Paging Phoenix

[allycat0303]

Hi Phoenix,

I’ve been searching through your old threads looking for pics of larger RB size… as I remember you are a fan. I tried to message you privately but unable to.

Have you tried on any RB in size (approximately 9-10 ct range?). I’m interested to know your opinion on functionality, daily wear etc.

Thanks!

 

[tyty333]

@Phoenix

 

[allycat0303]

Thanks Tyty333…. I didn’t even think of doing that. I’m feeling my age

 

[Phoenix]

Just saw @tyty333's post.

@allycat0303 , I don't own anything of that magnitude. But I have a friend who has a 12ct RB and a 20ct (?) radiant. She has slightly bigger hands than mine, around US size 6, I seem to recall. She wears either ring on a daily basis, to everywhere/every function or event. It always seem to me to spin to the side, due to the sheer weight/size. Doesn't seem to bother her at all. In fact, she ROCKS it. LOVE seeing it on her.

 

[DejaWiz]

Just saw @tyty333's post.

@allycat0303 , I don't own anything of that magnitude. But I have a friend who has a 12ct RB and a 20ct (?) radiant. She has slightly bigger hands than mine, around US size 6, I seem to recall. She wears either ring on a daily basis, to everywhere/every function or event. It always seem to me to spin to the side, due to the sheer weight/size. Doesn't seem to bother her at all. In fact, she ROCKS it. LOVE seeing it on her.

Here's a handy link for your friend:

Join the world's largest online diamond and jewelry community today.

...because we NEED to see these magnificent diamonds!

 

[Phoenix]

Here's a handy link for your friend:

Join the world's largest online diamond and jewelry community today.

...because we NEED to see these magnificent diamonds!

I'm supposed to see her soon. I shall try and take some pics.

 

[allycat0303]

I'm supposed to see her soon. I shall try and take some pics.

Hi Phoenix,

Thanks for the response. My husband has started inquiries for a 9 ct stone.. about 13.5 mm….I’m a bit torn with a 7 ct (12.5 mm). My husband doesn’t feel like 7 will be much of a difference from my current stone, so he feels larger is better.

I am wondering if IRL you find it looks too substantial?

I don’t think I’m objective… as I always see my stone on my hand, it doesn’t look large anymore. DSS… but I also don’t want it to be “too much”. So I’m wondering what your perspective is (as you have quite the jewelry collection)

 

[MissGotRocks]

@allycat0303 is it you wanting a larger diamond or is it your husband? Your current ring is this one?

https://www.pricescope.com/community/attachments/5ac3a467-38bd-4960-a3e6-f6ee1ed591d1-jpeg.870749/

I honestly can’t imagine a bigger diamond for you for every day wear as a physician. Hopefully you can keep this one and just get a larger one for certain occasions?

 

[LLJsmom]

I would echo @MissGotRocks’s question. Will you wear this to the hospital everyday, or seeing patients and doing procedures? Or is this your special occasion ring?

 

[HGar]

I seem to remember you had some problems with your current stone being too big? At one stage you were discussing getting a smaller stone - are you sure you want to size up so soon?

 

[emmy12]

I saw that you only got the 5ct Leon halo about a year ago. I also am curious to knoe the reason for upgrading and which of you is driving the bus on this project? Like others pointed out, in your previous thread you were concerned that 5ct was already too large...

Operating on the assumption that it's the husband initiating this: Is there a status component initiating his desire to upgrade you? Is it about the size of the rock on your finger that concerns him? Or is it about the amount of money that he wants to spend? Was there a major milestone that he wants to celebrate with this Big Spend? In short, what is the sudden impetus for the upgrade?

Regarding the centerpiece of an upgrade: Does it have to be round? Could it be a different shape diamond? Could it be a rare coloured diamond ($$$$$$$) that is smaller (perhaps in line with daily-wear practicality)? Or a large, untreated natural coloured stone?

 

[Phoenix]

Hi Phoenix,

Thanks for the response. My husband has started inquiries for a 9 ct stone.. about 13.5 mm….I’m a bit torn with a 7 ct (12.5 mm). My husband doesn’t feel like 7 will be much of a difference from my current stone, so he feels larger is better.

