Would you... or wouldn't you.....

[Mayk]

OMG.. I can't believe I'm actually thinking about this.. then again... I hang out here and this is a bad place (in an evil way) ...

So.. I love my new Emerald cut and it's really becoming my go to RHR and now my five stone Solasfera is not getting any love, it's just hanging out in the jewelry box. I wore it while the EC was being sized but now that I have the EC back the five stone is back in the box. Also, I've been "lusting" after a plain solitiare something in the BGB or AVR family in a simple four or six prong setting. So.. after weeks of trying to get up the nerve I asked DH if he would be ok with me "consolidating" my two rings to a larger solitaire I asked. I married a prince (like SB621) and he said "it's just a monetary thing, do whatever you want". Now I'm doing the wishy washy .. do I or don't I?

I love my ering, but I must confess, everytime I smack something with it I cringe and at the first chance examine it closely with the loop. So far, only the one time I've cracked a stone in the halo and I lost one in the bottom of the shank at my palm.. but other than that it's holding up nicely. I don't wear it to the gym or working in the yard, etc, I'm careful and I'm sure if I had a solitaire if or when I wack it I will do the same thing. (we all know what I did to the bezel) I do like the clean look of the solitaire and seeing DS's ring at the Vegas GTG started the wheels turning but I also love my halo.. so this is agony.

Would you or wouldn't you?

There is also, bite the bullet, buy a plain setting and live with my 1.30 in a solitaire and see how I like it before I sell off the farm...

Energy & YT.. I already know your opinions.. but lay it on me again... (Enerchi for those that don't know I use southern slang to address her)

 

[Dancing Fire]

OMG.. I can't believe I'm actually thinking about this.. then again... I hang out here and this is a bad place (in an evil way) ...

So.. I love my new Emerald cut and it's really becoming my go to RHR and now my five stone Solasfera is not getting any love, it's just hanging out in the jewelry box. I wore it while the EC was being sized but now that I have the EC back the five stone is back in the box. Also, I've been "lusting" after a plain solitiare something in the BGB or AVR family in a simple four or six prong setting. So.. after weeks of trying to get up the nerve I asked DH if he would be ok with me "consolidating" my two rings to a larger solitaire I asked. I married a prince (like SB621) and he said "it's just a monetary thing, do whatever you want". Now I'm doing the wishy washy .. do I or don't I?

)/quote]
Go for it!!... a classic solitaire ring will always be in style...

 

[marymm]

Before you make any decisions, could you buy a Wink or Asha sim in the solitaire size you are thinking of, in a simple setting, and wear it for a few weeks to see if going solitaire is truly what you want?

 

[justginger]

This is exactly why I got Poppy. I loved my engagement ring (and still do - I've been *thinking* about selling it for months now, but can't quite make the listing, lol)...but with it in a Leon halo, and my job being very hands-on, I was always anxious about damaging it. After 2.5 years of wear, it was too much for my nerves. I wanted something plain and hardy, not hollow 3-sided pave (which still makes my heart sing, hence not selling it).

I personally would consolidate. I don't wear multiple rings at once, and love the idea of one ring to rule them all. Some people love having a variety of pieces though - if you change jewelry often, perhaps you'll miss having two?

 

[Laila619]

Once you've had a halo, I think it will be hard to switch to a solitaire. Even though you'd be getting a bigger stone, you'll lose a lot of finger coverage and bling factor. But I do understand wanting a simple, maintenance-free solitaire. It is a classic and timeless look. If that is what will make you happy, then go for it!!!

 

[marcy]

If that is what you want; go for it. I would definitely try on some solitaires in the size and cut you might get just to make sure it will bring a smile to your face.

 

[ClassyRocks]

Mayk, would you post pictures of your two diamond rings? I can research them, but I think it would help to see them in this thread in order to cast a vote. I remember your emerald cut ring, and I really think it is a classic! I will wait to see both rings again before voting

 

[Mayk]

It's always good to come to your support group....

Here is a picture of them together...

The setting on the five stone is different now. Low profile but in this picture you couldn't tell

 

[Deactivated member 42515]

Bigger is better. I also think this is important in men.

 

[Deactivated member 42515]

Yes you know how I feel!

Consolidate and get a 3+ct honker and let me be jealous of you!!!!!!

 

[ClassyRocks]

Wow! This is tough as both of the rings are really well done. I can't decide tonight!


I would add that my original engagement ring is not nearly as nice as yours is, but I still have it. There was a time when I would have traded it to get something bigger because I thought I would have to because of $$. Honestly, in hindsight I am glad that I have my original diamond ring. I am not trying to play on your sympathy nerve, but it is my personal experience.

