Emerald RHR setting frustration

[princess_peach]

Hi,
This is my first post, so I hope I write intelligibly.
I am making a RHR for my mom. She doesn't like to spend a lot of $ on herself. The only fine jewelry she owns is a single quality strand of pearls and a round emerald solitaire e-ring. She loves emeralds, but after a nasty divorce years ago, she refuses to wear the ring (bad karma?).
So, I searched around and finally found a stone to make her a beautiful RHR...nice stones are NOT easy to find....or cheap!
It is a 1 ct emerald cut, about 5 x 7 mm. I have no pics of the stone yet, I will be picking it up this weekend, hopefully! I have looked at oodles of settings online. Today, in anticipation of getting the stone soon, I trolled the NY diamond district to look at setting IRL....and what I thought I wanted I now dislike for this project.
First, I don't want it to look like an engagement ring. So sticking it in a diamond halo or solitaire, or any of the other popular e-ring settings isn't going to work. I want it to have more of a 'spread". Second, what I had thought I wanted the setting to look like by researching via internet looked terrible to me IRL. I was so used to seeing gigantic photos of rings and side stones on the monitor. Gorgeous trapezoid side stones online, when seen next to a 7mm emerald, looked like teeny tiny little appendages. I did see some settings for emerald cut diamonds with side stones and they were beautiful...but then I saw the same ring with the colored stone and it didn't have the same appeal to me. It wasn't the same look as with all diamonds...that broad flash of white all blending together.
Lastly, my mom has some everyday sterling silver stuff, but prefers (and looks good in) yellow gold. However, almost everything I saw today was wt gold or platinum. All the diamonds and colored stones (sapphire and emerald) on display were in wt gold settings with a diamond halo or side stones. The few yellow settings looked very dated. I like the idea of using platinum, but think emeralds look super in yellow gold. When I was choosing the emerald it was beautiful by itself, but when the jeweler put it in a yellow 'stone holder' the color popped.
So, It would be great if I could put honking 1ct emerald cut diamonds flanking either side of the emerald and call it a day, but I don't have a million dollars to spend on the setting, especially when the emerald was expensive enough. I wanted to spend maybe 2k.
I did discover a few things I did like. I like art deco. I like bead set diamonds. I like interesting settings that aren't too engagement-y.
Here are a few pics of things I do like. Does anyone have some ideas to help? Btw...this is a Christmas gift so a custom setting is 4 weeks to do...tick tock! This is my first out of two total (the second is recent as well and another post!) colored stone purchases...you are all so experienced...I know you can help!!

 

[MollyMalone]

What a sweetly thoughtful, wonderful gift! Since your mother prefers simple adornments, baguettes would seem to suit her since they provide an accent without being flashy. My only concern in that regard is that the kind of baguette setting frequently seen might "cool down" the ring too much for a woman who likes the warmth of yellow gold; see how the baguettes here, for example, leave one with more of a silvery impression despite the fact that this is a yellow gold setting?
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Vintage-1-7...nd-Ring-18K-Gold-Estate-Jewelry-/271295604636

Setting the emerald east-west would provide greater spread, even in a very simple ring like this one:

This is not a great ring, but it's an idea for the kind of east-west setting whereby you'd get some diamond oomph (from better stones than these) without being what your mother might consider too much:
http://www.etsy.com/listing/111959946/beautiful-art-deco-style-14k-garnet-and/

Or perhaps amp it even more with a setting similar to this? This would be a different look for my own mother, but it isn't so blingy that she would consider it more "look at me" than she is comfortable with:

 

[FrekeChild]

I vote for baguettes too!

 

[colorluvr]

I vote for baguettes too!

Love that first one!!!! Thanks for posting, I've been looking for a setting for an elongated EC colored stone and that look is perfect!!!! Is that from a specific vendor or just something you found?

