Bulgari Trauma! Help me decide?

[decodelighted]

Date: 5/13/2007 6:24:14 PM
Author: angeline
I just feel that sometimes the overwhelming emphasis on PS is to maximize the size of the diamond whether through actually getting a bigger diamond, or thin thin bands or halos or whatever. I would just like to say that there are other looks than the rock on a thin band look. Sometime the overall style and panache or whatever word fits is what the ring is about and I think that it is in this case.

As one who didn''t pursue the big rock-on-a-thin-band look and/or HALO look ... I totally agree. I love "tank style" rings - and antique-flowing-up-to-the-stone looks -- more substantial etc.

HOWEVER -- I think what people are responding too ... more than trying to get I.G. to drink the big-rock-thin-band Kool-Aid ... is that SHE seems to be having DOUBTS. Usually when people have doubts & ignore them -- they end up having to reset or get a different ring etc etc etc etc. As seen TIME AND TIME AGAIN on the board.

Phrases like "didn''t enthrall me" or "Bulgari trauma" have a certain tinge to them

 

[anchor31]

You asked for honest opinions on your LIW thread so here I go... I''m not loving the setting at all. I like the suggestions that were given to you much more. However, I will not be wearing the ring, so... I go with what YOU love.

 

[Independent Gal]

Yes, it's true I'm a little unsure, but I do really dig the ring! I mentioned that I 'think I love it' in my original post although I confess it didn't hit me between the eyes like a 2.5 D ACA in a Leon setting would've... and I think my uncertainty is more along the lines of on the BrideWW board, when gals post some dresses they like and say 'Does this flatter me? Do you like this dress or that dress?'

It was my bad for using the word 'TRAUMA!' I guess I was trying to be funny/melodramatic!

Oops.

All of your feedback helps me keep a sense of perspective: do I love it partly because FF loves it? and it's made me aware of its... unconventionality and the fact that it's REALLY not everyone's (hardly ANYONE'S?) taste. Plus, I like Lady Kemma's insight that it's partly the mathyness of it that appeals, not just the froggyfeetedness!

Most importantly, if I look through all the alternatives you guys have suggested and I love this more than the others, that's sure to make me feel more certain!! And if I fidn one I love more, that's great too.

I've been wearing it around as an RHR today and have to admit it is SERIOUSLY growing on me. Funnily enough, my relationship with this ring has echoed my relationship with FF. When I first met him, I found him really intense and wasn't sure if I could handle him. But the more I got to know him, the more I saw his various wonderful and quirky features, and while he was sure I was the one IMMEDIATELY, I grew to love him over a couple of months and very much because of these wonderful and quirky features!

Anyway, that's what 30 day return policies are for. I still have a couple of weeks to 'get to know' the ring, and if, by then, I'm not IN LOVE with it (or at least, more in love with it), I promise you all that I won't keep it! Or at least that I promise I won't whine about it thereafter.

If we can't find anything we both love among your suggestions / other stuff on the various sites we've been haunting, there's always new stuff on SP, and we could always just go with a solitaire or eternity band... for now!

 

[Anastasia]

IG - How about doing some shopping and trying on other rings during the return period? I think that will help you decide how you feel about this ring. You may find that you like a different style entirely, or you may find that you keep coming back to this one and realizing that you love it.

 

[Cehrabehra]

Date: 5/13/2007 8:02:12 AM
Author: Independent Gal
Sara and Angeline: So glad I''m not the ONLY one who thinks it''s a cool ring (even if I''m unsure)! I do think it''s much prettier and daintier in person, and I''m pretty sure Sara is right that the engineering is top notch. It looks like fireworks in the sunshine, and preforms really well in most other lighting conditions I''ve tried.