 

[Mayk]

Before you make any decisions, could you buy a Wink or Asha sim in the solitaire size you are thinking of, in a simple setting, and wear it for a few weeks to see if going solitaire is truly what you want?

This is a good idea... Trolled DB but couldn't bring myself to buy... Still a good idea.

 

[SB621]

Ugh- I know how you are feeling. Elated that you DH doesn't care and justs want you to be happy but then completely seconding quessing if you want to consolidate or not. I remember those days so well.

Honestly looking at your 3 rings, I think the EC is the most classic, while the other 2 rings I would consider to be more modern in style. If you are thinking of a larger solitare once again I would throw that into the classic category. Because of this, yes I would consolidate the rings that I don't love/ lust over and get what your heart truly sings for. Your 5 stone and halo are gorgeous but I think overtime your jewerlry styles changes or perhaps your perferences do. Regardless I think you found your zone with the EC and now you just realize a larger solitare would be more Mayk.

Of course I don't always practice what I preach as I just decided to keep my MRB which does not make my heart sing but I just can't part with it.

 

[Rosebloom]

What size solitaire would you be able to get? If it would be 2+ cts, I would consolidate! You have a gorgeous collection but I definitely prefer one (or in this case, two) perfect rings. If you do consolidate, perhaps you could ask your sweet DH to repropose with the new ring to help infuse it with the same love you have for your current ering?

(Also, I know this isn't an option you are considering, but if it was me, I'd upgrade the EC to as big as possible and wear that as an ering and wear your amazing five stone as a RHR. But really any combination is divine!)

 

[m-2-b]

I recently was in your situation--I had a 5 stone, halo ring and a 3 stone ring. I decided that I wanted "one ring to rule them all," so I consolidated several pieces into one large simple 6 prong solitaire that I wear on a daily basis. I think it was well worth it in the end for me!

 

[yennyfire]

I say go for it!! I think a honker of a solitaire would be amazing!! Jump on it while DH is on board!!

 

[VRBeauty]

I'm not a halo girl - and I'm not in the bigger is always better camp either - but I absolutely do love a graceful classic solitaire, so I would.

For me the only hesitation is this - I see your beautiful emerald ring almost as a solitaire with side stone enhancements rather than a three-stone ring. From that perspective the question is- would you be happy with having essentially two solitaire rings? But as SB said, maybe clean beautiful lines are "your zone" and will be your signature look!

 

[OreoRosies86]

I vote YES, do it! Life is change. If it's fun good change, even better

Hem and haw a little more though. Sometimes the drama of waffling can be fun in and of itself.

 

[Smith1942]

I'd consolidate and get a solitaire. However, be aware that this advice is driven by my personal tastes, which of course are not your personal tastes.

I adore your EC. I think that its clean lines are the epitome of elegance and style. I don't feel quite the same about your other two rings, although I think they're beautiful. The five stone is a generic design that you could always replace. And the halo, together with the sizeable diamond centre, and then three pave bands, is a little bit too much, in my personal opinion. I'm sorry - I'm sure it's breathtaking in real life. Remember that these comments are driven by my own personal aesthetic, which adheres to the small-but-perfectly-formed school of design, with my millions of small but sparkly bezels. I like the jewellery to look as if it's part of me, rather than the pieces wearing ME, if that sounds at all understandable!

If you got the solitaire, you would then have two rings that rule them all, in my opinion, in terms of style and elegance. The way I always imagine the perfect solitaire to be worn is the way I imagine Audrey Hepburn to have worn one: with a chic black poloneck and a French manicure. I think a solitaire topped by a natural manicure and tailed by a black sleeve is one of the most stylish things imaginable, due to the combination of beauty and simplicity.

I take the point from a previous poster about missing the real estate of a halo. However, a well-cut solitaire will chuck out lots of light, which makes it look bigger and obscures the edges.

But if you decide that you love your halo, then don't do it. I think a solitaire is a big change in aesthetic, and it depends on other aspects of your personal style. Large jewellery really suits some people and goes with their wardrobe. I wear very simple clothes indeed and I think that simple jewellery also makes one look younger. I only mean simple in style, though, not simple in terms of quality! But anyway, only YOU know your overall personal style and whether it suits a larger halo or a solitaire which would be smaller in diameter than the halo.

