CADs for mother child pendant. Help!

[cwt5770]

I’m working with David Klass to create an S style mother/child pendant with my and my son’s birthstone (peridot and garnet).
Hope this is an ok post as I posted earlier this week asking opinions, though not on CADs.
I think I like the first CAD better where the sides are closed, as it looks cleaner to me, but I was worried the garnet might look kind of dark.
David sent one with open sides, but I don’t think I really like the look. Maybe if the sides were open with some kind of design instead of straight prongs?
Also, I told him I wanted some kind of milgrain or engraving on the pendant to give it some more visual interest, but do you think it would be better in plain yellow gold?
I welcome any input because I feel like I’m not really sure what I want! I’ve added a pic of the stones and screenshot of the CADs.
Thanks!

 

[monarch64]

I would want full coverage on both stones and a full milgrain treatment. Plain, polished YG reminds me of mother’s jewelry of the 1990s, just seems dated. Milgrain all around and up the bale would be really pretty, I think.

 

[cwt5770]

I would want full coverage on both stones and a full milgrain treatment. Plain, polished YG reminds me of mother’s jewelry of the 1990s, just seems dated. Milgrain all around and up the bale would be really pretty, I think.

Thank you! I do like the idea of milgrain. I was also thinking that in lieu of milgrain maybe a single line of tiny melee up one side of the pendant, or do you think that would be weird?

 

[momofive]

What about a simple filigree for the basket? Not swirly, as you already have that with the S design, but some kind of open cage. Will give more support, but leave some room for light.

 

[monarch64]

Thank you! I do like the idea of milgrain. I was also thinking that in lieu of milgrain maybe a single line of tiny melee up one side of the pendant, or do you think that would be weird?

I’m in favor of melee. The more sparkle, the better!

 

[goringsari]

Thank you! I do like the idea of milgrain. I was also thinking that in lieu of milgrain maybe a single line of tiny melee up one side of the pendant, or do you think that would be weird? funny shooter 2

I think it's a good idea!