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Stone suggestions for this setting

lessthanzero

Rough_Rock
Joined
Aug 4, 2017
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13
I'm interested in this rose gold bezel setting from JA:

https://www.jamesallen.com/engageme...-bezel-set-diamond-engagement-ring-item-53436

It looks like similar settings are available (or easily made) from other vendors, so I'm open to stones from other sources. Regarding the JA version, it can take a RB up to 1.5ct. I'd like to get as close to that size as possible. Top priority is cut, followed by eye-clean, and J color. H/I would be fine too, but J seems to offers the most value and believe it would be a good match for the rose gold setting. I've also read that fluorescence can be beneficial to warmer-colored diamonds, so I'm not opposed to that as well. As for budget, I'd like to keep the total under $7000 (setting included). Appreciate all of the help.
 
Just want to check the basics here. Are you the wearer? If not, has she specifically requested a bezel? Has she seen a J diamond and said it was ok? Some people are really color sensitive and others are not.
 
Thanks for the reply. I am not the wearer. I know she likes rose gold, as she pointed out a rose gold wedding band. The only piece of jewelry she owns is a ring she designed/had made from her former grandfather's ring. It is white gold and contains two warm, old mine cut diamonds, set in a bezel style ring (it kind of looks like a tiny pair of goggles). We have talked about using that ring as her ER, but I'd like to surprise her with something specifically from me to her.
 
So, she likes old cuts. That is awesome.:mrgreen2: When comparing diamonds (especially with old cuts in the mix, compare by spread or size in mm. A 1 carat modern round if ~6.5 mm, a 1.5 carat round will be ~1.67 mm. Moderns to come, but thought these might suit and would awesome in a RB bezel.

http://www.loveaffairdiamonds.com/1-78ct-old-european-cut-diamond-ags-l-vs2/ {7.88 mm, $6745 on sale, likely over budget with setting added, JA won't set, so will have to have LAD make}

http://www.jewelsbygrace.com/1-13ct-old-european-cut-diamond-gia-h-si1 {6.74 mm. $6800, JBG can make setting}

http://www.loveaffairdiamonds.com/1-26ct-old-european-cut-diamond-ags-k-vs1/ {6.75 mm, $4495}
 
before purchasing a bezel setting for a diamond ring I would make sure that is what she wants. I have put gems ( because they are softer ) in bezel settings, but wouldnt want a diamond in one ( personally ) as they are harder to get fully clean than pronged stones and diamonds are difficult to keep clean even when the underside is easy to reach. Once a diamond needs to be cleaned it loses sparkle until it is cleaned. My bezel set stones are not easy to fully clean because of the setting.
 
https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-di...j-color-vs2-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-2070401 {1.23 c, 6.83 mm, ask for ASET and IS}

https://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-3770051.htm (1.177 c, 6.78 mm)

Setting with WF: https://www.whiteflash.com/engagement-rings/solitaire/cameron-solitaire-engagement-ring-72.htm

From LAD, above on old cuts, she had Sholdt and I really like both of these settings that she can likely order in rose gold. http://sholdtdesign.com/sholdt-ring/r603-1/
http://sholdtdesign.com/sholdt-ring/r606-1d/

And...for old cuts. Check with the vendor that the stone will be happy in a bezel. Bezels are great for protection, but some old cuts need the light from the part of the girdle blocked by the bezel for performance.
 
I would also look at these settings. If your girl likes more unique things....these are really feminine and unusual. They are much finer than they look in photos. But, you'll have to choose a less expensive diamond to stay in budget with these. I would assume that JBG or LAD could order these...

POPPY
pic. http://www.maevona.com/ring-detail.html?rid=1769
video. https://www.instagram.com/p/BUeuQpIgb3q/?hl=en&taken-by=maevona

FERN
pic. http://www.maevona.com/ring-detail.html?rid=2884 video. https://www.instagram.com/p/BWA4n77Bfz2/?hl=en&taken-by=maevona

Tansy.
video. https://www.instagram.com/p/BUILrhZB7Zt/?hl=en&taken-by=maevona
 
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before purchasing a bezel setting for a diamond ring I would make sure that is what she wants. I have put gems ( because they are softer ) in bezel settings, but wouldnt want a diamond in one ( personally ) as they are harder to get fully clean than pronged stones and diamonds are difficult to keep clean even when the underside is easy to reach. Once a diamond needs to be cleaned it loses sparkle until it is cleaned. My bezel set stones are not easy to fully clean because of the setting.

