Anyone go from Solitaire to 3 Stone and regret? or Vice Versa?

[TruLuv858]

While Coco has been with Grace this past year, I have had a TON of time to contemplate my Final Upgrade... Just when I think I have honed in on what I truly want, I begin to question if it will provide enough real estate where DSS won't rear its ugly head... for my fellow Bling Lovers, you know exactly what I mean. My journey started with a 2.5 OMB flanked by 2 Bullets by Mark at BE, it was beautiful, I wore it for about 6 years, and then I switched over to a Halo with the same stone. I wore that piece for about 7 years. I then dipped my Toe into the Old Cut world and bought a beautiful 4.56 OEC with gorgeous checkered faceting- I grew tired of the Halo and really just wanted one big Honker of a stone- but I wore it for a few weeks and realize it didn't make my heart sing the way I had hoped. I initially thought it was the round shape, but I am pretty sure, now looking back, it was just too warm of a stone for me. Despite the fact that the OEC was a VERY BRIGHT O/P, also my DH never "loved" it and was actually relieved I sort of felt the same about the warmth (pic in avatar). My original OMB was a J and always felt ICEY white to me. So now I have honed in on either an MRB, of which I will likely head over to WF OR a Pear- I know they are different animals, I have been studying them for years. The faceting and brightness of a Round just can't be beat, but the real estate and regalness of a Pear has me swooning too. My Budget will likely have me playing in the 3 carat space, so I know the spread of a Pear will go further.

My question is this... I have seen so many of you go back and forth on Soli's to 3 stones and vice versa... please tell me about your journey (with pics) and what compelled you to reset? I am debating on this very thing now, and while I LOVE the idea of a 3 stone for the real estate, it appears many went to a soli because the 3 stone made their center look smaller? So, tell me all the things!

 

[MissGotRocks]

I went from a solitaire to a three stone setting years ago. The center stone is a WF ACA diamond that grew in size to its current 2.53 size with .33 side stones. While I love a beautiful solitaire, and love the different stacking options that can go along with it, I will probably never go back. For me, a solitaire looks lovely on a young hand, but the three stone suits my older hand! I love the finger coverage and once you have had that, you might never be satisfied going back to a solitaire - just food for thought!
Sorry this pic came out so big! Will be interested in following your journey and I wish you all the best!

 

[maryjane04]

I'm following because I'm also interested to know.

My only thoughts are that since you had a 4.5ct - you'll probably expect that level of coverage. A 3ct will definitely not scratch that itch. So you'll probably be better off with a 3 stone.

 

[Mreader]

Can you get two rings?

 

[Slickk]

A couple of our members have had an enhancer ring with side stones made which enables them to go from a solitaire to a three stone ring. Perhaps you should explore that option.

 

[TruLuv858]

I went from a solitaire to a three stone setting years ago. The center stone is a WF ACA diamond that grew in size to its current 2.53 size with .33 side stones. While I love a beautiful solitaire, and love the different stacking options that can go along with it, I will probably never go back. For me, a solitaire looks lovely on a young hand, but the three stone suits my older hand! I love the finger coverage and once you have had that, you might never be satisfied going back to a solitaire - just food for thought!
Sorry this pic came out so big! Will be interested in following your journey and I wish you all the best!

Yes! I've followed your journey, you have been top of mind and I LOVE your ring! Thank you for sharing your thoughts MGR!

 

[TruLuv858]

I'm following because I'm also interested to know.

My only thoughts are that since you had a 4.5ct - you'll probably expect that level of coverage. A 3ct will definitely not scratch that itch. So you'll probably be better off with a 3 stone.

Yes, I have considered this, but I am willing to go down in size for sparkle and color! I'm headed tomorrow to a B&M just to try things on and see what I like! The loss in coverage is what has me leaning towards a 3 stone, or a Pear!

 

[MissGotRocks]

Yes! I've followed your journey, you have been top of mind and I LOVE your ring! Thank you for sharing your thoughts MGR!

Thank you - I am sure you will choose what is best for you. Forgot to add that my finger size is 5.25 - 5.5. That makes a difference too in terms of coverage. I think the placement of side stones help determine whether they detract or add to the look of the center stone. I prefer them smaller and tucked under a bit, but others have liked the girdle to girdle look. Just all in what you envision for yourself. Can’t wait to see what you decide; no wrong answer, just personal preference.

 

[lala646]

What about the best of both worlds? Get the solitaire of your dreams, and then get a wrap made for the 3 stone look or the halo look. I think it was @mrs-b who had David Klass make a wrap for her that turns her gorgeous soli to a 3-stone, and @oldcutclubmember had CvB make a wrap that turns her 3 stone to an amazing cluster. Pasting DK's Instagram post below, as well as OCCM's thread.

