Show-Share Your ER Upgrade/DSS Journey — Pics a MUST!!!

[the_mother_thing]

Long time no post; hope this thread finds everyone happy, healthy & doing well. I took a break from all things ‘bling’ for awhile, but have just begun to renew my sparkly interests, as I found myself thinking about & perusing pics of my ER journey, feeling very thankful to have been & continue to be so blessed. I was also kind of surprised to realize that I did all of these over the course of ~3 years (thankfully hubs was always on board).

Looking at my own pics, I thought it could be a fun thread topic for folks to chronicle & share their journey, setting changes & tastes, and of course how you dealt with diamond shrinkage syndrome (DSS) via upgrades … all in one post.

If you have/recall the specs of your various ERs, as well as who designed/created them, please share those as well as any other details you care to include — the only requirement is pictures are MANDATORY! That said, this thread shouldn’t be limited to only diamonds … colored stone & other types of ERs are welcome.

I’ll start & hope others join in as well to share their ER journey.

 

[the_mother_thing]

My original ER (which I still love & periodically wear) is a 1.47ct, GIA “Old European Brilliant” M/SI1 diamond set in a CvB ‘Abby’ solitaire 18K U-WG:



I then wanted to stick my toe in the ideal-cut creek (which may have created a monster) and selected this 1.41ct WF Expert Selection AGS000 K/VS1 which I adored in a custom Sholdt setting in 18K U-WG (I still have the setting but now showcases an oval denim-blue spinel):



That’s when DSS set in, so thanks to WF’s wonderful upgrade policy, I traded the above 1.41ct ES for this 2.10ct WF A Cut Above K/VS2 set in a Stuller solitaire while I got used to the size jump & decided what I’d like to do long-term for a ‘dress’:



The DSS monster started grumbling again less than a year later, this time coupled with rumblings for a 3-stone. So the 2.10ct ACA went back to WF, and I selected this 2.57ct WF ACA K/VS2. I paired two well-cut GIA XXX J/VS .45ct (each) studs with the ACA, and had WF customize the Butterflies setting with a modified gallery, shoulders & added ACA melee french pave up the sides (18K U-WG):



As much as I LOVED the modified butterflies setting (I still have it), having an everyday ring with prongs is just not in the cards for me because snagging prongs drives me bonkers. So off to the wonderful ladies at Sholdt it went, and the three diamonds were set in their flagship semi-bezel three-stone in platinum. I find the finger coverage to be a bit better for me now, in that the side diamonds aren’t as tucked under the center and spread over my size 7.25 finger a bit better.


I really don’t see myself upgrading in size again at this point, but I damn sure have learned to never say ‘never’, so … for now, that’s it!

Hope others join in & share their beauties!

 

[yssie]

It’s so good to see you back!!

 

[yssie]

Mine!
2ct center
0.33ct each sides
Platinum
WF custom (the mount that they would later add to inventory as Butterflies)

https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/my-2-ct-fic-is-here-journey-and-pics.123820/





Upgrade - I wanted a bigger center…
2.7ct center
0.43ct each sides
Unplated Ni-WG
WF Butterflies

https://www.pricescope.com/communit...s-here-2-7-three-stone-in-unplated-wg.144010/




Comparison between first and second:



Reset - I wanted more stones…
2.7ct center
0.43ct each sides
~0.15ct each sides
Unplated Pd-WG
DBL custom

First attempted this design with Victor Canera, didn’t love the outcome, had it redone by DBL and was thrilled - these are pics of the DBL
https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/my-two-new-victor-canera-masterpieces.168402/
https://www.pricescope.com/communit...-5-stone-8-prong-trellis-reset-by-dbl.170161/






Reset - I wanted still more stones…
2.7ct center
0.43ct each sides
0.24ct each sides
0.14ct each sides
YG and two different alloys of unplated Ni-WG
RDG custom

No thread on this one. This is the most spectacular and special ring mount I will ever own. I’ve since reset the diamond and this setting now houses a lab ruby with colour that I will never be able to afford in a mined stone.







Upgrade - I wanted a bigger center…
4ct center
Platinum
Erika Winters Margot

https://www.pricescope.com/communit...ty-4-01-j-vs1-in-erika-winters-margot.231053/






I want a bigger stone. Eventually. Whatever I get will go right back into Margot

 

[the_mother_thing]

OMG @yssie I never saw that latest 7-stone creation! It’s incredible … gorgeous … a fantastic piece of beautiful art!

