New guy's head is spinning, planning on proposing.

[ktybourbon]

So I'm planning on finally popping the question after 7 years in the next few months. I've been trying to educate myself, but its just not clicking (I guess I'm more of a watch guy). I've gathered from the site that most people are 'against' going to a big box store, and should source the stones themselves. However me trying to keep it simple, and not mess up its a tough sell. GF is a nurse, so I dont think I want (or can afford) huge stones, but of course she would love the hope Diamond on her finger.

I'm set on a three stone design, and have been going back and forth between princess and round. Budget is sub 10k, lower the better I guess . Now I might as well get yelled at and show yall what I have been looking at....

http://www.costco.com/Round-Brilliant-1.50-ctw-VS2-Clarity%2c-I-Color-Diamond-Platinum-Three-Stone-Ring.product.100035216.html

http://www.costco.com/Princess-Cut-2.00-ctw-VS2-Clarity%2c-I-Color-Diamond-Platinum-Three-Stone-Ring.product.11049018.html

They both look like pretty good deals to me. Any opinions or anywhere else I should be looking at?

Thanks in advance. Truly an awesome community you have here.

 

[babs23r]

Welcome to pricescope.
Questions:
#1. Why are you set on a three stone design? Does your girlfriend like them?
#2. What does her being a nurse have anything to do with her engagement ring?
#3. Has your girlfriend told you about which shape of stone she prefers? It will be her wearing the ring, she really needs to love it!

 

[ktybourbon]

Welcome to pricescope.
Questions:
#1. Why are you set on a three stone design? Does your girlfriend like them?
#2. What does her being a nurse have anything to do with her engagement ring?
#3. Has your girlfriend told you about which shape of stone she prefers? It will be her wearing the ring, she really needs to love it!

Thanks much for the reply

Yes, my girlfriend does like the three stone design. I dont think should would shy away from having additional diamonds along the band, but I'm all about keeping it simple

She wears latex gloves daily, and obviously washes her hands 50 times a shift. I didnt want something that was to 'gawdy' or with too high of a setting that would interfere with her daily work.

She was (as was I) originally leaning toward a princess cut. However after comparing the sparkle between both the princess and the round, I am starting to gravitate toward the round. We really havent talked much about rings up to this point, so I'd kind of like to keep it a surprise. Which is another reason going to a local store appealed to me.

 

[lioness]

I've read elsewhere that some hospitals have rules regarding the types of rings that doctors and nurses can wear. For example, FI's mom was a nurse until she retired and she only wore a simple band on shift. Any similar regulations at your girlfriend's hospital?

Welcome to PS. We'll steer you toward a sparkler that's within budget.

 

[ktybourbon]

I've read elsewhere that some hospitals have rules regarding the types of rings that doctors and nurses can wear. For example, FI's mom was a nurse until she retired and she only wore a simple band on shift. Any similar regulations at your girlfriend's hospital?

Welcome to PS. We'll steer you toward a sparkler that's within budget.

Thanks for the welcome, appreciate it.

Honestly I have no clue if they do have certain regulations. She does have some friends with decently size rocks, so I would doubt it. if she can't wear it on a shift, it's not the biggest deal. But if I was able to keep the setting height within reason, it would probably be smart.

 

[lioness]

Let's start with the setting:

http://www.whiteflash.com/engagement-rings/three-stone/

http://www.briangavindiamonds.com/engagement-rings/three-stone/

 

[CanuckAB]

I love 3 stone rings and think that it's a great idea if you think your future fiancé would like that. (Retired nurse here. ) Good finger coverage but the ring isn't too big to wear. I do not recommend Costco though. You can do much better with your budget. You would be better off choosing something like this:

http://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-3171917.htm# $2722.00 or
http://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-3142198.htm.... $5301.00
Put it in something like this:
http://www.whiteflash.com/engagement-rings/three-stone/3-stone-trellis-diamond-engagement-ring-1427.htm $2695.00
(Wire prices are less.)

These are just 2 examples of amazing diamonds in a well made setting. There are many more out there. Please spend a bit of time educating yourself about diamond cut and it's importance for performance. (Table size, depth and crown angles working with appropriate pavilion angles.) Check out other vendors too. Look under RESOURCES, FEATURED SPONSORS up above. You can feel safe buying from these vendors but check out their respective policies re: returns, upgrades etc.

