Which stone for this setting?

[oranges]

Hello!

My boyfriend of 6 years told me this weekend that he would like to buy a ring very soon(finally!!!) -- and that I can pick everything out. As some of may know, I had two string bands made by Leon a few years ago and he was so wonderful to work with that I would love to have him make my engagement ring. At first, since diamond prices are so high, I was leaning towards just getting a stone and putting it in a temp setting to get the most for my budget. Now I'm leaning towards getting a smaller center stone. I've always wanted a halo, so it will look large anyway. Plus, I'm 22, and will start my first teaching job in the fall, and do not want something too crazy! His budget including the setting is 15K.

I have always loved the adrianna setting, however, one of my boyfriend's family members got a 2 ct adrianna style ring a few years ago and I don't want the exact same thing!! Plus, it's very popular right now so I would prefer something a bit different.

Anyway, I am in love with this single stone setting, and I would like my ring to be modeled after it. I have no idea what the underside of the ring or side view looks like, so I'll leave that to Leon's discretion, as long as there is no additional pave. Based on a previous thread that I had started, Single Stone prices this setting at 3,800. I'm not sure how much Leon would charge yet.

My real question is, what type of stone would you put in this setting. I'm torn between a perfectly square or slightly rectangular antique style cushion. I also love asschers, but am leaning towards a cushion. What would you do and why?

 

[GoCubsGo25]

I will throw out a vote for an OEC from JbEG. I love that setting. Similar to this one I saw on eBay:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/1-69ct-Old-European-Round-Cut-Diamond-Engagement-RIng-and-Anniversary-Ring-/360469965853?pt=Diamond_Solitaire_with_Accents&hash=item53edaf2c1d

I will be shipping my stone off to Leon when he gets back from vacation on July 16th for this r5161 setting:

https://www.artofplatinum.com/vault/round-diamond-pave-halo-engagement-ring

I'll be interested to see what Leon says about doing this setting for you! Keep us updated!

 

[TravelingGal]

I think I would do a rounded squarish cushion, does that help?

As for that setting, I think Leon will be in that ballpark. And if you love that setting, I think Singlestone should be the one to do it. I've seen it in person and it's lovely.

I've worked with Leon and met Ari (Singlestone) in person. In this case, based on the info you are giving us and what I think Leon will charge, I would go with Ari, no question.

 

[oranges]

Hi and thank you for your contributions!

gocubs, to be totally honest with you, I have never been a huge fan of the round shape, so that's why I am gravitating towards cushions and asschers. I love this particular setting with a round, but whenever I try on round diamonds they never look right on me! I've always loved square or rectangular shapes. The problem for me is visualizing that ring with a different shape stone! Anywho--I can't wait to see your finished product when you get it back from Leon. I'm sure it's going to be incredible. And thanks for telling me about Leon's vacation-- I guess I'll contact him in a few weeks about the project.

TravelingGal, thanks for your feedback. If I could go out to CA and see Single Stone's rings, I would feel much more comfortable working with them. It's not out of the question, but I would really love to see an example or something. However, I live close to NYC and I feel more comfortable getting my ring made closer to home. Since you have seen this setting in person, what does the profile look like?? I guess I'll have to get a quote from each of them and compare them!

 

[TravelingGal]

Hi and thank you for your contributions!

gocubs, to be totally honest with you, I have never been a huge fan of the round shape, so that's why I am gravitating towards cushions and asschers. I love this particular setting with a round, but whenever I try on round diamonds they never look right on me! I've always loved square or rectangular shapes. The problem for me is visualizing that ring with a different shape stone! Anywho--I can't wait to see your finished product when you get it back from Leon. I'm sure it's going to be incredible. And thanks for telling me about Leon's vacation-- I guess I'll contact him in a few weeks about the project.

