When setting a diamond, gaps or no gaps? Any pros/cons?

[earthlinkjo]

Are there any pros/cons to setting a diamond and leaving space/gaps between the prongs and bottom of the head verses setting the stone completely in the head with no space/gaps?

Attached is a rendering and a photo showing stones set with no gaps, and then there are two photos showing a stone set with space/gaps (circled in red).

My husband and I are debating the subject .

He feels the gaps are important and leave more space for light to enter the stone.

I have tried to explain that I don’t think it works that way???…. that I think light enters the stone from the top down, and all the flash/sparkle really comes more from the cut/angles of the stone itself, not the head setting or any gaps left.

BUT… I am no expert, so maybe I am wrong?

And maybe there are pros/cons for each choice to be considered?

He obviously likes the gaps, but all my rings before were set without them, and I enjoyed that look. But… I am trying to hear him out and consider all angles of the subject before having my setting re-done with no gaps.

 

[Alybetter]

I prefer gaps and a culet that isn’t hidden. Much better cleaning. The gaps don’t even need to be significantly wide, just wide enough so that the fine hairs of my cleaning brushes can squeeze through.

Light comes in through the top.

 

[MissGotRocks]

Yes, I don’t want the culet touching the bottom of the setting. I want some space there for cleaning and I prefer being able to see it.

 

[Karl_K]

Either way is fine as long as the stone is not touching other than at the seat.
Tiny gap is harder to clean but ultrasonic or steam will clean in there.

 

[Ibrakeforpossums]

My favorite ring has enough space underneath for a toilet brush. In contrast my late mother's engagement ring has no room, no space and it's an ordeal to clean. And it always looks like I should have tried harder.

 

[YadaYadaYada]

Toilet brush

 

[earthlinkjo]

Thank you everyone for the replies! Lots to think about and good info about considering the cleaning.

 

[headlight]

This is an interesting topic and one I’ve been struggling with myself recently. I have 2 solitaire similar to these mountings… one set low and the other with space whereas you can see the culet.
I wonder sometimes if having that extra space actually makes the diamond collect dirt easier… and I don’t think it’s so easy to reach the sides of the stone that are exposed in those areas. Also, after you clean the ring you can’t dry off those areas and I think the pavilion air drying versus being wiped creates a negative effect.
I have not had any issue with my low set stone nor looking clean and I feel it stays cleaner. Once I wash my hands with the high set ring it never looks good until I clean the diamond again.
There’s also the visual height aesthetic to consider but that’s a different issue.

 

[earthlinkjo]

This is an interesting topic and one I’ve been struggling with myself recently. I have 2 solitaire similar to these mountings… one set low and the other with space whereas you can see the culet.
I wonder sometimes if having that extra space actually makes the diamond collect dirt easier… and I don’t think it’s so easy to reach the sides of the stone that are exposed in those areas. Also, after you clean the ring you can’t dry off those areas and I think the pavilion air drying versus being wiped creates a negative effect.
I have not had any issue with my low set stone nor looking clean and I feel it stays cleaner. Once I wash my hands with the high set ring it never looks good until I clean the diamond again.
There’s also the visual height aesthetic to consider but that’s a different issue.

That is so interesting!

I have had this stone set a couple of times now (long story, but issues with poor work, uneven prongs, twisted head, soldering work showing, etc.). In all of those first setting attempts the stone was set low, and while the heads/prong work were faulty, the stone always looked gorgeous! I never had a problem with the stone. Now the ring head construction is finally correct (symmetrical, straight, polished), but the stone is now acting and looking different?! Whatever my brain is seeing and picking up on I just haven’t been able to totally put my finger on? It is the same stone, we confirmed the GIA inscription. The head part # it is in now is the exact same head part # it was set in previously, so even that did not change. The only different I can see is that this time it was set a little higher and with the gaps. I wonder if what I am experiencing differently in the visual change to my eyes has something to do with you have described and thought about? I wonder if it is just collecting more dirt/grime and in different ways and places than when it was set lower? I am not delicate with my hands or when wearing my ring… I wash dishes, I cook, I full on garden with it on… so, lots of exposure to dirt, water/mineral buildup, lotions, soap films.

