Why you should always listen to the PS experts AND questions

[valmanin]

So, as most of you know I have had my well documented 3.33 M, VS1 for a month now and I am so glad I went ahead and got it even though I knew the stone and I wouldn't last. What has really surprised me is that while I LOVE the setting...it is so elegant and delicate I just don't think it's me to have a solitaire. I think they are gorgeous and classy but I'm not getting the bling I want so I feel meh about the whole ring. Plus, although I was warned by diamondseeker, Dreamer, and several others that the YG would make my M look more tinted, I didn't listen. It DID make the stone look much more tinted and not in a way I like...instead of contrasting with the metal and looking brighter it looks more blended with the YG. So, lesson learned...listen to the PS experts! I should have done the whole basket and prongs in plat. Even Adam agreed it looks much more tinted.

I have come to the conclusion after living with this ring for a month that I want a delicate halo ala Sarahbear and Meg's (new one from ERD). Problem is I don't really LOVE round stones in a halo AND I'm still looking for my forever stone so I think I will be looking for an OMC/Antique Cushion to halo.

If you are still with me, here are my questions:
1. I would like to stick with yellow gold in some manner because I really love the 18k I am wearing. I could do a version of Meg's ring in YG. But, how? Hers is an O/P in rose gold. Why did that not make her stone look more tinted...just trying to figure this out. Do you do the halo in plat and shank in YG to avoid that problem. I really like the white melee and colored gold though.

2. Do I just need to look for a higher colored stone so I can use the colored gold and how high up do I have to go.

3. I remember Sarahbear at some point mentioning that since haloing Venice in plat with high color melee that Venice looks more fancy lt. yellow. So, this confuses me...I thought plat was the answer.

Last question: My current OEC is 9.4 mm and I really want bigger...I know...shameful. If I get an AC or OMC the mm size of the stone will probably be more 8.8 or so, but if I add a delicate halo will that make the whole thing look actually bigger than my current OED. I don't have teeny tiny little fingers so I feel I need a little more than a solitaire gives.

Here is a pic:



I promise to listen this time.

 

[chrono]

Re: Why you should always listen to the PS experts AND quest

I am sorry it's not exactly what you envisioned. I have an L OMC that was super white in platinum and 18k YG really amped up the colour. However, in my case, I wanted to play up the tint so a reset into 18k YG worked out perfectly for me. How about a squarish halo for your round stone? How about an octagonal halo? Is your forever stone to be an OMC? Rose gold is blush so it affects diamond colours differently.

 

[valmanin]

Re: Why you should always listen to the PS experts AND quest

I am sorry it's not exactly what you envisioned. I have an L OMC that was super white in platinum and 18k YG really amped up the colour. However, in my case, I wanted to play up the tint so a reset into 18k YG worked out perfectly for me. How about a squarish halo for your round stone? How about an octagonal halo? Is your forever stone to be an OMC? Rose gold is blush so it affects diamond colours differently.

Thanks Chrono! That is good to hear about your experience with your stone. I think what bothers me is not the "color" per se but that the YG makes it look not as bright because it blends with the metal color.

I think I will go with an OEC (cushioney halo) or an antique cushion/OMC because I really prefer those in a halo. I also really like the contrast of the little pave and the big chunky facets. I think it adds a finish to old cuts.

So, how does rose gold affect the color of diamonds then? I was worried it would clash...I can't tell in pictures.

 

[SB621]

Re: Why you should always listen to the PS experts AND quest

Hey V,

Awww thanks for the shout out. I understand your pain as I wore my antique cushion (it is NOT round) in a solitare for almost 7 weeks and hated it. It truly is a journey to find your dream ring.

In regards to color, mine is N/O and yes the ring is PLAT, however the setting doesn't make the tint come out more at all. But it does contrast with the G/H melee. But my actual stone NEVER looks yellow. It is more of an ivory/ antique lace kind of color. I'm attaching some pictures so you can see it at it's best and worst but it definitely doesn't look like a FLY by any means at least not to me and I have owned a FLY previously.

With Meg I do think the rose gold added color to her diamond, but she wasn't trying to keep it white. I believe (and Meg tell me I'm wrong here) she really embraced the color contrast like I do, but choose to go with rose gold to play up the warmth. I wanted to keep mine closer to the ivory color.

