calling DIAMONDFAN + any others with larger stones

[leadfoot]

Well, I have decided on a stone. Finally. That was harder than I thought it would be.


Now I am having a hard time with the setting. I opted for a squatty emerald - not quite an asscher, but not quite an emerald. A Squasscher I guess??? The just of it is that its GIA 8.94cts H VS1, no flour and a lengh to width ratio 1.17:1

So here is what I am looking at:

either a pave encrusted thing - thinking Leon Mege, no halo as the stone is already large.
or a simple catherdal style solitare setting, to let the diamond do all the talking.

Either way, I have been faced with the question about the thickness of the band. A few of the jewelers I have contacted have said that with a stone that large, I should opt for a wider band to balance the weight and avoid spinning. My gf has thinner fingers and is pretty much against anything wide and "chunky." What should I do?

Is the spin on the larger stones THAT bad? Does it bother you? Do you have some sort of secret of making the ring not spin? Should I listen to the jewelers and go wider, even though I KNOW my gf would rather have something thin? (like 2-3mms at best) What do you all think would be the best way to do this thing?

Thanks much in advance!!

 

[belle]

lol...squassher...
hehehee

a 2mm band is so very very thin. is your gf basing her preference for the 2mm on an 8+ carat stone? with the larger size i wouldn''t do the ultra thin band. i doubt too many jewelers would put an 8-9ct. diamond on a 2mm pave mount.. there is just not much support there.

 

[Mara]

ixnay on the 2mm band for an almost 9c stone!!

i love the squassher moniker, classic!!

i''d put that baby on a 3-4mm band. it''s still not going to be HUGE and bulky but it will allow for less ''floppage''...and more support.

 

[Dee*Jay]

Definitely go a little wider. Not super chunky, but enough to support the stone comfortably without all that "spinage."

 

[KittenKat]

I love the squasscher name!!

You must post photos of this stone

 

[SoonIHope]

I would go for a SPLIT SHANK

with ~2-3mm per piece! Then she gets the delicate elegant not-clunky look she wants, but there''s extra support for the stone! Something like this Leon Mege??

 

[diamondseeker2006]

I agree with the others that a 2mm band on a diamond that large won''t work. But I just wanted to add that a diamond like that needs either Mark Morrell or Leon Mege to set it. Deciding which one would be the hard part!

 

[Kaleigh]

I want to see pics of this squasscher!!!! As everyone else has said don''t go with a shank that is too thin. A stone this size needs some support. Please post some pics???

 

[leadfoot]

Squassher..... I should change my SN to Squassher....hehehe!

To be honest, she has a thin ring that I gave her that has a sapphire and a little halo of diamonds on it that is 2mms. She wears it all the time and loves it - can I blame her? lol! I just figured that since that width looks good, and she likes it to go with the same on her e-ring. She really is against the wider bands, thats why I am tentative. I am picturing "wider" as being this big chunk of metal on her finger in my mind, it probably is the equivalent to a men''s band of 10mm''s wide in real life.... I just want to be sure it''s right, ya know?

If I went the pave route, would it be something like 2 or 3 rows of pave, then? I feel I am such an idiot when it comes to choosing jewelry design, heck - I get frustrated when she asks me to pick shoes to go with my slacks!! Would you think since the spread of the stone will cover much of her finger the way it is, adding the pave isn''t going to even be visible? She doesnt want anything "eternity" style, she doesn''t want any stones on the backside.... (ahem....)

Spinage, blingage, floppage....

Off-topic here, but when we were dating, she had this thing of adding -age to everything. it was so dorky and cute at the same time!! It got old after a while, but it''s stuck ever since... so she''s my "Lovage" and on and on, I will keep the other sappy baby-talk words to myself - gotta hold up the "Tough Guy" appearance here!

And I can''t post pictures yet..... only when the ring is finished and on her hand. (as soon as I get it in my hot hands i will be on the knee for sure. I can''t wait any longer!!) I think some of her friends drop in Pricescope once in a while, and I want to keep my posts picture free till THE DAY comes!

