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Help! I'm lost in the land of re-setting!

HI mrs-b,
I love love love the MC2 settings. I did have a question, were they willing to set your own diamond? I thought they only set their own stones. If yes, this sort of gives me hope if they are willing to set your diamond. Also, if you don't mind, what's the ballpark price of their Bella setting.
I need to figure out how much money I should save!

Hi Kayla :)

We didn't talk prices specifically, but for my stone, which is large and would involve more 'petals' aka more work, I got the impression from the numbers they mentioned that it would be in the 10k ball park. I believe the base setting price is 8.5k, and for extra size and a few tweaks, I am thinking roughly 10k.

They prefer to set their own stones. They will make exceptions, but it's on a case-by-case basis and is largely (from what I could figure) based on the quality of the stone. They want to control the overall quality of what they put out there - which makes complete sense to me when you see the work they're producing.
 
Went out to breakfast with DH this morning and was talking about ring/diamond options. I said to him, "I'm still undecided! What do you think I should do??"

He said, "I think you should upgrade your diamond and get that nice flower setting we saw at MC2." (pause...) "But it's got to be 4ct. None of this 3.9 crap."

This is possibly the greatest husband in the world. :mrgreen:
And there you go.... the 4ct mark! He knows you so well :mrgreen2:
 
Hi Kayla :)

We didn't talk prices specifically, but for my stone, which is large and would involve more 'petals' aka more work, I got the impression from the numbers they mentioned that it would be in the 10k ball park. I believe the base setting price is 8.5k, and for extra size and a few tweaks, I am thinking roughly 10k.

They prefer to set their own stones. They will make exceptions, but it's on a case-by-case basis and is largely (from what I could figure) based on the quality of the stone. They want to control the overall quality of what they put out there - which makes complete sense to me when you see the work they're producing.
Thank you! This gives me hope but I'm pretty sure I won't be able to afford it. I can think of so many other things I can do with that much money :(2!
I do love the shank of their Bella setting though. I bet it would look amazing with the CVB Dahlia head. Hmmmmm..... Ideas, ideas!
 
Went out to breakfast with DH this morning and was talking about ring/diamond options. I said to him, "I'm still undecided! What do you think I should do??"

He said, "I think you should upgrade your diamond and get that nice flower setting we saw at MC2." (pause...) "But it's got to be 4ct. None of this 3.9 crap."

This is possibly the greatest husband in the world. :mrgreen:

What did you slip into his coffee Hon? I need this magic potion! :kiss2:
 
What did you slip into his coffee Hon? I need this magic potion! :kiss2:

It's interesting though - my husband is usually pretty supportive of what I want to do and will always encourage me to push the envelope a bit too. However, after he says go for it I'm the one that usually starts doubting spending the money or whatever. Funny how that works! Maybe he should tell me he doesn't think it's a good idea so I'd do it just to show him - ha! Talk about reverse psychology!
 
OMG - best husband ever! so.. how does that change your plan? :appl:
Will you use your gorgeous 3.61 as the centre in the 3-stone and get a new 4ct for the solitaire Bella Flora?
 
Good lord, @foxinsox - you're the frigging voice of temptation!!

However, I have already done a STUPID thing, so we're off to the races on 'Bad Decisions Made During Mrs B's Upgrade Project'!

I started looking at diamonds. BEFORE I had my funds in order. And I've found my stone. Now I have to see if it will still be there in the three to four weeks it will take to draw down funds from a long term investment portfolio in another country! Consequently, we were calling international banks at 5am this morning - yay! And we're leeeeeeaning on them, trying to get them to reduce what is reportedly a 3 week process to something reasonable like - oh - say - half an hour or so, so I can get this stone before someone else snatches it up!

Assuming I get this stone, I'll be going with someone completely different to set it than I originally thought.

Curious how life can change on a dime! Watch this space.... :)
 
Good lord, @foxinsox - you're the frigging voice of temptation!!

However, I have already done a STUPID thing, so we're off to the races on 'Bad Decisions Made During Mrs B's Upgrade Project'!

I started looking at diamonds. BEFORE I had my funds in order. And I've found my stone. Now I have to see if it will still be there in the three to four weeks it will take to draw down funds from a long term investment portfolio in another country! Consequently, we were calling international banks at 5am this morning - yay! And we're leeeeeeaning on them, trying to get them to reduce what is reportedly a 3 week process to something reasonable like - oh - say - half an hour or so, so I can get this stone before someone else snatches it up!

Assuming I get this stone, I'll be going with someone completely different to set it than I originally thought.

