Alexandrite Selection & Windows

[digdeep]

Hi...first time post on this forum, but long time reader. I know it's not my ring, but wanted to offer a suggestion or two......what if you took the diamonds out of the equation and modified the looped metal to fit the stone. Then it would be your wedding ring. You could use it for your engagement too if you can't wait to wear it--or you could wear it secretly until the wedding.... I'm not a big bling fan, so you may feel differently about losing the diamonds.... I'd go with surprising everyone at the wedding with that ring! I've had my "untraditional" wedding ring for 30+ years and love the design today as much as the first day I wore it at the wedding. Plus, your husband can have the knotted band ring without a stone in it............that's what we did. (NOT the "knot", but mine is exactly like his except mine has a stone in it.) Just wanted to offer this thought........it's a beautiful stone!

 

[the_mother_thing]

I'm not sure I agree the Alex will look like an "afterthought". To me, it looks like a beautiful east-west alternative pear halo while incorporating a knot design we love. Granted, this exact ring was probably not intended in that way, but the Everlon knot engagement rings are very similar in that the feature stone sits inside one of the knot loops. In fact, IMO, this design looks like it was almost intended to hold a pear in E-W direction. I thought about how it might look to me when I wear it, and I already decided that the point of the pear would point to my thumb vs pinky (flip the pic I posted upside down) so that when I am looking at it, I see ALL the Alex and don't have to awkwardly cock my hand so I can see it.

To me, most normal-set pears (N-S) look a little old fashioned or dated unless there is some really modern design elements with them (if your or anyone else has any, PLEASE post them .. I am open to all ideas and have combed the Internet for pictures of pear settings to little avail). I would be open to something like that (like what we originally came up with) but I just haven't seen many at all that appeal to me and admittedly I am not the most creative/visualizing person in that regard. But I definitely do not want the same ring style everyone else has. I do want something unique, special, etc. About the only other N-S setting I think I can find myself liking would be a milgrained & tiny-diamond halo with a milgrain & hand carved style band. But given the size of my Alex, and the size the overall halo would have to be be, I think it would be a little too much "solid" finger coverage for my liking. I like this style and the other I posted because they sort of "breathe" (are open) without being overwhelming on the metal.

As for the plain band not sitting flush and leaving a little gap, I don't imagine that bothering me too much but I will take your advice and try the combo on next week and see. I had a set once that was also intended to tuck together and I didn't care for it much either. The wedding band for this ring could also maybe be a series of carved/open knots eternity style.

The pave, yes, it scares me a bit because of possibly losing stones. I have not inspected the setting with a loupe yet to see how they are really set (how big/durable the prongs are) ... I assume they are pave because of the appearance. And G&Co's site unfortunately doesn't have a full description for the ring details. I plan to discuss this with the jeweler before we decide on anything for sure.

But to answer a couple questions - no, I won't be bothered if someone asks if it is an engagement ring or says it's non traditional. I am not one to be overly bothered by those who don't agree with me, only if they don't respect my right to choose what is right for me. But when it comes to something that is a personal taste, choice, etc, unless someone equally consults with me on their choices, I don't feel the need to seek approval of mine from them. Having a gemstone e-ring is already a little "untraditional" by most of societies standards ... I might as well blow it out completely and make a statement.

 

[the_mother_thing]

Hi...first time post on this forum, but long time reader. I know it's not my ring, but wanted to offer a suggestion or two......what if you took the diamonds out of the equation and modified the looped metal to fit the stone. Then it would be your wedding ring. You could use it for your engagement too if you can't wait to wear it--or you could wear it secretly until the wedding.... I'm not a big bling fan, so you may feel differently about losing the diamonds.... I'd go with surprising everyone at the wedding with that ring! I've had my "untraditional" wedding ring for 30+ years and love the design today as much as the first day I wore it at the wedding. Plus, your husband can have the knotted band ring without a stone in it............that's what we did. (NOT the "knot", but mine is exactly like his except mine has a stone in it.) Just wanted to offer this thought........it's a beautiful stone!

