Feeling uncertain. Round brilliant in cushion setting.

[priscilla]

Hi! My husband upgraded my ring for our 10 year anniversary. I feel like the setting and/or center stone are off. I'm not feeling comfortable with it so I might be changing it soon. I was hoping to get some opinions and guidance. Here are the details of my stone:
Shape Round Brilliant
Measurements 7.48-7.41 x4.60mm
Depth 61.7%
Carat Weight 1.56CT
Cut Grade EGL IDEAL
Clarity Grade VS1
Color Grade I
Fluorescence None
Polish Excellent
Symmetry Excellent

 

[westjenn]

What don't you like about the new setting?

 

[Asscherhalo_lover]

In the second picture it looks like it needs a good cleaning...

 

[priscilla]

The center stone doesn't look like it's in the center of the setting. It seems like there is a gap on one side.

 

[priscilla]

Yes it does need to be cleaned. Also I know EGL wasn't the best choice. I'd like to know what would be a better option.

 

[golfwidow]

I agree, it does look a little off. It's a beautiful setting, though. It's difficult to close those corners in tight enough to close the gaps but still give the cushion effect. I had my RB reset into a cushion halo by Jewels by Erica Grace and I think they accomplished it. It was more than I wanted to spend... Is this look more what you were hoping for?

 

[priscilla]

Wow! Yes! Yours is beautiful!! I wonder if I went slightly larger on the center stone if it would close the gap.

 

[diamondseeker2006]

If this was a stock setting at the jeweler, they certainly may have just set your diamond in it even though the setting was meant for a larger stone. Regardless, they certainly did a very poor job centering the stone in the halo.

If you decide to start over, people in Rocky Talky will be happy to help you with diamonds and settings if you post a new thread there.

 

[priscilla]

Ok thanks I'll do that.

 

[arkieb1]

If it is still within the return period we do not recommend purchasing EGL stones, particularly EGL Internationally their excellent cuts frequently aren't that well cut and they can be several grades out in colour and clarity.

 

[priscilla]

I can return it as long as I spend at least 20% more. This is a very good jeweler here in San Antonio, TX so they have stones that are very nice quality and graded by GIA and AGS. At the time I didn't know EGL stones were not great. I started to realize that my stone did not look as beautiful as it should. That's when I started to research and found that EGL is not the way to go. I'm starting to wonder why this jeweler even has these stones. So I would like to know what I should look for in a stone when I go back. Also I'm thinking of going for an oval instead. I appreciate any advice. Thanks!

 

[golfwidow]

Definitely look for GIA. Color is a matter of preference but cut is so important. Your color will look better and the diamond will sparkle and really appear larger if it's a VG or EX cut. A jeweler once showed me 2 one carat diamonds side by side, with one an excellent cut and VS1 and the other was same color but only a good cut and VS2. The lesser quality one looked significantly smaller due to lack of sparkle and clarity. Jeweler count on buyers' lack of knowledge to sell stock, but it sounds like you can use your research to find something you are really happy with. Depending on your budget though, you will probably get similar carat weight for at least 20% more money if you get a higher quality diamond, but it's so worth it. And I agree with PP that they may have just dropped your stone into a stock setting without customizing much, if at all, to make it perfect. My setting was hand made to exactly match my diamond, which you may not want to do, but those options are available if you want to go that far. Here are a couple more of mine:

 

[golfwidow]

Also, I had long conversations with the designer about closing in the corners as much as possible and minimizing the prongs so they appeared to disappear into the setting. I did literally years of research while I saved money so by that time I knew exactly what I wanted and what to ask for. If you aren't specific, then your jeweler no matter how reputable will probably do the bare minimum.

 

[Madison2]

Definitely look for GIA. Color is a matter of preference but cut is so important. Your color will look better and the diamond will sparkle and really appear larger if it's a VG or EX cut. A jeweler once showed me 2 one carat diamonds side by side, with one an excellent cut and VS1 and the other was same color but only a good cut and VS2. The lesser quality one looked significantly smaller due to lack of sparkle and clarity. Jeweler count on buyers' lack of knowledge to sell stock, but it sounds like you can use your research to find something you are really happy with. Depending on your budget though, you will probably get similar carat weight for at least 20% more money if you get a higher quality diamond, but it's so worth it. And I agree with PP that they may have just dropped your stone into a stock setting without customizing much, if at all, to make it perfect. My setting was hand made to exactly match my diamond, which you may not want to do, but those options are available if you want to go that far. Here are a couple more of mine:

Golfwidow, your setting and diamond are gorgeous!
May I ask who made your setting?

 

[priscilla]

Yes I'm definitely going with GIA and I'll pay most attention to cut. Thanks! Your ring is so beautiful!!

 

[golfwidow]

Jewels by Erica Grace made it

 

[Bonfire]

I hope I'm not thread jacking, but here is another example of a round stone in a cushion halo. LAD made it for me. It's very delicate and absolutely no gaps. Good luck with whatever you decide

 

[LLJsmom]

If you are stuck getting your stone there, I would get a GIA XXX. Run it by the experts in Rocky Talky and return the setting altogether. Look for a custom cushion halo to build around your round stone.

See Victor Canera's round in a cushion halo. This is my absolute favorite halo sillouette. It's softly rounded, and the center stone sits right above the halo melee, but no airline. Perfectly proportioned. Just a stunning ring.

https://www.pricescope.com/communit...anera-split-shank-cushion-shaped-halo.168707/