Well, yes, and no. OP has picked a very open style bezel ring so it shouldn't be so hard to clean and may even be easier to clean than a prong set stone with a basket that is intricate and not so open. I have both types of settings and a bezel that open shouldn't be difficult to keep clean, IMO.
 
I don't have any new suggestions for diamonds, but I just wanted to chime in and say I love that setting! I think it's absolutely glorious and because it's so open at the back it should be easy to keep clean. You know her best and if she has other bezel set rings I think chances are she'll love this one!

:kiss2::kiss2::kiss2:
 
Thank you for all of the thoughts, suggestions, and kind words. Since I'm trying to keep this a secret, I have to disappear from the forums every now and then (well, whenever she is at home). Rockysalamander - thank you for the links. I quite like some of those older cuts, but you make a good point regarding older cut stones within a bezel setting. Regarding the settings, they are definitely unique. I do know that she prefers solitaire settings with no other diamonds, so I'll most likely stick with the setting I linked initially (or something similar from another vendor).

To others that chimed in on the bezel setting specifically -- since the one ring she owns (and designed) is a bezel setting, I'm fairly confident she'd like another one. I know it's a cliche, but she will love anything I give to her. She's always grateful -- the type of person that makes you feel like every gift you give is perfect.
 
Was about to post this since the other poster didn't want it! (ac117's link)

Note that she might be a nice girl and try to make you feel like every gift you give is perfect, but that's a cue to try even harder to discover what she would really love, because she deserves it even more! I would encourage you to do some real detective work.
 
echo-ing the other posters here... dig some more on what she would REALLY want if she were to choose! She already has a bezel... If i were here i'd want something different even if i really loved it. i have an East West set e-ring (an upgrade on our 15th) and have often thought of resetting my original stone... i even considered another EW setting but really.... i don't want to have the same type of setting, i want something totally different.
 
This is why I'm so glad a forum like this exists.
 
I personally like the loupetroop one better. Better value for your buck and the strong blue will mask the tint.
 
I will also add that I adore old cuts and have a very wide tolerance for colour in them. For modern rounds, I don't like below H, unless super ideal where I'll go to a J. Just be aware that someone who like warm old cuts, may not want a warm modern cut. Whiteflash has a better trade up program than JA, so that is worth considering. If you buy an ACA from WF, you get 100% of the purchase price toward a new stone. JA requires your trade up is 2x cost.

I also concur with PP that if she already has a bezel, she may or may not want another. What does she do for a living? Or hope to do (if still in school)?

Best for size -- LoupeTroop. Drawback would be the lack of trade up option for the future. (1.51 c, 7.39 mm)

In between in size, not super ideal, have to review ASET and IS - https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-di...-color-vvs1-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-3284693 (1.3 c, 6.9 mm)

For super-ideal, where colour is unlikely to be an issue, but you compromise size -
https://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-3770051.htm (1.177 c, 6.78 mm)

Assuming size 6.5 ring finger, here is the JA vs WF
upload_2017-8-8_16-49-47.png


If your budget has some flexibility.
http://www.loveaffairdiamonds.com/1-78ct-old-european-cut-diamond-ags-l-vs2/ {7.88 mm, $6745 on sale, likely over budget with setting added, but you could as LAD whom she can order from}

This is completely in budget.
http://www.loveaffairdiamonds.com/1-26ct-old-european-cut-diamond-ags-k-vs1/ {6.75 mm, $4495}

1.78 Old cut vs. WF
upload_2017-8-8_16-51-46.png
 

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Excellent summary of the thread so far. We are in our mid-30s, and she works as a correctional psychologist (think B.D. Wong from Law & Order). Over the past year, several of her friends have been engaged, so I've been able to gauge her reaction to the various rings over time. That's how I know she's only interested in a solitaire without side stones. It's also how I know that she prefers diamonds to be flush with the setting (top not extending beyond the setting, if I'm explaining that correctly). This is consistent with her current ring, as previously mentioned. The half-bezel setting linked above might work, I'll have to investigate (unfortunately, she's a helluva lie detector). Her ring size is 5-5.25, by the way.

