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Urgently Seeking Feedback on Cushion Halo Please! ERD.

p2aTHX

Rough_Rock
Joined
Mar 2, 2011
Messages
45
All,

Thank you for the feedback. After getting the diamond appraised and various input from this forums and others, I have selected the 2.07 G VS2 cushion brilliant diamond.

Show below are some initial CAD drawings. I'm trying to draw a balance between the HW Halo and the De Beers Aura.

My initial comments:

1. I don't like the pave style. Maybe it's the nature of the CAD drawings but I want a V-Cut with more diamonds showing, less metal.

2. I'm not sure if the halo looks too bulky - I want the cushion to be the star and the halo just to complement it

3. Dimensions are 1.6-1.7 mm. This seems a bit thin/delicate. HW is about 1.8, De Beers is 2.2. I'm leaning towards 1.9 mm. Thoughts? What about ring type? Knife cut, etc.

Thank you for the feedback - I'll make sure the post pictures of the results!

How does this compare to Leon Mege or what would you change?

1.jpg

3 (1).jpg

3 (2).jpg

4.jpg
 

p2aTHX

Rough_Rock
Joined
Mar 2, 2011
Messages
45
2 More

5.jpg

6.jpg
 

CharmyPoo

Ideal_Rock
Joined
Dec 10, 2004
Messages
7,007
CADs show more metal than it will look in real life. BUT you aren't going to get the minimal level of metal with a CAD/CAST ring. Personally, I am only seeing the minimal metal look achieved by Leon Mege, Steven Kirsh, Victor Canera.
 

p2aTHX

Rough_Rock
Joined
Mar 2, 2011
Messages
45
Thanks - That's what I've read. I was leaning towards Leon Mege but the service was slower and I need to get this moving fast - and I don't think an ERD will really compromise quality from the work I've seen on this forum. That being said, any recommendation or changes is much appreciated to optimize my design!
 

CharmyPoo

Ideal_Rock
Joined
Dec 10, 2004
Messages
7,007
1. I have a halo ring made with v-cut pave - it does show minimal metal but I like the look of u-cut / mushroom / cut down pave better. V-cut can look a bit like gears. There are many examples of finished ERD halos for you to evaluate if the amount of metal showing is acceptable to you.
2. My diamond with the halo is smaller at 1.5 ct. I didn't want an overbearing halo and went with 1.2 mm halo.
3. I went with a 1.5 mm shank and I am ok with the size. I think for your diamond size - 1.8 or 1.9 is great but others may recommend at least 2.0 mm for safety. If you go with a knife edge, the band will be thicker especially if you want pave on it.

For reference, these are my rings for you to see the difference.
V-Cut Pave: [URL='https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/a-year-in-the-making-maytal-hannah-halo-erd-cushion.147719/']https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/a-year-in-the-making-maytal-hannah-halo-erd-cushion.147719/[/URL]
Cut Down Pave: [URL='https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/my-e-ring-dream-come-true-leon-mege-and-avc.156139/page-3']https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/my-e-ring-dream-come-true-leon-mege-and-avc.156139/page-3[/URL]
 

slg47

Ideal_Rock
Joined
Apr 4, 2010
Messages
9,667
yeah I would stick with 2.0 mm shank and thinner on the halo. Also note that the 'donut' of metal will cause a band to not sit flush with the ring.
 

p2aTHX

Rough_Rock
Joined
Mar 2, 2011
Messages
45
Thanks. I am aware that it won't sit flush but there is no alternative right?

I will modify to a 1.9 or 2 mm band and modify the halo. What is the suggested width for the halo?
 

Dreamer_D

Super_Ideal_Rock
Joined
Dec 16, 2007
Messages
25,244
p2aTHX|1307143719|2937278 said:
Thanks. I am aware that it won't sit flush but there is no alternative right?

I will modify to a 1.9 or 2 mm band and modify the halo. What is the suggested width for the halo?

2mm band. Ask for as small as possible for the halo, likey that will be 1.5mm.
 

p2aTHX

Rough_Rock
Joined
Mar 2, 2011
Messages
45
Thanks CharmyPoo, I read all the links and your old links were very helpful.

1. What kind of setting is shown in the CAD drawings above? Microscoop (is this the same as u-cut?)?

2. I am still having a hard time deciding between v-cut, mushroom, and u-cut. Given that I'm increasing the band size to 1.9-2.0mm, what works best with the least amount of metal?

