High-carat gold or diamond setting?

[Arkteia]

I just wanted to know what people think about high-carat gold settings? From what I understood, diamond ones are more popular but I like the contrast of high-carat gold and, say, a red stone. To add to it, some of well-known designers are very expensive and you can usually find more affordable prices from people who use gold. Are diamond mountings just a custom? Is their price driven by investment potential?
The reason I ask is that I bought a new sapphire which I plan to mount in diamonds because sapphire is definitely a "diamond" stone. But I also have some spinel which I plan to mount in high-carat gold. Recently, however, I saw Uppy's setting - love it, Uppy! And now I am on the fence.

 

[Lady_Disdain]

I agree that red stones look great on high karat gold. I would go for it!

I think that the preference for diamond settings is more of a taste/style thing. "Bling" and sparkly looks have been strong for a long time, taking over space of plain gold pieces.

From an investment point of view, I would think that pave is not a good idea. Setting the tiny stones costs more than the stones themselves, so the piece loses mores value if it is melted down (if it goes out of style).

 

[Upgradable]

For me, different stones need different homes. I'm all over the board on stuff like that! I love high color gold. I have a 22k hammered mounting holding an M color old european diamond. I think it's very cool. I'm also planning on the pink or rose gold for my neon chrysoberyl. I like having some pieces that are "fancy" and some that are "artsy." I also have lots of vintage pieces that tend to be set in rich colored yellow gold.

 

[chrono]

When thinking of using a high karat gold setting, it is important to not only have the right design but also the right stone. Not all colours are suitable for the rich buttery yellow metal. Diamond settings will always remain popular due to it being complimentary to all colours and of course, lots of tiny sparkles help a lot. High karat gold settings are not inexpensive either as custom pieces can end up pricey if it has a lot of details and fine workmanship. I am not sure what you mean by “price driven by investment potential”.

 

[Arkteia]

Oh, I just meant that most people "react" to diamonds so it potentially easier to sell something mounted in diamonds.

 

[Aoife]

For me it's all about matching the stone to the setting. I think a perfect example of that is Chrono's spessartite reset by WF. You'd hardly know it was the same stone.

 

[smitcompton]

Hi,

Of course I like both. However MZ has one of my very favorite rings and I believe hers was done in 22 kt gold. It is beautiful.
It has no diamonds and showcases the spessertite in all its glory. I like red in high carat gold, but prefer the stone to be on the larger side. I'm sure you have heard her tell others they don't always need side stones when their stone speaks for itself. Gold is worth a lot now, maybe much more than the stone in many cases. You may be shocked.

Good Luck
Annette

 

[MakingTheGrade]

I love the combo of red and high carat gold. I currently wear a bracelet that is 3 24k gold charms on a braided red bracelet, I just adore it!

 

[innerkitten]

How about diamonds in high carat gold?

 

[movie zombie]

thanks, Annette: i am obviously a fan of high karat gold.

one of the inspirations for my ring was a high karat gold setting with a RED stone. it was amazing to look at....and it did not have any diamonds. a fine stone set in high karat gold just does not "need" diamonds.....and in some cases said diamonds detract from the color stone which imo should be the star of the show.

however, be careful re the setting: prongs need to be 18k unless doing a bezel or semi-bezel.

do you have a style or particular setting in mind?

MoZo

ps checkout this thread re high karat gold:

jewelry-pieces/do-you-have-a-favorite-gold-designer-t29197.html

one of my all time fav threads!

 

[T L]

Some 18K alloys are more buttery in color too, and a more affordable option to high karat gold, and stronger too. Something to keep in mind.

 

[LtlFirecracker]

I think it depends on the stone. I know the only stone I would consider a high karat gold setting is my spessarite. That is one of the reasons I have been putting off setting it, is that I would like to be able to afford that kind of setting. But at some point I might just have to go with a lower karat. I prefer the look of high karat without diamonds.

18 ct gold is lovely as well, and I think diamonds go well with it.