u/HoneyBadger-26

I’m very recently engaged and have officially started the exciting process of looking for my wedding dress.

I already have an idea of what I want, and I know it’s unlikely to be something I’ll find off the rack. I also don’t really want to buy a dress just for the sake of it , I’d much rather have something custom made that is exactly what I want, fits me properly, and feels completely me.

I’m looking for recommendations for
talented bridal designers or dressmakers in and around **Johannesburg or Cape Town**. I’m not necessarily looking for the big, well-known names or established bridal houses. In fact, I’d love to find someone smaller, perhaps an independent designer or incredibly talented dressmaker, who takes real pride in their work. I’m more than happy for the process to take a little longer if it means finding the right person and getting something truly special.

So, if you’ve had an amazing experience with
someone, know a hidden gem, or have seen someone’s work that you think I should look at, I would love your recommendations!

Thanks so much in advance!!!

I’m busy designing my engagement ring.
The center stones dimensions are 10.03 x 6.90 x 4.57 mm and it’s a 2.51 carat stone.

I’ve attached pictures of the current renders for the design.

So my dilemma is that I would really prefer not to have the support band as I feel it doesn’t work with the design I’m trying to go for. My logic is that I’m wanting to go for a claw prong setting, tulip basket and have the side stones which all act as support for the center stone it’s not like its just four single prongs on their own securing the stone.

Is the support/seating band really a necessity or is there enough other support mechanisms built into the design that it’s not vital ?

I do understand that it offers that extra layer of security to the setting, I just would really prefer not to have it as I already feel there’s a lot of aspect to the design and I don’t want to add to much that it starts to detract from the design and stone itself.

Thanks in advance !

Custom wedding dress designers recommendations ?

Advice needed