TravelingGal, thanks for your feedback. If I could go out to CA and see Single Stone's rings, I would feel much more comfortable working with them. It's not out of the question, but I would really love to see an example or something. However, I live close to NYC and I feel more comfortable getting my ring made closer to home. Since you have seen this setting in person, what does the profile look like?? I guess I'll have to get a quote from each of them and compare them!

Ah didn't know you were in NYC, that makes sense...

The one I saw had sort of a petal/leafy looking undergallery. Also, 23rd street seems to use the same bench and I've seen their version. They (both of them) can do different things on the bottom.

Ari has a massive catalog of photos apparently, so yo can always ask him for pics of their work.

 

[Dreamer_D]

If you are after that antiquey style I would go with Single Stone. I am sure they can provide many images.

As for the diamond, well are you looking for a newly cut or an antque stone? Because if the latter then finding a really nicely cut stone in your preferred cut and color should trump shape. You can't order them up like pizza! If a newly cut stone then... any of the styles you mention would work, but I would not do an elongated style.

 

[diamondseeker2006]

Oh, my favorite SS setting is almost like that, but it has a cushion sapphire in it! I'd go with an August Vintage cushion. And I would definitely have SS make it. It really doesn't matter where you have a ring made. Most of us who have done a custom piece did it via long distance.

 

[Gypsy]

Roundish cushion is my vote too.

 

[webdiva]

Since you live close to NY, GOG is another option, as is ERD. Both can find you gorgeous cushions. If you love square, go with a cushion!
Maybe contact GOG to see if they have something similar to try on - I got my ring there but it was custom ordered (from Beverley K) for my stone shape. I can understanding wanting to see a similar shape on your hand. I did try on something similar to see the scale and then ordered my stone and ring from GOG sight unseen.

I have to be honest and say I wasn't entirely impressed with 23rd street's version of this ring - I much preferred SN Queen's handmade version (same building in LA - cheaper prices) - a much nicer make. The machine made similar rings at 23rd street were nicer than the similar looking handmade ones - and I'm not hugely picky. They seem to have two benches, one does pave work and the other does this type of work (from what they told me) and I prefer the pave bench.

If you'll be in a teaching job, perhaps even a small cushion this style would be conspicuous. My stone is only 5.5 mm (but my halo has an airline and I'm a 5.25 finger) and more than 6.5 mm may seem ostentatious in certain communities. If you do feel weird about wearing it, you could get a nice eternity ring for work days, and then wear your ring on weekends. An asscher may not feel as flashy and they ARE gorgeous - and would look so beautiful in this type of setting. I ultimately decided against it because I felt I couldn't keep it clean enough even though I clean my rings every day.

 

[CushionCutie]

Cushion!!

 

[oranges]

Wow -- so many responses!

TravelingGirl-- I had no idea 23rd st uses the same bench as Single Stone! That was really helpful-- I looked up a similar style ring and the gallery was very, very intricate. I'd be looking for a more simple style that's easier to clean my diamond from below (I am a clean freak when it comes to my rings!) It is so so pretty though!

Dreamer-- I'm definitely not in the market for a real antique stone. I just like the style of "antique cut" cushions! After reading all of these comments, I think I'll probably end up going with a square stone whether it be a cushion or asscher.

DiamondSeeker! Oh I LOVE that one. I just saved it onto my computer. I think that it would look especially fabulous with an amazing asscher. It's absolutely gorgeous!! You know, I can't really put my finger on why I feel so weird about having a ring made across the country. I totally realize that people do this all of the time, especially on PS, which after all is an internet diamond forum. Maybe I'll warm up to the idea.

Gypsy: I'm leaning that way too! I just feel like it might fit the ring better, the thing is that I love how elongated stones look on my hand-- is it just me or are they slimming or something?!

webdiva-- it's really great to hear from people who have seen these rings in person! I'm planning to visit GOG soon since they have a few cushions in my price range that I would like to take a look at. Unfortunately, they sold the Octavia that was in my price range a few months ago! I wanted that one, but he wasn't ready to pull the trigger financially! Water under the bridge! About my job, I have a few other rings that I can wear to work instead-- micropave bands and a Tiffany Jazz. I just hope that I don't feel self conscious about it at work so that I can enjoy it all of the time!