Thank you. I have considered it being both the engagement & wedding ring in one piece. Just haven't decided for sure yet. Decisions ... Decisions ... LOL

 

[the_mother_thing]

Well, after thinking through all the considerations suggested for a few days, I have decided to move forward with the G&Co ring, only I found out that G&CO will custom make rings. What can I say, I love what I love! I took several other settings that were "alternative contenders", and photoshopped my Alex on them, and none of them felt "special", unique or "me" to me like the G&Co ring when I look at them all. So I talked with them (G&Co) today and had my jeweler send over my ideas to have them CAD and cast my ring with a head just for my Alex so it will fit in the loop perfectly, and the idea is that the plain white gold loop bars (that flow back to/under the Alex in the picture I posted) will instead meet up where the prongs will be (near the Alex point). The end result will be a ring that is one continuous piece that holds my Alex at the point and the back/bottom, if that makes sense ... In other words, this ring will literally be made for my Alex; not the Alex "fit into" the ring. And it will look that way as well once it is finished.

I will circle back once we get further along to share the end results, and just want to say again how much I appreciate every,one's feedback, suggestions and guidance in this process.

Let the waiting game begin!

 

[digdeep]

I am EXCITED for you! You will have a one-of-a-kind ring and remember this process for the rest of your life! Congrats!!

 

[katharath]

Well, after thinking through all the considerations suggested for a few days, I have decided to move forward with the G&Co ring, only I found out that G&CO will custom make rings. What can I say, I love what I love! I took several other settings that were "alternative contenders", and photoshopped my Alex on them, and none of them felt "special", unique or "me" to me like the G&Co ring when I look at them all. So I talked with them (G&Co) today and had my jeweler send over my ideas to have them CAD and cast my ring with a head just for my Alex so it will fit in the loop perfectly, and the idea is that the plain white gold loop bars (that flow back to/under the Alex in the picture I posted) will instead meet up where the prongs will be (near the Alex point). The end result will be a ring that is one continuous piece that holds my Alex at the point and the back/bottom, if that makes sense ... In other words, this ring will literally be made for my Alex; not the Alex "fit into" the ring. And it will look that way as well once it is finished.

I will circle back once we get further along to share the end results, and just want to say again how much I appreciate every,one's feedback, suggestions and guidance in this process.

Let the waiting game begin!

I think it sounds fantastic!! I hope you'll continue to update us.

 

[chrono]

Looking forward to the finished piece. How long will it take?

 

[the_mother_thing]

Looking forward to the finished piece. How long will it take?

Not exactly sure yet, but probably about a month-ish based on G&Co production time and time for the jeweler to set the Alex once the finished ring arrives. G&Co won't set my Alex, but will produce the ring otherwise ready to go. I will be sure to share pictures once complete. It's going to be a long month, but thankfully I have plenty going on to keep me busy until then!

 

[the_mother_thing]

This is the one that came back (full custom build) from Jeweler 1 at $2300 and did not include the two side accent stones in that price.

Jeweler 1 has the G&Co ring ($1800) and quoted about the same total price to customize the ring (incl ring price) but had some concerns about it sitting higher than I probably would like.

Jeweler 1 can completely remake the ring from scratch for my Alex for $4300.

Jeweler 2 can order the G&Co ring for about $1100 & doing the same mods for my stone would add about another $300-500 to price of ring. BUT, if we get it, and it doesn't work out, isn't what I would like in terms of Alex height, we are stuck with the ring.

Jeweler 2 is currently working with G&Co to request an estimate to custom cast the ring for my Alex. Their designers only work direct with jeweler/retailer, but the customer SS guy I spoke with at length said it wouldn't likely end up doubling in price since much of the CAD work is in existence, and it's modifying that for my stone, but he cannot give me a ballpark for that labor, cost etc.

So, where we are now is waiting on Jeweler 2 to hear from G&Co with estimate based on pics/details I provided him (in writing so he could sent it along and leave less to 'interpretation').

As a back up, in case the remaining estimate is too far out of budget, or we opt to not mod the ring after purchase, I have several settings I found online from reputable suppliers that I can go with, and just have the head & Alex mounted locally.

 

[the_mother_thing]

Long time, no post. Unfortunately, right after I began discussions with a new jeweler last summer, my daughter and I were in a car accident that totaled my car and put us in months of physical therapy/recovery, so my Alex ring design process was put on the back burner until after all that was resolved and the holidays wrapped up. I was so sad, I routinely took it out of the safe to "visit" with it over the months. I'm pathetic, I know.