Maybe go to a jeweller's and try on some solitaires? That might give you a good idea as to whether they seem too plain after your other rings, or not. It's certainly a commitment to a different kind of style, so be sure of what you want. This is the equivalent of the poster who wanted to cut her two-and-half feet of gorgeous hair into a pixie. I advised her to buy a wig in the pixie style first, and I'd advise you to buy a solitaire CZ first, too.

Good luck with the agonising! Just my two cents. I'm only saying what I would do, but of course I am not you and I'm sure you rock that halo in a way that I wouldn't be able to carry off, with my general petiteness and my unremarkable wardrobe!

 

[diamondseeker2006]

Oh, I am glad my ring helped inspire this idea! Well, I have to say I really love my diamond, so from that aspect, I say trade them in and get the solitaire! But my main hesitation is the Solasfera band. That is a pretty rare and fine quality 5 stone ring, and I just would want you to be certain you wouldn't wear it. I have a vintage 5 stone band that I wear sometimes when I don't want to wear my wedding set, so would you ever wish you had it to use like that? The other issue is that since you have the 2 ct EC on the other hand, I am not seeing less than 2 cts making you happy for the e-ring. So with selling second hand, do you think you can get enough money to fund the new stone or is DH okay with adding some to the project? If you can make this your next anniversary upgrade as well, perhaps you can add some funds to it! You do have a really great husband! He was a real trooper doing all that jewelry shopping and I enjoyed meeting him!

I will say that I have no regrets about getting my new stone. And I do agree with whoever said that a nice solitaire would be classic and complement your EC ring. Soooo, my vote is to GO FOR IT!!!

 

[Circe]

I think SB and Smith made great points - heck, all the ladies have! - and agree with the general consensus that, yeah, consolidation sounds like the way to go! And I say that as somebody who *is* a collector ... for me, any day I put on one is a day when I miss one of the others! But I've also found it ***so*** satisfying recently to free up funds for more things that I ADORE by selling off the bits and pieces that have just always been "meh," gifts from others, mostly. Before you sell these core pieces, even if they're not currently your style ... any other bits and bobs that could go first and that you'd feel less torn over? Team Solitaire can always take contributions, after all, and at least for me, it was easier to dip my toes in and be *sure* I wouldn't miss pieces more once they were out of the safety deposit and in the hands of others (I don't).

I'm just checking - which rings are you thinking of consolidating? It's the five stone and the halo, because the style doesn't rock you, or the five stone and the EC, because less sentimental value? Annnnnd ... What KIND of solitaire would you go for? MRB? Another EC? Fancy? Sky's the limit with an understanding SO!

P.S. posting from my phone makes me miss the icon panel. I need my !

 

[lknvrb4]

I would totally go for it if my husband gave me the go ahead. No use having jewelry sit around not being worn.

 

[missy]

All your rings are beautiful but since you are asking for our opinions I am in the consolidate and big solitaire camp. Personally, since I have upgraded to my OEC solitaire my itch has been scratched and I am satiated ring wise at least. Before that I was daydreaming about getting all different sorts of rings that ran the gamut from shape/size/setting etc and I kept changing rings and settings and I still had that desire to keep looking. Once I got my solitaire I finally felt at peace and happy with my ring decision.

Ofc everyone is different so no one can say for sure what is the *right* or even *best* decision for you. As other posters have commented with an understanding dh you will be OK no matter your decision because there's always tomorrow lol. But seriously even before dreamer's moniker of one ring (or in your case 2 rings-same idea) to rule them all that was my thought and that was why I traded in and up to my current solitaire.

I wear my solitaire every day and enjoy it every day. It really is the only piece of jewelry I never switch out to another so it was important that I was over the moon with my choice.

Truthfully I don't think there is any right decision here. You cannot lose either way as all your rings are beautiful. The question is which decision would bring you the most pleasure every day or with greatest frequency? Which choice(s) would make your heart sing? For some that is to have many choices and for some it is one big honkin ring. No one choice is right for all. Good luck with this fun dilemma and I am looking forward to seeing your decision!

 

[Ally T]

I vote for yes, consolidate! I believe you will be happier with a Honker & your beautiful emerald cut, which I still drool over. You only live once, and if you are even considering this, then you know deep down something is not right with the 2 rings you have. A solitaire is classic, timeless & will look beautiful between your wedding bands. I can only DREAM of my husband giving me the green light for a project like this! Do it!

 

[ClassyRocks]

I am the odd ball here! I would keep the halo engagement ring. The 5 stone does not seem as sentimental, so I would sell it if it is "meh" as Circe says! My best to you!

