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Soleste v. Harry Winston Micropave

R

Rally1

Rough_Rock
Joined
Dec 31, 2011
Messages
5
I have been looking at engagement rings and I am torn between the Tiffany Soleste and a custom made ring similar to the Harry Winston micropave ring. We would be interested in a Soleste in the 1.0 - 1.3 carat range or the HW style in the 2 carat range. I love how the Tiffany ring sparkles and I am worried that I won't get that same quality with a custom ring. On the other hand, I am concerned that the double halo may take away from the centre stone or make the ring look to much like a cocktail ring. I don't think we could go any bigger than a 1.3 carat in the Soleste without it looking too big. Any thoughts??

Here are some links to photos/videos of the Soleste:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aXY2bizlwv0

[URL='https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/tiffany-soleste-as-per-request.161382/']https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/tiffany-soleste-as-per-request.161382/[/URL]

Here is the link to some photos/video of the HW style ring:

http://www.harrywinston.com/store/engagement/diamond-rings-2/products/cushion-cut-micropave

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tzW7vLumMWI
 
I absolutely think you could get the same or better quality with a custom ring. I personally prefer the single halo for an engagement ring.
 
slg47|1325378877|3092603 said:
I absolutely think you could get the same or better quality with a custom ring. I personally prefer the single halo for an engagement ring.
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Ditto. The Soleste looks like a cocktail ring to me, not an engagement ring.

Best maker of the Harry Winston (or anything) probably is Victor Canera.

http://www.victorcanera.com/
 
Both the Soleste and the Harry Winston are beautiful. I do prefer the single halo - it is more delicate, so in your original question, I would prefer the HW ring.

You may get a larger stone if you went the custom route (and here I recommend Victor Canera), or save some money overall, but you won't have a Harry Winston or a Tiffany.

In the real world, the HW or TIffany brand carries far more weight than here on PS. Here, people tend to want the best diamond and the best workmanship for your money.

Yet after saying this, both Tiffany and HW make really gorgeous rings too, just that there is a brand premium, so it is a very personal choice. Both brands have a certain kind of magic that sets them apart when you own their products. If you don't feel that way, don't buy their brands.

Personally, I think Victor Canera would be able to custom make a ring that could look even better than either one for the same budget or less (in terms of workmanship, after sourcing a lovely excellent cut stone etc). But when you take the final ring out into the world, you will never get the instant recognition and admiration for the BRAND of the ring after you're complimented on it as if you had a Tiffany or a Harry Winston. You will obviously still get complimented on the ring as it would be as beautiful as either HW or Tiff - just that if they ask where it is from, the recognition of the artistry that is Victor's work won't be there in most cases.

If you were never intending to get a Harry Winston, but just wanted a custom ring inspired by the style, then Victor is definitely the best artist with this style I have come across on Pricescope.

I also always feel it is a bit hypocritical whenever people here feel they can't recommend a big name jeweler yet gush over the rings each time someone posts them on SMTR.
 
I am another who would vote against the Soleste. I feel a single halo looks best.

I also agree if having a luxury brandname is not important to you, go custom with Victor Canera. He did my ring, and I adore it. 100% handmade and casting-free. And reasonably priced for what it is. Also, he's *wonderful* to work with.

Anne
 
I think you should get whatever you decide suits your lifestyle, budget and your hand more.

To that end, I would encourage you to read up on pave and the upkeep of it. I would encourage you to try on as many rings in both styles that you can. And I encourage you to price out both from pave specialists.

A single halo in the HW style from a pave specialist rungs about 4500-6000. A double halo costs even more (more labor, metal and diamonds). You should absolutely go with a pave specialist if you are worried about he sparkle and quality of the ring. Victor Canera and Steven Kirsch IMO surpass the Tiffany pave.

As for the cocktail ring versus engagement ring-- that's just personal taste. I can't help you there-- what suits me or what I think is irrelevant.
 
Thanks for all of your comments. I have looked Victor Canera's website and some of the pics of his rings on this site. They are gorgeous! I am in Canada, are there any other canadians that have purchased a ring from him? Any tips you have about how to go about that would be appreciated.
 
I adore the Soleste because of the double halo. It makes the center stone look HUGE. I originally wanted it for my engagement ring. Tiffany's builds the setting around the stones rather than sticking the stones in a stock setting. They are very attentive to detail.

I decided against the Soleste because it's too popular. I see it (or a similar style) on fingers everywhere. The Tiffany's in my city was always low on stock. I wanted something that I could call mine.

If you are willing to pay the HW or Tiffany's premium, you may be happier if you get a customized ring because it will be perfect and all yours.
 
Rally1|1325395196|3092722 said:
Thanks for all of your comments. I have looked Victor Canera's website and some of the pics of his rings on this site. They are gorgeous! I am in Canada, are there any other canadians that have purchased a ring from him? Any tips you have about how to go about that would be appreciated.
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Just email him. He's EXTREMELY approachable and helpful via email.
 
also, many PSers have chosen to go custom to tweak certain aspects of the design, or be able to select their own center stone. Are you looking for a cushion center? If so, this video does a good job of explaining cushions

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1O7H8E_MYRM
 
I'd recommend looking at AngelainJapan's PS pictures for good closeups of the HW. So beautiful.
 
I love AngelinJapin's HW ring. It is my favourite on here but that is because she has a great stone in it.

Anyways, another vote for the HW inspired ring. I have one btu in the end .. I like a solitaire better.

I am also Canadian but have not used Victor before. I have pieces from Leon Mege and Steven Kirsch - both of which do great work. I beleive Victor is top knotch too. It doesn't hurt to get prices from all three and then decide.
 
I'd vote for the HW style. I also have a cushion halo, it's not Harry Winston but I love it just the same. I agree with those that said you really have to go with what you love and what suits your lifestyle. One halo full of pave was enough for me ;))
 
This thread is over a year old.
 
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