 

[sue011312]

I love love to see these! It makes me realize I’m not crazy for wanting to upgrade or change my setting every few years. All of them a gorgeous dream worthy pieces.

 

[Mreader]

OMG @yssie I never saw that latest 7-stone creation! It’s incredible … gorgeous … a fantastic piece of beautiful art!

Yes @yssie why no thread?? Also I want to see the Ruby!!! Ans what became of the diamond that was in it? And of the DBL setting? SO MANY QUESTIONS!

 

[elizat]

@the_mother_thing hi! Are your side stones the studs from me originally? I think they are? If so, I'm glad they got used rather than sitting in a box in a safe in my closet!

 

[the_mother_thing]

@sue011312 No, you are NOT crazy or alone!

@elizat I do believe they are! I couldn’t remember (without pulling up my records) from whom I bought them. They’re gorgeous and match my current ACA nicely. I later bought another set of similar-sized, higher-color studs from another PSer (I think it was @RunningwithScissors), and reset her diamonds into your settings. So, your diamonds are on my finger and hers are in my ears as I type.

 

[LLJsmom]

Yes it’s been a long journey. Started at my 15th anniversary and ends at my 24th. Original ering. 1 carat F VS1 MRB. Typical spready OK cut. But super white which was all I knew about. I don’t even have a pic of the ring. But the diamond I still have, which will make an appearance in a later pic.
FIRST UPGRADE.
2.57 F VS1 MRB in a 5 stone setting. GIA 3x before I knew about super ideals. Pics are on PS. Parts that didn’t light up bothered me. But I thought the problem was with the setting. Well, lots of problems really
First Victor Canera setting, upgrade reset.


Got bit by OEC bug. Traded this in for 3.04 K VS1 OEC.




Then got another reset by Victor Canera.


CompleteBack to MRB, this time super ideal at WF. Downsized. 2.47 E VS1. Went for my dream 3 stone with BIG sides. 1.2 and 1.1. (1.1 was my original ering.). Setting by Steven Kirsch.

I love this diamond and this three stone ring so much that I am at ring peace. I seldom ever take pictures, stare at it, think about it, check to see if I think it’s bright and pretty enough in a certain environment. I don’t think about upgrading or changing the setting. In fact, every time I look at it I am relieved I went with the big sides. I need visual balance, substantial across the finger bling. A solitaire made me feel like something was missing. Small pave sides were too cute. I wanted unapologetically bold and clean. We will see how long I stay here.

 

[the_mother_thing]

@LLJsmom Beautiful journey! Will be sure to have sunglasses on if I ever saw you wearing that amazing 3-stone in person!

Your post reminded me … I fell in love with that VC setting when I first saw yours some time back. Is your OEC still in it, or did you completely go back to MRBs entirely?

 

[mrs-b]

Oh lordy....

Started with my mother's diamond from her e-ring. It was .24 of a ct and was stolen by the jeweler who supposedly set it. it was tiny but white and clean and no smaller than all my friends' rings. I loved it. When I realized I had a diamond of lower quality, not chosen by us, I had -zero- attachment to my ring and started messing with it right there. Took the center stone and, after a little fiddling about, put it into the sides of a cluster with a .65ct center.




But (most of) the stones were poor quality, so I bought a lovely .83ct F SI1 and - after a brief foray into solitaires - made a three stone with it using an F VS1 and F VS2, .46 and .47 respectively. In many ways, I wish I still had that ring - it was lovely:





Then things started ramping up. I sold the above and went to a 2.15ct H SI1 GOG soli:



That was a beautiful ring and I still think that size is one of the most elegant for a solitaire.

But I was bitten by the size bug at this point and kept going - to this: a 3.11ct AVR, K VS2. This is where I started my love affair with DKJ, who set this beautiful stone in between a lovely combo of tiny sides for this ring:



But it was too tinted for me, so I went up again in size to a 3.61ct I VS2. I loved this setting and had a lovely, substantial eternity made to go with it:



Then things started getting really silly. I went to this perfect OEC, which, for me, was just too large. it was 5+ct - very warm - and perfect. But size-wise - just too large. This one never got out of its temporary setting and I'm glad I didn't keep it:



I'm losing a lock on the process at this point, but I *think* I went next to...to...ugh - I'm missing something here...but at some point I ended up here - Merry - a truly gorgeous ring with a 3.4ct H SI1 ACA in the center:



That was a stunning ring, but the center stone felt just a tad small. So I went down to an I VS1 - but up in size to a 4.01 - ACA. And I halo'd it. And learnt all I needed to learn about me and halos in about 30 seconds after I received it. No. Just - no.





