Opinions please on stack re custom wedding set

[Cherokee1979]

Hello all!

I’m working with an amazing metalsmith to complete a custom wedding set for my upcoming wedding at my home around Xmas and need opinions on the comfort/practicality of stacking the below rings.

FYI: the yellow is a yellow zircon (natural) the blue is a heated zircon, the clear is a diamond, and the green is a peridot. Also- I plan to give a better “shout out” later to the two VERY KIND pricescopers who donated FOR FREE the blue zircon and peridot. I’m forever grateful to those ladies!

Each stone represents someone’s birth month. Diamond is my wife. I’m the blue zircon. Our infant is the yellow. And my other older son (wife’s stepson) is the peridot. Proceeding to my question. Would all four be too cumbersome and uncomfortable ? Metalsmith says that it would be more uncomfortable than three, and that the peridot will have to be quite: “undercut so it’s going to roll front to back on the finger and be a bit awkward by itself”

wife said she’d prefer all four if possible (the rings themselves are a surprise) but I’m conflicted about just making the peridot a right hand ring.

thoughts would be very appreciated! Thank you!

 

[Cherokee1979]

Hello all!

I’m working with an amazing metalsmith to complete a custom wedding set for my upcoming wedding at my home around Xmas and need opinions on the comfort/practicality of stacking the below rings.

FYI: the yellow is a yellow zircon (natural) the blue is a heated zircon, the clear is a diamond, and the green is a peridot. Also- I plan to give a better “shout out” later to the two VERY KIND pricescopers who donated FOR FREE the blue zircon and peridot. I’m forever grateful to those ladies!

Each stone represents someone’s birth month. Diamond is my wife. I’m the blue zircon. Our infant is the yellow. And my other older son (wife’s stepson) is the peridot. Proceeding to my question. Would all four be too cumbersome and uncomfortable ? Metalsmith says that it would be more uncomfortable than three, and that the peridot will have to be quite: “undercut so it’s going to roll front to back on the finger and be a bit awkward by itself”

wife said she’d prefer all four if possible (the rings themselves are a surprise) but I’m conflicted about just making the peridot a right hand ring.

thoughts would be very appreciated! Thank you!

Below is a pic of how the peridot ring is raised. Thanks!

 

[T L]

Well at least the stones look super protected, as I’ve never seen such thick and tall bezels. Zircon can be brittle and facet abrasion is common, and peridot is on the softer side. If they’re everyday rings, that’s something to be concerned about.

As someone who loves to stack a million rings at once, it seems ok to me, but I’m guessing the majority people wouldn’t want to. It’s up to the wearer and their comfort level. Extra stacking bands also help reduce turning on your finger if wearing a ring alone.

 

[Cherokee1979]

Thanks much for your rapid reply, TL! Yes, I specifically asked him to make high bezels for those reasons you mentioned. I was particularly worried about wear on the table of the peridot still, however. But the jeweler said that it could be re-polished in the future if wear occurs. Thoughts on that? Thanks!

 

[T L]

Thanks much for your rapid reply, TL! Yes, I specifically asked him to make high bezels for those reasons you mentioned. I was particularly worried about wear on the table of the peridot still, however. But the jeweler said that it could be re-polished in the future if wear occurs. Thoughts on that? Thanks!

Well it would be hard to re-polish unless you removed the stone, and if you remove the stone, it will destroy the bezel, and have to be remade. Maybe a jeweler/lapidary can better comment. I would just enjoy them as facet abrasions and chips are a part of life with colored gems. Just be cognizant if your hands when wearing them and take off when doing chores, or sleeping.

 

[woweezowee]

@Cherokee1979, you are very thoughtful and sound like a great husband-to-be!

With these designs, I agree that four rings would be less comfortable than three. If you want to make them more stackable, you could opt for thinner ring bands OR you could nix the straight-walled bezels and instead ask for a tapered bezel on the stones which would allow them to fit more flush with adjoining bands while providing the same amount of stone protection. I can't tell from the photo of the peridot ring if the bezel is elevated beyond the norm to accommodate neighboring bands, but if it is, a tapered bezel would dispense of the need for this.

