Designing my dream right hand ring-want your thoughts!

[echo_23]

I am having my dream ring created. I have a very modest wedding ring and wanted something sparkly and sentimental looking for my right hand ring. I have a 2.01ct. heart shaped diamond and am working on the setting for it. I initially wanted something like this but with a raised up prong setting: http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=280489573746&ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT

When I met with the designer we decided to add a bit of vintage millgraining. These are the CAD designs (ignore the one where there are no prongs-it won't be set that way...unless you guys think it should be!). We also plan on doing some hand engraving on the sides of the band (see other attached pic).

While they look really pretty, I am having some hesitations because I feel like my diamond is going to be overwhelmed and the millgraining and metal is more obvious than the sparkly little diamonds. He said the millgraining would be polished down a bit in production but was wondering what you guys think. I asked about doing diamonds on the sides of the band and that would be an additional $350 so I'm on the fence about that. I also am not a huge fan of the bottom prong. It's more secure than a regular prong but I feel like the look of the ring would be better with one of the prongs like used on the lobe of the heart.

ANY thoughts you girls might have would be greatly appreciated as this is going to be with me forever and will likely be my only piece of flashy jewelry. Thanks In Advance!!!

I'm not sure if I need to say something, but since these pictures are the designs of my jeweler, please don't post them elsewhere-thanks so much!

 

[echo_23]

This is what the engraving on the side would look like

 

[Bagaday]

I love the design you have come up with.....I'm not a big fan of milgrain but it definitely gives the ring a vintage-like look. The side detailing - filigree - on the shank is very nice. The amount of detail is great. My only hesitation with all of the side diamond detailing is that if this is going to be an everyday ring, you will need to watch with all of the side diamonds. Are you going to have it done in wg or plat?

I can imagine how excited you are.....can't wait to see the finished product.

 

[echo_23]

Thanks Bagaday! It will be worn as an everyday when not working out or doing anything strenuous/cleaning type ring. I'm going to have it done in WG. Never saw the appeal of plat and it would add to the already high cost of the ring.

As someone who isn't a fan of milgrain, do you think this design would be better (assuming you are just taking the band design and making it a single band and using and the part surrounding the heart but not the part under the center stone). Hopefully that makes sense. Basically nixing the milgrain and filigree and making it more diamond encrusted. http://cgi.ebay.com/1-55-ct-Diamond...nd_Solitaire_with_Accents?hash=item19b686acad

I thought I had wanted a vintage feel to the ring but now I'm worried all the milgrain and filigree will overwhelm the main diamond and side stones and that modifying the above mount would be the way to go...

 

[Jeneen]

I really like the pictures you show as is - I think a heart shaped diamond with a halo and the diamond band already make a big statement. My 2 cents is not to add the extra designs in the metal on the band. Can't wait to see modeling shots!

 

[Bagaday]

I think I would still stick with the etching/filigree on the sides of the band. Don't get me wrong, I LOVE sparkle but I also work in a jewelry store and see first-hand how some of these semi-mounts come back with lost melee when they have so much diamond detailing. And these are well-made rings. (Exp: Some of the Hearts on Fire semi-mounts are really problematic.) 14kt wg will work wonderfully especially given the little 'actual' metal that will be showing. You have diamonds going - what? -3/4 around the shank? Plus you have the design element of the halo. Plus if you keep the etching or some sort of design on the sides of the shank, you will see less everyday wear. Now, will you keep your heart low setting (flush with the halo) or are you actually planning on having it set higher in the prongs?? This is why custom design is soooooo cool - you get to map out exactly what you want but it's a bit scary at first. Once it goes to the caster, it's yours.

 

[ahertz]

Very pretty. I agree with your designer that the millgrain will be softer and that the stone will be the main event.

However, I have a halo (round) set similarly to yours and would be much happier if the diamond was bezel set instead of prong set. Just my 2¢.

 

[echo_23]

Very pretty. I agree with your designer that the millgrain will be softer and that the stone will be the main event.

However, I have a halo (round) set similarly to yours and would be much happier if the diamond was bezel set instead of prong set. Just my 2¢.