Curious how life can change on a dime! Watch this space.... :)

Why don't you take advantage of BN's 1 year, no interest financing option - that way you can lock in the stone now and just pay it off once you receive the funds in a few weeks? :devil::bigsmile:
 
I started looking at diamonds. BEFORE I had my funds in order. And I've found my stone. Now I have to see if it will still be there in the three to four weeks it will take to draw down funds from a long term investment portfolio in another country! Consequently, we were calling international banks at 5am this morning - yay! And we're leeeeeeaning on them, trying to get them to reduce what is reportedly a 3 week process to something reasonable like - oh - say - half an hour or so, so I can get this stone before someone else snatches it up!

Assuming I get this stone, I'll be going with someone completely different to set it than I originally thought.
I'm confused... You found the new 4ct stone and will be going with someone other than MC2 or you found the other stone needed for your 3-stone ring and will be going with a different designer?
 
Good lord, @foxinsox - you're the frigging voice of temptation!!
HA! There are no 4cts in my future so I'm only too happy to enable others where I can :appl:
This is turning out to be a very exciting journey! I'm crossing my fingers you get the stone soon (and post pictures too)
 
Why don't you take advantage of BN's 1 year, no interest financing option - that way you can lock in the stone now and just pay it off once you receive the funds in a few weeks? :devil::bigsmile:

I *think* that involves applying for a CC - and they have limits like any other CC. We looked into it, but they're really only offering smaller amounts. If we were going to CC it, we'd stick it on our AmEx, but I just don't want to do that till we get the money. And of course, when we get the money, we don't need the CC....
 
I'm confused... You found the new 4ct stone and will be going with someone other than MC2 or you found the other stone needed for your 3-stone ring and will be going with a different designer?

The truth is...I'm looking at a warm, 6ct EC - and I'm desperately trying to talk myself out of it! Having seen it - it fits in with neither the MC2 ring nor the three stone project. But I absolutely ADORE it! And, despite everything I've said - I've been looking at the setting on Erika Winter's page and...ugh! I'm confuuuuused!
 
How warm are you looking? I love a warmer antique diamond!
 
How warm are you looking? I love a warmer antique diamond!

I actually like warmth in EC's. To me they're a softer looking sort of stone from the get-go, and the warmth looks good on them. So I'm happily looking as low as K's.
 
The truth is...I'm looking at a warm, 6ct EC - and I'm desperately trying to talk myself out of it! Having seen it - it fits in with neither the MC2 ring nor the three stone project. But I absolutely ADORE it! And, despite everything I've said - I've been looking at the setting on Erika Winter's page and...ugh! I'm confuuuuused!
Nope. Don't do it. It's not what you've had your heart on. Stick with your goal!
 
Yum! KLM is a sweet spot for an antique EC!
 
Maybe it is a good thing that you can't get to your money right away - the choices change daily - lol! Seriously though, it does give you a chance to figure out exactly what you want to do. If you got the EC, would you leave the 3.61 in its current setting or would that be traded in? Don't want to get lost in the sauce in this story - ha!
 
The truth is...I'm looking at a warm, 6ct EC - and I'm desperately trying to talk myself out of it! Having seen it - it fits in with neither the MC2 ring nor the three stone project. But I absolutely ADORE it! And, despite everything I've said - I've been looking at the setting on Erika Winter's page and...ugh! I'm confuuuuused!

Go where your heart leads you mrs-b!
 
The truth is...I'm looking at a warm, 6ct EC - and I'm desperately trying to talk myself out of it!

Why on Earth would you want to talk yourself out of love at first sight !


2c:
Of course, step cuts are also my love - any colour. Ergo, a 'Light Yellow' at JA caught my imagination some weeks ago WWW [ joy in crystalline summer light ! ]; I am not in the market, so there are four of them I am mooning over not having to choose. When I read your post, I thought it would be this stone !
 
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Wow! Trying to keep up with your adventure!
Not sure if that's the word you'd use at the moment. It can definitely be confusing trying to choose when there are so many gorgeous diamond and setting options.

Whatever you decide, there's no question that the diamond and setting will be stunning.
You have great taste!

You realize, of course, that you have 10 fingers? :Up_to_something:
 
Lol sorry about that! Sure!

I ended up not going with the BN stone, so I freaked out over nothing. Sorry, @SimoneDi - I've found this whole process more stress-inducing than enjoyable.