I am wondering if IRL you find it looks too substantial?

I don’t think I’m objective… as I always see my stone on my hand, it doesn’t look large anymore. DSS… but I also don’t want it to be “too much”. So I’m wondering what your perspective is (as you have quite the jewelry collection)

Hmm...it's very much a personal thing.

I put my 5.38ct into a halo and so the resulting diameter is about 13-14mm. After the initial euphoria, I now find that huge and somewhat comical. I never ever thought I'd say that. You and I have similar finger sizing, no? Actually, isn't your finger a tad smaller than mine? I am a size 4 or 4.5.

Having said that, a halo'ed ring has a very different look to a solitaire. I think I'd happily rock a 7ct solitaire, or maybe an 8ct. So maybe a 9ct wouldn't be too different.

Something else to consider though, like @MissGotRocks and @LLJsmom 's said, would you wear this to work at the hospital? I might hesitate there.

 

[dk168]

I would echo @MissGotRocks’s question. Will you wear this to the hospital everyday, or seeing patients and doing procedures? Or is this your special occasion ring?

Could take it off and wear it around the neck with a ring holder when required?

It would do my head in if I were to take it off and put it back on all the time.

However, if one is in a high-ranking administrative role and does not get involved with clinical work much, then it might be more doable.

Security would be one of my concerns as I would not feel safe for such an expensive ring to be put in a locker in a communal area!

All personal opinions and preferences etc., etc...

DK

 

[allycat0303]

Hmm...it's very much a personal thing.

I put my 5.38ct into a halo and so the resulting diameter is about 13-14mm. After the initial euphoria, I now find that huge and somewhat comical. I never ever thought I'd say that. You and I have similar finger sizing, no? Actually, isn't your finger a tad smaller than mine? I am a size 4 or 4.5.

Having said that, a halo'ed ring has a very different look to a solitaire. I think I'd happily rock a 7ct solitaire, or maybe an 8ct. So maybe a 9ct wouldn't be too different.

Something else to consider though, like @MissGotRocks and @LLJsmom 's said, would you wear this to work at the hospital? I might hesitate there.

Phoenix,

I’m a size 4. I currently have 5 ct in a halo. And it originally did seem very big and then shrunk quickly.

I do wear it to work everyday. This was actually surprising as I didn’t think I would. But in a halo, it’s pretty carefree. I keep it in my office while I operate. Never worry about it. And it’s not high profile setting. For a rural area there are some beautiful stones. One of my ICU nurses wears a 3 carat with 2 huge eternity bands everyday. And she’s a bedside nurse! I love it.

Current stone is 11 mm. 7 ct is 12.5 mm…. I found some pics of a cushion online and it’s barely noticeable. So I think I can do that.

And a solitaire…. I think that would be beautiful. I think I’m afraid of a solitaire having never owned one. Maybe I would worry about the stone getting chipped etc.

Do you mind sharing a pic of you 5+ in halo? I don’t think I’ve ever seen it… and I have stalked most of your collection. LOL.

Could take it off and wear it around the neck with a ring holder when required?

It would do my head in if I were to take it off and put it back on all the time.

However, if one is in a high-ranking administrative role and does not get involved with clinical work much, then it might be more doable.

Security would be one of my concerns as I would not feel safe for such an expensive ring to be put in a locker in a communal area!

All personal opinions and preferences etc., etc...

DK

I take it off when I operate. It stays in my office. It’s surprisingly functional. I forgot it a few times at work… but honestly it doesn’t worry me at all in terms of security.

Operating on the assumption that it's the husband initiating this: Is there a status component initiating his desire to upgrade you? Is it about the size of the rock on your finger that concerns him? Or is it about the amount of money that he wants to spend? Was there a major milestone that he wants to celebrate with this Big Spend? In short, what is the sudden impetus for the upgrade?

Regarding the centerpiece of an upgrade: Does it have to be round? Could it be a different shape diamond? Could it be a rare coloured diamond ($$$$$$$) that is smaller (perhaps in line with daily-wear practicality)? Or a large, untreated natural coloured stone?