I think if you have having issues with the color and you want to do YG you will need to go up much higher to really get the contrast. That or you will need to get a diamond with blue flur to make it face up whiter. JustGinger has a very similar AC to mine and they were both graded in the N/O/P range but I do think hers faces up whiter perhaps because it is flur vs mine which doesn't.

5.06ct AC 10.7 x11.1mm with 1.2mm halo

 

[bunnycat]

Re: Why you should always listen to the PS experts AND quest

I think if you are set on YG, you may have to go up in color. I have my old M OEC that originally came in Plat, and I hated the look. Now it is in a two tone ring with unplated WG head and YG shank and that suits it MUCH better.

I think if you are willing to get a stone in, and then check it out in settings and let the stone dictate to you what metal color and style will be best, then it's easier to go with lower colors, but if you won't budge on the setting, I think the color may have to go up. There's just no guarantee one M will look good in platinum (or YG) because another one did.

You might also have better luck having a two tone ring in WG/YG and consider unplated WG for the head and prongs and YG for the shank instead of plat/YG.

 

[valmanin]

Re: Why you should always listen to the PS experts AND quest

Hey V,

Awww thanks for the shout out. I understand your pain as I wore my antique cushion (it is NOT round) in a solitare for almost 7 weeks and hated it. It truly is a journey to find your dream ring.

In regards to color, mine is N/O and yes the ring is PLAT, however the setting doesn't make the tint come out more at all. But it does contrast with the G/H melee. But my actual stone NEVER looks yellow. It is more of an ivory/ antique lace kind of color. I'm attaching some pictures so you can see it at it's best and worst but it definitely doesn't look like a FLY by any means at least not to me and I have owned a FLY previously.

With Meg I do think the rose gold added color to her diamond, but she wasn't trying to keep it white. I believe (and Meg tell me I'm wrong here) she really embraced the color contrast like I do, but choose to go with rose gold to play up the warmth. I wanted to keep mine closer to the ivory color.

I think if you have having issues with the color and you want to do YG you will need to go up much higher to really get the contrast. That or you will need to get a diamond with blue flur to make it face up whiter. JustGinger has a very similar AC to mine and they were both graded in the N/O/P range but I do think hers faces up whiter perhaps because it is flur vs mine which doesn't.

5.06ct AC 10.7 x11.1mm with 1.2mm halo

OMG Sarahbear! Your ring makes me want to sell the house!

I must have misunderstood a previous post of yours. I guess it's the contrast of the melee and not the metal color that you notice. I actually love the ivory color of my M. But, in certain lighting situations it just looks ho hum in the YG.

Have you ever stacked a YG ring with Venice? I am curious if YG would look nice next to it not necessarily set in it.

I would much rather stay with a lower color, get a honker, halo that baby in the best metal to make it look beautiful! I think that's where I'm at so I may need to go with platinum. I am eager to hear what Meg thinks about her stone in the RG.

 

[valmanin]

Re: Why you should always listen to the PS experts AND quest

I think if you are set on YG, you may have to go up in color. I have my old M OEC that originally came in Plat, and I hated the look. Now it is in a two tone ring with unplated WG head and YG shank and that suits it MUCH better.

I think if you are willing to get a stone in, and then check it out in settings and let the stone dictate to you what metal color and style will be best, then it's easier to go with lower colors, but if you won't budge on the setting, I think the color may have to go up. There's just no guarantee one M will look good in platinum (or YG) because another one did.

You might also have better luck having a two tone ring in WG/YG and consider unplated WG for the head and prongs and YG for the shank instead of plat/YG.

I am willing to set it in plat and do YG stackers with it. I just want it to look pretty kwim?

I would love to know if a YG shank would also add color or if it just matters what the diamond is mounted in.

The kicker is that my husband and I brought the stone to a B&M store to look at it with different metals and we both agreed YG was the way to go...made the diamond look beautiful. Inside and outside. But, there is nothing like living with a stone and setting to see all the various shades.