Sara, teach me! What does ''star set'' prongs mean? And I love the phrase ''scintillation chamber''. That sounds like a chamber I would like in my home. When we move, I''ll have to make sure the realtor knows we''ll be needing one of those.

let me ask you a question and I want you to be honest with *yourself* - you are sitting on the fence about this ring.... and many of the women who kinda lead the pack around here for trends kinda hinted that they''d keep looking.... and my question to you is.... - what makes you unsure about this ring? How YOU feel about it, or how OTHERS might feel about it? It is okay to be concerned with what others think, I do that a lot, too much maybe. But when it came to my ring I definitely went off the beaten path and I am already certain that some here will look at my ring and shudder in disgust LOL I don''t even want you to answer the question here.... just think to yourself, are you concerned because it is different or is there something YOU don''t like about it? BTW I think it''s *perfectly* fine to have your fiance''s influence over this decision as long as you are 100% happy in the end as well - no regrets!

okay, now that I''ve said this.... by "star set" I mean the prongs are at 12/3/6/9 which is not unusual but is uncommon. It is also safer for the stone since we tend to hit them side to side the most (according to Garry). In order to have only 4 prongs and have no support bar, they need to be thicker prongs and as thick prongs go these are great - very fluid and not square. They allow you to see the naked diamond from 4 "windows" so to speak. And as for the "scintillation chamber" that''s one of my favorite things.... I''m having one in my ring. If your round is ideal, then you might not have much use for one, but my stone is a wonderfully leaky cushion that has rainbows coming out all OVER the place and the high polished mirrored surface under the stone will allow them to be reflected back All of those shiney valleys you have under your stone will catch colors and light and throw them into the diamond as well as catch light that escapes the diamond and will throw it back to you. Deco says hers is amazing and I know suzyqz loves hers as well.... I love rings that are engineered to *enhance* the optical performace of stones.... I saw a ring here somewhere that had a yellow stone that had the most amazing sparkles against the metal... I''ll see if I can find it for you

 

[AmandaD513]

I could see you femming it up some more with a curved to fit diamond band!

Good luck deciding. Just remember not to let anyone else make up your mind for you. Maybe you could get someone to photoshop some wedding band options for you so you can get an idea of what something like that would look like. I'm not sure if I could pull of the style myself, but I think from the sound of things you totally could!

 

[starryeyed]

Hi Independent Gal!

I remember seeing this ring for the first time earlier this year when browsing for settings. I thought - wow, that''s a wacky ring! Leave it up to those Italians!

It''s definitely quirky, but bottom line, Bvlgari makes beautiful stuff. I don''t think you can ever go wrong with one of their rings. Probably the more you wear it, the more you will love it. Over time, you will see more and more details that will make it more and more special. Little things like the curvature in a certain spot, or the precision of the prongs, or the quality of the polish.

Your DF must have thought the ring really goes with your personality. I''d trust him on this one!

Congratulations!

 

[Cehrabehra]

and here are some of suzyqz''s radiant with scintillation chambers, aka high polished mirrors, aka rainbow troughs, aka reflecting bowls!

 

[Cehrabehra]

Date: 5/13/2007 10:38:52 AM
Author: ladykemma
curious i wonder if it''s appealing to the math/science people? because i can see the math/science in the setting.

BTW, the setting sets off the stone, IMO.

bahahaha yeah, the physics of the ring are what get me! my ring is designed around physics with asthetics as a secondary thought LOL I bet if suzy was here right now she''d appreciate it too lol

 

[Cehrabehra]

Date: 5/13/2007 5:07:34 PM
Author: angeline

Date: 5/13/2007 10:38:52 AM
Author: ladykemma
curious i wonder if it''s appealing to the math/science people? because i can see the math/science in the setting.


BTW, the setting sets off the stone, IMO.

Interesting theory ladykemma. I''m one of the people that love it and my background is mathematical physics and computer science.

a

omg tooooo funny! I''m a couple years away from going back to school for the long haul through phd in physics LOL

 

[Cehrabehra]

Date: 5/13/2007 5:30:04 PM
Author: Independent Gal
Lady Kemma''s theory IS pretty interesting. Although I''m not a scientist or mathematician, I have a background in logic (including mathematical logic) and my work now is very analytic. And isn''t Sara a (proto?)physicist?

Kit: Just to be clear, that Bulgari is Greek / Roman was an afterthought, not a determining factor of the choice! Surfgirl was wondering if the Bulgariness of the ring appealed to him, and aside from it being an ''old'' company, the only thing about it that mattered to him was more like ''And hey! Cool! It''s Roman too!'' If you know what I mean...

I think things like coming from an old company can definitely be a swaying point all others considered.... and I''m not anything but a mama and college drop out for now, but the plan has always been when the youngest is in school full time...........