Thank you for sharing this. Very, very interesting to think over for sure!

I did put it on my sonic cleaner the other day to see if getting it really clean would help me visually any, and while it looked better, it didn’t resolve whatever I am seeing… the stone itself just still looks/acts different (to me). So, there might be additional subtleties going on as well from the first settings to this current one.

The only decision I can make now is to have it re-set it lower and see how that goes or leave it as it is and just live with what I can only explain as an “odd/off” feeling that the stone itself just doesn’t look as good or as pleasurable as it did to me previously.

It‘s a bit of a small mystery.

 

[headlight]

This is an interesting topic and one I’ve been struggling with myself recently. I have 2 solitaire similar to these mountings… one set low and the other with space whereas you can see the culet.
I wonder sometimes if having that extra space actually makes the diamond collect dirt easier… and I don’t think it’s so easy to reach the sides of the stone that are exposed in those areas. Also, after you clean the ring you can’t dry off those areas and I think the pavilion air drying versus being wiped creates a negative effect.
I have not had any issue with my low set stone nor looking clean and I feel it stays cleaner. Once I wash my hands with the high set ring it never looks good until I clean the diamond again.
There’s also the visual height aesthetic to consider but that’s a different issue.

That is so interesting!

I have had this stone set a couple of times now (long story, but issues with poor work, uneven prongs, twisted head, soldering work showing, etc.). In all of those first setting attempts the stone was set low, and while the heads/prong work were faulty, the stone always looked gorgeous! I never had a problem with the stone. Now the ring head construction is finally correct (symmetrical, straight, polished), but the stone is now acting and looking different?! Whatever my brain is seeing and picking up on I just haven’t been able to totally put my finger on? It is the same stone, we confirmed the GIA inscription. The head part # it is in now is the exact same head part # it was set in previously, so even that did not change. The only different I can see is that this time it was set a little higher and with the gaps. I wonder if what I am experiencing differently in the visual change to my eyes has something to do with you have described and thought about? I wonder if it is just collecting more dirt/grime and in different ways and places than when it was set lower? I am not delicate with my hands or when wearing my ring… I wash dishes, I cook, I full on garden with it on… so, lots of exposure to dirt, water/mineral buildup, lotions, soap films.

Thank you for sharing this. Very, very interesting to think over for sure!

I did put it on my sonic cleaner the other day to see if getting it really clean would help me visually any, and while it looked better, it didn’t resolve whatever I am seeing… the stone itself just still looks/acts different (to me). So, there might be additional subtleties going on as well from the first settings to this current one.

The only decision I can make now is to have it re-set it lower and see how that goes or leave it as it is and just live with what I can only explain as an “odd/off” feeling that the stone itself just doesn’t look as good or as pleasurable as it did to me previously.

It‘s a bit of a small mystery.

I feel your pain! I was just recently going to see about having my diamond lowered which put me into complete agony I ultimately decided to leave it (other factors to consider related to the mounting items) and had made peace with it and was starting to like the fact it sat higher… it was more “regal”. I accepted that the two rings have different diamonds of different sizes and proportions and I should just enjoy both even though same exact mounting and both rounds. But now after reading all this I’m back to the questioning!!!!!! Ugh!

 

[earthlinkjo]

I feel your pain! I was just recently going to see about having my diamond lowered which put me into complete agony I ultimately decided to leave it (other factors to consider related to the mounting items) and had made peace with it and was starting to like the fact it sat higher… it was more “regal”. I accepted that the two rings have different diamonds of different sizes and proportions and I should just enjoy both even though same exact mounting and both rounds. But now after reading all this I’m back to the questioning!!!!!! Ugh!

Ohhhh no, I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to reopen the mind-wound that was on its way to healing well for you. Sorry!

We really are both going through the exact same dilemma. I know... every time I give it back to the jeweler to be re-worked it seems like something else goes awry. As I am sure you are feeling also… once you go down, you can’t adjust it back up because that material on the head is gone… so if it messes up, then it’s back to the drawing board with a new head and all the expense all over again.

