Lookey what I got...

[TravelingGal]

Dreamer_D--i prefer the Sophie by Jbeg-- basket 'fleur de lis' part ending where it does--Oh my--did Jbeg NAIL it!!!
The effect of that sophie way more LUCIOUS than the other ring IMHO.
The sophie shows more un-obstructed side view --it just *does something more* for the tall crown that seriously accentuates the cut.
I think the other one is pretty, but i think it's too much metal blocking the sideviews--
So my vote is a 3 stone Sophie-esque Mounting & your rocks will SCREAM.

Jbegs settings are/were just TDF--those women just got the EYES for perfect settings for old cuts.
I contacted Erica months ago about my dream setting to see if their bench would do it, but they wouldn't do that type of custom job.

I wonder if since they are no longer doing settings if they will release info on who does their benchwork, because consistantly, the work is perfect. It's the ONLY site I've ever been to where I DROOL over every single one. The attention to those fine details in their settings makes so much difference. Whoever does their settings would honestly be my first choice (JBeg was actually my first contact about my dream setting). Do you think we'll ever know? Those people/person deserves our business!!!

Maybe someone in LA? There are some good antique benches in LA.

Dreamer, how are the girdles on the stones? The JBEG is a looker, but I always wonder about old cuts being so vulnerable. I think you said the main one isn't knife edge, so maybe it would work? I know Burk has that setting (head) and has an old cut, so it probably isn't an issue. It would be interesting how a 3 stone would change it, and how it would align.

I'm weird in that warmth doesn't bother me...from the TOP. From the sides, I don't like to see a lot of it. And I'm a metal lover, but I know I'm in the minority there!

 

[Dreamer_D]

My preference is for a very open setting: easier to keep the stones clean, and I adore the profile of old cut diamonds so I want to see them! Especially the center stone. I wonder if perhaps a more classic and modern sesign would work best for me.

I would need a sarin to know for sure, but the center stone looks to have a *very* nice girdle. The sides as well have thicker girdles. I wonder if the stones have been polished in their lives. The previous owner says she did not, but perhaps someone further back. I would not be averse to a girdle faceting or polish if the stones needed it. But they are so free of chips, if they have not been polished in the past, then it makes me think the girdles are fine.

The clarity on these stones is insane, actually, I am really curious to know what they would grade. I cannot see anything in any of the stones with my loupe!

 

[Lotus99]

Amazing find! Simply fabulous!

I'm excited to see what you decide on for the setting.

 

[TravelingGal]

Probably not swirly enough for you, but I did like this one by lang.

http://www.langantiques.com/products/item/10-1-2856

 

[armywife13]

Probably not swirly enough for you, but I did like this one by lang.

http://www.langantiques.com/products/item/10-1-2856

I love this one! I have it saved in my dream setting folder for if/when I ever do an OEC 3 stone.

 

[yssie]

Just read through the thread


I wouldn't want them all on the same girdle plane. I just don't like high sidestones, personally - I like the way it looks when they tuck under. But also, in this case, the sides have less crown height than the center and I'm thinking putting them side by side like that will accentuate the difference between them and the very high-crowned center..?

 

[TravelingGal]

Just read through the thread


I wouldn't want them all on the same girdle plane. I just don't like high sidestones, personally - I like the way it looks when they tuck under. But also, in this case, the sides have less crown height than the center and I'm thinking putting them side by side like that will accentuate the difference between them and the very high-crowned center..?

For the anal, I'd agree with you. In which case I recommend Dreamer not align the girdles.

I think since she isn't bezeling, it would look better lower, since bezels hide any inconsistencies better. But those stones will look gorgeous any way they are set.

Currently I think the center looks a titch too high compared to the others in profile. I'd have to go back and look at your ring when it was three stone Yssie..it looked fab.

Dreamer, do you have any other inspiration pics for settings?

 

[TravelingGal]

A very open setting by quest...

