Step 2: Customizing a ring design, setting, and maybe a touch of my own spin?

[Gadabout44]

Hello everyone, I hope everyone is having a great Easter. Or at the very least, a very enjoyable Sunday.

So, as a few of you may know, I've just purchased my diamond for an engagement ring. It is being sent over to DK as we speak. Thanks to everyones help I am very happy with the purchase. Now I could use just as much help as I received during the diamond purchase process. I am now in need of your suggestion or opinion as far as the ring design.

The only details I have as far as what my other half would love is that she likes the classic look. She is a size 4. The diamond is 1.38 Carats in size. I've attempted to dig more information from my GF's cousin and she had told me that she would like a similar style as the ring shown below. She told me she likes the small diamonds around the ring. Now I do not know if she prefers a Channel or Pave setting, however in my opinion I think the flush look looks better, so I assume that is what we call a Channel set? I like the cathedral look' however I am open to listening to peoples opinions on this. I feel a 4 prong looks much better than a 6. But I am not sure how stable the 1.38 carat diamond would be on a size 4 ring. Also perhaps a 4 prong would not take so much of the size away from the main diamond. Again open to opinions here. One thing I've read is that platinum seems to be the choice of metal.

DK Did ask me if I would like to put in any spin that I may have in mind. I cannot think of anything right now, so I am open to ideas. I was thinking perhaps our anniversary date in roman numerals, or perhaps our names. Actually, nevermind that idea. It sounds a bit tacky. What kind of "extra" touch is common with engagement rings? We do own a pet together that we both love. She is a little French Bulldog, other than that I cannot think of anything else significant to maybe etch?

DK also asked me if I had put any thoughts into the wedding band. I told him I only know that a straight band would be nice and I'd prefer it to be flush. But this is just coming from the top of my head, I havent put much thought into this either. I am not sure how a straight band would look flushed with this type of ring design.

 

[Lookinagain]

She told me she likes the small diamonds around the ring

You might want to clarify with her cousin. She may have meant a halo and not diamonds set in the shank. I would ask her cousin if she has any photos, a pinterest account, etc. The more info you can get, the better, since you are having the ring made by DK. Also, perhaps check out his Instagram as you might find some ideas that you could use to tweak the setting.

 

[the_mother_thing]

If I may make a suggestion - you said she likes the "classic look". To me, that is a quintessential Tiffany solitaire or something similar. IF you cannot pin down her actual preferences enough & with a good degree of confidence, I would consider having the diamond first set in an inexpensive simple solitaire to propose with, then have her weigh in on the permanent setting design with DK. He is pretty reasonably priced, but custom is never "cheap". He will have the measurements of the diamond already, so she wouldn't have to be without her ring for long once a permanent setting is finalized & cast. Just an option to consider.

Also, I would suggest 6 prong vs 4 for security. If one prong gets bent in a 4-prong, the odds are much higher the diamond could be lost whereas a 6-prong is more durable. Again, just a suggestion.

 

[tyty333]

If you want to do cathedral sides it would be better if the stone were in a basket setting so that the sides could connect to the side of the basket instead
of left just hanging in the air.

The example you provided above show a "generic" peg head that can be swapped to hold various sizes of stones (not very custom looking).
A basket with a bar for the cathedrals would be more "custom" looking.

A setting like this link looks a little more custom IMO. This is pave (bead set).
https://www.whiteflash.com/engageme...eek-line-pave-diamond-engagement-ring-422.htm
Here is an example of the pave cathedrals connecting to the basket...the cathedrals on this are pretty straight...looks like you might want concave...
https://www.whiteflash.com/engageme...en-cathedral-diamond-engagement-ring-1539.htm
Here is a 6 prong cathedral (the shank on this is too thin IMO)...you can turn it into channel (or bead set).
https://www.whiteflash.com/engageme...ve-diamond-engagement-ring-by-vatche-1649.htm

FYI...we dont seem to see that much channel anymore...

 

[Bron357]

There’s one little touch that I love.
You can put your birthstones on either side of the shank as a special touch. For example, I’m July and my Hubbie is September so for us it would be a little ruby (me) and sapphire (him).
And do check if the “diamond embellishment” she loves is as a halo, that’s diamonds around the central diamond, or in the shank (that’s the ring band part) or perhaps both even.
And sorry to make it even more difficult, would she prefer princess (square) or baguette (rectangle) diamonds in the band rather than round brilliants?

 

[ringo865]

Definitely snoop around to see if she has a Pinterest account as that would have actual images of things that catch her eye. If she's like many women, there will be lots of different styles, but fewer themes that are common among all. Some people (gypsy) are super sleuths at distilling themes into one or two actual designs.

Like others said, channel set is becoming less common. If someone liked pave, they might not be enamored with a channel-set band. Bead set is more pave-sequel, and would still provide a little wall of protection that the diamonds sit within and would not expose the girdles (which can "eat" at the engagement ring).

Halos are likewise a love or hate type of style element. I agree with snooping around more, or have David set the stone in a classic six prong solitaire (like the u-113?) with pointy claw prongs. Then after the proposal have her weigh in on the "forever" (or "for a while") ring design.

She might like a solitaire and delelop into a stacker maven. (Which can be a fun/expensive side hobby)

Or, she might really love some elaborately designed halo with detailed scrollwork (for example, your initials) in the under gallery.

David can execute anything you could think of. But guessing at the wrong thing can get expensive

Your stone is going to look huge on her size 4 finger. I'd want you both to be sure about a halo or channel setting before committing.