Who can replicate this Harry Winston setting?

[Millennistar]

Thanks to bgray, Gypsy, yennyfire, soxfan, diamond seeker 2006, chrono, dreamer d, msop 04, dk168, arkieb1, and anne h for their excellent advice on the 3.59ct EC! Barring any hiccoughs at the appraiser's on Saturday, I think I've finally found the one!

That said, I am at a loss when it comes to settings -- having focused most pricescope surfing on stones. I'm hoping I can rely on this wonderful community to provide some more guidance.

Specifically, I am interested in finding a vendor who can replicate the Harry Winston tapered baguette, double claw prong setting, almost exactly. I've scoured the internet for such a setting but can't find anything pre-made that I love. So, some questions…

1 - Can any fellow PS'ers point me in the direction of a vendor (preferably, but not limited to, the Washington, D.C. area)?

2 - Do you think it would be possible to match the baguettes to my strong fluorescent I-color center diamond? I assume this is important, since the center stone shows off some blue in strong daylight.

3 - What size baguettes do you recommend for a 3.59 ct. stone? I don't really like the skinny ones, but I also don't want them so fat they detract from the center stone.

4 - And finally, is it even possible for me to find something like this or have it made for <$2,500? Please tell me if I'm totally crazy, I really just don't know. Most of the settings that I saw online were within a similar range. Keep in mind, I'm totally fine with 14k white gold.

Here are some pics to give you an idea of what I'm hoping for:

Pic 1 shows almost exactly what I'm looking for, except I'd prefer a little more space between the claws of the double claw prong.

Pic 2 shows almost exactly what I'm looking for, except with a little too much space between the prongs.

Pic 3 shows exactly what I'm looking for in terms of height - I'd like the diamond to sit up a bit.

 

[Acinom]

Congrats on your besutiful stone!
ERD (Engagement Rings Direct) has this Harry Winston inspired setting:
I have no idea whether this is handforged or CAD based, but I know that ERD can offer both. I would request a quote to learn more about the prices.

Many PS-ers have worked succesfully with them. They can design a beautiful ring for you based on your requirements.

 

[chrono]

It'll have to be cast/CAD to keep it within your budget. The baguettes have to be fairly large considering the size of the center stone and those aren't inexpensive. I would see if ERD can make it work (they understand that we all have budget constraints).

 

[Millennistar]

Congrats on your besutiful stone!
ERD (Engagement Rings Direct) has this Harry Winston inspired setting:
I have no idea whether this is handforged or CAD based, but I know that ERD can offer both. I would request a quote to learn more about the prices.

Many PS-ers have worked succesfully with them. They can design a beautiful ring for you based on your requirements.

Thanks Acinom,

I'll do that. When I looked at ERD initially, I thought the sidestones weren't tapered enough. But, if they'll work with me on the design, great!

 

[Niel]

Congrats on your besutiful stone!
ERD (Engagement Rings Direct) has this Harry Winston inspired setting:
I have no idea whether this is handforged or CAD based, but I know that ERD can offer both. I would request a quote to learn more about the prices.

Many PS-ers have worked succesfully with them. They can design a beautiful ring for you based on your requirements.

Thanks Acinom,

I'll do that. When I looked at ERD initially, I thought the sidestones weren't tapered enough. But, if they'll work with me on the design, great!

They would pick the side stones based on your specs. They'll get you ones you like I'm sure.

 

[Millennistar]

Thanks Neil!

Is there any advantage to having the setting done by a local jeweler? Wouldn't it be a good idea to have someone local who could perform maintenance on the setting? Or, is this advantage overblown?

 

[Acinom]

ERD is very experienced in making settings like this and can make the setting according to your preferences.
Ofcourse, if your local jeweler has made a setting like this before you could also go that route. You seem to have very specific preferences so I would choose a high end jeweller with experience in this particular area.

In my opinion, maintance can be done by any good jeweller in your own neighbourhood. It does not have to be the jeweller who made the ring.

 

[msop04]

Congrats on your besutiful stone!
ERD (Engagement Rings Direct) has this Harry Winston inspired setting:
I have no idea whether this is handforged or CAD based, but I know that ERD can offer both. I would request a quote to learn more about the prices.

Many PS-ers have worked succesfully with them. They can design a beautiful ring for you based on your requirements.

Thanks Acinom,

I'll do that. When I looked at ERD initially, I thought the sidestones weren't tapered enough. But, if they'll work with me on the design, great!

They would pick the side stones based on your specs. They'll get you ones you like I'm sure.

+1
ERD has made many HR replicas and they are very nice -- and affordable! You can have them use more tapered stones... that's no problem. ERD will do whatever you'd like!

