Too big/gaudy?

[Melarsa]

Let's try this thread again, only with the photos properly embedded this time!

I have a question on style and would appreciate any input

This is my engagement ring. It's a half-eternity band with sapphires and diamonds in platinum. Even though it looks more like a wedding-band than an e-ring, I always loved the low-profile, no-nonsense appeal of a channel set ring.

I had always figured that I would just get a plain platinum wedding band to match the e-ring, and that would be it. But it turns out that no plain platinum bands I've found match the contours and varying thickness of my e-ring closely due to the stones, so I'd have to get a custom-made platinum band to match the profile exactly. That seems like a lot of work for a plain band!

Enter this setting that I found at a chain jeweler:

Here it is on top of my e-ring. It has four tiny princess diamonds on either side, then two bezel-set princess sapphires and a mounting head for diamond in the middle. It's not a perfect match for my e-ring or anything, but it does have a certain similar quality. And sure, it's an e-ring setting and not a traditional WB, but I figured we already did it backwards once, why not again?

I really like the setting on its own. And, since I'm a low-profile type of gal who was never a big fan of prongs, I figured we could just have the center diamond bezel-set instead of using prongs, so we plunked a loose diamond in it like this to see how it looked:

Only of course, we'd be going with a much higher-quality diamond, probably from WF.

But here's where I'm not so sure. My e-ring was going to be the only ring with stones I had, so when we ordered it I wanted it to be a bit thicker than most channel-set WBs so I could get larger stones set in it. It's about 3.5-4mm wide. Against this new ring, which is similar in width, and slightly smaller at the shank, I fear it's...too much, or too overwhelming:

Doesn't look so bad from this angle, even though you can see there's a lot of metal going on.

But is it a bit too chunky/gaudy from head on? (I apologize for the shadows.) It seems like my e-ring is overwhelming the potential wedding band. And the makeshift bezel around the diamond seems...thick. Not to mention I have tiny size-4 fingers, so it seems like my whole finger is being swallowed by ring. I know the stones themselves aren't too big (the center diamond in the potential WB would only be .52 carats or so) but is the whole shebang...too much?

Plus there's the whole issue of having a hole in the setting where the prong's supposed to go. Now, normally I'd just ask around for a custom version of the ring, or see if it could be altered a bit here and there...but the fact that I'm stepping away from the relative cheapness of a plain band and into the realm of diamonds and gemstones means that budget is now a major concern. Custom tweaking aside from having the diamond bezel-set is out of the question, as is getting a larger diamond that might balance out the two rings or mask the thickness of the prongs.

So I guess my question is, do you think this would make a decent set? Or is it just too chunky/gaudy for most people? If you saw these two rings on somene's fingers, would you think "Ew, gross. Bad taste!" ?

My FH seems to think so, but I'm on the fence. I'm just not sure if I should go all out with this setting or stick with a plain band.

Feel free to share your opinions!

 

[Gleam]

Your engagement band is lovely.


To be honest, I do think the setting of that other ring is a little chunky. Not gaudy, exactly, but it just doesn''t look expertly executed. I don''t know about those thick bars separating each stone. But all that matters is if you love it. It doesn''t really sound like you do, however.

 

[Melarsa]

Thank you for your honest opinion, Gleam. I was afraid of that. I think the problem with this setting is that it''s just so close to what I imagine in my head, but it''s a little off in places. I haven''t been able to find anything else like it, and can''t afford to have a custom job done that would tweak the little bits I don''t like. The way the diamond is supposed to be set, on prongs between the bezel, looks even weirder to me. But having a larger diamond in the prongs or the diamond suspended a little higher than the thick bars would probably obscure them a bit...and yet I think it would ruin the whole "keep it low profile" thing, and the lovely "suspended side view" of all three stones.

Then again, having a big platinum band is going to look chunky as well, and then I don''t even have the benefit of a few extra diamonds and sapphires.

I just wish I was more sure all around. Or that FH loved it so I could blame it on him if people thought it looked weird, hah!

