Setting - what should I tell the jeweller?

[hmhmhm]

So, after months of umming and ahhhing, I've finally settled on a stone. My setting is bein custom made, but it will be based on a design that the jeweller has already made before. However, there are certain things that I can change. The problem is, I don't even know what I want to change since I haven't tried the setting on and am just going off photos of the setting!

I was thinking of specifying to the jeweller:

- how I want the stone orientated (it's a RB - do people prefer the arrow at 12 o'clock or a v-shape with the arrows pointing more towards 11 and 1 o'clock?)

- the type and colour of the melee

- the width of the band (taking their advice into consideration)

- how delicate I want the claws to look

- flush or donut

- how far down the shank the melee goes

Is there anything else I need to specify? Things like how high the setting should sit - I don't even know what I want with that! I guess I just want it to be proportional and the ring look amazing?! This is my engagement ring and I have zero experience with rings with a large (for me!) stone - I'm not sure if there's anything else that I need to consider.

Would be grateful for any advice! Many thanks!

 

[marymm]

Could you post a picture of your inspiration setting?

Is your vendor local to you or long-distance?

Are you able to visit a jewelry store which has settings with some of the features of your inspiration ring, so you can determine your preferred width etc?

Can your ring vendor let you try on the final wax before casting, so you can really see how it all flows together and now it looks on your finger?

 

[hmhmhm]

Here's the setting...

I'm ordering the ring from overseas, so I haven't seen it in real life and will not get to until it's made and shipped to me. It's a fairly simple design, so I kind of figure not much could go 'wrong'.

I think it looks great the way it is in the photo, but I don't want to miss the opportunity to change something that I might want get change without knowing (at the moment) that I'll want changed!

 

[yssie]

Looks like a Canera pic?

I was thinking of specifying to the jeweller:

- how I want the stone orientated (it's a RB - do people prefer the arrow at 12 o'clock or a v-shape with the arrows pointing more towards 11 and 1 o'clock?)
If you care... it'll be easier to set (and more likely to stay that way) w/ the prongs on four of the eight flat bezel facets. I cared because I was trying to have a specific inclusion pronged and needed an unorthodox orientation.

- the type and colour of the melee
He has made settings like this hundreds of times - he knows better than you.

- the width of the band (taking their advice into consideration)
Again, he has made settings like this hundreds of times and will have the most informed opinion on proportions that will complement your stone size. If you want something particularly thick or thin by all means mention it, but this isn't just an aesthetic issue - there are also structural integrity questions, especially if you're looking for something more delicate, so I strongly recommend taking his advice.

- how delicate I want the claws to look
Canera's prongs are the best I've ever seen and I've seen/owned pieces from a lot of vendors, beloved PS vendors included. Let him take care of it.

- flush or donut
- how far down the shank the melee goes
Both totally up to you!

 

[diamondseeker2006]

I am pretty much repeating Yssie, but you don't need to tell Victor anything other than your ring size! He doesn't need help with the details as long as you like the ring in the picture! He knows how to position the stone. I personally like a little doughnut, but that is up to you.

 

[hmhmhm]

Thanks Yssie! Yes, you're right - I'm going with VC for my setting!

I guess I'm just nervous cos I'm going into this without having physically seen his creations (and I'm so risk adverse in general) - based on the photos on pricescope, they look amazing.

 

[hmhmhm]

Thanks diamondseeker2006! I'm partly fretting because the work order says you can't differ from what's stated in the work order, so I was thinking I'll need to be very specific with the details and just wanted to make sure there wasn't anything that I haven't thought of. Seems like I might be over-thinking it.

 

[diamondseeker2006]

Yeah, Victor is a master. He is one that makes it very easy!

 

[Acinom]

I know how ypu feel! Victor is actually just finalizing my ring (the Sophia french cut solitaire). You can totally trust him.
I started with a detailed list as well, but he really knows best and I decided to just trust him. He is a real master.

I live in Europe, so for me it is also very exciting to order a ring from oversees that I have only seen in pictures
You just have to state in general terms what's important to you. For example will you wear this ring stand alone or combined with a band as that might determine if you choose for 'flush or donut'. Also, 3/4 pave vs full pave is determined by how you will wear you rings: do you always leave them on or do you take them off for sports, household activities etc.
Besides these general criteria/preferences there is no need to micromanage him.

So excited for you!!! Victor is great to work with. He always is very responsive.

 

[hmhmhm]

Thanks Acinom - please do post photos of your ring when you receive it! Out of all the rings on the forum, I like Victor's the most - that rose gold cushion cut ring that was posted earlier this year is the most beautiful ring I've seen on pricescope!

 

[Acinom]

Thanks Acinom - please do post photos of your ring when you receive it! Out of all the rings on the forum, I like Victor's the most - that rose gold cushion cut ring that was posted earlier this year is the most beautiful ring I've seen on pricescope!

Yes, his work is amazing! I love his work but also the work and creativity of other amazing PS vendors and designers.
Here is a photo of my new setting wirhout the center stone (the stone will be set here in Europe as I otherwise would have to pay more then 10.000 dollar on customs/vat for my own stone when it comes back into the country)
Also, Victor will add milgrain and engraving.

I cannot wait to wear the ring! Yours will be gorgeous too!!! What kind of center stone do you have?