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Which e-ring setting for my petite AVC?

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tuqoa

tuqoa

Rough_Rock
Joined
Oct 26, 2013
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32
Hi folks, I'm a long-time lurker finally coming out of the shadows. :)

Some back-ground: When my hubby and I got married in '09, I was under the impression that I didn't like diamonds, and it seemed pointless to me to spend money on an e-ring that I wouldn't enjoy. We picked out a vintage wedding band at the local antique shop and that was that! At some point about a year later, I wound up stumbling on the PS forums for some reason or other. And lo and behold, I fell in love with antique cuts!! Turns out that I don't really dislike diamonds, only modern-cut diamonds. :wink2: I have been drooling over AVCs and AVRs ever since. (I love actual antique diamonds too, but frankly I just don't want the hassle of worrying about fragile girdles and being limited to bezel settings etc, so the GoG cuts are the perfect solution for me)

In 2013 we decided to finally get me a ring with an AVC or AVR for our 5th anniversary in 2014. We'd originally planned to get something in the 0.6-0.8ct range, but this summer/fall we decided to pursue IVF or adoption, and shortly after that our young kitty became very sick and needed extensive emergency care and testing (she is doing alright now thankfully, but she has severe asthma and a heart condition that will need continued medication and testing). After that it just didn't make sense to spend so much on a diamond, but we still wanted to put something shiny on my finger. :)

I kind of despaired for a while there, because there was nothing even close to our new price-point that I liked the look of. Then...I noticed the AVC/AVR melee sections (mwahahaha :twisted: :Up_to_something: ). So I hunted in the melee sections for a shiny that would work with our chopped budget, and wasn't disappointed! :D We may or may not upgrade to something in our original size range in a few years, but who knows what the future holds!

Here are the link and stats:
http://www.goodoldgold.com/diamond/F46-0960/

0.37ct
H
VS2
4.29 × 4.15 × 2.8 mm

dsc_0110.jpg
I just love the soft square shape and big chunky facets!! Modern cuts just don't do it like that! We have it here at home because we were deciding between the AVC and an AVR (talk about a hard decision, oh my gosh!!!). :D If we choose a setting that GOG can order and set, we'll send it back to them for that. For reference, my finger is a 5.5, but I take a ring size 5.75 or 6 due to large knuckles.

SO now I've been agonizing for a couple weeks over how to set this little lady. I know many of you will recommend getting a super-cheap setting and spending the extra on a bigger stone, but for one they haven't had anything with stats I like in the higher price point since we started seriously looking in October. Plus I have a very picky eye and appreciate good quality...I think a cheap temporary setting would really grate on me, especially since we don't know when or if we'll be upgrading. I'd rather be able to fully enjoy both the diamond and the setting as a complete piece in the here and now. :)

I'm a fairly low-key gal so something simple and sweet is more my style. I've been researching and getting in touch with vendors, and have got it narrowed down to a few options I like. The Poppyseed and Vatche settings are probably going to get culled tbh -- the quality of Poppyseed is good for a temp setting from what I've read here, but it will probably bug me; and I don't think I can justify the expense of the Vatche setting to myself when it costs a couple hundred dollars more than the diamond did. :p


I'm leaning heavily towards Option A or B, especially A...but there is some allure to BGD's quality and service. What do you think??


Option A:
Reproduction Art Deco Engagement Ring -- Setting is $825 in 14k white gold. The setting fee is $40. 3.15mm (at the top side diamond) and it tapers to 1.4mm at the back. $865 total plus shipping
http://antiqueengagementrings.com/shopping/shopexd.asp?id=4520


Option B:
Replica 1930s Engagement Ring -- Setting is $675 in 14k white gold. The setting fee is $40. 2.3mm at the top and it tapers to 1.1mm at the back. $715 total plus shipping
http://antiqueengagementrings.com/shopping/shopexd.asp?id=4895


Option C:
Classic Truth Solitaire setting, head would be crafted for cushion's dimensions. 1.8mm -2.8mm, $850 in 18k wg (unsure if they can make it in 14k gold, I forgot to ask), $75 setting fee. $925 total plus shipping
http://www.briangavindiamonds.com/e...lassic-truth-solitaire-18k-white-gold-5369w18



