Engagement Ring--Asscher Cut Diamond with Tapered Side Baguettes
I challenged poor Craig when I asked for an Asscher cut engagement ring. Unlike a brilliant diamond, it is hard to tell a good Asscher-cut diamond just by its measurements. Personal preference plays a role in whether you want your ring to have extra fire, how wide the "windmills" should be, etc. He hired consultants to help him pick out the perfect stone and he did a wonderful job. I love the clarity of an Asscher with a little more sparkle than an emerald cut.
Nina's Wedding Band
I changed my mind on what kind of wedding band I wanted. Instead of a channel-set Asscher-cut platinum ring, I purchased 1.05-ct prong-set baguette eternity platinum band from Barsky's Jewelers on Jeweler's Row in Philadelphia.
I had a hard time picking the wedding band because of the e-ring setting. Craig had picked a pretty substantial setting so the center stone would not be too high and exposed. The center stone was protected with a larger-than-usual "box" that flared substantially. (The "box" is the square portion of the setting for the center stone.) The width of the box caused a big gap between the e-ring and most wedding bands.
The store where Craig bought my e-ring suggested I re-set my e-ring in a band that was the same thickness around so the base would not swell out. This option meant that the baguettes would not be used (ahhh, no to that option). Another store suggested I consider a notched ring so that the rings sat perfectly flush. I didn't like this option because it meant I had to wear my e-ring all the time. Another store suggested a 3-stone baguette ring with a slight curve to it. I was seriously considering this option--the design looked clean and modern and the wedding band looked good w/o the e-ring.
Then I found the baguette eternity band at Barsky's. The prong-setting looked cleaner and lighter than the channel setting I had been considering. The band had a low profile that slide under the "box" and had less of a gap than other bands, and the width was more dainty than the channel-cut rings. The baguettes complimented my e-ring diamond without over-powering it, and the ring fit perfectly. You know the feeling when you put on a dress, it fits you perfectly, and you feel pretty in it? This ring made me feel that way.
Best of all, Barsky's prices were so much better than all the other stores. For the same price, I got a 1.05 ct ring when other stores were offering .33 ct rings. Given I have 32 days till my wedding, I bought the ring immediately. I can't wait to wear my ring!
Craig's Wedding Band
Craig has selected a titanium ring, 6mm wide with a satin finish on most of the ring and a glossy finish around the edges. You could choose which finish you want on the ring. He wanted titanium because he's not used to wearing rings and didn't want anything too heavy. The style name is Summit, and we ordered it from Titanium Era.