Also - went screaming back to a whiter stone and made *this* - a 3.05ct F VS2 ACA with 61 and 62 point F VS1 sides:



Upgraded the sides to this (.95 and .96 F VS2):



Loved this ring. Loved it. But had always had 4cts in the back of my mind. So a short while ago upgraded to this gorgeous 4.05ct H VS1 ACA, set in a new Beloved setting with matching band (brand new, so no decent photos as yet, I'm sorry!):







And there we have it. And I'm aware - looking at this - that I seem like the least decisive person in the world. But this is a hobby for me, and I have many pieces that are forever pieces that I've accumulated along the way. I love this current iteration - love it! Will it *never* change? I don't know. I adore three stone settings, so that's always a possibility for me. But the wedding band will stay and the style of setting (fleur de lys prongs and double platinum wraps, etc) will remain the same. Is there a 3 stone Beloved iteration out there? Possibly. But I think, of all my rings, the Beloved design is my all time favorite and anything else will stay within those design parameters.

 

[yssie]

Yes @yssie why no thread?? Also I want to see the Ruby!!! Ans what became of the diamond that was in it? And of the DBL setting? SO MANY QUESTIONS!

LOL!!

The diamond went into a stud earring - I got very lucky finding it an almost perfect mate!

The DBL mount was rehomed to another lovely lady

No ruby pics yet - I just haven’t gotten around to taking more photos since I had the lab ruby put in! Sako patched the prongs up a few months ago… I’ll get to it one of these days before the sun disappears for winter

No dedicated thread because those do unfortunately turn pieces into magnets for design theft - I think in threads like this it’s “safer” because probably the only people who’ll see it are PS regulars!

 

[LLJsmom]

@LLJsmom Beautiful journey! Will be sure to have sunglasses on if I ever saw you wearing that amazing 3-stone in person!

Your post reminded me … I fell in love with that VC setting when I first saw yours some time back. Is your OEC still in it, or did you completely go back to MRBs entirely?

It's still in the setting but no longer mine. It found a new home with a truly lovely PSer. Maybe she will share at some point. But I think it definitely went the perfect person.

 

[dk168]

Not an ER but a RHR...

The stone was chosen by me in person as a 40th birthday present to myself with a sob story attached.

PS led me to Diamondhouse of Antwerp over 15 years ago.

I was very green and did not had much input to the setting except to insist the stone must be bezel-set and in platinum using the wedding rings belonging to me and my soon-to-be ex-husband.

Although the setting was well-made as an solitaire, however, I was never in love with it, as the shank was too narrow and angular, designed to be worn with a band which meant the diamond sat quite tall on the finger, and the ring did not provide sufficient finger coverage, the overall aesthetic was rather plain; all in all, not exactly to my liking.

I wore a 2mm Titanium band with it to increase the finger cover for 10 years before I had it re-set for my 50th birthday, when I discovered some time later that it was highly unlikely for our wedding rings to be melted down and incorporated as part of the ring setting, which meant the ring setting did not have any sentimental value to me anymore.

I spent of lot of time deciding on the setting, and eventually settled for an air-gap/line diamond halo with a wide band 4mm at the top, and set as low as possible.

The new setting provides much better finger coverage in a low setting that I love, and more importantly, it has more bling power!

Here are the before and after pics.

In this pic, I wore the original ring and Titanium band in the ring finger of my right hand, as it was a bit too tight to wear them on my middle finger unless during cold weather:



The original ring on its own in the fleshy middle RH finger - I did not like the bulges on both sides of the ring:



The original ring next to the new setting before the reset:



The day I collected the new ring, it was a cold February morning and my hands were dry:



More new ring pics:





I may reset it as a 3 or 5-stone ring with lab diamond ECs or baguettes for my 60th birthday in a few years time!

DK

 

[Ally T]

I love reading these journeys (& drooling over the pictures, of course!)

When women talk about upgrading their rings, to many people it can seem flighty & frivolous. But actually, there's a deep, deep process going on & an evolving satisfaction & joy emerging.

It's so lovely to read what was changed & why, until you get to the BINGO! moment

 

[Mreader]

It's still in the setting but no longer mine. It found a new home with a truly lovely PSer. Maybe she will share at some point. But I think it definitely went the perfect person.

One of my favorite rings! I didn’t know it went to a PSer - so glad to hear it!!!

