My 4 carat Graff engagement ring

[RunningwithScissors]

Congratulations on your beautiful new diamond ring!

I think it looks huge and I actually don't think the setting looks off. I like it. With a really large center stone I personally don't think you want little tiny baguettes. I think your baguettes are to scale with your center diamond. Now if the baguettes rub your neighboring fingers then yes they are too big. Is the ring comfortable?

 

[oncrutchesrightnow]

I would not mistake that for a 3 carat stone. And most people already think 3 carats is huge. Your lovely ring will make a big impression on everyone who sees it.

 

[Slickk]

I think your new ring is absolutely stunning!!!! I love the baguettes. I think smaller ones wouldn’t look as balanced with your large and in charge center stone. I also don’t always love tapered baguettes because that makes it harder to sit a band nicely with the ering.

As for your eternity band sizing question, I have had them slightly sized up by having a skilled jeweler polish out some metal from the inside of the shank (if there is enough metal). It worked out well for me and I gained about a half size.

Enjoy your new ring! It looks every bit of its 4 carats to me!!

 

[hammy123]

One other thing to note, doubling carat weight does not translate to doubling the face up size. A lot of the diamond's weight is under the table, so it takes quite a bit of carat increase to look bigger, especially when you get to larger diamonds.

Ah, thank you I did not really realise that!

 

[hammy123]

Thanks so much for all your input! I really enjoy reading them and I appreciate the time you've taken to share them with me.

I was also wondering what your opinions on my wedding band are - I'm starting to think my wedding band is a bit too much with the ring. Maybe I should look for a thinner wedding band - say, something more like this from Graff?

 

[hammy123]

Congratulations on your beautiful new diamond ring!

I think it looks huge and I actually don't think the setting looks off. I like it. With a really large center stone I personally don't think you want little tiny baguettes. I think your baguettes are to scale with your center diamond. Now if the baguettes rub your neighboring fingers then yes they are too big. Is the ring comfortable?

Thanks so much. Yes, they do rub my neighbouring fingers a bit. I find that the shoulders are bit bulkier and are more of a sharp right angle than the shoulders of the HW ring.

 

[hammy123]

Or maybe this wedding band - it's also thinner than my current wedding band from HW.

 

[hammy123]

Congrats! Looks like 4ct to me. Here’s a pic of me with my friend’s 4ct solitaire as a comparison. I’m a size 5-5.5. I think a solitaire might make the center stand out more if you’re looking for a bigger look!

Thanks! I love how this ring looks on you. To me, it looks larger than mine, I do think maybe just a solitaire or more tapered baguettes would make my centre stone pop more. I also love your thin wedding band you have on here, it seems to complement the centre stone very well.

 

[hammy123]

Maybe my current HW wedding band full eternity would work better with just a solitaire, no baguettes? I feel now maybe with the size of the ring with tapered baguettes there is just too much going on.

Or if I do keep the tapered baguettes on the e-ring, then I think a thinner pave band would work better.

 

[hammy123]

Yeah, maybe live with it a little while, and you'll be fine.

But if you're not, what's the exchange period? I assume the sale is final. Will the charge you once you're out of the exchange period if you want a different setting?

I think a solitaire will allow it to POP, like the pic that @LoveMeDo posted. But if you are wanting a tapered baguette setting, then yeah, you will need to have them bring in other sides for you to approve. The length on each side is just jutting out over the adjacent finger and the metal seems a bit heavy where the baguette ends. The jutting out and thickness is distracting. Can you discuss the setting directly with a designer? This rock has got to be at least $150-$200K, and this is the setting they propose? (I saw a gorgeous 2 ct, H VS1 at Graff, and they were asking $58K.)

It just kinda kills me that Graff would create a setting like this. I've been to Graff a few times, and a lot of the settings are lovely, and sleek. Why would they create one with this length of sides for your finger size? I am sure your rock is a killer. 4 carat E VVS2. But the setting is not doing it justice. I'm sure it would look much more proportional on a size 7-8 ring.

I just got it a few days ago so I think I have a few days to tell them if I want a different setting. This time, I will be sure to ask for a mock-up first, I should have asked the first time. You're right, the length of each of the baguettes do jut out over to the adjacent finger.

 

[hammy123]

Does a cushion cut shape generally have a larger spread compared to a similar sized Modern Round Brilliant shape?

 

[LLJsmom]

Thanks so much for all your input! I really enjoy reading them and I appreciate the time you've taken to share them with me.

I was also wondering what your opinions on my wedding band are - I'm starting to think my wedding band is a bit too much with the ring. Maybe I should look for a thinner wedding band - say, something more like this from Graff?