Regarding the ability to upgrade in the future, I don't see that as an issue (though I'm sure many have said that). She is not one to buy new things; honestly, it would be more of a concern if it were me getting the ring. If it was up to her, we'd still be using a VCR solely (only sort of kidding).
 
Snoop around and see if she has Pinterest. Lots of ladies pin ideas and inspiration for all kinds of stuff - wedding-related stuff, specifically :)
 
https://www.goodoldgold.com/diamond...-GIA--SI1-diamond-stock-16077-cert-6252203800 {1.26 c, I, SI1, 6.98 mm; looks eye clean, but you'd have to ask to be sure; if eye clean, request IS and ASET; $5524}

This is a 60/60 diamond. In that category, it is quite nice. It will return more white light than fire - as compared to the above modern options. By dropping to SI1, you get a huge saving in price.

....that's all I can find for your specs...

I like the bezel from JA and the price is great. I just find the bezel a bit heavy. I like this one (by JBG, 1.82 cushion, I, SI1; this one is sold) for its much more delicate looking bezel and lovely side profile. It just feel more light and airy (and makes keeping the stone clean way easier).

1.82ct%20Antique%20Cushion%20Cut%20Diamond%20Bezel%20Ring%204-L.jpg

1.82ct%20antique%20cushion%20cut%20diamond%20bezel%20ring%207-L.jpg


You can also have some detail added underneath. Made by David Klass. He can be hard to reach, but is a popular and affordable custom jeweler.
rps20150502_13085111.jpg
 
#1 is sold by a known seller whom I've bought from before. Only EGL certified stone (not AGS or GIA) -- assume that the stone would grade lower by GIA -- potentially quite a bit lower. Nevertheless, this stone does not offer size or color advantage over the LAD or JBG stone -- which are GIA graded. Why take the risk of a very tinted stone?

I've never heard of seller #2. Plus, it is WAY too colored if you will buy for your gf. UnCertified, unknown seller, no.

If she like more unique and one-of-a kind.
http://www.jewelsbygrace.com/1-61ct-vintage-pear-cut-diamond-gia-h-si1 {9.46x6.6} {lovely cut and facet pattern, over budget, but...sooooo pretty} :love::love:
 
Does she like old cuts better than mrbs?
 
That's an excellent question; based on what she has said concerning her own OMC ring, as well as comments about other MRB rings, I assume she would prefer an older cut. However, it's possible that her issues are with "flashy" settings, rather than the MRB itself. I also know that she appreciates the history of things. For example, we have an early 1900s Griswold cast iron pan that she adores.

All that said, I've never put a picture of both stones directly in front of her and asked for her preference. So, to a large extent, I'd be making an educated guess. Ultimately, I do think she'd be very happy with either.
 
So, you have not said yes or almost yes to anything (no judgement). Are we missing the target here or are you still browsing? Is nothing grabbing you? Can you get a friend or family member to get some direction from your gf relative to old vs. new?

If you are between old cuts and new, look for transitional. That's exactly where they live. But, old diamonds will face up smaller than their modern counter-part on a weight comparison. So, this 1.02c tranny is 6.21 mm, while a modern round will be 6.5 mm.
 
Maybe the experts here could better help if you are able to tell them what you think of the suggestions so far? For old cuts, PS usually recommends contacting Adam at Old World Diamonds with your budget and preferred specs. If she already has an old cut, might be nice for her to have an MRB! :) 1.5 carats might be flashy either way!
 
Oh, I've put in inquiries for two different diamonds in this thread. I just didn't want to post anything final until I've officially committed to one.
 
Why don't you ask her what she prefers? She's wearing it for the rest of her life, so in the end it needs to be something she loves right? If you're going to say she loves anything you choose, then nevermind...
 
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