Hi All!

Ben, we are sponsored by Diamonds by Lauren, so links to other sellers are prohibited.
We can assist you though.
To start, I've pasted a photo if the ring you're looking at below.

Dear Ben:

DBL set the 2.33ct Fancy Yellow-Brown David mentioned between two colorless hearts.  Here's a picture of the final product.

Happy hunting!

Mikla

Thanks everyone for the advice. What jewelery designers would you recommend that are reputable and competent in tension settings similar to the piece that I posted?

Thanks in advance.

Ben

Great advice given so far!
OMC is a well spring of info.

For me, a tension setting requires too much bulk to achieve stability.
That's why we make "mock tension settings"
OMC touched on this.
We could, for example, make a ring very much like the one in the photo, but use discreet non tension methods to hold the stone.
These would include hidden under-bezel, and discreet prongs.

As I mentioned above, a true tension setting needs to be fairly bulky to hold the stone tight- and it can loosen up- which is a much bigger deal with a tension set versus a mock tension set.

And let me add  , as well, wan2propose.  (Welcome, BTW!)

Although I'm a relative newbie, and have many fewer diamonds and jewels than some that hang out on the forum; you might want check out the Coyote's Den,  Mikla's, Miz Mitchell's, Pinklady's. IHADP's, Graceful Lion's, or Trinkette's entries in 'Show off your jewels'.  (Really, just check out the entire folder.  The folks I mention are multiple purchasers from DBL that I, personally, respect for their taste and discernment.  There are many others, as you will see, if you look.)   It will show you the range and variety of some of the custom pieces that DBL can make.  He made my own fairy princess ring - Li'l BLOOO, which is in the testimonials.  Look to DiamondHunter, as well, in testimonials.  He bought a beautiful Daussi for his fiance recently.  A different style, a different person; but he has had the full DBL experience recently, first hand for the first time, as well.

Before you start looking local or even worldwide, I'd look over DBL's stock and past productions and contact David.  I can say these things because I'm not affiliated with DBL, unless you consider that I will never, ever, ever buy another piece of any importance (to me) from anyone but him.  

If he doesn't have the stone in stock, he can find one within your specifications and/or price range.  His designers are incredibly talented.  I'm sure some of the more sophisticated clients could give you more specifics; but I just have 2 rings from him - one was a refurbish of my DH's Mum's wedding ring, and the other is Li'l BLOOO, a grayish blue center radiant in a pink halo with white half moons.  Delicate and glorious.

If I sound like a cheerleader   , I apologize.  But...I've tried the local shops, I've tried the expensive aqua box place, and some others in Vegas, Los Angeles, Dallas, and Atlanta, as well.  I have never received better value for my $$, or more durable beauty.  WebMistress doesn't lie.  DBL stands behind their custom work at least as well as their semi-mounts.  My only regret is my last husband bought a solitaire pendant and 5ctw diamond tennis bracelet that weren't from DBL.  Dumb us!  I'll regret that next to forever. I love the pieces for the sentiment, but the quality just isn't close.

So skate around for a day or a week, check things out.  IMO, this is the real deal - and that people are still hanging around, years after their first purchase, should speak to any new shopper.

Hi Ben, welcome to the site!  Sorry, this is going to be LOOOOONG...

I absolutely LOVE brown diamonds. From the antique, big beauties at the Smithsonian museum gem collection, to the many, new pieces and loose stones on David's desk, brown diamonds are my favorites, hands down. Here's my best advice:

Just like any other diamond, remember, after you've determined the color, size, and shape that you are looking for, CUT is KING, especially in browns. Like colorless diamonds, there are oodles of brown diamonds for sale, both exceptionally-cut, poorly-cut, and everything in-between. It is easy to be swayed by a colored diamond because you love the color... however, just like a colorless stone, if your diamond is not well-cut, it will not perform or be a good value. So, if it is for an important piece, don't settle. Especially because you are considering such a dramatic, single-stone setting, be sure you use the best quality diamond you can afford. Keep looking until the right diamond comes along. For what it is worth, personally, I like browns flanked with some colorless stones to emphasize the color and really make the brown "pop." So, if you are going with a solitaire, without any contrasting color, be sure that you have a stellar centerpiece stone that can hold its own, all alone. Brown colored diamonds are extremely beautiful, complex, and subtle. They can take your breath away, however, I do not think of them as "screamers" in terms of color.

