To halo or not to halo?

[jtfsu]

I need everyone''s expert opinions, please!

My gf is in love with a Tacori halo setting http://tinyurl.com/22ucxd

I definitely agree that it is a beautiful setting, but I have some reservations against it and was wondering what everyone else thought.
- Does a halo setting take away from the beauty of the actual center stone?
- Does the fact that the sides of the diamond are covered by the basket take away from it''s brilliance (as far as light play is concerned).

I guess I am a traditionalist and lean toward a more traditional setting http://tinyurl.com/228xql

Which one should I decide to go with?

 

[mrssalvo]

I think that tacori is beautiful. since it''s a gift for you girlfriend and she will be the one wearing it, i vote to get her what she wants. most men actually prefer a simple solitaire or more traditional setting, but again, this is her ring

 

[LoveDeco]

I''m with you, I prefer to really SEE the center stone. But I think the general population is split 50/50. I''d take her shopping (we love to look at diamonds and try them on! duh!) and verify that she definitely wants the halo. Voice your opinion, once, about taking away from the center stone, suggest to try on a simple setting or one with pave around the band only, and read her facial expression with different settings on. We''re pretty transparent when it comes to these things. One other thing to mention to her is that if she goes with the halo setting, the wedding band is an issue. You get either a curved band or you have a gap between the band and the ring. Neither one is a negative, I don''t mind gaps, personally, but she should know going into the setting what she''s actually getting herself into. Maybe a happy medium is a pave band with the stone set without a halo and a matching pave wedding band! In the end, it''s really whatever she wants! Good luck!!

 

[Ellen]

Hi,

You''ll most likely get varying opinions on whether a halo distracts from the center stone. I personally like a great stone to stand alone, but that doesn''t mean I''m right. It''s just what I happen to think.

In well cut diamonds, the setting should not affect the light play. The light goes in, and comes back out the top.


What I think you should pay most attention to, is what your girl loves. And if that''s the halo, then I personally think that''s the one you should get.

 

[isis~goddess]

i think to halo or not to halo is a matter of how much abuse you are planning to put your ring through. i am having the same dilemma right now and i''m on the fence too. i do have one halo, and i will say that i do not notice any reduced brilliance due to the halo being there. i also think my diamond looks bigger when i see the before and after pictures, so i would tend to say the overall diamond has been enhanced. my eye goes directly to the middle on the diamond when i look at it, the halo just enhances the size. then you have the treat of looking at so much more sparkelys when you view the halo around the stone. you get more finger coverage too, i have big muscular hands, so i need that. halos are definately beautiful and i think you would be happy. HOWEVER, i have come to learn that with my lifestyle, i can''t wear it everyday! i have little kids in diapers, meaning lots of sticky, messing, hand grabbing, hand banging on toys and cups and seat belts and etc. i have already cracked a micropave. the micropave is always going to be a concern. the delicacy of a halo is a concern if you are active and slamming and snagging and what not. i am picking out a setting for my radiant right now, and i will say, i am VERY tempted to do a halo, but i am trying VERY hard not to. i really need something more for everyday. something i can "not worry" about. also, with my halo i noticed it was VERY hard to find a wedding band that matched, without going the "made to match" route. you may be less limited with a traditional setting as far as the mix and match thing goes. that''s just been my experience. it all depends on your lifestyle and preference. good luck, can wait to see your ring!

 

[mrssalvo]

Date: 2/18/2008 10:22:08 AM
Author: LoveDeco
One other thing to mention to her is that if she goes with the halo setting, the wedding band is an issue. You get either a curved band or you have a gap between the band and the ring.

actually, there are plenty of halo designs for a wedding band to sit flush. but i'm with you, a tiny gap wouldn't bother me if a band couldn't sit completely flush.

 

[gwendolyn]

If your lady is partial to halos, then I think that''s what she should get. I''m not generally into halos myself, but the one your girlfriend picked out is a setting that''s on my list of potentials because it is GORGEOUS. She has excellent taste; I''d say give her what she wants.

 

[risingsun]

That particular halo is lovely. I become concerned about the durability of the setting, as others have mentioned. I would definitely find out what her preference is. Do you happen to have a price on this setting? I have an interest in it myself...maybe somewhere down the road!

 

[jayreneepea]

If she''s in love with it... then there''s your answer!