 

[Gleam]

Date: 1/26/2010 9:08:26 PM
Author: Melarsa
Thank you for your honest opinion, Gleam. I was afraid of that. I think the problem with this setting is that it's just so close to what I imagine in my head, but it's a little off in places. I haven't been able to find anything else like it, and can't afford to have a custom job done that would tweak the little bits I don't like. The way the diamond is supposed to be set, on prongs between the bezel, looks even weirder to me. But having a larger diamond in the prongs or the diamond suspended a little higher than the thick bars would probably obscure them a bit...and yet I think it would ruin the whole 'keep it low profile' thing, and the lovely 'suspended side view' of all three stones.


Then again, having a big platinum band is going to look chunky as well, and then I don't even have the benefit of a few extra diamonds and sapphires.

I just wish I was more sure all around. Or that FH loved it so I could blame it on him if people thought it looked weird, hah!

You deserve to have a ring you love! Don't settle. I agree that the way the diamond is set between the bars looks a little off. Have you tried contacting some PS vendors to get a quote? Maybe it will be less expensive than what you're thinking? Chain stores don't tend to be cheap, after all. I can see why you like the design because done well, I can see it as a truly gorgeous pair with your engagement band.

Also, have you considered a sapphire as your main stone? That would be gorgeous, too.

 

[Melarsa]

I have actually spoken with someone at WF about both the stone I'm interested in and the possibility of making a similar custom setting. I'm still waiting on the reply, but I'm not sure if they will be able to do it within my constrained budget. I thought it was worth asking, though!

While chain stores aren't exactly cheap, I was able to find this setting for what I consider a fair price, so we'll see if WF can get close or even match it. That would open up a whole new avenue of options. I'm just assuming it's not a possibility though so I don't get my hopes up.

I am a little afraid of going custom though, even though I've seen wonderful custom work before, because you have to rely on your ability to communicate what you want and the ability of the jeweler to interpret it in a way that makes everyone happy.

I guess I'm just a nervous person in general when it comes to these things.

Also, I have tried placing a sapphire in the setting to see how it looked, and while it might have been due to the quality of the sapphires available at the chain, I just didn't like the look as much. It was too dark/lifeless when compared to having the diamond in the middle, and there was too much blue. And I love, love sapphires/blue so I was actually surprised at that!

 

[tyty333]

I actually think the two rings go together pretty well. When I read your first post I was picturing your band (wedding
ring) with a low (but not too low) shared prong band on either side of it kind of like stacking rings. I think that would
be lovely. Would keep your wedding ring as the center of attention but also give you some fun added bling. Dont
know if thats in the budget. Maybe you could do one now and then one later. At least try some on and see how
they look on you...they dont have to be eternity but that would be nice.

Maybe something like these
http://www.bluenile.com/diamond-wedding-ring_8020
http://www.bluenile.com/diamond-eternity-ring_6475
http://www.bluenile.com/sapphire-diamond-ring_5413
http://www.jamesallen.com/wedding-and-anniversary/womens-wedding-rings/ring/item_63-1074.asp

 

[Dreamer_D]

I am not crazy about them together.

 

[rainwood]

The two rings look like they''re fighting each other rather than complementing each other. To me, that''s the problem. I''m okay with the width.

 

[tyty333]

Here is another shared prong band with diamonds/sapphires (belongs to casondra16)

 

[Kelli]

Actually, I quite like it!!

 

[MonkeyPie]

Date: 1/26/2010 9:43:57 PM
Author: tyty333
I actually think the two rings go together pretty well. When I read your first post I was picturing your band (wedding
ring) with a low (but not too low) shared prong band on either side of it kind of like stacking rings.

I rather like this idea, but to keep with the theme of your e-ring band I would go with channel-set princess bands.

 

[Miss Sparkly]

oooh! The styles look liike they were made for each other. I love it! Maybe do a custom ring in a similar style?

 

[Zappy]

I actually like how they look together. That''s just personal preference I suppose. I just like the look of the alternating colors, it matches the band well. Maybe if you are concerned about your e-ring''s thickness, you can have the sides shaved down a bit...? I''m not sure if that would work, but it''s worth asking.

 

[pancake]

I like the way the stones in each compliment each other, but I think your engagement ring is too chunky for the potential WB - I agree that it would look good if you shaved down the sides of your ER though, to make the channel look more delicate.