 

[princess_peach]

@MollyMalone.....Hi. Thank you for your kind words and advice! I agree... the baguettes are pretty. And you can put several in the ring for a wider look than if I used side stones like kites or traps. I can see how, by just setting the diamonds in platinum it gives the whole ring the 'cool' look, even if the band is yellow. And I guess the emerald can be set with yellow gold prongs too... or is that too busy?...take away from the clean look?
I did look at an east west setting...but in the sample, the diamond sat too high and I thought the emerald would get knocked around too much. But maybe set low actually into the shank...
What do you think of the triple split yellow gold ring with the green stone I posted? If I cant find anything else that was what I was going to use. Its plain...but interesting?

 

[MollyMalone]

I'm fond of split shanks, but I'm wondering if that triple one might better suit a larger stone; I'm kinda concerned it would "chop up" the visual impact of a 5 x 7 mm stone, so it would be great if someone here could provide a hand shot of a 5 x 7 colored stone in that kind of setting (I've not yet found one in my Google searches for you).

Since your mother chose a simple solitaire setting for her emerald engagement ring, I doubt that she'd consider a diamond-less setting too plain. I don't know your mom's style, so I'm shooting in the dark here, but you could make a simple, split shank more interesting via

• * engraving, e.g.,

http://www.tradeshop.com/temp2007/amirandlisadone.jpg

• * hammering -- I'm thinking of tiny hammering like this, not the more angular band you get from a larger hammer,

http://www.etsy.com/listing/111146900/hammered-yellow-gold-domed-wedding-band
but maybe she would like that even more
http://www.etsy.com/listing/150168986/womens-14k-yellow-gold-hammered-wedding

• * bark/twig texturing

http://www.etsy.com/listing/167960520/14k-yellow-gold-ring-womens-textured

• * milgrain/beading or tiny rope around the stone itself -- imagine that kind of detailing added to the top & bottom around the stone of this split shank:

http://www.etsy.com/listing/110914462/simple-aquamarine-gold-ring

Or something like this? Guess you can tell I'm liking the idea of an east-west setting for your mom

ETA: the emerald in the ring with baguettes I first linked for you is set in yellow gold, has yellow gold prongs & I don't think it looks too hodge-podgey... although I think I'd opt for a different cut of baguette. You might find this Leon Mege article on side stones helpful:
https://www.leonmege.com/index.php/side-stones

 

[FrekeChild]

I vote for baguettes too!

Love that first one!!!! Thanks for posting, I've been looking for a setting for an elongated EC colored stone and that look is perfect!!!! Is that from a specific vendor or just something you found?

It's from my inspiration folder, but I think it was from Jewels by Erica Grace? Not too long ago actually!

 

[minousbijoux]

I vote for baguettes too!

Love that first one!!!! Thanks for posting, I've been looking for a setting for an elongated EC colored stone and that look is perfect!!!! Is that from a specific vendor or just something you found?

It's from my inspiration folder, but I think it was from Jewels by Erica Grace? Not too long ago actually!

Love that first one as well - its all in the proportions and that one is perfection.

**Edited to make sense

 

[MollyMalone]

Here's the complete photo album of that Art Deco ring being offered by JbEG:
http://jewelsbyericagrace.smugmug.c...-Deco/29889358_WR3mB7#!i=2564456090&k=DgmMshJ

 

[princess_peach]

I'm fond of split shanks, but I'm wondering if that triple one might better suit a larger stone; I'm kinda concerned it would "chop up" the visual impact of a 5 x 7 mm stone, so it would be great if someone here could provide a hand shot of a 5 x 7 colored stone in that kind of setting (I've not yet found one in my Google searches for you).

Since your mother chose a simple solitaire setting for her emerald engagement ring, I doubt that she'd consider a diamond-less setting too plain. I don't know your mom's style, so I'm shooting in the dark here, but you could make a simple, split shank more interesting via

• * engraving, e.g.,

http://www.tradeshop.com/temp2007/amirandlisadone.jpg

• * hammering -- I'm thinking of tiny hammering like this, not the more angular band you get from a larger hammer,

http://www.etsy.com/listing/111146900/hammered-yellow-gold-domed-wedding-band
but maybe she would like that even more
http://www.etsy.com/listing/150168986/womens-14k-yellow-gold-hammered-wedding

