Wanna help inspire me to reset my e-ring?

[LGK]

I’m stuck inside- snow and more snow, and us wussy Seattleites are not going anywhere. So let’s play reset-the-rock!

Actually I really do want to reset my e-ring sometime soonish*, and would love some new ideas. Currently, my 3.55 carat M colored OEC is still in the setting it came in, which I didn’t choose... it was a custom job by the seller of the ring. It’s pretty and well made but I don’t like triple halos on me. I got the side engraved by Greenlake Jewelers and that’s made me like it a lot more, but I still don’t adore it.

I’ve been staring at the same inspiration pics I have saved for almost a year and though I have a few I really like, I am feeling kinda... not sold on anything. Or the ones I really love (Van Craeynest!) are really not possible in the budget I have in mind- $3K max.

Only caveat is, no completely plain solitaires; while beautiful on others, I don’t care for them and my husband flat out hates them. Also, protection for girdle (bezel, halo) is a great idea.

I will refrain from listing all the various specific settings I’ve considered, and, though I have some specific preferences, nothing’s really sold me yet, so I’d rather hear other people’s ideas at this point. (It could be I’ll see something that I’d never considered before and it’ll be way different than I thought I wanted.)

*Still pretty long term though. DH still hasn’t forgotten the cost of the e-ring! So probably 6 months minimum, couple years max, depending on the cost of the reset.

Pic of ring in current setting attached.

 

[coatimundi_org]

You''ve probably perused Single Stone''s site. I love this SS halo, and I think your stone would be smashing in it.

 

[tradergirl]

I LOVE this setting.

http://www.23rdstreetjewelers.com/aCatItem.aspx

I have that one that Coatimundi has posted above except mine has a very delicatedly milgrained bezel around the stone rather than the prongs. I love it.

Edited" the link doesn't work. Under "rings" then "diamond" then page 2, then the second row, the one on the left.

 

[marcy]

Date: 12/21/2008 9:26:25 PM
Author: coatimundi
You''ve probably perused Single Stone''s site. I love this SS halo, and I think your stone would be smashing in it.

Ooh, this is very pretty and elegant looking.

 

[LGK]

I adore both jeweler''s work

! I really love that one from 23rd street; I emailed 23rd street for a quote (on a similar setting) but no response. I suppose I may try to call them sometime, they really do have gorgeous work. I''ll have to check out your e-ring pics tradergirl, I am sure I''ve seen it but a refresher wouldn''t hurt

Both are totally to my taste, that''s for sure; thanks ladies! Single stone works with single cut melee which is a huge plus. I realize I''d missed a bunch of 23rd street''s website pics, somehow- thanks for the links!

Coati, I really love your James Meyer setting too. He''s on my list of possibles too.

 

[Winks_Elf]

Just some ideas here:

1. I''d take the two main side stones, and have studs made from them. I personally wear princess cut diamonds studs daily. Mercier made mine out of the princess cut side diamonds in my original e-ring setting (.23 and .24 carat respectively, if memory serves). The bezels keep from snagging hair!

2. I would take a look at the way Vatche did #174 and #178 in the Alexa collection. They are halo settings, with channel set sides, and the center stone is bezel set. That would completely protect the main diamond''s girdle. If nothing else, perhaps it will give you an inspiration for the design you want.

3. If you find a plain "ready-made" setting that would fit your stone, you could possibly find a good engraver through PS that could add fine engraving to the shank.

What a fun project...can''t wait to see what you do with your gorgeous antique diamonds!

 

[blueauratus]

tradergirl-Too funny! I was thinking the same thing! That setting is to die for!!!!

 

[Ellen]

Date: 12/21/2008 9:26:25 PM
Author: coatimundi
You've probably perused Single Stone's site. I love this SS halo, and I think your stone would be smashing in it.

Love this one coati!


Here's another I like, it would add more size, though I'm not sure you'd need it, or want it!

purrfectpear's Alexa by Vatche. Love this. (with an M)

https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/purrfect-pear-antique-cushion-final-ring-pics.93341/

 

[vespergirl]

I love the current setting!

 

[Tuckins1]

I think your ring is STUNNING!!!!!

