Morrell Petite Sunburst? Platinum?

[Rocky_2012]

Dear all,

After lurking and posting a bit on this forum I feel I have learned a ton about diamonds (more than I thought I ever would...). Thanks so much, it's been incredibly helpful!

I think I am set on getting a 2.2-2.4ct round brilliant via GOG.

NOW comes the next daunting question and I'd be grateful for some advice: What setting to choose? I think it has to be solitaire, 6 prong, tapered, and platinum. Morrell's Petite Sunburst setting seems to fit the bill.

Would you recommend Morrell? What are the alternatives? Is there a craftsmen considered to deliver "better" work than Morrell?

I am also wondering whether the exact platinum alloy makes a difference. Any experience with this?

Thanks so much in advance!

 

[JulieN]

If you want something that MM does, he does it the best. And if you want a piece of his, you go with the platinum he wants to use, he knows his medium best.

I believe the regular Sunburst tapers more than the petite.

 

[swingirl]

Morrell does the most beautiful platinum work.

 

[Rocky_2012]

...so when I understand you correctly, Morrell is the best platinum smith in the country, period?

 

[diamondseeker2006]

Oh, no, you could not say he is the best in the country! I think he is excellent, absolutely, but I would say there would be others such as Victor Canera who I would possibly choose over him if I wanted a particular style ring that he made. BUT for the exact styles of e-rings that MM does, I would absolutely use him for the setting. And it is great since GOG has a relationship with him and can handle the setting of your stone.

My favorite MM setting is the petite Torchiere! I really prefer it over the Sunburst. If you want plain 6 prong, the Vatche U-113 (Tiffany solitaire replica) would be my choice (and I do actually have it from GOG as well!).

Mark Morrell works in 900 platinum (90%plat/10%iridium), and that is one of the two preferred alloys.

http://www.mwmjewelry.com/platinum_purity.htm

I would recommend the straight diamond wedding band to match the Petite Sunburst or Torchiere. http://www.mwmjewelry.com/Straight_13_diamond_Band_for_Petite_SunBurst_/

 

[Jax172]

I have a Mark Morrell. Gorgeous ring, very solid construction. He makes very fluid looking rings. You would not be disappointed.

 

[Rocky_2012]

Thanks for the tips! I think I'd like something very classical and reduced, probably close to the Tiffany setting. Carnera seems a bit more West coast and flashy to me. Are there any other platinum smiths who could make a classical setting in the Tiffany style and that equal or exceed Morrell in craftsmanship?

 

[Rocky_2012]

...and thanks for the link to the platinum alloy discussion - actually, makes a lot of sense that I as a complete layperson shouldn't mess with his choice of alloy