Custom setting advice (round center, pave)

[lucky3]

Hi everyone,

Thank you for your help in picking out a great diamond, now onto the setting!

The diamond I got is round, 0.93 carat, G, VS2, excellent cut.
I am now looking for a setting that is similar to the Tiffany Novo but with a round center diamond.
I would like to purchase this locally so that we have somewhere to take the ring to in the future. I have gotten a custom price quote and would like some opinions on the recommendations that were given to me.

Metal for ring: Palladium
Head for head: Platinum
Pave diamonds: 4 pointers (approximately 2mm diameter), 5 on each side of center diamond
Ring size: 5.5
Total cost: $2,000

First off, does the price seem reasonable? I understand I might be paying more for custom and for local.

Does anyone have any experience on using palladium for an engagement ring? Also, is getting a platinum head worth the extra money? The jeweler recommended that it would be more durable and secure. Any opinions on using 4 pointers for the diamonds? The amount of diamonds, 5 on each side was chosen as that is all that is visible from the top view down on the hand.

In addition, I would love any advice on what type of head is best, I like the look of 4 prong, but that is all I know. I would also like to to sit relatively low as I work in healthcare. Does sitting low or high affect the look a lot? Also, I know there are different types of pave, I was looking at a v-shape possible, any thoughts on that as well?

Basically, any advice I can get is greatly appreciated. It is going to be custom made, so I can pretty much choose everything and I might as well get it done right the first time! Thank you in advance!

Example of Tiffany Novo for reference:

 

[Christina...]

I agree with your jeweler about the platinum head, and would caution you about palladium. I think that there are few jewelers that are able to work with this particular alloy and down the road you may have trouble finding someone who can and can do it well. I would stick to 18kt white gold or preferably platinum. If your inspiration is the Tiffany Novo then I think that 4 pointers may be too large for the side stones. Someone here will know for sure but I would be surprised if the melee in the Novo is more than 2 pointers. I would also want to make sure that if the ring were to spin that I would still see melee, so I would recommend a minimum of a 1/2 eternity style.

Stone height is preference, it sounds as though having a lower set stone will work better for you. I think that the stone looks larger when it is set higher and personal like a medium setting height for my stones, but of course I don't have the same considerations that you do. I also prefer 6 prong settings to 4 prongs, I think that it helps the stone appear more round. My current MRB is set in a 4 prong and it appears to square for me. I also like that 6 prongs tend to give the impression of a larger stone.

 

[lucky3]

Thank you for your response and opinions, I really appreciate it. I agree that the Novo is closer to 2 pointers, but I liked the look of 4 pointers in the store. Does the quality of the side stones have a large impact on the appearance? Also, with a center diamond of approximately 1 carat, is there a size proportion that would like best for side stones vs center?

Does anyone have a palladium ring that they can comment more on? I have heard mixed reviews even from various jewelers so I am slightly concerned.

 

[Roxy]

To determine the proportions that'll work best for you, you want to look at the dimensions of the center stone & the width of the shank.

You're looking at 4 pointers which are usually appx 2.2mm in diameter. Depending upon how they're set there may be a bit of additional width added by the metal (your jeweler could tell you for sure). What are the dimensions of your stone?

ETA Have you tried to run a search on the PS website for palladium?

 

[lucky3]

The center diamond is 6.35mm.

I searched for palladium, but unfortunately didn't find much which is why I made a new post to get advice.

 

[Roxy]

Ok, so your ideal proportions are really based on YOUR personal taste. So for me, I've found that I love the look of an e-ring when the band is no wider than appx 30% of the width of the center stone. Needless to say, I'd use much smaller side stones than 4 pointers BUT again it's really a matter of personal preferences.

In answer to your question about the quality of the melee, absolutely yes the cut quality of the melee can affect the overall look of the ring. The larger the side stones, the greater the impact so if you decide to go forward using 4 pointers you want to get stones that are complimentary in color & are "ideal" cut.

 

[lucky3]

Sounds good, thanks for your help!

Also, does anyone have pros/cons of a plain shank vs. euro shank? I'm sure it's mostly personal preference, but just looking to hear some input from others.

 

[diamondseeker2006]

I wouldn't risk doing custom on that particular ring since there are already some great repros out there. Vatche makes a great one:

http://www.dvatche.com/index.php?page=collection&catID=2,15&id=6

All you have to do is find a jeweler who carries Vatche in your area. Or Good Old Gold carries it and I think will set a stone bought elsewhere. It will be over $2000 in all platinum. I wouldn't even consider palladium.

 

[missy]

I wouldn't risk doing custom on that particular ring since there are already some great repros out there. Vatche makes a great one:

http://www.dvatche.com/index.php?page=collection&catID=2,15&id=6

All you have to do is find a jeweler who carries Vatche in your area. Or Good Old Gold carries it and I think will set a stone bought elsewhere. It will be over $2000 in all platinum. I wouldn't even consider palladium.

I totally agree. With everything DS wrote. Use all platinum and go with an already tried and true setting. I am sure it will be gorgeous!!!