Settings - Opinions wanted...er...NEEDED!

[IceExplorer]

HELP!

Let me first say: I AM NOT artistic. I'm very analytical and my brain doesn't work well with being able to picture what things will look like when they're complete. When I see a clump of clay I don't see a masterpiece or a sculpture. I see: Clump of clay, big mess, clump of clay. Whether it's a painted room, landscaping project or an engagement ring, I just can't 'imagine' the outcome.

Please offer any thoughts and/or comments.

I love the simplicity of the Cartier Declaration.
However, my GF's has said how she likes how her friends ring has a little bling on the band (small side stones and some micro-pave).

I'd like to add 3 rows of small micro-pave (tiny 1.2-1.4 diameter stones) running down the band of the Declaration by Cartier style ring. Also, I'm adding a weighted shank.

There seem to be many people here with an eye for beauty. Hopefully, you'll share some of your thoughts.

HELP!

 

[IceExplorer]

Also, could anyone offer me an opinion on what such a setting would cost? It will be done in Platinum.

Thanks again!

 

[CasaBlanca]

I love that setting!! Modern. Contemporary...yet simple with clean lines. So if you were buying that ring for me...I would be giddy! Over the moon with giddyness...!

Here''s the thing, I love the fluid look of the metal, but when I read the comments from your GF...I immediately wondered if she was trying to change the direction or style of the ring? Micro pave usually expresses a more dainty feminine style. So, I wonder if she is attempting to express her vision and desire towards a totally different, more feminine, lets say less chunky, less modern style of this example you provided?

Before we go messing with an absolute magnificent contemporary sleek design...are you certain she loves THIS style...?

Have you explored all styles already?

PS...is that your diamond in your avatar? It is mesmerizing. I see arrows all the time, but I really like yours.

 

[Gypsy]

I kinda agree with what Casablanca is saying. I think the setting you are describing would overhelm the center stone-- that setting works because of hte sleek metal, add pave to it and I don't think it works anymore. No one can give you a price on custom, except a vendor so if you want a custom setting, I would contact a vendor known for their custom work, for your project I would suggest Brian Gavin or ERD. While Leon is known for his pave, I don't that style would mesh with his sensibilities. Bridget Durnell (can be reached through Pearlmans) would also be a good choice. . I would like to show you some really gorgeous settings with some sidestones though and see if any of these catch your fancy.

http://www.briangavindiamonds.com/home/ring-details/?product_id=5359

http://www.briangavindiamonds.com/home/ring-details/?product_id=5479

http://www.briangavindiamonds.com/home/ring-details/?product_id=5401

http://www.briangavindiamonds.com/home/ring-details/?product_id=5442

http://shop.goodoldgold.com/index.cfm/a/catalog.prodshow/vid/46643/catid/265

http://shop.goodoldgold.com/index.cfm/a/catalog.prodshow/vid/45531/catid/265

http://www.pearlmansjewelers.com/jewelry-designers/sholdt-jewelry/rings/04ZZ1/

http://www.pearlmansjewelers.com/jewelry-designers/sholdt-jewelry/rings/29ZZ1/7/

http://www.pearlmansjewelers.com/jewelry-designers/durnell-jewelry/rings/59AA1/

 

[CasaBlanca]

Nice work Gyp!

I was getting a collection of Sholdt for him...no need with your at the helm...

 

[IceExplorer]

Date: 2/12/2010 9:40:03 PM
Author: CasaBlanca
I love that setting!! Modern. Contemporary...yet simple with clean lines. So if you were buying that ring for me...I would be giddy! Over the moon with giddyness...!


Here's the thing, I love the fluid look of the metal, but when I read the comments from your GF...I immediately wondered if she was trying to change the direction or style of the ring? Micro pave usually expresses a more dainty feminine style. So, I wonder if she is attempting to express her vision and desire towards a totally different, more feminine, lets say less chunky, less modern style of this example you provided?


Before we go messing with an absolute magnificent contemporary sleek design...are you certain she loves THIS style...?


Have you explored all styles already?


PS...is that your diamond in your avatar? It is mesmerizing. I see arrows all the time, but I really like yours.

My GF has NO IDEA this is coming, let alone what it will be. I'm a traditionalist when it comes to a man presenting a woman with an engagement ring. I know there a pros and cons either way.
Her comments were in passing more than a year ago.


You hit the nail on the head with 'fluid'.
I want to ensure the setting maintains the fluid simplicity yet has a little more bling. I find this setting is elegant because of it's simplicity. I feel like it will be timeless. I currently have a 1.215 carat F-Si1 (yes, in my avatar- Thanks Lesley @ BGD). I want to give her the benefit of a little added 'bling' because she once commented on her friends ring that had too much bling. Her friend had a halo with micro-pave and side diamonds. She also commented on her mom's ring that it didn't have enough (gold band).

