Picture Request Please - on-hand Princess w & wo halo

[Paulo]

Hi everyone!

A soon-to-be-proposing n00b poster here, am totally underwater and in the weeds with regard to engagement rings and all the research that goes into it. However, thanks to this forum and you generous posters I am slowly starting to weed through the myriad of options that are available from which to choose.

I would love to see examples of your rings that are princess cut, with and without a halo. If you have French set or channel set stones on the shank that would be excellent as well. I am leaning in this direction and the size of the stone is an issue for me. My significant other is petite, size 5.75/6.0. She is young and likes the "bling' factor but my concern is that a large center stone with a halo will (a) look too large for her hand and (b) come off as either gaudy or costume jewelry looking. So, should I go with a center stone of about 1.5-1.6 carats with a single halo or go halo-less and get a stone of around 1.8-2.0 carats? My friend's halo (10 pt stones with a 1.3 carat round center) looks huge, but then I never really paid attention to rings (except for "does she have one or not" when I was single) so my perception is not to be trusted.

Would a halo on a 1.8 princess, with a standard or a split shank (similar to the Tiffany Lucida split) with French or channel set stones be too much/too large for a petite hand? Would it look like there is too much going on with all of the stones? Yikes, this homework is hell I tell ya!

Well, any pictures and/or advice would be greatly appreciated. Thank you in advance!

Cheers,

Paul

 

[tyty333]

To be honest, I'm not big on princess cuts in halos. There I said it. Its just that they already have pointy corners then when
you stick them in a halo it seems to double the amount of pointy corners. I have see some more in a cut corner type halo
which I like better. I'm going to see if I can did up some examples.

But my first thought is no halo 1.8 .

Edit...
This one has soft corners to me (I like this better vs. the 90 degree corners.
[URL='https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/engaged-with-a-beautiful-princess-halo.184784/']https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/engaged-with-a-beautiful-princess-halo.184784/[/URL]
Soft corners
[URL='https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/my-new-princess-of-hearts-halo-square-hearts-arrows.169645/']https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/my-new-princess-of-hearts-halo-square-hearts-arrows.169645/[/URL]
[URL='https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/my-whiteflash-preview-amphora-princess-halo.158304/']https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/my-whiteflash-preview-amphora-princess-halo.158304/[/URL]

This has very hard corners that I dont really care for.
http://www.pearlmansjewelers.com/jewelry-designers/ritani-jewelry/rings/56QQ1/21/

Some different examples in this thread
[URL='https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/show-me-your-princess-halo-e-rings.69768/']https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/show-me-your-princess-halo-e-rings.69768/[/URL]

 

[artdecolover71]

I know people often discuss "what's normal for your area" as far as stone size. I am a size 4.25 and my last ring was a 1.72 round with a square halo and I loved how substantial it looked on my finger. It definitely did not look "gaudy" to me as it was beautiful and classy, but it was big on my hand. A finger Size 5.75-6 is a much closer to average finger size so I think personally either of your suggestions will work, but has she mentioned what she would like? A halo definitely increases the finger coverage so if you don't want a certain blingy look, then you a solitaire might be a better fit. I always love the question of - does she have a pintetest page? Some people love halos and some don't. It wpuld be great to know what your gf prefers. It is an exciting time, enjoy your search! I would look through some of these show me the bling pages to get ideas of finger size/stone size.

 

[arkieb1]

Cushion shapes generally look better in halos IMHO having said that I have seen some nice halos around princess cuts, check out some of the above links for inspiration or do a search within P/S for show me your princess cuts.... You also need to be aware that if you decide on a princess cut solitaire the corners could be prone to chipping if they are not in a well protected setting. Her ring size is a standard/average size, not a petite size, size 3 to size 4 or less, technically is a small sized finger. Princess cuts per carat weight also face up marginally smaller looking than round brilliants. The size the ring faces up (too big, too small or just right) is relative to what she is used to seeing and or wearing.

If you are looking for great places that sell Princess cuts with ASETs try GOG, they also have other square shaped custom cuts with killer light return/performance;

http://www.goodoldgold.com/diamondSearch.php

James Allen and Wink (High Performance Diamonds) Brian Gavin - Signature Princess cuts, and Whiteflash - A Cut Above Princess cuts, are other places that sell great princess cuts as well.

 

[laurenk]

Hello,
My pics show my 1.5 princess without halo (I changed my centre as I felt its warmth being and I colour) then my 1.55 princess is a soft cushion halo.

I'm in the process of having my halo redone to really compliment the princess.

Finger size 4.5

 

[Paulo]

Thank you all! You are awesome in your prompt replies and offers of advice and guidance! Oh, when I say petite I am referring to her overall size (5') so everything about her is petite to me (I ask her how she manages to stand in her size 6 shoes). I was unaware that a size 5.75/6 ring size is close to standard/average so thank you for the clarification.

