leon with a milgrained bezel (no halo) -OR- the one Ellen posted with a milgrained bezel & channels would be TO DIE FOR."

 

[shimmer]

Just for fun, I''ll post my favourite Singlestone setting, since you are considering them

They can take pics (or so I''ve heard) of any of their in stock settings so I would email them to ask for a handshot of the triple bar style.

 

[Mirabelle_2010]

Another question I have... should I set it lengthwise or EW? Any opinions on which looks best?
Here it is daylight:

 

[Mirabelle_2010]

And incandescent light:

 

[Mirabelle_2010]

Shimmer, I LOVE that Singlestone setting! I wasn''t sure, though, how it would work with a cushion. Here is another SS style I considered a few weeks ago... I know, I''m all over the place with settings! It''s just so hard to make up my mind and stick to it...

 

[kimmyintexas]

Gorgeous diamond! I had leon quote that exact setting(the halo) and it was a bit over so 6K, so it''s the same as the 23rd St. Have you thought about getting a quote from Maytal Hannah? She quoted one for me that was very similar to the 23rd St and it was 3.5K. She does beautiful work. Have fun deciding!

 

[Upgradable]

Date: 9/13/2009 5:29:30 PM
Author: Mirabelle_2010
THANK YOU!

This is so very helpful! I''ve been in a hopeless rut for two weeks trying to figure out the setting, and I feel reenergized now.

So... the Leon Mege without the halo: I worry about not knowing what the ring will look like from the top. I''m not sure I want it to look like a split shank, but my fiance loves the swirl, so I have a sweet spot for it (it''s the only design he''s had a strong opinion about). I just don''t think a ~7mm stone is wide enough to lay on top of the swirls. I asked Leon, and he said he needs to see the stone before he can really talk details. But I''m nervous to do that without a bit of assurance it can be done. He also advised against matching the melee to the color of the center stone, and against a filigree basket because it would make it look to old... I think Leon is a master at what he does, but I got the impression that reproduction rings were not his favorite.

The 23rd Street Jewelers design is actually my absolute favorite, but at 6K, a little too expensive for my comfort level. DIamondseeker2006, thanks for the advice. I''ll check with Singlestone. Does anyone have photos of rings on hand with that triple wire band (besides the lovely JM rings)?

Thanks so much, Ellen, for the link to the channel set cushion-- very helpful and what a gorgeous ring! I need to check on the availability of lower colored

Cehrabehra, the font is Candara

Shimmer, the video was so helpful! I had NOT seen it before. Thank you so much!

My next steps: check with Singlestone and keep checking for more helpful advice! If anyone is able to photoshop the LM ring with just a bezel, I would be very grateful! I''ll also post some pics of my stone.

Thank you everyone!

Here''s a look at my Beverley K ering with a triple wire band. It is very delicate and comfortable. Good luck with your choice. All are beautiful and will compliment that stone nicely!!

 

[packrat]

Yikes-what a tough decision!! I''m partial to JM b/c that''s what *I* want for my new ring. However, I do think the LM w/out the halo would be gorgeous...and Singlestone has some settings that make me weak kneed. Looking forward to seeing what you choose!