Hello all...some help needed here

[JDNJ]

First post here, and I'm glad I found this resource as it has already helped a lot.

Long story short, my gf and I happened upon this ring pictured below at a typical chain jewelery store in a high end mall in NJ. I thought it was overpriced.

This is a pic of the actual ring. Link here:

http://www.ross-simons.com/products/786875.html

She really liked it though and had a great reaction to it. We were looking for something a little different, and she doesnt like solitares or anything like that. So I contacted another dealer of this particular designer who said he would be able to get me that ring for cheaper. Problem is, they are all custom made to the stone so I'm afraid it wont look exactly like the one we both liked pictured above. I went to meet with him and he showed me a stone in a different setting as closely resembling the size and clarity of the one I like (pictured below)

He can put that stone in the setting we like and all in all cost me about $2500 less. Both stones are Henri Daussi cushion cuts which face up nice. The stone I like resembles more of a round cut, but it actually a cushion. The stone from the other guy clearly looks more elongated and I'm afraid it wont look the way I want it to if placed in the same setting.

So basically what would you do? Spend an extra $2500 to be sure you get what you want, or take the risk? Any advice is appreciated. The one we like really does look round to me, but the cert says cushion. Both are just over 1ct VS2 F stones. Help!

 

[VRBeauty]

The things that sets the first ring you posted apart are 1) the size of the halo stones relative to the center stone, and 2) the way the halo stones are set, with sort of a semi-bezel, giving the outer edge of the halo a scalloped, petal-like appearance. The second ring you posted doesn't have those features. You're also right about the shape of the center stones... I *think* they're both cushions (hopefully one of our experts will chime in) but the first is more rounded in appearance than the second.

 

[TitanCi]

^this.

And that one DOES look round... vs the bottom pic.

 

[Gypsy]

I think the first one is a round. It's totally possible to get that look. Cheaper I don't know. But better quality, definitely. It's not the maul jewelers are expensive. They are expensive FOR THE QUALITY YOU GET.

 

[Mrs.W 514]

I would be wary of that setting. Ross Simmons is not known for high quality jewelry. You may have some issues with stones falling out, poor quality melee stones ect
The first style you posted looks more like a cluster ring and the second is a halo style. The halo style is incredibly popular right now so if you are looking for something unique that halo doesn't really fit the bill. The first setting you posted also has kind of an antique look to it and I really like the style.

This ring comes to mind https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/20th-anniversary-rose-cut-lots-of-pics.180671/

If I were you I would contact JBEG or GOG and see what they can do for you
http://jewelsbyericagrace.com/home
http://www.goodoldgold.com/Home/

now that I have given a bunch of unsolicited advice Ill answer you actual question
There is a large variation in diamond shapes even when they are the same cut. It has to do with the length to width ratio,exact cut of the cushion ect. Some will appear more square, some more rectangular, some more round. Then their are old cuts vs modern cuts and of course branded cuts like the August Vintage Cushion. https://www.pricescope.com/wiki/diamonds/cushion-cut-diamond

I do like the first ring with the rounder cushion much better than the second.
If I had to pick an option I would spend the extra money to get exactly what I want. I have made the mistake of taking a less than perfect substitute to save money and I haven't stopped kicking myself yet....

 

[JDNJ]

Thanks everyone for the input. To clarify, I am not at all interested in the second setting. I would be taking that diamond and putting it into the setting pictured on top. I like the vintage, floral look of the first setting. Its a Henri Daussi AJK setting, so I dont know if Ross Simons would have anything to do with it other than selling it.

I have been dealing with Brad at since1910.com/H.L. Gross who has been very helpful. I talked Ross Simons down to 13k for the ring pictured which is an 18k white gold. Brad can put the diamond in the second pic into the setting I prefer, in a platinum setting for under $12k, and 18k white gold for under $11k. My only fear is how it will look with a different center stone. I like the vintage floral look the one Ross Simons has. What do you guys think? What are your opinions on the second stone pictured? Below is a side by side of the certs for comparison.

http://www.lolzilla.net/images/80190631407801501679.jpg

Both of the stones are Daussi cushions.

Thanks!

 

[JulieN]

Oh, in that case: I think the second diamond is particularly unattractive. If you want a round, I would get a regular round, not one of these Henri Daussi cushions, the regular one will look better.

This is another halo setting I like: http://www.exceldiamonds.com/-Engag...ng-Alexa-Collection-167-1204.html?vid=3042900

 

[JDNJ]

Oh, in that case: I think the second diamond is particularly unattractive. If you want a round, I would get a regular round, not one of these Henri Daussi cushions.

I'm not necessarily looking for a round, I just want to make sure I keep that vintage floral look. I am pretty much decided on that setting and being that its a Daussi I figured it made sense to put a Daussi cushion in it. The gf seems to like cushions

 

[JulieN]

And another floral: http://www.whiteflash.com/engagemen...s/lotus-halo-diamond-engagement-ring-1357.htm

 

[JulieN]

Oh, in that case: I think the second diamond is particularly unattractive. If you want a round, I would get a regular round, not one of these Henri Daussi cushions.