• * bark/twig texturing

http://www.etsy.com/listing/167960520/14k-yellow-gold-ring-womens-textured

• * milgrain/beading or tiny rope around the stone itself -- imagine that kind of detailing added to the top & bottom around the stone of this split shank:

http://www.etsy.com/listing/110914462/simple-aquamarine-gold-ring

Or something like this? Guess you can tell I'm liking the idea of an east-west setting for your mom

ETA: the emerald in the ring with baguettes I first linked for you is set in yellow gold, has yellow gold prongs & I don't think it looks too hodge-podgey... although I think I'd opt for a different cut of baguette. You might find this Leon Mege article on side stones helpful:
https://www.leonmege.com/index.php/side-stones

The barry bridgestock ring is beautiful! Or a hammered yellow gold band...lovely I will have to look into places who do nice metalwork.

 

[princess_peach]

I vote for baguettes too!

I saw the video and IRL photos of the erica grace ring....wowza!!!

 

[princess_peach]

Did a search online and found a beauutiful emerald ring from a pricescope member, lovewhitediamonds. Drool drool.



I also found a similar one on ?etsy and the emerald in this ring is the same size as mine...5 x 7.


Also, a very pretty (imagine the center as an emerald) art deco


Lastly, an east west version, only with the diamonds and emerald reversed


For those of you who are moms, which of these, and the rings posted above, would you be the most psyched to get from your child (not an e ring from your SO).

 

[MollyMalone]

For those of you who are moms, which of these, and the rings posted above, would you be the most psyched to get from your child (not an e ring from your SO).

As a mom, I feel I can confidently say your mother will be awestruck, and probably end up in tears, no matter what you choose! I'd pick the Art Deco one for myself because I love Deco & emeralds. But it seems -- based on the description of her few pieces of understated jewelry -- that this ring will be breaking kinda new ground for her, so I'm thinking you should go with a "quiet" style. Although most (all?) here wouldn't think twice about wearing, e.g., the first 3 of your latest pics, I'm concerned your mother would consider any of the "flashy" ones (flashy for her) to be a ring for only special occasions, rather than more frequent/everyday wear.

Your mother seems to be a unassuming person who doesn't toot her own horn, so to speak. But even if that's accurate, I bet she is proud of you & will take pleasure in saying, when she is complimented on the ring as she surely will be, something like "This was my Christmas present from my daughter, Princess Peach; she designed it herself. Wasn't that wonderful of her?" This is such a loving tribute (to you both, really); I'd hate to see it spend more time in the box than on her finger.

 

[princess_peach]

For those of you who are moms, which of these, and the rings posted above, would you be the most psyched to get from your child (not an e ring from your SO).

As a mom, I feel I can confidently say your mother will be awestruck, and probably end up in tears, no matter what you choose! I'd pick the Art Deco one for myself because I love Deco & emeralds. But it seems -- based on the description of her few pieces of understated jewelry -- that this ring will be breaking kinda new ground for her, so I'm thinking you should go with a "quiet" style. Although most (all?) here wouldn't think twice about wearing, e.g., the first 3 of your latest pics, I'm concerned your mother would consider any of the "flashy" ones (flashy for her) to be a ring for only special occasions, rather than more frequent/everyday wear.

Your mother seems to be a unassuming person who doesn't toot her own horn, so to speak. But even if that's accurate, I bet she is proud of you & will take pleasure in saying, when she is complimented on the ring as she surely will be, something like "This was my Christmas present from my daughter, Princess Peach; she designed it herself. Wasn't that wonderful of her?" This is such a loving tribute (to you both, really); I'd hate to see it spend more time in the box than on her finger.

Thank you!!....lol...you definitely sound like a mom (that's a compliment). I guess I am getting a little carried away. Just want it to look really nice. You are right...I sure don't want it to end up next to her solitaire...in the box. Simple and wearable. I am going to look around some more this week. Will post what I come up with! Thanks again

 

[FrekeChild]

Whatever she could afford easily.

I like the third one the most, but I'm afraid the diamonds to put where the emeralds are currently would be pricey, unless the jeweler came up with something that could work ok and not need custom cut stones?