 

[SB621]

Re: Why you should always listen to the PS experts AND quest

Hey V,

Awww thanks for the shout out. I understand your pain as I wore my antique cushion (it is NOT round) in a solitare for almost 7 weeks and hated it. It truly is a journey to find your dream ring.

In regards to color, mine is N/O and yes the ring is PLAT, however the setting doesn't make the tint come out more at all. But it does contrast with the G/H melee. But my actual stone NEVER looks yellow. It is more of an ivory/ antique lace kind of color. I'm attaching some pictures so you can see it at it's best and worst but it definitely doesn't look like a FLY by any means at least not to me and I have owned a FLY previously.

With Meg I do think the rose gold added color to her diamond, but she wasn't trying to keep it white. I believe (and Meg tell me I'm wrong here) she really embraced the color contrast like I do, but choose to go with rose gold to play up the warmth. I wanted to keep mine closer to the ivory color.

I think if you have having issues with the color and you want to do YG you will need to go up much higher to really get the contrast. That or you will need to get a diamond with blue flur to make it face up whiter. JustGinger has a very similar AC to mine and they were both graded in the N/O/P range but I do think hers faces up whiter perhaps because it is flur vs mine which doesn't.

5.06ct AC 10.7 x11.1mm with 1.2mm halo

OMG Sarahbear! Your ring makes me want to sell the house!

I must have misunderstood a previous post of yours. I guess it's the contrast of the melee and not the metal color that you notice. I actually love the ivory color of my M. But, in certain lighting situations it just looks ho hum in the YG.

Have you ever stacked a YG ring with Venice? I am curious if YG would look nice next to it not necessarily set in it.

I would much rather stay with a lower color, get a honker, halo that baby in the best metal to make it look beautiful! I think that's where I'm at so I may need to go with platinum. I am eager to hear what Meg thinks about her stone in the RG.

I have a YG bracelet. When I get some time tomorrow I will take pictures with Venice next to it and perhaps that will help you.

 

[valmanin]

Re: Why you should always listen to the PS experts AND quest

Hey V,

Awww thanks for the shout out. I understand your pain as I wore my antique cushion (it is NOT round) in a solitare for almost 7 weeks and hated it. It truly is a journey to find your dream ring.

In regards to color, mine is N/O and yes the ring is PLAT, however the setting doesn't make the tint come out more at all. But it does contrast with the G/H melee. But my actual stone NEVER looks yellow. It is more of an ivory/ antique lace kind of color. I'm attaching some pictures so you can see it at it's best and worst but it definitely doesn't look like a FLY by any means at least not to me and I have owned a FLY previously.

With Meg I do think the rose gold added color to her diamond, but she wasn't trying to keep it white. I believe (and Meg tell me I'm wrong here) she really embraced the color contrast like I do, but choose to go with rose gold to play up the warmth. I wanted to keep mine closer to the ivory color.

I think if you have having issues with the color and you want to do YG you will need to go up much higher to really get the contrast. That or you will need to get a diamond with blue flur to make it face up whiter. JustGinger has a very similar AC to mine and they were both graded in the N/O/P range but I do think hers faces up whiter perhaps because it is flur vs mine which doesn't.

5.06ct AC 10.7 x11.1mm with 1.2mm halo

OMG Sarahbear! Your ring makes me want to sell the house!

I must have misunderstood a previous post of yours. I guess it's the contrast of the melee and not the metal color that you notice. I actually love the ivory color of my M. But, in certain lighting situations it just looks ho hum in the YG.

Have you ever stacked a YG ring with Venice? I am curious if YG would look nice next to it not necessarily set in it.

I would much rather stay with a lower color, get a honker, halo that baby in the best metal to make it look beautiful! I think that's where I'm at so I may need to go with platinum. I am eager to hear what Meg thinks about her stone in the RG.

I have a YG bracelet. When I get some time tomorrow I will take pictures with Venice next to it and perhaps that will help you.

That would be amazing!

 

[arkieb1]

Re: Why you should always listen to the PS experts AND quest

Hi Val,

Sorry you are still having issues with this stone. This is a really interesting topic because I had a lively discussion with Victor ages ago about metal colour and stone colour and melee colour and which colours enhance or bring out more colour in centre stones. I believe it depends on the body hue or underlying base colour of the stone. Basically you can get an "L" or an "M" with a slight yellow body tint, an L/M with a very deep "cape" yellow body tint, you can get one with a champagne body tint or a very deep brown body tint, or a greyish body tint and even a slightly green body tint (usually green grey or green yellow). The underlying hue or tint has a huge visual impact on how each stone looks in various metals if you are colour sensitive.