 

[leadfoot]

I am in NO WAY trying to tease you ps''ers here, I just know that a few of her friends tune in here, and I don''t want any leakage of vital information. I swear, cross my heart, scouts honor that you will be the first people to get a glimpse of the little buggar post-proposal!

I was thinking of the idea of having Leon create something, but his wait time seems SO long!?!?

 

[FireGoddess]

Definitely nix the 2mm band idea! My 1.5 ct pear with halo is on a 2mm band and I wouldn''t go any bigger stone-wise on such a thin band. This project sounds great - can''t wait to see the stone!

 

[SoonIHope]

Date: 4/24/2006 3:34:21 PM
Author: leadfoot
I swear, cross my heart, scouts honor that you will be the first people to get a glimpse of the little buggar post-proposal!

YOU BETTER BE TELLING THE TRUTH!!!!

And I would be reeeeeally tempted by Leon...sure it takes longer, but go browse through his stuff and remind yourself why so many people think it''s worth the wait!

 

[widget]

"Squasscher".....that''s great! Why didn''t I think of that???

If I were you, I''d almost want to settle on the designer first, and then discuss with him/her what the possibilities are in regards to mounting your stone.

Besides the aforementioned Leon and Mark, have you checked out qqq''s thread "The Royal Setting"?

I am really impressed with the workmanship of this designer (Maytal), and she apparently comes with good credentials, having formerly worked with Michael Beaudry.

Just thought I''d mention it.

Have fun!
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[Mimikins24]

I agree that the 2mm band will be too tiny to support the lovely squasscher you picked out!!! The split shank Leon Mege that Albicocca posted gets my vote --- I think it maintains the look of a thin band, but provides support for a large stone.

BTW --- I have a suspicion that your lovely GF may be a member of this site in the LIW forum --- so you may want to be careful of that! The story of how you met and your love of cars seems eerily familiar!

 

[KristyDarling]

I like Widget''s idea of choosing your designer first, then working with him/her on your style decisions. For a squasscher as large as yours, Leon Mege should be a front-runner. He seems to specialize in large stones, as well as the pave/dainty look that your girlfriend likes. He is WELL worth the wait! (I think it''s around 8 weeks for a pave custom ring)

The pave split shank idea that someone mentioned above might be one great way of avoiding a thicker single shank....you still get the dainty look but the style might help stabilize the stone on the finger and reduce the amount of spinning.

Your GF is one lucky lady to be receiving such a ginormous rock!!!!

 

[windowshopper]

Date: 4/24/2006 3:34:21 PM
Author: leadfoot
I am in NO WAY trying to tease you ps''ers here, I just know that a few of her friends tune in here, and I don''t want any leakage of vital information. I swear, cross my heart, scouts honor that you will be the first people to get a glimpse of the little buggar post-proposal!

I was thinking of the idea of having Leon create something, but his wait time seems SO long!?!?

i would avoid Leon personally--he has as many detractors as fans--inconsistent work and sloppy details at times. mark morrell may be your best bet

 

[widget]

Author:leadfoot

So here is what I am looking at:

either a pave encrusted thing - thinking Leon Mege, no halo as the stone is already large.
or a simple catherdal style solitare setting, to let the diamond do all the talking.

Hi leadfoot...I''m back with another opinion...

First of all, I think that diamond is going to do all the talking, regardless of how you mount it!!

I vote for a simple cathedral solitaire setting...perhaps with baguette sides. I just don''t think it could get better than that.

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[windowshopper]

i have an idea as well. ...............two 2.2 ish mm bands leading up to the basket with about 2.5mm space between the two and both bands being micro paved including the basket. the double band provides stability but they can stay more delicate as there are two

 

[KristyDarling]

Date: 4/24/2006 4:49:37 PM
Author: widget

Author:leadfoot

So here is what I am looking at:

either a pave encrusted thing - thinking Leon Mege, no halo as the stone is already large.
or a simple catherdal style solitare setting, to let the diamond do all the talking.