You put so much effort into these rings and their symbolic nature that I'd definitely try and hit a home run with your wife's wishes.

And one more thought, especially given that the peridot is for her son from another relationship ... If you want to symbolize the unity of your blended family by having a ring for each family member, I would 100 percent shoot for a design that allows all four to be comfortably worn together. Having an orphan ring on a different hand works against the symbolism, IMO.

Signed,
An amateur metalsmith, ring stacker, bezel lover, stepchild, and mom to kids who are now stepchildren themselves and having a tough time with it.

Good luck and keep us posted!

 

[Cherokee1979]

@Cherokee1979, you are very thoughtful and sound like a great husband-to-be!

With these designs, I agree that four rings would be less comfortable than three. If you want to make them more stackable, you could opt for thinner ring bands OR you could nix the straight-walled bezels and instead ask for a tapered bezel on the stones which would allow them to fit more flush with adjoining bands while providing the same amount of stone protection. I can't tell from the photo of the peridot ring if the bezel is elevated beyond the norm to accommodate neighboring bands, but if it is, a tapered bezel would dispense of the need for this.

You put so much effort into these rings and their symbolic nature that I'd definitely try and hit a home run with your wife's wishes.

And one more thought, especially given that the peridot is for her son from another relationship ... If you want to symbolize the unity of your blended family by having a ring for each family member, I would 100 percent shoot for a design that allows all four to be comfortably worn together. Having an orphan ring on a different hand works against the symbolism, IMO.

Signed,
An amateur metalsmith, ring stacker, bezel lover, stepchild, and mom to kids who are now stepchildren themselves and having a tough time with it.

Good luck and keep us posted!

@wowezowee:

Thank you SOOO much for your kind words and very detailed reply!! It put a big smile on my face

Your insight is particularly helpful and appreciated re: tapered bezels. I mentioned this idea to my jeweler. He responded with the below quote at the end of this message. It seems that it might not work sadly, but I have asked about slimming the bands some. Thoughts?

You sound like a great parent! I hope that things smooth out with the kiddos! It can be a difficult transition but they are so resilient.

In light of your comments and others (and wife's expressed preferences), I have decided to proceed with all four stacking together (unless others see any big problems).

Thanks again for your kindness, and I will be sure to update tomorrow when I get more info!

"It would be tough. The geometry of the cones is going to make it pretty well impossible with diameters that big to start with. I’ll make a cone bezel tomorrow morning for the peridot and let you see what the drawback is going to be. The height will be a problem."

 

[Lakefront]

I love the heartfelt sentiment behind these rings. I’m sure they will be treasured.

if I read correctly, this is a wedding set meant to be worn daily? If so, that’s a LOT of total band thickness for everyday wear. I’m not a big ring stacker though. I don’t like the constrained feeling of multiple rings. Some do, some don’t. I’d definitely find out where she stands.
Aside from the stones sitting together, just the collective width of the metal under and around her finger is a lot.

 

[Cherokee1979]

I love the heartfelt sentiment behind these rings. I’m sure they will be treasured.

if I read correctly, this is a wedding set meant to be worn daily? If so, that’s a LOT of total band thickness for everyday wear. I’m not a big ring stacker though. I don’t like the constrained feeling of multiple rings. Some do, some don’t. I’d definitely find out where she stands.
Aside from the stones sitting together, just the collective width of the metal under and around her finger is a lot.

@Lakefront:

Thanks so much for your kind words

Yes, I imagine that they will be worn daily. She has told me that she will plan to take them off for chores and such. I have asked her maybe to try out wearing some stacked rings for a few days to see if they are comfy - thoughts? But I am pot-committed to stack at least the three smaller-stoned rings for sure.

Thanks again!

 

[maita13]

This project is a very thoughtful and meaningful one, @Cherokee1979 . I echo @woweezowee ’s suggestion re making the bands thinner. A perfect example is @Django0413 ’s stacker rings. I hope she doesn’t mind my linking her thread here.