So basically you can get a L/M that shows little to no colour in all metals ie yellow gold, rose gold and white gold or platinum, you can get an L/M that looks more yellow in yellow gold and one that looks less yellow in yellow gold, the same for rose gold. You can even find stones where rose gold brings out the pink hues (usually a brownish pink undertone) in some stones. You can get a stone where platinum or white metals make the colour disappear. I've also seen fluorescence in some old cuts hide or mask the undertones making the stone face up much more white than it actually is looking at it side on.

What I am saying is, I have concluded it GREATLY depends on each stone. You can't look at someone else's stone and ring and go yes it looks like x or y, because the stone you have could have a totally different body colour. I once owned a RB that was a K in colour and it showed body colour in both white/platinum and in yellow gold. I owned a RB that was a J that was completely white facing in yellow gold.

Perhaps you should go back to Adam and trade it in on a honking great cushion and set it in a halo or a different OEC, one with a cushion type shape and set it into a cushion shaped halo. You will get the finger coverage you seek.

 

[diamondseeker2006]

Re: Why you should always listen to the PS experts AND quest

I am sorry to hear this, too, Val, but I think it is good you are finding this out before you get to your forever stone. I honestly prefer the look SB has with the white diamond halo in platinum contrasting with the color of the stone which could work with any undertones (plus in a halo, you mainly want the diamonds to show and not the metal). Then you can make the shank any color you want. It is very common for yellow gold settings to have a platinum or white gold head because of the problem of yellow prongs reflecting in the diamond. The only time I'd want a yellow bezel around a diamond would be if I was trying to play up light yellow...as in wxyz with yellow undertones or FLY. Everything else I like better with the white halo. It really is on my wishlist to have a 2+ ct AVC in a lower color (K-N) and set it in a platinum halo. The diamonds that have the brownish pink undertones are the ones I'd set in rose gold. Oh, and I also prefer cushions in halos rather than rounds unless the round is in a cushion halo!

 

[misskittycat]

Re: Why you should always listen to the PS experts AND quest

valmanin, I am in a similar situation. It is our 10th anniversary next year and I am getting an anniversary ring (not allowed to call it an upgrade!!). I currently have a very lovely 1.5ct radiant in a Legacy style halo which is really pretty but I just want a honker. Some days I want an antique cushion (possibly in a Boston Rob setting), some days I want an OEC in a three stone with either OEC or pear shoulders... Other days I want the finger coverage of another halo. The point I am making (rather badly) is there are lots of options. Perhaps there just isn't THE ONE ring for everyone? But I am with you on the knowing when it isn't THE ONE.

Have you asked Adam for his thoughts on what might work for the stone??

 

[valmanin]

Re: Why you should always listen to the PS experts AND quest

You all are amazing! Your insight is invaluable ! I will respond to each individually in a little. For the time being can you give me your assessment of this cushion:

3.43 (looks OMC to me) L (EGL) VS1/2 can't remember:

 

[arkieb1]

Re: Why you should always listen to the PS experts AND quest

You all are amazing! Your insight is invaluable ! I will respond to each individually in a little. For the time being can you give me your assessment of this cushion:

3.43 (looks OMC to me) L (EGL) VS1/2 can't remember:

I am only going to comment on colour not cut - keep in mind an EGL "L" will probably be a GIA M, N colour. I hope that you read the above comments about stone body tints and hues. Another pet hate of mine are old stones (and you see a lot of them) that have parts that are different colours. I prefer one body colour that is uniform in the stone. I have really really sensitive tolerances for colour and you see that part that is clearly yellow in the middle which is a different colour to some parts of the outer edge of the stone - it would drive me nuts.

