resetting my oval engagement ring

[BeekeeperBetty]

I've finally decided to take the plunge and reset my ring. I don't dislike it as it is. Originally it was a size 3, then I resized it to a 5, and now it's too small again. Darn arthritis. I know I can't resize the channel set wedding band anymore, and I'm worried about resizing the engagement ring up to a 6 now. So I'm going to reset. But before I did anything stupid I figured I'd better come here and double check my plans.

My plan is to set the oval in a setting with tapered french cuts going down the side and double claw prongs in platinum. I haven't seen any examples of this setting with an oval. There might be a reason for that... right now it is set with trillions on the side, so the same sort of look, a wider stone tapering down. Will the tapered french cuts look unattractive with an oval?

So, the platinum. I have had to have the "tips" replaced about every 3-5 years on my current ring, which is in platinum. The prongs move and look like they are worn down. I know it's just the metal moving, but getting them replaced constantly is annoying. Would white gold prongs be a better choice? I want something that is really sturdy. What is going to last longer, unplated white gold or platinum?

I don't have any wedding band plans at the moment.

 

[Acinom]

Sounds like a great plan. I’m totally biased though since I have an OEC round with french cuts myself. Could you post a pic of your current setting and the specs so we can see whether it would work in terms of dimensions?

 

[Acinom]

This is @pixgirl ‘s ring with french cut sides. Her center stone is a cushion, but if you squint your eyes it’s almost oval-ish.
And mmm: never had any problems with my prongs from Victor Canera. Let’s see what the more expert PSers say about it

 

[rockysalamander]

I love the design idea, but if you need to resize again, stones in the shank will make it hard. Maybe stick with a plain shank and use engraving or texture or triwire to add interest. You could have a step cut traps as side stones.

 

[Acinom]

That’s a valid point by @rockysalamander !!
You could also ask a jeweller to create a ring especially for people with arthritis. Perhaps you could then add a few french cut sidestones. Not sure if that is feasible.

 

[BeekeeperBetty]

This is my current set. I'm not 100% sure on the diamond size, I purchased it second hand 20+yrs ago and all the appraisals were in the setting. It's approx 8x6, antique cut, G-H color and VS something clarity.

The arthritis shank is a great idea. I'm going to see if David Klass can make the shank like this. I really appreciate the suggestion. He's still a good choice for someone on a budget, correct? I wish I could go with a premier designer, but it's not in the budget.

 

[rockysalamander]

I love those special shanks provided you still have the ability to grip something to press the button. Would that pose a challenge?

 

[BeekeeperBetty]

Right now, yes I have the grip strength, except for the mornings. But I have a very patient husband and kids, too, so I'm sure they will help me out if I need it.

 

[Acinom]

Your stone is gorgeous!!! In my opinion it will work well with the french cuts.

Does your band have square cuts? It’s beautiful. Will you ask a jeweller to create a new band with the stone that will match with the new engagement ring?

Contacting David Klass is a great idea: high quality and reasonable pricing. Perhaps others have good suggestions for other jewellers as well.

It will not hurt to contact him for a quote.

 

[Bron357]

Love tapered French cuts. And what an excellent idea re the shank that can be opened up. Can’t wait to see the end result.

 

[Acinom]

Apparantly there are several ring shanks possible. Ask David for advice as he might now th option that is both save for your finger (ie does not hurt your finger) as well as secure and save for the ring itself (ie not losing it)

 

[BeekeeperBetty]

Boy, you guys are making me feel so much better!

Any thoughts on what is more durable, unplated white gold or platinum? I thought it was platinum, but I had so much trouble with the prongs on my ring.

Your stone is gorgeous!!! In my opinion it will work well with the french cuts.

Does your band have square cuts? It’s beautiful. Will you ask a jeweller to create a new band with the stone that will match with the new engagement ring?

Contacting David Klass is a great idea: high quality and reasonable pricing. Perhaps others have good suggestions for other jewellers as well.

It will not hurt to contact him for a quote.

Thank you! I love the stone as well. I've never personally seen an oval with a culet before, and I just love the little hexagon in the bottom.

The wedding band is alternating princess and baguette diamonds. I like the combination because you get the big flashes from the baguettes and the glitter from the princesses. But I don't think I'm going to have it remade. I feel kind of funny about it for some reason. JbG has a set of square french cuts. They're more than I wanted to spend, but it might match the engagement ring. But then maybe its too many french cuts and too matchy matchy. I thought about a yellow diamond band also. DBL has one I am really in love with, but it's out of my budget. I asked David Klass how much to make a yellow diamond band, but with some changes. I've been wearing a rose old pink diamond eternity since last fall. I was able to get my engagement ring on yesterday and wore it with the pink diamond band. It looked fine. So that's my economical choice. Then I thought about getting a round diamond band from WF or ID Jewelry to add some sparkle to the set. French cuts are a little more subtle, and I love scintillation.

So, this is where I am with regards to a wedding band. Just a chaotic jumble of thoughts and ideas.

 

[Acinom]

Most ladies with a french cut ring wear it by itself as a standalone ring. I wear mine mostly as a standalone as well Another option to consider...

It will also be pretty to combine it with an engraved band by David if you love the look.

Not sure if you will love the french cuts combined with a eternity with modern round diamonds. Personally I would make the ring first and then investigate what bands you can combine it with.

This set is from @Michelez . Her ring and french cut band are made by David Klass. He can source the diamonds for the band as well: https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/set-finally-complete.209055/

 

[BeekeeperBetty]

I received a very preliminary CAD. It looks about right to me, except the side stones are listed as princess and baguette. I need to ask about that, they are supposed to be french cuts. I'm also not sure what parts of the ring are gold and what parts are platinum (or why they aren't all Plat). So I have some questions to send off. Any major issues that you guys notice?