Here's the stone I have on hold at the moment: I'm prevaricating tho because it's just such a lot to spend on a piece of jewelry. But I've paid the deposit and I ship my stone to them on Monday. :shock: I've considered a zillion different stones, but this is the one stone through all this that I've been sure would cut the mustard and which I wouldn't want to change after 6 months when I realized I had made a knee-jerk decision and bought on a whim, not on the basis of what I know is a solid product that holds its value. I'm thinking of putting it in *this* setting, and have already had some conversation re this with VC. It would be a yellow gold body and a plat head.

https://www.victorcanera.com/rings/engagement/round-and-pear-shaped-trilogy

4.15 WF diamond_b.jpg
 
I was thinking 4 carats with a split shank. That would add interest from the top view but not sure how you wedding band would sit with it. I particulary
like this one... (budget beware:confused2:). You would need to add milgrain to your wedding band if it doesnt already have it (I cant tell).
http://erikawinters.com/Engagement-Rings-Helena-Split-Shank-Solitaire.html#.WZQ_flWGMdU

What about something like this...(but custom made for your 4 carat). The top two side stones could be the size of the stones in your wedding band.
This would be a whole lot of bling (maybe more than you want).
https://www.jamesallen.com/engageme...r-milgrain-diamond-engagement-ring-item-49486

Another option would be something like this with milgrain (custom made of course)
https://www.jamesallen.com/engageme...d-inspired-diamond-engagement-ring-item-41042

Ring 2 (the James Allen reverse taper milgrain), but made by EW similar to the Helena but without the split shank, is the only other setting I'm considering. I've wondered if the round with pears is a style which will date over time. But that graduating shank set with diamonds is a classic. After seeing a version of this band done by Singlestone a short while back, that shank was definitely the frontrunner. I've been wondering how it would look in a cushion bezel with inner milgrain. Or maybe in a box setting. Things are solidifying somewhat tho - mostly my brain....
 
I ended up not going with the BN stone, so I freaked out over nothing. Sorry, @SimoneDi - I've found this whole process more stress-inducing than enjoyable.

Here's the stone I have on hold at the moment: I'm prevaricating tho because it's just such a lot to spend on a piece of jewelry. But I've paid the deposit and I ship my stone to them on Monday. :shock: I've considered a zillion different stones, but this is the one stone through all this that I've been sure would cut the mustard and which I wouldn't want to change after 6 months when I realized I had made a knee-jerk decision and bought on a whim, not on the basis of what I know is a solid product that holds its value. I'm thinking of putting it in *this* setting, and have already had some conversation re this with VC. It would be a yellow gold body and a plat head.

https://www.victorcanera.com/rings/engagement/round-and-pear-shaped-trilogy

4.15 WF diamond_b.jpg
I am so glad that you found a stone that you love! It surely looks amazing! I think that letting go of what you have plus investing a lot of additional funds to get something else is always a nerve-wracking decision, but I also think that you have found a gorgeous stone and if for whatever reason you want to change it in the future, upgrading with WF with be such an easy process (buh-bye double the amount form BN:) enjoy your last weekend with the old stone and I hope you fall in love with the new one - we are all looking forward to seeing a glorious 4.156 H VS2 ACA on your finger! I adore a three stone ring with pear sides and VC will execute it flawlessly!! It is definitely a timeless ring and I think that it will give you all the finger coverage you need. However, I will say, if possible try some 3 stones with pear sides and wrh rounds for comparison, as much as I love pear sides, they really do not perform the same way as rounds, for that reason I went with rounds for my 3 stone (currently in progress). I would also trust VCs recommendations regarding proportions and side stone picks. Ugh, this will be such a glorious ring, I am very excited for you!
 
I am so glad that you found a stone that you love! It surely looks amazing! I think that letting go of what you have plus investing a lot of additional funds to get something else is always a nerve-wracking decision, but I also think that you have found a gorgeous stone and if for whatever reason you want to change it in the future, upgrading with WF with be such an easy process (buh-bye double the amount form BN:) enjoy your last weekend with the old stone and I hope you fall in love with the new one - we are all looking forward to seeing a glorious 4.156 H VS2 ACA on your finger! I adore a three stone ring with pear sides and VC will execute it flawlessly!! It is definitely a timeless ring and I think that it will give you all the finger coverage you need. However, I will say, if possible try some 3 stones with pear sides and wrh rounds for comparison, as much as I love pear sides, they really do not perform the same way as rounds, for that reason I went with rounds for my 3 stone (currently in progress). I would also trust VCs recommendations regarding proportions and side stone picks. Ugh, this will be such a glorious ring, I am very excited for you!

You're doing a three stone, @SimoneDi ? How did I not know that! Can I ask who you're going with, and what stones you're using? if you'd rather not say - no problem - I will look forward to seeing it when it's done. :)

And - thank you for your oh-so-calm words - it helped. I actually used to own a 3 stone with pears and I liked it a lot. It was very different proportions tho - in fact, it had the same ctw side stones that VC is suggesting for this ring - which would have a center stone 4 times larger than my original ring! I'm wondering if side stone of 40 points each would just be too small for a 4ct center. And I TOTALLY agree with you re pears vs rounds - which is why I'm leaning towards the setting with the tapered rounds more and more by the minute.

So - news about your three stone?
 