Plus, I am starting to wonder what the stone itself goes through each time it is set? Unfortunately my stone has now been subjected to being set 4 times. Could all that heating and manipulating be changing or affecting it (mine is a lab, so I know there are some subtle property differences… but, yes, this is Rocky Talk… I posted here because the setting question I feel applies to all diamonds).

Both the jeweler who set it and my husband asked me to allow the jeweler to set it as he would, to his best standards as a professional… even though I said I prefer dainty prongs and the stone set as low as reasonably possible. The jeweler said, let’s try it my way first, and if you still want it changed then I will change it, no problem.

So… yes, like yourself I am sitting with it asking myself if I can just accept and adjust to it as it is (take at least the “known”)…or if I want to take the risk with ring re-setting round #5 (Into the unknown, again).

Yet, there is still a very stubborn voice in me that keeps saying/asking, “why should I settle?!”. I have been really clear and upfront with all the jewelers about what I want. I even gave them my existing ring and have said, “I want it exactly just like this“. So, a part of me doesn’t want to stop until my eyes look at it and it clicks with my brain and everything in my being says, “it’s perfect!” and I do the happy dance. Why settle for more of an 80% feeling?… because I am scared of this going on and on and costing more and more time and money, and my husband is one million percent annoyed at this point driving back and forth to jewelers over this? Oh yeah, those things .

But then I keep telling him, “Imagine you found a scratch or flaw on your brand new corvette” (We each got a bucket list/fun thing this year… so the car is his new baby, his new love, his fun new luxury, toy, play thing, obsession )… are you telling me that you wouldn’t go to any and all lengths to get it back to the dealer or a shop to get it fixed or made right? I mean he’s out in that garage cleaning, polishing, fussing over that thing like every other day. Buying accessories like it’s a new doll. It’s wonderful! He’s very happy and having a lot of new fun.

Well, a corvette my ring is not, but this ring/stone size upgrade is my new fun, luxury, always dreamt about, fantasy thing… and I would also like it to be and feel perfect and right (to me).

And yes, it’s sooooo silly. It’s just a tiny shiny stone in the most simple and standard of six prong settings ever (it’s just Stuller for goodness sake) and yet, nothing but odd mishaps and problems getting it set. It really should not be this hard.

Anyway… thanks again for the chat!!! It helps!

 

[headlight]

Ohhhh no, I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to reopen the mind-wound that was on its way to healing well for you. Sorry!

We really are both going through the exact same dilemma. I know... every time I give it back to the jeweler to be re-worked it seems like something else goes awry. As I am sure you are feeling also… once you go down, you can’t adjust it back up because that material on the head is gone… so if it messes up, then it’s back to the drawing board with a new head and all the expense all over again.

Plus, I am starting to wonder what the stone itself goes through each time it is set? Unfortunately my stone has now been subjected to being set 4 times. Could all that heating and manipulating be changing or affecting it (mine is a lab, so I know there are some subtle property differences… but, yes, this is Rocky Talk… I posted here because the setting question I feel applies to all diamonds).

Both the jeweler who set it and my husband asked me to allow the jeweler to set it as he would, to his best standards as a professional… even though I said I prefer dainty prongs and the stone set as low as reasonably possible. The jeweler said, let’s try it my way first, and if you still want it changed then I will change it, no problem.

So… yes, like yourself I am sitting with it asking myself if I can just accept and adjust to it as it is (take at least the “known”)…or if I want to take the risk with ring re-setting round #5 (Into the unknown, again).

Yet, there is still a very stubborn voice in me that keeps saying/asking, “why should I settle?!”. I have been really clear and upfront with all the jewelers about what I want. I even gave them my existing ring and have said, “I want it exactly just like this“. So, a part of me doesn’t want to stop until my eyes look at it and it clicks with my brain and everything in my being says, “it’s perfect!” and I do the happy dance. Why settle for more of an 80% feeling?… because I am scared of this going on and on and costing more and more time and money, and my husband is one million percent annoyed at this point driving back and forth to jewelers over this? Oh yeah, those things .