 

[Acinom]

I will leave it to the more experienced PSers to review the CADs. To my eyes it looks good though! I would certainly verify that he will indeed use french cuts (perhaps he refers to the ‘shape’ of the french cuts: ie square or more elongated).

You can probably ignore the metal descriptions, but it never hurts to ask. Will you leave the sides sleek or will you add milgrain? And will you have parts engraved?

In this CAD the arthritis shank is not included or have you decided against it?

If you add diamonds in the gallery, I would use single cuts. I love the double prongs and the dimensions of the ring. The head could probably be lowered a bit, but that’s just a matter of taste.

 

[Acinom]

+1: you contemplated on perhaps adding a band? In that case I would remove the diamond melee from the gallery

 

[BeekeeperBetty]

He responded quickly to my questions, and it turns out it was ignorance on my part, so I am getting what I asked for.

And he's giving me a military discount. I just happened to mention that I am very attached to my current ring because my husband proposed with it at the United States Naval Academy ring dance in 1998. Isn't that nice? I always like saving my husband money.

So, the diamonds in the gallery. I really want to keep them, if I use a spacer band between the engagement ring and wedding bad (which is TBD) will it be OK? I want the bottom of the ring to have something kind of special. I'm open to ideas.

I'm not planning on any engraving.

I decided to skip the arthritis band. When my hands bother me, I'll just wear a comfortable band. I don't love the look. But I might change my mind...

Weirdly enough, just this week I have been able to put my old ring on. I haven't been able to wear it for over a year. :roll

 

[Acinom]

David is so great to work with!
I would definitely keep your old setting and put a reasonably priced colored stone in it (for example a zircon). You can wear it on good days and/or wear it on a long necklace. Perhaps David has some inventory (I have never bought colored stones via him but I would guess he has some).

The diamond melee will probably be allright with a spacer.

No ideas for the underside of the shank if you are not opting for scroll or wheat engraving. A text engraving could also be a possibility, referring to your husband or your love together. Or a tiny surprise stone, but you will probably smash it to pieces handling a doorknob etc.

 

[Diamond_Hawk]

Wow, having that for 20 years! The advice you are getting is great and I think your ring design is beautiful. Do come back with photos when it's done.

 

[december-fire]

Your diamond is beautiful and your new setting will be lovely!

Regarding ideas for the "bottom of the ring", do you mean the part on the palm side of your hand?
If you don't want engraving or text, then would milgrain add enough interest?

As @Acinom said, a surprise stone would probably get damaged turning doorknobs. etc., unless the stone(s) could be recessed into the band. Not sure if that's possible.

Looking forward to seeing your ring when its done.

 

[BeekeeperBetty]

Sorry I didn't see the replies and respond sooner.

When I mean the bottom of the ring, I mean the part of the gallery that you see when you are holding a steering wheel or a coffee mug etc. In the picture below where they are laying side by side on my chair, that part of the gallery.

I got the plastic model and the previous setting back, without the diamond. Here's some photos, including some comparing it to the previous ring. Do you guys notice anything that should be tweaked or changed? Right now I have it paired with the pink diamond rose gold stand in wedding band I have been wearing. I have some wedding band ideas, but nothing finalized yet.

 

[BeekeeperBetty]

And the very last shot of the ring as I have had it since we bought it in 1998.

 

[Acinom]

The wax is looking great!
You will still have diamonds in the gallery don’t you? I would leave the rest plain or add engraving.

 

[SimoneDi]

I love the wax model and David and his team are super wonderful to work with! I am excited for your new ring! Your old setting is beautiful as well as others suggested- you can always set a non-diamond center stone and still enjoy it!

 

[HappyNewLife]

I love it! It's going to be amazing!

 

[BeekeeperBetty]

Update on the progress of my reset.

I made a couple of minor changes. I noticed that if the diamond slides all the way to the side I will see where the diamonds on the band end. Little things like that annoy me, so I asked him to add 2 diamonds on each side. I also asked that he add my husband and my initials inside the band. And I reiterated that I wanted diamonds on the basket, on the prongs, but not on the donut.

Now, I wait. It's going to kill me. I think he originally said about 45 days, is that what others have experienced?

 

[Acinom]

Great changes! It will be stunning.

I have 8 frenchies in my shank as well and you only see liquid diamond even if it spins a bit.

David usually works rather fast, but he is probably swamped with work as he is quite the PS darling. 45 days is a loooong wait but very reasonable!

Happy waiting!!!

 

[luckyblackcat]

Hi @BeekeeperBetty!! I don't know if you remember me from our pear-hunting days I was so pleased to run into your post (courtesy of ever diligent @Acinom) and can't wait to see what's sure to be a stunning reset!

 

[ringo865]

Maybe ask him to round out the inside of the shank a little so that it will slide on and off your finger more easily. Sometimes when the shanks are more blocky they are more difficult to "scrap on, if you KWIM.

Your original ring looks to be more rounded on the outside, and is much thinner, both between the fingers and width-wise. If you are used to the feel of that thinner shank (where it almost feels like it's not there), sometimes the more blocky shanks can seem, well, more blocky, and more chunky between your fingers.

It's a beautiful design. I love how he concaved the prong struts, so your band(s) can nest nicely without scraping or gapping.

Oh the wait though!

 

[BeekeeperBetty]

Hey everybody! I wish I had an update, but I haven't heard anything about my ring. It's past the date he thought it would be done by, if I did my calculations right. I sent an email just politely asking for some information a few days ago. I haven't heard anything. I shouldn't worry, right?