 

[Lisa Loves Shiny]

I like the combination. It''s different and beautiful.

 

[yssie]

It sounds like you like it - go for it!



There''s a lot of ring there. That''s good or bad depending on what you want, though!

 

[Tuckins1]

I like both rings a lot! I do think that wearing both of them together actually distracts from each ring''s beauty... Perhaps you could wear them on different hands? Or, you could just wear them together anyways because you love them and they are pretty!

 

[DearBuddha]

You have to ask yourself whether or not you can see yourself wearing this set 10 or 20 years from now, and whether you''re worried it''ll look gaudy then.

Personally, it''s a lot for someone like me; I prefer smaller bands. I don''t especially feel that the bar set stones mesh well with the channel set stones on your band. Independently, the rings are lovely, but together, they seem a bit off.

Anyways, congrats on your engagement!

 

[Sizzle]

First, I love the engagement band.. both the concept and the actual product. I am not a fan of the barset three stone. I think it adds too much metal. That being said, I think you can go with a tradiational three stone and your original ring and have a beautful set.

 

[pinki]

I like them together, and actually, seeing the diamond sitting in the setting makes me think that maybe a tension setting would look amazing! I don''t think its too gaudy at all.

 

[brellymom]

I like it together myself - but I do like the bling! The bars are a bit chunky for me, but that''s gonna vary by personal style I think. Be sure to tell WF your budget as my experience is that they will do everything they can to get you where you want within that budget. On the plus side, you could wear either ring stand alone if you wanted less bling for any reason, though they look good together.

 

[makemepretty]

I actually like them together. I don''t think there''s such a thing as too bold or gaudy. I love statement jewelry and this set stands out from all those too delicate ones out there. Bold is beautiful.

 

[clgwli]

Honestly I really like them together. I have tiny fingers so I could never do that and I am always a wee bit jealous of those of you with the length to do widths like that. I really think they compliment each other nicely! The one shot that kind of shows how thick (as in how high they go off the finger) really looked good. It made it look like a match to me.

Otherwise I think you should stick with channel, bar or a half bezel on the sides on the ring to make it match up nicely with your current band.

 

[lucyandroger]

I like them together. My main concern would be comfort. That much width on my finger would be too much but if it''s comfortable for you, I say go for it. You can always wear one on your right hand when you''re feeling like being low key.

 

[that_someone_special]

I don''t mind the look at all, my only concern is that with that much width, after washing your hands sometimes water tends to stick under the bands and it becomes obnoxious and plain uncomfortable to wear them. It starts to eat your finger raw!! That''s my only concern.

(and, I''m silly and only looked at pictures at first. I got to the last picture and was like, "Oh no@! her diamond is going to fall out...!!" Then I went back to the top and read everything and then it made sense... hehe)

 

[motownmama]

I really like it and if the new ring were actually your ring size and not big they would fit together beautifullly imo.

 

[asscherisme]

I like it and think it matches. However, I am concerned about the corners on the princes. From the photos it looks like the corners are unprotected and the diamond could chip easily. It also lookis a bit crooked in the setting (but that cold just be the photo). Also, I would worry about safety of scratching myself with that exposed princess corner.

I love diamonds and sapphires together.

 

[oddoneout]

I like your original ring by itself and as a set.

 

[HavocBride]

For starters, I love your engagement ring!

Personally, though, I don''t like the two together. I agree with a previous poster: they look like they''re competing, not complementing.

I also see that you''ve looked into some custom work... that might be the way to go. I''m having trouble imagining the changes you''re describing, but I''m sure it would look nice.

It is, of course, all a matter of personal taste... some of us like bigger pieces, and some don''t. As long as you''re 100% happy with it, that''s all that matters!

 

[Mrs Mitchell]

I don''t personally like your gorgeous band with the other ring, but it is entirely a matter of personal taste. I love your band, sapphires and diamonds are heaven for me. I know what you mean, because I struggled to find a wedding band I liked with my ring, and I have a very plain solitaire - I just like rings better one at a time.

I would celebrate the uniqueness and the thickness and depth of the band, by placing a teeny tiny diamond band on either side of it, narrow and low to your finger, to enhance the main band and complete the set, without detracting from it.