Oh, mrs-b, you had me worried! Silly me - look what you chose! You will not be sorry. You wanted to hit that 4 carat mark and these ACA stones are really something else. I too had a very nice stone but the small nuances I notice in my new ACA definitely trump my old stone. You too have a keen eye and will appreciate the precision. I am excited for you!!
Victor truly does have an eye for proportion so no worries there. I had always loved a three stone with pears too until my husband told me that he thought the pears looked like airplane wings - ha! However, he has never seen one made by Victor and I think because your center stone is so large and will take up so much of the finger that the pears would just look like gradual glints cascading down from the center. I do love the sparkle from my side stones and Victor does the rounds too so either way, I think you would be good. Again, I would seek his counsel on shape dependent on the size of your center stone. The pear side stones are very elegant in a three stone ring and I have no doubt he will set them at an angle that will be very complimentary to your center stone - not at all like airplane wings - lol!
I am very excited for you and glad that you are spending your money on something that will bring you joy each and every day. I think we all take pause before plunking down the cash but it's what we have worked hard for - I am glad to see you enjoying the fruits of it all!
 
Oh my goodness!

A 4.156 H VS2 ACA! :love: :love: :love: :dance: :dance: :dance:

I'm speechless! And so, so excited for you! :appl: :appl: :appl:

Yes, of course, its a lot of money. But your DH is on board so don't waste any more time thinking about the financial aspect. Full speed ahead! Be thrilled about your spectacular new diamond and contemplate your wonderful setting options! I love the settings you're considering!
 
@mrs-b I think that the proportions VC is suggesting are pretty spot on, you can probably go up to 50pt each or just under for the pear side stones, depending on your ring size, but again, I think that 40pt will really let your new magnificent stone shine. Here is a quick size comparison photo (assuming size 7 1/2, please forgive me if vastly inaccurate)
IMG_6422.jpg
You can see that when turned horizontally, the pears will really give you the coverage you need. Here in an older post of another members roundcwith pear sides, Leon used 1ctw for her 3.3ct center. https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/my-leon-mege-3-stone-has-arrived.213357/ The proportions work well,but it is definitely more of a true 3 stone ring vs one where the sides are accent stones. I also really like your reverse taper shank idea. Again, I consider that another timeless design, I personally have been particularly drawn to the design as of late. VC has also worked on a reverse taper design before : https://www.victorcanera.com/rings/engagement/graduated-shank-pave-solitaire
And I really love the version with French cuts:https://www.victorcanera.com/rings/engagement/the-sophia-french-cut-solitaire-with-cac
The way I see it is this;
1. 3 stone with pear sides is a timeless and more delicate look. It will somewhat allow for a thin band to be worn, but I think that being a standalone ring may be best.
2. The reverse tapered solitaire will give you a lot of bling action and coverage. It is definitely a standalone ring. I find the design to be sturdier/heavier.

I think that you should take your time thinking through your options and really consider what makes your heart sing and also what style suits your lifestyle best :)

Regarding my three stone, I am working with much smaller proportions - center is 2.13ct, sides are 0.23ct each, all are BGD signature. Here are my little nuggets :D :
IMG_6246.JPG
I have decided to work with CvB on this one as I am going for a slightly vintagey design and I think that Caysie is the right person for that. She is also super easy to work with and lets me be part of the design process, which is important to me.

Good luck with the decision making! You already made the first big step by selecting a stone to upgrade to! We all love being part of this journey and helping you with your choices, but in the end, you are the one who will wear the ring, make sure it is something that you truly love and not just something that everyone else loves :)
 
Oh, mrs-b, you had me worried! Silly me - look what you chose! You will not be sorry. You wanted to hit that 4 carat mark and these ACA stones are really something else. I too had a very nice stone but the small nuances I notice in my new ACA definitely trump my old stone. You too have a keen eye and will appreciate the precision. I am excited for you!!

You're absolutely right, @MissGotRocks - in the end, I just couldn't get past small issues I saw with my current stone and I wanted an H or above. An I is a white stone - there's no question. But I wanted to see no tint from the side, so up a grade I went. I won't have the stone for a few weeks yet, which is fine, and when it comes, I'm thinking about 'doing a @diamondseeker2006 ' - and putting it in a temp setting while I work out what the heck I want. For that, I'm going to get DKJ to remake my current setting - which I do actually like very much, but which just isn't my dream setting. That will give me some time to think about it while I narrow down my options.

On the other hand, I might go ahead and get VC to set my 1.7ct stone - which is a beautiful VC H&A H VS2 stone - into a setting of some sort. I actually already have 2 pears which would go perfectly with that stone, size-wise, but I know VC won't use customers' side stones, so I might have to give this some thought. If I do that, it will be my 3 stone, and obviously I won't replicate the same setting with the new WF stone, so I'll be looking for a new setting, more along a solitaire line.

Phew! And there we have it all!
 
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