This Enthusiastic Researcher Needs Some Ring Setting Help

[FinallyComplete]

Hello All! I just recently joined PS after spending some time reading many posts here yesterday. I'm beginning to think about (and save for) an engagement ring. I know I've found my lifelong match and I can't wait to continue my life with her!

I already have a pretty good idea of what I'm looking for in the ring, but I need a little help finding something that I have pictured in my mind. My girl really only has 2 things that she's always pictured her ring to have - yellow diamond accent stones and a silver colored band. That information paired with my understanding of her style has made this a blast to research and browse.

So far I have come up with 2 main options:

Option 1:
A modern-classic 3-stone setting with a center diamond (just shy of 1ct) surrounded by 2 yellow diamonds (I was thinking around .5ct each), and a band containing channel or pave set stones. This was the first thing I thought of when starting this quest, but the more I think about it, I fear the setting may result in something too large for her rather small hands, as most 3-stone settings that I have seen are a little "bulky". This is an example of the style I was thinking of for this option: http://www.bluenile.com/three-stone-diamond-ring-platinum_5923

Option 2: My Current Favorite
A band of floating diamonds (3 per side - 2 white, then 1 yellow) tiering up towards a center diamond (just shy of 1ct). I have fallen absolutely in love with this setting: http://www.bluenile.com/diamond-engagement-ring-setting-platinum_12959

My Problem:
Because of the integration of yellow diamonds, I'm having an extremely hard time finding a setting that would work, as they almost all come with the side-stones already in place. I would like to purchase this ring in 4 sections - the setting, the center diamond, the yellow diamond pairs, then the process of having it all put together. I want to do this for a few reasons, one being financial-related. I'd rather have 4 smaller things to save for than 1 giant item that seems unobtainable. Also, I would really like to select my own side-stones rather than settle on some that are included in the setting already. *sigh* The more I write, the more I think to myself "custom job"... but I don't know anything about that.

The good thing is that I have time on my side. While we have talked about it extensively and have agreed that it's just a matter of time, situations in both of our lives right now dictate that a wedding is at least 2 years away. I also happen to know that she is not expecting an engagement for a little bit either. Fortunately, this should allow me to continue saving and allow me to purchase the quality items that she deserves and will adequately symbolize the start of our family.

I am looking for a few things with this post:

• *Diamond size suggestions for both Options

• *Recommended 4C's for each side-diamond in Option 2 (where can I safely sacrifice?)

• *General Opinions

• *Feedback on both Options

• *Advice/Guidance on my thinking and style choices

• *Help finding a similar setting available without stones (as mentioned above)

• *Guidance on the process of purchasing everything individually then having a jeweler put it all together

Thank you in advance to all who reply to this post. Your help is definitely appreciated!!

 

[tyty333]

Re: This Enthusiastic Researcher Needs Some Ring Setting Hel

I would take to Diamonds by Lauren. He does a lot with colored stones and I'm sure he could create something for you like
what you want (hopefully within your budget). Are you looking for colored diamonds or sapphires? If you are looking for
sapphires, the color stone forum could help you find the right side stones. Can I ask what your budget is?

DBL
http://rockdiamond.com/index.php/categories/semi-mounts

Colored Diamonds
http://www.fancydiamonds.net/yellow_diamonds

Colored stone forum
[URL='https://www.pricescope.com/community/forums/colored-stones.11/']https://www.pricescope.com/community/forums/colored-stones.11/[/URL]

Honestly, I would stick to more of a 3 stone.

 

[slg47]

Re: This Enthusiastic Researcher Needs Some Ring Setting Hel

Hi and welcome! You're correct that many 3-stone settings come with the sidestones already but you can certainly go custom. This is what I did with my ring and I would definitely recommend getting a custom setting and center stone separately because if you go with a standard stock setting and purchase side and center stones separately the setting will be in a stock size and you will have to find stones to fit the setting...if you go custom then the setting will be made to fit the sizes of your stones.

As far as style...I think the yellow may get 'lost' in the floating diamond style you selected? You want to make sure that the yellow looks noticeably yellow. I think the traditional 3-stone style is classic. Do you know if she wants the whole ring to be white metal or just the band? Sometimes the part holding the yellow side stones is made of yellow gold to enhance the color (this is the first pic I could find but obviously this has the center stone in yellow and the side stones in white...)



Do you know what shape center stone she wants? you should pick a side stone shape that complements the center stone shape.