@tyty333 - the links you posted are very informative, as is your opinion on the cushion halo for a princess cut (yours as well arkieb1!) if I opt for the halo. BTW, I say I and not we b/c she wants a surprise. She is fairly easy to please (she just doesn't want "simple") and is at the point where she is jumpy in her own skin just to get the ring so anything goes, hence the fact that I want to be sure I am on point with the final choice (no pressure here whatsoever...).

@artdecolover - I'm afraid that she doesn't have Pininterest but we did look at ring styles together so I have an idea of what she likes. Halo is prob. her preferred style but if so by just a hair. "Normal" is all over the place since I/we have circles that are populated by many different groups, from professionals to artists to professional students though I would say that what I am looking at now is in the above-normal range.

@arkieb1 - thank you for the tips on loose stones! From the info I have gleaned so far on this forum I see that James Allen, WF, and GOG are tops in the field. I have searched Brian Gavin but see that a lot of the stones that I am interested in are not in their inventory so high-def video, pics, etc. may not be easy to come by for inspection. As for Wink - will have to do some research on that, unsure if I have seen them before.

@LaurenK - thank you for the pics! Your rings (past and present) are beautiful! What color centre stone did you change to since your I-color was emitting a bit of warmth?

All - I am looking at settings by Ritani, Tacori (rather busy-looking though, and up to 200% more expensive), and DeMarco. Some of the Ritani settings (style only, am considering platinum over WG) that I am considering are below. Your opinions, again, would be appreciated.

Thanks!!!

http://www.ritani.com/engagement-ri...nd--v--band-engagement-ring-in-palladium/6345

http://www.ritani.com/engagement-ri...-band-engagement-ring-in-18kt-white-gold/4535 This is a channel set, would prefer a French set myself

http://www.ritani.com/engagement-ri...ith-surprise-diamonds-in-18kt-white-gold/4518 I am leaning towards this style if I go halo-less.

 

[FrekeChild]

I have a 1.51ct princess that measures 6.2x6.4ish and it's in a platinum solitaire. It used to be in a YG setting. Attaching both. My ring size is a 6.25.

I also have a 6.2mm asscher spinel in a cushion shaped halo, and I added a picture of that as well, since it's square-ish and roughly the same size.

AND I'm posting a pic with both rings in the same pic, as well as a ton of other rings. The smallest stone (dark blue sapphire) is 4mm, and the largest is the blue-green tourmaline, which is 8.5mm.

What is your GF's style? Would she like the classic simplicity of the solitaire, or the more blinged out glam look of a halo? Keep in mind she will likely wear a wedding band too!

Congratulations on this exciting time in your life!

 

[Paulo]

@Freke - you have some very nice rings! Thank you for taking the time to post your pictures! My gf's taste is not to have a "simple" ring hence my look at halos (or blooms). Since she likes the princess cut I was told that a halo would help protect it since it is more vulnerable to chipping given its shape. The rings with halos that I have looked at thus far have the center stone raised up slightly from the halo (rather than having it set flush with the center stone). I have seen both square halos as well as slightly rounded (cushion) halos around the princess stone. The choices are bewildering...

Thank you again for your awesome pics!

 

[laurenk]

Hello
My halo is a G colour and it's very white and sparkly. My previous previous was a .83 and also G so I think I was used to a whiter stone which is why the I upset me.

 

[NOYFB]

To be honest, I'm not big on princess cuts in halos. There I said it. Its just that they already have pointy corners then when
you stick them in a halo it seems to double the amount of pointy corners. I have see some more in a cut corner type halo
which I like better. I'm going to see if I can did up some examples.

But my first thought is no halo 1.8 .

Edit...
This one has soft corners to me (I like this better vs. the 90 degree corners.
[URL='https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/engaged-with-a-beautiful-princess-halo.184784/']https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/engaged-with-a-beautiful-princess-halo.184784/[/URL]
Soft corners
[URL='https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/my-new-princess-of-hearts-halo-square-hearts-arrows.169645/']https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/my-new-princess-of-hearts-halo-square-hearts-arrows.169645/[/URL]
[URL='https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/my-whiteflash-preview-amphora-princess-halo.158304/']https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/my-whiteflash-preview-amphora-princess-halo.158304/[/URL]

This has very hard corners that I dont really care for.
http://www.pearlmansjewelers.com/jewelry-designers/ritani-jewelry/rings/56QQ1/21/

Some different examples in this thread
[URL='https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/show-me-your-princess-halo-e-rings.69768/']https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/show-me-your-princess-halo-e-rings.69768/[/URL]

I agree with everything said here. I vote no halo. A 1.8 will look great on her finger.

