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The Balancing Act: Diamond vs. Setting

A

Alias

Shiny_Rock
Joined
Dec 2, 2013
Messages
142
Finding a diamond and a setting as proven to be quite the task. Perhaps I am too picky and the perfection I am searching for within a budget does not exist. Perhaps what I consider to be mind-clean is outside of the ordinary and not realistic. That said, I do not plan on giving up as I know the reasons I spend countless hours each day reading and searching - to find that perfect diamond for us.

Please excuse the preamble...I think I just needed a little boost!

I am still searching for a diamond but feel that I am getting closer. With that said, is it better to perhaps reduce the color, clarity and maybe even ct. to be able to purchase a hand-forged setting, noting the setting I am interested in is a double halo around a cushion.

I know for each person the answer will be different. But the price difference between a hand-forged and a CAD could be around ~$3-$4K if not more. How does one balance the two - diamond and setting?

Thanks!!
 
It all comes down to you and your future fiance. For me, a setting is highly important and for my e-ring, I would want the best I can afford. For many people, they couldn't tell the difference between hand forged and CAD/CAST. It all depends on your design - if it is a ring with lots of pave, going with one of the top artist will make a difference. If there is no pave, most people won't be able to tell.

Let's say I just want it all. I usually make things fit within my budget by going second hand.
 
For me the diamond is most imporant. As long as I can get a platinum setting that will securely and semi-attractively hold my stone, that's the priority. I can reset it into a more elaborate setting later. But I want the best stone my money can buy now.
 
ame|1388860600|3586222 said:
For me the diamond is most imporant. As long as I can get a platinum setting that will securely and semi-attractively hold my stone, that's the priority. I can reset it into a more elaborate setting later. But I want the best stone my money can buy now.
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I agree with Ame. I have had many pieces of jewelry made both by hand and CAD and non CAD cast. Hand made can be great but not always. It can mean lack of symmetry, irregularity and slight imperfections just like a hand made garment or piece of furniture. Knowing what I know now I would not pay for a hand made ring except under certain circumstances. I would buy the best and largest diamond I could afford and put it into a simple setting and live with it awhile. Let some time pass before you really spend a lot on a mounting. I had two rings made-(pave-very expensive.) I now wear my e-ring in a platinum cad cast solitaire. No one can tell. It is solid and simple and I mix various eternity bands with it. It gives me far greater pleasure than the others and it is indestructible.
 
I don't know enough to get into the cast vs hand crafted debate so won't.

For me the ring is about the overall look and that means spending on the setting to complete the look. I've never understood the line of thinking to pop the largest diamond you can afford into an inexpensive setting. If getting the complete look correct meant spending half or more of my budget on the setting and less on the diamond I would.
 
Rhea|1388862080|3586231 said:
I don't know enough to get into the cast vs hand crafted debate so won't.

For me the ring is about the overall look and that means spending on the setting to complete the look. I've never understood the line of thinking to pop the largest diamond you can afford into an inexpensive setting. If getting the complete look correct meant spending half or more of my budget on the setting and less on the diamond I would.
Click to expand...

Rhea I agree with you but I think you (may be) are misunderstanding my point. Its not about inexpensive (crap) verses expensive (the best). My cad cast ring was not cheap. It just wasnt several times the cost for handmade and I made a judgment call based on my previous purchases/rings that the expense didnt gain me anything. Me personally. Superb quality CAD cast can be superb and superb handmade is superb but not necessarily better. Its different. You can have absolute garbage handmade.......... Further simplicity isnt necessarily a trade off. It just depends on what is important to everyone individually. Having been there done that several times for various types of jewelry I feel the differences are not always worth it.
 
i think it depends on a few factor.
What you and your FI wants is most important. What are your top priorities?

But sense youre asking for opinions ill give you mine.
I have had to make the choice between a larger diamond and the setting i really wanted. I choose setting. The setting ( and side diamonds) were about the same price as the stone. I was going for "overall look" verses largest diamond i could get.

But also, is it work cutting down on color and clarity to get the setting you want? id say maybe a little. I know different people feel differently about clarity, but if you are going for "overall look", there doesnt seem to be a need for high clarity.
Color in a halo is sticky too, you could go down a bit, because you wont be seeing the side of the stone, but you will want it to go well with the melee.

And carat, its like, will .2 cts make the BIGGEST DIFFERENCE EVER in a double halo? hard to say...but id probably consider dropping down a little bit if need be.
 
bgray|1388863281|3586235 said:
Rhea|1388862080|3586231 said:
I don't know enough to get into the cast vs hand crafted debate so won't.