The skinnier the wedding band, the more the stone from your ering will pop. I'm not saying that's the right thing, and some people prefer a big wedding band, but yes, the skinnier small diamonds will make the center pop more.

Yes, the one you are posting above will not "distract" from the ering as much.

This was an older ring I had. See how the center doesn't pop as much with the big five stone I wore with it. Then you can see it with the skinny eternity.

However, what made it pop the MOST is a plain band.

However, in all honesty, your center is a super star, and will pop no matter what. It's what your eyes see and focus on that matters. And if it's not popping the way you expect it to, you should do something about it be it changing the setting or finding the right band to wear with it.

 

[LLJsmom]

I just got it a few days ago so I think I have a few days to tell them if I want a different setting. This time, I will be sure to ask for a mock-up first, I should have asked the first time. You're right, the length of each of the baguettes do jut out over to the adjacent finger.

Yes, a drawing, like some designers do, or getting to see the actual side stones first. Or can Graff set that stone into a solitaire for you to try for a while. They've got to have some lovely solitaire settings. Essentially they are your personal jewelers. You shouldn't have to settle for whatever ring they have available.

 

[LLJsmom]

Does a cushion cut shape generally have a larger spread compared to a similar sized Modern Round Brilliant shape?

Unfortunately, cushions face up smaller than modern round brilliants (MRB), for the same carat size. They hold more weight under the surface. Modern rounds are the ones that will give you probably the most bang for your buck in term of coverage. Movals or shallow ovals are good for surface area. But I would choose the MRB for maximum sparkle and really good finger coverage.

 

[LLJsmom]

Maybe my current HW wedding band full eternity would work better with just a solitaire, no baguettes? I feel now maybe with the size of the ring with tapered baguettes there is just too much going on.

Or if I do keep the tapered baguettes on the e-ring, then I think a thinner pave band would work better.

And yes, your eyes may be distracted because there is a lot going on. Large MRB center. Long baguette sides. Decent sized MRB eternity ring. So simplifying it would allow the eyes to focus more. And some people don't mind the various sizes and cuts. But other people do. It is totally a matter of what you see and focus on. Us telling you it's big and gorgeous does not fix any of the issues in your mind.

 

[hammy123]

The skinnier the wedding band, the more the stone from your ering will pop. I'm not saying that's the right thing, and some people prefer a big wedding band, but yes, the skinnier small diamonds will make the center pop more.

Yes, the one you are posting above will not "distract" from the ering as much.

This was an older ring I had. See how the center doesn't pop as much with the big five stone I wore with it. Then you can see it with the skinny eternity.

However, what made it pop the MOST is a plain band.

However, in all honesty, your center is a super star, and will pop no matter what. It's what your eyes see and focus on that matters. And if it's not popping the way you expect it to, you should do something about it be it changing the setting or finding the right band to wear with it.

Thank you so very much for sharing these pictures!! These are so helpful to compare. Your rings are so gorgeous!! Please may I ask you what size finger you are and how many carats is your solitaire? It looks absolutely stunning on you.

 

[hammy123]

Unfortunately, cushions face up smaller than modern round brilliants (MRB), for the same carat size. They hold more weight under the surface. Modern rounds are the ones that will give you probably the most bang for your buck in term of coverage. Movals or shallow ovals are good for surface area. But I would choose the MRB for maximum sparkle and really good finger coverage.

Thank you for sharing your knowledge, much appreciated.

 

[LLJsmom]

Thank you so very much for sharing these pictures!! These are so helpful to compare. Your rings are so gorgeous!! Please may I ask you what size finger you are and how many carats is your solitaire? It looks absolutely stunning on you.

Thank you, and you are welcome. Hope it helps. Although I no longer own that stone, it was very beautiful. It was a D, 2.11 CBI (Crafted by Infinity). My ring is a 4.5 (although size 5 knuckles). The stone I own now is an 2.47 E, ACA.

 

[pebbles7]

It's gorgeous and big, definitely looks like 4 carats. Honestly, I think most people wouldn't even notice the difference in the baguettes. If it's that important to you, then I say go for it. No regrets ! If not, enjoy that big beauty the way it is !

 

[Strauberrychick]

Personally I think the eternity diamonds create far too much going on and distract big time from your BEAUTIFUL center diamond! And at 4 carats with those specs it must be a REAL stunner in person!!

I would almost go with a plain wedding band without diamonds or one with tiny east to west baguettes to match your new ring. Then it’s a more consistent style.