If you set it into a yellow gold setting I bet that yellow area and the dark centre will be the part your eye is drawn to, given the fact the colour of your current stone has been an issue. Having said that it could be a really bad photograph, if so then I would bet that the stone has quite a strong yellow body hue to it. You would need to see the stone in person, if you do get it, look for parts that are not uniform in colour, take it into lots of different lighting situations so that you can see it at its best and worst colour wise. It would also be interesting to do a side by side colour comparison with the stone you already have, which to my eye faces whiter than this stone.

 

[Rosebloom]

Re: Why you should always listen to the PS experts AND quest

I'm not even sure if this is possible, but would you consider rhodium playing your ring so you could see how your current stone looks in a white metal? Just as an experiment for you to get a sense of another combo before you invest in your final stone/setting.

 

[SB621]

Re: Why you should always listen to the PS experts AND quest

V-

Not sure if this will help as someone already stated how very different diamonds can look pending on their undertones. But here are some pictures with my N/O next to 14k YG.

 

[valmanin]

Re: Why you should always listen to the PS experts AND quest

Hi Val,

Sorry you are still having issues with this stone. This is a really interesting topic because I had a lively discussion with Victor ages ago about metal colour and stone colour and melee colour and which colours enhance or bring out more colour in centre stones. I believe it depends on the body hue or underlying base colour of the stone. Basically you can get an "L" or an "M" with a slight yellow body tint, an L/M with a very deep "cape" yellow body tint, you can get one with a champagne body tint or a very deep brown body tint, or a greyish body tint and even a slightly green body tint (usually green grey or green yellow). The underlying hue or tint has a huge visual impact on how each stone looks in various metals if you are colour sensitive.

So basically you can get a L/M that shows little to no colour in all metals ie yellow gold, rose gold and white gold or platinum, you can get an L/M that looks more yellow in yellow gold and one that looks less yellow in yellow gold, the same for rose gold. You can even find stones where rose gold brings out the pink hues (usually a brownish pink undertone) in some stones. You can get a stone where platinum or white metals make the colour disappear. I've also seen fluorescence in some old cuts hide or mask the undertones making the stone face up much more white than it actually is looking at it side on.

What I am saying is, I have concluded it GREATLY depends on each stone. You can't look at someone else's stone and ring and go yes it looks like x or y, because the stone you have could have a totally different body colour. I once owned a RB that was a K in colour and it showed body colour in both white/platinum and in yellow gold. I owned a RB that was a J that was completely white facing in yellow gold.

Perhaps you should go back to Adam and trade it in on a honking great cushion and set it in a halo or a different OEC, one with a cushion type shape and set it into a cushion shaped halo. You will get the finger coverage you seek.

Arkieb, This is the most informative post I have ever read on the subject of body color and settings. Thank you so much for taking the time to give this detailed explanation! This explains why one person says YG will increase the body color and the next says the contrast makes the stone whiter. I guess it truly is stone by stone.

I think my plan of attack is to find the stone I LOVE...which I never did.

 

[valmanin]

Re: Why you should always listen to the PS experts AND quest

I am sorry to hear this, too, Val, but I think it is good you are finding this out before you get to your forever stone. I honestly prefer the look SB has with the white diamond halo in platinum contrasting with the color of the stone which could work with any undertones (plus in a halo, you mainly want the diamonds to show and not the metal). Then you can make the shank any color you want. It is very common for yellow gold settings to have a platinum or white gold head because of the problem of yellow prongs reflecting in the diamond. The only time I'd want a yellow bezel around a diamond would be if I was trying to play up light yellow...as in wxyz with yellow undertones or FLY. Everything else I like better with the white halo. It really is on my wishlist to have a 2+ ct AVC in a lower color (K-N) and set it in a platinum halo. The diamonds that have the brownish pink undertones are the ones I'd set in rose gold. Oh, and I also prefer cushions in halos rather than rounds unless the round is in a cushion halo!

Thanks DS! I am thinking of going the direction of SB's too...that way I can play up the different colored bands etc. I am trying to picture a plat halo on a lower colored stone with a YG shank...I would love it if that would work, but I can't picture it...I sort of feel like it would look like two separate rings. Maybe with a plain YG shank...no pave?

