Taking an Informal Poll: Three Stone WF ACA and VC CER Emilya or vice versa?

[Greenmailer]

Hello All,

I've been lurking (and collecting) for years now, but have only recently begun posting. I had a very pleasant conversation with Victor Canera yesterday, and am planning on paying him a visit next month when I am in L.A. on business (note that I told him that I was in the very preliminary stages of a couple of new projects and didn't want to needlessly waste his time, but he told me that he enjoyed chatting about diamonds, and would be delighted to visit with me. Very gracious.).

In any event, the two projects that I am thinking about for my good lady are a new 1-2-1 three stone ring (I am thinking .66 pointers for the side stones, and 1.33 carats for the center, possibly in a bezel-set milgrain) and a new large single stone (~3 ct.), perhaps in an Emilya halo. Accepting that I am partial to pears, and that her engagement ring is a MRB, for purposes of this post, please assume that only rounds are being considered.

If it was your choice (and accepting that my significant other is not a Pricescoper, but appreciates quality and has very classic tastes in jewelry), would you rather have a three stone ring in the proportions indicated with Whiteflash ACA stones and a 3 ct Canera European Cut in an Emilya, or would you rather have a three stone with Canera European Cut stones, and a 3 ct Whiteflash ACA in an Emilya? Note that I have chatted with Victor about custom cutting all of the CEC stones for a three stone and he is open to the idea. Please assume that all of the stones involved would be F-I in color (if you think the differences between these color grades would impact your decision in this regard, I'd be pleased to know about that and to understand your reasoning), and that all the stones in question would be of the same color and clarity.

I know there is no "right" answer to this question, but as a group of jewelry connoisseurs and enthusiasts, I wanted to see what you ladies would find more special. All thoughts are welcome, and thanks for your time.

 

[elizabethess]

Modern/ideal and old cuts are both beautiful to me! Given your specific scenario I'd choose the 3ct to be the CEC, with ACA for the 3-stone, because I think one would better see the unique and different faceting of a CEC (or other old cut) at the larger size.

 

[Greenmailer]

Hi Elizabethess,

Thanks for your thoughts. Like you, I appreciate both the modern and the older cuts. That said, I am struck by the combination of the faceting pattern and play of color in the CEC in particular. In our discussion, Victor agreed with your view that having the larger stone be the more unusual cut would make for a more dramatic piece.

 

[ac117]

I also agree....If i had this amazing issue, I would love an modern antique cut stone that is larger to really appreciate their uniqueness and the petal-like facets.

 

[Tophat1]

I have very classic tastes in jewelry. I love WF ACAs but would not want a three stone ring. I just don't like them in general (they seem like a fading trend to me) and I also feel like the multiple stones distracts from the beauty of a well cut stone

I think I would sell my right arm for a 3 ct OEC, especially a modern OEC. I love how a large stone shows off the facets.

I am not a fan of halos (also because I think they detract from the beauty of the center stone), but if I had to pick a halo to have, it would be the VC Emilya, no doubt.

 

[m-2-b]

I have a WF ACA in a VC Emilya and poshmommy has a CER in a VC Emilya as well. I love both looks so you can't go wrong with either. Here's a close up of my Emilya ring:

 

[foxinsox]

If this was my oh so happy issue to have (your lucky lucky wife!), I would go for the CER in the Emilya - I don't love halos but if it has to be in one, the Emilya is just about the nicest I've seen. If it was to be standalone, I'd go the Adriana.
I wouldn't go for a 3-stone personally but ACAs would be stellar in one. I'm not sure how good it would look with just the centre bezelled and the side-stones not, but I am hopeless at visualising things without a picture to help so take that with a grain of salt.

 

[poshmommy]

I played with several of the ACA's in the 4-5 carat range as well as Victor's K 3.6 ct CER and agree that the facet pattern of the CER is MUCH better appreciated on a larger diamond. I love mine and how unique it is. I vote for larger CER to show the facet pattern best.

 

[Greenmailer]

ac117, Thanks for your perspective. I understand, and I think this is the way I will ultimately come out, as well.