For me the ring is about the overall look and that means spending on the setting to complete the look. I've never understood the line of thinking to pop the largest diamond you can afford into an inexpensive setting. If getting the complete look correct meant spending half or more of my budget on the setting and less on the diamond I would.
Click to expand...

Rhea I agree with you but I think you (may be) are misunderstanding my point. Its not about inexpensive (crap) verses expensive (the best). My cad cast ring was not cheap. It just wasnt several times the cost for handmade and I made a judgment call based on my previous purchases/rings that the expense didnt gain me anything. Me personally. Superb quality CAD cast can be superb and superb handmade is superb but not necessarily better. Its different. You can have absolute garbage handmade.......... Further simplicity isnt necessarily a trade off. It just depends on what is important to everyone individually. Having been there done that several times for various types of jewelry I feel the differences are not always worth it.
Click to expand...

Bgray, I wasn't replying directly to you even though my post was below yours. I didn't actually read your posts on this topic, only skimmed it because I don't know enough about cast and hand crafted to discuss it. I've read it now and still don't understand. I was simply responding to the original question which I thought was about balancing the cost of the stone and the setting. I believe that the ring is about more than just the stone so was advising that the entire ring, stone and setting, be taken into consideration. Or I could just ditto Niel who since said "I was going for the "overall look" versus the largest diamond I could get." That's the only debate I read about and was casting my opinion on and why I opened with a disclaimer that I knew nothing about cast vs hand crafted.
 
Coming from someone who has several CAD and hand forged pieces....

Hand forged does not always equal better, stronger etc. It really depends on the piece you are trying to create. I agree with Charmy that if you are having a pave ring perhaps hand forged might be something to look into. However, you should know with hand forged there are always little issues with it because the ring is exactly that hand forged- it won't be perfect. CAST/ CAD rings tend to not have those issues, but they might lack the delicate look of a hand forged ring (and we are talking microscropic here...99.3% of ppl in the world won't notice ANY Of the differences I'm talking about). I have a handforged Emilya by VC. My neighbor has the same ring but CAST from ERD. I paid pretty much 2x what she did. Both PLAT, pave etc. When you really look at them you can't tell the difference at all unless you are me looping both rings for the tiny details.

Anyhow to me the setting is most important but I also believe in not over spending. I would just keeping searching for the right diamond. Once you find it then I would concentrate on the setting and figure out what works within your budget.
 
SB--did you know how similar the ERD and VC settings are prior to getting yours made by VC? If not, would you have gone with ERD to save the money?

It sounds like the deference specifically in this case is a "mind clean" issue--would you agree? Or do you think there are other, non aesthetic benefits (eg structural durability in pave etc) that are worth the significant premium?
 
HI:

For me, changing taste and circumstances would always tip that balance in favour of the diamond vs. specialized (crafted) settings.

cheers--Sharon
 
Alias|1388855459|3586198 said:
Finding a diamond and a setting as proven to be quite the task. Perhaps I am too picky and the perfection I am searching for within a budget does not exist. Perhaps what I consider to be mind-clean is outside of the ordinary and not realistic. That said, I do not plan on giving up as I know the reasons I spend countless hours each day reading and searching - to find that perfect diamond for us.

Please excuse the preamble...I think I just needed a little boost!

I am still searching for a diamond but feel that I am getting closer. With that said, is it better to perhaps reduce the color, clarity and maybe even ct. to be able to purchase a hand-forged setting, noting the setting I am interested in is a double halo around a cushion.

I know for each person the answer will be different. But the price difference between a hand-forged and a CAD could be around ~$3-$4K if not more. How does one balance the two - diamond and setting?

Thanks!!
Click to expand...
This is not a life altering decision.. Things can be changed and upgraded. The love between you two is more important.. Once you have children you will see that family is priority. That being said Spend your money on an ideal cut diamond and a non handforged setting. Really I am sure the setting you selected is fabulous. Take a breath and enjoy the beautiful ring you are about to make.
 
teobdl|1388869199|3586266 said:
SB--did you know how similar the ERD and VC settings are prior to getting yours made by VC? If not, would you have gone with ERD to save the money?

It sounds like the deference specifically in this case is a "mind clean" issue--would you agree? Or do you think there are other, non aesthetic benefits (eg structural durability in pave etc) that are worth the significant premium?
Click to expand...


She got hers after mine. She liked my ring so much she went with what was exremely similar but a more affordable option, I actually recommended ERD to her. I do love my setting, and I think VC is wonderful to work with. I appreciate the eye he has for the Emilya, it is graceful, delicate and really my dream ring. However, I typically like to feel like I get the most bang for my buck. After comparing the two I would probably end up going with ERD due to the expense. To me I would have felt my dollar went further with them. Do I love my ring, YES and I I have no regrets going with VC either time (my orginal or my upgrade), but looking back I spent a small fortune on 2 settings. I would rather have the CAST/ CAD version with money in the bank to spend on other things.

