Help me redesign my engagement ring! - be honest, you won't offend me!

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There's definitely a lot going on with your original ring, especially the amount of metal used from the basket to the channel setting, which is part of why I think it feels off. I think limiting oneself is the hardest part of a custom project. It is for me; I often want to incorporate too many design elements and it starts muddling the vision.

Since you mentioned a hidden halo style and potentially using your side stones, I was thinking a three stone hidden halo style might be nice. Here's some pictures I found from Joseph Jewelry, Noam Carver for inspiration, (though I realize the shape would need to be adjusted):
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I'd keep the band plain like these did, otherwise it starts to become too much.

If these aren't appealing, I'd recommend focusing on what you want for a setting for the center stone and figuring out what design elements really matter to you, then go from there. Is it the light reflection? Is it details like a hidden halo? What type of prongs do you want for it? What types of basket? Hopefully that all this will help guide the other details.
 

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Can you share any inspo pics of what you like?

I see this and can imagine using the two side cushions set in a wedding band that is fitted around this design in those two spaces on either side of the big diamond.

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There's definitely a lot going on with your original ring, especially the amount of metal used from the basket to the channel setting, which is part of why I think it feels off. I think limiting oneself is the hardest part of a custom project. It is for me; I often want to incorporate too many design elements and it starts muddling the vision.

Since you mentioned a hidden halo style and potentially using your side stones, I was thinking a three stone hidden halo style might be nice. Here's some pictures I found from Joseph Jewelry, Noam Carver for inspiration, (though I realize the shape would need to be adjusted):




I'd keep the band plain like these did, otherwise it starts to become too much.

If these aren't appealing, I'd recommend focusing on what you want for a setting for the center stone and figuring out what design elements really matter to you, then go from there. Is it the light reflection? Is it details like a hidden halo? What type of prongs do you want for it? What types of basket? Hopefully that all this will help guide the other details.

3 stone hidden halo is definitely appealing, I actually went and looked at some very similar. But I worry if I do that with my existing stones, it's going to be too similar to what I have now? The two inspo pics I shared I like because this is the only 5 stone ring where the center stone sits a lot higher than the side stones. The side stones or sort of inlaid to the band, rather than in a basket. But I don't know if I love the side view of it.
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And then the Tiffany True setting I love love from a profile view. I love the clean lines and geometry of that setting.

I can't figure out a way to combine elements from both of these without too much going on.

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What a fun project! And yes, can be daunting with so many options and the inability to see it in real life before it's done. For that reason, I'd try to find a designer that can use rhino modeling to create a computer image of what various options could look like. I follow a designer on IG called studioremod out of NYC and am so impressed with her work on resetting heirloom jewellery.

Another place you can look for inspiration is stuller.com - they sell thousands of generic ring mounts and you can filter on all kinds of options so it's just a place to scroll through settings you may not have considered or seen before.

Imho, since you have a few eternity bands, I'd stick with a simple three-stone setting, with your main diamond in a higher hidden-halo setting like the Tiffany True and the side stones low besides without any halos on a thin metal band.

Have fun and please share pics of your journey and new setting!!!
 
3 stone hidden halo is definitely appealing, I actually went and looked at some very similar. But I worry if I do that with my existing stones, it's going to be too similar to what I have now? The two inspo pics I shared I like because this is the only 5 stone ring where the center stone sits a lot higher than the side stones. The side stones or sort of inlaid to the band, rather than in a basket. But I don't know if I love the side view of it.
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And then the Tiffany True setting I love love from a profile view. I love the clean lines and geometry of that setting.

I can't figure out a way to combine elements from both of these without too much going on.

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A good jeweler should be able to help you with this, through CAD renderings and 3D printing. The key is finding one with whom you can communicate effectively.

From my untrained perspective, is it the lowness of your setting or the lack of sparkle? Looking at your original ring, the basket is very thick and doesn’t seem to offer a lot light to shine through, so something that’s more open will offer more sparkle.

As far as it looking different from what you have now, I think that and a different band for your engagement ring would make a substantial difference, it’s just is it a difference you’ll love. I love the look of the band on its own personally, but it’s too much with the rest of your ring and not cohesive with the rest of the design.

For the Tiffany ring, you mentioned the clean lines and geometry, but without the T. Does this mean you’d want the center pave line on the basket removed?

Lastly, it might be worth it to go to different jewelers and try some rings on or even order inexpensive silver or plated ones to really help inspire you and narrow things down.
 
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A good jeweler should be able to help you with this, through CAD renderings and 3D printing. The key is finding one with whom you can communicate effectively.

From my untrained perspective, is it the lowness of your setting or the lack of sparkle? Looking at your original ring, the basket is very thick and doesn’t seem to offer a lot light to shine through, so something that’s more open will offer more sparkle.

As far as it looking different from what you have now, I think that and a different band for your engagement ring would make a substantial difference, it’s just is it a difference you’ll love. I love the look of the band on its own personally, but it’s too much with the rest of your ring and not cohesive with the rest of the design.

For the Tiffany ring, you mentioned the clean lines and geometry, but without the T. Does this mean you’d want the center pave line on the basket removed?