Option D: (this is my super-ultra-budget option, probably I wouldn't be happy with the quality though)
Solitaire setting by Poppyseed, head would be crafted to the cushion's measurements. The shank is 2.5mm tapering to about 1.8mm at the stone. $362 total including shipping
http://www.diamondbistro.com/category/196/Rings/listings/36566/Incredible-Solitaire.html


Option E: (this is the budget-splurge option, but don't think I can justify the expense of this one when I'm not super-duper-ultra in love with it)
Vatche 1503 - Serenity Collection. GOG would order and set this one. 2mm- 1.4mm. $1,120 in 14k white gold
http://dvatche.com/index.php?page=collection&catID=2,19&startRow=0&id=155
 
I am so happy for you! Obviously, I am also a fan of AVR's and AVC's! And I think they are beautiful in any size!

I will say that I think an antique style setting will just make the ring perfect. However, I will have to tell you that I am not really impressed with the quality of the rings from the first vendor. However, I LOVE the first setting and think it would be a magnificent design for your stone! I love it so much, I almost want one myself!!! BUT, I am going to recommend that you get someone else to make it. There is a ring maker that a lot of people here have used who has good pricing, and I think you'd be more pleased with your finished piece. He does not have a website, but if you are on FaceBook, you can go to David Klass Jewelry and see some of his recent work. Also, there is a thread here on PS with some pieces:

[URL='https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/show-us-your-david-klass-bling.196654/']https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/show-us-your-david-klass-bling.196654/[/URL]

I would recommend Beverley K, but I think those settings will cost a good bit more than going this route. I honestly think an antique style setting will just complete the look with a small stone and make it look outstanding. I just wouldn't do a solitaire or modern setting, personally with a stone that size (and I am still trying to decide on one myself!).

Good luck with your IVF or adoption, too (I am a big adoption proponent, as our youngest is adopted!)!
 
I love the first setting also, and agree with DS that David Klass is a great choice to make the ring for you.
 
I have an AVC as well, and I can say I had it in a simple solitaire from GOG (Stuller Solstice) for a while for budget reasons. And I didn't like it - I kept thinking "why don't I love this stone?". Well it wasn't the stone - it was the setting. I put it in a Julia solitaire from JbEG and I love it! The setting makes a huge difference in how things look, and I don't think you should compromise here. That first setting is gorgeous - and if you can have someone (quality) make it for you at a reasonable price point I think it's a fantastic solution!
 
Thank you diamondseeker, Sparkly, and ecf for the feedback!! Oh my gosh his work is gorgeous, that sapphire ring at the top of the thread takes my breath away!! :love: And that ruby ring wearing the santa hat on his FB...!!

What is the best way to get in touch with him? FB message? The email he has listed on the FB? Phone call? Hopefully the quote will be under $1200! :errrr:

The first one is becoming my favorite too, I love all the little details and graceful lines, plus I think it coordinates with my wedding band better than the second option.
 
tuqoa|1388797296|3585884 said:
Thank you diamondseeker, Sparkly, and ecf for the feedback!! Oh my gosh his work is gorgeous, that sapphire ring at the top of the thread takes my breath away!! :love: And that ruby ring wearing the santa hat on his FB...!!

What is the best way to get in touch with him? FB message? The email he has listed on the FB? Phone call? Hopefully the quote will be under $1200! :errrr:

The first one is becoming my favorite too, I love all the little details and graceful lines, plus I think it coordinates with my wedding band better than the second option.
Click to expand...

I would call Monday, but I'd probably go ahead and send him an email because you need to send him pictures before he can give you a quote. He will do CADs so you'll have the chance to approve the design before he makes it. I really hope the quote comes in low! (I'd copy those pics and NOT send that link, though, because it is showing a higher price for the ring since it includes a center stone. I just wouldn't want him to see that and think you were planning to pay $2k for a setting!)