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Thread 'Cordelia the 2.81 OMC and her sartorial namesake by CVB'

Feb 1, 2023

There are some twists and turns as to how this whole piece came about so feel free to skip to the pics!

There is an antique ring that has lived in the “ring inspo” folder in my phone for 8 years. That ring is actually the one that lead me to create the folder in the first place and the first pic was screenshot in July of 2014 according to my iPhone.

Since then, there have been many life changes both personally and professionally. In the beginning of 2022, I started thinking more seriously about getting this ring finally made as a RHR. It involved an OMC as the center stone so I...

• oldcutclubmember
• Replies: 72
• Forum: Show Me the Bling! (Rings, Earrings, Jewelry)

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[TruLuv858]

I have considered a wrap, but it feels I would just be wearing another ring, and it would feel "bulky" as two rings if that makes sense? I would prefer to have something seamless... I am headed into the city tomorrow (boston) and plan to head into the jewelry district just to get a feel. I really haven't tried a proper 3 stone on my hand. I did order an amazon tester, but the measurements were totally off, it was way too small to get the appropriate feel.

 

[peppermintpatty]

I’m not sure exactly what you have in mind with regard to setting a pear. I just love this classic look. Personally I love that you still have a lot of fire with a pear, it elongates the finger. As long as you can find a nice one without a bow tie, I think it’s a sleek and sexy look!
I feel with a somewhat longer pear, your finger coverage would be very nice too!

Good luck with your search!

 

[TruLuv858]

I’m not sure exactly what you have in mind with regard to setting a pear. I just love this classic look. Personally I love that you still have a lot of fire with a pear, it elongates the finger. As long as you can find a nice one without a bow tie, I think it’s a sleek and sexy look!
I feel with a somewhat longer pear, your finger coverage would be very nice too!

Good luck with your search!

I completely agree! I love the way pears look on me and the real estate is chefs kiss! I’m pretty sure I would set a pear as a 3 stone with pear sides, it’s just so classic- I feel like a pear needs balance on either side… some kind of stone. I also think my money might go a tad further with this cut! Thanks for sharing this pic!

 

[peppermintpatty]

I love your idea of pear sides. I think you'll get even more finger coverage with those than bullets or baguettes. Another classic look for sure! I agree, I think your money will go further too. I can't wait to see what you decide!

 

[maryjane04]

Hey @TruLuv858 how did you go with trying on your options? We would love to see pics!

 

[TruLuv858]

Hey @TruLuv858 how did you go with trying on your options? We would love to see pics!

Hey! Thanks for checking in! I didn’t take any pics, lol! They didn’t have as many options as I had hoped. What I discovered tho, is that a round diamond may not be for me… it just wasn’t enough real estate… I did try on a gorgeous 4.5 carat pear, that I shouldn’t have - and that definitely ruined my round solitaire expectations! My DH also preferred the Pear… so back to my Pear vision I go!

What I discovered is that I LOVE rounds on others but on my hand I just feel “meh.”

 

[maryjane04]

Aww honestly @TruLuv858 I didn't think the round was ever going to be the one for you hahaha.

But now the dilemma is for fancy cuts you could definitely pull off more ct than a round lol. Maybe a smaller pear with the side pears might be enough..

 

[TruLuv858]

Aww honestly @TruLuv858 I didn't think the round was ever going to be the one for you hahaha.

But now the dilemma is for fancy cuts you could definitely pull off more ct than a round lol. Maybe a smaller pear with the side pears might be enough..

RIght?! I keep trying to make it workt with the rounds, and I need to stay focused! There are just so many beautiful ones here on PS. PS really messes with our heads...

I am thinking a 3-3.5 Pear, with Pears on the sides... will probably enlist DBL, I have talked to him a few times over the years about various other projects that never came to fruition, and he has always been so pleasant. I also think he has a knack for finding great Fancy cuts, at competitive prices. I just need Coco to sell so I can be off to the races, lol!

 

[maryjane04]

PS really messes with our heads...

Hahaha tell me about it. Before PS I think I would have been extremely happy with a 1.5-2ct average cut mrb lol.

DBL is a great option so you're in good hands. A 3-3.5ct pear would be lovely on your hand.




P.s. sending you dust so Coco sells soon.

 

[oncrutchesrightnow]

Well, you decided on a pear, so don’t know if this will help you anymore, but just in case…

Can you get two rings?

This is the way!

Long story short, I ended up with a bunch of solitaires, one ginormous three stone, and a couple five-stones. It all started when I got this ring with a 0.50 center as an alternative ring because I was not wearing my main ring with a larger center stone very often.