 

[TravelingGal]

Since you live close to NY, GOG is another option, as is ERD. Both can find you gorgeous cushions. If you love square, go with a cushion!
Maybe contact GOG to see if they have something similar to try on - I got my ring there but it was custom ordered (from Beverley K) for my stone shape. I can understanding wanting to see a similar shape on your hand. I did try on something similar to see the scale and then ordered my stone and ring from GOG sight unseen.

I have to be honest and say I wasn't entirely impressed with 23rd street's version of this ring - I much preferred SN Queen's handmade version (same building in LA - cheaper prices) - a much nicer make. The machine made similar rings at 23rd street were nicer than the similar looking handmade ones - and I'm not hugely picky. They seem to have two benches, one does pave work and the other does this type of work (from what they told me) and I prefer the pave bench.

If you'll be in a teaching job, perhaps even a small cushion this style would be conspicuous. My stone is only 5.5 mm (but my halo has an airline and I'm a 5.25 finger) and more than 6.5 mm may seem ostentatious in certain communities. If you do feel weird about wearing it, you could get a nice eternity ring for work days, and then wear your ring on weekends. An asscher may not feel as flashy and they ARE gorgeous - and would look so beautiful in this type of setting. I ultimately decided against it because I felt I couldn't keep it clean enough even though I clean my rings every day.

I think they have more than 2, but who knows!

As much as GOG has nice options, IMHO, if you are in love with the Singlestone style, go for a vendor who does antique repros and hand forged rings.

 

[Gypsy]

A bit square but it has really nice spread : http://www.engagementringsdirect.com/1.41-carat-e-vs1-a-cut-beyond-cushion-cut-diamond-gid-91803.html

Elongated shapes suit my hands too. They are slimming. The setting would work with an elongated shape. And after all, the whole point is that it looks good ON, not on the hanger (so to speak) so if that's what suits your hands, then that trumps our opinions and you should go with that.

 

[mandasand]

I got a quote from SingleStone on the setting below ($3200-3600 in platinum, $200 less for WG). I told them I would be purchasing my own AVC from GOG. I got a lot of heck about it. I was encouraged to go with a real antique stone because of the qualities, etc., etc. I don't remember the whole conversation! Anyway, even though I would love this, I just wasn't impressed with the profile, but I know these settings can be customized:

 

[oranges]

A bit square but it has really nice spread : http://www.engagementringsdirect.com/1.41-carat-e-vs1-a-cut-beyond-cushion-cut-diamond-gid-91803.html

Elongated shapes suit my hands too. They are slimming. The setting would work with an elongated shape. And after all, the whole point is that it looks good ON, not on the hanger (so to speak) so if that's what suits your hands, then that trumps our opinions and you should go with that.

I'm actually thinking that the ring that diamond seeker loves might look better with an elongated stone and the one that I posted would look better with a square stone. I don't know though! I'm just not loving how the ring mandasand posted looks as much as the first picture. Maybe that's a red flag. I don't know. After looking at that picture, I'm feeling really unsure about the ring. It just doesn't speak to me with that cushion in it. I'm not sure what it is about it.

That stone from ERD is gorgeous, I guess I overlooked it because I filtered it out. I'm not the most color sensitive person in the world, so paying for an E VS1 stone isn't for me. Especially since it wouldn't give me room for a handmade setting. I'm looking at eyeclean (I would prefer not to go crazy w/ clarity and G or H color). I have found some prospective stones but I'll definitely be visiting GOG next week and Perry in a few weeks after the July vacation. I have been gently reminded by my boyfriend that he would appreciate it if I stayed within the budget-- and I absolutely will respect his wishes -- as far as I'm concerned, he is MORE THAN GENEROUS to even consider spending such a sizable amount of money on a pebble that he has zero interest in!!