But then I keep telling him, “Imagine you found a scratch or flaw on your brand new corvette” (We each got a bucket list/fun thing this year… so the car is his new baby, his new love, his fun new luxury, toy, play thing, obsession )… are you telling me that you wouldn’t go to any and all lengths to get it back to the dealer or a shop to get it fixed or made right? I mean he’s out in that garage cleaning, polishing, fussing over that thing like every other day. Buying accessories like it’s a new doll. It’s wonderful! He’s very happy and having a lot of new fun.

Well, a corvette my ring is not, but this ring/stone size upgrade is my new fun, luxury, always dreamt about, fantasy thing… and I would also like it to be and feel perfect and right (to me).

And yes, it’s sooooo silly. It’s just a tiny shiny stone in the most simple and standard of six prong settings ever (it’s just Stuller for goodness sake) and yet, nothing but odd mishaps and problems getting it set. It really should not be this hard.

Anyway… thanks again for the chat!!! It helps!

I get you a million percent (hubby issues included!). I think reading this last post of yours has brought me back to keep it as it is. Opening that Pandora’s box is a torture I can’t go through. I’ve been through this dance and it never ends well for me so I think it best I opt for inner peace and marital peace lol even if it means that question of what if remains in the back of my head. I actually had someone on this forum tell me a long time ago (when dealing with a different unsatisfying jewelry situation) that perhaps it’s me and not the piece. Knowing me as I do lol, that was not out of the realm of possibility!!!
Even as a lab grown I don’t think it should be an issue with the resets if a competent person is doing it but obviously you don’t want to make a habit of continual resets. The lab grown has the same chemical composition and crystal structure as earth grown. There is some slight difference at the atomic level but I don’t know if that would be enough to create a vulnerability or not but I don’t think the jeweler would continue to do the resets if this was of concern.
Here’s something to consider: perhaps this type of setting isn’t right for you… maybe you should have a shank with a basket setting instead. I’m just trying to think of ideas (but if you change and it doesn’t help I’ll feel awful for suggesting it!).
Also, on a different topic, please give thought to what you do with the ring on… you really shouldn’t do gardening, etc., with it on to avoid loss of diamond, damage to diamond, damage to mounting, etc. I wear dishwashing gloves when doing dishes.
Diamonds are grease magnets so all the dish grime and lotion and even hand soaps muck it up. That’s why Dawn is the best to clean with. I’ve tried so many different diamond cleaning products and I think many of those formulas leave a film that just attracts more dirt and grime! (Don’t forget to cover the sink drain when cleaning the ring!)
Thank you so much for the conversation and I wish both of us good diamond vibes!

 

[headlight]

Here are the profile views of each of mine:


Neither have open area on the sides, just the space under the culet on the ring with the smaller diamond.

 

[earthlinkjo]

Here are the profile views of each of mine:


Neither have open area on the sides, just the space under the culet on the ring with the smaller diamond.

Love your last post. Thank you for sharing that.

Yes! What is that popular saying/quote? Something to the effect of, “Is it better to be happy/peaceful or to be right”.

Thank you for posting these photos! It clears this up for me also! I am going to have mine lowered. I was instantly drawn to your photo on the left. That looks gives me all the right feelings. It makes some sense as that’s how my previous ring of 12 years was set, and I always loved it.

Alright, job well done! Happy this helped both of us land at a decision.

Thank you tons!

 

[headlight]

Love your last post. Thank you for sharing that.

Yes! What is that popular saying/quote? Something to the effect of, “Is it better to be happy/peaceful or to be right”.

Thank you for posting these photos! It clears this up for me also! I am going to have mine lowered. I was instantly drawn to your photo on the left. That looks gives me all the right feelings. It makes some sense as that’s how my previous ring of 12 years was set, and I always loved it.

Alright, job well done! Happy this helped both of us land at a decision.

Thank you tons!

I, too, LOVE the one that is set low. However, that stone is 2.31ct. with an 8.59mm spread. It would look ridiculous being set high(er). The smaller diamond is 2.01ct with an 8.01mm. I think it would look too small and squatty set all the way inside the mounting head. I printed out the photo and drew a line to follow the shape of the diamond and I feared it would make the diamond look tiny. I threw out the photo but if you want me to redo it for you I will. My friend just had her original diamond reset and it is a 1 ct princess in a bezel that was set really low and honestly it looks too low. What is the size of your diamond?

