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Upgraded diamond setting advice desired

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NeverEndingUpgrade

NeverEndingUpgrade

Brilliant_Rock
Joined
Oct 3, 2007
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Hello fellow pricescopers! I got a new diamond for my 15th anniversary and am trying to decide how to set it. My first diamond was set into a rather wide 18K yellow gold & diamond band that I wore alone, so I am thinking about going for a traditional wedding set in platinum. My thinking is that I can wear the band alone at times. However, I love halo styles too.

I went to a local B&M to look at Verragio designs, and the salesperson said, "People are getting away from wedding sets." I thought that was funny coz his store was full of them. Anyway, what are your thoughts on wedding sets vs. stand-alone rings? Have I passed the point of upgrading to a traditional wedding set? I am at a point where I have Analysis Paralysis, and I need help.

My diamond is an H/SI1 Jubilee, and I am looking at the following settings (heavy on the halo choices, I know):

1) Antique repro from Single Stone in L.A.: http://www.singlestone.com/site.php?page=collections&catID=3&pID=59&startRow=0

2) Bridget Durnell Open Logo ring: http://www.pearlmansjewelers.com/jewelry-designers/durnell-jewelry/rings/54AA1/0/

3) Leon Mege 511 Halo: http://www.artofplatinum.com/4images/details.php?image_id=83

4) Verragio baguette wedding set (have not seen in person, but love baguettes): http://www.verragio.com/#prodid=116

5) Verragio "stand alone" band similar to one I tried on: http://www.verragio.com/#prodid=120

6) Verragio wedding set similar to one I tried on; the one I tried on had much less pave diamonds on the shank and the side rounds were set into the band, not pronged--it was much simpler but I could not find a photo: http://www.solomonbrothers.com/Search/JewelrySearchDetails.asp?sSKU=101633

I would spend more time on this, but I have to take my son to basketball practice. I look forward to your feedback!
 
I think the majority of people still wear a set. I like an e-ring with a wedding ring myself!

But it would help to know the size of your stone as we think about these settings.
 
Forgot to mention that it is a 1.05 ct. Sorry!
 
Great! That helps! I think that is a great size for a halo. I''ll take a look at all the settings this evening!
 
I like the Leon halo.
 
Okay, here's my opinion.

1) beautiful, but I don't know their level of quality. Would need to see more highly magnified photos

2) do not think this style would be enduring

3) gorgeous, and a Leon would be a top choice if you decide not to go with a wedding band

4) very pretty!

5) don't like as well as the others

6) I don't like the one in the picture, but the one you have in mind may be better



I have a suggestion for you. Let me find it!!!

This is Gypsy's custom halo for her 1 ct. asscher by Ocean Pearlman. You could accentuate the squared off corners more if you wanted, and you could add pave to the shank if you wanted. But one thing I love about this ring is that it is made so you can wear a wedding band with it. I think it is gorgeous and would be beautiful with a jubilee, too!!!

https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/drumroll-please-my-setting.72011/
 
I pretty much agree with diamondseeker. I don''t think people are getting away from sets either and we''re pretty much ahead of the game one this forum. people here were getting halo rings long before there were many in jewelry stores for example. Sure, some gals go with more elaborate settings and don''t wear wedding bands, but it really is a personal choice. For me, I like having 2 rings, the e-ring and wedding band.

the first setting you posted reminds me a bit of the tiffany legacy. I think that type of setting would be stunning with your stone and it could be designed to wear with a wedding band. the leon one has the same look, but he''s kinda funny when it comes to rings and wedding bands so you''d have to settle where you are with that on the front end. there are some other great custom folks who could make it though. Maytal hannah, www.maytalhannah.com, mark t at engagementringsdirec.com are a couple that come to mind.
 
Thanks for your input so far. diamondseeker2006, your suggestion reminds me of the Endless Love collection from Ritani, one of my early choices. If I go with that, I could have a halo AND bands. I had kinda ruled it out because it is so simple, but that may be the way to go. Or I could go with one of their more detailed styles, and add bands.

I wish I could find a photo of the 3rd Verragio setting. It was a good blend of simple and some detailing to set it apart.

mrssalvo, you are right that Leon doesn''t get too excited about putting a band with his rings. But when I talked to him by phone and told him that I might like a sapphire and diamond band, he suggested that he could make that too. LOL. He was very nice to me on the phone, which I appreciated.

I will try to attach some close up photos of the first style from Single Stone. diamondseeker2006, you make a good point about not knowing much about their quality. I haven''t seen much about them on PS.

1.45 HSI1 LOMS-17B.JPG
 
That side view does not look as impressive as some others such as Leon, Maytal, or even Beverley K. So I think I''d eliminate that one. MrsS mentioned Maytal, and she does do wonderful halos, too.
 
I like the Leon halo. I like the top view of the Singlestone one, but I am not too impressed with the side.
 
I like a halo with your stone... however none of those are grabbing me. Have you seen Michael Barin's 7d? It's a great halo setting for a round. what shape is your stone BTW. I'm confused on that point.