I'm not necessarily looking for a round, I just want to make sure I keep that vintage floral look. I am pretty much decided on that setting and being that its a Daussi I figured it made sense to put a Daussi cushion in it. The gf seems to like cushions

Oh I see... I think the floral look would be best served with a round center... Most flowers have radial symmetry, no? How much does the Daussi cushions cost? A 1 ct G VS2 online might be around 8000.

 

[Mrs.W 514]

AHH I was totally confused pregnancy brain really has me bad....

Anyway I think as long as the setting fits the more rectangular shaped stone it will look beautiful. Some vendors make their stock settings to fit a specific stone some do not. The link I posted of the rose cut cluster ring has an oval center but still elongated like the cushion you like and I think it is beautiful. I think the first setting you posted is beautiful and would look really nice with a more rectangular cushion cut.
All that being said I would avoid a mall store like the plague. Even a setting that Ross Simmons just sells might be lower quality then a setting direct from the designer. They make those settings specifically for that store and make them of lower quality to go with the target demographic of the store. Another example of this is the Neil Lane line and Kay's. I can guarantee that a Neil Lane ring from Kays would look like a hunk of steel and rock salt next to a Neil Lane from the actual designer.

See if it is possible to source the setting from Henri Duassi rather than through Ross Simmons.

I don't know much about cushion numbers but I do know that a non branded cushion can be absolutely beautiful/higher quality and be far less expensive than a branded cut

 

[JulieN]

The post of the GIA reports confirms that these Daussi cushions are very poorly cut stones that are selling for a premium, and that I think you would be better served by getting a an ideal cut round or cushion for your setting.

 

[JDNJ]

The post of the GIA reports confirms that these Daussi cushions are very poorly cut stones that are selling for a premium, and that I think you would be better served by getting a an ideal cut round or cushion for your setting.

What about them is poorly cut that you're getting from the GIA cert?

 

[VRBeauty]

Not an expert, but... I suspect the Daussi stone would not perform that well because of its facet pattern and large window. The other stone looks like a better bet.

 

[mandasand]

DBL sells Daussi:
http://www.diamondsbylauren.com/

 

[JDNJ]

Not an expert, but... I suspect the Daussi stone would not perform that well because of its facet pattern and large window. The other stone looks like a better bet.

They are both Daussi Cushions.

 

[JulieN]

Depth (low 50s) is too low. Will not have a lively, dynamic look. DBL's photos have not convinced me otherwise.

 

[JDNJ]

Depth (low 50s) is too low. Will not have a lively, dynamic look. DBL's photos have not convinced me otherwise.

Pretty sure that's how Daussi cushions are cut. They face up big.

 

[Gypsy]

And another floral: http://www.whiteflash.com/engagemen...s/lotus-halo-diamond-engagement-ring-1357.htm

ABSOLUTELY THIS ONE. Uber-highquality pave. Same look. MUCH BETTER QUALITY than the Daussi setting (any of them) for pave!!

Or this setting: http://www.engagementringsdirect.com/marion-micro-pave-diamond-halo-engagement-ring-bpid-141-19.html

STICK ANY of these DIAMONDS IN THERE:
http://www.engagementringsdirect.com/1.01-carat-h-si1-a-cut-beyond-cushion-cut-diamond-gid-101696.html
http://www.engagementringsdirect.com/1.07-carat-g-si1-a-cut-beyond-cushion-cut-diamond-gid-102076.html
http://www.engagementringsdirect.com/0.92-carat-h-vs2-a-cut-beyond-cushion-cut-diamond-gid-102943.html
(ask for ASET): http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/F-VS1-Good-Cut-Cushion-Diamond-1511012.asp



CALL IT A DAY!

You are looking at the wrong vendor for what you want. 1910 is great for branded settings. But for VALUE (quailty for the money) you are MUCH better off with the Leon Lotus OR the ERD Marion.

And you are better off with any of the cushions above than a Daussi cushion, which in reality are relative flat and lifeless due to being cut so shallow. They really aren't nice cushions, if you know what a nice cushion looks like and performs like.

 

[VRBeauty]

Not an expert, but... I suspect the Daussi stone would not perform that well because of its facet pattern and large window. The other stone looks like a better bet.

They are both Daussi Cushions.

Sorry - I meant the stone with the cert to the right.

 

[JDNJ]

Is there something wrong with Daussi settings quality? The reason I want to stick with it is I 100% know she will be happy with it. Im nervous about messing with a purchase this substantial without knowing if she will truly like it.

 

[JDNJ]

And another floral: http://www.whiteflash.com/engagemen...s/lotus-halo-diamond-engagement-ring-1357.htm

What makes this better quality than the Daussi? I like it, but the pointy petals and the copper color underneath I'm not sure about. It's also much more expensive.

 

[JulieN]

The quality of the Daussi setting looks fine.

 

[JulieN]

Depth (low 50s) is too low. Will not have a lively, dynamic look. DBL's photos have not convinced me otherwise.

Pretty sure that's how Daussi cushions are cut. They face up big.