 

[headlight]

@earthlinkjo I made up another illustration to show you what I mean when I said that if I reset the smaller diamond to resemble how the larger diamond is set it will look too small/squatty:

 

[earthlinkjo]

I, too, LOVE the one that is set low. However, that stone is 2.31ct. with an 8.59mm spread. It would look ridiculous being set high(er). The smaller diamond is 2.01ct with an 8.01mm. I think it would look too small and squatty set all the way inside the mounting head. I printed out the photo and drew a line to follow the shape of the diamond and I feared it would make the diamond look tiny. I threw out the photo but if you want me to redo it for you I will. My friend just had her original diamond reset and it is a 1 ct princess in a bezel that was set really low and honestly it looks too low. What is the size of your diamond?

My stone is a 3.45ct., 9.68mm spread.

What happened with the last setting (previous to this one) is that jeweler (on 3rd setting attempt) used the exact same Stuller part # head that the ring is in now, except they ordered a separate head and shank and put it together themselves (well, sent it out to someone), and that work came out with crooked prongs and the head attached twisted (nothing was straight or symmetrical). It was just sloppy work… but the stone was placed perfectly, the height was good, and it looked beautiful otherwise! Go figure!

So, we gave up on that jeweler (3 strikes you are out… plus we were just embarrassed by it all at that point) and we took it to someone else who has his bench in his shop and does all the work right there himself. I showed the new jeweler the ring and said I liked “everything“ about how it was set, except I just wanted the crooked and twisted issues corrected.

It could not be fixed, so his suggestion/solution was to buy a fully pre-made Stuller setting with the exact same head… but premade by Stuller as a complete ready to go setting (not separate parts) as he explained they use computers to line up and weld everything together and it would all be symmetrical, straight, perfect right out of the gate. And he was right about that.

When that arrived, all that was left was to set the stone… and you already know that story. He wanted me to try the ring with the stone set his preferred way first… but is totally willing to lower it and knew going in that that might still remain my preference.

So, I already know what it looks like set lower in this same head and it’s not too low at all and doesn‘t look squat.

BUT! I know exactly (exactly, exactly) what you are talking about!

That was one of the issues I had with one of the previous settings… it just turned out too low and while the craftsmanship that time was lovely, it sat so low that it look squat and spread out in a very awkward way, and it sat oddly behind my wedding band, with the height of my little band even overwhelming and covering up some of the ability to view it nicely. To your point, it absolutely looked weird.

That head was custom made and it, by design, sat low down into the band even. It wasn’t just because the stone was set low in the head itself. This was a new low… hahahaha

The new Stuller head has more height built into the head, so no issue or worry there.

But, here is a pic of the previous squat one though…. Very, very pretty, just too low. You can’t fully grasp it from this angle, but looking at it from say an angle of when I was driving my car, it was exactly as you described.

 

[headlight]

My stone is a 3.45ct.

What happened with the last setting (previous to this one) is that jeweler (on 3rd setting attempt) used the exact same Stuller part # head that the ring is in now, except they ordered a separate head and shank and put it together themselves, and that work came out with crooked prongs and the head attached twisted (nothing was straight or symmetrical). It was just sloppy work… but the stone was placed perfectly, the height was good, and it looked beautiful otherwise! Go figure!

So, we gave up on that jeweler (3 strikes you are out… plus we were just embarrassed by it all at that point) and we took it to someone else who has his bench in his shop and does all the work right there himself. I showed the new jeweler the ring and said I liked “everything“ about how it was set, except I just wanted the crooked and twisted issues corrected.

It could not be fixed, so his suggestion/solution was to buy a fully pre-made Stuller setting with the exact same head… but premade by Stuller as a complete ready to go setting (not separate parts) as he explained they use computers to line up and weld everything together and it would all be symmetrical, straight, perfect right out of the gate. And he was right about that.