 

[decolady]

No Plain solitaires huh? I''d let that baby really shine with one..

Here is a 8 prong that is just fantastic

http://www.engagement-rings-of-london.co.uk/5100brpl-platinum-ring-lg.htm

But obviously you want something more ornate.. There are a few sheldon speyers that are reasonable, as with gordon clark (which wink carries) also try wannabuyawatch. Bezels are great but I''m in the process of having a stone removed from one.. the ring sat a little too high and being old cut it did take away some of the sparkle.

Either way I''m sure what you chose will be fantastic

 

[Miscka]

ohhhh Sheldon Speyer is a great idea!

 

[kimikocat]

I first learned about Lucie Campbell while browsing in the Shreve & Co. in SF. Turns out that they are a British company, based on London.

Here''s a solitaire-type setting -- assuming you are not going w/ a 3 stone again -- that has some sparkle

http://www.luciecampbell.com/engagementrings/index.php?price=&cut=&weight=&page_num=1&id=233 Side

http://www.luciecampbell.com/engagementrings/index.php?price=&cut=&weight=&page_num=3&id=232 More of a "head on" view.

Years ago Lang Antiques had a M- or N- colored OMC set in this setting. It was really gorgeous!

And should you think that a really large rock can''t stand a bare setting -- look at this one! http://www.langantiques.com/category/10/5/item/10-1-2100/ Over 4 carats... I tried this one on, one day, when I was there, and it was drop dead gorgeous. Honey, got about 45K to spare?

You said that you didn''t want to spend over 3K on your setting -- are you looking to work in plat. or WG? You could get something very simple for about 2K in plat from someone like Mark Morrell. Leon''s simple solitaires are also in the 1.8-2K range. Some of the simpler Van Craeynest designs -- in WG -- run under 3K. Ditto for a lot of the other designers, so you have options! Plus if you wanted to do 3 stone, you come equipped w/ your own sidestones.

kimi

 

[kimikocat]

hey -- one more question for ya --

How would you describe your personal style? Do you want your ring to complement or contrast?

Ex) I wear very simple, classic clothes most of the time -- b/c I work in a casual workplace and I can get away with the Cali girl uniform of nice jeans + cute shirt + little jacket, but I like to wear a few pieces of really nice jewelry. I call that a "contrast" in styles. My friend is a gallery owner and she always wears super-refined designer pieces, with a gorgeous Art Deco heirloom engagement ring (huge) + no wedding band. Her ring is very unusual and looks refined/edgy just like her Prada pieces. I call her style "complementary."



kimi

 

[purrfectpear]

Date: 12/22/2008 7:55:49 AM
Author: Ellen

Date: 12/21/2008 9:26:25 PM
Author: coatimundi
You''ve probably perused Single Stone''s site. I love this SS halo, and I think your stone would be smashing in it.

Love this one coati!


Here''s another I like, it would add more size, though I''m not sure you''d need it, or want it!

purrfectpear''s Alexa by Vatche. Love this. (with an M)

https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/purrfect-pear-antique-cushion-final-ring-pics.93341/

That will be right up on $3K. It was $2800 if I remember correctly.

Singlestone and 23rd street will certainly exceed $3K for anything other than a solitaire. Simple pave halo settings from Ari were all around $5K when I got quotes.

 

[canuk-gal]

HI:

This?

http://com.pricescope.com/photos/wink_jones/picture3758.aspx

cheers--Sharon

 

[NeverEndingUpgrade]

For the "petite" stones such as yours (LOL), I like these two. They are both by Infinity Line sold through Richard Landi. Either way, they have the same style number.

The LDR-95

 

[NeverEndingUpgrade]

The LDR-424:

And here's a link to another-- http://infinityline.net/pic.asp?iCat=82&iPic=1386

 

[NeverEndingUpgrade]

Bezel set LDR-360:

Or another link-- http://infinityline.net/pic.asp?iCat=95&iPic=1179

OK, I'll stop now!

 

[packrat]

I love the one Coati posted!!

 

[LGK]

Melissa, thanks for the Vatche info. I have actually used Greenlake Jewelry to engrave the existing setting- they do amazing work!

