Diamond Reset -- Opinions, advice?

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saligator

saligator

O.G.
Nov 21, 2006
3,162
3,514
#1
I have a 1.54 HOF solitaire that is languishing in a sealed bezel setting.
I'd like to put it in something that will really show it off. I think I'd like to try to do it for under 4500, if I can.

Its not an engagement ring, so I can do what I want with it within reason, but since its a HOF, I'm worried that if I'm adding diamonds, they have to be really well cut or it will look weird and that will drive the cost up.

They way I see it, there are 3 ways to go:

1) Solitaire setting with baguettes like this:

http://www.lussori.com/Semi-Mount-Ring-92-Carat-Diamond-Platinum-10277.html

2) Halo like this:

http://www.lussori.com/hearts-on-fire-diamond-ring-diamond-engagement-ring.html

OR WHAT I REALLY WANT BUT wonder how to do cost efficiently:

3) Three stone:

http://www.lussori.com/hearts-on-fi...an-three-stone-2ct-center-18k-white-gold.html

If I use sapphires as the side stones, I think I can make it within my budget. Does anyone have any 3 stone rings with large sapphire side stones who can post pictures?

Any ideas or opinions are welcome.

Thanks!
 
#2
Have you ever seen Iolite? The stone often has a deep blue-purple color, almost like tanzanite or sapphires. I knew a woman who had two set on either side of her round solitaire. Her cost on the pair from the jeweler? $12! It would have been $1500 to do the same setting with tanzanite. That would really keep the ring within budget.

See the diamond/iolite ring below.
 

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#4
Hello, fellow HOF owner!!:p

Saligator, I love the idea of an HOF with baguettes. However for your size stone, I would put one substantial baguette on each side rather than the several shown in the example you posted.

I feel several would make the piece look bulky.

I had my HOF reset this year. My jeweler worked with a designer to get this done and although it took some time, I'm pleased with the outcome.

My shank is gold and the X prong head is plat. It's pretty and simple too.

I would have loved to have used the baguetttes but, the mount was made by a designer and cost as much as your budget without any stones. *sigh*

I'm pleased with it, tho.....don't have any pics, but it resembles D'Vatche's x prong look.
 
#5
I am really into everything pave lately. I have reset a bunch of my own stones into various pave pieces and I am just loving it. If you're really looking for something in a 3 stone or baguette style, you have dozens of stone options. Iolite is indeed a good alternative to sapphire if you're keepibng costs down. However, I can get excellent sapphires and still stay way under $4,500, including labor fees.

Do you have a regular jeweler you use?
 
#6
Hi Isus, thanks for the input.

I'm not sure I'm totally clear--your ring DOES have baguettes, but only 2 and it cost more than my budget?

I get the idea of using only large baguettes, makes sense...

Please clarify your post so I am sure I know what you meant...I'll look for the example you mentioned. Thanks!
 
#7
GnomeNisse said:
I am really into everything pave lately. I have reset a bunch of my own stones into various pave pieces and I am just loving it. If you're really looking for something in a 3 stone or baguette style, you have dozens of stone options. Iolite is indeed a good alternative to sapphire if you're keepibng costs down. However, I can get excellent sapphires and still stay way under $4,500, including labor fees.

Do you have a regular jeweler you use?
Click to expand...


Thanks for the info -- sounds like you are a jeweler and know your stuff!

My other option to sapphires is to go with champagne diamonds. I have no idea what a 1.5 - 2tcw matched pair would be, but I am assuming less than white diamonds...any ideas?

I have the jeweler where I bought the ring, and another jeweler in the area that I am going to check out next week.
 
#8
saligator said:
Hi Isus, thanks for the input.

I'm not sure I'm totally clear--your ring DOES have baguettes, but only 2 and it cost more than my budget?

I get the idea of using only large baguettes, makes sense...

Please clarify your post so I am sure I know what you meant...I'll look for the example you mentioned. Thanks!
Click to expand...

Saligator, I'm sorry I made no sense.:push:

My ring has no baguettes. It is a yellow gold comfort fit shank with 4 plat prongs that are in an X shape. There is also a basket or plat wire that connects the prongs and surrounds the stone.

Very comfortable mounting. I'm pleased with it, although baguettes would have been very very pretty too.
 
#9
saligator said:
Found the vibe I'm going for, though not the price:

http://www.tiffany.com/Engagement/Item.aspx?GroupSKU=GRP10042#f+0/1001/2002/0/0/1001

Thanks for the tip on Iolite. That's a really pretty ring!

Is Iolite sparkly? Its it soft or hard as as stones go?

Thanks!
Click to expand...

Iolite has a Moh hardness of 7.5. Like other stones, it depends on the cut and color of the stone. I believe some can be grayish and not so desirable, so it's best to see them in person.

The good news is that if the stones were ever damaged, they're so cheap to replace.
 

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#10
saligator said:
Thanks for the info -- sounds like you are a jeweler and know your stuff!

My other option to sapphires is to go with champagne diamonds. I have no idea what a 1.5 - 2tcw matched pair would be, but I am assuming less than white diamonds...any ideas?

I have the jeweler where I bought the ring, and another jeweler in the area that I am going to check out next week.
Click to expand...


lol.. I do own jewelry stores.

Chocolate diamonds are really hot. I love them. Are they your cup of tea?
 
#11
saligator, here is a pic of a Tiffany with baguettes....I love this style!

TiffanyEbayDiamondLarge2.jpg
 
#12
...more... I found these pics online when I was searching for ideas

TiffanyEbayDiamondLarge.jpg


TiffanyEbayDiamondLarge4.jpg


I like the way the shoulders/baguettes rise to meet the center stone and flow with it rather than having the stone sitting way up above the baguettes.

Just a personal preference of mine.... although....I ended up without baguettes. I feel they look much prettier on a smaller stone like this, say in a 1 carat to 2 carat size although I've seen Cartier pieces with large center stones and baguettes that left me weak!!
 
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#13
GnomeNisse said:
lol.. I do own jewelry stores.

Chocolate diamonds are really hot. I love them. Are they your cup of tea?
Click to expand...

My engagement ring is a 1.36 C6. Love chocolate diamond! LOVE them.
I just happen to have this HOF and I want to do something with it in a 3 stone.

I also like the lighter champagnes as well.

If I can find a matched pair in a grade that is nice for my budget, that would be my preference over sapphires.
 
#15
Well, the jeweler is going to look for brown diamonds as side stones. My second choice is blue sapphires I think, followed by the iolites.

It depends upon the cost. Stay tuned!
 
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