When that arrived, all that was left was to set the stone… and you already know that story. He wanted me to try the ring with the stone set his preferred way first… but is totally willing to lower it and knew going in that that might still remain my preference.

So, I already know what it looks like set lower in this same head and it’s not too low at all and doesn‘t look squat.

BUT! I know exactly (exactly, exactly) what you are talking about!

That was one of the issues I had with one of the previous settings… it just turned out too low and while the craftsmanship that time was lovely, it sat so low that it look squat and spread out in a very awkward way, and it sat oddly behind my wedding band, with the height of my little band even overwhelming and covering up some of the ability to view it nicely. To your point, it absolutely looked weird.

That head was custom made and it, by design, sat low down into the band even. It wasn’t just because the stone was set low in the head itself. This was a new low… hahahaha

The new Stuller head has more height built into the head, so no issue or worry there.

But, here is a pic of the previous squat one though…. Very, very pretty, just too low. You can’t fully grasp it from this angle, but looking at it from say an angle of when I was driving my car, it was exactly as you described.

Wow, you have a very large diamond! (I used to have a 3.29ct but traded it awhile back, wasn't comfortable with the size and didn't like the diamond). When I received the ring with my larger stone that is set the way you like it I thought they set it too low. Actually, I still think it is squatty yet i think it is too large to put higher... perhaps a weeeee bit but that's it. My smaller stone could go a wee bit lower and not look squat but the agony and drama and risk of "disaster" if made worse in any capacity, often unknown at this time as is often the case is not worth it. And, while I really hate the way my smaller higher set ring looks in photos or even when I just look at it holding it in my hand, it looks nice ON my finger. Very "statuesque" yet it does not bang into anything or get in the way. It looks "right" on the finger but it looks super ugly off!!!
I think with the size of your diamond it should be fine going lower. And remember... money fixes most things lol so you can always redo it again to the way the new jeweler usually does it.
Perhaps you can do us both a favor and ask him why the way he did it (his preferred way) is his preference. What is it about that way that makes it more desirable to him. That would be really helpful info!

 

[earthlinkjo]

Wow, you have a very large diamond! (I used to have a 3.29ct but traded it awhile back, wasn't comfortable with the size and didn't like the diamond). When I received the ring with my larger stone that is set the way you like it I thought they set it too low. Actually, I still think it is squatty yet i think it is too large to put higher... perhaps a weeeee bit but that's it. My smaller stone could go a wee bit lower and not look squat but the agony and drama and risk of "disaster" if made worse in any capacity, often unknown at this time as is often the case is not worth it. And, while I really hate the way my smaller higher set ring looks in photos or even when I just look at it holding it in my hand, it looks nice ON my finger. Very "statuesque" yet it does not bang into anything or get in the way. It looks "right" on the finger but it looks super ugly off!!!
I think with the size of your diamond it should be fine going lower. And remember... money fixes most things lol so you can always redo it again to the way the new jeweler usually does it.
Perhaps you can do us both a favor and ask him why the way he did it (his preferred way) is his preference. What is it about that way that makes it more desirable to him. That would be really helpful info!

I have absolutely loved you today. Again, my gratitude. You really helped me bounce this around and work it out. Wonderful therapy!

Yes! Absolutely!

He is currently resizing my original wedding band as I am giving it to my daughter, so when he calls to say that is ready and we pick that up and drop this one off, I will have ALL these talks with him and will absolutely report back.

And… absolutely not discounting what others have said, shared, expressed and contributed to this thread earlier on… such as their love and preference of seeing the whole Diamond (tip and all) and the ease of being able to reach in for cleaning.

 

[headlight]

I have absolutely loved you today. Again, my gratitude. You really helped me bounce this around and work it out. Wonderful therapy!

Yes! Absolutely!

He is currently resizing my original wedding band as I am giving it to my daughter, so when he calls to say that is ready and we pick that up and drop this one off, I will have ALL these talks with him and will absolutely report back.

And… absolutely not discounting what others have said, shared, expressed and contributed to this thread earlier on… such as their love and preference of seeing the whole Diamond (tip and all) and the ease of being able to reach in for cleaning.