 

[Paulo]

Thanks Lil. I went to GOG yesterday and saw a few examples in person. This is not easy! I am pretty much set on the split shank, similar to the Tiffany Lucida split, French set/cut (vs. pave or micropave), so now it's the size - smaller w/halo so it won't look too big on her or a nice center alone without the halo or bloom as they are sometimes called.

Thanks for the continued input - very helpful indeed!

 

[lemondrops]

Hi Paulo - I have a 2ct princess with an SK halo, you can reference pictures provided in the link: [URL='https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/introducing-my-new-steven-kirsch-reset.185931/']https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/introducing-my-new-steven-kirsch-reset.185931/[/URL]

Best of luck!

 

[Paulo]

Hi Lemondrops! Damn, that is an ice cube-sized ring you have there, it's stunning! I'm in NYC as well, will look into SK since you are so happy with your creation. Thanks for the link to your pics!

 

[glitterpants]

Does she like bezels? I saw a princess cut diamond set in a milgrained bezel w/engraved shank yesterday and really like the combination of modern diamond and antique setting.

I also like ritani bezel halos: http://www.1stdibs.com/jewelry/rings/engagement-rings/ritani-gia-certified-princess-cut-diamond-platinum-engagement-ring/id-j_186254/

Or you could propose with a solitaire and she can pick out her setting afterwards?

 

[Paulo]

Hi Glitter - she isn't that into bezels so... Modern-ish is more her style.

The thought about proposing with the solitaire then choosing the perfect setting sounds intriguing, but I am wondering how the presentation of a loose stone would work and how that would affect the moment. Thoughts/ideas?

Thanks!

 

[FrekeChild]

Hi Glitter - she isn't that into bezels so... Modern-ish is more her style.

The thought about proposing with the solitaire then choosing the perfect setting sounds intriguing, but I am wondering how the presentation of a loose stone would work and how that would affect the moment. Thoughts/ideas?

Thanks!

If she's anything like my BFF, she'll be upset she doesn't have a ring to show people when she goes around saying, "I'm engaged!" because everyone always responds: "Let me see the ring!"

Solitaires are pretty cheap. I'd do that.

 

[Paulo]

Hi Glitter - she isn't that into bezels so... Modern-ish is more her style.

The thought about proposing with the solitaire then choosing the perfect setting sounds intriguing, but I am wondering how the presentation of a loose stone would work and how that would affect the moment. Thoughts/ideas?

Thanks!

If she's anything like my BFF, she'll be upset she doesn't have a ring to show people when she goes around saying, "I'm engaged!" because everyone always responds: "Let me see the ring!"

Solitaires are pretty cheap. I'd do that.

Thanks Freke. I am leaning towards having the ring in its entirety for this for that very reason you offer, plus I am rather sure she would drive herself (and me by default) crazy with the myriad of choices out there. She said surprise her so I will. It's the want-to-have-everything-just-right in me that wants to be sure she is absolutely enthralled with the final, end product.

 

[gemtastic]

So I don't have a typical halo (mine is removable!) You may consider this option. I think several companies make "flush fit" settings, such as Martin Flyer. Mine were just made to fit my ring. My setting is just a stock, nothing custom, but allows the ring to be a solitare or have a halo effect

 

[arkieb1]

Hi Paulo - I have a 2ct princess with an SK halo, you can reference pictures provided in the link: [URL='https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/introducing-my-new-steven-kirsch-reset.185931/']https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/introducing-my-new-steven-kirsch-reset.185931/[/URL]

Best of luck!

Wow lemondrops that is one of the nicest princess halos I think I have ever seen!!!!

 

[Paulo]

Hi Paulo - I have a 2ct princess with an SK halo, you can reference pictures provided in the link: [URL='https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/introducing-my-new-steven-kirsch-reset.185931/']https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/introducing-my-new-steven-kirsch-reset.185931/[/URL]

Best of luck!

Wow lemondrops that is one of the nicest princess halos I think I have ever seen!!!!

Agreed! The pic of her holding the white coffee cup is a great one.

 

[Paulo]

@Gemtastic - thank you for sharing! I never heard of a removable halo. Is this common or was is made specifically for you as a one-off product? Your solitaire is stunning BTW!

 

[K8t1111]

Here's my 1.4 princess cut without halo. Personally I don't like halos... I feel it takes away from the beauty of the center stone!

I love the simplicity of mine, whilst it still looks "blingy" with a full circle of diamonds around the band.

Go with your gut feeling of what your girl would love, and I'm sure she will adore!

 

[Paulo]

Damn, that is a nice look and an excellent ring! You are making it tough for me to decide! Thank you very much for the share!!!

 

[Diamond_Bride]

Here is mine as an example..

2.70ct Princess cut, finger size 3.25

Sorry its not the best picture. The lighting is not great.

Good luck!!

 

[Paulo]

@Diamond Bride - damn, that is a huge-looking rock! It's beautiful, thanks for sharing and for the good luck wishes!!!