Good, I'm glad you think the milgrain will look softer when finished. That is what had me worried.

May I ask, why do you wish your diamond was bezel set instead of prong set?

 

[echo_23]

I really like the pictures you show as is - I think a heart shaped diamond with a halo and the diamond band already make a big statement. My 2 cents is not to add the extra designs in the metal on the band. Can't wait to see modeling shots!

Thanks! I will definitely post modeling pics when it's all done!!!!

 

[Bagaday]

^^Do you mean a true bezel set or flush set with prongs?? My pear is in a halo and sits flush but I still have prongs too. Also agree that if you do go with milgrain, it can be a very subtle beading.

 

[echo_23]

I think I would still stick with the etching/filigree on the sides of the band. Don't get me wrong, I LOVE sparkle but I also work in a jewelry store and see first-hand how some of these semi-mounts come back with lost melee when they have so much diamond detailing. And these are well-made rings. (Exp: Some of the Hearts on Fire semi-mounts are really problematic.) 14kt wg will work wonderfully especially given the little 'actual' metal that will be showing. You have diamonds going - what? -3/4 around the shank? Plus you have the design element of the halo. Plus if you keep the etching or some sort of design on the sides of the shank, you will see less everyday wear. Now, will you keep your heart low setting (flush with the halo) or are you actually planning on having it set higher in the prongs?? This is why custom design is soooooo cool - you get to map out exactly what you want but it's a bit scary at first. Once it goes to the caster, it's yours.

Good to know. I didn't think about there being a problem with additional diamonds.

Yes, the diamonds are 3/4 around the shank. I was thinking prong setting but ahertz wishes she did bezel so I am interested to hear thoughts on this. I was thinking prong because it let the center stone be the center of attention and thought it would look bigger and reflect light better. However I am completely unfamiliar with diamonds and rings and would love to hear I'm wrong and find out more about the benefits of a bezel setting!

 

[Bagaday]

^^I really think it's personal preference when it comes to actual setting of the center diamond. I like my diamond in a low silhoutte and therefore went with my diamond flush set in the halo but also secured with three prongs. However there are plenty of gals out there that love the diamond setting up some. I am careful with my jewelry but I do everyday things where you can easily smack the diamond (laundry, grocery shopping, etc.) and feel the higher it is set, the more likely I'll smack it. I do not feel that my diamond doesn't flash enough etc. You are working with a sizeable diamond, plus with the plate/halo around it.......it is going to be blindingly gorgeous!!

 

[echo_23]

^^I really think it's personal preference when it comes to actual setting of the center diamond. I like my diamond in a low silhoutte and therefore went with my diamond flush set in the halo but also secured with three prongs. However there are plenty of gals out there that love the diamond setting up some. I am careful with my jewelry but I do everyday things where you can easily smack the diamond (laundry, grocery shopping, etc.) and feel the higher it is set, the more likely I'll smack it. I do not feel that my diamond doesn't flash enough etc. You are working with a sizeable diamond, plus with the plate/halo around it.......it is going to be blindingly gorgeous!!

Ah, that makes sense. I am quite the klutz! Maybe a bezel setting would be better for me. If I did go with prongs, would you suggest the big bottom prong or the smaller bottom prong?

Also, do you think the millgrain and carving will look more like this when finished? http://www.mdcdiamonds.com/engagementdetails.cfm?Stock=ES569&Country=US
Because I really like it on this.

 

[ahertz]

Good, I'm glad you think the milgrain will look softer when finished. That is what had me worried.

May I ask, why do you wish your diamond was bezel set instead of prong set?

Mine is flush set with prongs currently. To make it delicate looking, the claw prongs are very thin and catch on EVERYTHING. I've ripped clothes and torn my hair out with these prongs.

 

[echo_23]

Mine is flush set with prongs currently. To make it delicate looking, the claw prongs are very thin and catch on EVERYTHING. I've ripped clothes and torn my hair out with these prongs.

Ouch! Do you still think the pain is worth it for the look or do you with you went bigger?