 

[Cehrabehra]

Date: 5/13/2007 6:24:14 PM
Author: angeline
I''m not sure how to word this and I certainly don''t want to offend anyone. I just feel that sometimes the overwhelming emphasis on PS is to maximize the size of the diamond whether through actually getting a bigger diamond, or thin thin bands or halos or whatever. I know I have/am doing that very same thing so it''s not like I don''t love a big rock!

I would just like to say that there are other looks than the rock on a thin band look. And this is one of them and I think it looks just fabulous and that it''s not always about making the diamond look bigger. Sometime the overall style and panache or whatever word fits is what the ring is about and I think that it is in this case.

imho

a

another benefit to a sturdy ring is never having to worry about taking it off to do the dishes LOL That sucker would be so easy to clean too!!! And yes... I agree with what you said about making the stones look larger.... the thing is, a lot of these illusions work best in photos and seem to be mostly for the benefit of other PSers ;D

 

[Kit]

Ooookay, Indy...

This was a bit stalkerish, BUT--I went back through some of your old posts and read about how you wanted, and I think bought, a Tiff legacy. At that time it was the ring that you wanted for your e-ring. Now, I understand that a gal can change her mind. Originally I wanted an asscher e-ring but now wouldn''t trade my RB for anything. But I just wanted to point this out. Right now, are you like, "Ooh, that Legacy sure is fine!" Or are you saying, "Well that Legacy is nice, but the Bulgari is pretty awesome." ????

I also wanted to say that in the beginning of our e-ring process, my FI was particulary opinionated almost to the point of dictating what kind of e-ring we would get regardless of my preferences. He fortunatley had a realization and decided that the ring should mainly be what I wanted, since I was going to be wearing it...phew!

Now I am not at all saying that your man is this way in the least, but perhaps if he really understood how much you liked halos, or whatever it is you really love, maybe he''d be excited about them too!

Or maybe you DO love this Bulgari after all. The important thing is, you want to be able to look at it every day for decades to come and just fall in love with it all over again..kind of like your future husband!

HTH!

 

[Cehrabehra]

Date: 5/13/2007 8:08:01 PM
Author: decodelighted

Date: 5/13/2007 6:24:14 PM
Author: angeline
I just feel that sometimes the overwhelming emphasis on PS is to maximize the size of the diamond whether through actually getting a bigger diamond, or thin thin bands or halos or whatever. I would just like to say that there are other looks than the rock on a thin band look. Sometime the overall style and panache or whatever word fits is what the ring is about and I think that it is in this case.

As one who didn''t pursue the big rock-on-a-thin-band look and/or HALO look ... I totally agree. I love ''tank style'' rings - and antique-flowing-up-to-the-stone looks -- more substantial etc.

HOWEVER -- I think what people are responding too ... more than trying to get I.G. to drink the big-rock-thin-band Kool-Aid ... is that SHE seems to be having DOUBTS. Usually when people have doubts & ignore them -- they end up having to reset or get a different ring etc etc etc etc. As seen TIME AND TIME AGAIN on the board.

Phrases like ''didn''t enthrall me'' or ''Bulgari trauma'' have a certain tinge to them

ITA with the first part and the second part I saw too but I couldn''t tell if her doubts had to do with being involved in this community and bracing herself for a negative reception or if they''re really her own doubts... and I think it would be wise for her to explore that and if it ends up being a concern with what ps thinks then I think she should tell us all to stuff it

 

[Kit]

Wow, you math/science people are making me see ring design in a whole new light!

 

[DMBsGirl]

I also have a small finger (4.25) and when trying on rings, I preferred very thin delicate settings, and definitely halos. So, it''s not surprising that this ring is not one I would chose. But that doesn''t matter, YOU have to love it. Once I tried on a halo with a 2mm band, I KNEW that was what I wanted. My tastes haven''t changed since. I know you mentioned you liked halos but your FF doesn''t. I know personally that if I didnt get my halo I''d never be truly happy. Give yourself some time, but don''t try to MAKE yourself love it. Better to change your mind during the 30 days, than find out 2 months down the road that you''re still longing for something else. Best of luck!

