Having second thoughts on a yellow gold halo for my oval diamond

[Heidibrooke]

I already sent my .94 GIA G IF oval diamond to JA to have reset in a YG halo w/plain shank and claw prongs. It’s still in the pre-production phase, so I believe I can call and change it to a YG shank with a white gold halo, which would be considered custom and non returnable.

I love yellow gold but from what I’ve been reading, it can cause a colorless or near colorless diamond to appear to have color.

I even thought about resetting it in a similar yellow gold pave (no halo) setting again but I feel it looks better in a halo. I had it in a poorly fitted halo for 5 years (long story). It’s 1:54 ratio and looks a bit narrow. Plus, I think it might look a bit odd having two solitaires. I’m having a very simple 1.08 round diamond set as well.

Any suggestions appreciated! I’d love to see your yellow gold halos (especially with near colorless diamonds) and your two tone halos. Thanks for your help!

 

[tyty333]

Can you link us the halo at JA you're talking about?

 

[Heidibrooke]

Absolutely, here’s the link. I’d love your opinion.

14K Yellow Gold Pavé Halo Diamond Engagement Ring (Oval Center)

This stunning engagement ring features Pavé set diamonds on the halo that surrounds the oval shaped diamond of your choice, while the sleek metal shank allows for a variety of complementary band options.

www.jamesallen.com

 

[Heidibrooke]

Can you link us the halo at JA you're talking about?

14K Yellow Gold Pavé Halo Diamond Engagement Ring (Oval Center)

This stunning engagement ring features Pavé set diamonds on the halo that surrounds the oval shaped diamond of your choice, while the sleek metal shank allows for a variety of complementary band options.

www.jamesallen.com

This is the setting I have ordered. I’d love your opinion. Thanks!

 

[tyty333]

Weird, having problems getting to JA right now...I'll check in again in a little bit!

 

[lala646]

Personally, I'd go with a platinum halo if possible. Would be lovely with that setting. And I definitely would be concerned about the YG giving your G more color.

 

[tyty333]

I guess my main concern is that since the halo will not be custom made for your stone (they will probably put it in
the closest size that fits your stone) that you could have more metal showing. If you look at the ones that are made
on the JA page you can see some have a little more metal around the edge than others. Just something that you need
to think about...If seeing a little more yellow gold between the stones might bother you then you might want to stick
with a white metal.

I love mixed metals. If you just really like yellow gold then go for it!

 

[Heidibrooke]

I guess my main concern is that since the halo will not be custom made for your stone (they will probably put it in
the closest size that fits your stone) that you could have more metal showing. If you look at the ones that are made
on the JA page you can see some have a little more metal around the edge than others. Just something that you need
to think about...If seeing a little more yellow gold between the stones might bother you then you might want to stick
with a white metal.

I love mixed metals. If you just really like yellow gold then go for it!

Thanks so much. I was under the impression that JA would create a custom halo to the exact dimensions of my diamond. That could really change my whole idea of using them. I had a custom halo made by a local jeweler 6 years ago and he left an airline gap all around the diamond. I wore it that way and tried to accept it but it was never right. I had the halo removed and prefer it as a solitaire vs in a halo that doesn’t compliment it.

I am speaking to JA now. They are saying it will be a significant price increase to use two metals to create this halo. That’s a big risk, considering it’s not returnable.

I am thinking my only options are a yellow gold halo and accept the warmth it brings to my G diamond or else have my diamond set as a solitaire again with a yellow gold plain shank and a platinum head.

 

[LightBright]

I feel like my gold setting makes my Old Mine Cut more yellow. I’m guessing that your Oval might allow similar “leakage” of rich gold color into the clear diamond through the larger facets. For my diamond, having a yellow gold basket tints it significantly.

If you are worried about tinting, would order a two tone ring, with white metal basket, or go white metal all the way. YMMV.

 

[Dandi]

Is the price increase for a platinum halo, or white gold? I have WG prongs/baskets with RG bands on my rings, and I don't recall a significant price difference vs all rose gold.

 

[meely]

Can you absorb the shipping costs and send to another jeweler? If you can I would and send it to David Klass. I know he gets mentioned a lot but there is a good reason why, he made my oval halo. Also I would do mix metal and just join at the shoulders.

 

[lookingforsparkle]

I would do mixed metals or solid white metal if color is important to you. When my F color ACA arrived in a yellow gold setting, I was surprised at the amount of color from the yellow gold. I had it reset in platinum and it's gorgeous and white. The setting made a big difference for me.

 

[Heidibrooke]

N

I feel like my gold setting makes my Old Mine Cut more yellow. I’m guessing that your Oval might allow similar “leakage” of rich gold color into the clear diamond through the larger facets. For my diamond, having a yellow gold basket tints it significantly.

If you are worried about tinting, would order a two tone ring, with white metal basket, or go white metal all the way. YMMV.

I feel like you’re right. Ovals do have some large facets (windowing) even with ideal proportions. So I’m envisioning the warmth of yellow showing through. I’m leaning toward a different setting. Thanks for your help.

 

[Heidibrooke]

Is the price increase for a platinum halo, or white gold? I have WG prongs/baskets with RG bands on my rings, and I don't recall a significant price difference vs all rose gold.

The price increase is because they don’t offer a two tone halo, so it would be a custom job. I’m going to look at some other settings.

 

[Heidibrooke]

Can you absorb the shipping costs and send to another jeweler? If you can I would and send it to David Klass. I know he gets mentioned a lot but there is a good reason why, he made my oval halo. Also I would do mix metal and just join at the shoulders.

That is an option. I’ve never heard of David Klass but I will definitely look him up, thanks!

