Setting Paralysis

[Mayk]

So I'm trying to decide on a forever home for my forever stone. I thought I wanted a Vatche U113 or a setting like Demelza's 23rd Street solitaire. After wearing a plain band solitaire I've decided I need a little bling. I'm pretty sure I want pave' and nothing in a channel set or with engraving and I want four prongs and would prefer claws. The right setting could sway these thoughts to six prongs. Even given this I've gotten quotes from a number of places and I'm still completely undecided.

Considering

Sareen Jewelry I loved working with him on my halo and five stone. Not sure of the Cathedral setting...

Leon -love the simplicity of his setting, terrified of working with him. So far only communicated with Perry... He's very nice

Maytal Hannah- her design number five or the one attached. She was very nice and very quick to respond.

Brian Gavin - one I like...

Steven Kirsh - loved one of his setting, so nice, fast response, way more than I want to spend

 

[Mayk]

One more

 

[ooo~Shiney!]

Hi Mayk, I can't speak to the settings, but I LOVE the title of your thread.
believe me, I'm there with you....

 

[MarionC]

I'm having the same problem, so I can appreciate what you're going through. I finally got some clarity when I saw the Simon G settings. Somehow they just felt right. Perhaps that's how it will work for you as well!
I like the first one you posted best because the shank integrates into the head, but the wide & dipped gallery hides a little too much of the diamond. [for my taste].
My second is the LM.
Which style of setting do you like better?

 

[MarionC]

I can appreciate what you're going through.
I like the first one you posted best because the shank integrates into the head, but the wide & dipped gallery hides a little too much of the diamond. [for my taste].
My second is the LM.
Which style of setting do you like better?

 

[m-2-b]

How about something like SB's old ring but in all platinum:
[URL='https://www.pricescope.com/forum/show-me-the-ring/my-princess-ring-2-04ct-14k-rg-and-plat-jbeg-setting-t194083.html']https://www.pricescope.com/forum/show-me-the-ring/my-princess-ring-2-04ct-14k-rg-and-plat-jbeg-setting-t194083.html[/URL]

 

[Mayk]

I'm completely undecided. I like something about each one I posted...

The Sareen is the same family of settings as my halo. My bands will match perfectly in width ect... His pictures are always more bulky than the setting. I wanted him to send me the sales sample of this one but he sold it and hadn't made a new one. When I bought my first ring from him he sent me two settings to try. (They were set with CZs".

I love Leon's for he simplicity, HIs is the highest price...

Maytal's is lovely but my bands will not set flush. She sent me an example of one that they will set flush but I didn't care for it...

 

[Mayk]

How about something like SB's old ring but in all platinum:
[URL='https://www.pricescope.com/forum/show-me-the-ring/my-princess-ring-2-04ct-14k-rg-and-plat-jbeg-setting-t194083.html']https://www.pricescope.com/forum/show-me-the-ring/my-princess-ring-2-04ct-14k-rg-and-plat-jbeg-setting-t194083.html[/URL]

I love that one... Actually Grace offered to sell that one to me but I really want platinum... I don't think Grace made that setting.

 

[Acinom]

I love the LM for its simplicity. For me this one sticks out compared to the rest. In a fairly simple design, a near perfect execution seems to be all the more important.
Was the SK quote higher then LM? I would also ask VC for a quote (though it might be comparable in price to SK?
And ERD also has a bench with great craftmanship in micropave or their CAD/CAST team could do it.

Hang in there!!! You are almost there

 

[Mayk]

I love the LM for its simplicity. For me this one sticks out compared to the rest. In a fairly simple design, a near perfect execution seems to be all the more important.
Was the SK quote higher then LM? I would also ask VC for a quote (though it might be comparable in price to SK?
And ERD also has a bench with great craftmanship in micropave or their CAD/CAST team could do it.

Hang in there!!! You are almost there

Sk was more than $1,000 over LM. I didn't ask VC because I would imagine his price is very similar to SK

I love working with Chris @ ERD but didn't see anything on their website that was pave'.

Thanks for weighing in!! The Leon is the bar for me... For all my other evaluations...

 

[Acinom]

Here some examples from VC (to add to the confusion). Some have pave in the gallery/prongs, but I am sure he can make each design with or without pave in the gallery.

Edit: Aah! Our posts have crossed... I would indeed think that SK and VC are similar in pricing, but LM often has the highest pricing of the three. So it would not hurt to ask.

I love the LM version you posted!!!

 

[Mayk]

Here some examples from VC (to add to the confusion). Some have pave in the gallery/prongs, but I am sure he can make each design with or without pave in the gallery.

