Very first PS post... setting an emerald

[nararabbit]

Hi PS'ers! I've been lurking with my husband for months now, as I'm a jewelry fiend but as money is tight, I haven't had much reason to post... however! Our first anniversary is coming, and my father-in-law, who is an even bigger jewelry lover than me, offered me my choice of stones that he had in his collection, provided we set it.

I chose a 2.38 carat square emerald, it has a soft, cloudy green glow; I don't like really clear or dark emeralds so this is perfect for me. I'm interested in setting it in an antique-style setting. We have a friend who is a beautiful jeweler who has agreed to custom design something fabulous for me. I just have a hard time deciding! I thought perhaps I could post some of my ideas and get some feedback from experienced PSers. (I already turned the stone over to our jeweler, so I don't have a picture, sorry! I promise to take one of the finished piece though!)

[url=http://antiqueengagementrings...tiqueengagementrings.com/shopp ... sp?id=2631[/url] I love the detailed flowers on this one. Birds are special to my husband and I, so I was thinking of getting something similar with a tiny bird motif in place of the flowers. Love the vine-y pattern in the band.

http://antiqueengagementrings.com/shopping/shopexd.asp?id=2528 I love this one best, probably because I can easily picture a square stone in it; The 'basket' (or whatever it's called, eek) looks like a little jail cell to me though.

http://antiqueengagementrings.com/shopping/shopexd.asp?id=1602 I like this setting as well, but the stone seems swallowed up by the setting; I'd rather have something where the stone sits higher. I don't plan to wear it every day, so I'm not so concerned that it'll get in harm's way.

What do you all think? I definitely want platinum, as my engagement ring is platinum and I much prefer the softer, warmer color of it. If you have other settings in mind you think I'd like, I'd love to see it. I'm trying to stay away from something with lots of diamonds (lovely but even more $$$$$) or too big (I wear a 4.75) but you all have such great taste I thought you might have something else lovely!

Just to keep the post interesting for those that love pictures, I've included a photo I snapped of a friend's engagement ring that I love - a D color heart diamond set in platinum. Yes, she is a lucky lady.

 

[chictomato]

Hi nararabbit! I like the 3rd design, its sharp and kinda sleek I Love halo, but personally I do not fancy a square halo

 

[nararabbit]

I am not looking for a square halo either, it's more the basket/prong/band style I am looking at... Thanks for the feedback. I am leaning towards the 3rd one as well!

 

[MAC-W]

regardless of the pictures and what I think of them, I'm going to vote for the first one. #2 & #3 you had negatives that it seemed you were trying to justify, whereas with #1 you seemed the most positive about.

I especially like the idea of birds, given they have a special significance to you.

 

[Lady_Disdain]

I love the second and third one.

If you don't like the side view, I am sure your jeweller can adapt the design, changing the bars to a more decorative element. In fact I think you should show all the pictures to the jeweller, so she can understand what you like and dislike about each and use that to create the perfect design for you.

 

[nararabbit]

Hi all,

I know people tend to post and then disappear... I didn't want to do that I sent the images to our jeweler, and he is making a setting now. His name is Brendan Thelman at Out of the Box Gold in palm desert, ca. I looked at some of the pieces he's created recently for others and was really happy with the quality of his work. It also helps that he replaced a lost diamond in my wedding band for free on his own time, and unbent my plat engagement ring and fixed the sizing slightly.

I am expecting to get the CADs in the next week or so, and I will post them here for all to see. And, obviously, I'll post pics of the finished piece when it arrives!

BTW, I opted for a blend of the three designs, with a bit of rose gold to highlight the emerald. I can't wait!! My first big jewelry purchase! (My e-ring was a family heirloom.... lucky me!)

 

[T L]

Whatever you do, or your jeweler does, keep it AWAY FROM ULTRASONIC CLEANERS OR STEAM CLEANERS!!!

 

[nararabbit]

Thanks for the advice! I've always just used a bit of grease cutting dish soap and a soft old tooth brush. I guess I'm too low tech to have this issue? I know for my diamond rings I will occasionally do a water/vinegar dip to really help it sparkle for a special event, but that's it. Do you have a recommended cleaning method for such a soft stone?

 

[serenitydiamonds]

Thanks for the advice! I've always just used a bit of grease cutting dish soap and a soft old tooth brush. I guess I'm too low tech to have this issue? I know for my diamond rings I will occasionally do a water/vinegar dip to really help it sparkle for a special event, but that's it. Do you have a recommended cleaning method for such a soft stone?

Soft toothbrush, warm water, and gentle soap.

--Joshua

 

[baby nurse]

Gosh, nararabbit, what an exciting project! I liked the 3rd setting the best but I can't wait to see the CADs. Sounds like it's going to be a beautiful piece! Best of luck

 

[chrono]

Am looking forward to see your CAD!