Yes, I love #1 with your wedding band! It is very similar to a ring I love and am considering for my diamond. It is very expensive, though, so I have to be sure before I decide! Here is the pic of the one I am considering:

_13399.jpg

_13400.jpg
 
I agree do a vintage ring.

A stone that size in a solitaire, regardless how beautiful, feels lacking.

You look at beautiful 40s style ring with a stone that size, it sings. Doesn't seems small as that's a common size for the style, and the daintiness just seems so appropriate for the era.



something like this would be lovely, and im sure DK could do it for your budget.

http://www.rubylane.com/item/707309-6379/Vintage-Platinum-Iridium-Diamond-Ring
 
Diamondseeker, Wow the set you're considering is lovely! Is that filigree on the sides? I've looked at the Gabriel site in my quest and didn't see anything that really called to me. The one you posted is lovely but that's getting too ornate for my style. Is it just me or do their settings look rather...clunky in their pictures?? Never seen one in person, maybe it's just the way they've been photographed?

VRBeauty thank you for the suggestion, it's lovely! I do like sapphires but am a bit of an oddball as I'm not fond of the traditional deep blue, I like golden yellows, and light blues with a bit of green (someday I'd like to get a Montana sapphire), and of course padparadschas (in my wildest dreams!!). That setting is also quite a bit higher set than I'd like.

Niel I think you make a great point there! I think you've put into words what's been drawing me to the two antique settings, they just feel more complete because they've been designed to complement a small stone.


Can I ask you folks what would be a "sane" amount to spend on a setting in these circumstances? The AVC was $865 with the wire transfer discount. I kind of cringe to think of spending much more on the setting than on the diamond, but maybe that is not totally realistic? Especially once we start considering going the custom route with DK, since I've always heard that custom is more expensive. I think I'd be comfortable going up to $1200 for DK to replicate setting A since it's my favorite and I know he'd do a quality job. If he quotes for $1500 though, would that still be a reasonable amount to spend on setting this diamond?


Another question, this one from my husband! I showed him this list of settings and asked him which his favorite was. He said his favorite would be setting A but that he was having a hard time picturing the square cushion in that setting, that it seemed like the setting would look better with a round stone. I've been thinking it would look fine with a cushion because in this era there were still plenty of cushion shapes being cut (iirc), but maybe I'm a bit biased. XD What do you guys think, will the cushion look good in that setting?
 
tuqoa|1388797296|3585884 said:
Thank you diamondseeker, Sparkly, and ecf for the feedback!! Oh my gosh his work is gorgeous, that sapphire ring at the top of the thread takes my breath away!! :love: And that ruby ring wearing the santa hat on his FB...!!

What is the best way to get in touch with him? FB message? The email he has listed on the FB? Phone call? Hopefully the quote will be under $1200! :errrr:

The first one is becoming my favorite too, I love all the little details and graceful lines, plus I think it coordinates with my wedding band better than the second option.
Click to expand...

If you email him, he's good about responding within 2-3 days.
 
Gabriel settings look much more delicate in person. The large pics don't do them justice, but I don't think it is your best option. I sort of wanted to just show you what else was out there and the prices.

Absolutely that ring is great for an AVC! Goodness, I actually think I prefer the AVC in that setting! I almost prefer an AVC in the setting I like. It has carving on the sides, not filigree, but it is tiny and not so easily seen when worn. I think you can use a stone the shape of yours in any setting a round would look good in.

Do you know what is really funny? I just realized why I love that #1 setting so much! I think it is a copy of a ring made by the maker of that ring I like, Van Craeynest. I am attaching two pics I just found to show you a couple of different rings with that shank! Unfortunately, I do not know the prices of the VanC rings in white gold, but they are going to be over $3k, I am sure (plat is over $4k). It is sad to have to pay more for the setting than the diamond, but honestly, $1500 is on the low end for a good quality setting that is more detailed than a plain solitaire. So I would personally allow up to that much with the hope it will cost less.

vc483.jpg

vc483b.jpg
 
I was looking at the pictures of ring A and think that a cushion might possibly look better than a round in that setting. Something more visually interesting about it. Also many of the old mine stones weren't completely round anyway, they'd have a slightly oblong shape to them so I think your stone would be very much in keeping with this style of ring.

