Newbie Needs Help!! Custom Halo Setting for Cushion

[SB621]

I also don't like the pave style you've picked.

Does SHE want a HW halo? Cause if she does... I really don't see why you've mucked it up so much with all this unnecessary customization and design interference.

I agree with Gypsy on this. Jewelry design is best done by the jewelers who understand not only the design but structural elements required. The changes you have made are well, not great for either. I love the idea you are trying to surprise your wife and think it is so sweet, but in this case I would step back. she wants a HW inspired halo??? FIne then go with a vendor who can and has proven they can deliver this setting and add in the surprise sapphire. It is just that simple. Personally I would not go with the vendor you have invested time with because ANYONE who would actaully allow your design to be made knowing that really it just doesn't work would be a red flag for me.

If you budget is 3k then contact ERD and work with them. Stop making stipulations that change the overall look your wife likes. Goodluck!

 

[baj]

Gypsy, I just really don't care for the cathedral look of a setting from the side view no particular reason other than that. I much prefer the style as we are discussing.

For clarity, she has NEVER mentioned anything about a HW design or anything else for that matter. Only after I decided on a cushion with halo because I know her and her taste, did I overhear her telling someone that she wanted a cushion with halo.

I simply looked at hundreds of settings both online and in person and incorporated the features that I liked of each. I did not particularly care for the concave stems as I designed them convex. The pave style of the HW shows too much metal IMO, but the prong style pave set as I requested shows much less metal. To me, it appears that the crown style in the last picture is a bit too high on the finger for her liking, thus the reason for my request to lower the stems into the shank and have a custom band made to fit around it. I see the concern around the double halo effect on that one side where the band would come around.

Thanks to all for your time, I just am on the fence on this one. Let me know if any of you have anymore thoughts.

 

[baj]

Here is the picture of my basis of design from a VC ring from the link I provided earlier. The prongs are convex and go into the shank similar to my version. The band in the VC version will not sit flush however which is something I wanted.

I am going to change the pave style to this design as per your guidance since I am a man and know nothing about this stuff. I suppose I can shift the crown/stems to protrude from the top of the shank for the band to sit flush and maybe decrease the length of the stem to keep the original height. I will eliminate all azures as per guidance. I might tilt the halo to 25 degrees instead of 20 degs.

I do trust my jeweler as he is just doing what my hard head tells him to do. He was originally trying to talk me out of my original pave choice.

One last question, platinum or white gold. He is trying to talk me into white gold saying that both will require maintenance over time. But I feel that platinum might at some rigidity/support.

 

[baj]

OK on second thought, I went ahead and filled out the info sheet on ERD to get a rough cost estimate and estimate lead time. Does anyone have any idea of the turnaround time from ERD?

I thoroughly appreciate all of the input and I know it will be a great final product no matter what happens (due to the input from this forum).

Thanks again, baj.

 

[WillyDiamond]

OK on second thought, I went ahead and filled out the info sheet on ERD to get a rough cost estimate and estimate lead time. Does anyone have any idea of the turnaround time from ERD?

I thoroughly appreciate all of the input and I know it will be a great final product no matter what happens (due to the input from this forum).

Thanks again, baj.

10-14 business days

 

[Gypsy]

All ERD. The quote is about 3000 in platlnum.

And you are wrong about the pave style. It is actually not metal heavy at all.

As for concave versus convex,this is an engagement ring. it is meant to be worn next to a band. That's why I advised the difference. But if you want to be stubborn, go ahead. But don't be surprised when she is disappointed she can't wear a straight wedding band next to the ring you spend all this time making for her.

 

[SB621]

OK on second thought, I went ahead and filled out the info sheet on ERD to get a rough cost estimate and estimate lead time. Does anyone have any idea of the turnaround time from ERD?

I thoroughly appreciate all of the input and I know it will be a great final product no matter what happens (due to the input from this forum).

Thanks again, baj.

I think that is the best decision you have made so far. ERD has been making this halos and several renditions of it for years. Let them do what they do best.

 

[baj]

As requested here are a couple of images of my stone from two different angles. Like I mentioned it took me months of searching to find this one and when I saw it I knew it was the one.

 

[baj]

Couple more...

 

[baj]

Already got renderings from ERD! Wow quick! Here are two designs we are currently looking at. He advised to rid the donut so that the band could sit flush. Is the donut needed/recommended for rigidity? Let me know which style struts/stems you prefer.

 

[Gypsy]

OK those are both awesome. I really don't have a preference.

I personally have no donut on my ring (but mine is cathedral) and I know it's not absolutely necessary.

Your stone is beautiful. Nice job.

I actually like the convex of that design quite a bit though. So... since that's what you prefer, go for it.

I'd like to see the head on CAD shot though to see the prong placement.

Make sure you specify Delicate Claw Prongs.