Talk me off the ledge - nervous about custom design

[valmanin]

I sent this to Adam yesterday and the CAD process (for the second time) will start today. I don't want to waste anyone's time or money and want to make sure this is EXACTLY what I want. Now I am second guessing my design and a little panicky wondering if I should go for the JbEG Julia instead. Ugh!!! Reminder, this is for a 3.33 OEC M, VS2 set in yellow gold.

The other day I found Mommy2BMR's drawings for her double claw prong design and her drawings were SO good compared to mine that I used my son's tracing paper to follow the outline of her drawing...especially the shape of the prongs. Of course I changed it to my design, but the silhouette was very helpful. Just wanted to give acknowledgment and thanks! I hope she doesn't mind.

I think I can still change it although Adam may have me committed. Mostly I am wondering if the JbEG design looks better for a round stone with the eight evenly spaced prongs?

 

[diamondseeker2006]

My honest personal opinion is that I like what you have designed best of all the options. Seriously. We all doubt these decisions because there is always more than one good option. But I really like what you chose.

 

[Acinom]

Love your design! It's really pretty! No doubts needed.

 

[backwardsandinheels]

Fret not. Love what you drew.

 

[SB621]

My honest personal opinion is that I like what you have designed best of all the options. Seriously. We all doubt these decisions because there is always more than one good option. But I really like what you chose.

Yup +1 I think as soon as you see in in RL you will love it!!!!

 

[StacylikesSparkles]

My honest personal opinion is that I like what you have designed best of all the options. Seriously. We all doubt these decisions because there is always more than one good option. But I really like what you chose.

Yup +1 I think as soon as you see in in RL you will love it!!!!

Agreed! I think it's going to be really beautiful!

 

[valmanin]

Thank you DS, Acinom, Sarabear, and backwards!

I have been ruminating all night and morning about the design. I got kind of a lukewarm reaction from Adam on the design. Kind of a "It's nice. I think it will look really nice." I think he really preferred the original CAD:



He was much more effusive in his reaction to that one. Anyway, I started wondering if the new design was meh!

Thanks for the feedback! I really appreciate it!

 

[hippi_pixi]

love the double claw prongs. i recently had my 3.5 M OEC from adam set in an 8 prong setting by his bench and the claws are TINY and perfectly shaped. if i could have had double claw prongs like your design i definitely would but i had time constraints its gonna look stunning!

 

[AnnaH]

Designing is a challenge, I would think. Tweek it until it's what you want, even if it means a few cads. A big ole honking diamond like yours is a large investment and should be treated with the attention it deserves. Just my two pennies.

 

[valmanin]

Thanks FPS!

hippi pixi - thanks and I love your beautiful ring!

 

[valmanin]

One more question: do the double prongs tend to make a round look more squarish or cushiony?

 

[diamondseeker2006]

One more question: do the double prongs tend to make a round look more squarish or cushiony?

If the prongs are delicate, they have zero effect on the look of the shape of the stone. Unless they are fishtail prongs, as far as I am concerned, a round diamond looks round no matter what!

But, I will say, I also like that other design other than I like it better with 8 prongs over 10. I think I would have the same conflict in my own setting decision but lean slightly more toward the more traditional solitaire with some antique influence.

 

[rosetta]

I too really love your design the best. Do we have some sort of telepathy going on? Coz that's almost exactly the design I've been sketching at home. Spooky!

 

[Enerchi]

B E A U-tiful design!! I would be so excited to see that design, if it were my idea!! I love it - do not worry!! I think you did amazing creating your design.

I have double split prongs on my OEC setting, but it was a cast setting from IDJ not custom. It 'kinda' makes my stone look just the wee-est bit of a squared off shape, but they are not hand made prongs... I think if you are going with a custom design like this, your prongs will be very small and will not square it off - plus you also have a HUMUNGOUS round stone - that's kind of hard to square off a honker like that!! Totally excited to see this finished ring!!

 

[Christina...]

I agree with the others that I really love your design! But, I would be questioning my decision as well of I felt that the vendor had a lukewarm reaction to it. Have you had an opportunity to ask Adam if there was a reason for his lack of excitement? Did he feel that structurally or aesthetically the ring might not be the best option? I would want to know what his reluctance was. It may be that he truly believes that your design is beautiful and will work wonderfully but just didn't portray that in a way that made you felt confident. I truly think it looks amazing though and am looking forward to following your journey!

 

[CharmyPoo]

I also love your design - stick to what you like. You will find that vendors don't really get excited by designs - they have seen so many and made so many things that they don't really get excited. I think the only person that gets excited is probably Mike Robinson who creates the most unique designs that blows people away. His work is art and that's the difference between him and others.