 

[starryeyed]

So if you would want to go with another ring from Signed Pieces, check out this Cartier 0.62 E VS2 with 20 side diamonds $4750.

However, I''m liking this Bvlgari ring more and more.....

 

[Cehrabehra]

Date: 5/13/2007 9:37:05 PM
Author: Anastasia
IG - How about doing some shopping and trying on other rings during the return period? I think that will help you decide how you feel about this ring. You may find that you like a different style entirely, or you may find that you keep coming back to this one and realizing that you love it.

this is an excellent idea - I did this with my stone.... it wasn''t exactly what I had pictured in my head (I pictured more evenly spaced pavillion mains) and well... I kept it But going around and comparing it is always a good thing. If you really love this setting but find the diamond itself isn''t great (use your eyes!) then you can always have a ring made like this custom with an ACA stone... just make sure you HEAVILY document this ring to show the jeweler LOL

 

[Cehrabehra]

one more thing and I *wish* I had a pic to show you.... but this is a VERY old setting style.... typically seen with 6 prongs, I''ve never seen it with 4 before. In this ring of yours things are a bit exaggerated, the troughs are wider, deeper, the prongs are thicker, it''s like an alternative (modern) twist on a classic (antique) style. I''m gonna see if I can find a 6 prong version.....

 

[Independent Gal]

First of all, Sara, in addition to your very wise advice, can I just say that learning about the engineering makes me even MORE excited about this ring. The stone is cut deep and I was worried about that. But then it seems to preform so well with amazing fire and scintallation coming out everywhere.... FF was all ''WOWOWOWOW! Look at that stone go!'' Now that I understand the engineering that ''makes it so'', it''s THAT much more exciting. I can''t wait to tell him about it. In some light, it looks dark, but in most lighting, it looks gorgeous.

Anastasia: I think your advice is really smart. I''ve looked at a LOT of rings on here and elsewhere, but only ever tried on a few in stores. And besides, I think it would be smart to look again with this one now in mind. Great advice!

Kit: Stalk away!

If it''s on the net, it''s for public consumption. You''re right that I''m smitten with the Tiffany legacy. Still am! I''ve now got a couple of haloed rings though, and FF HATES halos, so that was out of the question.

Starryeyed: I was also looking at that Cartier on SP, and FF and I went in to Cartier to have a look at it (well, it''s cousin) in person and FF was all "B - O - R - I - N -G" I think it''s really beautiful, actually, though I agree it''s conventional. But e-rings aren''t even part of FF''s culture, so it''s very important to me that he feel invested in this purchase, if you know what I mean. I don''t want him to think he''s buying it juuuust because it''s ''expected'' or even just to make me happy. That makes it even more important that he love it too.

And truth be told, I am a not-exactly-conventional Gal, so I guess I should have been able to guess that if he picked me, he might pick a WACKY ring too!

I am going to exercise serious due diligence and make sure I''m truly happy with this ring and for the right reasons, but honestly? I suspect I will say ''Yes'' to the ring... oh...and to the man too of course.

 

[Cehrabehra]

Date: 5/13/2007 10:49:12 PM
Author: Independent Gal
First of all, Sara, in addition to your very wise advice, can I just say that learning about the engineering makes me even MORE excited about this ring. The stone is cut deep and I was worried about that. But then it seems to preform so well with amazing fire and scintallation coming out everywhere.... FF was all ''WOWOWOWOW! Look at that stone go!'' Now that I understand the engineering that ''makes it so'', it''s THAT much more exciting. I can''t wait to tell him about it. In some light, it looks dark, but in most lighting, it looks gorgeous.

well, this is the land of ideal rounds rule it seems... and they are fantastic for sure! But I am not convinced even a little bit that having 100% of the light and rainbow and sparkle going in just ONE direction (however potently) is better than having a stone that is beautiful from *every* direction. Now, for a pendant I would go for the one direction intense return, but for a ring I actually prefer my stone that is a sparkly rainbow from every direction

when you say the stone is dark sometimes - what lighting is that?

 

[Independent Gal]

I can''t remember for sure which lighting made it look dark, I was looking at it under so many different conditions... but I think it was under the light in my building''s elevator which is, I think flourescent, and covered by plastic... I''ll double check.