 

[valmanin]

Re: Why you should always listen to the PS experts AND quest

valmanin, I am in a similar situation. It is our 10th anniversary next year and I am getting an anniversary ring (not allowed to call it an upgrade!!). I currently have a very lovely 1.5ct radiant in a Legacy style halo which is really pretty but I just want a honker. Some days I want an antique cushion (possibly in a Boston Rob setting), some days I want an OEC in a three stone with either OEC or pear shoulders... Other days I want the finger coverage of another halo. The point I am making (rather badly) is there are lots of options. Perhaps there just isn't THE ONE ring for everyone? But I am with you on the knowing when it isn't THE ONE.

Have you asked Adam for his thoughts on what might work for the stone??

Hi Misskittycat! I can't wait to see what you decide on! When you are on PS, I feel like it's easy to fall in love with certain (lots of) different styles and it's hard to pick just one. I think where I messed up was thinking I was a solitaire girl. When I originally tried on Erings 11 years ago I also thought I wanted a solitaire, but I didn't end up liking them on my finger. My Ering setting provided a lot of finger coverage even though the stone was a lot smaller. I thought this time with a 3.33 stone I would love the solitaire, but I just don't love it on my finger and plus I think I just like a lot of tasteful bling!

 

[valmanin]

Re: Why you should always listen to the PS experts AND quest

You all are amazing! Your insight is invaluable ! I will respond to each individually in a little. For the time being can you give me your assessment of this cushion:

3.43 (looks OMC to me) L (EGL) VS1/2 can't remember:

I am only going to comment on colour not cut - keep in mind an EGL "L" will probably be a GIA M, N colour. I hope that you read the above comments about stone body tints and hues. Another pet hate of mine are old stones (and you see a lot of them) that have parts that are different colours. I prefer one body colour that is uniform in the stone. I have really really sensitive tolerances for colour and you see that part that is clearly yellow in the middle which is a different colour to some parts of the outer edge of the stone - it would drive me nuts.

If you set it into a yellow gold setting I bet that yellow area and the dark centre will be the part your eye is drawn to, given the fact the colour of your current stone has been an issue. Having said that it could be a really bad photograph, if so then I would bet that the stone has quite a strong yellow body hue to it. You would need to see the stone in person, if you do get it, look for parts that are not uniform in colour, take it into lots of different lighting situations so that you can see it at its best and worst colour wise. It would also be interesting to do a side by side colour comparison with the stone you already have, which to my eye faces whiter than this stone.

Very good point! I am not sure if that would bother me or not because I have not seen one that does that IRL...hmmm..

 

[valmanin]

Re: Why you should always listen to the PS experts AND quest

I'm not even sure if this is possible, but would you consider rhodium playing your ring so you could see how your current stone looks in a white metal? Just as an experiment for you to get a sense of another combo before you invest in your final stone/setting.

I could do that...Adam and I talked about it, but I don't think I want to spend anymore money on this ring at this time. It would be a good experiment though!

 

[valmanin]

Re: Why you should always listen to the PS experts AND quest

V-

Not sure if this will help as someone already stated how very different diamonds can look pending on their undertones. But here are some pictures with my N/O next to 14k YG.

Holy cow!!! I love Venice next to YG!!!

This may seal the deal for me. I am seriously considering getting an AC/OMC and setting like Venice and then use YG for my stackers!!!

Thank you so much for taking the time to do this for me, SB! I know it can be a PITA to photgraph diamonds and upload pictures!

Now all I have to do is find my mini-Venice! No biggie huh?

 

[arkieb1]

Re: Why you should always listen to the PS experts AND quest

Hi Val,

Sorry you are still having issues with this stone. This is a really interesting topic because I had a lively discussion with Victor ages ago about metal colour and stone colour and melee colour and which colours enhance or bring out more colour in centre stones. I believe it depends on the body hue or underlying base colour of the stone. Basically you can get an "L" or an "M" with a slight yellow body tint, an L/M with a very deep "cape" yellow body tint, you can get one with a champagne body tint or a very deep brown body tint, or a greyish body tint and even a slightly green body tint (usually green grey or green yellow). The underlying hue or tint has a huge visual impact on how each stone looks in various metals if you are colour sensitive.