The same sentiments to you! Please report back and also post the finished product!

 

[earthlinkjo]

The same sentiments to you! Please report back and also post the finished product!

Hi Headlight. Spoke with the jeweler. The reason he set it like that with side gaps and space left under the cutlet was because that’s just how it naturally fit in the pre-purchased head on that ring setting (without having to make any adjustments to the head). So... there wasn’t any magical or mystical reason, it was just practical and how it fit “out of the gate” so to speak. He did say he doesn’t like to sink the cutlets too low because it can cause what he called a “black spot”. I have always had them set low and never seen that, so I wasn’t fully following along… not sure I understood that part, but I asked him to still do whatever he could to lower it and resolve the side gaps, but to not create any dark or black spots. All my fingers and toes are now crossed.

There didn’t seem to be any specific pros (other than just personal viewing preference), but only cons… such as if it is set too low and I don’t like it, I can’t come back from that because the top metal is now gone. You and I have already acknowledged this risk in our chats.

So, I think it really just comes down to personal preference of if someone likes to see the whole Diamond and the spaces, or not.

It also seems like maybe it takes a bit more work, finesse and time on the jewelers part to set it without spaces/gaps showing. He made it clear that it’s not exactly easy and will take a couple of hours of work.

Will have it back sometime next week and will let you know if I got lucky (no new or additional issues) or not as I have taken the jump into the abyss or risk.

 

[headlight]

Hi Headlight. Spoke with the jeweler. The reason he set it like that with side gaps and space left under the cutlet was because that’s just how it naturally fit in the pre-purchased head on that ring setting (without having to make any adjustments to the head). So... there wasn’t any magical or mystical reason, it was just practical and how it fit “out of the gate” so to speak. He did say he doesn’t like to sink the cutlets too low because it can cause what he called a “black spot”. I have always had them set low and never seen that, so I wasn’t fully following along… not sure I understood that part, but I asked him to still do whatever he could to lower it and resolve the side gaps, but to not create any dark or black spots. All my fingers and toes are now crossed.

There didn’t seem to be any specific pros (other than just personal viewing preference), but only cons… such as if it is set too low and I don’t like it, I can’t come back from that because the top metal is now gone. You and I have already acknowledged this risk in our chats.

So, I think it really just comes down to personal preference of if someone likes to see the whole Diamond and the spaces, or not.

It also seems like maybe it takes a bit more work, finesse and time on the jewelers part to set it without spaces/gaps showing. He made it clear that it’s not exactly easy and will take a couple of hours of work.

Will have it back sometime next week and will let you know if I got lucky (no new or additional issues) or not as I have taken the jump into the abyss or risk.

HI! So did you tell him to go as low into the setting as possible? The solution to some of this is to have a head custom made to the proportions of your stone. Both of mine were made like that which is why I do not have any space on the sides. The jeweler that set the high one just chose to do it that way... if he went all the way in it would fit the proportions of the stone (the other ring was set by someone else). So that is something to consider.
So did he say it gathers more dirt if set higher???
I do have to say that it is sort of cool to see the diamond suspended "in air". However, I would only say that is cool if it is just the culet showing... I am not really into the space on the sides.
Do you want to consider having a custom head made to your diamond's proportions? A simple solitaire wouldn't be a crazy amount of money.

 

[earthlinkjo]

HI! So did you tell him to go as low into the setting as possible? The solution to some of this is to have a head custom made to the proportions of your stone. Both of mine were made like that which is why I do not have any space on the sides. The jeweler that set the high one just chose to do it that way... if he went all the way in it would fit the proportions of the stone (the other ring was set by someone else). So that is something to consider.
So did he say it gathers more dirt if set higher???
I do have to say that it is sort of cool to see the diamond suspended "in air". However, I would only say that is cool if it is just the culet showing... I am not really into the space on the sides.
Do you want to consider having a custom head made to your diamond's proportions? A simple solitaire wouldn't be a crazy amount of money.

Yes, we discussed everything you mentioned and he is just going to do the best he can to sort of get it as “customized” to what I am looking for as possible. He had some good ideas, so I am hopeful.