Input Please: Stacking Ring CADs for my 40th Birthday

Hi All, I'm doing my first project for my upcoming 40th birthday and would love some opinions. I've been slowly collecting small, rare gemstones and my plan is to create stacking rings with them. I'm starting with 4 rings this year (for my 40th) and then will collect a new stone and make a new...

www.pricescope.com

Good luck on this project and congratulations on your impending nuptials! Please don’t forget to post completed rings on here

 

[woweezowee]

@wowezowee:

Thank you SOOO much for your kind words and very detailed reply!! It put a big smile on my face

Your insight is particularly helpful and appreciated re: tapered bezels. I mentioned this idea to my jeweler. He responded with the below quote at the end of this message. It seems that it might not work sadly, but I have asked about slimming the bands some. Thoughts?

You sound like a great parent! I hope that things smooth out with the kiddos! It can be a difficult transition but they are so resilient.

In light of your comments and others (and wife's expressed preferences), I have decided to proceed with all four stacking together (unless others see any big problems).

Thanks again for your kindness, and I will be sure to update tomorrow when I get more info!

"It would be tough. The geometry of the cones is going to make it pretty well impossible with diameters that big to start with. I’ll make a cone bezel tomorrow morning for the peridot and let you see what the drawback is going to be. The height will be a problem."

Awww, thank YOU for YOUR kind words! I am in the midst of fighting for my kids right now as I have realized their stepmother is a narcissist, has been mistreating my children for three years-plus, and has complete control over my formerly-wonderful and formerly-kind ex-husband. So it's been really really tough to see the effects of everything on my kids, and I am preparing for a court appearance in a couple of weeks. It is so heartening to see your attitude, though, and it makes me happy for your little family

Enough about that...

What are the diameters of the stones? Based on the photo you posted with the ruler, the peridot looks to be around 7 mm? Regardless, the dimensions shouldn't be a problem with a tapered (or cone) bezel unless the metalsmith doesn't have the experience to incorporate them into the design. I know you said he is amazing but there are also sooooooo many different ways to be a metalsmith that this may not be his specialty.

Someone who does specialize is a gal named Madelynn who sells her gorgeous rings on Etsy as onegarnetgirl (I've never bought one but I have admired her work for years and know she has satisfied customers on this board). I perused her offerings to find a similarly-sized stone as the peridot in a tapered bezel and found the following picture. I also found even larger stones, so I really don't think the peridot's size is an issue in the right hands.



You could have your guy do three of the rings and have someone else do the fourth -- though you'd be in the position of having to ask the other metalsmith to match the existing style of your other three bands (not a big deal, really, but just a consideration) or you could also do a mismatched moi et toi type ring, which I stumbled upon while looking at onegarnetgirl's tapered bezels. Here's the listing and below are a couple of photos. The peridot and the yellow zircon would look great together!





Do you know how much finish work the metalsmith has left on the bands and bezels by chance? Is the above photo a nearly-finished pic or does he have more refining to do?

One final thing I want to mention is that I have a rectangle precision-cut peridot that I can offer to your project if it'd help in any way. Just let me know!

 

[Django74th]

This project is a very thoughtful and meaningful one, @Cherokee1979 . I echo @woweezowee ’s suggestion re making the bands thinner. A perfect example is @Django0413 ’s stacker rings. I hope she doesn’t mind my linking her thread here.

Input Please: Stacking Ring CADs for my 40th Birthday

Hi All, I'm doing my first project for my upcoming 40th birthday and would love some opinions. I've been slowly collecting small, rare gemstones and my plan is to create stacking rings with them. I'm starting with 4 rings this year (for my 40th) and then will collect a new stone and make a new...

www.pricescope.com

Good luck on this project and congratulations on your impending nuptials! Please don’t forget to post completed rings on here

@maita13 — thanks for tagging me! My stacker rings are very much like @Cherokee1979 in terms of the sentimental nature. I put a tiny engravings on the inside of each one that reminds me of my son. He takes on his daily medical challenges with such grace and determination (he’s eleven)... I always say I want to be him when I grow up — ok, I’m done bragging about my sweet kiddo… back to jewelry!

Anyway, a few lessons learned with my stacker that might help:
1) Make sure the size is EXACT in terms of fit. Otherwise, it doesn’t stay together nicely and can drive you nuts. I had mine resized by just a quarter size after they were made for this reason.