Blueauratus, that is a killer setting, huh? 23rd st does exquisite work, it''d be awesome to see in person I bet.

Ellen, I do love that Vatche setting, and PurrfectPear''s ring especially

- in fact it''s my very favorite one they make; I was very tempted to buy it for my smaller OEC. I think the halo might be a bit bigger than I wanted on my 3.55ct, but I do have that pic saved in my Big Folder o'' Inspiration Pics.

Vespergirl & Tuckins1, thanks! I was hoping it would grow on me, but I just don''t love it... though, the GLJ''s engraving made me at least happy enough with it for a few years of wear. I will probably keep it with some sort of gemstone set in it, maybe a synthetic Alexandrite.

Decolady, I love solitaires on other people for sure. I love them in showcases. So, I got a great classic Tiffany setting repro with a non-diamond OEC cut in it, and thought it''d be a fun travel ring... but I hate it on my hand

It''s just not my style. Also the DH has very, very strong opinions on jewelry and has made it clear he finds them blah. Good to know the bezel may cut down on the sparkle on an old cut. Hadn’t thought of that. Mine does score 2 on the HCA so it may not be much of a problem, but...? I’ll definitely check out the Sheldon Speyer link, I hadn’t heard of him before, much appreciated. That solitaire is absolutely lovely though!

Kimiko, I hadn’t run into Lucie Campbell before either, thanks so much for the link! I’ll have to peruse it some more. I like the Lang Antiques setting too, though I’d probably like it with a bit more sparkle on the band. I think I should clarify I mean I don’t like the 100% plain metal-no-ornamentation solitaires, aka the ones sold as Tiffany style usually. I don’t mind the ones with some engraving or melee, and some I like a lot. (Leon’s gorgeous solitaire is a bit plain for me though, unfortunately.) I am not a fan of Mark Morell’s stuff, for me anyway- not delicate enough for me, and way too modern looking. I do actually prefer white gold generally- I rarely have to rhodium plate it, and I don’t love the patina platinum gets. (Though antique platinum filigree settings are an exception!) I do tend to prefer the more ornate stuff by Van Craeynest etc, unfortunately for my pocketbook. Heh, too bad I don’t have a spare $45K for that Lang ring huh? That’s make one killer RHR!

My style is very particular. I work with antiques, so I prefer my jewelry to at least look antique, generally (though I’d make an exception for something that sang to me); I’d definitely want a new setting to blend with my other antique jewelry and not contrast. I never wear jeans/pants; always skirts- velvet, lace, silk, beaded tops etc, to work anyway; casual just doesn’t exist in my closet. I wear black, burgundy and eggplant purple and sometimes dark grey. (I definitely get called Goth a lot; I think the black hair & Bettie Page bangs tend to contribute to that, and all the tattoos.) I love Art Nouveau & Art Deco very much.

Purrfectpear, I do love that ring you have, it’s smashing. Thank you so much for the pricing info on SS & 23rd street, I''d suspected that they were out of my price range unfortunately. Too bad, since they do gorgeous work...

Canuk-gal, that’s one lovely setting. Definitely saving that pic! I bet it is a genuine antique setting… which could be tricky to have reproduced unfortunately (as I’ve discovered the hard way!)

NeverEndingUpgrade, I really like Richard Landi’s stuff. The first one you posted is my favorite I think; it reminds me a bit of some of JBEG''s settings they''ve had, and is quite pretty indeed- and thanks for the link; I’d never run across that site before, either… will peruse at leisure.

Packrat & Miscka- thanks for the input

The settings I’ve considered pretty strongly are: Leon’s buttercup style head with the v-step pave band (several PSers have it, with a cushion set E/W)... however, I don’t like that the girdle isn’t protected, and the side view of the band is a little blah. I’ve thought about getting a rosebud setting (Daniel K style, like Octoberbride2008 has). But again, a lot of exposed girdle, and it doesn’t enchant me as much as it did at first. Van Craeynest has many settings I adore, but I like the really ornate ones which are just too pricey for me. There’s this other pic I saved from Lang Antiques that is an incredibly delicate octagonal halo (my fave!) with a pretty flourish where the shank joins the head; I like that one a lot, but somehow I think isn’t quite right. I adore Greenlake Jeweler’s engraving, filigree and millegraining and general style. I’d be very tempted to have them custom make me something (if I ever settle on something, that is); they’re not atrociously expensive unless it’s a totally diamond encrusted design. James Meyer’s work is a bit different than I usually gravitate to- more metal-intensive- but it just speaks to me somehow, and the pricing is not bad; he’s also on my list of worth-considering. Beverly K settings are lovely, but the engraving isn’t quite as perfect as Greenlake Jeweler’s, so I’d lean towards GLJ instead.