 

[Gypsy]

Re: This Enthusiastic Researcher Needs Some Ring Setting Hel

Any of the vendors that do custom design-- BGD, WF, Victor Canera, Steven Kirsch, ERD can substitute yellow diamonds in for colored diamonds in the sidestones.

I would do research on each of these vendor's sites and look at the body of work they have posted. Ask about pricing on the pieces that best fit your vision for her ring, then get a ballpark of where each vendor is and then chat with them to see who is a good fit for you personality wise.

Then I would decide on a design and start saving up for that piece.

What shape diamond does you lady want as a center stone?

 

[distracts]

Re: This Enthusiastic Researcher Needs Some Ring Setting Hel

I also think going custom is your best route. Although, if you buy everything individually, you should buy the setting after the center stone. It can be very hard to find a center stone to fit a specific size for a setting, and is much, much easier to have the diamond first.

 

[milton333]

Re: This Enthusiastic Researcher Needs Some Ring Setting Hel

Might I suggest a yellow diamond halo in yellow gold, set on a plain shank white gold band? I bet Diamonds by Lauren could help you with that.

Here are a couple of halos on plain bands, to give an idea of how that would look:
http://www.pearlmansjewelers.com/jewelry-designers/beverley-k-jewelry/rings/102PP1/
http://jewelsbyericagrace.smugmug.com/JbEGSignatureSettingsandSpecia/Halos/The-Bella-Halo-Featuring-a/20157222_5hmGjM#1591573980_VGkd4pK

Here are some examples of yellow diamond halos:
http://www.pearlmansjewelers.com/jewelry-designers/michael-beaudry-jewelry/rings/79B1/
http://www.pearlmansjewelers.com/jewelry-designers/ritani-jewelry/rings/87QQ1/
There's a pear shaped diamond with a yellow diamond halo in this thread: [URL='https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/blings-blings-blings-with-fellow-pser.170030/#post-3091526#p3091526']https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/blings-blings-blings-with-fellow-pser.170030/#post-3091526#p3091526[/URL]
Here's a pink diamond halo atop a platinum band - imagine with yellow diamonds and a yellow gold halo to enhance the color of the yellow diamonds: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EpnGJf6c7oQ

Here's a non-halo with yellow diamond accents:
http://www.pearlmansjewelers.com/jewelry-designers/beaudry-jewelry/rings/91B1/

 

[FinallyComplete]

Re: This Enthusiastic Researcher Needs Some Ring Setting Hel

Thanks for all of the replies! I appreciate all the help and advice thus far However, the ring plan has changed substantially since I originally posted.....

We went to a few stores over the weekend and my girl tried on some rings to get a better idea of what she wanted. That apparently opened Pandora's Box and come to find out, she actually wants something completely different after seeing several rings on her hand. We had a blast and discovered some very valuable information. Here are the more specific desires:

* A single white solitare
* Round cut
* Plain band w/ no pave or channel set stones
* Stone size of 1ct or greater

I love this classic look and seeing it on her was breathtaking. While this is going to make choosing a setting much, much easier, it is going to put even more pressure on choosing the right diamond.

As I mentioned, I'm just starting the saving process, so providing me with specific diamonds that are currently available wont be of much help in this scenario. Instead, I would appreciate some guidance on what you think I may be able to acquire with keeping my budget in mind. Here is what I'm initially thinking (in order of importance):

Diamond Budget: $10,000 USD
Certification: GIA
Cut: Excellent/Ideal
Carat: 1.0 or greater
Color: D-F
Clarity: VVS1-VS1

I'd like to match all the minimum specifications at all possible. This means, the lowest quality stone that I would be looking at is a 1.0ct, Excellent Cut, VS1, F. Do you see this a a reasonable endevor to take on with $10k?

Some things to keep in mind: She is very color sensative, I refuse to sacrifice on the cut, as the "sparkles" are what she will most appreciate, and we do not ever plan to upgrade this stone (hence the initial high quality).

As always... Thank you in advance!!!

 

[slg47]

Re: This Enthusiastic Researcher Needs Some Ring Setting Hel

I am so glad you went to look at rings together! Do you know what type of solitaire setting she likes? There are a lot of ideas in this thread
[URL='https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/post-your-favorite-plain-solitaire-setting.164906/']https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/post-your-favorite-plain-solitaire-setting.164906/[/URL]

as far as diamonds...what about VS2? I think you will have more luck with your search if you broaden to VS2.