Edit to answer your second question I think it is 90% mind clean. I think on PS most ppl think hand forged means the best. But in many cases the CAD/ CAST version can be better structural. There are some great threads on comparing the two if you do a search. Recommending one over the other will really come down to (for me):
What design do you want done? What designs elements are on the ring? what type of metal? Has the vendor successfully done that design or similar before?
 
I remember that you were looking at Brellia and AVC's. I do not remember, but did your gf pick out the double halo setting? I wouldn't get that unless it is her one and only dream ring.
 
SB and I are usually always on the same page. This is one case where I am probably more sensitive on pave. I have sent plenty of friends to ERD for halo rings (they are all very happy) but when I compare my pave rings with their CAD/CAST ones ... I could see a clear difference. My friends thinks they look the same. I am just super sensitive with pave.

With that said, SB is absolutely right that hand forged and hand made doesn't equate to perfection. I actually think you can more perfection in terms of symmetry when you go the CAD/CAST route. There are imperfections in all handmade pieces but most of us live with it and learn that if you stare at something long enough .. you will find something wrong with it.

I would never be happy with a huge rock in a setting that I didn't like. It's the whole look. I also find that diamonds in nice settings are noticed more.
 
diamondseeker2006|1388876576|3586347 said:
I remember that you were looking at Brellia and AVC's. I do not remember, but did your gf pick out the double halo setting? I wouldn't get that unless it is her one and only dream ring.
Click to expand...

She did pick it out - but may I ask why you would not pick it? Due to the numerous diamonds on the halo?
 
Rhea|1388862080|3586231 said:
I don't know enough to get into the cast vs hand crafted debate so won't.

For me the ring is about the overall look and that means spending on the setting to complete the look. I've never understood the line of thinking to pop the largest diamond you can afford into an inexpensive setting. If getting the complete look correct meant spending half or more of my budget on the setting and less on the diamond I would.
Click to expand...

Ditto.
 
Alias|1388878537|3586365 said:
diamondseeker2006|1388876576|3586347 said:
I remember that you were looking at Brellia and AVC's. I do not remember, but did your gf pick out the double halo setting? I wouldn't get that unless it is her one and only dream ring.
Click to expand...

She did pick it out - but may I ask why you would not pick it? Due to the numerous diamonds on the halo?
Click to expand...

I cant speak for DS but Id say dont pick it if they didnt specifically ask because:

A: Its a lot of look, people love or hate it. So hard to to recommend a setting if it could be met with a less than steller reception.

B: Lots of your budget is going to go toward that setting regardless of the route you go. Hard to justify spending that much if we didnt know she liked it KWIM?

I think ERD makes amazing settings.

i was going to show you this. Probably not eye clean but, maybe worth looking into? Might be and if it is it could sure help your budget. :wavey:

http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/cushion-cut/1.10-carat-g-color-si2-clarity-sku-258172
 
braga123|1388894398|3586530 said:
I would suggest putting most of the money into the diamond because it is more costly to upgrade a diamond later than it is to upgrade a setting. Also, tastes change in terms of settings. A solitaire seems to be a safe bet to showcase the diamond. You might find this thread helpful.
[URL='https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/are-solitaires-for-younger-women.196832/']https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/are-solitaires-for-younger-women.196832/[/URL]
Click to expand...

I just wanted to comment on the idea of "upgrading".

Before PS i had never heard of this!

You get your ring. If you want a bigger one you buy a bigger one (when youre like 40) and you have both. Thats how I have always seen it done. Here in the midwest there isnt a lot of upgrading and resetting, and so on. You get your engagement ring. So she may not be of the mindset that that is a possibility. Also she may not WANT to upgrade. She could be sentimental. Or they might not be in a position to upgrade after kids and houses and life. OR she might value the perfect ring over constantly trying to outdo her last ring.

Not everybody wants to upgrade. So I wouldnt automatically say get the biggest diamond, if we dont know her and her wants.
 
Niel, that's a great point. Maybe OP can enlighten us as to what type of person his finace is.
 
Alias|1388878537|3586365 said:
diamondseeker2006|1388876576|3586347 said:
I remember that you were looking at Brellia and AVC's. I do not remember, but did your gf pick out the double halo setting? I wouldn't get that unless it is her one and only dream ring.
Click to expand...

She did pick it out - but may I ask why you would not pick it? Due to the numerous diamonds on the halo?
Click to expand...