2) The height of your setting may be a little tall for daily wear but if you‘re good with that, you might consider a cut out of some sort cut out in the side to let light in and help with keeping it clean (in addition to leaving the bottom of the setting open for cleaning.

3) You might think about making the bezel of each stone a different thickness to add visual interest. So the larger stone could have a thinner bezel and the the small stones get a thicker bezel. It can help add some balance.

Lastly, I think your project is really awesome!

@woweezowee — I totally feel your pain about dealing with a narcissistic ex. Just wanted to say you’re not alone and I’m so sorry!

 

[maita13]

@maita13 — thanks for tagging me! My stacker rings are very much like @Cherokee1979 in terms of the sentimental nature. I put a tiny engravings on the inside of each one that reminds me of my son. He takes on his daily medical challenges with such grace and determination (he’s eleven)... I always say I want to be him when I grow up — ok, I’m done bragging about my sweet kiddo… back to jewelry!

Anyway, a few lessons learned with my stacker that might help:
1) Make sure the size is EXACT in terms of fit. Otherwise, it doesn’t stay together nicely and can drive you nuts. I had mine resized by just a quarter size after they were made for this reason.

2) The height of your setting may be a little tall for daily wear but if you‘re good with that, you might consider a cut out of some sort cut out in the side to let light in and help with keeping it clean (in addition to leaving the bottom of the setting open for cleaning.

3) You might think about making the bezel of each stone a different thickness to add visual interest. So the larger stone could have a thinner bezel and the the small stones get a thicker bezel. It can help add some balance.

Lastly, I think your project is really awesome!

@woweezowee — I totally feel your pain about dealing with a narcissistic ex. Just wanted to say you’re not alone and I’m so sorry!

Hi, @Django0413 ! Thanks for replying to @Cherokee1979 ‘s thread. The sentiment behind his project is very much like yours.
Glad that you chimed in.

Your son is such a sweetheart!! To endure so much at a tender age makes him a hero in my book…and your ring(s) reflect(s) the pride and joy your family evokes from you. And brava to moms like yourself and @woweezowee who give precedence to their children’s well being above all else.

Ok, before I go off-tangent, I can’t wait to see your soon-to-be wife’s rings, Cherokee!

 

[blingmeupscotty]

You could always put just your stone and her stone in the band and create a mothers ring for the right hand beautiful sentiments and stones though love the metals.

 

[pokerface]

My two cents: though a beautiful sentiment, stacking four bands together is uncomfortable and impractical for everyday wear. Zircon and peridot are extremely affordable in melee size. Why not design a ring with the diamond as the center stone and using three melee-sized stones as surprise stones inside the band? Then you could still have the option of creating separate rings for the larger stones, and your wife would have a fun selection to match her wardrobe!

 

[Cinders]

I agree with previous posters about making the bands & bezels thinner. Alternately, you could consider making it into a cluster ring so all the stones would always beauty present & easily wearable.

It's a lovely, sentimental ring and I wish you & your family all the best!

 

[Nancewbl]

I love the thought that you are putting into your project and I am sure your future wife will appreciate your beautiful efforts.

I think if you read between the lines, people are suggesting that this metalsmith may not have a lot of experience with this type of jewelry and the photos do not show a final product that is of high quality. You may want to consider whether he/she is the right person to make this set.

I send you this advice with the best of intentions so you dont find that you have to have them re-made in the future or that your significant other is disaapointed in them.

 

[Cherokee1979]

@maita13 — thanks for tagging me! My stacker rings are very much like @Cherokee1979 in terms of the sentimental nature. I put a tiny engravings on the inside of each one that reminds me of my son. He takes on his daily medical challenges with such grace and determination (he’s eleven)... I always say I want to be him when I grow up — ok, I’m done bragging about my sweet kiddo… back to jewelry!

Anyway, a few lessons learned with my stacker that might help:
1) Make sure the size is EXACT in terms of fit. Otherwise, it doesn’t stay together nicely and can drive you nuts. I had mine resized by just a quarter size after they were made for this reason.