Tophat1, I appreciate your thoughts. My wife is a creature of symmetry, and I think the balance of the three stones in the right proportions would really appeal to her. That said, I've thought about altering the design of the three stone to have a colored stone be the centerpiece, and the ACA side stones as "accents". Given the right color, I thought the bright whiteness of the ACA's would create a lovely contrast. My original thought on the OEC was to go with an old stone, and I am still considering that, but the beauty of VC's CECs looks very special to me. I look forward to seeing them in person next month, to see how much they move me. As for the halo, I am a fan, but mostly on center colored stones. I was thinking primarily in terms of finger coverage (thinking that the center stone would be approximately 9 mm), and a contrast with her engagement ring (she decided that she didn't want a halo for an engagement ring and we went with vivid blue unheated half moon sapphires for the side stones).

m-2-b, Your VC ACA is lovely and striking. It was your ring, in part, that led to my thinking about working with Victor, and the question of an ACA vs CEC vs an older stone (either an OEC or an antique pear - I'll admit to being very partial to older things, so the charm of a diamond with a history, particularly given that she already has a fairly large MRB, is alluring to me).

foxinsox, Thanks for your comments. As I mentioned above, I was thinking about the halo, really to differentiate it from her engagement ring. If I go forward with this as planned, I would have all three stones in bezels, with milgrain around each one.

poshmommy, I hadn't really considered a modern european cut until I saw your ring. The faceting pattern is very special, and I adore the kaleidoscope of colors it throws off. While I haven't fully abandoned the idea of an older stone, it was your stone that pointed me in the direction of thinking seriously about a CEC. I look forward to seeing the 3.6 ct. K CEC that Victor has in stock, assuming it doesn't sell before I make it to L.A.

Thanks to everyone for their contributions, and any further thoughts would be most welcome!

 

[poshmommy]

Thanks Greenmailer! I truly do love this stone more every day. I think it's also really special that the rough was found and cut just for me. There are so few people in real life that get the chance to do that! That K is beautiful!! I really hope you get to see it.

 

[diamondseeker2006]

I also have a newly cut OEC but mine was from another vendor.

The big question is, is this to replace her engagement ring or is it for a right hand ring? If it is for her new engagement ring, then by all means go with the three carat CEC. But if it is for a right hand ring, then go for a three stone ring (but larger center than you are thinking, and smaller sides). I don't like diamond solitaires (even in a pave halo) for a right hand ring. In fact, for a right hand ring, I'd either do a three stone with modern rounds or CECs, or I would do the Canera Antique Cushion in one of Victor's antique style halos or the Anne Marie with split shank.

I can give you better advice about three stone sizes if I know the size of her engagement ring diamond (if you plan on her continuing to wear that as her engagement ring).

 

[CRYSTAL24K]

I would go ahead with the 3 Stone ring using ACA's. Three stone rings to me are preppy, classic beauties and look stunning with MRBs.

I have not seen an antique cut stone in person, but love looking at them on PS. I would select a 3ct stone from VC.

Can't wait to see photos!

 

[m-2-b]

I happen to have pics of the 3.588ct CER--I examined it in person at Victor's office. It is a lovely stone! Here it is pictured on the left of each pic (being compared to the 3.1 ct H CER):

 

[bmfang]

I'd do the 3 stone ACA with the VC CER in the Emilya. The faceting in the CER would be beautiful to see in a bigger stone set by itself.

 

[Greenmailer]

poshmommy, I'm so pleased to hear that you continue to "bond" with your stone! : ) It is a very special piece, and you're right that there is something fun and unique about starting with the rough. I hope you always enjoy it.

Diamondseeker2006, Thanks for weighing in. To answer your question, this is definitely not to replace her engagement ring. She has already indicated to me that she wants to wear her ER for all time, and as I am a sentimental soul, I would have very mixed feelings about it, even if she were to want to change it out (the only way I think I would entertain that idea, is if the original stone were to be used in another piece that she wore every (or almost every) day). So the three stone would definitely be a RHR. Her engagement ring MRB is a bit in excess of 8 mm. I was attracted to the idea of a 1-2-1 for the sides and center stones given her love of symmetry, but I would be curious to hear your thoughts on what proportions in a three stone you would find appealing, and how big you think we could go on a center stone before it started to "compete" with her engagement ring.