Hi leadfoot...I'm back with another opinion...

First of all, I think that diamond is going to do all the talking, regardless of how you mount it!!

I vote for a simple cathedral solitaire setting...perhaps with baguette sides. I just don't think it could get better than that.

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Yes!!! A la Diamondfan!!! I agree, that would be fabulous and SOOOO classy looking!

ETA: a simple basket setting would be lovely too. But agree that tapered baguettes on the side would be incredible-looking. And still very dainty!

 

[KristyDarling]

Uhhhh, Leadfoot. You said in another thread that you sold a car to finance the purchase of this ring? Well, based on that info and other tidbits you''ve shared (and like Mimi said above) I''m pretty darn sure your lady is one of the LIWs on this forum. Better skedaddle if you want to maintain the surprise, hmm?? I wish I could''ve PMed you this info, sorry!

 

[icekid]

Date: 4/24/2006 3:21:57 PM
Author: albicocca
I would go for a SPLIT SHANK

with ~2-3mm per piece! Then she gets the delicate elegant not-clunky look she wants, but there''s extra support for the stone! Something like this Leon Mege??

That Leon is one of my absolute all time favs- I think a split shank would be perfect with that huuuge stone!

 

[jaz464]

I love the idea that albicocca posted. That is one of my all-time favorite rings! It really needs a big stone to pull if off so it would be perfect for you. Delicate yet protective.

On another topic, my 2 ct diamond e-ring was quite the spinner when I got it. It drove me crazy! I highly recommend a horseshoe spring if your GF has a problem with spinning. I have attached a pic of my ring with the spring in it:

 

[Mara]

Date: 4/24/2006 5:24:06 PM
Author: KristyDarling
Uhhhh, Leadfoot. You said in another thread that you sold a car to finance the purchase of this ring? Well, based on that info and other tidbits you've shared (and like Mimi said above) I'm pretty darn sure your lady is one of the LIWs on this forum. Better skedaddle if you want to maintain the surprise, hmm?? I wish I could've PMed you this info, sorry!

HA HA this totally intrigued me...your girl IS SO TOTALLY one of the LIW's!!! I figured it out in the last 30 minutes and read both her old posts and yours to make sure...there are a few posts that clinch it...so yes be careful! I'd even have the Administrator delete the thread where you talk about how you two met and your background and how you got the $$ to fund her ring purchase.

Interestingly enough, does she have any idea that you are considering getting her such a large stone?? From some previous posts she made, she's expecting something...oh about 1/8 of the size that you are purchasing.

I love a big stone just like the rest of us diamond loving gals, but just be sure she will wear something that much larger than what she was expecting....just figured I'd throw that out there just in case. Oh and I like the split shank setting idea.

 

[diamondfan]

Date: 4/24/2006 3:21:57 PM
Author: albicocca
I would go for a SPLIT SHANK

with ~2-3mm per piece! Then she gets the delicate elegant not-clunky look she wants, but there''s extra support for the stone! Something like this Leon Mege??

I love this one. I actually almost bought this ring, my cousin was selling a 10 carat ring like this for a dealer she knew, but he showed it to someone in the interim and it sold before she could even send it out to me!

 

[diamondseeker2006]

Uh, oh. You may need to get this deleted quickly if she reads these forums. But I am now compelled to put on my motherly hat and give you a little unsolicted advice.

If they are right that your GF is not expecting a diamond anywhere near this size, I can see the possibility of it being a problem. While I ADORE seeing these huge stones on here and am so happy for the ladies who live a lifestyle that allows them to enjoy large stones, I would not want one myself. I know of no one personally who has over a 2ct., and I would feel pretty self-conscious wearing even a 2 ct. even though we could afford it. (But let me say that if my husband is reading this forum secretly, feel free to surprise me with an excellent quality 2 ct!!!) But I would not even feel safe wearing a 5 ct., much less 8-9 carat stone. And the yearly insurance bill for that would be unreal as well.

