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Opinions about Setting for a 3 Carat Diamond

E

eiger

Rough_Rock
Joined
Oct 9, 2014
Messages
64
Hi,

I am in the process of learning enough about cut quality to decide on a three carat modern RB stone. My local jeweler will be showing me some examples next weekend. At the same time, I am thinking about settings and am torn between choosing a double halo or an edwardian style. I have three photos below. (my ring size is 6.75) Here's what I am thinking:

1) http://www.since1910.com/scs1413b-pave-double-halo-diamond-engagement-ring-
This is a double halo with a 1 carat center. I know that halos with micropave (1 point stones) are very popular, but I'm concerned that 1 point stones will look like tin foil unless the ring is professionally cleaned every other day. I'm not sure of the size of the stones in this halo, but they appear to be a little bigger. Do you think that having 3 point stones in a double halo around a 3 carat ring would look ok?

2) http://www.victorcanera.com/jewelry/engagement-rings/vintage-pave-and-bezel-set-halo
I really liked this style (though my husband is concerned that it is too flat!) I called to ask about the setting and was told, unfortunately, that it is not available as a setting, only as a complete ring. It is shown with a 1.2 carat diamond and was wondering if a larger stone would warrant proportionately larger stones in the inner and outer halo. I wish it had some small stones on the band because I love the look of bands that sparkle. I suppose I could use this look for inspiration on a custom made piece.

3) http://www.chiltonsantiques.com.au/products/rings/rose-gold-diamond-daisy-ring
Alternatively, I think this is very beautiful - although I found it on a web site from some company in Australia. It seems to be new old stock or a one of kind piece. The website says the center stone is 1+ carat (I guess a little over 1) so I have the same questions about this as I do about the VC piece. Should the inner and outer halo stones be larger to keep similar proportions (I love the proportions on these rings).

Any thoughts about any of these settings? On one hand a double halo microwave seems like a "safe bet" since this style is sooooo popular right now and I really like the look when I've tried double halos on. On the other hand, I LOVE the antique look of the edwardian styles and I very much like the idea of having something "different." The problem with the edwardian styles is that I would have to have something custom made - unless someone knows of a designer selling settings like the ones above.

Sorry for the long post....any advice? Anyone know of a company selling settings similar to the ones listed at 2 or 3?
 
Oh my. You are going to put a setting that large around a 3 carat center?

That's going to be really large and take up a lot of real estate.
 
There's nothing wrong with going for a top quality hand forged heirloom quality custom setting with a solid budget. Actually that's what I'd recommend over a stock setting.
 
Gypsy|1413344141|3767221 said:
How about something like this: http://diamondsinthelibrary.com/2-17-carat-d-color-diamond-edwardian-style-engagement-ring/
Click to expand...

I have pictures of that same ring saved from Langs, Gypsy!!! I'd LOVE it with an OEC, but I don't much care for modern round brilliants in antique settings.

I will agree with Gypsy that with a 3 carat center stone, it can quickly look gaudy if a big setting is used. Honestly, if it has to have a halo, the classiest ones I have seen are from Victor Canera, but very simple and elegant.

http://www.victorcanera.com/jewelry/engagement-rings/halo-solitaire-with-lotus-profile

http://www.victorcanera.com/jewelry/engagement-rings/the-emilya-halo-solitaire

I am mainly thinking of the above settings if the ring is to be worn as an engagement ring. If it is to be a right hand ring or cocktail ring, then I might be more inclined to do a three stone ring.
 
OOOOO Gypsy that suggested setting is LOVELY!!! :love: :love: :love: :love:
 
 
Hi Eiger,

Have you tried on a double halo with a 3ct. stone? The only reason I ask is that when I reset my 8.6mm (2.3ct) diamond into a single halo for a RHR, I was actually quite shocked at how large it was. It actually overpowers my 3.25ct. ering! Since you are new to PS, I just want to make sure you think in terms of diameter when selecting your setting. A typical halo is about 1.3-1.7mm on one side, so quadruple that for a double halo and add in ~9.3mm for a 3 ct. diamond and you are looking at 14.5-16mm in total finger coverage. That is a lot! While there are people that do this (PSers included) and love it, I just want to give you a little different perspective as you think through it. Plus, I know from experience, it is hard to find settings in brick and mortar stores that are made for 3 cts to give you an idea!

Also, I believe most halo’s that Victor Canera and Steven Kirsch make are most likely using half pointers and maybe 1 pointers…although it depends on the stone size and look. Anything larger would most likely overwhelm the center stone in my opinion, especially 3 pointers (which I believe are ~2mm alone)!

I would definitely do custom for what you are looking for, especially for halo’s or Edwardian styles. Gypsy gave good advice, VC or Singlestone are good choices from what I have seen of their work on PS, but they aren’t cheap! Depending on what style you go with, Brilliantly Engaged (formally ERD) would be a good choice for a CAD setting. They sourced my 3.25ct diamond and did the halo setting for my old diamond. In fact, you could fly to New York to meet with them to select your stone (that is what I did). They are very competitive in pricing and I have to imagine definitely less expensive than a brick and mortar store (even with the cost of a flight and hotel room). Happy to share more info on it if you are interested!

Since you said you are looking at diamonds at local jewelers, just make sure you do your research on ideal proportions and only look at GIA and AGS stones!!

Good luck in your search!
 
I love the Victor Canera setting - though with a stone with as much presence as a 3 carater, I might suggest removing the inner halo and just going with a delicate airline to delineate the center from the setting - and I love the one that Gypsy recommended.

I also second the suggestion of going to try things on: personally, I adore big rings, but for a lot of people they can be a wee bit uncomfortable. If you're in NYC, consider hitting 47th St. just to get a feel for things ....
 
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