My husband has a very definitive “vision” of what he wanted. He wants stone to span my entire finger. He underestimated with 5ct.

In the last month… I’ve had 3 deaths in my family, with my father probably being next on the list. Life is short. And if there is something I’ve learnt in the last year, all the wealth in the world cannot buy time or health for my family. I currently support my parents and have purchased ridiculous gifts for every member of my family. My husband felt that for all I have given to my family, patients, charity, people I work with, I probably should get a Christmas gift (and for the record, I didn’t get anything. Like: nothing. Unless you count the VCA sweet bracelet that I was supposed to get.. but VCA sent me the wrong one). And chocolates. Lots of chocolates.

In terms of milestone? I can say the hospital doubled my salary to keep me here. But that doesn’t mean much. I made a lot before and I make more now.
But money has not been an issue for us for a long time.

The hospital was trying to recruit surgeons with much less publications, and technical ability then me at 1.5x my salary.

I am on call 24/7 a year except for 2 weeks vacation. Most of the surgeons they were recruiting were not willing to come here for 1.5x my salary and 1:2 call (one day out of 2) and I’ve been on call everyday for 1 year. So I could say it’s a accomplishment to be the highest paid physician in 14 bed hospital system, a woman, and only 1 year out of training. BUT. That’s not the reason. I only stood up for myself in December and my husband decided it would be upgraded long before I got an increase in pay (just took effect January 1). He decided in March/April.

The real reason is life is short, so why not?

 

[Cerulean]

@allycat0303 is your ring insured? To be honest, even if you trust your colleagues and would like to think your patients wouldn't steal from you, I just can't imagine leaving a ring of that value overnight in any office, no matter how impenetrable the security or confident you are in the people you're surrounded by everyday.

I totally understand the "life is short" ethos, and I am very sorry about the losses you have experienced. That is truly terrible to lose so many at once...

At a certain point I wonder if "can" and "should" are mutually exclusive. Feeling underappreciated or like you are caring for everyone but yourself and not getting the same treatment in return is a separate, deeper issue that I hope you are able to resolve independently of the pursuit for the-biggest-possible-diamond-you-can-tolerably-wear.

I am not sure I understand the compulsion of your husband to get you an even larger stone, as to me this sounds like an instance of your needs not really being considered after you've enumerated multiple cases of your needs being unmet and feeling disappointed about that—compounded by the pain of loss.

The question is, ignoring entirely what your husband wants, do you actually want a larger stone? Does the idea of a bigger diamond make your heart sing? Or are just trying to meet his expectations of what your ring should look like? Is there anything else you'd truly rather have instead of an even larger upgrade after the first one made you a bit uncomfortable? And just because you aren't filled with nail-biting anxiety about losing an expensive ring, or that you managed to eek out some comfort with a ring that you felt was too big...why rehash the exact same problem, but at a greater scale, with more money invested and with even less likelihood of you comfortably wearing this new ring?

And you're right, life IS short. I personally would not sweet-talk myself into an upgrade to really anything that I didn’t want to do, especially while things are raw and emotional. I'd try to take this as a chance to take a step back, turn inward, and put myself and MY wants first and practice self care. I'd find something of equivalent value that I truly really wanted and that would make me happy to look at, as a representation of MY triumphs at work and over a huge amount of grief.

 

[emmy12]

I am on call 24/7 a year except for 2 weeks vacation. Most of the surgeons they were recruiting were not willing to come here for 1.5x my salary and 1:2 call (one day out of 2) and I’ve been on call everyday for 1 year. So I could say it’s a accomplishment to be the highest paid physician in 14 bed hospital system, a woman, and only 1 year out of training. BUT. That’s not the reason. I only stood up for myself in December and my husband decided it would be upgraded long before I got an increase in pay (just took effect January 1). He decided in March/April.

The real reason is life is short, so why not?

