Shank Design Question

[breanne]

It has been a process over the years to keep focused on an upgrade, when I get some free time and try to manage what it is I'm seeking, each time I realize I cannot relay the information, so please help me!

The photo with the 3 rings IS my goal (mostly). What I want is 3 rings; 1 engagement, 1 plain, and 1 with 7 stones (I believe 10pts is what will get me that look so they're all flush. I'm a size 5). They need to be all the same width and height of each other, this is something I have been able to determine during my journey. They will not be worn together, but I want to be able to interchange them. I will be upgrading my center stone to around 3 carats.

The problem is, I don't know how to determine the shank of my engagement ring.

Currently, I have a round solitaire with a band that is very sharp in edges (see photo of it below). Similar to the photo labeled 'tapered.' it is very flat from the top view, and very flat from the profile view, as a result, it's this rectangular appearance that does nothing for the roundness of my stone. Also, the prongs don't help, but that change has already been decided.

I'm not sure about a few things regarding the shank, currently I also have a reverse taper cathedral, meaning, it graduates larger as it gets closer to the actual stone. I do like this detail, but do I keep it, I don't know?! I don't know if its only that rectangular appearance that is bothering me, and if I made the top view more rounded (see other photo with red circle), would I still enjoy the reverse tapered look?

I know this comes down to personal preference, but if anyone has any suggestions or thoughts? I have not been able to find my ideal set, even in the 3 ring photo, you can see the plain band does not even match the solitaire's band, its more rounded. AND, that solitaire itself has a normal taper, not the reverse like mine. So, I have not been able to see what I actually want, it is all in theory.

So this is where I'm at:
1 solitaire cathedral setting with 4 claw prongs for a 3 carat round (details in question- roundness on top portion of shank, and a reverse or normal taper)
1 plain band (this must match the shank from the solitaire as well)
1 band with 7 stones, 10pts.

**last note, I have seen a comfort fit setting before, it is completely round like a circle. I don't think I like that, I do believe the profile should still be flat, just the top portion could be rounded... I hope that makes sense. Just thought to share this because I feel it would sit better with another ring.

***edit, I added another photo of the 3 rings with a markup of the larger diameter shank near the diamond

 

[junebug17]

How exciting to be getting a 3 carat upgrade! Not that it really matters, but you mentioned in your post your setting is a reverse taper but according to that chart I think your setting is tapered? I'm sorry if I'm missing something. Anyway, I think I lean towards a straight setting, it will make your diamond pop. You mentioned the 4 prongs make your diamond look square, will you be ok with 4 prongs for the larger diamond? As you said, it boils down to what you like.

 

[breanne]

How exciting to be getting a 3 carat upgrade! Not that it really matters, but you mentioned in your post your setting is a reverse taper but according to that chart I think your setting is tapered? I'm sorry if I'm missing something. Anyway, I think I lean towards a straight setting, it will make your diamond pop. You mentioned the 4 prongs make your diamond look square, will you be ok with 4 prongs for the larger diamond? As you said, it boils down to what you like.

The chart is labeled, at least in my opinion, different than I think most jewelers label. When I search 'tapered,' I find the pinched shank near the stone. Whereas, my ring actually graduates larger towards the stone, so you are right, there was some confusion there, but mine gets BIGGER towards the stone.

I actually agree with you, I am not very good at photoshop or anything, but I tried to imagine a straight shank to the stone (see image attached) and I think I like it more than it graduating larger, or that pinched look in its original photo.

As for the prongs, I find mine look like bullets for lack of a better word. I prefer the 4 prong look but more delicate like a claw, hope that makes sense.

*Two images below, one is the normal image and one has a slight grey line trying to resemble a straight shank (you'll prob have to zoom in to see). What do you think?

*Now the question is about the profile and top view of the metal. Note the ER is a bit more square than the wedding ring, the wedding ring having a more rounded appearance from the side...

 

[junebug17]

Oh, sure, definitely go for the 4 claw prongs if that's what you want, it will look lovely!

Yeah, that chart made things a little confusing lol - I think my vote is for the straight setting.

 

[breanne]

Oh, sure, definitely go for the 4 claw prongs if that's what you want, it will look lovely!

Yeah, that chart made things a little confusing lol - I think my vote is for the straight setting.

I tried to edit the prongs so you see just how much they influence the shape, I do love the setting overall, but I think there are details that can make it better. Second image is the edited version.

Now if you look at the video of my ring (shudder I noticed hair AFTER filming ha), now I don't know what to decide on the detail of the shank from the top surface that meets the profile surface. In the video it looks beautiful, but I feel that sharp edge also adds to the stone looking less round. The other option I've seen is a comfort fit, which is that roundedness all the way around, but I don't know how that would look with a straight shank to the stone... ugh I feel like I may be too picky.

https://imgur.com/a/CkOq5YZ