3. I assume the standard is to angle the halo 30 degrees against the main cushion, correct?

Pave: 8 to 4 o'clock

current halo diamonds are stated to be 1.2-1.25 mm..suggesting was for 1.5 mm but I think I want something smaller right? 1 pointer size?

Single cut diamonds or full cut diamonds?

Thanks. I hope to finalize by monday to start production....
 

CharmyPoo

Ideal_Rock
Joined
Dec 10, 2004
Messages
7,007
1. It appears to be u-cut / cut down pave
2. Personal choice ... the Harry Winston original uses v-cut. I like them both but after some time with both my rings - I think I like the u-cut a little bit more. However, with that said - if I wasn't going with Leon, Steve or Victor - I may be inclined to do V-CUT to minmize the look of metal. I know you don't want to hear this but you are going to see more metal with ERD and I have said this a few times already. This is based on the ERD pave work I have seen in person. It can't compare to my Leon, Steve or even Maytal's pave in terms of metal showing. CCL (who used to post here) has the same view and his wife owns an ERD halo and he has shown comparisons between the ERD pave and the pave work by Ocean Pearlman (his wife has halo earrings by her).
3. Yes.
4. I love pave but wanted the opportunity to resize and didn't go with an eternity band for my ering. My halo ring goes from 7 - 5 o'clock for pave. My split shank ring has only space for 1 melee ... just enough to do resizing. The standard is 8 to 4.
5. The size of the halo does not necessarily align with the size of the melee - it has a lot to do with the bench's skill. You can stick a tiny tiny melee and surround it with a ton of metal resulting in a thicker halo. My halo uses 1 mm melee and with the metal - it is around 1.1 to 1.2 mm. I wanted a really thin halo and I think it is the perfect size on my Maytal Hannah ring.
6. They say single cut looks better but my pricer pieces are all full cuts so I can't say. I have cheapie LOGR rings that are single cuts and they don't look better than ideally cut full cuts - LOL. I have one loose nicely cut single cut and it looks nice.
 

Mayk

Ideal_Rock
Premium
Joined
Feb 12, 2011
Messages
4,772
This was the image I was provided.. it was pretty true but I don't think it's the cad.. my reset was done by Sareen the before and after are below... not sure this helps but this is what I was working with during the process..

P5180006.JPG

WR17855-144 001.jpg
 

CharmyPoo

Ideal_Rock
Joined
Dec 10, 2004
Messages
7,007
For comparison purposes, this is what I mean when I say minimal metal. I am fairly confident when I say that few can do this out of the regularly recommended PS vendors.

Leon Mege
IMG_0014.jpg
LeonPaveCloseup.jpg

Steven Kirsch
9_1.jpg
IMG_0013.jpg

Both - Their work is so compareable that you can barely tell who is who
PaveCloseup1.jpg

My Rings - Leon, Steven, Maytal, Steven. The 3rd ring is v-cut and has a different look but also take notice that there is more metal (not because it is v-cut but because of the bench).
PaveCloseUp3.jpg

Victor Canera - I don't own one of his rings but have been observing his work. He is on my list of pave master minds after seeing PH Mom's ring. Simply stunning.
VictorCaneraPave.jpg
VictorCaneraPave2.jpg
 

sparklyforever

Shiny_Rock
Joined
Jan 28, 2010
Messages
161
Charmypoo.. so on you LM and SK are those full cut melee?
 

CharmyPoo

Ideal_Rock
Joined
Dec 10, 2004
Messages
7,007
sparklyforever|1307202524|2937705 said:
Charmypoo.. so on you LM and SK are those full cut melee?

I went with full cuts but I haven't seen quality single cuts in person. I wouldn't say the LOGR single cuts are high quality but they sparkle too.
 

p2aTHX

Rough_Rock
Joined
Mar 2, 2011
Messages
45
Thanks CharmyPoo. I went back and read all your previous posts - you have a wealth of knowledge with all the different jewelers!

My feedback gathered here is the following feedback and questions for ERD:

1. BAND SIZE: Increase band size to 2 mm, melee size will increase as a result. What melee size will be used for a 2mm band?

2. PAVE STYLE: Change "Micro-Scoop" style. Minimize metal. I will ask what ERD does better - V-Cut or Mushroom (Leon Mege work here looks phenomenal: http://jewelsbyericagrace.smugmug.com/JbEG-Signature-Settings-and/Halos/The-Kylie-Halo-Featuring/16090435_AsRCz#1207695521_ctrCV) I definitely don't like fishtail though - too much flashy metal look.