 

[Mreader]

Love reading about these! Will post mine soon. @mrs-b I didn’t know about the OEC. That stone is TDF did it stay with PS family? I love seeing all of your changes

 

[Mreader]

First e-ring 1.16 GIA H in a Jeff Cooper platinum 3 stone setting.



That was in 2004 and though this didn’t exactly replace my e-ring, in 2016 I got a fancy yellow from DBL and would alternate.



In 2019-2020 started getting really interested in old cuts. Got a 2ct OEC w baguette side stones in fall 2020. I wore it almost exclusively.



In still kept my original e-ring though but decided to reset it. Kept the setting and added a tanzy in it. DK did the reset.




Then we get to just last week! Massive upgrade to GIA 3.98 L OEC in CVB setting. I’m so in love and don’t anticipate any other changes. I still have all these rings though lol and am currently deciding what to do with the 2ct oec.

 

[Ann]

Love seeing all these. Please keep posting because I sooo want to upgrade and just need you guys to push me over the edge, haha! Currently have an elongated modern cushion 4.26 with trap sides, Leon Mege. Really wanting to go larger and maybe a Oval or EC. Just cannot decide.

 

[Lakefront]

This must be what people that love watching the Bachelor feel like!
I could watch these diamond journey sagas all day long. Beautiful pieces.

 

[the_mother_thing]

@mrs-b It’s awful that your original sentimental stone was stolen/swapped, but hopefully the journey that followed has brought you joy. Have you thought about having DK make you one of those 2-stone wraps that you can add to have a 3-stone with your Beloved when you want? I can’t remember who it was but I saw a thread that someone had that and it’s genius! I often waffle between wanting a simple soli or more bling a la 3-stone.

@dk168 I love the reset & look forward to seeing what you decide on for the next iteration.

@Mreader What a journey & collection! Your new OEC is just divine!

I forgot to note in my original post that I still have my tycoon diamond (2 & 1/2 years now) that needs to be set. I’m super close to settling on how I want it; really just need to pull the trigger on it.

 

[molecule]

Yes it’s been a long journey. Started at my 15th anniversary and ends at my 24th. Original ering. 1 carat F VS1 MRB. Typical spready OK cut. But super white which was all I knew about. I don’t even have a pic of the ring. But the diamond I still have, which will make an appearance in a later pic.
FIRST UPGRADE.
2.57 F VS1 MRB in a 5 stone setting. GIA 3x before I knew about super ideals. Pics are on PS. Parts that didn’t light up bothered me. But I thought the problem was with the setting. Well, lots of problems really
First Victor Canera setting, upgrade reset.


Got bit by OEC bug. Traded this in for 3.04 K VS1 OEC.




Then got another reset by Victor Canera.


CompleteBack to MRB, this time super ideal at WF. Downsized. 2.47 E VS1. Went for my dream 3 stone with BIG sides. 1.2 and 1.1. (1.1 was my original ering.). Setting by Steven Kirsch.

I love this diamond and this three stone ring so much that I am at ring peace. I seldom ever take pictures, stare at it, think about it, check to see if I think it’s bright and pretty enough in a certain environment. I don’t think about upgrading or changing the setting. In fact, every time I look at it I am relieved I went with the big sides. I need visual balance, substantial across the finger bling. A solitaire made me feel like something was missing. Small pave sides were too cute. I wanted unapologetically bold and clean. We will see how long I stay here.

@LLJsmom Is there a thread with more pictures of the original OEC setting with baguettes?

 

[Tourmaline]

What a fun thread!

My first engagement ring was an emerald cut I VS1 2.01ct diamond. I picked it out and it was exactly what I wanted at the time. I've just looked through my camera roll from way back then, and I can only find this horrible photo.



Over time I came to regret the step cut stone, and I really wanted a round, preferably old cut! At the 10 year mark, we traded it in for a 5.01ct L VS1 early round brilliant (not an OEC at all), because my husband liked modern better. I didn't, but I liked that he was up for me getting a different ring. This stone went through a whole bunch of settings as I was quite fickle!







I started to really crave an antique cluster ring, and when Grace posted one that knocked my socks off, I quickly wrote to her and committed to it without even speaking to my husband first. When I spoke to him, I offered to sell the solitaire, and he liked the idea of having surplus money leftover after such a sale. I had both of them for about a day, and I sent the solitaire to Grace. She sold it in a few months.





I still absolutely love the antique cluster ring, and I was able to keep it and also get an OEC solitaire when the solitaire bug bit me again. My OEC is 5.48ct, M VS1, and I adore it.