Thanks everyone for the input; some good ideas and links I hadn''t run across before.

 

[MMT]

Coati that ring is gorgeous. I think I''m going to check out that site. WOW!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[kimikocat]

Date: 12/22/2008 9:03:17 PM
Author: LittleGreyKitten

Kimiko, I hadn’t run into Lucie Campbell before either, thanks so much for the link! I’ll have to peruse it some more. I like the Lang Antiques setting too, though I’d probably like it with a bit more sparkle on the band. I think I should clarify I mean I don’t like the 100% plain metal-no-ornamentation solitaires, aka the ones sold as Tiffany style usually. I don’t mind the ones with some engraving or melee, and some I like a lot. (Leon’s gorgeous solitaire is a bit plain for me though, unfortunately.) I am not a fan of Mark Morell’s stuff, for me anyway- not delicate enough for me, and way too modern looking. I do actually prefer white gold generally- I rarely have to rhodium plate it, and I don’t love the patina platinum gets. (Though antique platinum filigree settings are an exception!) I do tend to prefer the more ornate stuff by Van Craeynest etc, unfortunately for my pocketbook. Heh, too bad I don’t have a spare $45K for that Lang ring huh? That’s make one killer RHR!


My style is very particular. I work with antiques, so I prefer my jewelry to at least look antique, generally (though I’d make an exception for something that sang to me); I’d definitely want a new setting to blend with my other antique jewelry and not contrast. I never wear jeans/pants; always skirts- velvet, lace, silk, beaded tops etc, to work anyway; casual just doesn’t exist in my closet. I wear black, burgundy and eggplant purple and sometimes dark grey. (I definitely get called Goth a lot; I think the black hair & Bettie Page bangs tend to contribute to that, and all the tattoos.) I love Art Nouveau & Art Deco very much.


The settings I’ve considered pretty strongly are: Leon’s buttercup style head with the v-step pave band (several PSers have it, with a cushion set E/W)... however, I don’t like that the girdle isn’t protected, and the side view of the band is a little blah. I’ve thought about getting a rosebud setting (Daniel K style, like Octoberbride2008 has). But again, a lot of exposed girdle, and it doesn’t enchant me as much as it did at first. Van Craeynest has many settings I adore, but I like the really ornate ones which are just too pricey for me. There’s this other pic I saved from Lang Antiques that is an incredibly delicate octagonal halo (my fave!) with a pretty flourish where the shank joins the head; I like that one a lot, but somehow I think isn’t quite right. I adore Greenlake Jeweler’s engraving, filigree and millegraining and general style. I’d be very tempted to have them custom make me something (if I ever settle on something, that is); they’re not atrociously expensive unless it’s a totally diamond encrusted design. James Meyer’s work is a bit different than I usually gravitate to- more metal-intensive- but it just speaks to me somehow, and the pricing is not bad; he’s also on my list of worth-considering. Beverly K settings are lovely, but the engraving isn’t quite as perfect as Greenlake Jeweler’s, so I’d lean towards GLJ instead.


Thanks everyone for the input; some good ideas and links I hadn''t run across before.

Hey! Back off on the 45K Lang ring. That''s my special "chump change" ring!

I love your style. I have asked for Betty Page bangs every time I''ve been to the stylist and always been rejected. Why? (1) I''m Asian. One stylist told me it would be too "Suzie Wong." (2) everyone thinks I look the best with bedhead. (3) The stylist I went to was in Taipei and didn''t know a thing about 50s American pop culture. She gave me a spiral perm that was really "in" about 6 months ago. I never thought I would be a casual Cali girl -- I grew up in an area where beach-preppy was the standard -- and when I worked in the arts I definitely was a dresses/skirts girl, except instead of the slightly Goth thing I went towards the 50s Hitchcock style. But I switched industries and let me tell you -- i could wear a sleeping bag to work and no one would blink!

