Possible to find a truly one of a kind cut/setting

[travist223]

http://antiqueengagementrings.com/shopping/shopexd.asp?id=2358

I like this option. We can find a nice stone for it.

Here is another nice one
http://diamondbistro.com/category/215/Loose-natural-Diamonds/listings/37077/95ct-H-VS1-OECTransitional.html

This one! Love it.

Hmmm me too ....

 

[travist223]

Found out she'd rather have white gold..she also told me how she wants dogwood trees in our yard...

 

[MollyMalone]

That's great that you were able to ascertain her choice of metal

Here's an expired listing from Diamond Bistro with pics that will give you an idea of how the Van Craeynest Dogwood (shown with .31 ct diamond, ring size 4-3/4) sits on the hand; it does have a low profile, which I think you said earlier is something that matters to her:
http://diamondbistro.com/image/35778/item.html

The Van Craeynest web site itself shows 2 different versions of this e-ring: (1) with the carving between the center stone & the diamond-accented dogwood blossoms, and (2) with diamonds between:
http://www.vancraeynest.com/index.php?page=gallery&search=811&pid=22
http://www.vancraeynest.com/index.php?page=gallery&search=811&pid=96

 

[travist223]

That's great that you were able to ascertain her choice of metal

Here's an expired listing from Diamond Bistro with pics that will give you an idea of how the Van Craeynest Dogwood (shown with .31 ct diamond, ring size 4-3/4) sits on the hand; it does have a low profile, which I think you said earlier is something that matters to her:
http://diamondbistro.com/image/35778/item.html

The Van Craeynest web site itself shows 2 different versions of this e-ring: (1) with the carving between the center stone & the diamond-accented dogwood blossoms, and (2) with diamonds between:
http://www.vancraeynest.com/index.php?page=gallery&search=811&pid=22
http://www.vancraeynest.com/index.php?page=gallery&search=811&pid=96

I think she would like this one

 

[travist223]

Diamondseeker2006....a little birdie told me you know of the best price on the dogwood setting...can you point me in the right direction?

 

[MollyMalone]

I think she would like this one

It is well made & lovely: graceful proportions, engaging detail (especially in the one without the extra diamonds, which imo unfortunately conceal part of what makes the ring so appealing). And you won't have to be fussed about re-shanking or otherwise refurbishing a vintage or antique setting.

I imagine she will more than "like" it

 

[Gypsy]

If this one is still available, I highly recommend buying it. And then we'll get you the Dogwood setting. http://diamondbistro.com/category/215/Loose-natural-Diamonds/listings/37077/95ct-H-VS1-OECTransitional.html

 

[travist223]

I think she would like this one

It is well made & lovely: graceful proportions, engaging detail (especially in the one without the extra diamonds, which imo unfortunately conceal part of what makes the ring so appealing). And you won't have to be fussed about re-shanking or otherwise refurbishing a vintage or antique setting.

I imagine she will more than "like" it

You mean of the two styles, you like the yellow gold style better? (Not bc it's yellow gold, but the actual form if it)

I need stone advice...should I go oec or rb? Or avc?

 

[travist223]

If this one is still available, I highly recommend buying it. And then we'll get you the Dogwood setting. http://diamondbistro.com/category/215/Loose-natural-Diamonds/listings/37077/95ct-H-VS1-OECTransitional.html

I'm wondering how cheap I can get the setting...beautiful stone tho.....

 

[MollyMalone]

You mean of the two styles, you like the yellow gold style better? (Not bc it's yellow gold, but the actual form if it)

I need stone advice...should I go oec or rb? Or avc?

Yes, it's the white gold version of the style VC depicts in yellow gold that is the one shown in the Diamond Bistro listing & on the Greenwich Jeweler page (and is the one I tried on).

Even if you decide against this Van Craeynest mounting, seems as if you want a floral look of some sort; if so, the circular shape of a MRB or OEC harmonizes with that imo more than a rectangular/square cushion cut. I don't regard that as gospel, but it is one way of narrowing focus at a time when you're surveying a dizzying array of possibilities.

 

[vintagelover229]

If this one is still available, I highly recommend buying it. And then we'll get you the Dogwood setting. http://diamondbistro.com/category/215/Loose-natural-Diamonds/listings/37077/95ct-H-VS1-OECTransitional.html

I'm wondering how cheap I can get the setting...beautiful stone tho.....