Congratulations on your career accomplishments. My best friend is also a surgeon and tells a similar story about 24/7 call, hardly any vacation, and over-worked call schedules like 1 in 2. The work conditions sound soul-crushing, and you deserve to be compensated for your skills, expertise, and mental toughness it requires to survive such a high stress position.

If a bigger stone will make both of you happy and you can afford it, then no reason not to go for it. It's a significant chunk of change, and if I was in your position I'd want to see if there was something else that made my heart (and my partner's) sing more than a giant diamond solitaire.... For me, with a 6 figure budget, I'd be going straight for my holy grail: an untreated Colombian Emerald.

 

[emmy12]

Tagging @glitterbomb because she has some lovely photos of her jaw-dropping LGD collection in the SMTB thread of the LGD forum. 5++ CT and various cuts. Might offer some more size perspective.

Show me the Bling - the Laboratory Grown version!

"" ""

www.pricescope.com

 

[diamondseeker2006]

I’ll have to say that if I was size 4 and wearing a 5 ct round and my husband said he wanted to upgrade my diamond, I would tell him that is very sweet but a round any larger than 5 cts is going to look ridiculous on me (size 5.5) and I absolutely do not want that. Maybe 4ctw diamond stud earrings or a 10 ctw tennis bracelet are ideas. When getting to diamond rings of 6 cts or higher, I think emerald cuts or elongated antique cushion cuts are much more flattering to small to average size fingers.

Your husband’s desire should be to buy things YOU really desire, not what he desires. Is he even taking your safety into consideration? I would give him a very strong no on this idea. People are trying to tell you a round stone above 5 cts won’t be a good look on your size finger. If I had 10 million dollars in the bank, I still wouldn’t wear a diamond over 5 cts unless maybe I lived in Beverly Hills or NYC. It’s dangerous to stand out that much in areas where the average diamond ring is probably under a carat.

You are doing well in your career and I am glad you have been rewarded with a much deserved pay increase! But there are many ways to use that extra money such as investing in retirement, a vacation home, travel, etc. You should be the one deciding how you’d like to spend that extra money.

 

[hathalove]

What other things are on the dreamy list of wants (doesn't have to be jewelry). Just curious because 5 carats is already so big and amazing. Congratulations on all your accompaniments I am wondering if there is another way you might want to celebrate it all? Sounds like you might not have even been thinking upgrade before it was suggested? You are right about life being short! Just like to remind people about the LIVING part of that short life...

 

[LLJsmom]

Phoenix,

I’m a size 4. I currently have 5 ct in a halo. And it originally did seem very big and then shrunk quickly.

I do wear it to work everyday. This was actually surprising as I didn’t think I would. But in a halo, it’s pretty carefree. I keep it in my office while I operate. Never worry about it. And it’s not high profile setting. For a rural area there are some beautiful stones. One of my ICU nurses wears a 3 carat with 2 huge eternity bands everyday. And she’s a bedside nurse! I love it.

Current stone is 11 mm. 7 ct is 12.5 mm…. I found some pics of a cushion online and it’s barely noticeable. So I think I can do that.

And a solitaire…. I think that would be beautiful. I think I’m afraid of a solitaire having never owned one. Maybe I would worry about the stone getting chipped etc.

Do you mind sharing a pic of you 5+ in halo? I don’t think I’ve ever seen it… and I have stalked most of your collection. LOL.



I take it off when I operate. It stays in my office. It’s surprisingly functional. I forgot it a few times at work… but honestly it doesn’t worry me at all in terms of security.


My husband has a very definitive “vision” of what he wanted. He wants stone to span my entire finger. He underestimated with 5ct.

In the last month… I’ve had 3 deaths in my family, with my father probably being next on the list. Life is short. And if there is something I’ve learnt in the last year, all the wealth in the world cannot buy time or health for my family. I currently support my parents and have purchased ridiculous gifts for every member of my family. My husband felt that for all I have given to my family, patients, charity, people I work with, I probably should get a Christmas gift (and for the record, I didn’t get anything. Like: nothing. Unless you count the VCA sweet bracelet that I was supposed to get.. but VCA sent me the wrong one). And chocolates. Lots of chocolates.

