So many solitatires!

[butterflyblue]

I am looking for a solitaire setting for a round diamond.

There are so many styles and I don''t know if one style showcases a diamond more so than others?

Tiffany vs Cathedral for example Any Ideas would be greatly appreciated!

 

[AmberGretchen]

Have you tried on any of the different styles? You are correct there are many beautiful options, but you may find that while you like the look of them on your finger, you may not like the look of them on YOUR hand. I''d try to schedule a time to go and try on some different styles and see what you like on your hand, as a place to start.

 

[musey]

Wait, am I a crazy person? I thought the classic Tiffany setting WAS a cathedral style?

No, there isn't a setting that "showcases a diamond more than the others," because "showcasing" is a subjective thing. Some people believe a tapered shank (where the ring becomes thinner from side-to-side as it gets close to the diamond) makes a diamond pop, where some think that the opposite is true.

Showcasing the diamond will be dependent on your own aesthetic ideas. Go try some on.

 

[geckodani]

As I understand it, (correct me if I'm wrong!) cathedral style settings have the sides of the shank that split off from the main ring and rise up to meet the head (or almost) like mine (please excuse the gecko. This was one of my better profile pics and he happens to be in it

):

Whereas the shank on a Classic Tiffany is smooth, and just transitions into the head, rather than splitting off and rising up:

Here's the best profile I could find, it's DMBGal82's from this thread: https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/please-show-me-your-original-tiffany-setting-profile-shots.86225/

 

[geckodani]

Date: 1/27/2009 2:25:28 PM
Author: musey
Wait, am I a crazy person? I thought the classic Tiffany setting WAS a cathedral style?

No, there isn''t a setting that ''showcases a diamond more than the others,'' because ''showcasing'' is a subjective thing. Some people believe a tapered shank (where the ring becomes thinner from side-to-side as it gets close to the diamond) makes a diamond pop, where some think that the opposite is true.

Showcasing the diamond will be dependent on your own aesthetic ideas. Go try some on.

Ditto everything said here.

Everyone has their own preference as to what they think highlights their stone! I must have tried on 8 million and 4 different styles, and surprised myself with what I ended up with. Have fun and do lots of research!

 

[musincy]

Date: 1/27/2009 2:46:56 PM
Author: geckodani
As I understand it, (correct me if I''m wrong!) cathedral style settings have the sides of the shank that split off from the main ring and rise up to meet the head

You''re right. I went with a cathedral setting because I know that whatever wedding band I choose will fit flush against it. But, some people don''t like how high the diamond can sit in a cathedral. You should try some on to figure out what you like best.

 

[musey]

Ohhhhh I see! I thought that cathedral only referred to the shape of the head, as opposed to the shank as well. Thanks!!

 

[musey]

Does the cathedral style guarantee that the stone sits quite high, or does it just lend itself to that? I guess that my ring has a cathedral style (I guess??) but I never thought of it as being set very high (though I admit I do really wish it were lower).

Is it cathedral style? Is it high? (Not to threadjack, just expanding on the OP's question hopefully...)

 

[geckodani]

Musey - I''d call yours a cathedral. And a darned purty one at that.

I think cathedrals tend to sit higher because the head sits higher, due to the shank split off - we both have the base of the shank under our diamonds, then space, then the stone. Bands tend to sit flush that way, because the prongs end up being higher that way. That was convoluted. Did that make sense? LOL? Unlike if the head of the ring was snuggled into the shank.

Yours doesn''t seem hugely high to me, but there is a bit of space between the culet and the bottom of your setting. Mine doesn''t have that. Although sometimes I wish it did - I''d like to see the full profile of my stone!

 

[kcoursolle]

I like solitaires that either flare in or flare out towards the stone. I think they look fluid, a little unique and highlight the center stone.

Here are a few I like:
http://www.knoxjewelers.biz/index.htm?crn=261&rn=1837&action=show_detail

http://www.knoxjewelers.biz/index.htm?crn=261&rn=1527&action=show_detail

http://www.knoxjewelers.biz/index.htm?crn=261&rn=1319&action=show_detail

http://www.knoxjewelers.biz/index.htm?crn=261&rn=1146&action=show_detail

 

[musey]

Thanks, gecko. Yes it made sense! I sure wish it were set lower. We bought my ring before I knew one could request such things!

 

[LaurenThePartier]

It''s just amazing to me how many different solitaire setting styles are out there.

Before I found PS, I thought there were 2 or 3. Tiffany 6 prongs with thin shanks for rounds, Tiffany 4 prongs with thin shanks for princess cuts, and thick shanked cathedrals, but most of the cathedrals I had seen didn''t actually connect to the basket.

