Tension setting, small pink diamond, size 4 finger problem

[BBF]

Hi all, new to PS and new to diamond buying.

I''m about to propose to my beloved. About her: she''s small and she has medium-length size 4 finger. She likes her jewellery dainty, simple, and non-bling. I showed her a 1 carat and her reaction was ''too big, not nice''. Well, this reaction may change in the future but for now I''m thinking of much smaller stones than what usually get talked about in these forums.

Since I get to save on size, I''ve decided to spend on color. She loves all things pink, so pink diamond. I browsed around and found some leads on pink diamonds I can afford.

We''ve browsed around - so she knows she''s getting a ring, but she doesn''t know about the pink diamond bit. Anyways it turns out she doesn''t like the claw/prong setting. Bezel barely gets a nod. She likes the channel setting, but I think a channel of pink diamonds won''t look impressive, and I don''t like the alternate white/pink setting.

So I showed her some tension setting pics and she loved them. Tension setting it is then! I dug around PriceScope and looks like that tension is good as long as I get it done by a tension expert.

Here are my problems:

1. I live in Australia (Melbourne to be exact). What are my options on getting a proper tension setting done? The jewellers that I''ve spoken to are wary about tension setting, probably because they don''t have access to a proper tension setting expert.

2. Size 4 finger, medium length. My small budget means one 0.1 - 0.15 carat pink diamond (approx 3 mm). My preference is for the ring to be exactly the same width as the girdle to give it that continuous band look. Is it possible to get a tension setting this small?

3. Will a pink diamond look nice in tension setting?

4. Is it possible to have a small channel melee on either side while retaining tension strength?

I''ve attached tension setting pics that got a nod from her. Any help and comments would be VERY appreciated, I''m a bit overwhelmed since 3 weeks ago I thought that a diamond cut is what jeweller''s commission on the diamond!

Kind regards,


Overwhelmed in Australia

 

[E B]

Hi BBF!

Is your/her heart set on a pink diamond? If not, have you considered a pink sapphire? They're much more affordable and you could get her something bigger (say, a 1/2 carat?) without it being "too big".

http://gilletts.com.au/information.php?info_id=8

If your heart is indeed set on a pink diamond (and they are rare, which makes 'em pretty special), then you'd probably want to ask whomever you're buying the setting from if a diamond of whatever size is able to be tension-set. Good luck, and keep us posted!

 

[Upgradable]

Here''s the man! Garry Holloway Diamonds

He''s "A #1" here on Pricescope. Do a search and you''ll find his contributions. Not only is he an Aussie, but he''s a pink diamond specialist too. Good luck and happy engagement!! (Pink diamond, lucky girl)

 

[BBF]

Yes, it has to be a pink diamond. Small size actually works better for her.

Here''s a setting that got a ''oooh very nice and unique'' from her.

 

[E B]

BBF,

That's a Gelin Abaci tension setting. This looks to be similar:

http://www.dimendscaasi.com/build/step1.asp?prodID=ten06

...and here's a tension setting with diamonds:

http://www.dimendscaasi.com/build/step1.asp?prodID=ten03B

another:

http://www.dimendscaasi.com/build/step1.asp?prodID=ten09A

one more

http://www.dimendscaasi.com/build/step1.asp?prodID=ten10B

 

[Rod]

Check out my post, "Three More Days" and look at the settings. They were custom made by a jeweler who balked at the idea of a "true" tension mount, but they were perfectly comfortable with making the rings in a semi-tension mount.

Their reasons against the full tension mount were:

1. Resizing can be very difficult

2. The pressure required of the setting on the stone can be high

Perhaps the comprimise we agreed on would accomodate your need. I''m sure you could find a quality jewelre in Australia who could custom make such a setting.

I think the pink diamond is a fantastic idea, btw........best of luck to you and your soon to be fiance.

 

[valeria101]

Date: 1/5/2006 11:17:57 PM
Author: BBF
Yes, it has to be a pink diamond. Small size actually works better for her.

Here's a setting that got a 'oooh very nice and unique' from her.

... and it was the first thing that came to mind when you mention '10-15 pts' ! This one works only with smaller stones because the thickness of the band is about the same as the depth of the diamond and rings over 2mm thick are considered on the heavy side already.

Great ! (IMO)

I agree about custom work... I would rather have it technically non-tension if it isn't done by a company that specializes in them. Or made in Titanium (because this metal does not need elaborate processing to become suitable for tension settings - it is naturally so).

 

[devientdrow]

I have seen a LOT of great tension settings in titanium. Would you consider that?? I liked those Scassi links above but i''m guessing if your budget is 2k for the stone your not going to have the cash to then pay $1,500 for a setting! Have you found a center stone yet???


Boone rings come highly reccomended as well on here.I KNOW you can have them set your own stone here......

$350....simple and pretty
http://www.boonerings.com/htmpages/classicround.htm

$450 close to your pic above
http://www.boonerings.com/htmpages/fusion.htm

$590...Interesting
http://www.boonerings.com/htmpages/bookends.htm

$795...not a band but I LOVE this
http://www.boonerings.com/htmpages/helixxlite.htm

 

[valeria101]

Date: 1/5/2006 11:00:19 PM
Author:BBF

2. Size 4 finger, medium length. My small budget means one 0.1 - 0.15 carat pink diamond (approx 3 mm). My preference is for the ring to be exactly the same width as the girdle to give it that continuous band look. Is it possible to get a tension setting this small?

3. Will a pink diamond look nice in tension setting?

I was wondering what the ring might look like, and found a couple of tension rings with 3-4mm rounds and bands of the same width asn the stone's diameter.

There are more examples on the Titanium jewelry sites, but nothing in the pictures says 'titanium' - the look would be similar in other metals.

Try the site of Titanium Era for a few examples. The one below is from elsewhere (right click on the picture for the link) and is precisely 3mm wide band with 3mm diamond set in it - with and without pink gold inlay. I would think the rings are size 6 or so, not 4, but other than that...

Still like the GA rounded shank more. Especially if the wedding band would match the shape.

 

[ame]

I second the Garry Holloway...he would probably be able to help you with the stone better than anyone. I don''t know how much cheaper it would be to order a ring from a US site though.

 

[BBF]

Hi all,

Thanks again for the input -- really helped me on my way

I finally decided to get a white centre stone with 1 pink stone on each side. I''ve sourced the main stone (.42 carat, ideal-cut E SI1 IGI cert) and a pair of matching pinks (6P, total 0.11 carat). Now I''m trying to finalise the setting.

My friend sent me this setting which looks lovely but the angle of the pic makes it hard for me to see the details. I wonder what it would look like in reality.

Can anyone point me to similar settings, hopefully with more details? Or if you''ve seen this particular setting before and know where to get more detailed pics?

I like the clean lines. If I have it made I would ask for finer prongs. My beloved doesn''t like prong settings (too busy) ... this one may be a good compromise.

If you have other settings that would be appreciated too! I''m looking for a setting with fine flowing lines, dainty/feminine look, and low setting. Something that makes good use of the pink accents.

Thank you again for all your help!

 

[MissGotRocks]

First of all, I am glad you have decided to go with a white diamond center stone. The pinks on the side are lovely.

I don''t have any other settings to show you, but I do like the one you have shown. Even though the ring is prong set, they are not conventional prongs. The white and pink diamonds look very nice in that setting.

We''ll see if anyone comes up with other setting ideas. . . there are some champion ''detectives'' here!

 

[Rod]

BBF.......That''s a really cool setting and it will totally distinguish the pink diamonds from the white center stone. If you get this setting, you know it''s an absolute requirement that you publish pictures when it''s finished.

Thanks