In terms of milestone? I can say the hospital doubled my salary to keep me here. But that doesn’t mean much. I made a lot before and I make more now.
But money has not been an issue for us for a long time.

The hospital was trying to recruit surgeons with much less publications, and technical ability then me at 1.5x my salary.

I am on call 24/7 a year except for 2 weeks vacation. Most of the surgeons they were recruiting were not willing to come here for 1.5x my salary and 1:2 call (one day out of 2) and I’ve been on call everyday for 1 year. So I could say it’s a accomplishment to be the highest paid physician in 14 bed hospital system, a woman, and only 1 year out of training. BUT. That’s not the reason. I only stood up for myself in December and my husband decided it would be upgraded long before I got an increase in pay (just took effect January 1). He decided in March/April.

The real reason is life is short, so why not?

Because girl, a bunch of us want you to be safe. You walking around wearing that huge honker, walking to your car at all odd hours by yourself in the middle of the night. You don’t want life to be THAT short right?

 

[lulu_ma]

@allycat0303 what is the current diameter in mm of your halo? Also, what is the height of your current setting?

A 9 or 10 carat will definitely have a tall profile.

Also, here is a modern round 12.5 mm on a size 4. See post #160

Help evaluate a 7.5 carat stone

We are going to look at 2 stones in person today: 7.15 L (faint brown) IF GIA certified triple x 7.55 L SI1 GIA certified triple x, faint fluorescence Simultaneously, I've also reached out to Jonathan with distinctive gem to get a better sense of how he operates. I will follow up with photos...

www.pricescope.com

 

[yssie]

@allycat0303. Not gonna lie. Others have said it nicely but tact is not always my forte.

A 7ct+ RB is going to look ridiculous on you. Absolutely and utterly ridiculous. You are petite with small fingers.

7ct+ RBs look ridiculous on *everyone* with fingers your size. It’s not you. Don’t get me wrong. Just that in some very very wealthy niche pocket environments, people become accustomed to seeing “ridiculous” regularly, so it ceases to have as much impact.

But there is no possibility that a hospital is that niche pocket environment.

Now, I wear things that are fairly high on the ridiculousness scale for my real life all the time. Because I like them. I don’t mind that I look ridiculous. But, like, gotta acknowledge it, y’know?

You are clearly incredibly successful in your career. You deserve to celebrate your accomplishments. You deserve to have a husband who wants to celebrate your accomplishments with you. But what do *you* want? Is a round brilliant diamond that spans your finger what *you* want? Cause it sure as heck doesn’t sound like it.
(A size 4 ring is ~14.8mm diameter. That’s about 12ct.).

Your accomplishments. Your celebration. Your call. Your hubby gets to have opinions and ideas. But he doesn’t get to use you as some sort of proxy status symbol. Even if it was all his money, he still doesn’t get to use you as some sort of proxy status symbol.

Life is short. I totally agree. And you only get to emotionally invest in one #FirstCelebration - a second celebration, well, that’s second. Never gonna be as special as the first. You do you girl. You’ve earned it.

At the very least try a temporary ring first. A CZ of your hubs’ goal size in a nice mount. See if it makes your insides sing before you spend the megamoney.

 

[allycat0303]

Because girl, a bunch of us want you to be safe. You walking around wearing that huge honker, walking to your car at all odd hours by yourself in the middle of the night. You don’t want life to be THAT short right?

There was only 1 crime in the town I live in last year. There was 1 break in. That’s it. There’s literally nothing here except a giant hospital and people working for that hospital.

@allycat0303 what is the current diameter in mm of your halo? Also, what is the height of your current setting?

A 9 or 10 carat will definitely have a tall profile.

Also, here is a modern round 12.5 mm on a size 4. See post #160

Help evaluate a 7.5 carat stone

We are going to look at 2 stones in person today: 7.15 L (faint brown) IF GIA certified triple x 7.55 L SI1 GIA certified triple x, faint fluorescence Simultaneously, I've also reached out to Jonathan with distinctive gem to get a better sense of how he operates. I will follow up with photos...

www.pricescope.com

Lulu:

Current diameter with halo is 13 mm. The height of the setting is as low as possible. Leon will make same setting, it will be as low as possible; however the profile will be higher, because the stone is taller.