Loved the center stone size. Decided I wanted a three stone. Kept the first ring and got a second ring.



Did not like the proportions so turned it into a five stone.



In the meantime, I got a lab AVR (not shown) and wanted an earth AVR.



Loved the AVR. Was happy with the 5.5mm size but AVR facets are so pretty that I wanted a bigger AVR.



Could never decide which AVR to wear, missed having a three stone, plus I wanted something blingy that was different from all the 5-6mm solitaires in my collection, so I turned the two earth AVRs into a honking 3 stone with a halo.



Can do this on my budget because I like 5-6mm center stones. If you like larger stones and budget does not allow for a giant solitaire plus a giant three stone, you could get an alternative ring in lab grown diamonds. Even if the thought of lab diamonds does not thrill you, having a lab grown version of either your dream solitaire or your dream three stone for occasional wear might help you not switch between natural diamond solitaire and three stone over and over and over again, because when you get the itch, you can try the alternative ring on and then ask yourself if you want to give up your dream ring for the alternative ring.

 

[concun]

@oncrutchesrightnow btw, I the last 3 stone ring. It is unique.

 

[TruLuv858]

Well, you decided on a pear, so don’t know if this will help you anymore, but just in case…



This is the way!

Long story short, I ended up with a bunch of solitaires, one ginormous three stone, and a couple five-stones. It all started when I got this ring with a 0.50 center as an alternative ring because I was not wearing my main ring with a larger center stone very often.



Loved the center stone size. Decided I wanted a three stone. Kept the first ring and got a second ring.



Did not like the proportions so turned it into a five stone.



In the meantime, I got a lab AVR (not shown) and wanted an earth AVR.



Loved the AVR. Was happy with the 5.5mm size but AVR facets are so pretty that I wanted a bigger AVR.



Could never decide which AVR to wear, missed having a three stone, plus I wanted something blingy that was different from all the 5-6mm solitaires in my collection, so I turned the two earth AVRs into a honking 3 stone with a halo.



Can do this on my budget because I like 5-6mm center stones. If you like larger stones and budget does not allow for a giant solitaire plus a giant three stone, you could get an alternative ring in lab grown diamonds. Even if the thought of lab diamonds does not thrill you, having a lab grown version of either your dream solitaire or your dream three stone for occasional wear might help you not switch between natural diamond solitaire and three stone over and over and over again, because when you get the itch, you can try the alternative ring on and then ask yourself if you want to give up your dream ring for the alternative ring.

What a journey!! Thank you for sharing! Such beautiful pieces!

 

[mrs-b]

What about the best of both worlds? Get the solitaire of your dreams, and then get a wrap made for the 3 stone look or the halo look. I think it was @mrs-b who had David Klass make a wrap for her that turns her gorgeous soli to a 3-stone, and @oldcutclubmember had CvB make a wrap that turns her 3 stone to an amazing cluster. Pasting DK's Instagram post below, as well as OCCM's thread.

Hi @lala646

No - not me. Bliss did it many years ago, then another PSer whose ID escapes me (Susan! I'm sorry!!), did it too.

My three stone - Beloved - is definitely my dream ring, and left me with no itches to scratch! She's made from 3 x ACA's, all H VS1, center 4.05? 4.07? - I cant remember, i'm sorry! - and sides that are 1.12 and 1.13 cts respectively. All up, it's 6 and 1/3 ctw, size 7.25.

ETA I'm definitely a 3 stone girlie. I have my sides set very angled, and I like the way they curve around my finger. I've had a number of solitaires, and I like them a lot - but I always seem drawn back to that elongated, side-to-side look. I won't ever be changing my Beloved - for me, she's perfect!

 

[TruLuv858]

Hi @lala646

No - not me. Bliss did it many years ago, then another PSer whose ID escapes me (Susan! I'm sorry!!), did it too.

My three stone - Beloved - is definitely my dream ring, and left me with no itches to scratch! She's made from 3 x ACA's, all H VS1, center 4.05? 4.07? - I cant remember, i'm sorry! - and sides that are 1.12 and 1.13 cts respectively. All up, it's 6 and 1/3 ctw, size 7.25.

ETA I'm definitely a 3 stone girlie. I have my sides set very angled, and I like the way they curve around my finger. I've had a number of solitaires, and I like them a lot - but I always seem drawn back to that elongated, side-to-side look. I won't ever be changing my Beloved - for me, she's perfect!

Your Ring Mrs-B is iconic around these parts!!!

 

[nala]

I have. The issue I have with a 3 stone is that I can SEE a difference between the center stone and the sidestones. I once posted about it and there is a technical reason for this, which I forget what. I can see it in any style and even when the color and cut are all similar. I see it in person and I see it jn pictures. It bugs me.