My point is to be sure you are in touch with what SHE wants. Now I understand why she wanted a 2mm band..she's thinking she's getting a 1-2 ct. stone, probably! (Although I think you cahn go a bit larger on a EC than a RB and not look like it's too much).

(Let me add that diamondfan's EC ring is gorgeous and classy, and I'd have it set like hers in a heartbeat!)

 

[diamondfan]

Date: 4/24/2006 6:56:10 PM
Author: diamondseeker2006
Uh, oh. You may need to get this deleted quickly if she reads these forums. But I am now compelled to put on my motherly hat and give you a little unsolicted advice.

If they are right that your GF is not expecting a diamond anywhere near this size, I can see the possibility of it being a problem. While I ADORE seeing these huge stones on here and am so happy for the ladies who live a lifestyle that allows them to enjoy large stones, I would not want one myself. I know of no one personally who has over a 2ct., and I would feel pretty self-conscious wearing even a 2 ct. even though we could afford it. (But let me say that if my husband is reading this forum secretly, feel free to surprise me with an excellent quality 2 ct!!!) But I would not even feel safe wearing a 5 ct., much less 8-9 carat stone. And the yearly insurance bill for that would be unreal as well.

My point is to be sure you are in touch with what SHE wants. Now I understand why she wanted a 2mm band..she''s thinking she''s getting a 1-2 ct. stone, probably!

DS...I just read some of Leadfoot''s other posts and I do not disagree. She seems more understated, and it may be too much for her (though one is never surprised by how quickly one can become accustomed to something!!!) I worked my way up, 1.53, then 3 stone (5 carat total, 3 center, one on each side) to my current ring. She might be self conscious to wear it or feel it is too blingy for her...just mho...I am 40 years old, and still sometimes feel funny, but I wear it anyway...

 

[windowshopper]

Date: 4/24/2006 6:56:10 PM
Author: diamondseeker2006
Uh, oh. You may need to get this deleted quickly if she reads these forums. But I am now compelled to put on my motherly hat and give you a little unsolicted advice.

If they are right that your GF is not expecting a diamond anywhere near this size, I can see the possibility of it being a problem. While I ADORE seeing these huge stones on here and am so happy for the ladies who live a lifestyle that allows them to enjoy large stones, I would not want one myself. I know of no one personally who has over a 2ct., and I would feel pretty self-conscious wearing even a 2 ct. even though we could afford it. (But let me say that if my husband is reading this forum secretly, feel free to surprise me with an excellent quality 2 ct!!!) But I would not even feel safe wearing a 5 ct., much less 8-9 carat stone. And the yearly insurance bill for that would be unreal as well.

My point is to be sure you are in touch with what SHE wants. Now I understand why she wanted a 2mm band..she''s thinking she''s getting a 1-2 ct. stone, probably! (Although I think you cahn go a bit larger on a EC than a RB and not look like it''s too much).

(Let me add that diamondfan''s EC ring is gorgeous and classy, and I''d have it set like hers in a heartbeat!)

i agree that you might want to be sure................i could never wear a ring like that a feel comfortable. I love them on others but i feel very self concious in big jewelry. I may go up about a carat or so at some point but i am not decided. and EC is very different than say a round of similar size etc etc. some of it is a personal/personality thing as well

 

[Diam100]

I would definitely talk to her about this one. Personally, I''m not that much of a size queen on the fingers but I could definitely see myself sporting that as one big sparkly pendant for special occasions. Either way good luck with your purchase.

 

[decodelighted]

Two words: Euro Shank. (will help the spin issue)

No way, no how am I gonna talk a human guy out of getting his lucky LIW a nearly 9ct whopper.

Hush, girls, hush!

 

[diamondseeker2006]

I do agree with diamondfan that those of us over 40 can pull-off wearing larger stones more easily than a younger woman. I think a 2-3 ct. emerald with baguettes just like diamondfan''s would be absolutely fabulous for a younger lady (or anyone, for that matter).