Thank you for the pic!!!! I think she’s able to pull it off.

LLJ
I cannot imagine having another home. We already own several. Both in Canada and in the US. There are 3 properties we have not even been to in the last year. One of the worst parts about 1:1 call is that I cannot be 30 minutes from the hospital. Nor can I go on vacation.

I don’t think there’s any deep psychological reason why my husband wants to buy an upgrade. He just wants to be able to get me something. There’s literally nothing on a wish list. He didn’t end up getting me a gift for Birthday, anniversary or Valentine’s Day this year, because I couldn’t think of anything I wanted. He knows the only thing I wear is my ring, so that’s why he is focused on that.

For context…. I didn’t get him anything for these occasions as well. I crocheted a stuffed turtle for Christmas which I’m sure is what every man wants

What other things are on the dreamy list of wants (doesn't have to be jewelry). Just curious because 5 carats is already so big and amazing. Congratulations on all your accompaniments I am wondering if there is another way you might want to celebrate it all? Sounds like you might not have even been thinking upgrade before it was suggested? You are right about life being short! Just like to remind people about the LIVING part of that short life...

There’s literally nothing on a wish list. I don’t wear jewelry. My ears are not pierced. And I don’t wear pendants. I do have a few VCA bracelets but I don’t really wear them except for a single sweet Alhambra that I think is “good luck”.

 

[Phoenix]

@allycat0303 , here you go:

 

[allycat0303]

@allycat0303. Not gonna lie. Others have said it nicely but tact is not always my forte.

A 7ct+ RB is going to look ridiculous on you. Absolutely and utterly ridiculous. You are petite with small fingers.

7ct+ RBs look ridiculous on *everyone* with fingers your size. It’s not you. Don’t get me wrong. Just that in some very very wealthy niche pocket environments, people become accustomed to seeing “ridiculous” regularly, so it ceases to have as much impact.

But there is no possibility that a hospital is that niche pocket environment.

Now, I wear things that are fairly high on the ridiculousness scale for my real life all the time. Because I like them. I don’t mind that I look ridiculous. But, like, gotta acknowledge it, y’know?

You are clearly incredibly successful in your career. You deserve to celebrate your accomplishments. You deserve to have a husband who wants to celebrate your accomplishments with you. But what do *you* want? Is a round brilliant diamond that spans your finger what *you* want? Cause it sure as heck doesn’t sound like it.
(A size 4 ring is ~14.8mm diameter. That’s about 12ct.).

Your accomplishments. Your celebration. Your call. Your hubby gets to have opinions and ideas. But he doesn’t get to use you as some sort of proxy status symbol. Even if it was all his money, he still doesn’t get to use you as some sort of proxy status symbol.

Life is short. I totally agree. And you only get to emotionally invest in one #FirstCelebration - a second celebration, well, that’s second. Never gonna be as special as the first. You do you girl. You’ve earned it.

At the very least try a temporary ring first. A CZ of your hubs’ goal size in a nice mount. See if it makes your insides sing before you spend the megamoney.

Funny enough that jewelry forum but so against a 7.5 Ct ring! Full disclosure, I recently made a friend who is a physician and she does wear a 7 Ct in a halo everyday.

Her original engagement ring was a 9 Ct sapphire. She then got a 5.4 Ct cushion… I think it lasted 2 months, and now she’s at 7 ct in a halo.

I also know a cardiologist in in Houston that rocks a 10 ct Ashoka Diamond. Which I had never seen before. I admit to going down to her office to review images just to see her ring. Lol

I can’t remember. You have the Leon bangle right? I didn’t think ridiculous. I thought whimsical. And yes. Maybe just own it and be done with it.

My friend’s engagement ring journey (with permission).

 

[allycat0303]

@allycat0303 , here you go:

Phoenix:

I LOVE IT on you!! Watch too. And no, I don’t think it looks ridiculous on you AT ALL. See ? My perception is different. Please tell me more about the setting!!!! And your stone.