Do ideals ever look dark?

 

[Cehrabehra]

Date: 5/13/2007 11:07:58 PM
Author: Independent Gal
I can''t remember for sure which lighting made it look dark, I was looking at it under so many different conditions... but I think it was under the light in my building''s elevator which is, I think flourescent, and covered by plastic... I''ll double check.

Do ideals ever look dark?

in full sun they do - though IME (though mine isn''t an ideal) it is MORE than offset by the billion rainbows leaping off the stone!!

sometimes in the lighting you describe it can be blah, and personally I''m not a huge fan of cloudy days but I''ve heard some rave about the shades of silver and grey and I might be able to embrace that if I ever leave oregon lol

 

[gailrmv]

hi there IG!
To be honest, it is not really my taste, but if you like it, that''s all that matters. I''m really into the solitaires and simple stuff for my "serious" jewelry (I like funkier stuff for my "fun" jewelry) so we have different approaches and that''s OK!
~$5K is a lot of money and you''ll hopefully be wearing the ring the rest of your life, so I''d just make sure you feel GREAT about it before deciding for sure!

 

[ladykemma]

Date: 5/13/2007 10:39:40 PM
Author: Cehrabehra
one more thing and I *wish* I had a pic to show you.... but this is a VERY old setting style.... typically seen with 6 prongs, I''ve never seen it with 4 before. In this ring of yours things are a bit exaggerated, the troughs are wider, deeper, the prongs are thicker, it''s like an alternative (modern) twist on a classic (antique) style. I''m gonna see if I can find a 6 prong version.....

it''s called a belcher style. look on ebay.

 

[oshinbreez]

One thing about the ring is that it''s "Unique". I mean that in a good way. I''m not meaning to offend anyone when I say this, but there are so many rings on here that are halos and delicate settings, that they all look the same to me. I also like things that are not what most have. I couldn''t imagine myself with a delicate halo ring, even though they are pretty. I want something that I won''t see on everyone else.....something as "unique" as me.

 

[Cehrabehra]

Date: 5/14/2007 5:37:06 AM
Author: ladykemma

Date: 5/13/2007 10:39:40 PM
Author: Cehrabehra
one more thing and I *wish* I had a pic to show you.... but this is a VERY old setting style.... typically seen with 6 prongs, I''ve never seen it with 4 before. In this ring of yours things are a bit exaggerated, the troughs are wider, deeper, the prongs are thicker, it''s like an alternative (modern) twist on a classic (antique) style. I''m gonna see if I can find a 6 prong version.....

it''s called a belcher style. look on ebay.

Thanks LK!!
Here''s a couple of them.... the bottom one looks almost identical to an old family ring of ours that my aunt has... my great grandmother got it for her 16th birthday and she gave it to my aunt for her 16th and my aunt is desperately waiting for a 16 year old granddaughter to give it to.... alas.... I louped it at t''giving and the stone is soooooo irregular.

I''m curious though - your ring looks like it is solid metal under the stone - is that the case? Can you see how much more smooth, modern, and updated your ring is? But this is its inspiration in antiquity!

 

[Cehrabehra]

dang, it would help if I attached @@

 

[allycat0303]

Independent Gal,

I didn''t read the whole thread so I don''t know where you are with your trauma! I like the ring a lot! I know I''m not in the majority here, but I think it''s offbeat, pretty and artistic. It looks like an engagement ring for a girl that isn''t 100% traditional, and I really llike the hand picture.

As for liking, or not being sure. Seriously, when I got my ring which was EXACTLY what I wanted, I was on the fence about it. I waver in and out of like/dislike of it. But honestly, I think it''s a grass is greener on the other side, or that there are SO many different styles to choose from. To my anyways, it''s like wearing the same shoes 365 days of the year, you''re bound to find something pretty at some point. So I''d suggest you wear it, go browse in the jewelery shops and try some other rings on, see if there is anything that you would say "yes, I would trade my ring for this one (taking in budget constraints etc.)" because that probably means it''s not for you.

Good luck!

 

[FireGoddess]

IG, I am not a big fan of the ring, stand alone or on your finger. However, I''m not the one who will be wearing it! I''d take a day or two and see how you feel - if you still have doubts, it may be for a good reason.