As to what to spend on the setting. It sounds like your ring would more go the distance for you if the setting was right. Your diamond was only that price because it was small (alot bigger than the stone I got for my engagement ring!) not because it isn't beautiful, stunning and worthy of a setting to do it justice. It sounds like the package is important here.
 
.
[b]Can I ask you folks what would be a "sane" amount to spend on a setting in these circumstances? The AVC was $865 with the wire transfer discount. I kind of cringe to think of spending much more on the setting than on the diamond, but maybe that is not totally realistic? Especially once we start considering going the custom route with DK, since I've always heard that custom is more expensive. I think I'd be comfortable going up to $1200 for DK to replicate setting A since it's my favorite and I know he'd do a quality job. If he quotes for $1500 though, would that still be a reasonable amount to spend on setting this diamond?
[
Have you considered hunting on ebay or estate settings?
 
diamondseeker2006|1388810714|3586032 said:
Do you know what is really funny? I just realized why I love that #1 setting so much! I think it is a copy of a ring made by the maker of that ring I like, Van Craeynest. I am attaching two pics I just found to show you a couple of different rings with that shank!
Click to expand...

Oh my gosh you're totally right!! You know I didn't even bother to look at Van Craeynest because I knew his prices would be beyond us, but I just went to his site and that setting is his #483! Although...I have to say that the VC version has something weird going on with that section of chunky metal right next to the head, what's that all about? Leigh Jay Nacht definitely improved on the original there.

Which of those two heads do you like better for the AVC, the box/fishtail or the claws?? I've always been a fan of box/fishtail, but the double claw looks good too, especially the way that Leigh Jay Nacht combined the claw prongs with the side details of the box/fishtail. I think the box/fishtail the way it's been done in that photo might over-power the AVC? Most of the AVCs I've seen here are set with standard or claw prongs.


Polished and Diamondseeker, thanks so much for the input on the setting budget, it's good to know that it's not completely ludicrous to spend a few hundred more for a setting that will really work for the diamond. And I will give my hubby your feedback on the AVC in that setting! Polished I was thinking the same thing about off-round old miner cuts.

Makingthegrade, WOW I can't believe that price for a gently used VC!! It would have to go up to a 5.75 or a 6 though. Also the style of that setting isn't quite meshing for me the way option A is.

Braga Normally I'd be open to hunting around, but we've got a lot going on right now (IVF transfer in Feb, getting my parents' houses ready to sell, I'm a bridesmaid in my friend's wedding in March, dealing with our kitty's illness, and preparing for an out-of-state move this summer). So simplifying the process by buying something newly made from a known vendor is much more appealing to me right now!
 
I love option A as well. I got a quote from them as well for a setting but was not sure if the quality was very good.
 
When I email DK for a quote, should I state what our budget is straight out, or wait and see what he says first??
 
tuqoa|1388846289|3586144 said:
When I email DK for a quote, should I state what our budget is straight out, or wait and see what he says first??
Click to expand...
Have you settled on a design?

Also I'd say with that stone is do a fishtail prong head. Give the stone a bit of framing and emphasis.
 
Excellent choice! Love that delicate setting for your AVC. :) I hope they can do it at a good price for you. Good luck!

Cachette :))
 
I love that first setting as well. It will be beautiful.
 
tuqoa|1388852684|3586176 said:
Hi Niel, Yup I am going to ask him about replicating the first setting, this one: http://antiqueengagementrings.com/shopping/shopexd.asp?id=4520
Click to expand...

ah sorry, i wasnt sure.

Id just email him that picture, and some pictures of that VC ring, ask him to quote you. If its over your budget, then id tell him the budget, see if he can change anything to come down. Though from getting some quotes from him i dont think it would be more than your budget.

i still say fishtail prongs would be pretty great. But prongs are lovely too if you go that route.
 
Thanks everyone!! I'm so excited :D

"Though from getting some quotes from him i dont think it would be more than your budget. "
Niel that is soooo encouraging to hear, you have no idea how that sets my mind at ease LOL. Didn't think custom would be in our budget, I've always been under the impression that custom is very costly.

