Please Assist on Possible VC Setting

[LittleRed]

I could really use some outside perspective on a possible setting for my sapphire.

I am considering VC’s Vintage Octagonal Solitaire with Pave. Luckily the ring pictured on the website is with a sapphire so it gives me a good idea of what mine could look like.

Sometimes prongs can bother me. I’m not decided if these would or not. From my inquiry, it is *not* possible to make them with dainty claws. It *is* possible to make them black rhodium plated.

I love the flower motif.


I inquired about getting the same engraving and filigree work as shown on this bezel ring. The reply was that it would not look good, but that it was possible to add some engraving around the tulip. At this point I am not sure what that engraving would look like.


My sapphire. 7mm round.


My questions are:
1) Are these prongs, as is, “too much” with a sapphire? Or do they just stand out because it’s a picture and because I’m focusing on them?
2) Should I consider black rhodium plated prongs? Or absolutely not? I feel this could be great or a huge, huge mistake.
3) Is this a modern looking ring? Decidedly Art Deco? Clearly vintage inspired? Would engraving be a nice addition? I feel like I’d like engraving but don’t want to ruin the ring.

Critical and honest opinions welcome. This would be a one time and forever setting for my sapphire, so I need it to be done right if I do go forward with it.

Thanks!!!

 

[Austina]

I do think the prongs look more prominent because it’s white against blue, and they look a bit ‘stubby’ if that makes sense. Personally, I’m not a fan of black rhodium, and again, purely my taste, I prefer it without engraving.

Your sapphire is a beautiful colour

 

[LittleRed]

I do think the prongs look more prominent because it’s white against blue, and they look a bit ‘stubby’ if that makes sense. Personally, I’m not a fan of black rhodium, and again, purely my taste, I prefer it without engraving.

Your sapphire is a beautiful colour

Thanks! I guess this is VC’s prong style. I also need to remember that no matter what setting I end up getting, prongs on a sapphire will show.

 

[Gussie]

What about changing to a bezel? I don't know much about CS. Would it make the sapphire darker?

 

[Austina]

Are you averse to bezel setting @LittkeRed?

Edit : great minds @ceg, we were posting at the same time!

 

[lissyflo]

^^^ This for me too!

ETA: I posted too late! I was referring to Austina’s first post.

 

[lissyflo]

A bezel is a great idea too, if the prongs can’t be made more claw-like.

Do you know what size the sapphire in the VC ring is?

 

[LittleRed]

The bezel he offers for round stones is quite modern. The one with the nice engraving is for a cushion shaped gem.

 

[Gussie]

I think he can make one to your liking. It would be quite simple to change the octagon to a bezel.

 

[LittleRed]

I think he can make one to your liking. It would be quite simple to change the octagon to a bezel.

I thought the prongs would be a simple change. I can’t imagine why it can’t be done.

I just scanned the “Show me your VC” thread and I saw many delicate claws. I’m perplexed.

I’m not sure I want a bezel. I felt the ring as is with prongs was what made it interesting.

 

[lissyflo]

There’s a very similar shank design on his site but with a bezel - it’s a heart shaped diamond, not sapphire, but could give you an idea?

Alternatively, is it the number of prongs that makes them quite visible? These on his site aren’t nearly as obvious against the blue stone, although maybe it’s just a factor of the number of prongs in the octagonal setting you originally posted?


I do love an octagonal setting so I can see what attracted you to the original!

 

[LittleRed]

It could be the number of prongs.

The solitaire is pretty with the little claws. I’ve sent an email asking why can’t the claws be used. I dislike asking “why,” but I honestly would like to know. I hope he doesn’t envision me stomping my foot while asking why! Definitely no stomping!

 

[LittleRed]

Here’s a mock up of blackened prongs. I’m thinking it’s not the way to go! No....


This is what the engraving would look like. I think this would be really pretty.

 

[Austina]

I do like the pointy prongs on the crown setting, they look really delicate. Someone has a round in an octogon setting, is it LLJsmom? I think that could be similar to what you’re looking for.