Leon is bored by most designs and he admits it. He does get excited when he works on his elaborate crazy gemstone pieces .. who can blame him.

For us, an every day ering is usually not all that exciting so as long as we are happy .. that's all that matters.

 

[valmanin]

One more question: do the double prongs tend to make a round look more squarish or cushiony?

If the prongs are delicate, they have zero effect on the look of the shape of the stone. Unless they are fishtail prongs, as far as I am concerned, a round diamond looks round no matter what!

But, I will say, I also like that other design other than I like it better with 8 prongs over 10. I think I would have the same conflict in my own setting decision but lean slightly more toward the more traditional solitaire with some antique influence.

That's good to know...Adam was very clear about the prongs being very delicate. I have really labored over which style to go with because I like both. I am not really a vintage girl but I like a touch of it.

I too really love your design the best. Do we have some sort of telepathy going on? Coz that's almost exactly the design I've been sketching at home. Spooky!

rosetta - thanks!!! That's pretty cool that we are designing something similar. What is yours for?

Enerchi - thanks for your encouraging words!!! Seriously, that makes me feel better!

I agree with the others that I really love your design! But, I would be questioning my decision as well of I felt that the vendor had a lukewarm reaction to it. Have you had an opportunity to ask Adam if there was a reason for his lack of excitement? Did he feel that structurally or aesthetically the ring might not be the best option? I would want to know what his reluctance was. It may be that he truly believes that your design is beautiful and will work wonderfully but just didn't portray that in a way that made you felt confident. I truly think it looks amazing though and am looking forward to following your journey!

Christina - Thank you for the compliment. I was thinking about Adam's reaction and I am probably reading into it. Today when I spoke to him he told me they have been packing for the Vegas show all week and it's been really crazy so I am guessing that is why he sounded a little ho hum. I honestly think he just really loves the previous design (personal preference).

You have all made me feel a lot better. That's why I LOVE PS...you all just "get it".

 

[stargurl78]

Don't kill me but I think I like the design in the CAD better, but maybe with 8 prongs and a smaller donut. Your design is beautiful as well though! I'm just a sucker for lots of prongs! Can you hold of on deciding right away and think it over for a few days?

 

[armywife13]

I am going to have to agree with stargurl. While I think the design you came up with is GORGEOUS, I prefer the original CAD modified to 8 prongs. I can understand your hesitation with it though, since it has such a vintage feel and you have mentioned you don't really lean toward vintage designs. Maybe the Julia would work good since it has a sleek, solitaire look with lots of prongs (I loooove prongs) but a bit of a vintage touch from the side. Either way-your new design, original design, or the Julia-it will be an amazing and beautiful ring!!!

PS-thinking of resetting my OEC soon, would you mind if I saved the original CAD you had? I love that design. I don't want to step on any toes though.

 

[valmanin]

I also love your design - stick to what you like. You will find that vendors don't really get excited by designs - they have seen so many and made so many things that they don't really get excited. I think the only person that gets excited is probably Mike Robinson who creates the most unique designs that blows people away. His work is art and that's the difference between him and others.

Leon is bored by most designs and he admits it. He does get excited when he works on his elaborate crazy gemstone pieces .. who can blame him.

For us, an every day ering is usually not all that exciting so as long as we are happy .. that's all that matters.

That makes sense....it is good to be reminded of the fact that they have seen everything and me changing to double prongs is not going to make him jump out of his seat! I would love to work with Mike R...you are a lucky duck, Charmy!

 

[valmanin]

Don't kill me but I think I like the design in the CAD better, but maybe with 8 prongs and a smaller donut. Your design is beautiful as well though! I'm just a sucker for lots of prongs! Can you hold of on deciding right away and think it over for a few days?

I think he already started working on the CAD, but I suppose if in the end I decide I would rather go with option A then I can. I appreciate your honesty...truly! I also love lots of prongs! That is why this has been so difficult. The time crunch I am running in to is my anniversary...good thing too because I think I could draw this out for a year if left unchecked.

 

[valmanin]

I am going to have to agree with stargurl. While I think the design you came up with is GORGEOUS, I prefer the original CAD modified to 8 prongs. I can understand your hesitation with it though, since it has such a vintage feel and you have mentioned you don't really lean toward vintage designs. Maybe the Julia would work good since it has a sleek, solitaire look with lots of prongs (I loooove prongs) but a bit of a vintage touch from the side. Either way-your new design, original design, or the Julia-it will be an amazing and beautiful ring!!!