2) The height of your setting may be a little tall for daily wear but if you‘re good with that, you might consider a cut out of some sort cut out in the side to let light in and help with keeping it clean (in addition to leaving the bottom of the setting open for cleaning.

3) You might think about making the bezel of each stone a different thickness to add visual interest. So the larger stone could have a thinner bezel and the the small stones get a thicker bezel. It can help add some balance.

Lastly, I think your project is really awesome!

@woweezowee — I totally feel your pain about dealing with a narcissistic ex. Just wanted to say you’re not alone and I’m so sorry!

@Django0413 : Thank you SOO very much for your valuable insight (and I just adore your stack - I have seen it once before). Just beautiful.

Please allow me to apologize for my long delay in replying to everyone. I was forced to be off-grid for a long while and am just now getting back.

Concerning your first lesson, I had two different jewelers measure her left ring finger. The second one revised the prior measurement of 7 to be - and I quote - "7 plus." Which was very frustratingly vague I thought, but I took that to be 7 1/8 and informed my jeweler as much.

Concerning your final two lessons, I really liked both and informed the jeweler of same.

Thanks much again! I will be sure to update when I hear back from the jeweler.

 

[Cherokee1979]

This project is a very thoughtful and meaningful one, @Cherokee1979 . I echo @woweezowee ’s suggestion re making the bands thinner. A perfect example is @Django0413 ’s stacker rings. I hope she doesn’t mind my linking her thread here.

Input Please: Stacking Ring CADs for my 40th Birthday

Hi All, I'm doing my first project for my upcoming 40th birthday and would love some opinions. I've been slowly collecting small, rare gemstones and my plan is to create stacking rings with them. I'm starting with 4 rings this year (for my 40th) and then will collect a new stone and make a new...

www.pricescope.com

Good luck on this project and congratulations on your impending nuptials! Please don’t forget to post completed rings on here

@maita13 : Thanks much for your kind words and bringing up django's beautiful stack!

I have spoken with my jeweler and informed him to make the bands on all four rings as thin as possible.

Thanks again!

 

[Cherokee1979]

Awww, thank YOU for YOUR kind words! I am in the midst of fighting for my kids right now as I have realized their stepmother is a narcissist, has been mistreating my children for three years-plus, and has complete control over my formerly-wonderful and formerly-kind ex-husband. So it's been really really tough to see the effects of everything on my kids, and I am preparing for a court appearance in a couple of weeks. It is so heartening to see your attitude, though, and it makes me happy for your little family

Enough about that...

What are the diameters of the stones? Based on the photo you posted with the ruler, the peridot looks to be around 7 mm? Regardless, the dimensions shouldn't be a problem with a tapered (or cone) bezel unless the metalsmith doesn't have the experience to incorporate them into the design. I know you said he is amazing but there are also sooooooo many different ways to be a metalsmith that this may not be his specialty.

Someone who does specialize is a gal named Madelynn who sells her gorgeous rings on Etsy as onegarnetgirl (I've never bought one but I have admired her work for years and know she has satisfied customers on this board). I perused her offerings to find a similarly-sized stone as the peridot in a tapered bezel and found the following picture. I also found even larger stones, so I really don't think the peridot's size is an issue in the right hands.



You could have your guy do three of the rings and have someone else do the fourth -- though you'd be in the position of having to ask the other metalsmith to match the existing style of your other three bands (not a big deal, really, but just a consideration) or you could also do a mismatched moi et toi type ring, which I stumbled upon while looking at onegarnetgirl's tapered bezels. Here's the listing and below are a couple of photos. The peridot and the yellow zircon would look great together!





Do you know how much finish work the metalsmith has left on the bands and bezels by chance? Is the above photo a nearly-finished pic or does he have more refining to do?

One final thing I want to mention is that I have a rectangle precision-cut peridot that I can offer to your project if it'd help in any way. Just let me know!

@woweezowee : You have been such a joy to talk with and a font of valuable information. Thank you from the bottom of my heart!

First the metalsmith has a considerable amount of finishing work left to do on the rings. The above pics are in their rough stages. The bands now will also be made much thinner.

