Cushion sapphire eRing - setting advice

[adams828]

Hi all! I have been working on a sapphire e-ring for a while now, and been scouring the forums for the past few months. Finally the sapphire is almost on it''s way to me, and now I am getting ready to work on the setting.

My plan is to work with BGD on the setting; the general idea is a petite (2 or 2.5mm band) with pave diamonds. I really like the way the u-prong band looks (so you can see a lot of the diamonds) but not sure if that would work with such a narrow band? Maybe a tapered band?

Also now my big dilemma is the prongs. The sapphire is ~6.4mm square cushion. Ideally I would like the prongs to show off the sapphire as much as possible. Is the best option for a cushion to do a 4-prong setting in each corner? I was trying to think if there is anything unique to try like even 4 prongs offset (i.e. at 12, 3, 6, 9 o''clock) or some kind of 6-prong look, but I really have no idea how those might even work?

Finally I have seen a few "hidden" diamond bands and like the idea of maybe a small pink diamond (I was thinking 5 since that is her favorite number, but not sure how you could hide that many?).

Thanks so much for any advice - this community is an awesome group and help for clueless guys like me!!

 

[LaurenThePartier]

Hi Adams, welcome to the forum!

Do you have a picture of the cushion you''ve chosen? It sounds lovely!

For a sapphire, you really want to have the prongs protect the exposed corners, so I would definitely have a 4 prong at least in the 4 corners. But, I have seen some 8 prong variations where there are additional prongs at NSEW. It generally looks pretty antique-ey when done that way. Let me see if I can find an example of what I''m talkiing about.

In the meantime, here''s a thread with a few 8 prong settings for rounds: https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/show-me-your-8-prong-settings.80220/

 

[LaurenThePartier]

And there''s always drastically split claw prongs.

 

[LaurenThePartier]

A Neil Lane varition on NSEW prongs.

http://images.forbes.com/media/2007/02/09/diamonds_8.jpg

 

[Brown.Eyed.Girl]

I would definitely do four prongs and maybe go for delicate claw prongs to minimize the space the prongs take up. I have a sapphire (more elongated cushion and a bit smaller than yours) set into a delicate, 1.9 mm diamond setting. I'll try to find a good pic for you to see.

ETA - found it, and I asked for claw prongs - the stone is 6.9 x 5.5:

 

[chrono]

I’d stick with the traditional 4 prongs to protect the corners of the cushion sapphire. How about fishtail pave for the band? I’m not sure what’s the minimum mm size for u-prongs; they are definitely lovely and very open though.

 

[adams828]

Thanks Lauren, Brown Eyed Girl and Chrono! I'll try and see if I can get a pic of the sapphire posted.

Good to know about protecting the corners - 4-prongs it is. I did find this setting that looks pretty open and thin, but I'll have to check out how narrow it can be. Otherwise I did a search for the fishtail setting and that looks like a nice, classic alternative if needed due to the band thickness.

 

[adams828]

Okay sorry for the delay - here is the pic (hope this works)!

 

[LaurenThePartier]

That is stunning!

Yes, at 6.4mm, I would do a simple elegant claw prong on each corner, much like BEG's.

 

[litebrite]

That''s a great color and cut - good job! I''d go with claw prongs in the corners.

 

[D&T]

how bout double prongs for your stone? btw... lovely stone!

 

[adams828]

Thanks - I''m really excited about it! Definitely sounds like claw prongs are the way to go. I''m thinking single since the stone is not huge?

Any thoughts/suggestions on the band? She is a size 5.5 and likes rings with smaller bands, but I''d also like to balance that with as big of diamonds as I can in the pave.

 

[MakingTheGrade]

Lovely stone!

I feel like a 2mm band is fairly standard..

 

[GoodSoul]

That''s a good looking stone! Congratulations!

I''ll go for single claw on the corners and BGD does some nice claws and love their work. I think 2mm would be a nice balance.

I''m sure Brian and Lesley will be able to advise on the 5 hidden gems.

Looking forward to see your final design and ring!

 

[Brown.Eyed.Girl]

That''s gorgeous! Wow, I just adore the color - one of Jeff White''s?

I would do single claw prongs, and stick with a 2 mm band. Like I said, mine is 1.9 and the diamonds still have a great presence, and I wouldn''t do a thicker band because then the stone may got lost a bit (or be overpowered by the diamonds). All about balance

 

[gailrmv]

what an absolutely gorgeous sapphire!!!!! Is it from Jeff White? I love it.

I have a very similar sapphire set in a Ritani Endless Love with halo. My ring size is 5.5-6 depending, and I had the ring made in a 6. I have a thread which you can see if you search under my name. Maybe it will help! I love my setting and I love my stone, but the stone did darken in appearance somewhat when set in the bezel. If it were for an e-ring I would have loved to do it with diamond baguettes. Just another idea! I''m sure your ring will be lovely!

 

[arjunajane]

Date: 10/7/2009 4:14:39 PM
Author: adams828
Okay sorry for the delay - here is the pic (hope this works)!

Hi adams,
that is an incredibly pretty sapphire! Fantastic job!

I am actually in the waiting list with Jeff at the moment, and this is one of two designs I am trying to choose from for my sapphire.

Do you have the stone yet? If so, could you please be kind enough to post one or two pics?
I love this design in Jeff's photos, the thing is I've never seen a "real life" photo of how it looks.
It would be very helpful for me if you don't mind!

I second 4 claw prongs and also using BGD - (actually, that is what I am planning to do myself)

If you're not sure about the claw prongs, you could consider "ribbon" (like a flat tab) style - BGD do these nicely too, and they can impart more of a vintage-y feel. Also, they don't cover much of the stone at all if that is a concern, but would still protect your corners.
The prongs on the centre diamond of this BGD ring are what I am referring to, incase you were interested

 

[adams828]

Thanks all! 2mm sounds like a good sizze then. The stone is not with me yet, but I''ll post pictures once it is! Sounds like there are a few going along the same thoughts as me so I feel better- can''t wait to see your creations too! Sorry for any typos on the BB in the airport

 

[chrono]

It’s a beautiful sapphire; I’d keep it simple to allow the colour to pop. Definitely 4 prongs and with some diamonds in the shank (open shared prong style or fishtail pave).

 

[bling addict]

Beautiful stone and it sounds like it will be a gorgeous ring when you''re all done

 

[arjunajane]

Date: 10/8/2009 6:21:38 AM
Author: adams828
Thanks all! 2mm sounds like a good sizze then. The stone is not with me yet, but I''ll post pictures once it is! Sounds like there are a few going along the same thoughts as me so I feel better- can''t wait to see your creations too! Sorry for any typos on the BB in the airport

Thanks adam!

 

[arjunajane]

Hey adam,
just wondering whether you have received your wonderful sapphire yet?

 

[LD]

Adam - the 5 surprise diamonds? How about one set into the basket at N S E and W under the sapphire? The 5th one could be set inside the band (either under the sapphire itself or into the rear of the setting.

 

[arjunajane]

bump for adam..
any news on your lovely sapphire/photos?