As far as going as low into the setting as possible, we still discussed how you don’t want to cram the cutlet all the way into the bottom where it can cause an obstruction. I am sure I am not explaining it correctly, but we discussed that there does need to be a teeny-tiny bit of appropriate space, but that it doesn’t have to be blatantly visible. I believe Karl touched on that in his reply above. So, I just asked for as low as he can “appropriately“ go with my goal being that I would prefer not to be able to see the cutlet so easily, as well as the side gaps. We will just see how it goes! It’s out of my hands now… literally. I left my wedding band with him also to have it revised so my finger is bare! Single! That’s our tease/joke when our rings are off around here

But, yes, my next course of action could be a custom head/setting. I am resolved that even if it is improved, meaning the gaps and spaces are not as noticeable to my naked eye, and I can see it is a little lower, then I will be satisfied. I asked the jewelry for anything he could do to get it even a little better, a little lower, a little more to tucked in would be appreciated. So, with that, he agreed to try.

We didn’t discuss any pros of a high setting, such as dirt accumulation or ease of cleaning. There didn’t seem to be any need as the clear answer in my case was it was just done that way because that is simply how it fit. So, I didn’t ask any further questions to that fashion.

But I can ask for you when I pick it up next week.

 

[Mreader]

My favorite ring has enough space underneath for a toilet brush. In contrast my late mother's engagement ring has no room, no space and it's an ordeal to clean. And it always looks like I should have tried harder.

Toilet brush lol. That must be a huge stone!

 

[headlight]

Yes, we discussed everything you mentioned and he is just going to do the best he can to sort of get it as “customized” to what I am looking for as possible. He had some good ideas, so I am hopeful.

As far as going as low into the setting as possible, we still discussed how you don’t want to cram the cutlet all the way into the bottom where it can cause an obstruction. I am sure I am not explaining it correctly, but we discussed that there does need to be a teeny-tiny bit of appropriate space, but that it doesn’t have to be blatantly visible. I believe Karl touched on that in his reply above. So, I just asked for as low as he can “appropriately“ go with my goal being that I would prefer not to be able to see the cutlet so easily, as well as the side gaps. We will just see how it goes! It’s out of my hands now… literally. I left my wedding band with him also to have it revised so my finger is bare! Single! That’s our tease/joke when our rings are off around here

But, yes, my next course of action could be a custom head/setting. I am resolved that even if it is improved, meaning the gaps and spaces are not as noticeable to my naked eye, and I can see it is a little lower, then I will be satisfied. I asked the jewelry for anything he could do to get it even a little better, a little lower, a little more to tucked in would be appreciated. So, with that, he agreed to try.

We didn’t discuss any pros of a high setting, such as dirt accumulation or ease of cleaning. There didn’t seem to be any need as the clear answer in my case was it was just done that way because that is simply how it fit. So, I didn’t ask any further questions to that fashion.

But I can ask for you when I pick it up next week.

I’m going to keep positive thoughts and I can’t wait to see photos next week!

 

[earthlinkjo]

I’m going to keep positive thoughts and I can’t wait to see photos next week!

The positive thoughts worked, thank you! It came out just beautifully! No more visible gaps or spaces; and the light performance is just the same as before. Grateful and happy it came out so well.

When asking your question I just got a shrug and a look like “maybe?“. There was no definitive answer. Sorry.

I guess either way… we just keep clean, clean, cleaning them all the time

 

[earthlinkjo]

A couple more shots…

 

[ame]

As many of the old timers on here can attest, as can any jeweler who has had the misfortune of working with me, I am extremely particular on the height. I want them medium-high, and I must be able to see the entire underneath and culet from the side from just about any angle. Not only does it look nicer overall to me, it is easier to clean.

 

[headlight]

A couple more shots…

Omg it’s amazing!!! So happy for you. Your diamond is way nicer than mine. I know I’ll be questioning my situation forever but I’m so happy it worked out for you!!! And thx for asking the jeweler the question!

 

[Godrick]

A couple more shots…

This is a gorgeous ring! you said it was lab grown? How was your experience buying lab?