 

[pandabee]

I worked with ERD on a CAD version of this ring for a 8x6 blue zircon. I used trapezoids instead of tapered baguettes but similar look. They chose a pair of traps and did not move forward until I approved them, then made CAD images for the ring based on the stones. For my size center I was only able to fit 1 set of prongs on the corners but I think for yours 2 would work wonderfully. For reference sake, my side traps were 5x2.7mm (approximately 0.40tcw). You can see pictures in my thread here [URL='https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/meet-water-lily-my-art-deco-love.194065/']https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/meet-water-lily-my-art-deco-love.194065/[/URL]

 

[Gypsy]

You can also do a search for "Quest" reviews on here. There are many good ones, but also a few not so good so you can make up your mind there.

They are local to you and should be able to give you a good price on what you want. At the very least you can go in and talk to them.

 

[gemmyblond]

Hi Millenistar - I'm in the same place as you are, except I'm looking for someone to make a similar setting for my OEC. Just now in the process of choosing a vendor and determining size of tapered baguettes.

I've been told that one can pretty easily source baguettes down to K color. (I don't know about fluorescence, sorry.)

From my research on the classic HW setting, it seems that most of the time the baguettes end up being about 10% or so of the weight of the center stone (give or take). So if center stone weighs 4 cts, HW baguettes usually are around 0.40 cts total. Just a general guide - not any sort of rule.

Also I've been told that when choosing baguettes for this setting, the mm size of the bags matters more than ct wt. You have to take into account not just center stone size, but also how angled you want the bags to be, your finger size, and how high you want the center to sit. Best advice I got was to go try on a bunch of these settings w/ various sizes and angles of tapered baguettes, figure out what looks good on your finger and to your eye, then measure those bags to the mm (length & width) and make note of how far they'd come down your finger given the size of your center stone. Basically, figure out the mm size you want in the baguettes, have your jeweler bring in a few pr in that size range (maybe in different colors?) and then go from there to choose the ultimate pair you want.

Finally, the other detail to be aware of is how high you want the side metal on the baguettes to be -- a little higher or lower metal "rail" can really make a big difference to the eye and affect the brilliance of the baguettes.

That's what I've learned so far...I'm right in the middle of all this. Good luck and please post what you learn and what you end up choosing for baguettes. HTH.

 

[bgray]

congrats on this stunning stone! i have an EC and I just love them. what area are you in? i saw someone mentioned Quest. I wouldnt use them. (they made earrings for me once and they were okay but not stellar). If you are in the No Va /Dc area you could also try the Tiny Jewel Box in DC and Pampillonia. In NYC, I would do ERD for value and ability to make what you want. CAD cast is in no way inferior to handmade. In fact it can be better in some ways. Handmade can often been imperfect here and there and an EC needs a weighty mounting to balance it out and be sturdy enough--plus this is a larger stone. Plus you want perfect symmetry.

 

[jerichosmom]

Millenstar,

I'm in the process with working with ERD on a HW baguette setting except my stone is a 10mm OEC. For reference, my quote in platinum, CAD/cast but hand assembled was a little more than your budget. That included the baguettes. If my baguettes are another .2 mm longer, it's another price level to the point where it's not worth the extra length. I'm a size 4.75. They have a bench that does hand forging who also works with HW on the exact setting but it would be several hundred more. I'm sure that you would be able to get it done in white gold close to your budget in CAD/cast.

Hope this helps.

 

[aljdewey]

Specifically, I am interested in finding a vendor who can replicate the Harry Winston tapered baguette, double claw prong setting, almost exactly.

The elements you're mentioning certainly aren't unique, but do be aware that many vendors will not copy designer pieces "almost exactly" due to copyright law. They will use them as inspiration, providing your design request(s) incorporates enough transformative element to avoid being an infringement.

 

[Millennistar]

Hi Millenistar - I'm in the same place as you are, except I'm looking for someone to make a similar setting for my OEC. Just now in the process of choosing a vendor and determining size of tapered baguettes.

I've been told that one can pretty easily source baguettes down to K color. (I don't know about fluorescence, sorry.)

From my research on the classic HW setting, it seems that most of the time the baguettes end up being about 10% or so of the weight of the center stone (give or take). So if center stone weighs 4 cts, HW baguettes usually are around 0.40 cts total. Just a general guide - not any sort of rule.

Also I've been told that when choosing baguettes for this setting, the mm size of the bags matters more than ct wt. You have to take into account not just center stone size, but also how angled you want the bags to be, your finger size, and how high you want the center to sit. Best advice I got was to go try on a bunch of these settings w/ various sizes and angles of tapered baguettes, figure out what looks good on your finger and to your eye, then measure those bags to the mm (length & width) and make note of how far they'd come down your finger given the size of your center stone. Basically, figure out the mm size you want in the baguettes, have your jeweler bring in a few pr in that size range (maybe in different colors?) and then go from there to choose the ultimate pair you want.

Finally, the other detail to be aware of is how high you want the side metal on the baguettes to be -- a little higher or lower metal "rail" can really make a big difference to the eye and affect the brilliance of the baguettes.