Edit: Aah! Our posts have crossed... I would indeed think that SK and VC are similar in pricing, but LM often has the highest pricing of the three. So it would not hurt to ask.

I love the LM version you posted!!!

I love his work and I know he's really nice but $4,000 is not an option for me.

Maytal is the most reasonable and it goes up from there...

 

[Acinom]

This is the closest I could find on the ERD site. Perhaps Maytal is the best option for you.

 

[diamondseeker2006]

I feel quite certain that if you can select a design, Maytal can likely make it for you. Not only are her prices competitive, she also seems like a very nice person. I try to use vendors who have good customer service and who are not crazy. I'd either use her or ERD if SK and VC are out of consideration.

Did you borrow "setting paralysis" from me? Because if not, I also just used it in my setting thread!!! It is a very useful term!

 

[Mayk]

I feel quite certain that if you can select a design, Maytal can likely make it for you. Not only are her prices competitive, she also seems like a very nice person. I try to use vendors who have good customer service and who are not crazy. I'd either use her or ERD if SK and VC are out of consideration.

Did you borrow "setting paralysis" from me? Because if not, I also just used it in my setting thread!!! It is a very useful term!

I did DS it's exactly what I'm feeling. I'm afraid to make the wrong decision. I want to get this one right with zero second guessing.

 

[LLJsmom]

Leon. I too am worried about working with him but I love the shape of his claws, short and fat. I love the placement of them, not exactly square, but a little closer to the shank. All your options are gorgeous. Can't wait to see.

 

[SandyCheeks]

Seems like you've been pleased with Sareens work, since you're a repeat customer maybe they can match MH's price point? I Ike Leon's work but he tends to set stones very low and I'm not keen on that. Have you tried DBL? I love the clean and slightly blingy lines you're going with, can't wait for the finished product!

 

[Mayk]

Thank you Sandy Cheeks!

DBL doesn't set outside stones...

 

[diamondseeker2006]

I feel quite certain that if you can select a design, Maytal can likely make it for you. Not only are her prices competitive, she also seems like a very nice person. I try to use vendors who have good customer service and who are not crazy. I'd either use her or ERD if SK and VC are out of consideration.

Did you borrow "setting paralysis" from me? Because if not, I also just used it in my setting thread!!! It is a very useful term!

I did DS it's exactly what I'm feeling. I'm afraid to make the wrong decision. I want to get this one right with zero second guessing.

Exactly. That is why I haven't been able to choose one!

I wish you luck, though!

 

[MissGotRocks]

Bear in mind that I've worked with none of them but the Leon and VC rings are top contenders in my eye. I know that several have had issues with Leon but some have been very successful with him as well.

I am sure these guys are pricier but if I was going with pave, I'd want a great bench to make it to help reduce the chance of losing stones. Just to further confuse, I remember years ago when LynnB had a fishtail pave set made by WF she later concluded that the pave in the band distracted her from her center stone. She said that the stones were much smaller of course and created different sparkle. She eventually reset into the Grace by BDG which again was a plain shank with the matching plain band. She loved it because she felt that her stone was the star of the show without competition from pave. Just something to consider - I want to know all things - good and bad - before I venture into something new. Just thought I'd share that with you as well.

Settings are like wallpaper - too many choices at too many different prices! Good luck - you'll eventually find something that is perfect for you!

 

[diamondseeker2006]

Aside from my feelings about working with LM, he really sets the stones too low. It doesn't flatter the stone at all to be set too low, in my opinion.

 

[Mayk]

Aside from my feelings about working with LM, he really sets the stones too low. It doesn't flatter the stone at all to be set too low, in my opinion.

DS Any thoughts about the Sareen setting without the cathedral shanks... And thinner claw prongs. (some of the bulkiness is the image)

I've worked with Adam via Emma Parker and had good luck even when I hated the setting I wanted for my five stone and he reset it for me in a new setting for a song...

I loved my halo and he did lovely work... I find myself caught up in wanting a "Leon" or "VC".... Like its something on my freaking bucket list. Rationale just jumps out the window.

 

[lovemybling]

OK I am going to say something you may not want to hear.

WAIT... REALLY just wait.

I think that if this is going to be your forever setting you will KNOW she you see it. You won't be second guessing what you are getting. I can honestly say I debated for almost a year when I was resetting my eternity band but when I finally saw the RIGHT setting I knew there was no more debating.

