Opinions needed! A project (and some of my sketches) . . .

[RockHuntin]

Greetings,

For some reason, I made a random diamond purchase yesterday. Its a loose .75ct round brilliant (a bit deep, so it faces up like a .65ct). I bought it from a friend, and even though the diamond isn't perfect "on paper", its actually quite nice in person. I am entirely content with it, and the purchase price gives me room to play around with a setting.

So, my total random diamond purchases (for the duration of my entire life) is now 3: this .75ct round brilliant, and two .20ct round brilliants. The clincher: I am a man who doesn't wear jewelry; I am also no longer in a relationship (so I suppose my ex (as of last week) missed out). This purchase was attributed to my increasingly robust interest in gemstones - I suppose PS is having this influence on me

So, after about a day of wondering what to do with these three little guys, I have decided to have them set in jewelry for my mother; my parents' anniversary is a few months away, and I think it will be a nice gesture.

And now, the reason why this is posted in the "colored gemstones" section: although diamonds on their own are quite nice, I think diamonds and colored gemstones play nicely together and enjoy each others' company

Based on some common aesthetics that appeal to me (and my mother, more importantly), I drew up some sample designs for pendants; they are thematically similar and all feature "dangling" components. I am technologically limited, so I drew them in Microsoft Paint (I apologize in advance for the quality of the drawings).

I tried to incorporate the three diamonds I have into each design. I also tried to utilize simple basket settings and bezels to make things cost-effective for me. The sketches are unfortunately not to scale.

Most designs feature one colored gemstone, ranging from aquamarine, blue topaz, pink or yellow sapphire, or citrine (one design even features a chalcedony briolette - I actually like the design a lot). I've labeled the designs from A - O. I would really appreciate all of your opinions; I am a novice at this, so please be gentle

I am enthusiastic about this project and appreciate your insight!

 

[GliderPoss]

I like C and O the best personally.

 

[RockHuntin]

Thanks, HotPozzum. For O, do you like the style of the pendant, the use of the aquamarine, or both?

 

[T L]

Does your mother like more of a vintage, or antique look. Is she more modern and streamlined, more subdued? Some of these have an Edwardian appeal to them, and others are more modern. That's why I ask.

 

[RockHuntin]

Her jewelry is pretty diverse; she actually wears a wide range of styles, but most of her jewelry has a designer/custom look. That doesn''t help, does it?

It would be nice for her to get regular use of the pendant I give her; are some of these too over-the-top?

 

[Dreamer_D]

I also like C and I, funny. I like the simplicity of the design in C, and I also like the use of aqua in O, but the shapes work well together as well.

 

[RockHuntin]

Thanks, Dreamer_Dachsie. Seems like C and O are the most popular so far; I think the clean lines and cool tones make them versatile.

I''m going to post some variations on the styles with cool tones.

 

[RockHuntin]

Based on preliminary feedback, I''ve done some more sketches that may be more popular. Let me know what you think

 

[ma re]

Wow, mamma raised you well - to give her all the gemstones you buy

Jokes aside, that's a nice thing to do, especially if you wouldn't wear these stones yourself (which I, as a guy who wears jewellery, really can't understand...).

When you say that she likes "designer look" that really doesen't say much. A photo of something that would be her style would be of much more help. Also, do you have colored gemstones already bought, or you'll get something eventually? If it's the later, I'd suggest you first think about what colors she wears and might enjoy having, cause that'll help you with the design a lot. The reason is, some designs work really well with certain colors, but not so well with other colors. Also, are you sure about white metal? Maybe she'd like something else, unless she wears only white. Why a necklace? Does she wear necklaces a lot? If you don't see her wearing necklaces much, maybe you could get something else - maybe a brooch or something. I agree with TL that a lot of these styles look nice, but many are very different from eachother so it's difficult to choose.

But don't rush this process, as you obviously have quite a bit of questions to answer along the way.

 

[LD]

What a fun project! Here are my thoughts but please feel free to discount!

A.B.C will all most likely twist and turn (as they don''t have a heavy gemstone to weigh it down).

D only uses two of your diamonds which seems a shame

E.F.G.H are favourites because they are "different" from a typical necklace you see and are well thought out in design. I''d happily wear any of those (with any coloured gemstone).

I.J. are interesting but look a bit like aliens so not sure about these (sorry)!

K.L.M. look similar to A.B.C. and although pretty are not really unique.

N.O. both pretty but will sit pretty long and low - will that be okay with your Mum? They are probably similar in length to E.F.G.H but these look wider and a little more balanced.

Of your second set, I do like P and it''s very fashionable at the moment to have a sort of diamonds by the yard theme going up the necklace. You could even have a centre diamond, then higher up on the chain a bezelled small coloured gemstone on either side and then higher up use your two smaller diamonds in a bezel.

 

[RockHuntin]

Thanks, Ma Re and LovingDiamonds.