I AM NOT certain she will love this style. I am certain that is she is a traditionalist in the fact that she will LOVE whatever I present to her because of what it represents. If I go by the jewellery she wears regularly, this style matches very well. She isn't 'flashy', she doesn't want to 'keep up with the Jone's".
She gravitates towards elegant, simple, clean and classy. She is best described as: the girl next door. With that in mind, I don't want to put side stones and figured the micro-pave would satisfy her wants for: a little extra bling.

Thanks for your in-depth response CasaBlanca.
You write right into my thought process. I appreciate it.

I look forward to hearing more thoughts with the added info I provided.

 

[IceExplorer]

Date: 2/12/2010 9:52:38 PM
Author: Gypsy
I kinda agree with what Casablanca is saying. I think the setting you are describing would overhelm the center stone-- that setting works because of hte sleek metal, add pave to it and I don''t think it works anymore. No one can give you a price on custom, except a vendor so if you want a custom setting, I would contact a vendor known for their custom work, for your project I would suggest Brian Gavin or ERD. While Leon is known for his pave, I don''t that style would mesh with his sensibilities. Bridget Durnell (can be reached through Pearlmans) would also be a good choice. . I would like to show you some really gorgeous settings with some sidestones though and see if any of these catch your fancy.


http://www.briangavindiamonds.com/home/ring-details/?product_id=5359


http://www.briangavindiamonds.com/home/ring-details/?product_id=5479


http://www.briangavindiamonds.com/home/ring-details/?product_id=5401

http://www.briangavindiamonds.com/home/ring-details/?product_id=5442


http://shop.goodoldgold.com/index.cfm/a/catalog.prodshow/vid/46643/catid/265


http://shop.goodoldgold.com/index.cfm/a/catalog.prodshow/vid/45531/catid/265


http://www.pearlmansjewelers.com/jewelry-designers/sholdt-jewelry/rings/04ZZ1/

http://www.pearlmansjewelers.com/jewelry-designers/sholdt-jewelry/rings/29ZZ1/7/


http://www.pearlmansjewelers.com/jewelry-designers/durnell-jewelry/rings/59AA1/

I bought my diamond from BGD.
I agree that you agree with CasaBlanca. That is the point of my post. I can''t wrap my thoughts around whether this would work or not.
I''ve looked at all your settings. Many of them I like. Particularly, Sholdt.

Whatever I choose to go with, I want some custom work added to it. I don''t want an over the counter ring. I have the HUGE phobia that we''ll be out for dinner and someone will say "I have the same ring!" We went to a wedding once and someone had the same dress she did. She was mortified. I don''t ever want her to feel that way about her ring.

 

[IceExplorer]

I have another aspect I would like to explore...

With the elegance of the Cartier Declaration, I could present her with that setting, as it is. After the setting is presented to her, I could allow her to pick anything she would like for a wedding band. That might allow her to add the 'bling' to highlight and accentuate the e-ring.

I'm not concerned about cost at this point because of the great deal that Lesley (BGD) got me on the diamond. I / we have a nice budget to work with for the setting and wedding band.

Thanks for all the comments. The feedback is more helpful than you know.

 

[Dreamer_D]

Date: 2/12/2010 10:37:53 PM
Author: IceExplorer
I have another aspect I would like to explore...

With the elegance of the Cartier Declaration, I could present her with that setting, as it is. After the setting is presented to her, I could allow her to pick anything she would like for a wedding band. That might allow her to add the ''bling'' to highlight and accentuate the e-ring.

I''m not concerned about cost at this point because of the great deal that Lesley (BGD) got me on the diamond. I / we have a nice budget to work with for the setting and wedding band.

Thanks for all the comments. The feedback is more helpful than you know.

YES. I really do not think that pave matches that type of setting, and it looks hot like it is. And it allows her to wear what she wants with it, and a nice shared prong eternity or matching plat band would be killer.

 

[E B]

I think this setting (Sholdt 29ZZ1) would be a winner for the following reasons:

- It's got the fluid feel you want
- It's got bling (which you know she wants) but not TOO much, since she's not a fan of 'flashy'
- It'll beautifully highlight the gorgeous diamond you've chosen
- It looks like it'll allow a wedding band to sit next to it without a gap. This is important to a lot of women.

 

[Gypsy]

Hi Ice Explorer... I love your nick BTW. Here are my thoughts. I adore the six prong Truth head with the diamonds in it. Just flat out love the design. I think if you combined it with a squared off slightly thicker shank with larger pave stones, adding a little heft to it while still making the center stone pop, you would have a ring that A) is unique B) can be easily customized with a stunning wedding band and C) has the pave and ''extra'' something she wants.

(This is the 6 prong truth head http://www.briangavindiamonds.com/home/ring-details/?product_id=5401 ). It is a BGD orignal and copyrighted. I also know that know that if you ask many PS vendors who do custom to NOT offer a design in their catalogs (to the general public) many will respect your request and keep your ring ''unique''... but IMO one of the best ways to customize is to include her birthday stone on the inside of the shank as a surprise stone. No one but the two of you wiil know it''s there, and it will keep your setting ''yours'' forever.