I kept having back and forth feelings on the longevity of the modified G&Co settings given the potential for problems with the pave, and I could not seem to get the jeweler to clearly articulate what I wanted in a custom ring from G&Co (even though in talking to GCo, they said they understood what I wanted, but must receive it from a jeweler), and I loathe middleman games, so I decided to go a different route as I didn't want to keep searching for jewelers who could articulate my wishes. I found a lot of positive reviews for an etsy jeweler (mastergoldcraft) and have been communicating with him to create the setting and mount my Alex.

Here is a link to a more traditional but still diamond halo ring he has that I love (especially for the curved ribbon detail under the stone), but will recast for me in a 14k/palladium alloy. https://www.etsy.com/listing/82602462/181-carat-aaa-stunning-rich-green?ref=shop_home_active_18&ga_search_query=Pear

I really feel like this ring will allow the Alex to be the star of the show while accenting it nicely with the diamonds. We have discussed him creating a "faceted" circle/bed/basket under the Alex to try and minimize the window (no guarantees but the window - in person/real life - really does not bother me all that much ... My eyes just really don't notice it even though I know it is there). I had contemplated adding milgrain and/or engraving to the sides, but I think it will be too busy/too much going on and detract from the rest of the ring. It will basically look the same as the one in this listing, but with my Alex. I am hoping to finalize my "request" and get the Alex sent to him before too long ... Next couple weeks at longest. Would love your thoughts/opinions, and sincerely hope this finds all of you doing well.

 

[lambskin]

Are you sure you like the size of the diamonds in that setting? They look really small (.50 tcw). I am not sure you are going to get the sparkle you are looking for. Maybe other posters opine differently.

 

[the_mother_thing]

Are you sure you like the size of the diamonds in that setting? They look really small (.50 tcw). I am not sure you are going to get the sparkle you are looking for. Maybe other posters opine differently.

Excellent point. I probably want the diamonds to be a little bigger. Not seeing the rin on an actual finger makes it hard to judge. I would think the diamonds should be 1-2 pts each and with 70 or so in the ring they are probably a little small. But I don't want them to take away from or compete with the Alex either.

 

[the_mother_thing]

I took a picture of the Alex beside another ring with a row of small diamonds to get an idea of ideal scale & size of diamonds. Do you all think these would be too big or just right? I think maybe just a hair smaller would be perfect. I don't know though the tp size for these so I captured a pic with a ruler to hopefully help ID their approximate size.

 

[the_mother_thing]

Diamond charts I found put these at somewhere around 2 pts, so I think going with 1.5 pt would look nice but not compete with the center stone. Would anyone agree or disagree? I am NOT the greatest when it comes to vision of finished product and rely heavily on visuals to "get me there along the way".

 

[lambskin]

I should tell you that I am not a big fan of halos as I am biased against teeny-tiny diamonds. That being said, PS has really educated me as to what a well set and proportioned halo looks like. IMHO, to have a halo with diamonds less than 2 pointers for the size of your CS really makes the ring look 'eh' and the sparkle is not there. I know price is always a consideration but I would rather have fewer bigger diamonds as accents than a whole ring of diamonds that the setting of each chip overwhelms the diamonds.

 

[LoversKites]

I think a fat halo is better than a skinny one.

 

[Euphony]

I feel completely the opposite. I hate chunky halos because I feel like they are competing with the stone. I think 1.5mm is a nice size. If they are well cut, they will have nice sparkle.

 

[minousbijoux]

I feel completely the opposite. I hate chunky halos because I feel like they are competing with the stone.

+1. Its all about the proportions.

 

[LoversKites]

I can't remember who (I think LD) posted a ring with a triple halo and I loved what a statement piece it made. So to correct my opinion I prefer a double halo with smaller diamonds rather than one halo with larger diamonds. I'm not a huge fan of halos in general but when done I like it overdone, weirdly.

 

[pregcurious]

I think the halo size depends on the style. I like larger halos in antique style (milgrain, engraving) rings, and thinner halos in more modern rings.

I think it's a personal preference.

 

[chrono]

I think the halo size depends on the style. I like larger halos in antique style (milgrain, engraving) rings, and thinner halos in more modern rings. I think it's a personal preference.

Ditto; and even when the melees are small, they will sparkle if well cut. Or if they are teeny tiny, you might want to consider single cut melees which sparkle better than full cut melees in those sizes.

