I have decided to bite the bullet and get a JbEG signature solitaire setting before they are no longer. I've been communicating with both Grace and Erica-- who are amazing despite my indecision.

So I purchased the Split Shank Halo ring that was also advertised on DB. I should have it tomorrow and I'll have the 3 day weekend to decide whether I want to keep it or send it back and get a Sophie.

I wanted to get everyone's feedback while I weigh in and make the final decision.

So -- which would you choose:

7mm Asha OMC in split shank halo

OR

Sophie with Pave in Palladium for approx 7.5mm stone

OR

Sophie Solitaire in 18k Rose Gold for my 7mm Asha OMC

Although the halo is gorgeous, at this point they are everywhere, I think the Sophie with pave is really blingy, but classic enough for everyday without being another halo.

My thoughts exactly. It got my vote!

They're all very nice but I like the fancy basket and a little bling on the shank so I vote for Sophie with pave.

I like THAT Sophie with brightcut pave and milgrain. That is my fav Sophie. But if you were getting a new one made and it was withou the milgrain, I would vote for the plain Sophie in rose gold.

Split Shank Halo with tulip basket. Loooove it!

I guess I'll add a little more background/pros and cons:

I love the basket on the split shank. It kind of reminds me of the JbEG "Gabbie" basket. My concern is it will sit too high. The pro is it's in my budget AND I have a 7mm Asha OMC that I can use as back up for this ring, but I will have to get the ring sized locally. Not having tried this on and seeing the pave -- I'm worried about losing melee stones and just looking at the photos might not wear everyday. (not like I don't have others in my collection)

The Sophie with pave is the furthest from my budget, but I will beg, borrow and steal to get it. While I like the 7.5mm size, I'll have to wait a few months before any stones come in in that size -- whether I go ACC or OMC for it. Probably won't need any sizing. Maybe I'll add some sizing beads. It does have the extra bling factor -- which I like and still able to wear everyday.

The Sophie Solitaire is a little over budget but doable. I can use my current 7mm Asha OMC stone for it and get it in the perfect size. I have been really wanting Rose Gold and I could do that. and if I ever get tired of the rose gold, I can always get it plated in white or whatever. Simple for everyday use and elegant and unique enough with the basket.

With all the settings -- I am planning on eventually replacing the Ashas with a natural diamond or the OEC Amora Gem (or AVC or OMC if that ever happens).

I would like this ring to be one of my forever pieces.

Only you know what is doable and what is not, and what you are willing to sacrifice to get the ring of your dreams. If you want this to be a forever piece, then which one do you really love??

I still vote Sophie with pave, but if you can't afford it, then it is not worth the stress financailly, trying to IMO. It is only fun if it isn't breaking the bank, KWIM? And as far as stones go, Wink CZ and even Chris CZ look pretty darned great and do not cost that much. if the long term goal is Amora Gem anyway... CZ should last that long as long as you aren't wearing the ring for home renos or something.

Thanks for input, jcent. I really do appreciate it.

If I did the Sophie with Pave -- I would probably get a WinkCZ. I did already search his "in-house" and saw some 7.5mm light yellows and canarys -- that could be really nice.

I have a "sunset" colored EC and Oval ring in the works also.

So definitely after the JbEG purchase, I will go into hibernating/save mode. (but I'll have all the bling I need for several years )

I can't believe i was the only one who voted the solitaire!! This is so gorgeous, different while still being classic. One of my all time fave solitaires. IMHO the plain band sets off the gorgeous basket better than the pave.

The pave is lovely too, but i too would worry about the melee for an everyday ring, and i wouldn't want to take it off all the time.

At the end of the day, they are all lovely lovely rings so you can't go wrong.