3. Band PAVE: from 8 to 4 O'clock

4. Halo: As delicate as possible. 1 pointer (1 mm?), resulting in a total of about 1.1 to 1.2. Halo as close to cushion as possible

5. Halo to be 30 degrees slowed from cushion

I will also reference this link and some of the things I have seen in the past:
[URL='https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/u-cut-v-cut-fishtail-or-scoop-setting-melee-erd.141308/']https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/u-cut-v-cut-fishtail-or-scoop-setting-melee-erd.141308/[/URL]

Question:

a. What prong style minimizes metal? single 4-prong on the cushions?

b. Any other suggestions or advice? Thank you so much...I hope my GF appreciates all this - I'm going in at this blindly!!
 

CharmyPoo

Ideal_Rock
Joined
Dec 10, 2004
Messages
7,007
On the halo, just make sure you are comfortable with the thin halo and the thicker band. I like a thinner halo but as you can see through PS - most like the halo to match the band.

On the prongs, I have a personal love for double claw prongs but they have to be done very delicately and again few can do it. Make them sharp and pointy.
 

p2aTHX

Rough_Rock
Joined
Mar 2, 2011
Messages
45
Thanks CharmyPoo. I think I do like the thin halo (1-1.2 mm), thicker band (2.0 mm). Single prong pointy sounds good. You're diamond is so big it has more room to cover up!

I will speak with ERD tomorrow to see what they can do...

Appreciate the feedback, stay tuned!
 

p2aTHX

Rough_Rock
Joined
Mar 2, 2011
Messages
45
CharmyPoo, maybe I'm being paranoid but I did not "notice" that almost all the halos corresponded with the band size. Can you give me an example where the halo is delicate (i assume 1-1.3 mm) while the band is much larger (1.8-2.2) etc.

Thank you
 

p2aTHX

Rough_Rock
Joined
Mar 2, 2011
Messages
45
One last question!

1. Why is there even a need for the "donut"? Would the struts not be able to support the halo without the donut, or is it just for a balanced image?

As previously noted I know that with a donut the ring won't sit flush with a wedding band, which got me thinking on this question.

I currently have a donut with no diamonds on it - I was told this is preferred so it doesnt scratch the finger going on and off, as well as scratching a wedding band worn at the same time. Thanks
 

CharmyPoo

Ideal_Rock
Joined
Dec 10, 2004
Messages
7,007
Nope, I have not seen rings with huge variances between the halo size and the band size. They are usually the same. Mine is a .3 mm difference so you can't really tell with the naked eye.

I find the donut more visually appealing. It is possible to not have the donuts - I also believe this has been done before on PS by ERD but I can't remember by who to show you what it looks like. Check out http://www.precisionset.com for some nice design examples for no donut and raised halo.
PS Example: [URL='https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/design-help-for-my-halo-setting-please.161112/']https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/design-help-for-my-halo-setting-please.161112/[/URL]
PS Example: [URL='https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/looking-for-a-matching-wedding-band.159968/']https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/looking-for-a-matching-wedding-band.159968/[/URL]
Halo Collection 1: [URL='https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/a-collection-of-halos.121549/']https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/a-collection-of-halos.121549/[/URL]
Halo Collection 2: [URL='https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/show-me-your-rings-with-halos.27882/']https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/show-me-your-rings-with-halos.27882/[/URL]
Halo Profiles: [URL='https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/please-show-me-halo-profiles.81518/']https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/please-show-me-halo-profiles.81518/[/URL]
JA Example: http://www.jamesallen.com/engagement-rings/pave/ring/item_412-8325.asp

If it was me, I would definetly put diamonds on the donut and wouldn't have it bare. My two e-rings both have diamonds on the donut and it doesn't scratch my finger whatsover. The wedding band .. perhaps.

You can make the wedding band sit flush. Just design the band to wrap around the donut - it just won't be a straight band. If you look at my wedding band, it is designed to cuve with my split shank ring and it goes into a V to avoid touching the donut and have it rub.