 

[oranges]

mandasand, thank you for your reply! It's great to know that they're quoting the setting for! I am definitely bummed to hear that they gave you a whole speech about how the stone should be an actual antique. Seeing as I do not want a true antique stone, I would encounter the same problem. Was the profile that you saw very ornate? On the 23rd st jewelers website there is a very detailed, petal like design under the ring. While I think that it is beautiful, it is also not for me. I prefer a more simple design!

 

[UberClaire]

Hi and thank you for your contributions!

gocubs, to be totally honest with you, I have never been a huge fan of the round shape, so that's why I am gravitating towards cushions and asschers. I love this particular setting with a round, but whenever I try on round diamonds they never look right on me! I've always loved square or rectangular shapes. The problem for me is visualizing that ring with a different shape stone! Anywho--I can't wait to see your finished product when you get it back from Leon. I'm sure it's going to be incredible. And thanks for telling me about Leon's vacation-- I guess I'll contact him in a few weeks about the project.

TravelingGal, thanks for your feedback. If I could go out to CA and see Single Stone's rings, I would feel much more comfortable working with them. It's not out of the question, but I would really love to see an example or something. However, I live close to NYC and I feel more comfortable getting my ring made closer to home. Since you have seen this setting in person, what does the profile look like?? I guess I'll have to get a quote from each of them and compare them!

I never liked rounds either until I saw August Vintage Rounds from Good Old Gold. I think the setting you posted is stunning as a round -- and this is coming from someone who doesn't even like halos (or really rounds!).

 

[stargurl78]

I'm actually thinking that the ring that diamond seeker loves might look better with an elongated stone and the one that I posted would look better with a square stone. I don't know though! I'm just not loving how the ring mandasand posted looks as much as the first picture. Maybe that's a red flag. I don't know. After looking at that picture, I'm feeling really unsure about the ring. It just doesn't speak to me with that cushion in it. I'm not sure what it is about it.

I think that because the cushion in that ring is smaller, the proportions don't look as good. But I do love the one that DS posted, that one gets my vote.

I'm with TGal and Gypsy - I think a rounded squarish cushion would look best, rather than an elongated stone. And I don't think an asscher would look good in that setting at all. But maybe I'm just having a hard time visualizing it...

 

[mandasand]

It was not delicate underneath but a little chunky. I can't find a pic.

I actually preferred this setting better. It doesn't have the halo, which I've been drawn to, but I think it is SO beautiful!!

 

[E B]

I originally voted square cushion, but I do love the way that elongated sapphire DS posted looks in the similar setting.

 

[oranges]

UberClaire, I am looking forward to seeing both AVC's and AVR's. However, my lack of interest in rounds is more the shape than the faceting! I am sure that they are gorgeous though. I'm actually curious to see how different they look from a traditional round.

Stargurl, I think that you're right. The stone in that picture does look small, which may by why I'm not a huge fan of it. My stone isn't going to be particularly large (1.3-1.5 ct?), so I'm not sure what it will look like, if I do go for a ring inspired by these settings.

mandasand-- that ring is gorgeous! That is more of the type of profile I'm looking for.

EB- that's why this is such a difficult thing to decide! Any option is pretty!

This is going to be one heck of a project. I'm basically trying to come up with a halo design that is a bit different from the Adrianna and hopefully a little cheaper. Another thing that popped into my mind today is that I might sell my Tiffany Jazz ring and put those proceeds towards this -- and if I do that, maybe I'll ask for a quote on the cold fusion-- which I have always LOVED, but I'm terrified of the price on it . I have a feeling that once I get my e-ring I won't wear the Jazz often. As a matter of fact, I hardly have been wearing any of my jewelry lately so I have a feeling that this ring is pretty much going to be the only piece I'll wear often enough to justify owning it!

I really wish that my boyfriend told me that he was ready to buy sooner! He told me right when Leon's special of 10% off labor costs special ended. Sigh! Totally not his fault-- he had no clue, but it could have saved us some $$$$