So Indecisive about my E-Ring! What would you do...

[gracieloufreebush]

So some of you may remember me from my last post where I talked about my diamond shopping experiences in NYC. My boyfriend ended up purchasing a 1.82ct K VVS2 cushion. It was a great price for the size and it's a beautiful diamond. I'm just not sure if we should keep it...

We kind of lost sight with what I started out wanting for years when we bought the diamond - a Harry Winston style halo. The 1.82 cannot be haloed because the contrast bugged me. It wasn't warm enough to be a "purposeful looking" (for lack of a better word) contrast and wasn't white enough to not notice the difference. I do love one solitaire setting - VC's Trueste setting. But I feel like I might regret not getting the halo. But then again I could regret not keeping this diamond because who knows what else we will find and out of all the diamonds we saw in NYC, none of them really stood out to me like this one.

I am just so indecisive it's driving me crazy. We don't have any other diamond prospects at the moment (that we would halo). And we have about a month left to return the diamond to JA.

I'm just not sure what to do. When I first saw the 1.82 my eyes lit up and I still love it. It looks really white almost all the time and it's huge! Dream size diamond for me really. I'm just not sure if I should keep it and put it in a setting like the trueste OR return it and the HW ring that I've always wanted-but with a much smaller spread probably.

What would you do if you were in my situation? I'd appreciate any advice.

 

[ame]

Can someone like VC get lower colored melee enough that side by side when it's haloed it won't be so much contrast? That way you get the setting look you dreamed of AND this stone you love? Because that's what I would do. If this stone is singing to you like this, that's the stone for you, and you find a way to get it set in a way that you will love. There is a way to get lower colored melee.

 

[meg_]

Can someone like VC get lower colored melee enough that side by side when it's haloed it won't be so much contrast? That way you get the setting look you dreamed of AND this stone you love? Because that's what I would do. If this stone is singing to you like this, that's the stone for you, and you find a way to get it set in a way that you will love. There is a way to get lower colored melee.

That was my thought too.

I'm in the same position with a K colored cushion. For me, as long as I can find lower color melee, I'm haloing the heck out that sucker.

 

[tyty333]

Can you ask around to see who can do the halo in lower colored stones. That should help with
the contrast some but not sure if that will do it for you. Sounds like you love the stone so I
would hate for you to give it up but only you know what's going to make you happy.

Edit - just saw ames beat me to it!

 

[SMC]

I agree with trying to find lower colored melee. However, have you been looking on other diamond sites? What about going up in color and down in clarity? You have a VVS2 which may or may not be necessary.

 

[gracieloufreebush]

Thanks for the quick replies! I have thought of using lower colored melee but heard a lot of conflicting thoughts about doing this. I read on here that even using lower color melee there will still be a difference because it's not so much of a color difference but a performance difference from the center stone and the pave.

Also I won't be able to have VC or SK or Leon who are recommended a lot for the HW ring because they are all out of budget unfortunately. I was going to go with ERD because I saw their version of the setting in person and loved it.

I really wish the lower color melee was the answer. Maybe it is and I need to look into it more? but I'm not sure

 

[gracieloufreebush]

I agree with trying to find lower colored melee. However, have you been looking on other diamond sites? What about going up in color and down in clarity? You have a VVS2 which may or may not be necessary.

I have definitely tried going down in clarity. I will take anything that is truly eye clean. I'm just haven't found the right one yet. This diamond just happened to be VVS2- wasnt a requirement. But I really don't think it affected the price that much because IMO it was a pretty great deal.

 

[04diamond<3]

Thanks for the quick replies! I have thought of using lower colored melee but heard a lot of conflicting thoughts about doing this. I read on here that even using lower color melee there will still be a difference because it's not so much of a color difference but a performance difference from the center stone and the pave.

Also I won't be able to have VC or SK or Leon who are recommended a lot for the HW ring because they are all out of budget unfortunately. I was going to go with ERD because I saw their version of the setting in person and loved it.

I really wish the lower color melee was the answer. Maybe it is and I need to look into it more? but I'm not sure

YES! The only time you should start flipping out is when you've done everything and it's not working. See if ERD can create a halo using lower color melee or even GOG.

 

[SB621]

Thanks for the quick replies! I have thought of using lower colored melee but heard a lot of conflicting thoughts about doing this. I read on here that even using lower color melee there will still be a difference because it's not so much of a color difference but a performance difference from the center stone and the pave.

Also I won't be able to have VC or SK or Leon who are recommended a lot for the HW ring because they are all out of budget unfortunately. I was going to go with ERD because I saw their version of the setting in person and loved it.

I really wish the lower color melee was the answer. Maybe it is and I need to look into it more? but I'm not sure

YES! The only time you should start flipping out is when you've done everything and it's not working. See if ERD can create a halo using lower color melee or even GOG.