I think you''ll find what you want by looking around - there are sooooo many gorgeous options out there!

 

[butterflyblue]

Thank you everyone for your input! That is exactly what I was referring to is the different way the bands either taper or don''t and the way some really make the diamond stand out. I really like the cathedral and the pictures from Knox with solitaire that tapers to the stone. Gorgeous!

 

[Deelight]

Date: 1/27/2009 4:29:01 PM
Author: musey
Does the cathedral style guarantee that the stone sits quite high, or does it just lend itself to that? I guess that my ring has a cathedral style (I guess??) but I never thought of it as being set very high (though I admit I do really wish it were lower).


Is it cathedral style? Is it high? (Not to threadjack, just expanding on the OP''s question hopefully...)

Not all cathedrals sit high, I know mine doesn''t it is low to lowish.

Musey I would not say yours is high but I would not say it was low either, I think the profile of your ring is stunning

.

 

[geckodani]

Date: 1/28/2009 6:13:39 AM
Author: butterflyblue
Thank you everyone for your input! That is exactly what I was referring to is the different way the bands either taper or don''t and the way some really make the diamond stand out. I really like the cathedral and the pictures from Knox with solitaire that tapers to the stone. Gorgeous!

So what style do you think strikes your fancy? I''d still seriously suggest trying on as many as you can before deciding!

If you have a mall with a Bailey Banks and Biddle, I found that they carried a lot of the same stuff as Pearlman''s, so I was able to try things on before committing to buy. And wandering into Tiffany''s is always a good time, LOL! Surprisingly.... I wasn''t that enamored with the classic 6-prong Tiff on my hand. Which was odd - because that as always my supposed "perfect" setting. It''s interesting what you actually end up liking once things are on your hand!

Mini-threadjack (

) Musey - from the pics, it looks like your stone could be lowered in the setting a bit, if it bugs you - looks like you have enough prong/head that they''d just have to rework it slightly...? Maybe? I''ve seen you mention that you often just wear your wedding ring - is it because of the height of your solitaire?

 

[arjunajane]

Date: 1/28/2009 7:57:18 AM
Author: Deelight

Date: 1/27/2009 4:29:01 PM
Author: musey
Does the cathedral style guarantee that the stone sits quite high, or does it just lend itself to that? I guess that my ring has a cathedral style (I guess??) but I never thought of it as being set very high (though I admit I do really wish it were lower).


Is it cathedral style? Is it high? (Not to threadjack, just expanding on the OP''s question hopefully...)

Not all cathedrals sit high, I know mine doesn''t it is low to lowish.

Musey I would not say yours is high but I would not say it was low either, I think the profile of your ring is stunning

.

Ditto this - mine is a cathedral of sorts, but also sits really quite low (which I much prefer).

 

[Rhea]

The Flare at Knox is one of my favorite rings! Knox has so many different versions of a solitaire that they''re a great starting point for comparisons.

 

[Kelli]

I love that first know one as well!

Here is my cathedral. It sits a little high, but I wanted it to sit flush with the band I''ll use as my wedding band. It''s not over the top high though. Just about right IMO. It''s a stuller setting that I asked my jeweler to reshape.

 

[butterflyblue]

All your rings are so incredible! It makes me want a cathedral solitaire!

I am going to go this weekend a do some trying on, but I am definately loving that look!

 

[geckodani]

Date: 1/29/2009 1:36:40 AM
Author: butterflyblue
All your rings are so incredible! It makes me want a cathedral solitaire!

I am going to go this weekend a do some trying on, but I am definately loving that look!

Awesome! Have fun!

ETA: Let us know what you find!

 

[motownmama]

best of luck with the hunt.

 

[butterflyblue]

Thanks everyone- I live in Warren, Michigan so outside of Pearlmans which is about 3 hours from me I don''t know where to find the best selection. Guess I will just get in the car and drive! ha

I will let you know what I find!

 

[geckodani]

butterfly - Before you haul all the way out to Pearlmans, check out Somerset Mall in Troy, it's less of a haul. (Just take I-75 North to Big Beaver, go west and you can't miss it.) They've got a Bailey Banks and Biddle that carries a lot of the same brands. I was able to try on Tacori, Scott Kay (which I went with) Ritani etc. There's also a Tiffany's if you're curious. You can still order from Pearlmans (and I'd suggest them - they're great!) but at least you can try on some of the styles in person!

There's also a jeweler in the Bank of America building next to the mall called Skyline Diamond Setters that's worth checking out. They've got a nice selection, and a great staff (but no designers). http://www.skylinediamond.com/.

ETA: Pearlmans will also mail setting to you with a deposit if there's one you like but can't find.