 

[chrono]

I don't know your budget but I would keep it priced within whatever amount you've set and using a design that you know she'll love and wear. Since she likes something simple and non-flashy, that's what I would go with. I try to keep the recipient's tastes in mind when buying it as a gift.

 

[MollyMalone]

Circling back to baguettes, if those are still in the running...
PeJay Creations' Fancy Classic line offers a notable selection of Deco-esque/vintage semi-mounts with baguettes (looks as they reached back into their catalogues of days long gone) -- and they all are available in yellow gold (18K), with heads made to fit any shape & size of center stone:
http://www.pejaycreations.com/browse.cfm?browseby=coll&collid=1&catID=3&subcatID=1
You can't order from them directly; a jeweler needs to place the order, after receiving a price quote from PeJay (they are in New Jersey) based on the metal chosen, etc. I think, however, that any of their settings will be appreciably out of your price range.

eBay could work for you -- although your search there would be easier if your mother were a fan of white gold/platinum & if a different cut of center stone were in play. But here are some I found in the $750-$1000 price range which have baguettes that are of a higher grade than those found so many of the mall store rings; all have heads that can easily be replaced with one to fit your stone & are suitable for an emerald cut
http://www.ebay.com/itm/380760308396? - this one does have round stones at the end of the baguettes, but this still is a far cry from being blingy

http://www.ebay.com/itm/380760308402

http://www.ebay.com/itm/221312912227

http://www.ebay.com/itm/260616680406

http://www.ebay.com/itm/350325315365

 

[princess_peach]

Whatever she could afford easily.

I like the third one the most, but I'm afraid the diamonds to put where the emeralds are currently would be pricey, unless the jeweler came up with something that could work ok and not need custom cut stones?

agreed. I emailed about the price, and although they wouldn't give an exact figure they said it was "multitudes" beyond my budget.

 

[princess_peach]

I don't know your budget but I would keep it priced within whatever amount you've set and using a design that you know she'll love and wear. Since she likes something simple and non-flashy, that's what I would go with. I try to keep the recipient's tastes in mind when buying it as a gift.

Yes. Thank you all for helping reign me in and refocus on the task, and recipient, at hand. Like I stated above, I was starting to drift onto dangerously expensive ground! My budget for the setting was 2K. She would feel terrible, and maybe refuse the gift, and I would be broke! And she does have more classic taste. Don't get me wrong...I am sure she would have loved to own diamonds galore...it's just that she always had other things to spend her money on (3 kids!). She deserves the hope diamond, but hopefully she will like this ring just as much! (the hope diamond is too heavy for daily wear, anyhow)

 

[princess_peach]

Circling back to baguettes, if those are still in the running...

So...this morning was productive. I picked up the emerald. Then I dropped it off at the jeweler to have it set!! Yes, thats right! I saw the right setting and BAM...I knew it right away! I read the posts when I got home and it made me laugh, because it does have baguettes, and It is platinum. Instead of buying a new ring, I am having an old art deco ring refurbished. So, without further ado...here are the pics...and pics of the stone...which I barely had in my clutches for an hour! Let me know what you think. AND it was under my budget!!



The emerald is going to be set east-west so it is more streamlined.

closeup of the setting. It is old and unpolished platinum, but it is going to look great when finished.

The emerald looks weird in these pics...way too light. It is a glowy bright green.

Another closeup. Don't mind the fuzz and dust!

 

[Bex]

Gorgeous!! I love the combination of the east-west stone and the baguettes.

 

[MollyMalone]

I didn't expect to pop in here this morning, princess peach & see that you could now change the title of this thread from emerald RHR setting frustration to jubilation -- you really swung into action yesterday morning!

I especially like the way the tapered tips of the baguettes nestle into the shoulders; the east-west orientation suits the proportions of the setting + the stone very nicely; and the emerald has such a lovely glow. And by choosing a pre-loved semi-mount, you could see exactly what the ring will look like when completed, eliminated the anxiety of whether a "from scratch", custom setting would indeed be finished by Christmas. No wonder you are doing a happy dance

Hope you will post more pics after the jeweler has put the finishing touches on it, so we can see the ring before you tuck away its tender gleaminess in gift wrap.