+1 I have seen ERD's halo and I really thing they do a beautiful version. I would ask Mark what his thoughts are. He has great customer service..so he will give you his honest opinion. I say if your dream is a halo then get it done.

 

[gracieloufreebush]

Okay so hypothetically speaking, say the lower color melee would not change anything about the contrast. Keep or return? Wish there was an easy answer, I know it's ultimately up to me and how I feel.

 

[Niel]

i would do it! probably in a yellow gold, though. (if it were me ), if the melee could match.


if it couldnt I would return the diamond. I think a whole ring is the most important thing. Its better than a big diamond you can't fit in the right ring. Better to have a little bit smaller one on your finger than a bigger one you cant do anything with.

 

[Dreamer_D]

That cushion you have is a needle in a haystack. I would keep it for sure. Set it into a temporary solitaire and then think about the mount once you have worn it a while.

Many many older antique style rings have pave and halos, and most of those diamonds were K color or more tinted, and they look divine.

 

[Dreamer_D]

double post.

But wanted to add that the style of halo will make all the difference. I do not see that diamond in a run of the mill HW halo.

 

[Niel]

That cushion you have is a needle in a haystack. I would keep it for sure. Set it into a temporary solitaire and then think about the mount once you have worn it a while.

Many many older antique style rings have pave and halos, and most of those diamonds were K color or more tinted, and they look divine.

OH! i didnt even see your stone, for some reason i was just assuming it was a round brilliant. that stone is fabulous!!

i know you want a HW style, but a more vintage one would be fabulous.

[URL='https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/third-times-the-charm-2-4ct-oec-in-new-single-stone-halo.182455/']https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/third-times-the-charm-2-4ct-oec-in-new-single-stone-halo.182455/[/URL]

 

[Fly Girl]

The right halo can be made for your diamond. I don't believe for one second that this is impossible. Perhaps it won't just drop into a stock diamond halo setting, but so what? If a stock halo is what you really, really want, then you can go for that. But, I don't think that it is.

You love this diamond, it makes your heart sing, and I think you have a wonderful stone on your hands. It is plenty big for a solitaire setting, so I would recommend setting that baby so you can wear it, and get the right halo setting when time and funds allow. You never need to abondon the dream. Sometimes, wonderful things come to those who are patient.

 

[iluvdiamonds2]

I think if u love the diamond, u can find a setting that is perfect or have one custom made for u with the perfect color diamonds for just the right amount of contrast u r desiring. If u want the diamond to appear warm, get the halo made with D colored stones or vice versa. I hope this helps.

can u post pics?? and pics of settings??

 

[ame]

Thanks for the quick replies! I have thought of using lower colored melee but heard a lot of conflicting thoughts about doing this. I read on here that even using lower color melee there will still be a difference because it's not so much of a color difference but a performance difference from the center stone and the pave.

Also I won't be able to have VC or SK or Leon who are recommended a lot for the HW ring because they are all out of budget unfortunately. I was going to go with ERD because I saw their version of the setting in person and loved it.

I really wish the lower color melee was the answer. Maybe it is and I need to look into it more? but I'm not sure

Oh I thought you were considering VC which is why i said to contact him. If ERD is who you want, call Mark T and discuss. I have no doubt he can make it work. And I would also wonder if its not obtainable low enough, if there is a way to "cup" the rim where he sets the stones in unplated white gold to compensate a little added warmth there for the melee to be warmer if necessary.

It CAN probably be done, and I think he can do it well. Dont give up if you love that stone. I would in the meantime set it in a temporary setting so you can wear it, if you havent already. That way you can be sure you love it because you're wearing it day to day in every lighting environment you're regularly in.

 

[gracieloufreebush]

Sorry here are some pics.


Some of the facets look dark across the length of the stone when it's not moving. Normal? I see pics of other diamonds here on PS and most seem to always look bright.


Window behind me.


And last one.

 

[woofmama]

Oh My gracielb! I just checked out your NYC thread & that stone is amazing!!! Please don't give up on it. Surely you can find a setting that will look perfect with that beauty. Have you considered an antique style setting? Talk to ERD, see what they can do.
Here is what I would choose if I owned that diamond, it's from Singlestone. Not a halo, but a perfect compliment to an antique cut warm cushion.

 

[Laila619]

Oh my gosh, your diamond is so beautiful. I would halo it and not worry about the color contrast. But if it really bugs you, find some lower color melee. I myself wouldn't mind it at all, but obviously you have to be happy and your opinion is the only one that counts. But seriously, your stone is gorgeous. You might regret giving it up. Halo halo halo!!

