Tuesday, November 1, 2005

another halo before its time

The striking Lela came in, with an absolutely stunning family diamond. Big. Beautiful. And in need of an equally beautiful "home." Too bad several jewelers had turned her nose up at the project because the diamond had not been purchased at their respective establishments.

Unless a diamond actually has issues that affect its longevity, durability, or ability to withstand the rigors of the setting process, I cannot understand why a jeweler would not want to have the honor of setting a family heirloom. It really is one of the highest compliments bestowed upon a custom jeweler.




Lela knew she wanted a softly octagonal halo, made with metal that was "barely there," allowing all the diamonds to show themselves off. She also knew she wanted a ring against which any straight band could sit flush. The result is the profile you see, which actually makes the diamond part of the structure. By having the culet (point at the bottom) drop into a tiny hole in the shank, it actually provides additional stability to a basically delicate ring.

Lovingly crafted in my favorite metal, platinum; and set with Russian-cut diamonds for the most amazing brilliance on earth.