I remember that you always have hands that show these rings off to perfection.

 

[Phoenix]

Phoenix:

I LOVE IT on you!! Watch too. And no, I don’t think it looks ridiculous on you AT ALL. See ? My perception is different. Please tell me more about the setting!!!! And your stone.

I remember that you always have hands that show these rings off to perfection.

Haha, thanks. My hands are lazy hands, as in not much housework and constant moisturizing.

My setting is done by Victor C, it has 2 rows on the girdle instead of 1 on the typical Emilya. And split shank cuz otherwise it'd spin.

I must admit that I miss the elegant look of a solitaire. I am gonna leave this alone though cuz the 5ct would look super small after my eyes have adjusted to the halo. I'd so totally rock a 7ct or 8ct solitaire but alas, it's not in my future.

What are you planning, setting-wise, for your new 9ct? and will you still keep the halo'ed 5ct?

And do you have bling insurance?

Congrats btw, on your successful career. That's super awesome!

 

[allycat0303]

Phoenix,

The split shank is to die for. My husband originally contacted Victor Canara when he started the search for this setting. I’m very partial to your setting…..it looks great with the Patek. I don’t wear watches, but my husband has taught me to appreciate them.

I think a 8-9 solitaire would be close in size to your ring with halo… so I agree that you would need that or would get DSS. It’s a real thing.

Yes. My husband has a policy with Jewelers mutual for the ring. It allows me to wear it without thought. He’s more concerned with me losing it (I lose everything) then being robbed. I’m a bit absent minded with jewelry. Recently while we were in Vegas…. We were eating take out in our hotel room. After the meal, I couldn’t find my ring. Long story short… it was at the bottom of a plastic takeout bag that he had tied up to throw out. We had actually had a minor disagreement about it. When I couldn’t find my ring, I told him “don’t throw any bags out” the housekeeper was just outside the room and he wanted to get rid of the trash. Quite annoyed at me he said “It’s not in these bags. Why would it be”. After about 30 minute search I went through the bags… and there it was. Totally “I told you so” moment

I would keep same setting and as it cuts down on too much thought process. I think it will probably be between a 7.5 to 9 Ct. we will see what he finds. Current ring? My husband is working on that. Probably will sell it as I don’t have any use for 2. He’s contacted a few places. He’s not in a rush, and isn’t really losing his mind over selling at a loss so he’s confident it will go.

I know what you are thinking : use the diamond for a pendant. I don’t wear them or we would make something out of it.

By the way, I know you love VCA. I contacted customer service today because VCA in Chicago was being ridiculous. They sent me the wrong bracelet (mine was cheaper!!).

My husband contacted them to send it back and their response “once you send it back, we will do an investigation and then consider sending you the other one that you ordered”

What?!

Then I asked them about a custom order, the SA’s response “VCA doesn’t do any custom orders”

I’m a little annoyed. My husband paid for the bracelet, which is just a sweet Alhambra, you guys sent me a vintage 5 motif (much more expensive) you want me to send it back but you aren’t promising to send me the one he actually ordered? How does that make sense? And I know VCA makes custom orders!

I think the SA should at least make assurances that as soon as this bracelet arrives there, they send us the one we ordered. Not “we’ll see”.

Sorry for brief rant. I am kind of disappointed with their process so far. I should probably find a good SA and always purchase from same person. I just didn’t think I would be buying so much VCA….

 

[Phoenix]

Phoenix,

The split shank is to die for. My husband originally contacted Victor Canara when he started the search for this setting. I’m very partial to your setting…..it looks great with the Patek. I don’t wear watches, but my husband has taught me to appreciate them.

I think a 8-9 solitaire would be close in size to your ring with halo… so I agree that you would need that or would get DSS. It’s a real thing.

I would keep same setting and as it cuts down on too much thought process. I think it will probably be between a 7.5 to 9 Ct. we will see what he finds. Current ring? My husband is working on that. Probably will sell it as I don’t have any use for 2. He’s contacted a few places. He’s not in a rush, and isn’t really losing his mind over selling at a loss so he’s confident it will go.