But you see, it doesn't face up big at all. A regular one carat round is 6.5mm diameter and 61% depth. The round cushion stone at 6.47x6.39 at 1.10 cts is facing up very small. The rectangular one (6.52x6.24) also is facing up very small for 50.2% depth! So that means that the weight is all in the girdle. You can add a lot of weight in the girdle without adding a lot of depth, as it has the biggest lateral cross-section.

If you want that setting and look, inquire if you can put a non-Daussi stone in it. I really think $12000 is too much for the second stone plus first setting.

 

[Niel]

I always thought this was a very lovely setting that looked very floral in my eyes
http://www.whiteflash.com/engagement-rings/solitaire/verragio-split-shank-halo-solitaire-engagement-ring-1813.htm

And I think if they could modify it to fit a cushion cut it would be lovely, similar to MelbourneGirl's but with obviously a more floral look.

[URL='https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/suprise-proposal-erd-cushion-plain-split-shank-halo-created.177760/?hilit=plain%20shank%20halo']https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/suprise-proposal-erd-cushion-plain-split-shank-halo-created.177760/?hilit=plain%20shank%20halo[/URL]


but just with my two cents i really like it with a round.

 

[CharmyPoo]

You can get a similar cushion between 6-8K from ERD - better quality too. I am thinking for that setting - you can custom make it from a well recommended vendor for under $5000. I am pretty sure ERD will have no problems remaking the setting for you with a better center diamond. My guess would be $13,000 at most.

If you are price shopping and stuck on Henri Daussi, this one on ebay sold by ID Jewelry (pricescope vendor) may be a good choice and they are also accepting offers. 14K White Gold setting with a 1.24ct GIA center G VS1 and 1.55ct F VS setting stones.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Henri-Daussi-GIA-2-79CT-Cushion-Cut-Diamond-Ring-G-VS2-14K-/380476226602?pt=Diamond_Solitaire_Rings&hash=item5896267c2a


With that said, I find Daussi cushions (and most of their stones) not well cut. Yes, there are many threads of me saying that. Many of them look like glass to me and are cut for face up size versus light performance. I also spoke to some vendors who told me that Henri Daussi settings are ok but not great.

 

[CharmyPoo]

Thought of another option. What do you think of this diamond? You can ask to buy the diamond without the setting. This seller is great and has a good return policy.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/2-70ct-EARLY-ART-DECO-PLATINUM-VINTAGE-OLD-MINE-CUT-DIAMOND-ENGAGEMENT-RING-1920-/150926687127?pt=Diamond_Solitaire_Rings&hash=item2323ee7b97

They also have a bench in their shop which makes settings and can do custom cad/cast work. I haven't seen many examples of their custom work.

 

[Mrs.W 514]

And another floral: http://www.whiteflash.com/engagemen...s/lotus-halo-diamond-engagement-ring-1357.htm

What makes this better quality than the Daussi? I like it, but the pointy petals and the copper color underneath I'm not sure about. It's also much more expensive.

Leon Mege is a master of micro pave. Every ring is hand made for the stone that it will hold and every piece is truly a work of art. The small diamonds are perfectly spaced and set and the stones are very high quality. The "copper color" is actually rose gold which is a gold alloy that has copper in it. Sometimes called red gold or russian gold, its stunning. I assure you if you had the Duassi setting and the Leon setting in hand for a side by side comparison you would pick the Leon hands down, your FI too. That being said you don't have them for a side by side comparison and the Duassi setting is very pretty and probably fits much better to what you had in mind for budget. Also it is easy to upgrade a setting later if your GF finds something she likes better. I think the diamond should be your biggest concern.

Like previous posters have said the duassi cushions are not well cut stones. You can do far better if you do your research and find a really great diamond. If I were you I would look for the best cut cushion I could afford and set it in a setting I know she would love.

I think the August Vintage Cushions (AVC) might be of some interest to you. Since your ring has an antique floral feel I think the AVC would compliment the setting nicely. These stones are precision cut to have great light return, fire and scintillation. GOG also has a huge selection of settings to choose from and they might (I really don't know) carry the Duassi setting you like. If not it is easy to buy the stone one place and have it set another, just make sure you insure the stone before setting!http://www.goodoldgold.com/Home/

 

[Mrs.W 514]

I don't know if anybody has mentioned this yet but you might also want to browse Gabriel and Co. They have some really beautiful settings for very reasonable prices. Ill link a few that are similar to the duassi setting. The reasons I suggest this option is because it will allow more money to go to the stone, there are many pricescoper's who absolutely love their G and Co settings and GOG carries this designer. Also the rings themselves are very beautiful. Hope this helps

http://www.gabrielny.com/engaged/style/ER7500W44JJ
http://www.gabrielny.com/engaged/style/ER7500PT4JJ
http://www.gabrielny.com/engaged/style/ER8066W44JJ

 

[JDNJ]

I really like that floral from whiteflash, I just dont know how shes feel about that rose gold. Does it look like a cocktail ring? Id like to keep the whole purchase under $12k.

I know for sure that she likes that Daussi ring, so I think pairing that setting with a non-Daussi stone through since1910 might be best. YOu all have me nervous about the Daussi quality though. I want to make sure I get a high quality product.