As for wearing stand alone rings... I've seen people do this, but the majority of people I see have rings they wear with bands. I had mine custom made to wear with two bands, one on either side because I couldn't find the look I wanted that would allow flush fit bands, and that was an absolute requirement of mine. Frankly I don't care what the crowds are doing, as long as you love your ring and it speaks to you... that's all that matters. I do advise looking up the Barin settting though.
 
Gypsy,

A Jubilee is a cut-corner square, similar to a square radiant, although some call it a cushion. I am having to look at rings that are made for Asschers because even though some of these designers say thay make "custom" rings, they are not willing to modify a round setting for a cc square stone. I would have to ask Michael Barin about his 7D. That IS a gorgeous ring. Thanks!

Encouraged by you pricescopers, I have decided to go with a wedding set, since I never had one. I am going to wait on a Leon until I can afford a 2 carat and get his 523 Heidy ring (Reena''s legendary ring). I found these Kirk Karas that I can see locally (OK, 40 miles away does not exactly mean locally, but it is worth the drive to see the rings in person). He has some halos with matching bands, so I get the best of both worlds.

http://www.kirkkara.com/#section=gallery&productid=6996-R

http://www.kirkkara.com/#section=gallery&productid=6757-R (Love this, although it is shown with a round diamond)

http://www.kirkkara.com/#section=gallery&productid=6852SA-R (I am a sucker for sapphires)

http://www.kirkkara.com/#section=gallery&productid=6952-R (all diamond)

Sorry for the links, these newfangled flash sites don''t allow you to copy and paste pictures.
 
People pick out a ring they love and often got crazy looking for a band that goes with it, fits with it, etc. Those old-fashioned wrap ''em around ones from the ''80''s are not what I''m referring to, but a lovely matched set is beautiful. If you''re planning in advance, I would plan for the band right along with the ring
2.gif
 
I''m a fan of 2 rings rather than one. I actually prefer 2 rings that aren''t matching, but rather go together.

I have heard nothing but great things about Single Stone. Are you in LA? Don''t count them out yet!
 
neverending, reena''s ring is one of my alltime favorites, but do keep in mind a wedding band won''t fit flush with that setting. I think reena got a band to wear on her right hand and didn''t even risk wearing something next to it. absolutely go for it if it''s what you want and with a 2 carat cushion...yummy!!! but I thought I read that you want to wear a wedding band too and with all the gallery work on that ring, I personally 1) wouldn''t want to cover it up with a band and 2) wouldn''t want the band to damage that beautiful ring. what a fun project for you.....
 
mrssalvo, when I can afford a 2.0 + carat diamond, then the Leon ring like Reena''s will be my choice, as a stand alone ring. That''s a long way off!!!! Until then, I will go with a wedding set for my long-awaited 1 carat.

I just bought the Winter 2007 issue of Inside Weddings magazine. The cover blurb was "1,000+ Engagement Rings"!! It has about 33 pages of rings and sets, some from designers I have never heard of. I am encouraged because a lot of designers have the halo e-ring/wedding band set I think I want. Of course, the problem is seeing the rings in person.

I live in Dallas, and I went to see a designer who showed me a design he did for a client. I was a 3-stone with melee all over and millegrain. It was hideous. Seems like here, if you go in to the stores looking for a designer ring, the salesperson always says, "We don''t carry that designer, but we can make the ring for you at a lesser cost." If I see a design, I want it made by the designer, not someone who copies.
 
well, i totally agree with you on getting the real deal from the designer. I bought that 2007 magazine too....there are some gorgeous rings in there. If you haven''t already, search pearlman''s site. they carry many of the designers in that magazine. also, if you find something you''d like to see and someone local does not carry the line, pearlmans will ship the setting to you for a hands on viewing...
 
mrssalvo, I was working with Joseph at Pearlman''s and he memo''ed me a Beaudry which was beautiful, but it wasn''t THE ONE.

I''ll keep looking.....
 
well, i''m sure you''ll find it. the search is part of the fun....
 
Date: 12/8/2007 2:52:03 PM
Author: NeverEndingUpgrade
Gypsy,

A Jubilee is a cut-corner square, similar to a square radiant, although some call it a cushion. I am having to look at rings that are made for Asschers because even though some of these designers say thay make ''custom'' rings, they are not willing to modify a round setting for a cc square stone. I would have to ask Michael Barin about his 7D. That IS a gorgeous ring. Thanks!

Encouraged by you pricescopers, I have decided to go with a wedding set, since I never had one. I am going to wait on a Leon until I can afford a 2 carat and get his 523 Heidy ring (Reena''s legendary ring). I found these Kirk Karas that I can see locally (OK, 40 miles away does not exactly mean locally, but it is worth the drive to see the rings in person). He has some halos with matching bands, so I get the best of both worlds.

http://www.kirkkara.com/#section=gallery&productid=6996-R

http://www.kirkkara.com/#section=gallery&productid=6757-R (Love this, although it is shown with a round diamond)

http://www.kirkkara.com/#section=gallery&productid=6852SA-R (I am a sucker for sapphires)

http://www.kirkkara.com/#section=gallery&productid=6952-R (all diamond)

Sorry for the links, these newfangled flash sites don''t allow you to copy and paste pictures.
Click to expand...
These two are absolutely stunning, wow!
 
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