You'll have to call VC to find out for sure but I'd expect to pay around 3k at least for a white gold version of the setting-another 3k for the matching band.

One option would be to email VC the photos of the DB ring and see how much it would cost to size it and change out the head. It can be done-and will probably run around 1k-1500.00 to do all the modifications. I know this because I did the same thing with regards to a different setting.

Here are the numbers they quoted me (FYI it was a band and an e-ring so they can add a head to just a band for anyone who is interested)
The ring you show is a wedding band. Are you wanting to add a head? We could do that. the cost of the head and refurbishing the ring is as follows:
Platinum die struck head for 1.64ct round $670
Rechase ring $300
Millgrain ring $150
Set Center $250


So here are the numbers in platinum. If you can get the seller down on the price (maybe they keep the diamond-or perhaps you can get it for a price your happy with and use the diamond as a wedding gift pendant) it *might* be worth it. 2k or less if it's going to cost you 1k to modify the existing setting.

 

[MollyMalone]

I may have misunderstood, but I think travist is hoping that someone can provide some tips-leads as to how to get a new ring for less than the $2500 that Greenwich Jewelers lists as the price for the Dogwood in WG:
http://www.greenwichjewelers.com/sh...roducts/van-craeynest-dogwood-engagement-ring
Because of the 3 decorative floral nubs that are spaced around the rest of the shank, resizing an existing Dogwood could be a big PIA.

ETA: If you'd be content, travist, to dispense with those 3 nubs, eliminating them might bring the price down (and make any future resizing easier).

 

[diamondseeker2006]

Diamondseeker2006....a little birdie told me you know of the best price on the dogwood setting...can you point me in the right direction?

Hi! I am sorry I am late but I have the flu!!! I am also from SC and live in NC now!

I think Van Craynest is an excellent choice especially for a girl who likes Jane Austen and that kind of thing! I don't think you have to limit yourself to that one setting since they have many beautiful ones! Most southerners would love to have dogwood trees in their yards, but I don't necessarily think that has to transfer over into jewelry! However, that is a pretty setting!

I have mostly talked with Paul Emerson (the father, his son works there, too) of Emerson and Farrar jewelers as they now own Van Craeynest. Tell him you were referred by people on PS, and he may recognize my PS name. I absolutely love one of their settings but haven't decided to commit to anything yet long term. When I make it to my regular computer, I'll try to post a picture of the one I was considering.

Don't consider trying to alter an older VC ring. It won't be worth it, I have already asked.

 

[diamondseeker2006]

I may have misunderstood, but I think travist is hoping that someone can provide some tips-leads as to how to get a new ring for less than the $2500 that Greenwich Jewelers lists as the price for the Dogwood in WG:
http://www.greenwichjewelers.com/sh...roducts/van-craeynest-dogwood-engagement-ring
Because of the 3 decorative floral nubs that are spaced around the rest of the shank, resizing an existing Dogwood could be a big PIA.

ETA: If you'd be content, travist, to dispense with those 3 nubs, eliminating them might bring the price down (and make any future resizing easier).

I would sort of doubt he could find it for less than $2500. The one I want in platinum was $4k the last I asked.

I definitely would have the new ring made without the one flower on the very bottom of the shank to make future resizing easier. It is very important, though, to have her correct ring size at the outset.

Travis, I haven't read through all your posts, but people I who like VC also usually like James Meyer. He doesn't have on in white gold that I like right now, but he can make you one. He supplies the diamond ad so you could select from his stones.

http://jamesmeyerjewelry.com/wordpress/engagement-rings-2/

This is a good example but made in all white gold. ($4160)

http://jamesmeyerjewelry.com/wordpress/1469-2/#.U02mp3-9KSM

 

[diamondseeker2006]

Gypsy may have already mentioned this, but Beverley K is another great choice for antique style settings. Pearlmans has a Pricescope discount on most settings and they carry BK. I don't think BK is even sold in NC or SC, so she would have a pretty unique ring.