Given your description of your style, I can see how something too plain/too modern would perhaps clash a bit and not give you the look that you want. I will have to think some more about potential settings for you. You''ve given me lots of info -- exactly the kind that I would have wanted from a client! -- and it will be lots of fun to turn up things for you. I did have one thought about the design since bezels are not always optimal for old cuts (though keep in mind that lots of old cuts were set into bombe/volcano type settings!). You might consider setting the stone in claws slightly above your halo. That way you would have the protection of a halo. I''ve thought about doing that myself, b/c my OEC has one thin region on the girdle that bothers me.

And I''ve always thought that VC should definitely move in on the Goth/Victoriana market. Their more ornate pieces are definitely very expensive. I think they usually price out over 3K.

I like the Daniel K rosebud, too, but agree that all that exposed girdle might not be what you want for your lovely old stone.

Bev K''s settings are pretty but if you put them side by side with something with really fine handengraving/milgrain work you can see the differences. I think they give folks good value for their budget, esp if the shopper is after a particular look. I don''t have any personal experience with Greenlake, so I can''t comment.

I thought of this one yesterday -- http://www.langantiques.com/category/10/5/item/10-1-1242/ -- it is a Single Stone setting, I believe. It is very pretty! It''s delicate, not as heavy as the photo might make it seem. I''ve tried it on, too.

kimi

 

[Judah Gutwein]

LGK,

Leon Mege creates some incredible designs to suit your parameters (he''s also a nice guy to boot).
Vatche Alexa collection is certainly beautiful as well.
You may also wanna find an Authorized Tacori dealer in your area, they have beautiful designs, in line with your stated tastes.
Mark Morrel is also an option. Not sure how to contact him, but some Pscopers who have purchased from him can help you out. He''s also a nice person.

Lastly, please forgive me for saying...I absolutely LOVE your current ring. If it were me, I wouldn''t upgrade this beautiful piece!
Of course, I''m not you and the ring isn''t mine

Best of luck with your quest!

 

[glitterata]

Oh, your beautiful OEC!

Do you remember Bagpuss, who used to post here three or four years ago? (Boy, am I ever old!) She had a 2 carat old English cut in a bezel with a graceful pave split shank. Her setting is one of my very favorites, and I think it would look gorgeous with your stone.

Here are pictures of her ring:

And her thread discussing her ring:

bagpuss''s ring

 

[glitterata]

I''m not sure whether that ring of Bagpuss''s is too solitairy for you, Kitten? I don''t think of it as a solitaire, but I guess some people might.

 

[LGK]

Glitterata, I really adore that ring- I remember her username, but I'd never seen that before... that's one of the most delicate split shanks I've ever seen; I love that tiny curl the split does, reminds me of Coati's gorgeous bezel. Definitely saving that! It isn't at all what I'd consider too plain.

Kimikocat, you're a sweetheart for spending time thinking about this to help me

Hairstylists hell bent on doing their own thing are pretty fun, eh? I once went to my mom's favorite hairstylist when I was, oh, 22 or something, and yup- I ended up with my mom's haircut! NOT what I'd asked for! I bet Bettie bangs would be incredibly cute on you... you'd have the dark hair for it naturally too. I love that SS setting... I vaguely think Erica (of "and Grace", of course!) had that one with an OMC in it once. Lang Antiques has some of my favorite settings ever, I love perusing their site. Van Craeynest is so dang tempting- if I could talk myself into justifying it, they'd totally be at the top of my list for blowing the big $ on. (BTW, I do have to say, I adore your OEC Kimiko!)

Judah, yeah, Leon definitely has some droolworthy settings- unfortunately my taste outstrips my budget as far as Leon goes mostly

Doesn't stop me from drooling over them though. Tacori is absolutely gorgeous, and they do have a number of settings I adore, but again- champagne taste/beer budget! I wish I could love the triple halo setting- I know other people like them quite well, and the one I have is at least well made- but after trying for a year, I don't think it'll happen.