Here is an example of what one of my mom's necklaces look like: Elongated pear necklace

I'm not sure what gemstone is in Ms. Jones' necklace, but my mom's is a Santa Maria aquamarine (not as pale as the ones I sketched and posted). My mom's necklace features a delicate diamond halo around the aquamarine, and is mounted on a diamond cut 18k white gold chain.

My mom also has a complimenting pear-shaped aquamarine ring; it looks similar to the pendant portion of Ms. Jones' necklace. Again, it has a delicate diamond halo, and is elongated in shape. The band is just a single row of simple melee diamonds. I remember it wasn't purchased at the same time (or from the same place) as the necklace, but it compliments it nicely.

She loves both those pieces; its hard for me to describe her jewelry style, maybe that example helps(?)

For this project:

- I haven't purchased any loose gemstones so far, so that's why the gemstones in my sketches vary.

- My mom wears more white gold and platinum now. She has some yellow gold jewelry, but has phased it out somewhat (except with her warm-toned gemstones).

- My mom doesn't change her earrings and bracelets often, but switches up her necklaces and rings pretty regularly depending on her outfits. I thought a necklace would give me a bit more design flexibility while keeping things cost effective.

 

[ma re]

Your info gives a good start - I'd say the style you're looking for is classic. So try not to go too whimsical with the design, stay with the classic shapes and cuts, pay attention to scale, symmetry and proportion, don't overdo it with the details, but don't leave it too simple and modern either. I know this probably doesen't tell you much, but you'll learn as the project moves on, believe me. I'd also say you can safely rule out a pear shaped pendant on that necklace, or anything that would look too similar to an aquamarine in color - cause those are the things she already has. You want something that'll be similar, not identical to the things she has.

So for starters, I'd rule out F, G, I, J and M, cause they're not really classical and I'm not sure she'd like them that much (but I could be wrong, off course).

Another thing to consider - size of the gemstone. If she prefers larger colored stones (and it looks like she does), that gives you another clue and some more ideas to rule out.

 

[empress]

I like "U" and the colored stone could be a stronger color than what you show. It also seems more like her style - the drop being "significant" and some sparkly interest in the rest.

 

[FrekeChild]

I like E and G

 

[Kismet]

I have to say that my favorite is N followed by G.

 

[packrat]

I like N, and also R and S.

 

[LD]

There''s a typo in my response above, I put P when I meant U!!!! Apologies.

Ok - based on your further post ........ your Mum obviously likes statement jewellery so going for something big and bold is a good idea. As she''s already got a pear shape you know you''re safe with that but do you want something different?

How about a cushion cut (very classical) at the end of U design and go for a purple (perhaps Amethyst). You could then use the diamonds in the chain and two small amethysts as well.

 

[RockHuntin]

Thanks everyone - I appreciate your ideas!

Ma re: I like your suggestion that I keep things classic - I might up the size of the colored gemstone a bit; by the way, I just realized that my three diamonds are exactly the size they appear in the image I uploaded - so that might help with assessing scale and proportion.

Empress and LovingDiamonds: I like the simple symmetry of U, but may do a sketch where I switch out the color for purple, cornflower blue, or yellow for greater contrast and drama. LovingDiamonds mentioned a cushion; any other shape recommendations?

LovingDiamonds: I forgot to mention this earlier: I plan to use basket bezel settings for most of the stones; I'm hoping it will lessen flipping, and its pretty cost effective. I noticed that the dangle bezel settings (without baskets) tend to flip more often. Elsa Peretti's Diamonds by the Yard collection features some dangle bezel settings, but I think motion/flipping is part of the design aesthetic of the line. I'm trying to keep things a bit more structured. If you had any other concerns about A, B, and C, let me know.

FrekeChild: I think I might pass on the Edwardian look so she can wear the necklace often, but I may do more sketches that incorporate the diagonal cushion shown in G or the bottom bezel diamond shown in E.

Kismet: I happen to like the translucent chalcedony briolette in N; the subtle inner glow of chalcedony looks nice when combined with diamonds; chalcedony vary in hue (maybe I can go more lilac or blue), so I think the gemstone is still in the running. The blue cushion in G is giving good vibes so far.

Packrat: For R and S, is it the basic style that appeals to you, or the gemstone color, or the cut? OR is it all three? I was wondering if I should add a cushion blue topaz or cushion cabochon blue or lilac chalcedony into the running.

I had a bit of a crazy idea just now - I could just set the .75ct in a bezel like A, and ask the jeweler to make interchangeable dangles or lariats that could mount (like charms) directly to the back of a modified basket setting; that way, my mom could change up the look whenever she wants. The mechanism could be like a mini broach pin (a pin that swings to open and locks in place). The interchangeable dangles would each have a jump ring on top that could slide through the pin and so they could be secured in place. Is that nuts? I think I spent too much time shoveling snow today (almost two feet accumulated) and may have lost it.