If you are not confident judging cut, be sure to use a jeweler whom you can trust to find you a quality diamond.

Also, there is no general formula for pricing of browns vs. pricing of colorless diamonds. There are many, many factors that come into play when pricing ANY diamond which make it impossible to cover pricing in a blanket statement. However, you should be able to find a brown diamond that is significantly lower in price than a comparable diamond of high-color. That being said, just like the colorless stones, there are EXTREMELY pricey, quality brown diamonds out there.

David is a wonderful source for ANY colored diamond. He regularly finds exquisite brown diamonds, in many shapes and sizes. It doesn't have to be on his website... just ask, and he can easily find what you desire.

Also, purchase a brown diamond because it is truly something you, and your GF, truly love, not simply because you can get more diamond size for you money. This is an important purchase. If you are doing it for size alone, and not love-of-color, you won't be happy down the road (and will find yourself hunting for a new, colorless, replacement diamond in the future).

Regarding tension settings, I have only examined a few in person and they are quite amazing to see in person – especially from the side (scares me though!). One engagement ring that I saw was quite modern and I do recall a lot of metal and a heavier style ring (and a delighted couple just picking-up their new ring). My understanding has been that it is best to stay with Danhov, Kretchmer and Niessing for tension settings, however, I have no personal experience with this type of setting.

Regarding the desire for a "designer" ring, from my own personal experience, and after reading a gazillion threads on the internet regarding this issue, I'd suggest that if your GF has expressed a desire for a specific designer piece, you don't have a problem with this, it is a quality piece that will last (if not, educate GF – better than a lost stone, broken or worn-out ring later on), it is within your budget, and she is consistent in expressing her desire for one particular piece, style, or designer, then, purchase the piece she wants, rather than a copy. If finances or your own taste are an issue, or, if she just mentioned it in passing, but, she is open to other styles as well, then, perhaps, another option is in order. However, if it is a "Ralph's Original" that makes her heart sing, and this ring is a one-time, significant and symbolic gift from you as an expression of your love and commitment, then, why not make her heart sing with her own "Ralph" from the man who knows and loves her most? This is one time when emotion may trump practicality.

Also, remember, even when asked, many women "about to become engaged" do not express their true desires or feelings regarding potential ERs out of fear that by doing so, they will seem greedy, insensitive, or uncouth. If a woman actually comes out with what she likes, listen. Then, it is up to you to decode (yes, really) whether it is the STYLE, the DESIGNER, or the actual PIECE that she wants and why (sometimes, understanding "why" is more important than the actual "what"). Yes, there are subtle and distinct differences here. *SIGH*

One final note, if this is to be an ER, then, will there be a wedding band as well? If this ring is to act as both, or will eventually be worn on the right hand, then, no problem. If there will be a band, then, think ahead now regarding how the two pieces will work together on her finger.

As usual, I've blathered away... sorry. (OK, everyone, you may stop SNORING now!). Ben, it sounds like you have an exciting project ahead... enjoy the ride, and, congratulations on your future plans!

I agree Mikla- such wonderful, well advised, well meaning advice!!

Just for Spits and gifggles, have a look at a few browns we're considering for purchase today.
First is a 1.63ct round.
LOVE the color on this one!

For a little more fun, how about a parcel of PINKS we're looking at.....

Thanks PL!!

We're just pricing out all the stones.
The 1.63ct will be priced at $4450

The brown Emerald Cut will be priced at about $1400 for a one carat stone-

I agree- the setting below would be amazing for one of the browns!

Also, I'm sorry. I really will keep my posts brief from now on. Sometimes, even I can't stand myself.

Whatareyoutalkingabout? WE LOVE YOUR POSTS!!!

KEEEEEEEEEP THEM LONG

Eeeeeks!  Are you freaking kidding me?    WE WANT PAIRS!    WE WANT PAIRS!  

Ah hmm.  I must compose myself.  You're right, OMC.  You need MUCH MORE information on the pinks.