Well, if she picked it out, that is fine. I just personally prefer a single halo for an engagement ring because I think it is a more timeless style. Double halos look more like dressy cocktail rings to me. Plus, the more pave, the more potential for loss of little stones. I guess I like simple and elegant over super blingy for an e-ring, but that is just me.
 
I think a double halo done well can be elegant too. :).
 
Thanks for all of the replies - quite enlightening!

My GF likes jewelry a lot but never thought too much about engagement rings (as far as I know). That said, we have gone to various stores over the past 6 months or so to get an idea of what she likes. We tried on a beautiful round brilliant at one store that she fell in love with it...but then we went to Tiffany's and she absolutely loved the Soleste. Went back and forth between the two, in-store, and each time the Soleste was the winner. Hence the double halo cushion cut :)

I would prefer to have the best of both - diamond and setting. I want the overall look to be outstanding and I think this is a function of both the diamond and setting. Then the question becomes, how do I achieve this? What's the formula? Do I defer to hand-forged? I'm not really sure to be honest and perhaps it depends on each individual. I do know, however, that the quotes I received back from some of hand-forged artists are as costly as the diamond itself and this would put me significantly over budget. I also know that GOG and ERD have made this type of setting in the past and both seem confident they can make an outstanding one for me. As a result, purely for budgetary reasons, I think I have to go CAD...or spend about ~$3K on a diamond which will likely not hit my criteria.

Can anyone else comment on CAD experiences with GOG and/or ERD?

Also, with a CAD, should I worry that the pave diamonds or the diamonds on the halos will fall off? Can she wear the ring all the time or will this significantly increase the chance of the diamonds falling off?

Thanks!!
 
heididdl|1388871312|3586279 said:
This is not a life altering decision.. Things can be changed and upgraded. The love between you two is more important.. Once you have children you will see that family is priority. That being said Spend your money on an ideal cut diamond and a non handforged setting. Really I am sure the setting you selected is fabulous. Take a breath and enjoy the beautiful ring you are about to make.
Click to expand...

Thank you for this - kinda puts the whole thing in perspective :)

I am currently leaning towards the Brellia. I mentioned in my previous post that she loved the Soleste but she loved the scintillation of the RB - I feel the Brellia gives her the best of both. Just not sure how it'll look in a double halo setting despite various searches.
 
Alias|1388909647|3586630 said:
Thanks for all of the replies - quite enlightening!

Can she wear the ring all the time or will this significantly increase the chance of the diamonds falling off?

Thanks!!
Click to expand...

Wearing any ring all the time significantly increases the chances of diamonds falling off, but this especially true of pave style settings and setting with diamonds around the band. I don't think the soleste is an eternity so that's some help. There are lots of threads about when people wear and don't wear their rings. A good ring should be built to last but it's still a precious object that shouldn't be worn when doing chores, heavy lifting, working out, not recommended for sleeping in, and other similar tasks.
 
pandabee|1388935053|3586715 said:
I've been looking into a soleste setting for a friend of mine and James Allen has it as a stock setting which may allow you to maximize your center stone.

http://www.jamesallen.com/engagement-rings/halo/14k-white-gold-diamond-split-shank-double-halo-pave-engagement-ring-item-17845
$1940 for 14k, $2150 for 18k. I'm sure it's CAD. Not sure if anyone has gotten this particular setting but it looks nice!
Click to expand...


Someone did it not too long ago with an oval. It came out amazing.


[URL='https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/oval-double-pave-engagement-ring.190591/']https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/oval-double-pave-engagement-ring.190591/[/URL]

they have a more expensive version too here

img_3218.jpg
 
Thank you very much for the links - there are small changes that we would like to make to ring so I'm not sure if I can go with JA standard.

The pave being so precious does make sense that there is potential for diamonds to fall off. My GF has told me that she would like to wear the ring most of the time, if not all the time (this kind of made me feel good! :) ). I really wouldn't want to deal with sending the ring back and forth to have the diamonds put back in...any suggestions or must we pick a different setting? :|

Also, any comments on ERD or GOG CAD?

Thanks!
 
Alias|1388978938|3587185 said:
Thank you very much for the links - there are small changes that we would like to make to ring so I'm not sure if I can go with JA standard.

The pave being so precious does make sense that there is potential for diamonds to fall off. My GF has told me that she would like to wear the ring most of the time, if not all the time (this kind of made me feel good! :) ). I really wouldn't want to deal with sending the ring back and forth to have the diamonds put back in...any suggestions or must we pick a different setting? :|

Also, any comments on ERD or GOG CAD?

Thanks!
Click to expand...

Sorry i still cant comment on a personal experience with GOG or ERD

No ring should be worn all the time. I mean you could bulk up and get a solitaire bezel, but even that could get damaged.

What does she do for a living?
 
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