Sometimes bezel setting can maximize impact. Of course there is also always halo — you can do it slim and sleek, almost like pave. Sides may help, too, as long as they aren’t too big compared to the stone.
It’s a gorgeous stone, btw.

Firstly: that stone is absolutely stunning, I don’t often love colored stones but this one is a major exception, and you put in so much thought and effort, that’s really special, as is your willingness to design together and not take any of it personally, that shows so much love and care. My boyfriend just proposed with a 2.8ct stone but it looks much smaller than other stones at that weight because it’s a deep Asscher so there’s not much surface, we’ve had similar conversations but I actually really love that fact. We joke that sacrificing depth for surface area is always the wrong choice in every area of life.

Anyway… I think a very petite white halo with white pavé on the band (metal of her choice) would look absolutely incredible on this, it would also frame the pink stone a bit more against her skin tone and goes really well with the overall vibe.

https://preview.redd.it/s23s23x960rf1.jpeg?width=320&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=802cccfdce507753c734770feef373d2ff64515a

What are the dimensions of this pear in mm? Height and width?

It’s a shame that she feels the need to compare what she has to other people. I think the stone is gorgeous and I wish she was content in that. But like you said she’s particular and clearly wants to be on par size wise with her peers.

Sapphires (and diamonds) look much bigger when they are set so don’t freak out yet. A medium height setting will make it look larger while still being practical. Cathedral settings are very nice like this. The higher the setting, the larger the stone will look. Small side stones will also make the main stone look bigger.

A side note is that sapphires are denser than diamonds, so for example a 1ct diamond round = 1.2-1.35 ct round sapphire if you want both to be 6.5mm. Depends on the cut too of course. Many sapphires are commercial cut to keep the most carat weight, so the dimensions arent necessarily ideal. Not a bad thing at all. Color is king with sapphires (:

Why is the band asymmetrical? It attaches near the bottom on one side and in the middle on the other. Was that a design choice?

wedding ring jacket with matching stones

https://preview.redd.it/mejuiursf0rf1.jpeg?width=1179&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=c4f70766411e67bafc03bd78522bab34f3498f01

You could pick out some additional gemstones that go well with the sapphire and have it reset as a 3-stone ring.

Or, maybe have it put in a bezel setting and/or a toi et moi style.

You’re not crazy-a 2 ct padparadscha sapphire will face up smaller than a 2 ct diamond. Sapphires are denser and many are cut a bit deeper for color, so you get less “spread” on top. The good news: you can design for size without changing the center.

Design tricks that make a stone look larger (esp. for pears):
-Micro-pavé halo (very thin): adds 1-2 mm all around and gives a bright outline that reads bigger. A scalloped/lotus halo can look even wider.
-Ultra-slim bezel in white metal: a hairline bezel defines the outline and visually increases diameter; avoid thick bezels that “eat” the face-up.
-High-contrast metal choice: white gold/platinum around the peach-pink center makes it pop. You can still do a rose-gold shank (two-tone) for warmth.
-Tapered side stones: kites, shields, or tapered baguettes point into the pear and elongate the footprint without stealing the show.
-Delicate, pinched shank & cathedral shoulders: a thin band (no wider than the stone’s smallest width) and slight cathedral lift make the center appear larger.
-Minimal prongs: claw/talon prongs and a V-tip expose more edge = bigger look.
-Length-wise orientation: wear the point toward the fingertip; it lengthens the finger and the stone visually.

Other options:
-A wedding band jacket that hugs the pear (or a double halo jacket) can frame the center and add presence for the set.
-If you haven’t set it yet, ask the setter to optimize seat height and light under the gallery-more light return = more “size” to the eye.

If she loves the color and story, one of the above (or a combo: thin halo + kites + pinched shank) should deliver the size impression you’re after without swapping the center. Good luck-padparadscha pears are stunning!

I see you said she doesnt like a traditional halo but could you play around with giving it a kind of “halo” effect with stones surrounding it? Maybe some marquise shaped stones skirting the bottom?

Maybe surround large stone in small diamonds?

Love the one with the stones circling the center stone and having some small stones on the band.

https://preview.redd.it/oje3ju7cq0rf1.jpeg?width=1080&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=f2257d73e6d58bd0a0d70268ab8106f35b15ecff

I would recommend adding side stones and widening the band. The setting and that band together seems to clash. All of these elements will add a bigger look and it will hold up for years to come.

I like the idea you have it just may help it but not completely if you get that

Ok so, I came back to this because my first response wasn’t very constructive, which I’m sorry about.

Here is the issue: you two decided you didn’t want diamonds. You found a rare stone with sentimental value, and set it alone. (It looks gorgeous, btw).

Your girlfriend, however, now feels this stone cannot compete with either the completely differently set diamond she originally saw, or the much bigger lab diamonds her friends have.

To be very frank: you cannot make that stone into something more eye-catching than a flawless, bigger, sparklier lab diamond. Labs are that popular because it is quite literally maximal bang for your buck.

You and your gf need to sit down and have a realistic conversation. You cannot afford a similar stone as big as a lab. A similar stone as big as a lab would still not have the same effect. They are different things. Adding other stones will not change that.

If your girlfriend finds that yes, the stone she would like is, in fact, the biggest lab diamond you can buy, in the style she liked, like her friends get, return this and buy that.

This is simply not the same kind of ring or stone, and setting it with more stones will not change that. I genuinely wish you the best.

It’s not an about the ring, it’s about the man you are marrying and spending rest of your life with.

I personally think there is nothing wrong with ring. When/if you marry her, you could get a curved/wishbone shaped wedding band, that will really frame this ring.

https://preview.redd.it/3z99wnwcx1rf1.jpeg?width=3024&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=2c04625cfa69115ab99cec1761d85f180813b6c7

Mine is a shallow cut 1.3 but the side stones really do bulk it up! Love a colored pear shape!