Thinking about trading in my EC for a cushion halo....

[dani13]

Hi friends!!

I know I havent posted much lately, but I'm looking for some advice. Basically the story is this: I have always loved cushion cuts (especially in a halo setting) but never got one when we got engaged because MH was never fond of them, and back then it was important to me that he really loved my ring as much as I did. Fast forward a few years, and I upgraded my original EC from a 1.71 to a 2.11 ct last year. I just left it in a plain WG solitaire setting as I did not know how I wanted my setting to look in the end...(I know, I know, I am a bad PS-er because I never posted pics, but honestly my new stone looks exactly like my old stone, just a little bigger. No one even noticed the upgrade besides my family, and I told them I did it, so it really doesnt count!

So, I went the other day to help my future sister in law look at settings for her cushion (she is going to reset it), and when she told me she was thinking of a HW inspired halo, my heart sank. I'm so happy and excited for her, but a part of me is so upset. I know that sounds horrible. I really do love my EC, but to me, I always felt like something was lacking. At 2.11 cts, its a great size, but there is no bling factor, it's very plain.I feel that I would only the bling factor if it were LARGE, like over 3 cts ( and this is my opinion only). MH was with us when we were looking at settings for her last week, and he loved the halo setting when he saw it IRL. Neither of us like a halo for an EC, so that is not an option.

So here I am, heartbroken, wishing I would have gotten the HW halo setting with a cushion a long time ago. I think that EC's were my first love, but I dont think I really realized that I wasn't ever going to be 100% satisfied with that cut in the end. Either that or my tastes have changed, I'm not sure. But bottom line is that my FSIL's ring is going to be done in a few weeks, and when I see that on her, I'm going to keel over, I just know it! She knows all about my dilemma and would not care if we were ring twins, considering I picked out her cushion completely and she is just not like that!!!!

I know I sound crazy....But friends, what do you think? Should I trade in my EC for a cushion? I'm so afraid that I am going to do it and then I will want to change it again in a few years or want to go back to an EC. Why oh why must I be tortured like this??

HELP!!!!

 

[geckodani]

Aw Dani. If what you really love is the cushion halo, and you KNOW this, without a doubt, then go for it. I think the fact that your FSIL's ring is hitting you this hard says it all.

That said, is there a way you could make your ring a wee but different than your FSIL's, so that you're not 100% ring twins? Or will it really not matter to her?

 

[dani13]

Thanks gecko. No matter what I am not going to make any rash decisions. I know, I don't want to be ring twins either, but I love everything about the setting she picked (ERD's "winnie" setting). Honestly (I dont want this to sound b*tch*, but she wouldn't have gotten her stone/setting without me), so I don't feel soooo bad Plus she lives far away from me, so its not like we are even together alot! The only other setting I would consider would be the Mark Patterson halo setting that PS-er Sillyberry has: I love it!!

[URL='https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/halo-a-cushion-dont-mind-if-i-do.149580/']https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/halo-a-cushion-dont-mind-if-i-do.149580/[/URL]

This is a terrible dilemma to have. How do I know I'm making the right decision?

 

[geckodani]

How do you know it's the right decision? Weeeell, I can't answer that for you. BUT - it sounds like this is what you wanted from the very beginning, not something that you just woke up this morning and decided you wanted, know what I mean? If you posted, "My FSIL is getting a cushion halo and I've never thought of owning one and now I want one," we'd be having a different conversation. But from what you posted, you wanted this from the beginning and were trying to make your future spouse happy.

 

[dani13]

Yes, I understand what you mean. No, this is definitely not a rash idea/decision at all!

 

[canuk-gal]

HI:

Any chance you might be able to swing a mini cushion-halo and keep your present e-ring? (keeping your DH, and making you happy!)

cheers--Sharon

 

[dani13]

Hi Sharon!

Thanks for your reply!! I dont think MH will be THAT upset if I decide to change, unless I spend alot more $$$. If I get another whole ring that will cost more in the end. I did think of that though, but its not the most cost-effective option!!!

 

[Amys Bling]

if you always wanted one... would a colored gemstone cushion w/ diamond halo RHR satisfy the urge?

I say that if you have the financial means, your DH supports you, you should make yourself happy. I just wonder if you will regret not having your EC e-ring, since you were proposed to w/ an EC.

 

[antelope1]

Aw, you can get the cushion halo, it's ok. I think it will keep you happy for a long, long time.