 

[TC1987]

Halo it in colored gemstones is another option. Somebody on here has an M color RB in a ruby halo,YG, iirc. Looks great. Back when I was getting married, I looked through a lot of European bridal magazines for the jewelry. Europe has a lot of 18k YG with a diamond and colored gems like ruby, dark blue sapphire, or emerald. But there isn't a lot of that look here in the USA.

 

[dani13]

I would so keep that diamond. Call Mark and talk to him. He has great taste and an awesome eye, so he will guide you in the right direction. Good luck!

 

[Christina...]

Your stone is gorgeous, so I'm with everyone else KEEP IT! I adore halos but I wonder sometimes if they aren't a trend that is going to end in the near future? Although I can find you threads that asked the same question from years ago so who knows? I also wonder if you will see less color contrast once the stone is set in a halo because you won't have a clear view of the pavilion where body color is most evident? And though it may take some time, I think that it would be a good idea to search for an original antique halo setting that would fit your stone.

 

[Enerchi]

Maybe you've thought of this and ruled it out... but what about a halo in either yellow or pink diamond melee?? That would really look amazing! I could see your gorgeous cushion, pink melee and RG or yellow melee and YG for the head and WG/Plat for the shank... YUM!


(but if you've already decided that's not for you--- just ignore!)

 

[Rosebloom]

Halo it in colored gemstones is another option. Somebody on here has an M color RB in a ruby halo,YG, iirc. Looks great. Back when I was getting married, I looked through a lot of European bridal magazines for the jewelry. Europe has a lot of 18k YG with a diamond and colored gems like ruby, dark blue sapphire, or emerald. But there isn't a lot of that look here in the USA.

I love this look. Stunning. Here's a JBEG that I drool over often.

 

[gracieloufreebush]

Wow thanks for all of the suggestions everyone!

I know that having colored diamonds in a halo is not really for me. Theyre gorgeous but for me personally, not for an engagement ring. But that would have been a good idea.

I have definitely thought about getting a more vintage-y looking halo setting. But I feel like it would be the same problem with the contrast. And I was really always set on the HW halo. A lot of people put their antique cushion cuts in that halo and I always think it looks amazing. But if there was another more antique halo that I loved I would be open to that. If anyone has any halo settings like this that they love it would be awesome to see them!

So much to think about. I think I will have my boyfriend ask Mark about the lower color melee- although my bf has been in contact with Mark for several weeks and he knows all about this issue. He hadn't suggested this so I'm not sure about it. He is offering other stones so that I can put one in ERDs Ada setting. Mark has been so extremely nice and helpful so I guess I'll have my bf email him this question to get a conclusive answer on if it could be done.

I didn't think my diamond was such a "needle in a haystack." I know it's really nice but there are a lot of really nice antique style cushions. Definitely at a higher cost than mine though, especially considering the size.

 

[ame]

I love the ruby halo idea.

But see what mark has for options as well to compare.

 

[04diamond<3]

Wow thanks for all of the suggestions everyone!

I know that having colored diamonds in a halo is not really for me. Theyre gorgeous but for me personally, not for an engagement ring. But that would have been a good idea.

I have definitely thought about getting a more vintage-y looking halo setting. But I feel like it would be the same problem with the contrast. And I was really always set on the HW halo. A lot of people put their antique cushion cuts in that halo and I always think it looks amazing. But if there was another more antique halo that I loved I would be open to that. If anyone has any halo settings like this that they love it would be awesome to see them!

So much to think about. I think I will have my boyfriend ask Mark about the lower color melee- although my bf has been in contact with Mark for several weeks and he knows all about this issue. He hadn't suggested this so I'm not sure about it. He is offering other stones so that I can put one in ERDs Ada setting. Mark has been so extremely nice and helpful so I guess I'll have my bf email him this question to get a conclusive answer on if it could be done.

I didn't think my diamond was such a "needle in a haystack." I know it's really nice but there are a lot of really nice antique style cushions. Definitely at a higher cost than mine though, especially considering the size.

That's what makes it a need in a haystack!! I would really try everything before you turn against it. We have some amazing vendors who do amazing work. Figure out what you like, take our suggestions and see what can be done and I'm sure you'll be blown away. Positive thinking!!!

 

[madelise]

Make a halo using J/K colored single cut melee to match the broader facets and color.
I have an M set with J/K melee.
During my project, VC confirmed he did not source J/K in single cuts. This was back in June, though.
My BF is uber color sensitive, and he says it matched perfectly, without any contrasting.


To ease your nervousness, can you go in person to see your diamond next to the melee?

 

[Niel]

Make a halo using J/K colored single cut melee to match the broader facets and color.
I have an M set with J/K melee.
During my project, VC confirmed he did not source J/K in single cuts. This was back in June, though.
My BF is uber color sensitive, and he says it matched perfectly, without any contrasting.


To ease your nervousness, can you go in person to see your diamond next to the melee?

could you post a pic of that one madelise??