Should I pull the trigger?!?

[missydebby]

Just got the work order and if I stretch just a wee bit I can get the ring plus the Antique Calibre wedding band. What to you think?!?

Since my DH hasn't gotten around to sizing my photo, here's a link to the layout LM sent me: (LINK TAKEN OUT)

The ring style again is r4224 and the wedding band is this.

Originally my total can't go beyond price was $10,000 and altogether this will be $10,343 and then another $150 for shipping. But another option is to get a different wedding band such as this tsavorite and diamond eternity band. What's cool about that is that tsavorite is a garnet and garnet is my birth stone. If I did that I could save $1000, and comfortably come within budget. He also sells that band in diamond only, as well.

Please HELP me decide!!!

 

[Dreamer_D]

Debby, the mods will likely remove your link to facebook shortly, to protect our privacy we cannot link things like that. I attached the photo here though!

I think it looks nice but it is very simple. Originally you wanted something more elaborate, are you sure about changing directions this way?

 

[missydebby]

Thanks so much Dreamer!!! You are the best for helping out with that.

I don''t know. I''m trying to imagine it on my finger and I can totally see it with that antique calibre wedding band. Here''s the thing... like some of my favorite pieces on his site are rings I''d never wear. I''m so attracted to all the pave work, but that would be so over the top for me for everyday wear.

What is your honest opinion?

 

[tyty333]

I think it would be really pretty! I think you should hold off on the wedding band till you are sure. $2200 seems like a lot for a very
thin metal band, but then again it is a Leon.

 

[pancake]

Ooooh this is exciting!

May I ask - how wide is the shank of your engagement ring, and would you have the antique calibre made to match?

I have the antique calibre myself (and have just paid the balance to have another one made!) and my comments on it are this:

1. It is beautiful - the workmanship, as one would expect with LM, is exquisite.

2. Comparing it to micropave bands with full cuts or single cuts, it does NOT have the same blingy sparkle as they do. If you are after blingy sparkle, give this a miss. It has a gorgeous, antique-y "twinkle" - just a totally different character. (Although if you have opted for French cuts in your e-ring, you probably know this)

3. It gets dirty REALLY quickly (I think because the French cuts are set upside down and are so small - so lots of nooks and crannies for grime to find their way into) but I clean mine every couple of days (nothing fancy - just concentrated dishwashing liquid and hot water soak, and then a scrub with a small toothbrush) and it twinkles as new again


Personally I don't like bands with alternating coloured/colourless stones, and I think the ACB would be a better match to your e-ring in terms of "shank sparkle". But of course this is only my very personal opinion. Which do you feel more comfortable, deep down in your gut?

 

[luv2sparkle]

I think it looks beautiful and your right it is perfect for ''everyday'' wear. But.....if your heart really longs for pave? It is beautiful, and you know, I am so not the one who should be giving my opinion
because I can''t make up my own darn mind. (see upcoming thread!)

I love those french cut stones! They are especially wonderful. Sorry I can''t be of more help.

 

[missydebby]

Hey Pancake, I''m totally into the antique look and I love how unique the ACB is. I think it would complement the ring perfectly. The only sticking point is the price. $2200 is so much but I guess you''re paying for the artistry. Thanks for the tips about it getting dirty. That''s good to know.

The more I think about the combination of the 2 the better it sits with me.

Luv2Sparkle, in some ways my heart does long for pave. It''s just so beautiful and delicate. He has so many styles of it that I''m gaga for. I just want to possess them! But it''s hard for me to imagine wearing it daily. Maybe what i need to do is get pave earrings for my next big project. Do you think that''s a good way to get my pave fix? Maybe with earrings I wouldn''t be as self conscious.

I think the thing that''s really sticking with me is that I want something "unique" and this ring doesn''t feel unique. But maybe because I can''t help but compare it to all his other pieces.

 

[missydebby]

What do you guys think of this choice versus my original choice the r971?

 

[missydebby]

just ignore this

 

[Dreamer_D]

I really like the ring with marquise. I think that this is a once in a lifetime thing, put the money into getting the setting you want as uinque as you want.

Is your cushion large enough to do the marquise setting?

 

[northyvr]

I too love your original choice the r971. It''s detailed in styling but still be something you would be comfortable wearing every day.