Also, there are so many different types of halos, and so many different types of cushions, and she lives far away -- I think it's perfectly all right. Your DH probably doesn't even remember that he liked ECs in the first place. Men have such short attention spans.

And your 3 sided halo will be different from her ERD halo, and if she got a square cushion (or a rectangular cushion) you can get the opposite and they won't look remotely like ring twins.

 

[Amys Bling]

Aw, you can get the cushion halo, it's ok. I think it will keep you happy for a long, long time.

Also, there are so many different types of halos, and so many different types of cushions, and she lives far away -- I think it's perfectly all right. Your DH probably doesn't even remember that he liked ECs in the first place. Men have such short attention spans.

And your 3 sided halo will be different from her ERD halo, and if she got a square cushion (or a rectangular cushion) you can get the opposite and they won't look remotely like ring twins.

good point.

 

[SB621]

Aw, you can get the cushion halo, it's ok. I think it will keep you happy for a long, long time.

Also, there are so many different types of halos, and so many different types of cushions, and she lives far away -- I think it's perfectly all right. Your DH probably doesn't even remember that he liked ECs in the first place. Men have such short attention spans.

And your 3 sided halo will be different from her ERD halo, and if she got a square cushion (or a rectangular cushion) you can get the opposite and they won't look remotely like ring twins.

good point.

+1

 

[MarkBroumand]

Hi Sharon!

Thanks for your reply!! I dont think MH will be THAT upset if I decide to change, unless I spend alot more $$$. If I get another whole ring that will cost more in the end. I did think of that though, but its not the most cost-effective option!!!

I think you should inquire with the vendor where you originally bought your EC and see what trade in value he would give for it so that you could put towards your desired cushion. I believe from then on you could make a more educated decision in terms of how much this is going to cost you and where you could go from there.

 

[Cehrabehra]

I would wait just a little... let your FSIL get her ring and you can see it for a while, try it on periodically, and be certain of your decision. There's no hurry is there? This is something that you can always do later but can't really undo. Let her have her ring for a while... you can always change yours

 

[Amys Bling]

I would wait just a little... let your FSIL get her ring and you can see it for a while, try it on periodically, and be certain of your decision. There's no hurry is there? This is something that you can always do later but can't really undo. Let her have her ring for a while... you can always change yours

+1

 

[dani13]

I totally understand what you are all saying- I will wait and see and really think about it hard before I make any rash decisions...I know this is not a small thing and dont want to do anything I might regret

 

[luv2sparkle]

Dani, the only thing I want to add, is to go and see cushions in the size you want. I love them too, but to get one that compares in
size I would have had to go over 4 cts, maybe just below. It was a huge price jump for me. An EC can face up pretty large too.
Have you checked that out?
If that is not an issue for you, that Mark Patterson ring is a killer. Gorgeous, stunning. Would you want/or be able to wear a band
with it, and is that important too you?

I wrestled with these issues myself before getting an upgrade. I thought about it for a whole year. At times I still get a bug, but I have
to remind myself of the reasons I made the choice I did. That makes it okay for me.

 

[October2008bride]

I'm going to ditto Luv2Sparkle - I think that if you are going to make the jump, you should make sure it is the size etc that makes it your forever ring. I know you've always loved the style, but you don't want to make the jump in style and lose in size (if that matters).

Either way, I think you should post pics of your current set so we can get an idea of what we are working with

 

[dani13]

I agree with you ladies- I really have to check out some 2 ct cushions to see if I can handle the size difference- although I think with the halo it will definitely look bigger than my current ring!!!

 

[coati]

Dani I love your ring-it's stunning. I also understand that tastes change! My tastes in shape have changed as well, and it's not in the budget to have one of every shape! It will be interesting to see how you respond to your FSIL's ring. You sound really sensible about it-taking your time. If you can't get the cushion halo out of your mind, and your FSIL's ring drives you over the edge, well, then you have your answer! Good luck!

 

[dani13]

Thanks Coati! I know, I think I really must sound like a spoiled brat!!!!

MY HEART IS BREAKING NOW THOUGH!!!! Check out the FSIL'S CAD!!! I'm so in love!!!!

 

[dani13]

 

[coati]

Oh how gorgeous!! I understand why you're so torn.
And nope, you don't sound like a spoiled brat at all! You sound like a diamond lover.

 

[dani13]

I think I am just a bit nervous how my friends/family would react if I got a completely different e-ring. I know I shouldn't care, but I do. I just dont want people to judge me. I know people in the real world (non-PS) don't really even upgrade their e-ring, let alone change it completely!!!! I am just so in love with this ring though. I am so torn.