You can look at prices on this site, but I would still use Pearlmans with the 20% off. But you can see that you can easily get a wg setting for under $1500.

http://www.elizabetajewelry.com/ring-designer/beverley-k-rings?page=1

 

[travist223]

If this one is still available, I highly recommend buying it. And then we'll get you the Dogwood setting. http://diamondbistro.com/category/215/Loose-natural-Diamonds/listings/37077/95ct-H-VS1-OECTransitional.html

I emailed to see about this stone...Also Emerson and Farrar to see what they thought about the setting

 

[diamondseeker2006]

If this one is still available, I highly recommend buying it. And then we'll get you the Dogwood setting. http://diamondbistro.com/category/215/Loose-natural-Diamonds/listings/37077/95ct-H-VS1-OECTransitional.html

I emailed to see about this stone...Also Emerson and Farrar to see what they thought about the setting

Did you mean get a quote to have the setting made?

 

[travist223]

If this one is still available, I highly recommend buying it. And then we'll get you the Dogwood setting. http://diamondbistro.com/category/215/Loose-natural-Diamonds/listings/37077/95ct-H-VS1-OECTransitional.html

I emailed to see about this stone...Also Emerson and Farrar to see what they thought about the setting

Did you mean get a quote to have the setting made?

I just said I was looking for wg and floral in a certain range..for a round stone around 1 ct. What could he suggest/recommend?

And I dropped your name.

 

[diamondseeker2006]

Well, we will see how they respond. What price range did you give him for the setting?

I am thinking that diamond may be sold. It is not on Erica or Grace's sites and it is a pretty old listing.

 

[travist223]

I said around 2k

 

[diamondseeker2006]

I think with your budget, I would get a Beverley k setting so you can spend more on your center stone. You could look for an antique stone or get this and put it into one of the BK halos:

http://www.goodoldgold.com/diamond/11913/

Now this would be unique, because there are very few ideal cut European cuts out there.

 

[Gypsy]

Here are some stone options for you:

http://www.loveaffairdiamonds.com/0-94ct-old-european-cut-diamond-gia-k-vs1/

and this one:
http://www.jewelsbygrace.com/loose-diamonds/under-1-ct/97ct-old-european-cut-diamond-egl-i-vs2.html

And I would call and see if you can get the Van Craeynest setting for less. Call Van Craeynest themselves and ask. The setting you want is 811 in white gold. 813 is similar and may cost less. So get a quote for that one too.

And again, I would not go for a halo.

 

[travist223]

Here are some stone options for you:

http://www.loveaffairdiamonds.com/0-94ct-old-european-cut-diamond-gia-k-vs1/

and this one:
http://www.jewelsbygrace.com/loose-diamonds/under-1-ct/97ct-old-european-cut-diamond-egl-i-vs2.html

And I would call and see if you can get the Van Craeynest setting for less. Call Van Craeynest themselves and ask. The setting you want is 811 in white gold. 813 is similar and may cost less. So get a quote for that one too.

And again, I would not go for a halo.

I can't tell how much of a tint might be on those

 

[diamondseeker2006]

I didn't read through the whole thread, so I didn't see where a halo had been ruled out. I like BK halos because they are understated compared to modern halos.

I would have to send for any stone below GIA I color to look at in person before committing to it. The GIA K Vs 1 has an extremely thin to slightly thick girdle, so it would possibly need girdle rehab before setting in a solitaire.

I think it is possible VC may have a setting that is $2k. But it probably won't be the one you are looking at.

 

[travist223]

I didn't read through the whole thread, so I didn't see where a halo had been ruled out. I like BK halos because they are understated compared to modern halos.

I would have to send for any stone below GIA I color to look at in person before committing to it.

I think it is possible VC may have a setting that is $2k. But it probably won't be the one you are looking at.

I appreciate all your input! Hope you're feeling better

 

[diamondseeker2006]

Thanks, Travis! I am at least able to be on my iPad in bed today, so that is a good sign!

 

[Gypsy]

I think with your budget, I would get a Beverley k setting so you can spend more on your center stone. You could look for an antique stone or get this and put it into one of the BK halos:

http://www.goodoldgold.com/diamond/11913/

Now this would be unique, because there are very few ideal cut European cuts out there.

this is a 6mm stone. SO it's a good size. I just have an issue spending that much. I'd ask to see if they are getting in any H, I or J colored AVC's in the 6mm size range any time soon.

 

[Gypsy]

Smaller than I'd ideally want for you, but it's an option: http://www.victorcanera.com/diamonds/gajj14

 

[travist223]

Agree...nice facets but a little small for the price maybe

 

[travist223]

Is there a term for the style used to hold the diamond in this ring? I like it but not sure how to search for similar rings.

http://www.loveaffairdiamonds.com/1-20ct-old-european-cut-diamond-ring-egl-j-si1/#