That's what I've learned so far...I'm right in the middle of all this. Good luck and please post what you learn and what you end up choosing for baguettes. HTH.

Wow! Gemmyblond, thank you SO much for this excellent advice. Looks like we have our work cut out for us! I will post as I progress!

 

[Millennistar]

Specifically, I am interested in finding a vendor who can replicate the Harry Winston tapered baguette, double claw prong setting, almost exactly.

The elements you're mentioning certainly aren't unique, but do be aware that many vendors will not copy designer pieces "almost exactly" due to copyright law. They will use them as inspiration, providing your design request(s) incorporates enough transformative element to avoid being an infringement.

Noted. Thank you!

 

[Millennistar]

Millenstar,

I'm in the process with working with ERD on a HW baguette setting except my stone is a 10mm OEC. For reference, my quote in platinum, CAD/cast but hand assembled was a little more than your budget. That included the baguettes. If my baguettes are another .2 mm longer, it's another price level to the point where it's not worth the extra length. I'm a size 4.75. They have a bench that does hand forging who also works with HW on the exact setting but it would be several hundred more. I'm sure that you would be able to get it done in white gold close to your budget in CAD/cast.

Hope this helps.

YES! This does help! About how long are you into the process? I can't wait to see...

 

[Millennistar]

congrats on this stunning stone! i have an EC and I just love them. what area are you in? i saw someone mentioned Quest. I wouldnt use them. (they made earrings for me once and they were okay but not stellar). If you are in the No Va /Dc area you could also try the Tiny Jewel Box in DC and Pampillonia. In NYC, I would do ERD for value and ability to make what you want. CAD cast is in no way inferior to handmade. In fact it can be better in some ways. Handmade can often been imperfect here and there and an EC needs a weighty mounting to balance it out and be sturdy enough--plus this is a larger stone. Plus you want perfect symmetry.

Thank you bgray! Yeah, there's just something about ECs...

I am in Washington, D.C., and am familiar with Tiny Jewel Box and Pampillonia, but I've never been to the latter. Now I have a great excuse to pop into both, since they are just a few doors down from each other. Since ERD is such a popular choice, I'll definitely check them out and get a quote. I fear that TJB and Pamp. will both be quite expensive, but you never know.

 

[Millennistar]

I probably should have asked this sooner, but has anyone had trouble keeping baguettes clean?

 

[bgray]

re keeping baguettes clean......yes. diamonds attract dirt and oil. and baguettes and step cut stones dont camouflage grime and inclusions as well as brilliant cut stones

 

[Niel]

I probably should have asked this sooner, but has anyone had trouble keeping baguettes clean?

My baguettes don't seem to be any more or less dirty than my other stones.

 

[jerichosmom]

Millenistar, one of the changes that I'm requesting for my HW inspired is to have the baguettes groove set against the basket of the key stone. Most versions I see are either bar set (really thick) or prong set. Since the center stone will be double claw prongs already, I really don't want to see another set of claws holding one end of the baguettes while the other is bar set.

VC has a post on his facebook page that illustrates how he uses a groove on the basket instead of prongs in order to show more diamond, not cover it up. I like this but because the baguette will be right up against the basket, I may need a longer baguette length. Right now Erd has 5.8 mm for me but if I cross 6mm, I will cross another $ threshold. I'm waiting to see the difference visually and also the cost.

I'll attach the VC pic and youtube video when I am at a computer.

Just something to think about.....

 

[jerichosmom]

Millenistar, one of the changes that I'm requesting for my HW inspired is to have the baguettes groove set against the basket of the key stone. Most versions I see are either bar set (really thick) or prong set. Since the center stone will be double claw prongs already, I really don't want to see another set of claws holding one end of the baguettes while the other is bar set.

VC has a post on his facebook page that illustrates how he uses a groove on the basket instead of prongs in order to show more diamond, not cover it up. I like this but because the baguette will be right up against the basket, I may need a longer baguette length. Right now Erd has 5.8 mm for me but if I cross 6mm, I will cross another $ threshold. I'm waiting to see the difference visually and also the cost.

I'll attach the VC pic and youtube video when I am at a computer.

Just something to think about.....

 

[Acinom]

Good and valid point from Jerichosmom. I think she refers to this example on VIctor Canera's website:

 

[momhappy]

Congrats on your besutiful stone!
ERD (Engagement Rings Direct) has this Harry Winston inspired setting:
I have no idea whether this is handforged or CAD based, but I know that ERD can offer both. I would request a quote to learn more about the prices.

Many PS-ers have worked succesfully with them. They can design a beautiful ring for you based on your requirements.

*Raises hand* to identify myself a PS-er who's successfully worked with ERD In fact, they exceeded my expectations and created a fabulous ring. The pricing was more reasonable than other jewelers that I researched, but not "cheap" by any means.