[URL='https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/my-completed-a-ring-project-and-experience-with-quest.14860/']https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/my-completed-a-ring-project-and-experience-with-quest.14860/[/URL]

 

[TravelingGal]

OK, this is not for inspiration, but I had to post this as possibly one of the most awful rings I've seen in awhile. I thought I'd mention it in case you keep collecting OECs and wanted to stick them on.

http://www.engagement-ring-mountings.com/antique_ring_settings_info_1813.htm#more_pictures

 

[Dreamer_D]

OK, this is not for inspiration, but I had to post this as possibly one of the most awful rings I've seen in awhile. I thought I'd mention it in case you keep collecting OECs and wanted to stick them on.

http://www.engagement-ring-mountings.com/antique_ring_settings_info_1813.htm#more_pictures

Oh wow!!

Some rings I like coming up.

 

[Dreamer_D]

Just read through the thread


I wouldn't want them all on the same girdle plane. I just don't like high sidestones, personally - I like the way it looks when they tuck under. But also, in this case, the sides have less crown height than the center and I'm thinking putting them side by side like that will accentuate the difference between them and the very high-crowned center..?

For the anal, I'd agree with you. In which case I recommend Dreamer not align the girdles.

I think since she isn't bezeling, it would look better lower, since bezels hide any inconsistencies better. But those stones will look gorgeous any way they are set.

Currently I think the center looks a titch too high compared to the others in profile. I'd have to go back and look at your ring when it was three stone Yssie..it looked fab.

Dreamer, do you have any other inspiration pics for settings?

Excellent point about aligning the girdles, and since i am.. ahem... particular, then design elements that will minimize the ovoid shape of the sides is a good thing.

 

[Laila619]

Probably not swirly enough for you, but I did like this one by lang.

http://www.langantiques.com/products/item/10-1-2856

Gorgeous! I love this too.

 

[Dreamer_D]

OK, forget it all, I did some photoshop on the Fourtane ring to lower the sides, and I love it. This is what I am going to do!!

The stones are bigger in this example but the proportions are the same.

I can do prongs instead of the v-prongs between the sides and center.

 

[Dreamer_D]

Probably not swirly enough for you, but I did like this one by lang.

http://www.langantiques.com/products/item/10-1-2856

Gorgeous! I love this too.

Very pretty, but too squarey for me!

 

[armywife13]

OK, forget it all, I did some photoshop on the Fourtane ring to lower the sides, and I love it. This is what I am going to do!!

The stones are bigger in this example but the proportions are the same.

I can do prongs instead of the v-prongs between the sides and center.

Looks great, I can't wait to see the finished product!!!

 

[Mara]

OK, forget it all, I did some photoshop on the Fourtane ring to lower the sides, and I love it. This is what I am going to do!!

The stones are bigger in this example but the proportions are the same.

I can do prongs instead of the v-prongs between the sides and center.

Damn that looks good. And you're good with PSP.

 

[Dreamer_D]

OK, forget it all, I did some photoshop on the Fourtane ring to lower the sides, and I love it. This is what I am going to do!!

The stones are bigger in this example but the proportions are the same.

I can do prongs instead of the v-prongs between the sides and center.

Damn that looks good. And you're good with PSP.

Thanks! I actually used regular old Paint I just cut the tops off the side stones just under the girdles and lowered them down and then fixed the prongs.

The only thing I will likely change is the scroll patterns, because I think they might be a little too busy for my size stones and perhaps the simpler fleur de lis that is on the JBEG would work better... I also need to think about whether I want the split double claws or single claws (leaning to the latter). And the area where the shank meets the baskets could be cleaner too for me. I don't like how on this one the splits that go to the front and back of the outer baskets just end at nothing. I prefer a more integrated or fluid design.

One thing I love about this design is it actually has 5 prongs on the outer stones and six on the center. That seems to be a really common design element in these older Victorian/Edwardian three stone rings and I want to preserve it. It makes the ring flow better than 6 on all three stones to my eye. My ring now has that too and I just noticed tonight I thought there were six prongs on the outer stones! But I like the five a lot.

If anyone has any suggestions about these things I am all ears!

Here are the other views:

 

[CrisM]

The setting that TravelingGal posted would improve if the smallest four rounds weren't bezeled. In a way, it would almost become a blend of DD's Aurora band and this new 3 stone. Just a thought....