Crystal24k, Thanks for your perspective. This is a long term project, but once it comes to fruition, I will come back to share results.

m-2-b, Many thanks for the pictures! How noticeable was the color / size difference between those two stones in person? I looked at the measurements, but face up, the apparent size difference seems to be fairly minor. One of the questions I am asking is how "warm" I'd want to go in a CEC or OEC. Did you think the play of color stood out more against the whiteness of the H, or did the warmth of the K add something to the stone? I will certainly ask to see these two together when I am with Victor.

bmfang, I appreciate you offering your view, and I am inclined to agree with you.

 

[Phoenix]

I used to have several alternate e-rings, but have since sold most of them. I still have 2 alternate e-rings: the smaller 3.5ct pear in a halo which I wear occasionally and a 5ct+ solitaire. I sometimes wear either of these on my RH. So basically, I don't adhere to any "rules" as to which stone / style to wear on which hand, lol!
If I were you, I'd do a larger modern or antique solitaire OEC or a 3-stone with smaller modern RB's. I love both styles and think I'll do a 3-stone ring again at some point in the future. It's a classic, I don't care if it's no longer trendy...you wear whatever you like, yanno?!! lol. Like another poster has said though, I'd go with a larger centre stone and smaller sides than what you're thinking of.

 

[arkieb1]

For a RHR I'd totally go for one of Victors Antique rounds or indeed one of his Antique cushions in a large size in an Emilya, I have a transitional in an Emilya and I like the way the chunky facets contrast with the fine pave, the effect of the whole thing is sparkly bling overload. People walk across the room to grab my hand and look at that ring and it's only 2.38 carats. If she is colour sensitive be aware you will see the contrast between a K and the stones Victor uses in his halos. I have a 5.34 OEC as my main ring that I wear most of the time and it's in a VC Antique solitaire and is wearable from a practical POV, and large and in charge, and a nice stone, but far more boring to look at as a occasional ring, apart from the size of it.

If you get a big stone in a VC halo why do you even need a 3 stone? I suspect unless she wants one it will get left in the draw for what she has already and a if I had a VC 3+ carat new old cut, I'd want to wear it all the time.

 

[ac117]

I agree with Arkie...not sure why you'd get the 3ct halo and a 3 stone ring in addition to her ering. BUT I have an idea...you said you would consider repurposing her ering. Why don't you use her existing stone as the center of the 3 stone? You said it's 8mm+ which would mean it's 2+ carats which is what you're thinking for the center of the 3 stone.

 

[diamondseeker2006]

Okay, since this is for a right hand ring, I would not consider a stone larger than her e-ring diamond since she intends to always wear that as her e-ring. So I'd either do a three stone ring with a center stone smaller than her e-ring stone, either ACAs or CERs (but he'd have to cut a matched pair), or you could do a CER or CAC in cushion halo with split shank that would look more like a right hand ring. But I would not have the right hand ring overpower the engagement ring. I am also uncertain why you'd be doing two diamond rings at once when she already has an engagement ring she does not want to replace. But hey, the more the merrier, I guess!

I don't know if Victor still has this, but he had a gorgeous 3 stone Lily ring with a 1.5 ct center and smaller sides, maybe .3-.4. He has very good ability to recommend side stone sizes and I would follow his advice. But that Lily ring would be perfect for her right hand and would not overpower then engagement ring, which is apparently close to 2 cts.

 

[diamondseeker2006]

Here's the Lily with a 1.5 ct center. It is one of my favorite rings.

https://www.victorcanera.com/rings/engagement/the-lily-round-trilogy

 

[Phoenix]

Yes, why are you getting your wife another 2 rings at the same time? Why not just get one, wait on it and see how it goes...