Maybe look outside the box of the "usual" PS designers and something will hit you.

http://shop.msimagines.com/product_p/2022-18k.htm

http://www.simongjewelry.com/product/Classy_Collection/16056/EN

http://www.simongjewelry.com/product/Shimmer_Collection/15422/EN

http://www.beverleyk.com/engagement-rings/engagement-sets/r4018-c-d-d-cz.html

http://www.beverleyk.com/engagement-rings/engagement-sets/r9627-c-d-d-cz.html
(this one comes in white metals)

http://www.beverleyk.com/engagement-rings/engagement-sets/r9637-c-d-d-cz.html

http://www.beverleyk.com/engagement-rings/engagement-sets/rmgc165-c-d-d-cz.html

I know there are a ton of options out there maybe just keep looking with an open mind until your FOREVER setting finds you

Good LUCK!!

 

[arkieb1]

Aside from my feelings about working with LM, he really sets the stones too low. It doesn't flatter the stone at all to be set too low, in my opinion.

DS Any thoughts about the Sareen setting without the cathedral shanks... And thinner claw prongs. (some of the bulkiness is the image)

I've worked with Adam via Emma Parker and had good luck even when I hated the setting I wanted for my five stone and he reset it for me in a new setting for a song...

I loved my halo and he did lovely work... I find myself caught up in wanting a "Leon" or "VC".... Like its something on my freaking bucket list. Rationale just jumps out the window.

Have you emailed Victor? And when you do either tell him or forward him Leon's quote and ask him if he can get close to it for you. If he can get close I am sure he will if he can't then he may possibly explain the difference to you. Two of the golden 3 have been making cheaper pieces to undercut each other with some casting of late so this could be the reason for the price difference.

 

[Mayk]

Lovemybling.. Thank you. Very valid points...

I have had the plain setting since Sept. I purchased a band to go with it and I've stacked other bands in about three variations... I just don't love it...

I'm not in a mad rush my bling account is still a little short but I'm getting very close..

I've looked at a number of other options I eliminated, they just didn't ring all the bells... Some listed below.

I really love Erika Winters new line but each time I look at it.. Her beautiful styles scream OEC, AVR... Etc.. I love the Laurel.
I love Erica's Kathryn... I think that's the name and I've studied it too. Love Affair Diamonds
Beverly K feels very antique to me as does Tacori with all the engraving and ornate metal work.
Sholdt too modern and most of their settings too heavy for what I'm looking for...
I've also looked hard at Mark Morell settings, his work is lovely but nothing there I loved with diamonds in the band.
I love ERD but nothing there felt right...


I'm definitely open to suggestions...

 

[Mayk]

Aside from my feelings about working with LM, he really sets the stones too low. It doesn't flatter the stone at all to be set too low, in my opinion.

DS Any thoughts about the Sareen setting without the cathedral shanks... And thinner claw prongs. (some of the bulkiness is the image)

I've worked with Adam via Emma Parker and had good luck even when I hated the setting I wanted for my five stone and he reset it for me in a new setting for a song...

I loved my halo and he did lovely work... I find myself caught up in wanting a "Leon" or "VC".... Like its something on my freaking bucket list. Rationale just jumps out the window.

Have you emailed Victor? And when you do either tell him or forward him Leon's quote and ask him if he can get close to it for you. If he can get close I am sure he will if he can't then he may possibly explain the difference to you. Two of the golden 3 have been making cheaper pieces to undercut each other with some casting of late so this could be the reason for the price difference.

I think I will do that... Because I haven't asked him for a quote once I got SK I was shell shocked and thought I read on here they were very comparable. I hate to waste his time...

 

[vinjewels]

I voted Leon. I was considering him for my French cut reset and he and I spoke several times over the phone. I expected him to be rude, but he was quite the opposite. I also knew that even if I did have some issues, the finished product would be done right.

I think you have some lovely designs to choose from!

 

[diamondseeker2006]

I like the Sareen setting with or without the cathedral shank, actually. The only thing is, I like the rounded inside edge that Maytal does over the sharp edge on the Sareen ring. Maytal's shank looks better to me, so I'd figure out which head you like best, and then get quotes for that. The Maytal ring that can have bands sit flush has a square center stone. It would look different with a round head. You don't have to have the side bar on the basket like that, either.

 

[armywife13]

How about something like SB's old ring but in all platinum:
[URL='https://www.pricescope.com/forum/show-me-the-ring/my-princess-ring-2-04ct-14k-rg-and-plat-jbeg-setting-t194083.html']https://www.pricescope.com/forum/show-me-the-ring/my-princess-ring-2-04ct-14k-rg-and-plat-jbeg-setting-t194083.html[/URL]

I love that one... Actually Grace offered to sell that one to me but I really want platinum... I don't think Grace made that setting.

I LOVE that setting! I am 99% sure that either Grace's or Erica's bench made the setting. I am sure they could have a plat version made! That gets my vote, with Leon as a close second.

 

[diamondseeker2006]

Three sided pave usually means no wedding band or at least a spacer. I really like the others much better.