Thoughts on ACA melee stones (and feedback on the prong positioning)?

[cakeeatingcat]

I finally talked my partner into going with an ACA stone for our custom engagement ring! I posted here previously about how my local jeweller had no stones that had an HCA score of <2 which was disappointing but my partner was apprehensive about going with an online purchases for such an expensive item.

Our WhiteFlash rep said that the melee stones would be set with "0.12ctw A Cut Above diamonds (hearts & arrows, F-G color, VS2 or better clarity)...". I'm trying to maximize our budget so I'm wondering if the melee diamonds need to be ACA considering that they're so small anyway? 0.12ctw spread across 6 stones is 0.02ct per melee diamond. I'm thinking that going with non-ACA melee stones would be cheaper and I can use the budget towards a nicer center stone?

Below is a simple mockup of our ring.

I'd also love to get your thoughts on the positioning of the prongs as well? I've rarely seen six-claw prongs with prongs NOT positioned at 12 and 6 o'clock but I feel like the 11/1/3/5/7/9 o'clock prongs work better with the design. Six prongs are a must for me as I work in a hospital and have heard many a horror story on prongs getting stuck on bedsheets and patient clothing...



Thank you all in advance! And happy Canadian thanksgiving!

 

[MissGotRocks]

You want the ACA melee. I doubt there would be a significant savings in not using them - even if they would do it. It looks like they would be using three on each side of the center stone?

 

[Big Fat Facets]

if i were in your position, i would absolutely use a cut above melee!!

 

[tyty333]

Agree with others...I dont think it would save you a substantial amount that would allow you to buy a bigger stone. I love the design of the
setting you're going for. As far as the location of prongs I would tell them where you want them and then see what they come up with on the
CADs. You're putting a prong in front of the 3 stones on either side. I dont think it will be an issue but wait and see what they come up with.

You can post CADs here to get feedback.

 

[cakeeatingcat]

Thanks everyone! Looks like I'll just stick with the ACA melees. I'll have to post the CAD here to get feedback once I get it

I'm also wondering if the melee stones (F-G in color) would make my centre stone (likely H in color) look too yellow in comparison?

 

[AprilBaby]

Thanks everyone! Looks like I'll just stick with the ACA melees. I'll have to post the CAD here to get feedback once I get it

I'm also wondering if the melee stones (F-G in color) would make my centre stone (likely H in color) look too yellow in comparison?

No, My center is H and I have two .42 F on either side . I can’t see the difference.

 

[cakeeatingcat]

No, My center is H and I have two .42 F on either side . I can’t see the difference.

Thank you for your feedback! That's very reassuring.

For anyone who's curious - I asked WF about the melee diamonds. The Rep said that in theory they could source lower quality ones as a special request but the price would likely be close if not the same. Looks like I'm sticking with ACA melees. Thanks everyone!

 

[Big Fat Facets]

i do not think the aca f/g melees would make your center h color stone look yellow.

 

[stonehunter20]

i do not think the aca f/g melees would make your center h color stone look yellow.

my center stone is an h aca and i used aca melees. no color difference at all.

 

[Big Fat Facets]

@stonehunter20

i think f/g aca melee will be fine with a center h color

was the aca melee used in your ring also f/g color?