 

[SB621]

All your rings are beautiful but since you are asking for our opinions I am in the consolidate and big solitaire camp. Personally, since I have upgraded to my OEC solitaire my itch has been scratched and I am satiated ring wise at least. Before that I was daydreaming about getting all different sorts of rings that ran the gamut from shape/size/setting etc and I kept changing rings and settings and I still had that desire to keep looking. Once I got my solitaire I finally felt at peace and happy with my ring decision.

Missy you stated so beautifully exactly how I feel. We my previous ering or other rings for that matter I wore them and liked them very much but still dreamed of other pieces. Once I got my antique cushion and had is set in the halo I really haven't felt a need to purchase anything. I have been trying to consolidate the rest of my collection and reset a few things into something "more my style." But I feel zero need to purchase anything new.

Mayk I think if you get your solitare you will feel similar that you are finally content with your dream ring or as I have been seeing on PS- The "ring to rule them all."

 

[Catmom]

Well unbelievably, I voted yes. As much as I love a good haloed ring I have to go with consolidate and get what makes your heart sing. I have to admit that I have been consolidating my own collection and am trying to get it down to only pieces that I love.

 

[chrono]

Consolidate for a honker antique cut solitaire but that's just me. There's little use having a ring sitting around unworn unless you have it marked specifically to be handed down to a particular person. As you know, your EC ring would be IT for me. Classic shape and classic design. Then again, I'm all about step cuts and MRBs are boring to me.

 

[Mayk]

I love all my enabler BFFs here! Thank you....

Now to just work through the emotion..

Issues... The five stone is a Solasfera so the price is a bit different then your typical five stone...this could be a challenge..

My halo... It's a beauty.. Smith...Sparkle and shine is not an issue the halo doesn't create less sparkle in my mind an AGS 000 G is going to shine... It does come down to two things durability and the classic appeal of the solitaire.

I would keep all my bands... I love them and wear them a number of ways all the time... I could still do that with the solitaire.

DS I don't don't that I would go over 2 cts. I think of your story about lunch with a friend where you tucked your ring in your purse.,. This is me... I never wear my EC for business and sometimes I just wear my bands... Or my five stone. I think I would be happy with Anything in the 1.8-2.0 range depending on spread.

YT no 3 ct for me!

My only road block right now is my DD who is about to go through surgery... In some ways I feel I'm transferring my need to have control over to bling while I can't control what's happening to her... Never a good thing..I'm trying to keep my mind busy while we wait.. Which puts me here thinking nutty stuff.. Or not so nutty maybe just not timely. Thank you as always for all your enabling and support. I think most of your are correct and many have traveled down the same path. Ginger... I wish I could put my halo away and have a Poppy... But my EC spend keeps me from that...

As for smashing everything into one giant EC... I really love my 2 ct. It's perfect, sparkly and just right.. Except I made it 1/4 size bigger and it now spins on my left hand... So there goes the flexibility because it drives me mad... My left hand is 5.75 my right 6.25 and with swelling 6.5

I've been talking to Grace...she's a great counselor...poor woman, say a prayer for her! The Jewelry Whisperer!

This is on my iPad and I don't have time to proof so I'm apologizing now for all the errors but I wanted to jump on and say Thanks!

 

[Smith1942]

How is your DD, Mayk? I remember, now. Scoliosis, wasn't it? I seem to remember telling you about the Judy Blume book, Deenie. Thinking of you both xxx

I just wanted to make clear what I said about my petiteness and unremarkable wardrobe being unable to carry off a substantial halo, because it struck me that the first part could be taken the wrong way! Basically I look very schoolgirl, like Emma Watson before she got all sophisticated, and people are always talking down to me because I look much littler and inexperienced that I am, although I'm 38! So I really can't carry off large jewellery at all - it swamps me and I think it looks, on me, as if I've been playing in the dressing-up box! That's all I meant. That's why all my jewellery is little, too! I have to have all my bracelets sized right down and I can never wear bangles because they're all too big. Even my desk at home is one of those children's ones!

I didn't mean that the halo has less shine than the solitaire, just that others were saying that you'll lose real estate with a solitaire but with a well-cut one, it will look bigger than its real size, anyway.

A point in favour of solitaires is that, generally, they're seen to be the most desirable in terms of pure value, because when we do pave and halo-ing and all the rest of it, we're basically spreading the diamond weight out for a bigger look, whereas with a big ole' solitaire, we're saying that we don't need to do that in order to have a big diamond. And people who know anything about diamonds know that the value of a stone increases exponentially with its size. So I think that one big honking solitaire is a very "luxe" look, and very desirable. But don't let us talk you into giving up your dear halo if, deep in your heart, you still love it the best!