Yellow Sapphire Setting Halo or Not?

[NYPrincess]

Hi All,

After careful consideration about upgrading my diamond to a three stone ring, I have decided to go a different direction and do something totally different. For my anniversary, my DH has said that I can design my own ring and I''ve chosen to use a large (2.0 - 3.0 carat), cushion cut yellow sapphire for the center stone. Sapphire is my birthstone and I''ve always loved the stone! I am looking at three different options for mountings and the mounting style will determine which option I choose. Also, I am working with Steven Bliss at the Natural Sapphire Company to design the ring.

1. Halo setting with micropave band
http://www.thenaturalsapphirecompany.com/nscnet/expandjsring.aspx?stoneid=JS108D

2. Traditional three stone setting with two baguettes
http://www.thenaturalsapphirecompany.com/nscnet/expandjsring.aspx?stoneid=JS61D

3. Four prong solitaire setting with pave band and matching wedding band
http://www.thenaturalsapphirecompany.com/nscnet/expandjsring.aspx?stoneid=JS53H

My budget is 2 - 3k. I''ve been emailing Steven about the widths of the bands on these settings since I am concerned about the fragility of the setting #1. He assures me that the setting is very sturdy however, I''ve read alot of horror stories on PS about micropave and tiny shanks.

FYI, my finger size is a 5 and I am a petite girl with small hands. I am looking for a spectacular ring that I will love for a long, long time.

Please post your opinions and comments about my options.

 

[NYPrincess]

I''ve located a nice stone at simply sapphires. Any comments on this stone? It''s not a cushion but an oval which would be my second choice.

http://www.simplysapphires.com/html/imagesyellow2005/yellowons324-sm.html

 

[AmandaFace]

personally im all about some halos! mine wedding set is a micropaved set with engraving and a blue sapphire... but the setting is certainly not fragile.

that first choice does look really dainty, and id be afraid id smash it to bits in no time.

can you not find a stone youd like through NSC?

good luck on your hunt!