 

[Cerulean]

Mine!
2ct center
0.33ct each sides
Platinum
WF custom (the mount that they would later add to inventory as Butterflies)

https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/my-2-ct-fic-is-here-journey-and-pics.123820/





Upgrade - I wanted a bigger center…
2.7ct center
0.43ct each sides
Unplated Ni-WG
WF Butterflies

https://www.pricescope.com/communit...s-here-2-7-three-stone-in-unplated-wg.144010/




Comparison between first and second:



Reset - I wanted more stones…
2.7ct center
0.43ct each sides
~0.15ct each sides
Unplated Pd-WG
DBL custom

First attempted this design with Victor Canera, didn’t love the outcome, had it redone by DBL and was thrilled - these are pics of the DBL
https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/my-two-new-victor-canera-masterpieces.168402/
https://www.pricescope.com/communit...-5-stone-8-prong-trellis-reset-by-dbl.170161/






Reset - I wanted still more stones…
2.7ct center
0.43ct each sides
0.24ct each sides
0.14ct each sides
YG and two different alloys of unplated Ni-WG
RDG custom

No thread on this one. This is the most spectacular and special ring mount I will ever own. I’ve since reset the diamond and this setting now houses a lab ruby with colour that I will never be able to afford in a mined stone.







Upgrade - I wanted a bigger center…
4ct center
Platinum
Erika Winters Margot

https://www.pricescope.com/communit...ty-4-01-j-vs1-in-erika-winters-margot.231053/






I want a bigger stone. Eventually. Whatever I get will go right back into Margot

Your 7 stone gives me goosebumps every time I see it!

 

[Mreader]

What a fun thread!

My first engagement ring was an emerald cut I VS1 2.01ct diamond. I picked it out and it was exactly what I wanted at the time. I've just looked through my camera roll from way back then, and I can only find this horrible photo.



Over time I came to regret the step cut stone, and I really wanted a round, preferably old cut! At the 10 year mark, we traded it in for a 5.01ct L VS1 early round brilliant (not an OEC at all), because my husband liked modern better. I didn't, but I liked that he was up for me getting a different ring. This stone went through a whole bunch of settings as I was quite fickle!







I started to really crave an antique cluster ring, and when Grace posted one that knocked my socks off, I quickly wrote to her and committed to it without even speaking to my husband first. When I spoke to him, I offered to sell the solitaire, and he liked the idea of having surplus money leftover after such a sale. I had both of them for about a day, and I sent the solitaire to Grace. She sold it in a few months.





I still absolutely love the antique cluster ring, and I was able to keep it and also get an OEC solitaire when the solitaire bug bit me again. My OEC is 5.48ct, M VS1, and I adore it.

Both the cluster and the oec are perfection!

 

[mwilliamanderson]

What a great thread. I loved reading about, and seeing pictures, documenting everyone's ER journey! It's clear to me that even with your different style preferences you have influenced and elevated each other's engagement ring journey over the years.

 

[mrs-b]

Love reading about these! Will post mine soon. @mrs-b I didn’t know about the OEC. That stone is TDF did it stay with PS family? I love seeing all of your changes

HI @Mreader - no, it didn't. I only owned it for 2 weeks, then sent it back to GOG. They recut it into a huge AVR. I think it started at about 5.3ct, but dipped below 5ct, so that was a shame. On the up side, tho, it went from an S-T in color up to an O. It sold almost immediately.

 

[Catmom]

Welcome back! Here is my ER journey:

My original set was a .30ct J VS2 round diamond that was my husband's grandmother's stone. I still have it today.


Somewhere around the 15yr mark we upgraded to a 1.25ct J VS2 princess cut solitaire. I don't have any pics of that ring that I can find. At the 25 year mark we were going to upgrade to a 2 ct diamond but I had 2 kids in college at the time so I decided it would be better just to switch out my setting.



At our 27th anniversary my hubby felt bad about not upgrading and he saw how much I loved this FLY diamond ring my jeweler had so he called me one day and said go ahead and get it. I was so happy that it was still there and it became mine. I traded in the princess for this ring. 2.52cts mixed radiant/cushion cut FLY VS1.



That brings us up to last year and my 40th anniversary plus a "big" birthday. Hubby knew he was on the hook for an upgrade. We actually had fun looking at all the different diamonds and then we found this one. 3.01ct I VVS2 EC. All hand forged and hand engraved platinum. The ring I always wanted. Is it my last ring? I don't know, lol.

 

[Bonfire]

@Catmom, I love that you added milgrain to the traps!