PS-thinking of resetting my OEC soon, would you mind if I saved the original CAD you had? I love that design. I don't want to step on any toes though.

Thanks armywife! I think I would have just done the Julia, but I couldn't figure out a way to modify it enough that Adam could do it. He has made me a really good deal on the stone + custom ring of my choice so I really have to go with him. Otherwise I probably would have just had JbEG make it.

I absolutely wouldn't mind at all if you save the CAD...I would be flattered! It is a pretty traditional antique design anyway. That is why I love PS...we all get ideas from each other.

 

[yennyfire]

I like your design better than the original CAD. If you don't like the CAD when it's completed, Adam should be ok with doing the original. Most of these vendors are used to people changing their mind. These are big decisions and sketches aren't the same as a 3D model...

Hang in there, you will have a ring you love soon!

 

[armywife13]

I am going to have to agree with stargurl. While I think the design you came up with is GORGEOUS, I prefer the original CAD modified to 8 prongs. I can understand your hesitation with it though, since it has such a vintage feel and you have mentioned you don't really lean toward vintage designs. Maybe the Julia would work good since it has a sleek, solitaire look with lots of prongs (I loooove prongs) but a bit of a vintage touch from the side. Either way-your new design, original design, or the Julia-it will be an amazing and beautiful ring!!!

PS-thinking of resetting my OEC soon, would you mind if I saved the original CAD you had? I love that design. I don't want to step on any toes though.

Thanks armywife! I think I would have just done the Julia, but I couldn't figure out a way to modify it enough that Adam could do it. He has made me a really good deal on the stone + custom ring of my choice so I really have to go with him. Otherwise I probably would have just had JbEG make it.

I absolutely wouldn't mind at all if you save the CAD...I would be flattered! It is a pretty traditional antique design anyway. That is why I love PS...we all get ideas from each other.

Ahhhh, ok. I missed the post where you said you were going to be working with Adam exclusively. Wanting to modify the Julia makes much more sense now! D'oh!

I think the design you have created is gorgeous and will show off your diamond beautifully. Plus, as long as you love it, don't worry about what anyone else says-Adam or us PSers. Even though we may not all agree on which one, all three designs are gorgeous, so you can't go wrong!

And thank you with regard to the original CAD. While it is based off of a traditional vintage design, I never want to "steal" someone's setting design or inspiration and have it be an issue if I use it/show the ring off on here!

 

[valmanin]

I like your design better than the original CAD. If you don't like the CAD when it's completed, Adam should be ok with doing the original. Most of these vendors are used to people changing their mind. These are big decisions and sketches aren't the same as a 3D model...

Hang in there, you will have a ring you love soon!

Thanks yennyfire! That's a good reminder that they are used to people changing their minds....sometimes I feel like I am the only PITA he has worked with...although he has never made me feel that way.

 

[valmanin]

I am going to have to agree with stargurl. While I think the design you came up with is GORGEOUS, I prefer the original CAD modified to 8 prongs. I can understand your hesitation with it though, since it has such a vintage feel and you have mentioned you don't really lean toward vintage designs. Maybe the Julia would work good since it has a sleek, solitaire look with lots of prongs (I loooove prongs) but a bit of a vintage touch from the side. Either way-your new design, original design, or the Julia-it will be an amazing and beautiful ring!!!

PS-thinking of resetting my OEC soon, would you mind if I saved the original CAD you had? I love that design. I don't want to step on any toes though.

Thanks armywife! I think I would have just done the Julia, but I couldn't figure out a way to modify it enough that Adam could do it. He has made me a really good deal on the stone + custom ring of my choice so I really have to go with him. Otherwise I probably would have just had JbEG make it.

I absolutely wouldn't mind at all if you save the CAD...I would be flattered! It is a pretty traditional antique design anyway. That is why I love PS...we all get ideas from each other.

Ahhhh, ok. I missed the post where you said you were going to be working with Adam exclusively. Wanting to modify the Julia makes much more sense now! D'oh!

I think the design you have created is gorgeous and will show off your diamond beautifully. Plus, as long as you love it, don't worry about what anyone else says-Adam or us PSers. Even though we may not all agree on which one, all three designs are gorgeous, so you can't go wrong!

And thank you with regard to the original CAD. While it is based off of a traditional vintage design, I never want to "steal" someone's setting design or inspiration and have it be an issue if I use it/show the ring off on here!

I just realized that I don't know what OEC you are going to reset. Maybe I missed it somewhere. Did you decide not to sell the honker at JbEG?

