What''s a good ring for someone who uses HANDS a lot?

[wishinpink]

I posted a little while back looking at fancy diamond cuts-regent, jubilee (so pretty!) and such, but I''ve decided because of our budget to go to a nice round brilliant for the engagement ring

Before we go doing anything stupid and buy a RB with like bad dimensions or something, can someone suggest for us what type of settings are good? (and then what type of dimensions are good for the setting?)

A little background on me-
1. I lose all rings, because I always take them off when I''m practicing, doing other things.
2. I scratch up everything with my ring, and scratch up my rings with everything by careless smashing my hands into things. I also am terrible at cleaning jewelry =P
3. I''m a pianist and I don''t want rings that are thick because they affect my playing!
4. I like elegant, delicate, and sophisticated looks (but I am low maintenance)
I like some antique rings.
Here are some examples of rings I like, none of them are "the one" but I like them:
- https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/ring-completed-pics-and-acknowledgements-included.34326/
-http://antiqueengagementrings.com/shopping/shopexd.asp?id=1930
-http://antiqueengagementrings.com/shopping/shopexd.asp?id=1963

5. I would like my wedding ring to complement my engagement ring.

https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/a-lurkers-resetting-adventure.92209/ I kind of like this wedding ring, it looks nice and thin?


Any words of wisdom? I appreciate any help greatly!!!

 

[JulieN]

Other than I don''t suggest a 4 prong, I say pick whatever style you like and buy insurance!

 

[wishinpink]

Date: 8/30/2008 3:56:56 PM
Author: JulieN
Other than I don''t suggest a 4 prong, I say pick whatever style you like and buy insurance!

Is it because the diamond falls out easier?

 

[swingirl]

6 prongs is more secure. If you wack your hands a lot you should stay away from pave which can suffer from stones popping out. Find a setting where the main stone is set low. DON''T take your ring off except when you are at home and can put it away in a safe place. Or wear a necklace with a hanging secure clip and clip the ring onto the necklace when you practice.

 

[John P]

Date: 8/30/2008 4:14:51 PM
Author: swingirl
6 prongs is more secure. If you wack your hands a lot you should stay away from pave which can suffer from stones popping out. Find a setting where the main stone is set low. DON''T take your ring off except when you are at home and can put it away in a safe place. Or wear a necklace with a hanging secure clip and clip the ring onto the necklace when you practice.

Setting it low and secure is the main consideration. I agree that simple is best. If you''re resigned to scratches I suggest you choose platinum as your metal, both for the ring and the head/prongs. When platinum is scratched its density means metal is usually displaced, rather than lost. Your ring will develop a patina faster but it can be re-polished to look like new again and again with less overall wear. Platinum prongs will act more like shock absorbers than gold prongs if the head takes a whack. A bent prong may continue to hold the diamond in while a broken prong will not.

 

[wishinpink]

Thank you guys for all your advice, it is duly noted. I will aim for platinum then.

The problem I have with low-setting is that I like it when the wedding band sits flush to the engagement ring.... is there any solution for this?


awhh, I like this ring.. but it's 4-pronged =P
http://crossjewelers.com/style/prong/austen.htm

 

[wishinpink]

What about the comfort-fit? Is this something I need? (Is it a lot more comfortable?) .. like could I possibly practice piano with it on?

 

[2Artists]

An elegant smooth low set bezel could be nice and might help protect the stone a bit. I work with my hands and I personally don''t like anything on them while I work.
So what bothers you most when you play the weight, bulk or texture of rings? It might help people figure out the best type ring for you to know that info.

Mrs.2Artists

 

[wishinpink]

Date: 8/30/2008 5:53:49 PM
Author: 2Artists
An elegant smooth low set bezel could be nice and might help protect the stone a bit. I work with my hands and I personally don''t like anything on them while I work.
So what bothers you most when you play the weight, bulk or texture of rings? It might help people figure out the best type ring for you to know that info.

Mrs.2Artists

Actually, it''s the ring sliding around and up and down my finger while playing that bugs me the most!

 

[bagelboy]

Wishin,My wife also works with her hands. She just wears a thin gold band that can take all the punishment and can be easily replaced. She wears her diamond engagement ring and diamond wedding ring out shopping and doing everything else when she feels like it. She never likes her diamond rings to be subjected to any dirt and keeps them clean. This works for her. There isn''t any real rule that says you have to wear your diamond rings at all times. If you really are not comfortable playing the piano with them on, you don''t have to. Ever see any NBA guys playing with their rings on? You have alot of options to choose from, just picks the one that works for you.

 

[shimmer]

I would go for something very low set or bezel. Because you like the antique look, Greenlake Jewelry comes to mind. I believe they make flush fit bands as well. Also, Precision Set make some of my favourites. Another option is Memoire as they offer very high quality mountings and a lifetime warranty.

 

[LaurenThePartier]

I would definitely say bezel set. I have my diamond set low in a bezel setting and I feel like the diamond is pretty secure.

It''s also not a huge stone, and it fits me well, so it doesn''t move much during the day.

 

[ericad]

I agree that a low set 6 prong or bezel setting will be most durable. It looks like you prefer vintage style settings, so research PS for antique vendor recommendations and surf those sites for ideas of bezel settings that you like. I have seen many that are simple, elegant, romantic and practical.

 

[NewEnglandLady]

I agree that low and bezel set or 6-prong is the way to go. My setting is low and I often wish I had a bezel.

My biggest suggestion, however, is to get an alternate band that you can wear when you''re working with your hands. I am active and wear a band about 80% of the time.

 

[geckodani]

What about something like this? It''s not a full bezel, but it''s pretty darned secure! And it sits low as well. http://www.knoxjewelers.biz/index.htm?crn=261&rn=665&action=show_detail