As others have said I def think the baguettes are way too big and likely too close to the center diamond (depth wise). It is not only making your finger look larger, but the setting is rather “squatty” with the center diamond looking way smaller than it should buried so deep the baguettes. I would actually opt for super tiny ones or none at all. You’ll be surprised how dainty your finger will look with just your 4 carat on a plain band- or set up higher over small baguettes.

And it may just be personal preference but burying that gorgeous stone in such a low setting is unfortunate.

As one other note don’t you want this new ring to have a bit of a new/different style? It’s almost replicating your old one... if you miss it just throw on the Harry Winston haha. That one is beautiful too!

This is only a 2.5 carat on a size 5 finger for reference (Tiffany & Co 6 prong setting).

 

[diamondseeker2006]

Your new diamond is gorgeous!!! The HW baguette setting is a perfect design and one they are known for. To be very honest, I noticed in your other thread in looking at the side view of the Graff setting, it is not as well designed as the HW is. Look at the side view of both. I think the Graff baguettes are too long and too high from the side. I'd take in your HW setting and show them the difference.

Yes, I think you need a thinner wedding band in order not to take away from the engagement ring diamond. Wear a large eternity on your other hand. I didn't read all the replies, but usually an eternity ring has to be remade to make it larger unless it is just a tiny bit too small. In that case they maybe can polish out some of the metal from the inside of the ring. Otherwise, they would make a new ring.

 

[Gemstonesrock]

Your new diamond is amazing and it most definitely looks like a glorious 4 ct. I agree with @diamondseeker and others that the Graff baguettes are somewhat too long and high. I also think that a thinner wedding band will allow your engagement ring to really POP! I am a huge fan of a stunning, larger stone in a simpler, clean setting with a more subtle wedding band.

 

[hammy123]

Thank you all for your replies! So much to think about and I value all of your insights and opinions. I agree that the craftsmanship/aesthetic/proportions of the HW is amazing; it’s a classic. I thought about it further and I didn’t want Graff to try and replicate the HW....and I wanted something a bit different. So, I decided to go for a plain solitaire with a new stone. It’s a 4.30 carat and the workshop is working on it now. I’ll post pics when it arrives! There was just something about the 4.03 carat stone that didn’t speak to me, that might sound a bit funny?

 

[AnastasiaBeaverhausen]

Thank you all for your replies! So much to think about and I value all of your insights and opinions. I agree that the craftsmanship/aesthetic/proportions of the HW is amazing; it’s a classic. I thought about it further and I didn’t want Graff to try and replicate the HW....and I wanted something a bit different. So, I decided to go for a plain solitaire with a new stone. It’s a 4.30 carat and the workshop is working on it now. I’ll post pics when it arrives! There was just something about the 4.03 carat stone that didn’t speak to me, that might sound a bit funny?

I think once we find the right "dress" for your 4.03ct, it'll be practically singing to you!

 

[Mrs_Strizzle]

@AnastasiaBeaverhausen she ditched the 4.03ct and bought an even bigger diamond! I'm excited to see it!

 

[Yimmers]

Thank you all for your replies! So much to think about and I value all of your insights and opinions. I agree that the craftsmanship/aesthetic/proportions of the HW is amazing; it’s a classic. I thought about it further and I didn’t want Graff to try and replicate the HW....and I wanted something a bit different. So, I decided to go for a plain solitaire with a new stone. It’s a 4.30 carat and the workshop is working on it now. I’ll post pics when it arrives! There was just something about the 4.03 carat stone that didn’t speak to me, that might sound a bit funny?

No, that doesn't sound funny at all. I'm excited to see the solitaire!!!!

 

[AnastasiaBeaverhausen]

@AnastasiaBeaverhausen she ditched the 4.03ct and bought an even bigger diamond! I'm excited to see it!

Ah, I see. Wow, a 4.30ct now. The reset is gonna be epic!

 

[hammy123]

Hi lovely people! My 4.30 carat round brilliant plain solitaire (E, VVS2) from Graff arrived today. I'm a size 5.5US (or a UK "K"). I love the simple setting! I'm going to post several pictures now...

I've also posted a picture of my old 2.23 HW with tapered baguettes too in case anyone is curious to see the difference. I don't think my old HW wedding band works with it any more because I feel there's too much and it all starts to rub my fingers. So, I'm going to try and find a thinner pave wedding band or a plain wedding band. When Graff stores open up again hopefully in a month or two, I'll go and try a few on in person. In the meantime, I've paired them here with some other rings I had in my collection.

 

[hammy123]

 

[LLJsmom]

Congratulations!! Now that looks HUGE!! Are you happy with it? And I really like this stone. It looks amazing. Bright. Icy White. Colorful too. Very nice.