I had asked him about doing cones, but he expressed that the geometry might not work out that great with the cones. I would prefer a cone, but if it has to be straight walled then I could be fine with that. Also, you are correct that the peridot is about 7mm, maybe a tad less.

Your offer of your precision-cut rectangle peridot was SOO immensely kind!!!! TYSM! I do not believe that it would be needed at this point, but I am so appreciative of your kindness.

I am so sorry to learn about all of the badness related to the stepmother; that is so sad. I am totally rooting for you! I can empathize a great deal, as I have been in a custody battle myself before (and am an attorney and know a decent amount about custody law). If I could ever be of any assistance please do not hesitate to let me know. You sound like a wonderful, dedicated mom, and I am sure that your kids are lucky to have you and grateful, and that all will work out for the best in the end.

Thanks again!

 

[Cherokee1979]

My two cents: though a beautiful sentiment, stacking four bands together is uncomfortable and impractical for everyday wear. Zircon and peridot are extremely affordable in melee size. Why not design a ring with the diamond as the center stone and using three melee-sized stones as surprise stones inside the band? Then you could still have the option of creating separate rings for the larger stones, and your wife would have a fun selection to match her wardrobe!

@pokerface : Thanks so much for helpful advice. That is a really wonderful idea, but alas, I am running out of time on this project, as the rings are now in Spain and I need them to be completed and sent back to me so I can have them by December. But I will surely keep that idea in mind and could mention to him. Thanks!

 

[Cherokee1979]

You could always put just your stone and her stone in the band and create a mothers ring for the right hand beautiful sentiments and stones though love the metals.

@blingmeupscotty : Thank you for your kind words and valuable insight. I have asked my jeweler's thoughts about the mother's ring idea and comfort of a four ring stack. Great idea. Thanks again!

 

[pokerface]

@pokerface : Thanks so much for helpful advice. That is a really wonderful idea, but alas, I am running out of time on this project, as the rings are now in Spain and I need them to be completed and sent back to me so I can have them by December. But I will surely keep that idea in mind and could mention to him. Thanks!

You could keep the diamond ring as is and create a second band with the three melee stones to use as a wedding band. There is more than enough time to complete what would be an easy project. You wouldn't want to rush this project only for it to turn out that the end result is unwearable on a day-to-day basis, which I suspect it will be if you continue down the four ring path.

 

[Cherokee1979]

Tank you @pokerface for your input! I will be able to write back in more reply tomorrow but need to go pick up my son and will be offline till tomorrow am and will look forward to talking more then and reading replies! Thanks

 

[Cherokee1979]

 

[Cherokee1979]

Hi all! I just got these pics from my metalsmith!! I think he’s getting close to wrapping them up maybe? Thoughts? Thanks so much! Sorry work is very busy today but I just wanted t to check in and get your valuable insight. Thanks!

 

[Cherokee1979]

FYI - these are not yet entirely in their finished state. We may have the bands textured and hammered more. Any other ideas would also be most welcome!

 

[motownmama]

I’m a person who loves a wide stack and so, I love what you’re creating. What can drive me crazy with a stack, however, is any spinning, such that rings that should line up nicely shift. I’m wondering about gently soldiering all the rings to one another. Just my 2 cents. I look forward to seeing the final product!

 

[pokerface]

Your metalsmith has slimmed the shanks down some, but it seems to me that you'd need to work with a more experienced jeweler to really make it work, as the rings remain very bulky (compare with the pics posted by @woweezowee). The problem with soldering is it eliminates the possibility of wearing the rings individually. What about soldering just the three colored stones to leave the option of the diamond as a stand alone? Then you could revisit the idea of melee stones in a band.

 

[Cherokee1979]

Your metalsmith has slimmed the shanks down some, but it seems to me that you'd need to work with a more experienced jeweler to really make it work, as the rings remain very bulky (compare with the pics posted by @woweezowee). The problem with soldering is it eliminates the possibility of wearing the rings individually. What about soldering just the three colored stones to leave the option of the diamond as a stand alone? Then you could revisit the idea of melee stones in a band.

@pokerface : That is a wonderful idea! I will be sure to revisit that if she finds that the spinning is driving her crazy. Thanks for your thoughts!