I’ve very gratefully come to own an heirloom round with tapered baguettes weighing, I'm told, approx. 4.5 carats and am considering reworking it (with the gifter’s permission).
Ultimately I'd like to send the center stone to the GIA for grading (I don't have specs) and then reset it:
-as low as possible for aesthetics and wearability, and
-in a setting to subtly give the round the slightest suggestion of squarer or cushiony appearance. Nothing approaching illusion setting or a halo, just prongs proportioned and shaped with this aim in mind. Maybe double claw. Maybe a hair bulkier than need be, but shapely. Maybe non-baguette sidestones to diminish the doorknob effect. This is all preliminary.
Before either of the above, I'm wondering if it makes sense to evaluate for recut to achieve more ideal performance. I love what I’ve seen of Brian Gavin’s recuts and I think I’d like to at least send it for analysis. I am curious to see a sarin report, whether this is a candidate and what my options may be.
I’m happy with the stone’s light return, but is has a very low crown angle, right? Would you call this a pancake diamond?
I’m not sure this could be addressed without a lot of weight/diameter loss? (I know this cannot be determined based on photos)
I don't want to lose a huge amount of size, because, while I have permission from the gifter to make a project of this, I don't want to seem ungrateful by making too drastic a change.
Facet symmetry isn’t perfect, but I consider that part of the stone’s vintage charm. And I think it’s not perfectly round but again that doesn't bother me except to the extent it impacts performance (and unless there is a nasty surprise hidden under a prong)
I have an ASET scope but haven’t been able to get any worthwhile pictures
Ring was initially purchased before 1970 and likely much earlier
Please share your thoughts







Ultimately I'd like to send the center stone to the GIA for grading (I don't have specs) and then reset it:
-as low as possible for aesthetics and wearability, and
-in a setting to subtly give the round the slightest suggestion of squarer or cushiony appearance. Nothing approaching illusion setting or a halo, just prongs proportioned and shaped with this aim in mind. Maybe double claw. Maybe a hair bulkier than need be, but shapely. Maybe non-baguette sidestones to diminish the doorknob effect. This is all preliminary.
Before either of the above, I'm wondering if it makes sense to evaluate for recut to achieve more ideal performance. I love what I’ve seen of Brian Gavin’s recuts and I think I’d like to at least send it for analysis. I am curious to see a sarin report, whether this is a candidate and what my options may be.
I’m happy with the stone’s light return, but is has a very low crown angle, right? Would you call this a pancake diamond?
I’m not sure this could be addressed without a lot of weight/diameter loss? (I know this cannot be determined based on photos)
I don't want to lose a huge amount of size, because, while I have permission from the gifter to make a project of this, I don't want to seem ungrateful by making too drastic a change.
Facet symmetry isn’t perfect, but I consider that part of the stone’s vintage charm. And I think it’s not perfectly round but again that doesn't bother me except to the extent it impacts performance (and unless there is a nasty surprise hidden under a prong)
I have an ASET scope but haven’t been able to get any worthwhile pictures
Ring was initially purchased before 1970 and likely much earlier
Please share your thoughts