 

[the_mother_thing]

Thanks much for the input everyone! One item to point out for clarification, while the Alex is 2.02 cts, it really (when compared to a diamond of the same ct weight) appears smaller like maybe a 1.5-1.7 carat (alex has a different specific gravity). Even I was a little surprised by that when I received it, thinking "for a 2ct stone this should be bigger" but am actually pleased with its size considering the setting I'm wanting. Anything bigger would not fit my lifestyle properly. Also, my desire for this stone to be in a halo is more for protective purposes but the added sparkle of the diamonds is quite pretty in person.

As an update - I am yet yet again switching jewelers. Stephen of MasterGoldCraft is a VERY busy man, which I respect. But I am a really visual person, and had several questions for him that I'd been waiting for about 2 weeks for a response to, and this wasn't the first time. I don't unrealistically expect a 1-man shop to respond to every question within 24 hours but 2+ weeks is a bit long, in my opinion. I fully admit that with this specific project, I am probably a bit too "needy" or hand-holding a client for his style, but I was put off by the lack of timely responses repeatedly. I had a question directed at him just before our car accident (in August) and he never came back to me on an answer, and since we were recovering it wasn't my priority at the time to send a reminder. It wasn't until I reached back out to him last month that I finally got a response. After the below-noted visit with another jeweler Saturday, I sent Stephen a polite email letting him know I was going in a different direction, and this time he responded within 45 mins. He does really nice work that I can see, and I'm sure a more "ready-made' customer or one with a simple project would be happy.

Ironically, in the midst of all this, my s/o was having a gun engraved Thursday by a semi local jeweler in the next town up (I'd not heard of them before), and he had conveyed my ongoing ring/jeweler woes to the owner while waiting on his gun. She told him to have me call her, so I spoke with her by phone Friday afternoon, had an appt Saturday morning where we spent two+ hours of unrushed, patient, creative discussion over my wishes/vision and covering every detail with her goldsmith.

The end result is that he will custom make a similar ring (twisty shank with halo and diamond ribbons curving underneath), but with the halo in rose gold and the shank twists in white gold, also with 1.5 pt size diamonds that are G/H in color and SI 1/2 in clarity. I do not want the diamonds to compete with the alex; rather, they should just enhance it. But they were VERY sparkly in person, so I don't fear a bad cut/sparkle with them. I was NOT personally a rose gold fan before but hadn't seen it in person before. He had a ring there he had made for another customer, which gave me a good visual idea of what this would look like, and I was blown away and really pleased being able to "touch and feel" during the process. I placed a deposit to start the CAD process, after which they will create a wax mold once CAD is approved, then cast the setting and finish the setting. I really feel like I FINALLY found the right jeweler for me ... being such a visual person - not only for this project, but for other ideas and things I might want to do in the future. And that they ARE a local business vs. trying to do this all online, over the phone, via email, etc. is a lot more comfortable to me.

So, after all that, thoughts on the rose gold? I really like how the 'coppery' color enhances the green of the Alex. I initially thought it might look off balance or be too trendy, but after seeing it 'in person', those fears (for me) were put to rest.

 

[LoversKites]

I think the halo size depends on the style. I like larger halos in antique style (milgrain, engraving) rings, and thinner halos in more modern rings.
.

Deliciously beautiful!

So, after all that, thoughts on the rose gold? I really like how the 'coppery' color enhances the green of the Alex. I initially thought it might look off balance or be too trendy, but after seeing it 'in person', those fears (for me) were put to rest.

I think it looks VERY nice and different and I understand what you mean about the coppery colour enhancing the green. I think there is a lovely harmony with the rose gold!

I've never thought of greenish stones in rose gold but certainly will from now on.

 

[the_mother_thing]

I think the halo size depends on the style. I like larger halos in antique style (milgrain, engraving) rings, and thinner halos in more modern rings.
.

Deliciously beautiful!

So, after all that, thoughts on the rose gold? I really like how the 'coppery' color enhances the green of the Alex. I initially thought it might look off balance or be too trendy, but after seeing it 'in person', those fears (for me) were put to rest.

I think it looks VERY nice and different and I understand what you mean about the coppery colour enhancing the green. I think there is a lovely harmony with the rose gold!

I've never thought of greenish stones in rose gold but certainly will from now on.

I was all about the milgrain also because I love that antique feel, but decided it would mute the effect of the rose gold too much and be a little "busy" for this ring I think, so abandoned that part of the plan.

 

[the_mother_thing]

At long last ... My Alex ring is complete! Thanks SOOOO much to those of you who helped me with your wisdom, experience & advice, in this thread and countless others.

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