 

[junebug17]

I am going to have to agree with stargurl. While I think the design you came up with is GORGEOUS, I prefer the original CAD modified to 8 prongs. I can understand your hesitation with it though, since it has such a vintage feel and you have mentioned you don't really lean toward vintage designs. Maybe the Julia would work good since it has a sleek, solitaire look with lots of prongs (I loooove prongs) but a bit of a vintage touch from the side. Either way-your new design, original design, or the Julia-it will be an amazing and beautiful ring!!!

PS-thinking of resetting my OEC soon, would you mind if I saved the original CAD you had? I love that design. I don't want to step on any toes though.

Thanks armywife! I think I would have just done the Julia, but I couldn't figure out a way to modify it enough that Adam could do it. He has made me a really good deal on the stone + custom ring of my choice so I really have to go with him. Otherwise I probably would have just had JbEG make it.

I absolutely wouldn't mind at all if you save the CAD...I would be flattered! It is a pretty traditional antique design anyway. That is why I love PS...we all get ideas from each other.

Ahhhh, ok. I missed the post where you said you were going to be working with Adam exclusively. Wanting to modify the Julia makes much more sense now! D'oh!

I think the design you have created is gorgeous and will show off your diamond beautifully. Plus, as long as you love it, don't worry about what anyone else says-Adam or us PSers. Even though we may not all agree on which one, all three designs are gorgeous, so you can't go wrong!

And thank you with regard to the original CAD. While it is based off of a traditional vintage design, I never want to "steal" someone's setting design or inspiration and have it be an issue if I use it/show the ring off on here!

I just realized that I don't know what OEC you are going to reset. Maybe I missed it somewhere. Did you decide not to sell the honker at JbEG?

I was kinda wondering that myself!

 

[armywife13]

I am going to have to agree with stargurl. While I think the design you came up with is GORGEOUS, I prefer the original CAD modified to 8 prongs. I can understand your hesitation with it though, since it has such a vintage feel and you have mentioned you don't really lean toward vintage designs. Maybe the Julia would work good since it has a sleek, solitaire look with lots of prongs (I loooove prongs) but a bit of a vintage touch from the side. Either way-your new design, original design, or the Julia-it will be an amazing and beautiful ring!!!

PS-thinking of resetting my OEC soon, would you mind if I saved the original CAD you had? I love that design. I don't want to step on any toes though.

Thanks armywife! I think I would have just done the Julia, but I couldn't figure out a way to modify it enough that Adam could do it. He has made me a really good deal on the stone + custom ring of my choice so I really have to go with him. Otherwise I probably would have just had JbEG make it.

I absolutely wouldn't mind at all if you save the CAD...I would be flattered! It is a pretty traditional antique design anyway. That is why I love PS...we all get ideas from each other.

Ahhhh, ok. I missed the post where you said you were going to be working with Adam exclusively. Wanting to modify the Julia makes much more sense now! D'oh!

I think the design you have created is gorgeous and will show off your diamond beautifully. Plus, as long as you love it, don't worry about what anyone else says-Adam or us PSers. Even though we may not all agree on which one, all three designs are gorgeous, so you can't go wrong!

And thank you with regard to the original CAD. While it is based off of a traditional vintage design, I never want to "steal" someone's setting design or inspiration and have it be an issue if I use it/show the ring off on here!

I just realized that I don't know what OEC you are going to reset. Maybe I missed it somewhere. Did you decide not to sell the honker at JbEG?

I was kinda wondering that myself!

Hehe....yes, the honker is coming home. I always loved the diamond, but felt guilty about spending the money, so even though DH wanted me to have it, I listed it. We decided what is meant to be will be, and that we would see where things stand in 6 months. If it was still available, then we would re-evaluate how I was feeling. Well, 6 months passed and it wasn't sold. He still thought that I deserved to have it and I still love it, so home it comes! I am thinking that I want to get it out of the bezel, so Grace is keeping an eye out for a vintage setting that will work and if we don't find one, I will be doing a repro.

Anywaaaaays, enough with my thread jack....back to discussing the gorgeous diamond and setting this thread was created for!

 

[junebug17]

I am going to have to agree with stargurl. While I think the design you came up with is GORGEOUS, I prefer the original CAD modified to 8 prongs. I can understand your hesitation with it though, since it has such a vintage feel and you have mentioned you don't really lean toward vintage designs. Maybe the Julia would work good since it has a sleek, solitaire look with lots of prongs (I loooove prongs) but a bit of a vintage touch from the side. Either way-your new design, original design, or the Julia-it will be an amazing and beautiful ring!!!