 

[Snicklefritz]

OK, forget it all, I did some photoshop on the Fourtane ring to lower the sides, and I love it. This is what I am going to do!!

The stones are bigger in this example but the proportions are the same.

I can do prongs instead of the v-prongs between the sides and center.

Ooh la la! Spectacular choice for your new beauties, Dreamer. The Lang ring is also one of my favorites.

 

[SparklyOEC]

I'm sure I missed something along the way, but can you post a pic of the fourtaine setting you're thinking about?

This is the setting that, when I say it online, I just stopped and said "WOW!" I really love it. My only hesitation is that I am not 100% sure I want all the tables on the same place because it would mean the sides very high -- the center is very deep -- and I am not sure the basket detaling will work on my stones. Thoughts anyone?

That's a gorgeous setting; I can see why you love it. I think it's a fantastic idea to lower the sides and go with that. I love this setting!

 

[Dreamer_D]

The setting that TravelingGal posted would improve if the smallest four rounds weren't bezeled. In a way, it would almost become a blend of DD's Aurora band and this new 3 stone. Just a thought....

I dunno Cris, I think it is perfect as it is!


nyuk nyuk... I am being a joker. There are too many things wrong to even begin!

 

[Rhea]

I love your photoshopped ring setting!

 

[Mara]

I would also simplify the scrolls up, simply because the dirt and stuff getting trapped in there would bug me..!! A lot of these older rings are so hard to really clean. Getting the pavilion from the bottom is one thing but the sides under the girdle etc... I'd keep it a bit more open.

 

[Dreamer_D]

I would also simplify the scrolls up, simply because the dirt and stuff getting trapped in there would bug me..!! A lot of these older rings are so hard to really clean. Getting the pavilion from the bottom is one thing but the sides under the girdle etc... I'd keep it a bit more open.

I agree, and with these old stones they really show gunk on the pavilion on the mains under the table I find. And leaky stones need to be cleeeaaaaann!

I will think on it more. I actually ponder doing an even more open setting because I find old cuts benefit from oppenness under the pavilion so the leakage is showing light, not showing the dark underbelly of a basket.

 

[Lotus99]

I like the double claw prongs for the design you posted (it's gorgeous, btw). I can't imagine what the profile would look like without that "v" shape going up to the split in the prongs.

 

[Dreamer_D]

Well, good news, the diamonds are real I knew that, but now its official.

The ring is off getting appraised, results back on Thursday!

 

[Bella_mezzo]

that is going to be gorgeous!!!! I can't wait to see how the appraisals come back.

Who are you going to have make the setting?

 

[MissGotRocks]

I like your photo shopped rendition of the setting. I love the angles of the stones but I would vote for single claw prongs. You've got a lot going on there with the scrolls so I'd keep the prongs simple. The only other thing I would consider would be to 'simplify' those scrolls somehow to somewhat minimize the metal. So far, so good though - I think it will be beautiful!

 

[Gypsy]

Dreamer are you hoping for hand forged or CAD and who are you thinking of having do the setting for you?

 

[Dreamer_D]

Gypsy and Bella: I am going to use BGD most likely because I have worked with them in the past and been happy with the work and our working relationship. I was thinking of contacting Mark at ERD too, but I have not worked with him and I don't know if he can do everything I might need in this prohect. I know BGD will work with my old stones. They can also help out if any rehab is needed on the stones, and will help me get lab reports on the stones, the center for sure, before setting. So I see them as a one-stop-shop for this particular project. I have not told them that yet though The reset is still a little ways off, I need to decide on a design and save the pennies first.

So the design needs to be defined by what can be accomplished with CAD and cast work, by their bench. That, and budget, are my primary concenrs.

I am not set on that Fourtane style design. I have been thinking about it today and am unsure about a few things. First, I want a very open mount where the light gets in and the stones can be easily cleaned. I am also thinking a lot about metal color. I really like the way yellow gold looks on my hand. I went and bought a little thin gold band at my local pawn today, to wear with the ring now as it will likely be a few months until the reset, and am reminded again of how good that metal color looks on my skin tone.

Anyways, lots to think about! Any thoughts or suggesttions more than welcome!!