Help Finalizing CADs for Blue Sapphire - Take II

[stonewell]

Hi all,

So, I guess my request got processed after all since the previous thread is now gone. My bad for being a premature stress bunny and requesting the thread be removed. Thanks and my apologies to all who gave feedback - it was so valuable and I am hoping for more.

@rockysalamander - I was looking forward to your input and hope you’ll share your thoughts!

In a nutshell, I have a round sapphire I’m looking to set in a solitaire setting with vintage elements. Here are photos of the stone, my inspiration and the CADs so far.







I’ve made note of the previous feedback to take the last milgrain tier closest to the bottom of the ring from two rows to one. Also, there was a suggestion that where the two rows met appear more angled in the inspiration than in the CADs so far. I plan to visit DK tomorrow and will discuss these with Amy.

I’ll also revisit whether to have the milgrain beads casted or engraved. Amy and I had discussed it previously, and she said it all depended on how pronounced I wanted it to look - casting it will make it more visible, whereas engraving the milgrain will give it a more delicate appearance and less obvious. I’m not set on which way to go, but I do like how it appears on JAs finished samples. Actually, this is the one rare occasion where I think their finished rings look quite close to the CADs and decently executed. The beading doesn’t appear too bulky or overwhelming as I’ve perceived it on their other designs.



I really want this to be my dream sapphire ring. So, I welcome everyone’s thoughts, opinions, and feedback - good, bad and indifferent.

Thanks in advance!

 

[whitewave]

Gah, that sapphire is GORGEOUS!!!

 

[stonewell]

Thanks @whitewave... It is, by far, the most beautiful stone I own - dare I say, more so than any of my diamonds. lol I think that may be why I’m stressing so much over this setting design!

 

[whitewave]

Thanks @whitewave... It is, by far, the most beautiful stone I own - dare I say, more so than any of my diamonds. lol I think that may be why I’m stressing so much over this setting design!

It’s mesmerizing. I can’t wait to see the finished ring.

 

[2Neesers]

Your sapphire looks amazing! I'm sorry to hear your other thread was deleted. The comfort of the band rubbing on your other fingers was brought up in the other thread, and I just wanted to mention if you go over that aspect with David and Amy, they can lead you in the right direction. I am very sensitive to rough textures and have let them know that in the past and the finished pieces are always comfy and smooth to the touch. Your ring is going to be so beautiful

 

[stonewell]

Thanks @2Neezers - it was totally my fault. I really appreciate your kind encouragement yesterday. It did a lot to calm my crazy. lol

Appreciate you recalling that other bit of feedback. I’ll make sure to cover that point too. I had asked Amy if they could make a wax, however I don’t think they’ll have it ready by tomorrow. Perhaps it’s for the better. I think I’ll hold off until all the changes are made.

 

[stonewell]

Is there other feedback from anyone? I’m heading out to LA in a bit and hoping to cover everything with Amy today.

 

[2Neesers]

Hmmm... I was thinking that if you love the finished James Allen piece, that you might not want to change those design elements, because it will change the look of the ring. It's a personal preference of course, but I kind of prefer the way it looks as is with the double row of diamonds instead of it tapering to one row. Do you like the angle where the head meets the band? I might soften that angle up, unless you like the way it is

 

[stonewell]

I do love the way it looks presently, but am intrigued with how it may look with the single row. I’m not so concerned about saving on this setting; it’s whether or not it improves the aesthetics. If it’s not too much trouble for Amy to make a modified CAD I would like to see it to satisfy my curiosity.

It would be nice if the angle of the head wasn’t so steep. I figured it had to do with size/depth of the sapphire, and changing it might push the other elements further down the shank. Maybe it won’t. I’ll ask about this too!

 

[stonewell]

Quick update - Amy and I discussed all the changes. She did a quick mock-up with the single row at the bottom of the shank and it didn’t look quite right to me. I determined I prefer the double row. We did end up angling the milgrain sections slightly more and it looked much sharper and better defined. The angle of the cathedral was softened a bit too.

I also got to view some finished samples of casted and engraved milgrain and the former looks fantastic! So I opted to go ahead and have the milgrain beading casted.

With all of the above now in place, I love it!! I gave Amy the green light and it looks like the cast will be made on Monday. Amy estimates the ring will be done in the next couple of weeks.

 

[2Neesers]

I’m so excited for you! It’s going to be a gorgeous ring .

 

[molecule]

Personally, I'd rather see alternating leave directions with more angle. Right now it runs up and down the shank, but that would be deviating quite a bit from the inspiration ring.