 

[missydebby]

I have to talk to Leon about the marquise. Originally he wasn''t sure if the center stone was big enough for the 3 marquise. It''d probably be more like Karen''s...

Gaaahahahaha I think I''m going nuts!!!!

 

[Dreamer_D]

Date: 4/22/2010 7:43:25 PM
Author: missydebby
I have to talk to Leon about the marquise. Originally he wasn''t sure if the center stone was big enough for the 3 marquise. It''d probably be more likeKaren''s...

Gaaahahahaha I think I''m going nuts!!!!

Perfect!

 

[missydebby]

The going nuts part or the ring?

 

[luv2sparkle]

Well, MissyDebby if they have two spots in the mental institution, can I be your roommate?

 

[missydebby]

Luv2Sparkle *in sing song voice* "toooo-talllyyyyy!" So are you getting anywhere in your decision?

Dreamer, that Karen ring is gorgeous, isn't it? What do you guys think of that next to a tiny Leon pave band?

At any rate, I'd be remiss if I didn't talk to him tomorrow and get a quote for this, too.

 

[missydebby]

Ohhhh I got it to work!
I drew the French Cut ring to it''s measurements and put the "ring" on.

 

[missydebby]

And now for the Karen ring.

Thoughts?

 

[slg47]

haha i love your pictures

 

[kristalulu]

I think you need to pick a setting that you are not just going to want today, but one 10, 20, 30 years from now. The 4224 is vintage-modern while the 971 is vintage. The 4224 you can wear with a wedding band while the 971 would be best worn alone. Do you want to wear a wedding band? The marquise on the side will also make the stone appear larger, is that something that you are interested in? I hope these questions help...

 

[Dreamer_D]

Date: 4/22/2010 9:53:22 PM
Author: kristalulu
I think you need to pick a setting that you are not just going to want today, but one 10, 20, 30 years from now. The 4224 is vintage-modern while the 971 is vintage. The 4224 you can wear with a wedding band while the 971 would be best worn alone. Do you want to wear a wedding band? The marquise on the side will also make the stone appear larger, is that something that you are interested in? I hope these questions help...

Both excellent points!

Debby I think he would use smaller marquise that you have in your drawing. And I agree it would be a stand alone ring most likely. Though a super thin pave band will go with about anything in my opinion.

 

[Bella_mezzo]

I think the Karen with the string pave would be amazing!!!! (but don''t tell leon if you are going to wear them together

either option is lovely though!

 

[wintotty]

I like the Karen ring better, it looks more unique and special. Is Leon trying to get rid of the french cut or something?
He suggested me to use the french cut for my cushion, too......which I''m doing. But mine is tapered french cut with pave in head.
I showed him the ring you are considering (channel setting one)and r1189, and asked if my ring will look like that and if so I don''t want it.(only because I think the ring looks too modern for my liking, it still is a beautiful ring)
He said "Yes and No". The diamond will be set as channel, so that''s similar but it will look more delicate/antique.....and he said he doesn''t have any pictures he can show me which resembles what I''m getting. So being a risk taker as I am, I''ll trust his artistry and go with the flow LOL.

Good luck deciding on the setting, it sure is SO difficult to pick just 1 setting from all the gorgeous rings he has to offer

 

[missydebby]

First, thank you all for your input. It's really helping me.

My game plan is to call him today. I want to show him my ring drawing of the Karen and ask if the marquise are smaller. Smaller marquise would look better and more delicate on me. Also I want to get an updated quote on that. Second, I want to ask about the ring in this thread. My question is if it's possible to do this ring without the halo.

I'll update later... stay tuned

 

[pancake]

Ooooh exciting!

I think the setting with the marquises is gorgeous and antiquey but it is a very distinctive kind of a setting, and if you get it you really want your taste (at least as far ahead as you see) to be rock solid - I think it's more of a love/hate thing than the original one with the FCs. The flipside is that it makes more of a statement about your personal style.

Re Leon and his French cuts...I for one am so glad he is using them! I LOVE FCs and I remember looking for an FC band and being quoted $40 PER STONE for an eternity band, ouch.

Have you spoken to him yet debby? what did he say what did he say what did he say?

ETA: Re your paper mock-ups, I did the same thing when choosing my e-ring, lol! For what it is worth, I like the look of the solitaire more than the marquises (I think the solitaire makes the stone look bigger) - but then again, diamonds "in the flesh" and in 3D are a different proposition altogether.