I know what you are thinking : use the diamond for a pendant. I don’t wear them or we would make something out of it.

By the way, I know you love VCA. I contacted customer service today because VCA in Chicago was being ridiculous. They sent me the wrong bracelet (mine was cheaper!!).

My husband contacted them to send it back and their response “once you send it back, we will do an investigation and then consider sending you the other one that you ordered”

What?!

Then I asked them about a custom order, the SA’s response “VCA doesn’t do any custom orders”

I’m a little annoyed. My husband paid for the bracelet, which is just a sweet Alhambra, you guys sent me a vintage 5 motif (much more expensive) you want me to send it back but you aren’t promising to send me the one he actually ordered? How does that make sense? And I know VCA makes custom orders!

I think the SA should at least make assurances that as soon as this bracelet arrives there, they send us the one we ordered. Not “we’ll see”.

Sorry for brief rant. I am kind of disappointed with their process so far. I should probably find a good SA and always purchase from same person. I just didn’t think I would be buying so much VCA….

I know what you mean about keeping the same setting. It took me several years to reset my 5ct.

I actually wasn't thinking about a pendant. A 5ct pendant would be too big and it'd constantly flip. That'd drive me insane! lol

Funnily enough, I have the VCA magic pave pendant, which is very substantial size-wise but it never ever flips.

I was thinking maybe to keep the 5ct as is and set the 9ct (if it's a 9ct) as a solitaire. But of course YOUR choice to halo the new stone. And yeah, agreed that it's superfluous to have 2 large similar rings.

Disappointed for you about VCA. I have to say though my experience with VCA is very much dependent on the SA. I had 2 really good ones and the rest not so good. Of course VCA does custom orders (except for rare pieces like the 50th anniversary 20-motif lapis pave and turquoise pave etc).

 

[allycat0303]

I know what you mean about keeping the same setting. It took me several years to reset my 5ct.

I actually wasn't thinking about a pendant. A 5ct pendant would be too big and it'd constantly flip. That'd drive me insane! lol

Funnily enough, I have the VCA magic pave pendant, which is very substantial size-wise but it never ever flips.

I was thinking maybe to keep the 5ct as is and set the 9ct (if it's a 9ct) as a solitaire. But of course YOUR choice to halo the new stone. And yeah, agreed that it's superfluous to have 2 large similar rings.

Disappointed for you about VCA. I have to say though my experience with VCA is very much dependent on the SA. I had 2 really good ones and the rest not so good. Of course VCA does custom orders (except for rare pieces like the 50th anniversary 20-motif lapis pave and turquoise pave etc).

Phoenix,

I am straightforward person. She could have just said “you haven’t spent enough with me for a custom order” and I would not have been offended. That’s fair. But when I know so many people that have custom orders it’s different.

To me, it’s like the Hermes Birkin game. If you are upfront that you have a build a long client history to be offered the bag, then ok. But it’s like Hermes saying “we don’t make Birkins” it’s insulting. I think added onto the annoyance of getting the wrong piece….

I’m waiting to see what the customer service on phone says. She was nice. She said she would be in touch with a Chicago store and call me back about the special order. She said “of course we do them. It has to be on the list of orders we can make, I can’t place it myself but I will put you in contact with an SA that will”.

So I’m hopeful. I think if it doesn’t work out… He will try to contact the SA in Houston. But that was a long time ago.. 4 years? My husband buys randomly by walking into store. And the latest piece he created a new account online.

I haven’t been much into developing relationships with SA as I don’t think I buy a lot. I have noticed though that LV in Montreal (I have a long purchase history with them) is very good. And also the Chanel SA in Houston. But other then that… disappointing.

Getting a setting right is difficult especially if you are picky. It’s sounds like for this one, you’ve covered all the bases. Especially the spinning part. I didn’t know there was a solution. I think it’s perfect on you. Do you wear a wedding band?

My ring does spin… but it is too loose. I think I needed 3.75 full… or something, but I don’t tolerate “feeling” the ring on me.