Some eye-candy to kick off my setting search - opinions & ideas needed!

[Odilia]

I really need to get moving on my search for a new setting for my engagement diamond. I am still so undecided, so I thought since you all like looking at rings, I’d post a bunch of pictures of rings – some with me wearing them, some not – to get the topic started and start getting input from you. All suggestions and opinions are welcome. Hopefully in the next few days and weeks I can get out to stores and try a bunch of rings on.

For starters, my diamond is a 1.09ct ideal cut, SI1, H color round brilliant. The things I know for sure are, I want white metal and four prongs. Also, not a solitaire (when I say solitaire I mean no other diamonds at all except the center). I like something with a good flow or harmony of design – as discussed on another thread, I don’t like the prongs to seem to spring out of nowhere; I like them integrated into the ring and to also be pretty. As for the rest, I am still unsure. So I will summarize what I think I probably want, but the following aren’t as definite (and as you will see in some cases may seem conflicting, which is probably why I’m so indecisive!): Probably a smooth shank rather than something carved. Probably not pave. Not eternity. Probably no halo. I like antique looks, but not necessarily the busy or elaborate ones; preferably more of a clean look. Classic, not mod nor trendy, but preferably a bit unique, rather than boring. I have even copied quotes from PSer’s that describe what I like: “Elegant, clean lines, that never go out of style.” “I''d like a cleaner, classier, delicate look.” “I love attention to detail, clean lines and also, some FRU-FRU on a smaller scale! rather than BIG, BOLD and BANG” “allow the center stone to take center stage while still providing finger cover.”

I like if the diamond sits lower rather than higher, but since just about anything will be lower than what I have now, probably this won’t be an issue! Also, I do like to see a lot of the diamond. And although some folks like round diamonds to look round, I kind of like it if the prongs make the diamond look more square (or cushiony). Probably not a 3 stone with side rounds, but could have some other shape sides, although I think I’ve probably ruled out side pears, because although I’ve admired them on others, they didn’t seem to do as well on my hand. That’s one problem; it is so hard to know what I will like until I actually get it on my hand, and preferably longer than 2 minutes in a store….

Incidentally, since I have another wedding set, this ring will probably be worn alone. I don’t want to have to worry about it sitting flush next to another ring. So it can also be a little blingier than if I were to wear it next to another blingy ring.

Incidentally, it should probably go without saying but just in case: anything I say in critiquing rings here is just how I feel about it on my hand & for me. There are so many beautiful rings here on PS that I think are gorgeous, but wouldn’t necessarily work for me. So please excuse any possible criticism – it is just to give an idea of my taste for me.

Anyway, now I will post some eye candy for you, since I know you all like that.

Most of these might not even be candidates, but I figured it will start to give you an idea of what things look like on my hand.

p.s. please be patient with me; I am very slow… although hopefully you will all encourage me to get out there to the stores and try things on…

 

[Odilia]

Incidentally, the diamond in the above picture and the next is of course smaller than my 1.09 ct. It''s just to get an idea. And I just realized I picked the worst day to do this,

because my pictures didn''t show up earlier, since PS is working on the server or whatever.
Oh well, hopefully they''ll show up. If not I''ll attach them again later...

 

[Odilia]

I can see the pictures; I hope you can! Here''s another. This one was wider on the sides than I think I''d want, as the diamond doesn''t "pop" as much in it, but it was kind of neat so I thought I''d post it, plus its side view, anyway.

 

[Odilia]

Here''s the side view. Incidentally, I did kind of like the way these prongs made the diamond look more square. They looked more delicate in the store, though.

 

[Odilia]

Here is one that was just really unique.

 

[Odilia]

Another ring:

 

[Odilia]

Sorry my pictures are never the greatest. Here''s another. It''s a 3-stone (in YG). I don''t think that''s the way I want to go, but hey, might as well "show you the ring".... Also I don''t think I like a pinched shank.

 

[Odilia]

I sure hope these pictures are showing up!
Here''s one with side pears. I wish I had a better picture. I think I liked these prongs too.

 

[Odilia]

Here''s one with squared off prongs. I like this ring a lot on its owner, but on me I thought the prongs were too boxy.

 

[Odilia]

Unfortunately I don''t have a picture of this e-ring alone; just with a mate. Also it''s yellow gold, which I don''t want. And although I said probably no pave, I must admit this was pretty. I think I''ve seen a few on PSers'' in platinum?

 

[Odilia]

Well I think that''ll have to be it for today. Hopefully the work PS is doing didn''t make all my pictures disappear. If you can see them, hopefully you enjoyed the show anyway, and if you have any suggestions or comments or feedback, it is most appreciated! Hopefully I''ll get out to some stores soon and find something that "speaks to me." So far, nothing I ever see jumps out and says "this is the one!"

 

[Patty]

Oh, this is fun! First of all, is that your hand in all of these pictures? Where did you try on all of these settings? Or are they pictures of other people''s hands?