Also, there are other items of jewellery, yanno?!! Like a tennis bracelet, necklace, designer pieces like Van Cleef, Cartier, Harry Winston...just saying, hehe

 

[m-2-b]

The color on the 3.5 ct K CER did not bother me at all when I saw it in person. I can appreciate lower colors in antique stones for some reason. However, there is more tint to be seen on the side view compared to face up.

I also have a handshot of the Lily round trilogy here (much too small for my finger size, though):

 

[m-2-b]

Would you consider cushions as well? I fell in love with this 2.7ct F VS-2 CAC when I saw it. I think it would be lovely for your wife as a RHR in an Anne Marie split shank halo if you are open to the thought.

 

[Phoenix]

.
I also have a handshot of the Lily round trilogy here (much too small for my finger size, though):

I love this!! What size are the stones, can you remember, m-2-b? And what is your finger size again? (I'm too lazy to go look it up! lol)

 

[diamondseeker2006]

I adore that Lily ring! Thanks for posting it, m2b! I also love a CAC in the Anne Marie or one of his antique cushion settings!

Phoenix, I know the center of the Lily is 1.5 cts and 7.45mm, and the sides are 4.45mm. I love the proportions and really would like one like it!

 

[arkieb1]

I don't think there is a hard and fast rule that a new diamond ring has to have diamonds smaller than the original E-ring. It's called upgrading, plenty of people do it here, all that means is the person can interchange rings left and right hand. I'm sure many of you are not still wearing your original E-rings all the time.

 

[Phoenix]

I adore that Lily ring! Thanks for posting it, m2b! I also love a CAC in the Anne Marie or one of his antique cushion settings!

Phoenix, I know the center of the Lily is 1.5 cts and 7.45mm, and the sides are 4.45mm. I love the proportions and really would like one like it!

Thank you, DS. I adore this ring! I'm thinking the proportions may be fine for my 4-4.5 finger size.

 

[m-2-b]

Sorry for the late response, Phoenix. My finger is a loose size 6 for reference--definitely wish I had your tiny size 4 finger instead!

 

[Phoenix]

Sorry for the late response, Phoenix. My finger is a loose size 6 for reference--definitely wish I had your tiny size 4 finger instead!

No worries, m-2-b. Thank you for your response.

 

[Greenmailer]

Thanks all, for the continuing thoughts. The thought behind the three stone and the large RHR in the halo was really simply that variety is the spice of life, and that I thought having the different faceting patterns to look at would make life more interesting! : ) That said, I am sensitive to the thought that one of the rings might end up living out its life with us in a drawer, and that would be no fun at all, so I will have to reflect on this some more. I am coming around to the point of view that if all the stones involved are rounds (and I don't go for a large pear), that the three stone should be ACA and the larger stone should be an OEC or CEC.

arkieb1 - Happily, she is not terribly color sensitive, so I don't think the difference between a K and the stones in Victor's halo would be bothersome to her.

ac117 - Thanks for the thought. That might be a possibility. My primary hesitation is that the half moon sapphires that are in her ER were selected and cut just for her ring and are a beautiful vivid blue, so I would hate for that setting to sit empty, and I'm not sure what I could repurpose the sapphires for. Will have to do some more thinking about this.

diamondseeker2006 - Thanks for point out the Lily! I will definitely take a look at it, when I meet with Victor, and I like your idea vis-a-vis the size of the stones. That said, I was thinking a bezel-set and art deco design for the three stone, something along the lines of yanaazul's David Klass ring, just in white gold (photo below):

m-2-b - Thanks for the perspective on the K. I look forward to seeing it, and am increasingly thinking that a slightly warmer color might be the way to go on the OEC or CEC. It is interesting that you brought up the cushion, because as I started thinking about a RHR, a cushion (for the sake of greater contrast with her ER) was one of my first thoughts. I will take a look at some when I am with Victor. While I love the shape, I am a little worried that I won't be as impressed with the play of color from the facets as with an OEC or CEC. Time will tell, I suppose.