Of the 2 you posted, I like #1 better for several reasons:

* I think it's much more graceful and timeless.
* I like the way the stone appears to be floating between the prongs.
* As several others have mentioned, any band will sit flush next to it.

The only thing I would caution you about is that split shanks tend to make your stone look smaller.

Can't wait to hear what you decide!

I love sholdt! Looks like I'm not the only one :p they are such sleek settings.

Looked again. You're right! Okay, definitely ring one then!

Either one would be great. I just think the huge cost difference would be the deal breaker for me on ring #2.

I like #2 the best.

I like #2 better but only if you keep the stones in the band. I do like #1 a lot and I had a spit shank and can say you don't need to worry about the stone being too exposed. I am terribly rough on rings and never had an issue. Mine was set higher also which would make you think it would be more of an issue. Also, I wore stackers with it quite easily...but that could have just been my setting.
Hope that helps on the issues you're concerned about.

We can make a ring that is similar to #2. These pics aren't the best quality but hopefully they give you an idea (shown with a 1ct). The band gets a little wider proportionally as the size of the center stone increases.

Oh WOW! Mike to the rescue! I vote #3!

#2. I LOVE how it looks like liquid metal coming up to frame a gorgeous stone. It's very fluid and elegant. : )

For a FOREVER upgrade, price would be no object to me if I'm going to be wearing the ring for the rest of my life. I'd consider that worth saving up extra money for if it's a design I'm absolutely in love with and would wear proudly every day.

EDIT: Whoa, never mind. Go with Mike's ring!

YUP!

Wow, Mike, I had no idea something like that was available from you! Thanks very much for the pics, I'm really going to give this some thought! (Anybody wish to restate their positions given this new development?)