(Still stuck inside today- snow and ice and more snow and ice... it's definitely getting old!)

 

[kimikocat]

Date: 12/23/2008 7:11:14 PM
Author: LittleGreyKitten
Glitterata, I really adore that ring- I remember her username, but I''d never seen that before... that''s one of the most delicate split shanks I''ve ever seen; I love that tiny curl the split does, reminds me of Coati''s gorgeous bezel. Definitely saving that! It isn''t at all what I''d consider too plain.


Kimikocat, you''re a sweetheart for spending time thinking about this to help me

Hairstylists hell bent on doing their own thing are pretty fun, eh? I once went to my mom''s favorite hairstylist when I was, oh, 22 or something, and yup- I ended up with my mom''s haircut! NOT what I''d asked for! I bet Bettie bangs would be incredibly cute on you... you''d have the dark hair for it naturally too. I love that SS setting... I vaguely think Erica (of ''and Grace'', of course!) had that one with an OMC in it once. Lang Antiques has some of my favorite settings ever, I love perusing their site. Van Craeynest is so dang tempting- if I could talk myself into justifying it, they''d totally be at the top of my list for blowing the big $ on. (BTW, I do have to say, I adore your OEC Kimiko!)


Judah, yeah, Leon definitely has some droolworthy settings- unfortunately my taste outstrips my budget as far as Leon goes mostly

Doesn''t stop me from drooling over them though. Tacori is absolutely gorgeous, and they do have a number of settings I adore, but again- champagne taste/beer budget! I wish I could love the triple halo setting- I know other people like them quite well, and the one I have is at least well made- but after trying for a year, I don''t think it''ll happen.


(Still stuck inside today- snow and ice and more snow and ice... it''s definitely getting old!)

Haha, yeah, I have had my fair share of fun encounters w/ stylists. I have a theory that only really bossy people go into that profession.

That split shank that Glitterata posted with the little curls is just darling!

I think these settings are pricey too, but check out the site! (click on "rings" -- the site won''t let me link you directly to items)

http://www.mc2jewels.com/

I vaguely remember that a PSer wound up with that particular SS setting. But Erica''s in SoCal and I thought this PSer lived near SF. I could be wrong... I wish I remembered her name so I could search for her ring.

Do you like the lacy micro-pave look? it sort of bridges a few different eras.

here''s a design with a halo: http://www.23rdstreetjewelers.com/aCatItem.aspx

Just for fun -- what do you think your stone would look like in this VC setting? http://bridal.tinyjewelbox.com/bridal/engagement_gallery/designers/detail_van.asp?id=4

more later...

kimi

 

[kimikocat]

LGK--

I had to get away from the office -- it was time! and cut my post off. You know what is funny? Stylists won''t give me the Bettie but they give me what I call the Chryssie -- it has the bangs and about the same length, but it is more like the hairstyle that Chryssie Hynde had in the 80s (when she was w/ the Pretenders). I like it b/c I can pretend to be a rocker

You are such a sweetheart for saying that you like my OEC. It is the plainest of rings but I like it a lot. I''m in the process of making a 2nd ring -- and I''m waffling all over the place w/ regards to design. I think I have it narrowed down to yes -- another simple solitaire, but with either a ideal cut H&A center or maybe a fancy cut. I really wanted a fancy yellow or light yellow but have been a bit put off by the price. I think I posted about that a while ago... And went and looked at OMCs/antique cushions but never did make the purchase. Things got busy at work, I guess, and I put everything on hold.

Anyway, onto your setting...

Have you ever seen this Tacori setting? http://www.tacori.com/TACORI-SRCH/ENGAGEMENT/2620RDLGP-A-4-1-95-/ It has claws AND a halo. My theory is that the little halo would protect your stone from most bumps -- like a little bumper! -- and the claws would keep it sparkling.

Variation on a theme: http://www.tacori.com/TACORI-SRCH/ENGAGEMENT/2623RDMD-A-4-1-105-/

kimi

 

[kimikocat]

hi LGK!

I saw you post in the Antique Cuts thread & wondered if you had any updates on your setting search? Did you decide to stay w/ the current one or have you found a new one that you love?

kimi