 

[decodelighted]

Don't shoot me. Cushion halos are T.R.E.N.D.Y. I predict that they will be the Ballerina rings of the future. The I-can't-believe-I-did-that rings. I squidge that they became popular after appearing on "The Bachelor". (Which seems super ick to me.) Dunno. There's something so timelessly classic about emerald cut stones. They are the OPPOSITE of cushion halos. Seriously.

ps-- yeah. i know i know about the Princess Di ring being the hottest thing blah blah w/the new Princess engagement. Again: TREND. For the last twenty years they've been totally kitch! Like eye-rolling kitchy. QVC kitchy. Anyway. Its my opinion -- and a strong one. But I vote W.A.I.T. See how much you really envy that new ring after, say, a year. I'm betting you'd be super GLAD you waited.

 

[dani13]

AHHHH....Deco, the voice of reason....I was hoping you would respond!!!! I understand what you mean I listened to you last year when I posted what to do with my ring....I upgraded instead of halo-ing it!!!! And Im still not happy!!! What the hell is wrong with me!!!!

 

[coati]

A delicate cushion halo is a far cry from a ballerina ring. Cushion halos may be current, but jewelry designers have been utilizing various incarnations of the "diamond surround" for a long-long time. A well-made ring is gorgeous and timeless, period. Anyway, good luck Dani! Hope ya get exactly what you want.

 

[dani13]

I agree with you Coati. I think if done right, its totally gorgeous!!!

 

[LGK]

I do agree with Deco- yes, I think that ten years from now anyone with a cushion halo will obviously have gotten it in the early 2010s. However. If you really *do* love it, who cares? I mean, you see zillions and zillions of women out there wtih marquis diamonds set in yellow gold with enhancers, and yeah, they look dated. Sure. But most of those women never change them. And still love them. It is one of those things that if you *truly* love the look, it'll always remind you of a happy event/time. I don't think having an engagement ring that's obviously from a certain time period is comparable to, like, stone washed jeans or something.

The question of course is if you love it that much. Maybe getting a non-HW type setting, would be a possibility... like Leon's Cold Fusion or something? Just throwing that out there. That way you would have a slightly less trendy look.

I do think a high quality stone and great workmanship on the setting goes a long way to keeping things classic, whatever style you choose.

Since you 've been lusting after this look for years, I'm kinda thinking it is your true love. Also: if the setting ends up looking dated in a decade, reset that puppy. A cushion can be set lots of ways and they've been popular for centuries, so the cut will hardly go out of style. And maybe no setting will ever be The One- personally, I could reset my OEC ever year!- but I think once you at least get the cut of stone you really really want, you'll be 100% happy with that at least, if not the setting forever and ever. Just move slowly and think things out.

As far as friends and family- yeah, they'll probably eye roll a bit at you. But they'll get over it. All my friends and family think I'm nuts to love jewelry but they only give me a little bit of a hard time about it... Most of them wouldn't notice a new piece of jewelry of mine if I didn't point it out, none of them are jewelry lovers. I suspect that's typical!

 

[dani13]

Great advice, LGK. I have thought about the trendy thing....but honestly I dont really care about that....I think I am more concerned about regretting trading my EC in for a cushion....I do adore EC's, but Im thinking maybe I'm looking for more of presence on my finger, and since I cant have a 4 ct EC this *may* be the way to go.....

 

[LGK]

Great advice, LGK. I have thought about the trendy thing....but honestly I dont really care about that....I think I am more concerned about regretting trading my EC in for a cushion....I do adore EC's, but Im thinking maybe I'm looking for more of presence on my finger, and since I cant have a 4 ct EC this *may* be the way to go.....

Hmmm. I would say go for the cushion but only after you've tried one in the same size you're considering on, which it sounds like you're planning to do anyway . I think ECs & Asschers are gorgeous but they really are an understated look, very subtle- and if they don't do it for you, they don't.

A beautifully cut cushion would definitely give more of a sparkle-scintillation presence. I wore an asscher cut "white stone" for a couple of years before I finally replaced my unwearable original e-ring with a new diamond, and it was for sure not going to be the cut I got in a diamond for the long haul. And if I'd just jumped right on replacing my e-ring, I would've gone for an Assscher, but wearing one- even a really high quality one- really showed me it was just not enough sparkle for me. I suspect that's where you're at with your EC, unfortunately. So yeah, I'd definitely go for the cushion in your shoes.