I do love fishtail prongs, but the ones in the VC picture have a pretty big presence so I'm concerned about them over-powering the lovely AVC. Maybe DK will have some suggestions! All I know for sure about the head is that I want to keep that cute little detail on the N/S sides. :D

I'm about to sit down and write the email to him, aaahhhhhh. :twirl:
 
I like option A too. I really like the feel and the way it draws your eye up to the center stone.
 
Is GOG going to do the setting? I'd let the Gemologist know which one they have that you love! it's a lovely stone... I love AVC or AVR.. I lean towards buying an AVR in a semi bezel pendant when my ship comes in.. :)
 
tuqoa|1388858901|3586208 said:
Thanks everyone!! I'm so excited :D

"Though from getting some quotes from him i dont think it would be more than your budget. "
Niel that is soooo encouraging to hear, you have no idea how that sets my mind at ease LOL. Didn't think custom would be in our budget, I've always been under the impression that custom is very costly.

I do love fishtail prongs, but the ones in the VC picture have a pretty big presence so I'm concerned about them over-powering the lovely AVC. Maybe DK will have some suggestions! All I know for sure about the head is that I want to keep that cute little detail on the N/S sides. :D

I'm about to sit down and write the email to him, aaahhhhhh. :twirl:
Click to expand...

I would absolutely have it made with 4 single claw prongs. I think the fishtail prongs will detract from the AVC. You want the AVC to be seen as a cushion. On a large AVC I would do double claw prongs, but on a stone this size, I think 4 is plenty. I will get the 4 single claws on my AVR, too. I hate the way the VC settings with the fishtail head join to the rest of the shank, as you saw.

Just send him the pics, tell him the stone size and your ring size and the metal you want it made in, and ask for quote. Don't suggest a number and see what he says.
 
DK got back to me last night, though I didn't see it till this morning. The quote is just shy of 1200, including shipping with insurance, setting the AVC, tax, and melee diamonds of H VS round brilliant.

So I was pretty excited because it came in just under budget and things are falling together nicely, until I came across this thread earlier today, and now I'm concerned. 2 different people have warned against DK saying his quality is inconsistent. :/ https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/favorite-lesser-known-jewelers-for-settings.196948/

Not quite sure what to do now?? He said that no payment is required for a design until it is complete and I have approved the pictures. Does that mean we don't pay him until the ring is totally completed? Or that we pay him after he has drawn up the design and we approve it? I will have to ask him for clarification.

What exactly are the quality issues with Leigh Jay Nacht that was mentioned earlier? I searched them on the forums a while back, and while the website is mentioned many times, it seems like only one or two people have actually bought from them and posted about it (one of which I remember being someone giving them a good review).
 
tuqoa|1388964569|3587019 said:
DK got back to me last night, though I didn't see it till this morning. The quote is just shy of 1200, including shipping with insurance, setting the AVC, tax, and melee diamonds of H VS round brilliant.

So I was pretty excited because it came in just under budget and things are falling together nicely, until I came across this thread earlier today, and now I'm concerned. 2 different people have warned against DK saying his quality is inconsistent. :/ https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/favorite-lesser-known-jewelers-for-settings.196948/

Not quite sure what to do now?? He said that no payment is required for a design until it is complete and I have approved the pictures. Does that mean we don't pay him until the ring is totally completed? Or that we pay him after he has drawn up the design and we approve it? I will have to ask him for clarification.

What exactly are the quality issues with Leigh Jay Nacht that was mentioned earlier? I searched them on the forums a while back, and while the website is mentioned many times, it seems like only one or two people have actually bought from them and posted about it (one of which I remember being someone giving them a good review).
Click to expand...

There has been issues in the past. But also people dont like him around here because he has copied some very well know PS rings. We cannot link other forums, but if you google david klass ring and look at the google images, youll get an example of his work. I cant answer you as to when you need to pay him, but in that thread i know it says he offers a full refund if you dont like it. Maybe ask him about that?
 
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