[Raisondetre]

Given that it is an engagement ring, I'm not too sold on the cage idea symbolically. Though given a good design I could change my mind. The ebay one does seem a tad bulky. I have seen pendants enclosed in a wire cage (the Venus pendant from PP is one such idea though not exactly a cage), and it can look good. Just not so sure about a ring.

[sincerity]

I do agree with you Raisondetre about the cage, and I didn't particularly like the look either. However I will keep an open mind and I'll look some more before I decide against it completely. Something like the venus pendant would be more to my taste.

[Pearl_dreams]

Originally Posted by Raisondetre

Given that it is an engagement ring, I'm not too sold on the cage idea symbolically....

I didn't even think of that! You have a good point there.

[Heidi]

Originally Posted by Pearl_dreams

I didn't even think of that! You have a good point there.

I agree on any literal cage - in my mind it would have to be more about cradling the pearl than jailing it. Imagery akin to hands, petals, a nest, etc..

[J Marcus]

I thought that I'd stick in a goldsmith's point of view:

~Though soft, pearls are relatively tough, due to their layered construction and perhaps help from their conchiolin. Just remember that hardness is defined as "resistence to scratching." Also, you might make note of the fact that pearls are very susceptible to many chemicals--mostly acids and liquids that could soak into them and stain them. Remembering that can help you to get longer life out of it. (Keep it out of the vinegar!)

~Another thing to keep in mind when considering wear is simply that whatever sticks out the farthest hits things first. That goes for the sides as well as the top.

~Although I've known people to do OK with impractical designs and have even made some (with stern warnings, of course!) The simpler and more solid that a ring is, the better it will fare over the years, generally. I personally think that moving parts such as a removeable cage are not at all practical for a ring that is going to be worn 24-7 for many years. Moving parts are much more prone to wear and breakage.

~Bezels are a very secure way to set pearls, yet they have a couple of drawbacks. If a bezel alone is used to set a pearl, then it must come up over half of the diameter to be able to grip the pearl securely, leaving less than half the pearl to be admired. Another drawback comes when you try to replace your worn pearl. The bezel must then be stretched to remove the old pearl and compressed to reset the new pearl. This invariably results in weakening and often damaging the bezel, and by the third or fourth replacement it will probably need replacing or at least repair and may never again look as good as the original. I would suggest that a better solution would be to use a "cup" that came up at least one third or a little more of the diameter--below the curve--with a center post (soldered in from drawn, gold wire, NOT CAST) and glued mounting properly done. I don't mean one of the thin, little, shallow cups sold for earrings or pendants. The cup will help to prevent the pearl from moving, thereby weakening and perhaps eventually breaking the post if it is struck. The pearl may be removed with heat or sovent without damaging the mounting.

~I like the idea of buying a number of matched, Freshadama, all-nacre pearls for replacements over the years. I don't know how often they might need to be replaced, but perhaps some of the other members of this forum might have knowledge and input about that. I would suggest that whatever number you settle on, you add at least a couple more to that. Accidents happen unexpectedly, and are therefore to be expected.

Good luck and may you enjoy many happy years of connubial bliss!

Marc
http://www.flyrodjewelry.com/home.html

[pearlescence]

As a thought - if and when you replace a pearl with its sister then you could get that pearl full drilled at the same time and retire it to a charm bracelet or charm necklace, so it would not be lost

[Nerida]

Wendy, I love the idea. Hadn't picked you to be sentimental!!

Sincerity - if you go down this path (which I think sounds perfect!), remember to get a couple of extra extras for a lovely pairof earrings...

Regarding settings, didn't we see some in another thread which encased the pearl a little more? Maybe the thread was started by Kevin Canning?? There were tons of good photos as I seem to recall.

[pearlescence]

Instead of round pearls you could use half drilled good quality buttons - which would stand less proud so perhaps be less likely to be bashed about.

Nerida, I can be soppy!

[Pearl_dreams]

Here is Kevin's thread alluded to by Nerida:

Pearl rings - What's hot, what's not?

[pattye]

Might also take a peek at the art nouveau design Cliclasp just put up on her guessing thread. It is gorgeous, but has protection for the pearl built into the design----

[WeeGem]

I love the few pearl rings Richard Wise has on his site. If you look under Contemporary Jewelry, then Rings, there's a lovely enameled pearl ring, an 18k ring with a FW pearl, and a Southsea pearl ring. One of these days I'm going to get one of the 18k FW rings!

rwwise.com

[knotty panda]

Usually when someone mentions a pearl engagement ring, they forget all about the wedding band and how it will with the engagement right. Then you said claddagh. Here's a couple of options. The pearl could close the claddagh. I think that would look pretty. Here's another. The band for the pearl could be in the trinity knot. The three knots could rise up at the shoulder of the ring where the pearl sits and could be prong mounts which secure and protect the pearl. By the way, that's my dream ring. One of these days ....

[sincerity]

Sorry I haven't really gotten a chance to look to much at the suggestions, I just kind of skimmed (busy day).

However, in response to J Marcus I actually like the setting where the pearl is cradled more than the bezel setting but I kind of threw that idea out since I didn't think it would be to safe, but I'll look into that again.

Originally Posted by knotty panda

The pearl could close the claddagh.

What exactly do you mean by this, I'm a little confused

Originally Posted by knotty panda

The band for the pearl could be in the trinity knot. The three knots could rise up at the shoulder of the ring where the pearl sits and could be prong mounts which secure and protect the pearl.

I do really like this idea!

I'll spend more time tomorrow actually reading what all was said but thanks for the opinions, and I really do like the idea of using the first pearl as a charm, great idea Wendy!

[sincerity]

So this is probably my favorite setting. I like how it cradles the pearl, but I don't know if this would look right next to a wedding band. (I am also partial to the yellow gold, pink pearl ring, but I don't know if that would look right to wear day-to-day)

However I think something like this on a ring might be okay, its rather simple and it would allow for the pearl to be removed rather easily... I think. Basically it would be a star that is folded up to hold the pearl on a simple band.

What do you think?

Originally Posted by pattye

Might also take a peek at the art nouveau design Cliclasp just put up on her guessing thread. It is gorgeous, but has protection for the pearl built into the design----

Were there any rings because I couldn't find any?

[sincerity]

I also love settings similar to that which preswine had made but I am unsure if the pearl could be replaced in these.