Anyway, keep the ideas coming!

 

[AustenNut]

Based on the Zeta-Jones picture and the other comments you''ve made, my favorites are G, Q, and U.

G is probably my favorite, and you can switch out the shape of the stone if you think the square look would be too modern for your mom. I think it looks classy but could be worn with more casual attire as well as more formal clothing.

Q is probably my second choice and I have a hard time seeing anything but a pear on it, or on U for that matter.

How tall is your mom? If she''s on the shorter side she may have difficulty wearing a long, dangly pendant in which case U might alleviate it, but so long as you''re aware of the length of the pendant on her, I still think the other designs could work. If you''re mom''s a taller lady then I''d probably go with G or Q to give more presence.

Anyway, it''s so sweet of you to be doing this for your mom. I''m sure she''s going to love whatever you come up with.

 

[packrat]

With R/S, I think it''s the basic style..I would like to see it with either a cabochon on the bottom too..oval/round/cushion, whichever she might like..I like the chalcedony a lot with the diamonds. Is lilac a favorite color of Moms?

 

[jstarfireb]

I''m with Freke - E and G from the first set are my faves. From the second, I like U.

 

[RockHuntin]

I sketched up some more designs for everyone to evaluate.

With some, I just switched up gemstone color and shape. You''ll notice I incorporated chalcedony cabochons, amethyst cushions, and blue topaz cushions. Some designs are entirely new.

I''d appreciate everyone''s feedback (again)

 

[RockHuntin]

Wow, the image quality keeps going down - that's dissapointing

 

[RockHuntin]

AustenNut & JStarFireB: I did a mental review of my mom''s jewelry and actually thought some of the sketches with the three chain drops might be too Edwardian for my mom. I switched up the style of G a bit and added a larger blue topaz cushion (see #3). I also changed up Q and U a bit. Let me know your thoughts. My mom is 5-2; I was planning on using a 16 inch chain with a 2-2.5 inch drop (I came up with those specs based on another necklace of hers).

Packrat: My lilac/violet/blue idea stems from some clothing in her wardrobe. Chalcedony came to mind because it can be subtle and somewhat neutral. She likes most colors of gemstones, with the exception of her birthstone (Peridot).

I posted more sketches above - what does everyone think?

 

[jewelz617]

C or O. Clean, classic, simple, timeless.

Either one will go with any outfit, and can be worn dressed up or down. I''d love to get a staple piece like either of these as a gift!

 

[RockHuntin]

Thanks, Jewelz617. Any thoughts on my sketches from the second two sets?

 

[packrat]

I like 8/11/12 best. The chalcedony w/the diamonds just really draws me. Plus, I dig lavender, and a cab to boot, makes me like it even more!

 

[jstarfireb]

I hear you on keeping with your mom's style. My eye is still drawn more to the Edwardian styles than any of the others, but you of course should do what you think your mom will like.

With the new batch, I can say right away that my favorite new colored stone is the blue topaz cushion. It provides more of a shape contrast than the round amethyst, and it really acts as a focal point without completely stealing the show from the diamonds. I'm really not a fan of cabochons, so the chalcedony doesn't do it for me. I think #1 is my favorite of these, with its understated simplicity and "diamonds by the yard" style. Then I'd say #9. I'm actually not a big fan of #3 because I think the larger blue topaz cushion needs some more space to set it apart from the diamonds. Hope that helps!

ETA: That said, I still like U better than all of these; something about the aqua pear just seems to work so well with the design.

 

[SB621]

I can't decide between these 4: E, F, H, N

Your mother is going to be thrilled....those designs are all gorgeous!

 

[ma re]

I got some more ideas you might (i.e. your mother might...) like.

Larger diamond in the center, smaller on it''s sides, each set slightly higher than the "center diamond", and the colored stone dangling from the center.

3 chains of different lenght. The shortest chain holds the top of a diagonally set cushion cut gemstone, the longest chaing holds the bottom tip, and the middle chain holds the stone by the side tips. Two smaller diamonds are set next to the side tips of the cushion, and the larger one hangs from the bottom tip.

Horizontally set emerald cut gemstone is in the center of the necklace, one smaller diamond is set on each of it''s sides, and the larger one hangs from the bottom

Setting two smaller diamonds in the bail of the pendant and the larger one either above, below the gemstone, or even in the clasp of the chain (if mom has shorter hair or likes wearing her hair up.

Those are some that came to my mind, hope it helps a bit. I''d also say that a cushion (square one, not elongated) is a great shape choice, cause it allows you many design ideas and is not difficult to find among many gemstone varieties. It also looks quite classic and not too contemporary. BTW, does mom wear bold (rich, vivid, striking) colors, or mostly pastels and neutrals? That might help you narrow down the gemstone options.