My Wedding Band: [URL='https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/fast-friendly-and-fantastic-my-steven-kirsch-wedding-band.157012/']https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/fast-friendly-and-fantastic-my-steven-kirsch-wedding-band.157012/[/URL]

This is another example but it wraps around the basket. The donut is much smaller so the bottom of the band can be actually hidden underneath the halo.
[URL='https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/my-hof-reset-has-landed.119915/']https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/my-hof-reset-has-landed.119915/[/URL]
 

LoveMunkie

Shiny_Rock
Joined
Apr 4, 2011
Messages
127
CharmyPoo|1307351396|2938781 said:
Nope, I have not seen rings with huge variances between the halo size and the band size. They are usually the same. Mine is a .3 mm difference so you can't really tell with the naked eye.

I find the donut more visually appealing. It is possible to not have the donuts - I also believe this has been done before on PS by ERD but I can't remember by who to show you what it looks like. If it was me, I would definetly put diamonds on the donut and wouldn't have it bare. My two e-rings both have diamonds on the donut and it doesn't scratch my finger whatsover. The wedding band .. perhaps.

Hi there - sorry I didn't chime in sooner, couldn't get access from home this weekend. I'm actually having a similar cast setting made (due to budget and it not being my forever setting, hand-made didn't work for us) for a 1.35 carat cushion.

We went with a small donut without diamonds on the side so that it would bump-out the wedding band just slightly to allow for an eternity band without a spacer/no rubbing between the two bands. I prefer a straight band so I can wear it alone and don't mind a slight gap - it's really just personal preference.

Althought I *like* a delicate, similar band to halo proportion, I also decided I *like* a band that will hopefully stand up to some wear over time so decided to go with a slightly thicker one. The stones are also proportioned so that there is a similar ratio of metal to stone on both the halo and band. I also wanted head that sat fairly low to the band/harder to catch on things so we went with just two stones on the basket instead of the typical 3... I WISH I had the ring to share right now :knockout: :( :cheeky: hopefully in the next week or so!!!

Best of luck to you!
 

LoveMunkie

Shiny_Rock
Joined
Apr 4, 2011
Messages
127
p2aTHX|1307339666|2938758 said:
One last question!

1. Why is there even a need for the "donut"? Would the struts not be able to support the halo without the donut, or is it just for a balanced image?

As previously noted I know that with a donut the ring won't sit flush with a wedding band, which got me thinking on this question.

I currently have a donut with no diamonds on it - I was told this is preferred so it doesnt scratch the finger going on and off, as well as scratching a wedding band worn at the same time. Thanks

If you decide to go with the donut, you might want to see if they can round it out more? It seems really square to me??? :confused:
 

p2aTHX

Rough_Rock
Joined
Mar 2, 2011
Messages
45
Thanks all! I spoke with ERD and I am getting the CADs redone to the following:

Halo: 1 pointers - which are about 1.2 mm, resulting in about 1.4 mm halo size
band: 1.9 - 2.0 mm
round donut - no diamonds on donut
v-cut pave

will report back!
 

p2aTHX

Rough_Rock
Joined
Mar 2, 2011
Messages
45
Images below.

It seems a bit clunky but that might just be the CAD.

Shank: 1.9-2.0mm
halo: 1.4mm
roundish donut.

not sure i like the donut. and maybe it's the cad but the halo/pave melee seem SO small. Thoughts?

AFR-1.jpg

AFR-2.jpg

AFR-3.jpg
 

CharmyPoo

Ideal_Rock
Joined
Dec 10, 2004
Messages
7,007
Don't you want curved struts? Yes, the melee look really small but hopefully .. won't be in real life.

Is there a CAD that is face up?
 

diamondseeker2006

Super_Ideal_Rock
Premium
Joined
Jan 11, 2006
Messages
58,547
I don't understand that much metal showing on the CADS. The first one looked better to me.
 

p2aTHX

Rough_Rock
Joined
Mar 2, 2011
Messages
45
Yes I agree with your comments, though I'm OK with the straigther looking struts.

The CAD is just an initial design and this doesnt have any of the metal shaved away for the v-cut pave, halo, etc.

I should have my ring in a week or two...I'll post photos.
 

mrssalvo

Super_Ideal_Rock
Joined
Jan 3, 2005
Messages
19,132
I like the first cad's better too. I don't understand why the diamonds are smaller in the second set but more metal is showing up in the cads. I know it will be shaved down though and all cads look clunky. I can't wait to see the final product b/c the attention to the detail that you've provided Mark is remarkable and I'm curious to see the end result.
 

CharmyPoo

Ideal_Rock
Joined
Dec 10, 2004
Messages
7,007
I think curved struts look a lot better in a halo ... but I guess that's me. I am also really baffled by why the melee are so small in the CAD.
 
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