ETAA: I went through my own solitaire search a while back. Here's the original thread from when I was trying to figure out what I wanted. Lot's of people chimed in and posted pics of a lot of different styles: https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/solitaire-setting-search-in-progress-thoughts-opinions-help.93826/. It still cracks me up, because I thought I wanted a 6 prong Tiffany Replica, and hated cathedrals, and ended up with a Scott Kay Cathedral with double prongs.

 

[butterflyblue]

Thanks geckodani!

I work in Troy right down the road from Somerset Collection. I was there around Christmas time and Baily Banks and Biddle was no longer there. I was bummed I wanted to try on! I am going to take your advise and see what diamondsetters has it is about 10 minutes from my work.

I have changed my mind so many times and did actually think I wanted a Tiffany also, but then I see all these other solitaires that have so much personality and are so beautiful I am excited myself to see what I choose! ha

 

[geckodani]

Date: 1/30/2009 4:45:00 PM
Author: butterflyblue
Thanks geckodani!

I work in Troy right down the road from Somerset Collection. I was there around Christmas time and Baily Banks and Biddle was no longer there. I was bummed I wanted to try on! I am going to take your advise and see what diamondsetters has it is about 10 minutes from my work.

I have changed my mind so many times and did actually think I wanted a Tiffany also, but then I see all these other solitaires that have so much personality and are so beautiful I am excited myself to see what I choose! ha

Wow I can't believe they're gone! Well, there's also a Tapper's at 12 Oaks Mall in Novi that had a lot of the same settings, including some that BBB didn't have.

 

[trishy]

this is a pic of my ring... which i absolutely love! its the classic ritani, i have seen it with many different cuts, [such as - a radiant, a princess, a cushion, a round brilliant]
i think all settings showcase a diamond... but i loved this one for myself because it sits very low, and i adore the thinness of the shank. there was something that clicked when i put it on. i loved the way it looked on my finger and hand as a whole. i also loved how it felt, its very comfortable for me to wear. but i wouldnt have known this unless i tried it on, along with many other different styles. i think its important to try on as many as possible.

and when you find ''the one'' you just know it....

 

[beau13]

Date: 1/28/2009 11:53:40 PM
Author: Kelli
I love that first know one as well!

Here is my cathedral. It sits a little high, but I wanted it to sit flush with the band I''ll use as my wedding band. It''s not over the top high though. Just about right IMO. It''s a stuller setting that I asked my jeweler to reshape.

Yours doesn''t sit that high at all. It''s a BEAUTIFUL piece..I love the weightiness it has to it..looks so solid and well made. Stuller has some great settings!!
Kelli..your solitaire is one of my FAVES!!

 

[musey]

Date: 1/28/2009 8:31:57 AM
Author: geckodani
Mini-threadjack (

) Musey - from the pics, it looks like your stone could be lowered in the setting a bit, if it bugs you - looks like you have enough prong/head that they''d just have to rework it slightly...? Maybe? I''ve seen you mention that you often just wear your wedding ring - is it because of the height of your solitaire?

Not really the height in and of itself... I had the prongs tightened twice last year and started getting paranoid about them getting knocked around. So that''s a height issue (and a prong-setting-in-general issue).

But generally I just wear my wedding ring (or nothing) because of what I''m allowed to have on for work. When I''m home, I usually only wear my wedding ring for a combination of dirt-avoidance and comfort (not that my e-ring is uncomfortable by any means, but I don''t have to think about my wedding ring at all when doing things around the house and that isn''t true of my e-ring). Oh, and the rubbing issue that I''m paranoid about for no good reason.

I''d love to someday rework my setting into a very thin, as-low-as-possible bezel.

 

[Kelli]

Date: 2/1/2009 3:03:00 PM
Author: beau13

Date: 1/28/2009 11:53:40 PM
Author: Kelli
I love that first know one as well!

Here is my cathedral. It sits a little high, but I wanted it to sit flush with the band I''ll use as my wedding band. It''s not over the top high though. Just about right IMO. It''s a stuller setting that I asked my jeweler to reshape.

Yours doesn''t sit that high at all. It''s a BEAUTIFUL piece..I love the weightiness it has to it..looks so solid and well made. Stuller has some great settings!!
Kelli..your solitaire is one of my FAVES!!

Thank you SO much beau13!! I really love it too but seeing all the Mark Morrell, Leon Mege, other gorgeous designer pieces around here does make me second guess it sometimes. All in all though I wouldn''t trade it for the world since it goes perfectly with my wedding ring, which has more sentimental value to me anyway. But reading that it''s one of your faves makes me feel GREAT about it, especially since I absolutely adore YOUR rings! I love your solitaire but I''m excited to see how your halo turnes out too!