Lastly, it might be worth it to go to different jewelers and try some rings on or even order inexpensive silver or plated ones to really help inspire you and narrow things down.
No I do love that center pave line, but I don't know if that's doable since I think it's a Tiffany trademarked design. But I love the way the basket comes up from the band and doesn't look prongey. Does that make sense?

You're corrrect though, I think my exact ring, set higher and on a thinner band would make a huge difference, but I would have to pay at least $2500 for that, so I wonder if I should do something different.

It honestly just makes me mad that the original designer did it this way.
 
No I do love that center pave line, but I don't know if that's doable since I think it's a Tiffany trademarked design. But I love the way the basket comes up from the band and doesn't look prongey. Does that make sense?

You're corrrect though, I think my exact ring, set higher and on a thinner band would make a huge difference, but I would have to pay at least $2500 for that, so I wonder if I should do something different.

It honestly just makes me mad that the original designer did it this way.
Jewelry is trickier/more flexible when it comes to inspiration because it’s often done before (I know I’ve seen a non-paved version of that type setting in vintage rings), but it’s dependent on the wearer’s comfort with the level of inspiration.

It’s also about any other details you want to add. DBTYs were popularized by Tiffany, but I opted to go for a bezel set diamond station necklace from another brand I love that have a star on the back of each basket.

It’s challenging with custom pieces because the options are limitless, but dependent on the execution of the jeweler. Your current ring does have elements of what you’ve indicated you wanted here (modern, clean lines, multi-stone, sparkle, not dainty, initially not high set), so your ideal design might feel similar. It’s all in the details though.

It is really tricky finding a good jeweler to do custom work. I’ve not worked with him directly, but have heard good things about David Klass.
 
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No I do love that center pave line, but I don't know if that's doable since I think it's a Tiffany trademarked design. But I love the way the basket comes up from the band and doesn't look prongey. Does that make sense?

You're corrrect though, I think my exact ring, set higher and on a thinner band would make a huge difference, but I would have to pay at least $2500 for that, so I wonder if I should do something different.

It honestly just makes me mad that the original designer did it this way.
It's important to get your setting right so honestly I would take your time in deciding what you would like best and then save up for what you will really love.
Custom settings can definitely get expensive, but you don't want to end up hating the new setting either.

I agree with the advice to try on a number of different styles to see what you feel drawn to irl, feels comfortable and special. Some settings can end up feeling heavier or uncomfortable between the fingers.
 
Jewelry is trickier/more flexible when it comes to inspiration because it’s often done before (I know I’ve seen a non-paved version of that type setting in vintage rings), but it’s dependent on the wearer’s comfort with the level of inspiration.

It’s also about any other details you want to add. DBTYs were popularized by Tiffany, but I opted to go for a bezel set diamond station necklace from another brand I love that have a star on the back of each basket.

It’s challenging with custom pieces because the options are limitless, but dependent on the execution of the jeweler. Your current ring does have elements of what you’ve indicated you wanted here (modern, clean lines, multi-stone, sparkle, not dainty, initially not high set), so your ideal design might feel similar. It’s all in the details though.

It is really tricky finding a good jeweler to do custom work. I’ve not worked with him directly, but have heard good things about David Klass.
I think David though needs a lot of input from the customer as to exactly what they want, rather than taking more vague ideas and creating something cohesive
 
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So, I hate to be blunt but I don’t know that the setting is that low. The basket is certainly thick, which would impact the shine. The side diamonds are set close to it and that would as well. But it also might be the diamond cut itself.

So, I would give it a very good cleaning and then take it to a reputable jeweller and have a discussion. Because the last thing you want to do is put a whole lot of $$ into it and find little difference.
 
We went to the mall and I tried on that Tiffany ring in person. I am completely in love with it. It's the only setting I've seen that I just absolutely love. I can't even explain why! It's just the right height and just the way the setting comes up from the ring is so perfect.


Is it crazy to try to get a jeweler to re-create this exact ring? Is that even allowed??

The diamond I tried on was even a little smaller than my diamond, and same cut. It felt so perfect. My husband completely loved it too.

I wish they would let me buy just the setting! 😭
 
We went to the mall and I tried on that Tiffany ring in person. I am completely in love with it. It's the only setting I've seen that I just absolutely love. I can't even explain why! It's just the right height and just the way the setting comes up from the ring is so perfect.


Is it crazy to try to get a jeweler to re-create this exact ring? Is that even allowed??

The diamond I tried on was even a little smaller than my diamond, and same cut. It felt so perfect. My husband completely loved it too.

I wish they would let me buy just the setting! 😭
That’s not very difficult to recreate-it’s just a micropave band, with the solitaire set at the right height onto it.
It shouldn’t be too expensive to create that setting..

Follow your heart!❤️
 
We went to the mall and I tried on that Tiffany ring in person. I am completely in love with it. It's the only setting I've seen that I just absolutely love. I can't even explain why! It's just the right height and just the way the setting comes up from the ring is so perfect.


Is it crazy to try to get a jeweler to re-create this exact ring? Is that even allowed??

The diamond I tried on was even a little smaller than my diamond, and same cut. It felt so perfect. My husband completely loved it too.

I wish they would let me buy just the setting! 😭
Well, there you have it! Sounds like that's the one! Now you just need to find the right jeweler, but you will.
 
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