 

[lissyflo]

I really like blackened gold against dark, inky blue sapphires, but your stone looks a lovely, open blue and I’m not sure whether the black would be any less distracting than platinum?

 

[Gussie]

Yes, @LLJsmom has an octagon. Maybe she can chime in.

 

[LittleRed]

I do like the pointy prongs on the crown setting, they look really delicate. Someone has a round in an octogon setting, is it LLJsmom? I think that could be similar to what you’re looking for.

Yes, @LLJsmom has that setting or a similar one. Her prongs might be rounded. I looked but couldn’t tell clearly. It would be a non-issue for me on a diamond.

 

[LittleRed]

I really like blackened gold against dark, inky blue sapphires, but your stone looks a lovely, open blue and I’m not sure whether the black would be any less distracting than platinum?

You’re right. I think if my sapphire were darker it would look better. I think platinum is the way to go for mine.

 

[scouty]

Can we see some more pics of your sapphire?!

 

[Rfisher]

I think your original choice would be stunning with your beautiful stone.
I can't imagine any prongs VC would do would ever stick out as clunky tho?
Me- I think the black rhodium on the prongs is insteresting in a good way. Can't they control the opaqueness of the application? Slightly translucent instead of super opaque?
But if the prongs weren't fully below the faux bezel ( love them) I'd be concerned about the black wearing off if it was a daily wear ring?

 

[LittleRed]

Can we see some more pics of your sapphire?!

Sure! This is the only other picture I have right now. It’s sides aren’t at all dark IRL.

 

[scouty]

Sure! This is the only other picture I have right now. It’s sides aren’t at all dark IRL.

Gorgeous!!!!

 

[LittleRed]

I think your original choice would be stunning with your beautiful stone.
I can't imagine any prongs VC would do would ever stick out as clunky tho?
Me- I think the black rhodium on the prongs is insteresting in a good way. Can't they control the opaqueness of the application? Slightly translucent instead of super opaque?
But if the prongs weren't fully below the faux bezel ( love them) I'd be concerned about the black wearing off if it was a daily wear ring?

I can’t imagine VC having anything but prongs perfect for his settings either. I just wonder....

You mean the setting as it is on his website. Prongs and no engravings?

 

[meely]

Your sapphire is gorgeous.
Personally, I'm not mad for those prongs they look too modern to me and rhodium plated with that setting
I wonder if it's a case that he won't deviate from the setting in any way because it's an outside stone?

 

[LittleRed]

Your sapphire is gorgeous.
Personally, I'm not mad for those prongs they look too modern to me and rhodium plated with that setting
I wonder if it's a case that he won't deviate from the setting in any way because it's an outside stone?

I wondered that with it being an outside stone.

I’d hate to give up on this setting, which I do love, simply because of the prongs.

 

[LittleRed]

I just learned that there’s a technical reason the prongs are this way for this kind of setting. It’s good information to know. They will also do what they can with the prongs to suit me. I’m impressed with their assistance to my concerns.

Now to decide......

 

[carbonfan]

I am so excited about your project, and I love, love, LOVE that setting! And I LOVE the star orientation of the octagonal frame... I actually looked into that for my current ring, but there were structural aspects of mine that made it preferable to stick with the traditional orientation. But I find the star orientation to be truly mesmerizing! I can personally vouch for Victor's prongs, whether claw or round, being delightfully delicate, so I don't anticipate any issues there. Please keep us posted on things... I am really excited to watch this project unfold!!

 

[whitewave]

I love the sapphire!! Gorgeous! I’d let VC do what VC does.

 

[elle_71125]

I love that setting and I think it will look amazing with your sapphire. I see what you mean about the prongs but I don’t think they would look as obvious in person. If they are willing to work with you on adjusting them just a tiny bit, I think it’s definitely worth going with VC. His work is lovely

 

[meely]

I wonder if they could flatten them slightly/square off the ends? It might look more in keeping with the Edwardian/Deco style of the setting.