PS-thinking of resetting my OEC soon, would you mind if I saved the original CAD you had? I love that design. I don't want to step on any toes though.

Thanks armywife! I think I would have just done the Julia, but I couldn't figure out a way to modify it enough that Adam could do it. He has made me a really good deal on the stone + custom ring of my choice so I really have to go with him. Otherwise I probably would have just had JbEG make it.

I absolutely wouldn't mind at all if you save the CAD...I would be flattered! It is a pretty traditional antique design anyway. That is why I love PS...we all get ideas from each other.

Ahhhh, ok. I missed the post where you said you were going to be working with Adam exclusively. Wanting to modify the Julia makes much more sense now! D'oh!

I think the design you have created is gorgeous and will show off your diamond beautifully. Plus, as long as you love it, don't worry about what anyone else says-Adam or us PSers. Even though we may not all agree on which one, all three designs are gorgeous, so you can't go wrong!

And thank you with regard to the original CAD. While it is based off of a traditional vintage design, I never want to "steal" someone's setting design or inspiration and have it be an issue if I use it/show the ring off on here!

I just realized that I don't know what OEC you are going to reset. Maybe I missed it somewhere. Did you decide not to sell the honker at JbEG?

I was kinda wondering that myself!

Hehe....yes, the honker is coming home. I always loved the diamond, but felt guilty about spending the money, so even though DH wanted me to have it, I listed it. We decided what is meant to be will be, and that we would see where things stand in 6 months. If it was still available, then we would re-evaluate how I was feeling. Well, 6 months passed and it wasn't sold. He still thought that I deserved to have it and I still love it, so home it comes! I am thinking that I want to get it out of the bezel, so Grace is keeping an eye out for a vintage setting that will work and if we don't find one, I will be doing a repro.

Anywaaaaays, enough with my thread jack....back to discussing the gorgeous diamond and setting this thread was created for!

Yay!!! Ok, I'll stop thread-jacking!

Valmanin, I love your design and can't wait to see your ring!

 

[arkieb1]

I am going to have to agree with stargurl. While I think the design you came up with is GORGEOUS, I prefer the original CAD modified to 8 prongs. I can understand your hesitation with it though, since it has such a vintage feel and you have mentioned you don't really lean toward vintage designs. Maybe the Julia would work good since it has a sleek, solitaire look with lots of prongs (I loooove prongs) but a bit of a vintage touch from the side. Either way-your new design, original design, or the Julia-it will be an amazing and beautiful ring!!!

PS-thinking of resetting my OEC soon, would you mind if I saved the original CAD you had? I love that design. I don't want to step on any toes though.

Thanks armywife! I think I would have just done the Julia, but I couldn't figure out a way to modify it enough that Adam could do it. He has made me a really good deal on the stone + custom ring of my choice so I really have to go with him. Otherwise I probably would have just had JbEG make it.

I absolutely wouldn't mind at all if you save the CAD...I would be flattered! It is a pretty traditional antique design anyway. That is why I love PS...we all get ideas from each other.

Ahhhh, ok. I missed the post where you said you were going to be working with Adam exclusively. Wanting to modify the Julia makes much more sense now! D'oh!

I think the design you have created is gorgeous and will show off your diamond beautifully. Plus, as long as you love it, don't worry about what anyone else says-Adam or us PSers. Even though we may not all agree on which one, all three designs are gorgeous, so you can't go wrong!

And thank you with regard to the original CAD. While it is based off of a traditional vintage design, I never want to "steal" someone's setting design or inspiration and have it be an issue if I use it/show the ring off on here!

I just realized that I don't know what OEC you are going to reset. Maybe I missed it somewhere. Did you decide not to sell the honker at JbEG?

I was kinda wondering that myself!

Hehe....yes, the honker is coming home. I always loved the diamond, but felt guilty about spending the money, so even though DH wanted me to have it, I listed it. We decided what is meant to be will be, and that we would see where things stand in 6 months. If it was still available, then we would re-evaluate how I was feeling. Well, 6 months passed and it wasn't sold. He still thought that I deserved to have it and I still love it, so home it comes! I am thinking that I want to get it out of the bezel, so Grace is keeping an eye out for a vintage setting that will work and if we don't find one, I will be doing a repro.

Anywaaaaays, enough with my thread jack....back to discussing the gorgeous diamond and setting this thread was created for!

Hi I love your stone so its great you are keeping it and also good to think you might be taking it out of that halo. I saw the before and after halo pics and I think it might possibly look better in something with prongs, but if you love the halo then keep the halo!!!