Show me round stones set in non-round outlines!

[Gem-Show]

I'm seeking photos of round stones in settings offering a more interesting shape on the hand. I'm not into halos, but I like twosanguinehearts' OEC in a cushony-shaped halo: https://www.pricescope.com/communit...rm-2-4ct-oec-in-new-single-stone-halo.182455/

I aim to confuse the eye about a stone's outline, not add finger coverage; I'm looking for a round solitaire with something delicate to alter its perceived shape while keeping the focus on the center stone.

Illusion settings accomplish this; I admire Circe's ring in her French Cut Eternity thread: https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/coup-de-foudre-french-cut-eternity-band.183090/

Or a visible-from-the-top basket, prongs or gallery, as on Haven's cushion (I love the milgrained basket): https://www.pricescope.com/communit...y-2-30-ct-omb-antique-cushion-upgrade.158760/

Finally, could a series of graduated round stones (and/or maybe a pear on each end) be used to create an outline similar to that of Princess Diana's oval ring? The stones would have to be TINY to avoid overwhelming a commoner-sized center diamond. I love ovals but can't stand a bow tie (I do realize that oval is about twice as long as it is wide...)

Please share any ideas! Is there already a similar thread?

 

[Dreamer_D]

My vintage setting has an octagonal, prong-set bezel, which makes the stone look more geometric.

 

[Gem-Show]

Thank you fDreamer, that is beautiful. Do you have a profile shot (or a SMTB thread)?

 

[Dreamer_D]

Profile shots:





I found this setting at an estate seller. To reproduce it today would take an artisan who hand forges and fabricates their pieces. I don't believe it can be cast. The gallery is too delicate. Single Stone and 23rd Street Jewelers, both in LA I think, have made similar style mounts for other PSers.

I have a thread in my archive if you click my user name.

 

[Circe]

Hi, Gem-Show, and thank you! I love the kinds of settings you're describing - I have a folder with literally hundreds of them. I'll post a few below.

My anniversary ring, which you admired, has box corners: my original e-ring has a similar shape, but very different prongs, commonly referred to as fishtail prongs. Some of the first shots I ever posted to PS below:

 

[Circe]

Eventually, I had the prongs refined a bit:

 

[Circe]

Here's a comparison shot of the two, and a few vanity shots.

 

[Circe]

I think we like similar settings, so you might find some use in a thread I started looking for a potential reset (pages two and three in particular, I think): https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/wwps-do-reset-refurbish-or-keep-as-is.166389/

 

[Circe]

And now, for some random-ish eye candy!

 

[Circe]

Trying to avoid repetition, though if you'd like to see more fishtail or box settings, full (like Dreamer's) or partial (like mine), just say the word - I tend to be kind of, uh, obsessive when I'm researching designs.

 

[Gem-Show]

Thank you so much Circe, these photos are beautiful and inspiring!

The partial box settings are more in line with what I'm looking for, but I do enjoy seeing as many pictures as possible.

ETA: your linked reset thread is very helpful too!

 

[Circe]

Then allow me to provide a few suggestions for where to find similar, along with some eye candy! There's a place called WannaBuyAWatch that does a replica setting just like mine: http://wannabuyawatch.com/indpages/34208.html (one of my favorite posters, Little Grey Kitten, mentioned it - possibly in the RT thread I linked? forgive the repetition if it is). I don't know if I'd trust their more intricate settings sight unseen (bad calibre is ... bad), but my setting is a happy little tank, so it should be cool.

Leigh Jay Nacht is one of my favorite places: amazing vintage pieces, if you're looking to buy a completed piece, and really nice quality replicas if you have a center stone. Some nice possibilities on this page: http://antiqueengagementrings.com/shopping/shopdisplayproducts.asp?page=2&id=22

Singlestone does amazing repro work, as do 23rd St. Jewelers, but they're pricey. Totally worth it if you have a vision. Van Craeynest also does a magnificent fishtail head, and their craftsmanship is top-of-the-line.

Alternately, you can always try to find a vintage mounting, either through a dealer like Jewels by Erica Grace - they have some beautiful semi-mounts here: http://jewelsbyericagrace.com/semimounts - or on your own. I bought a sapphire in a vintage platinum box setting with the idea of swapping my stone into it, but when it arrived I didn't have the heart. It cost me less than $500, because, bargain-hunting is fun. I got the idea from LGK, who found a great setting for her three-carater this way: just search for a beautiful setting with a stone you can remove (or, in the case of a bezel, wouldn't mind sacrificing - amethyst, garnet, moonstone, etc. can be found in gorgeous Deco settings). Looking forward to hearing more details about your project!

 

[gemgirl]

My round diamond is being set as we speak into it's new home, a cushion shaped halo made by Gabriel & Co. (This mounting comes in five different sizes, mine is slightly larger than this one) I'll post pics after I pick it up next week.

 

[Gem-Show]

Thanks Gemgirl and Circe.

Right now I'm only dreaming and collecting ideas, I won't be carrying out any project in the near future, but someday...

 

[Mayk]

Mine.... cushion halo...RB diamond

 

[junebug17]

My round diamond is being set as we speak into it's new home, a cushion shaped halo made by Gabriel & Co. (This mounting comes in five different sizes, mine is slightly larger than this one) I'll post pics after I pick it up next week.

Hi gemgirl, it's nice to hear from you! - I love the setting you've chosen, I can't wait to see it!