 

[princess_peach]

Gorgeous!! I love the combination of the east-west stone and the baguettes.

Thank you! I liked the step cut with baguettes. I saw a similar setting with brilliant (albeit tiny) sidestones, and it wasn't as elegant, I thought.

 

[princess_peach]

I didn't expect to pop in here this morning, princess peach & see that you could now change the title of this thread from emerald RHR setting frustration to jubilation -- you really swung into action yesterday morning!

I especially like the way the tapered tips of the baguettes nestle into the shoulders; the east-west orientation suits the proportions of the setting + the stone very nicely; and the emerald has such a lovely glow. And by choosing a pre-loved semi-mount, you could see exactly what the ring will look like when completed, eliminated the anxiety of whether a "from scratch", custom setting would indeed be finished by Christmas. No wonder you are doing a happy dance

Hope you will post more pics after the jeweler has put the finishing touches on it, so we can see the ring before you tuck away its tender gleaminess in gift wrap.

Thank you, so much!
I surprised myself with that burst of decisiveness! Do you agree it looks nicer with baguettes than with the round brilliant? I like that the baguettes are set into the shank as well. No prongs to ruin the aesthetic. And I love that it is vintage.
I was really dreading doing custom. Throwing around countless ideas and cad images, and then waiting for the final ring...still not sure how it would look IRL...
Of course I will post pics of the finished ring! I can't wait to see!
And I was definitely doing a happy dance!!

 

[FrekeChild]

As far as I can tell, you can never go wrong with tapered baguettes. It's a classic look. I may or may not have two tapered baguette rings myself...and may or may not have sold two others because I felt like 4 was too many... Ahem! It looks gorgeous and I LOVE the emerald!

So tell us, what's the total going to be for the setting? I'm so delighted for you to find something preloved - so many great old pieces get kind of tossed by the wayside and destroyed instead of being refurbished and used - even when they are still beautiful! (I saved a few antique diamonds from my local jeweler - he was going to have them recut into round brilliants and I was having NONE of that!)

 

[minousbijoux]

Great job! It has total understated elegance, which is how it sounds like you were describing your Mom's taste in jewelry. I for one, would be thrilled if one of my kids gifted me that ring.

 

[MollyMalone]

I surprised myself with that burst of decisiveness! Do you agree it looks nicer with baguettes than with the round brilliant?

Absolutely! Please don't second-guess yourself; you made the perfect choice here (and I'm not saying that just 'cause I think baguettes don't get enough love).

If you'd be willing to share the cost of refurbishing the semi-mount and setting the stone -- plus any other information that could be useful to others, like how-where you found the emerald; which places in NYC's Diamond District you found most helpful (or conversely, most difficult) when you tromped around there -- we're all ears!

 

[pregcurious]

It looks really beautiful!

 

[princess_peach]

As far as I can tell, you can never go wrong with tapered baguettes. It's a classic look. I may or may not have two tapered baguette rings myself...and may or may not have sold two others because I felt like 4 was too many... Ahem! It looks gorgeous and I LOVE the emerald!

So tell us, what's the total going to be for the setting? I'm so delighted for you to find something preloved - so many great old pieces get kind of tossed by the wayside and destroyed instead of being refurbished and used - even when they are still beautiful! (I saved a few antique diamonds from my local jeweler - he was going to have them recut into round brilliants and I was having NONE of that!)

Thank you!!! I am glad you like my final choice.
Antique OEC diamonds cut into modern RB?...nooooo! The older cuts are so beautiful. I have a chunky facet cushion for an e-ring...I love the look. If I had known back then that places sell loose OEC diamonds I definitely would have got one for an e-ring.

 

[princess_peach]

Great job! It has total understated elegance, which is how it sounds like you were describing your Mom's taste in jewelry. I for one, would be thrilled if one of my kids gifted me that ring.

Thank you! Understated elegance is definitely what I was looking for. And I think it doesn't look engagement-y, but also not as bulky or flashy as the cocktail look I was originally thinking, so hopefully she will wear it often!!