Of all the ones you posted, I''m loving the two with the baguette sides. They add that extra something but still show off the center diamond.

 

[KristyDarling]

I''m with Patty. I like the clean lines of the one with the side baguettes. So classic, and very Harry Winston!

 

[blondie76]

I agree with the others about the baguette sides, that one was particularly striking in the hand shots. I also really like round with pear or trillion sides if set with the right proportions. I didn''t think I would like that combo but I tried on a friend''s e-ring and it was gorgeous and SO sparkly! I just loved the spread of sparkle across my finger, so if you haven''t already, try one on!

Good luck with your search!

 

[valeria101]

Date: 2/22/2006 3:14:32 PM
Author: old-fashioned girl

Here''s one with side pears.

I like the three-wire shank... The diamond i this one looks pretty strange - hopefully the picture is too blame or something.

The picture doesn''t show much detail, but overall it reminds me of something pleasant - see below

From Barry Peterson (http://www.barrypeterson.com/)

 

[Odilia]

Not much time to write now, but just a few quick things:
First, thanks for the responses! Some of the rings belong to friends; some I''ve been bold enough to ask if I could take pictures in the store, since another PSer said she was allowed to do that.

Also, I should have mentioned, some of the center stones including the one Valeria mentioned are just cheap CZ''s to get the idea; if I bought it they would of course install my real diamond. I like it when they include the CZ, and wish they all would. It''s gotten to the point where I can barely look at a semi-mount, because how can you really tell if you''re going to like it by gently placing a diamond on top of the prongs and hold your hand perfectly still in one position, and know that you''re going to like wearing it for the rest of your life.... ???

 

[Dee Jay]

I like the one with the pear sides (but I''m biased toward that style - LOL!) and I LOVE the one that Ana just posted.

 

[cutey TT]

I too like the one with the pear sides. A close second would be a tie between the first one and the one with bagettes.

 

[ChooChoo]

I like the one with the pear sides and the vintagey one with the leaves.

 

[lovelylulu]

ohhh pretty!

i love the second one you posted. so beautiful. do you know the designer? my only concern would be what kind of wedding band would you get?

fun project!

 

[gailrmv]

My favorites so far are the ones with the side baguettes. Have always loved that style, and it looks very good on your hand (especially the one that you said you like better on it''s owner with the "boxy" prongs).

 

[firebirdgold]

Date: 2/23/2006 1:01:41 AM
Author: valeria101

Date: 2/22/2006 3:14:32 PM

Author: old-fashioned girl


Here''s one with side pears.

I like the three-wire shank... The diamond i this one looks pretty strange - hopefully the picture is too blame or something.


The picture doesn''t show much detail, but overall it reminds me of something pleasant - see below

From Barry Peterson (http://www.barrypeterson.com/)

Wow! I love that! but the price tag is painful.

 

[just_looking!]

I like the one Ana posted!! Perhaps one to save for in the future!!

 

[Odilia]

Thanks for the feedback. I''ve been swamped and am leaving town for the weekend, so just a few quick comments:

Patty, KristyDarling, gailrmv, blondie76 and others who liked the baguettes, I must admit I have often leaned toward them, and quite a few times when I''ve tried on rings with bag. sides vs. round or pear sides, people do seem to prefer the baguettes on my hands.

lovelylulu, I loved the side view of that second ring too. But it was a real antique, not a new designer. And in this case at least, I don''t have to worry about a matching wedding ring. I plan to wear it alone.

Did try on rings this week, but alas, they wouldn''t let me take pictures.

But hopefully I can get a stock photo next week of one that was very nice. A Simon G with baguette sides. More on that next week.....

 

[Odilia]

Since I have another thread in RT about my current search for the perfect setting, I thought I'd throw a few more rings onto this thread as well. Rings that aren't necessarily options, but could give you some ideas. Plus it's fun to look at more rings.

Here is GemKlctr's beautiful pink diamond ring, which makes me wonder if I should put two pink diamonds next to my RB center stone.... Except it looks like it might be cost-prohibitive:

 

[Odilia]

My other thread is here:

https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/opinions-please-on-these-settings.45537/

Here is LMurden''s beautiful halo ring on my hand:

 

[Odilia]

Here''s Gemklct''s beautiful yellow diamond flanked by baguettes. My diamond is not oval, yellow or that big, but it is another example of baguettes on my hand:

 

[Odilia]

This is not on my hand. I believe this ring belonged to a PS''er whose screen name was Sweet Violet Blue. It was a gorgeous ring. She set her RB in an octagonal sort-of halo. This is more ornate than I usually think I would like, but I must admit it was a gorgeous ring and really caught my eye. I liked the step-cut stones next to the center. Wish I could try this on!

 

[Odilia]

Sweet Violet Blue''s was too small to see the detail: let me try that again:

 

[Kaylyn]

I like the first one with the baguettes the best!!!!