 

[Heidibrooke]

I would do mixed metals or solid white metal if color is important to you. When my F color ACA arrived in a yellow gold setting, I was surprised at the amount of color from the yellow gold. I had it reset in platinum and it's gorgeous and white. The setting made a big difference for me.

That’s saying a lot for an F ACA diamond to show yellow from the metal. That had to be disappointing. I’m pretty sure I’m going to have to choose a different setting. I love yellow gold but only with a platinum head/basket.

 

[meely]

That is an option. I’ve never heard of David Klass but I will definitely look him up, thanks!

He is all over pricescope normally referred to as DK, there is a whole thread on his work. Here is my ring, not what you are after but will give you an idea as to the quality of his work.

#JOTW - My engagement ring had arrived - August Vintage Oval In a David Klass Halo

Not a long post as I haven't got time but just to say that my engagement ring arrived today. Thank you to all of you that helped on my long journey to get here, and apologies for not naming anyone. Here are some photos excuse the quality and the hands!

www.pricescope.com

 

[diamondsR4eVR]

Your oval is so pretty and I like your original setting. I prefer halos that are custom and seamless. Meaning I hardly see any metal around the stone. I recommend David Klass. I would love to work with him some day. Check out his IG page. I think he could make you a spectacular halo.

ETA: I see others recommended him too.

 

[Heidibrooke]

I’m browsing settings that are yellow gold w/platinum or WG prongs. These were definitely not on my radar but are interesting.
I’m typically very classic and simple in my taste for jewelry. My oval diamond will be worn as a rhr. My wedding rings will be a simple yellow gold solitaire w/platinum claw prongs w/MRB True Hearts 1.08 with a YG 2 mm band.

Would any of these look good? I’m really liking claw prongs.

First one...too much going on?
Second one...shank too thick for .94 diamond?
Third one...too traditional engagement?

 

[Daisys and Diamonds]

I’m browsing settings that are yellow gold w/platinum or WG prongs. These were definitely not on my radar but are interesting.
I’m typically very classic and simple in my taste for jewelry. My oval diamond will be worn as a rhr. My wedding rings will be a simple yellow gold solitaire w/platinum claw prongs w/MRB True Hearts 1.08 with a YG 2 mm band.

Would any of these look good? I’m really liking claw prongs.

First one...too much going on?
Second one...shank too thick for .94 diamond?
Third one...too traditional engagement?

Wow
I love those
Much morw interesting than a halo
I love the first one the best as i prefer wider bands

But its your diamond ....
Good luck on the descion making process

 

[Heidibrooke]

Your oval is so pretty and I like your original setting. I prefer halos that are custom and seamless. Meaning I hardly see any metal around the stone. I recommend David Klass. I would love to work with him some day. Check out his IG page. I think he could make you a spectacular halo.

ETA: I see others recommended him too.

Thanks! I totally agree. I love a well made seamless halo that doesn’t compete with the center stone.

 

[tyty333]

I love that first one you posted especially since it sort of takes the look away from an engagement ring.

I second or third or forth David Klass. He and Amy are awesome. If you did a halo it would be custom to fit your stone.
His prices are reasonable too.

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And because I just posted this on another thread I'll post it here too. Make by DK, 1.14 J ACA in two-tone metal to be a
right-hand ring.

 

[tyty333]

As another option....I saw this one today on instagram and had to grab a picture. Its the oval in the split shank. Rose gold
I think. So beautiful.

This was done by Alex Park. I dont think he sets outside stones though.

 

[foxinsox]

OP, is there a reason you're staying with James Allen settings? It is because you have a credit or they're covering the change in setting or just because they currently have your oval?
They're not known for their settings specifically or for doing especially amazing custom work which is why I'm asking.

 

[foxinsox]

As another option....I saw this one today on instagram and had to grab a picture. Its the oval in the split shank. Rose gold
I think. So beautiful.

This was done by Alex Park. I dont think he sets outside stones though.

His rose gold is and I loveeeeeee that setting in every iteration in which I've seen it.

 

[headlight]

I already sent my .94 GIA G IF oval diamond to JA to have reset in a YG halo w/plain shank and claw prongs. It’s still in the pre-production phase, so I believe I can call and change it to a YG shank with a white gold halo, which would be considered custom and non returnable.

I love yellow gold but from what I’ve been reading, it can cause a colorless or near colorless diamond to appear to have color.

I even thought about resetting it in a similar yellow gold pave (no halo) setting again but I feel it looks better in a halo. I had it in a poorly fitted halo for 5 years (long story). It’s 1:54 ratio and looks a bit narrow. Plus, I think it might look a bit odd having two solitaires. I’m having a very simple 1.08 round diamond set as well.

Any suggestions appreciated! I’d love to see your yellow gold halos (especially with near colorless diamonds) and your two tone halos. Thanks for your help!

I think your ring in this photo is gorgeous. If this is the setting you are thinking of changing I think you should rethink it! It’s SO pretty just as it is!

 

[Heidibrooke]

I think your ring in this photo is gorgeous. If this is the setting you are thinking of changing I think you should rethink it! It’s SO pretty just as it is!

Thanks so much! Unfortunately, it’s too big and I’m afraid I’m going to lose it. It’s an eternity and can’t be sized down.

 

[Heidibrooke]

OP, is there a reason you're staying with James Allen settings? It is because you have a credit or they're covering the change in setting or just because they currently have your oval?
They're not known for their settings specifically or for doing especially amazing custom work which is why I'm asking.

I’ve always worked with them and have a trade-in/upgrade in progress. Plus, they are what is affordable for me right now, with their 25% off settings sale. I have seen gorgeous settings on other sites but they are out of budget right now.

 

[La2020]

Personally, after seeing 2 cases of bad prong settings by JA, I would only get the diamond only....

 

[motownmama]

Didn’t you used to have this diamond in a white halo?