Smaller Stone Settings

[tanner12oz]

are there any do''s and dont''s when it comes to getting a setting for a smaller stone (.83)??? ive seen some small stone settings where it looks like all setting and no stone. any examples of settings that show off the beauty of a smaller stone without overwhelming it?

 

[Sue16]

I think a solitaire setting would work well. My stone is small as well, it is a .85 round. It is curently at Vatche getting set in the X-prong.

 

[BigDiamonds]

.83 isn''t really small...I don''t think that will limit your options. The only thing I would stay away from is a setting with a very wide shank, but those are not very common these days.

In general, very thin, delicate shanks can make a stone look bigger, as can a setting that holds the stone high off the finger.

Also, check out this thread, which has tons of pictures of stones smaller than 1 ct. It will give you an idea of what your stone will look like in different settings.
https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/under-1ct-diamonds.25028/

 

[DIAMOND DAN]

Sappergirl

It is not small. An excellent cut eighty pointer still costs a small fortune for some.

For your information there is a huge world shortage in 0.60 to 0.69ct and 0.77 to 0.89ct both in round brilliants excellents and princess cut excellents.

I can not find them quick enough. The demand here in Sydney is huge because it fits a price point that most newly weds want to pay for.

It may have something to do with the Chinese obsession with their lucky number 8 and young Chinese professionals suck these up quickly.

Interestingly I am coming across more and more people buying rounds and princess cuts from 0.25 to 0.45ct in D to E VVS''s from Very Good to Excellent makes therefore your eighty pointer is a GIANT.

They are still very affordable and the quality is high but buying parcels like these too are becoming increasingly difficult to find prior to certification.

I find this still the easiest way to keep my prices competative but half the parcel may be full of dud and swindled cuts to make the extra weight.

It''s why so many inexperienced website diamond retailers have to buy and sell certified diamonds because they don''t know themselves and can not take the risks.

Keep the ring shank tapered where the coronet sits in between. It looks more feminine and the diamond will stand out more.

Also ensure the diamond is not covered by big heavy claws ( prongs)...nice neat tiny beaded claws. It''s very important you use a good diamond setter for this otherwise you will murder the ring.

I find two matching shoulder stone pear shapes approx 0.15ct each as complimentary, a nice contrast and makes the centre stone diamond look even bigger by contrast. It looks like the ring has wings and angelic. Simple and nice with a bit more character than just another simple solitaire.

Kiss Her With A Diamond

DK

 

[Sue16]

Diamond Dan,

I know my .85 is not really small. It is actually a good size for my 4.5 finger. It is small, however, compared to other PS''er who have 1.50 ct and up.

I didn''t even think about the whole lucky number 8 (I''m Chinese), when I was looking for my diamond. I just wanted the biggest and best quality I could get with the budget my boyfriend gave me.

Even though I have my rock, I still search for diamonds and I don''t see that many .8x size rocks around.

sappergirl

 

[Hest88]

Only on PS would a .8ish stone be considered small.

In the *real* world it''s larger than many women will ever be able to afford.

That said, there are two schools of thought to maximize appearance. One is to put it in as high a setting as possible, surrounded by little metal so the stone stands out.

Another option (which personally I find fools me better) is to surround it with metal--a bezel or halo setting. That way the entire ring looks impressive and the way the stone bleeds into the head camouflages the actual size of the stone.

 

[lisaC]

I absolutely love this ring by Etienne posted by rfath which is a .82 set in his low halo size 7 finger!
just to give you an idea of how huge your rock will look

 

[spaceworm]

Definitely get a setting with a thin shank (1.8 - 2.5mm). I''ve been researching for a while now and my favorite style so far is the Tiffany Novo setting, which i believe you have to get it with the stone $$$$.

If you like the traditional 6 prong solitaire setting, then Mark Morrell''s Petite Sunburst is a favorite for its superior finish and craftsmanship, but at around $1750 its a bit expensive. Leon Mege has a Classic Solitaire setting ($1,500) which is more thin and delicate looking than MM Petite sunburst.

Dvatche has its Thin X-prong setting which looks great if you are into that style. If micro pave is of your liking, then the Ritani Endless love w/o Halo (aprox $2,000) and Whiteflash Legato Micro pave are good contenders.

I was all set to go with the Leon Mege, but decided instead for the WF Legato Micro Pave and put the money saved into a nicer diamond.

Petite Sunburst
Leon Mege Classic Solitaire
Vatche Thin X-prong
Legato Micro Pave