Honestly? They're both lovely, but I'd want something halfway in between - the Bella, with a more open look (cut-out petals, perhaps?), or the Classic sans sidestones. But given what you describe of your girlfriend's tastes, I'd say the Bella ... that is a classically beautiful ring with no ostentation, just effortless quality.
You have excellent taste! M&T has beautiful pieces. Given what you've said about your girl, I'm voting the classic. I think it gives a solitaire a bit of pizzaz without being over the top and she sounds like the kind of girl that could sport that look well.
She is a lucky girl indeed - please come back with pictures with whichever one your choose. We don't get to see their work real often and I think their pieces are simply stunning!
I love them both but would probably choose the Bella. You have excellent taste. If you do get a setting by them please please come back and post hand shots for all of us to drool over!!! Also, I'm not trying to make any assumptions but just in case you haven't received a quote yet from them...I think those settings start around 6K and up...just for the setting (and that will likely do up depending on the size of the center stone).
They're both beautiful but I definitely LOVE the Classic!! It's got an extra something, and the detail and workmanship with those little side diamonds is amazing. It's just different enough to be really eye-catching - yet it's still subtle, classy and classic, and unique.
Please come back and post pictures when you get one! Mc+Mc is a rare breed!
Just to throw my opinion in the ring ....I am going to be as honest as I can be, okay? .. I am the same kind of girl! I love yellow gold. My e-ring is gold and so is all of my jewelry, I only have pieces I love and would only buy quality pieces I would wear a lot because I love it not because it is "in style" (even if they were way more expensive than the cheap ones like my friends who own a bizillion pieces of cheap jewelry). I also do not like the look of certain e-rings because I think they look too overdone or flashy and that just is not me. I also wanted my e-ring to be completely different and unique from all the ones my friends had but yet classic and elegant enough to look beautiful in 50 years. Sound like your lady love? Well in that case, I honestly think you cannot go wrong with your picks. I looked at the website of the company you are buying from and all the pieces are different and special and I think she will really love either ring! That being said, I am a bit more partial to the Classic. Normally, I would totally go with the Bella because it is more simple BUT it looks like a flower to me (and this is totally a personal thing but I don't like the look of flowers on anything [cakes, clothes, jewelry, etc.] The Classic, looks so romantic and special. The surprise diamonds and the diamonds down the side with the claw prongs.... ohhh I love it. I love how the diamonds aren't perfectly placed all in a row, they are more scattered. I think it looks so refined yet effortless. And I feel as though it would give her sooo many options for what she could pair with it as a wedding band while the Bella may be more limiting, if it were my style (again just my opinion). As one of the self-proclaimed pickiest girls on the planet, I would be head over heals for the Classic!
I prefer the Bella for its simplicity but then again I don't like the side view of diamonds too much (they look too much like upside down pyramids) so I wouldn't mind not being able to see the sides.
I vote CLASSIC! The bella hides too much of the diamond and I'd want the light hitting it from every angle. And it sounds to me like your girl would really appreciate the detail and craftmanship of the classic setting. Both are very unique and you can't go wrong with either, but the classic wins my vote! Congrats! Cant wait to see which you chose and to see hand pics!
I don't think you could go wrong either way. I'm the same kind of girl and I love both. I think the Classic is more interesting and exudes class but I'd worry about it being more easy to damage. I think the Bella is just simply beautiful! Good luck and come back with pictures of the finished product so we can drool!
I lean toward the Classic because the center stone is hugged by less metal, although I am usually a bezel person.
That being said, I would try to make an appointment with them, and ask to see both rings before making a final decision. One might be more complimentary to her finger than the other. You never know..