So basically you can get a L/M that shows little to no colour in all metals ie yellow gold, rose gold and white gold or platinum, you can get an L/M that looks more yellow in yellow gold and one that looks less yellow in yellow gold, the same for rose gold. You can even find stones where rose gold brings out the pink hues (usually a brownish pink undertone) in some stones. You can get a stone where platinum or white metals make the colour disappear. I've also seen fluorescence in some old cuts hide or mask the undertones making the stone face up much more white than it actually is looking at it side on.

What I am saying is, I have concluded it GREATLY depends on each stone. You can't look at someone else's stone and ring and go yes it looks like x or y, because the stone you have could have a totally different body colour. I once owned a RB that was a K in colour and it showed body colour in both white/platinum and in yellow gold. I owned a RB that was a J that was completely white facing in yellow gold.

Perhaps you should go back to Adam and trade it in on a honking great cushion and set it in a halo or a different OEC, one with a cushion type shape and set it into a cushion shaped halo. You will get the finger coverage you seek.

Arkieb, This is the most informative post I have ever read on the subject of body color and settings. Thank you so much for taking the time to give this detailed explanation! This explains why one person says YG will increase the body color and the next says the contrast makes the stone whiter. I guess it truly is stone by stone.

I think my plan of attack is to find the stone I LOVE...which I never did.

Hi Val, Yes I have read exactly the same thing - people can't agree on which stone colour and what coloured metal looks better. I would have said that yellow gold masks lower colours and then I made the same mistake and set an RB in yellow gold and it made it look more yellow, then I set a stone that also had a tint to it in yellow gold and the colour disappeared - they were a K and a J. So I asked a diamond merchant here about it and he took me through body colours and tones in his office, it was fascinating.

Now I take it on a stone by stone basis. And old cuts are different again many don't have a uniform hue or body tint and many really hide or mask colour better than modern cuts, others that they call "cape" stones from the cape part of Africa tend to have a quite distinct and noticeable undertone to them.

Anyway I hope you find "the one" eventually. It does take time and patience!!!!

 

[arkieb1]

Re: Why you should always listen to the PS experts AND quest

You all are amazing! Your insight is invaluable ! I will respond to each individually in a little. For the time being can you give me your assessment of this cushion:

3.43 (looks OMC to me) L (EGL) VS1/2 can't remember:

I am only going to comment on colour not cut - keep in mind an EGL "L" will probably be a GIA M, N colour. I hope that you read the above comments about stone body tints and hues. Another pet hate of mine are old stones (and you see a lot of them) that have parts that are different colours. I prefer one body colour that is uniform in the stone. I have really really sensitive tolerances for colour and you see that part that is clearly yellow in the middle which is a different colour to some parts of the outer edge of the stone - it would drive me nuts.

If you set it into a yellow gold setting I bet that yellow area and the dark centre will be the part your eye is drawn to, given the fact the colour of your current stone has been an issue. Having said that it could be a really bad photograph, if so then I would bet that the stone has quite a strong yellow body hue to it. You would need to see the stone in person, if you do get it, look for parts that are not uniform in colour, take it into lots of different lighting situations so that you can see it at its best and worst colour wise. It would also be interesting to do a side by side colour comparison with the stone you already have, which to my eye faces whiter than this stone.

Very good point! I am not sure if that would bother me or not because I have not seen one that does that IRL...hmmm..

I am not sure if this stone would be like that in real life or if its just bad pics. I have seen a couple that have different colours in the stones and it bothered me, but it might not bother you. I think it depends on how even or unevenly dispersed that it was.

 

[kathley]

Re: Why you should always listen to the PS experts AND quest

Hi Val,

I had my OEC in a solitare and I did not like it. So I have it set now in a cushion halo with a very slight split shank. For me, it fits the personality of my OEC better than a solitare and it looks much better on my hand. When I was looking at SS settings, Ari had quite a few of them in unplated white gold with warmer stones set in them. Then he showed me his YG stackers worn with the unplated white gold rings with warmer diamonds. And they REALLY looked great together! I hope this helps

 

[bunnycat]

Re: Why you should always listen to the PS experts AND quest

Wow Val, it sucks you were able to take it to a store and that still didn't solve the conundrum of what metal to put it in.