I'd also prefer marquis diamonds in the leaves or shorter leaves or graduated rb in the leaves (as in some of the leaves of the picture below) as currently there is too much blank space in the corners.

 

[stonewell]

Thanks @molecule... that would have been a very interesting modification to the design!

I had thought about using full marquise diamonds but decided against it. I do have the option for three stones to be used in each section. So, I’m going to see how I like it with one and if it leaves too much metal to suit my tastes, I’ll have more added.

 

[stonewell]

It’s finally done! I’ve had it for a couple weeks, but ended up requesting changes to the prongs and having engraving added to the back. I received her back just yesterday...

 

[lovedogs]

Oh my goodness it's perfect!!! That sapphrie is a dream, and dk nailed the setting. I hope you are loving it!!

 

[Rfisher]

Very pretty!

I also got to view some finished samples of casted and engraved milgrain and the former looks fantastic! So I opted to go ahead and have the milgrain beading casted.

Question here. The cast milgrain looked better than engraved or looked as good as engraved? If looked as good as - what tipped the scale to go cast?

 

[Bron357]

Another David Klass masterpiece.
You must be totally thrilled, it is stunning in every way.

 

[stonewell]

Oh my goodness it's perfect!!! That sapphrie is a dream, and dk nailed the setting. I hope you are loving it!!

Thanks! I know you’ll remember I was so stressed over this particular project... It turned out better than I expected and I really had nothing to worry about! I love it.

 

[stonewell]

Very pretty!


Question here. The cast milgrain looked better than engraved or looked as good as engraved? If looked as good as - what tipped the scale to go cast?

For this particular ring, Amy and David assured me the cast would look better. They said I could go with engraved milgrain, but it would be much, much more subtle. Since it seemed to be a key part of the overall look, I went ahead and had them cast it. Overall, it still looks pretty refined for cast, imho. I think this photo shows it more clearly:

 

[stonewell]

Another David Klass masterpiece.
You must be totally thrilled, it is stunning in every way.

Thanks so much, I am ecstatic with it. DK absolutely did a remarkable job. I’ve been off PS lately, but I see you also received your sapphire!! I’ve been dying to see it - off to check that gorgeous beauty

 

[2Neesers]

Your ring is so beautiful . Sapphire ring perfection!

 

[voce]

For this particular ring, Amy and David assured me the cast would look better. They said I could go with engraved milgrain, but it would be much, much more subtle. Since it seemed to be a key part of the overall look, I went ahead and had them cast it. Overall, it still looks pretty refined for cast, imho. I think this photo shows it more clearly:

Well done, @stonewell!

Your ring is beautiful and refined, and your sapphire is definitely top color and a good size. I hope to own rings like that some day. So beautiful it can be an heirloom!

 

[suzanne2]

For this particular ring, Amy and David assured me the cast would look better. They said I could go with engraved milgrain, but it would be much, much more subtle. Since it seemed to be a key part of the overall look, I went ahead and had them cast it. Overall, it still looks pretty refined for cast, imho. I think this photo shows it more clearly:

Gorgeous! Stunning! The sapphire is huge! Also, thanks for discussing the different milgrains. My next ring will have some and now I understand the differences.

 

[Acinom]

What a stunning ring!!!!
Your sapphire is gorgeous! And the setting is perfect. I love the detailing on your ring. It’s beautiful from every angle

 

[BlingObsession]

Very, very beautiful. Well done!

 

[Rubybrick]

Truly beautiful, I love how subtly the diamond accents and the yellow gold compliment the sapphire. A very refreshing aesthetic! Great vision.

 

[Burmesedaze]

She is lovely. With so many little delicate touches and so much detail, yet managing to look delicate but substantial.

Wear it in good health!

 

[Bluegemz]

Amazing sapphire and a lovely setting! That yellow gold just shows off the blue even more!

 

[Lisa Loves Shiny]

Stunning sapphire and the setting is amazing! David knocked that one out of the park. I love the engraving and those claw prongs- swoon.

 

[stonewell]

Thank you @2Neezers @voce @suzanne2 @Acinom @BlingObsession @Rubybrick @Burmesedaze @Bluegemz @LisaRN @Bron357 @lovedogs @Rfisher for your kind words - I appreciate you all so much!! I’m such a noob with CS and fretted over finding the right stone... and even more over how to set it. Seeing all your beautiful rings and reading through your setting journeys helped me tremendously.

Now that I have this treasure on my finger, I so totally get it. I can’t stop staring at it! Even my DH has told me I have “that look” in my eye and has braced himself for my new obsession.

Hope you all will indulge me in sharing some additional photos...