But everyone is right, you have to take it stone by stone (and setting by setting) until you get the combination that works for you, I guess. I do like the idea of rhodium plating what you've got just to see what it would do for the stone. At this point, it might be a good and cheap experiment for you.

I do think you'd have less problem with it with a higher color. I guess I always feel like once you get past J/K you really have to keep an eye out for how the metal tones affect a stone so if you just don't want to have to think about it, then going up in color seems like a fix, but then there's that while budget thing (!!!!) and so I understand to stay in budget having to drop the color and worry more about metal color.

 

[bunnycat]

Re: Why you should always listen to the PS experts AND quest

Hi Val,

I had my OEC in a solitare and I did not like it. So I have it set now in a cushion halo with a very slight split shank. For me, it fits the personality of my OEC better than a solitare and it looks much better on my hand. When I was looking at SS settings, Ari had quite a few of them in unplated white gold with warmer stones set in them. Then he showed me his YG stackers worn with the unplated white gold rings with warmer diamonds. And they REALLY looked great together! I hope this helps

Exactly! Even changing the setting to something that "suits" it better, can work wonders on a stone that you may otherwise be "meh" about!

The jeweler wanted me to rhodium plate the two tone setting I had and rhodium the WG head on the illusion setting. I immediately said, "that's ok, it's been naked this long, let's keep it that way. We can always change it later" and I'm glad I did because I don't think rhodium on that ring with that stone would have been the best look. I think unplated WG can be a nice "in between" color for warmer stones.

 

[valmanin]

Re: Why you should always listen to the PS experts AND quest

Hi Val,

I had my OEC in a solitare and I did not like it. So I have it set now in a cushion halo with a very slight split shank. For me, it fits the personality of my OEC better than a solitare and it looks much better on my hand. When I was looking at SS settings, Ari had quite a few of them in unplated white gold with warmer stones set in them. Then he showed me his YG stackers worn with the unplated white gold rings with warmer diamonds. And they REALLY looked great together! I hope this helps [/quote

Wow! Your OEC has the most pretty flower in the center and such a tiny table. Gorgeous!

That is very helpful, kathley, thanks for the insight! I would love to go play at Singlestone! I will definitely keep unplated WG in my thoughts for my new ring. First I have to find the stone, darnit!

 

[valmanin]

Re: Why you should always listen to the PS experts AND quest

Wow Val, it sucks you were able to take it to a store and that still didn't solve the conundrum of what metal to put it in.

But everyone is right, you have to take it stone by stone (and setting by setting) until you get the combination that works for you, I guess. I do like the idea of rhodium plating what you've got just to see what it would do for the stone. At this point, it might be a good and cheap experiment for you.

I do think you'd have less problem with it with a higher color. I guess I always feel like once you get past J/K you really have to keep an eye out for how the metal tones affect a stone so if you just don't want to have to think about it, then going up in color seems like a fix, but then there's that while budget thing (!!!!) and so I understand to stay in budget having to drop the color and worry more about metal color.

I totally agree that if I went to J/K I could do pretty much what I want, but alas, I am a size ho! I just don't want to pay for color...I am willing to make my setting fit the lower color honker.

This has all been such a good learning experience though...I just HAD to have all YG...now I have it and I see why it's not common...duh!!!

 

[valmanin]

Re: Why you should always listen to the PS experts AND quest

Hi Val,

I had my OEC in a solitare and I did not like it. So I have it set now in a cushion halo with a very slight split shank. For me, it fits the personality of my OEC better than a solitare and it looks much better on my hand. When I was looking at SS settings, Ari had quite a few of them in unplated white gold with warmer stones set in them. Then he showed me his YG stackers worn with the unplated white gold rings with warmer diamonds. And they REALLY looked great together! I hope this helps

Exactly! Even changing the setting to something that "suits" it better, can work wonders on a stone that you may otherwise be "meh" about!

The jeweler wanted me to rhodium plate the two tone setting I had and rhodium the WG head on the illusion setting. I immediately said, "that's ok, it's been naked this long, let's keep it that way. We can always change it later" and I'm glad I did because I don't think rhodium on that ring with that stone would have been the best look. I think unplated WG can be a nice "in between" color for warmer stones.

Oh goodness! That would have looked wrong on that antique setting!