The good thing about round diamonds is that you can choose good performing ones by the numbers obtained from the certificates so finding amazing ones online is quite easy. Idealscope and aset images help verify light performance so obtain these when possible. Stick to AGS or GIA certified diamonds. Other cuts are more difficult as you can't just go by the numbers with them. If round diamonds would work, you may want to stick with those to make your life easier.

If you want, browse those vendors for your preferred setting and then come back here and show us. You can ask for further help choosing the center diamond. It's better to have the diamond and setting all come from the same vendor to simplify things.

 

[babs23r]

Hi again.
Ok, so you have spoken to your gf about stone shape and 3 stone rings, which is great!
I would stick to PS vendors. Where do you live? I am a believer of seeing stones in person if possible.
Also, I am a nurse, and as far as I know, there are NO rules regarding ring size!
So, don't worry about that! Just make sure she cleans her ring regularly.
Some nurses used to wear them around their neck at work, not because of the size, but in terms of keeping the stone clean.

 

[Gypsy]

I'm going to post four options for you.

First Option:
This is comparable to the first Costco ring both in color and carat weight, and the stones are all rounds. But the quality is MUCH better.
BUT a woman who wants a princess is NOT going to be happy with a round three stone. I DO NOT RECOMMEND THIS.

Setting
http://www.briangavindiamonds.com/engagement-rings/open-gallery-accented-platinum-5448p
$1675.00

Sidestones:
http://www.briangavindiamonds.com/diamonds/diamond-details/0.311-i-si1-round-diamond-ags-c-104065836056
http://www.briangavindiamonds.com/diamonds/diamond-details/0.313-i-si1-round-diamond-ags-c-104069462064
645 x 2 = 1290

Center stone:
http://www.briangavindiamonds.com/diamonds/diamond-details/0.840-i-vs2-round-diamond-ags-c-104069378037
3,905

The sidestones are 4.3mm and the center stone is 6.0 mm.

That gives you a total carat weight of: 1.46ctw in a platinum setting.

And the total cost is: $6870

 

[Gypsy]

Second option.

This setting: http://www.briangavindiamonds.com/engagement-rings/three-stone/grace-3-stone-pears-platinum-5557p The setting comes with the pear sidestones and is in platinum. $2250.00

Center stone: http://www.briangavindiamonds.com/diamonds/diamond-details/1.010-g-si1-round-diamond-ags-104064814001 $7523

Total cost: 9,773.

This gets you a gorgeous three stone in platinum and a one carat G color center with F/G pear sidestones. BUT AGAIN, SHE DOESN'T WANT A ROUND. And women who want squares are VERY unhappy with round stones. I DO NOT RECOMMEND THIS EITHER.

 

[Gypsy]

Third Option:

Center stone: http://www.briangavindiamonds.com/diamonds/diamond-details/1.210-i-vs1-princess-diamond-ags-104070929001
Princess center: $6,135 This is an AGS0 princess with AMAZING performance. Honestly you aren't going to get a princess with more sparkle ANYWHERE. It will knock your socks off.

Setting: http://www.briangavindiamonds.com/engagement-rings/three-stone/princess-trellis-ii-platinum-5447p $1675.00

Which leaves 2190 for 2 sidestones. BGD can source you two very nice princess sidestones for less than that. I would shoot for 30-40 point sidestones of I color and eyeclean clarity.

This gets you: Platinum setting. 1.2 carat center stone. All princess three stone.

And most importantly: A HAPPY FIANCE. Because this is what she wanted. And THIS is the choice I recommend.

I have one more recommendation for you.

 

[babs23r]

As always gypsy , wonderful advice. Your options are great, but I agree, if she really wants a princess, then he should get her a princess!!

 

[Gypsy]

Fourth and final choice:




That setting is by BGD and it was custom. They will be able to replicate it for you exactly as it is their own design. I would guess the maximum price for that setting with 2 20 point pears to cost 2400 (that's a little bit more than the round versions cost) in platinum. It's a fabulous setting as it allows for a flush fit straight wedding band next to it.

A hearts and arrows cushion. With pear sides. This gives her a square center. And gives you the performance of a round, but in the square shape she wanted.

This center stone: http://www.briangavindiamonds.com/diamonds/diamond-details/1.011-h-vs2-cushion-diamond-ags-104069728007
This option puts you right at budget ($100 over) with a platinum setting. You could do a 18kt to save some money.

If you wanted to something a little different but still honor her wishes for a square center, this would be the option I recommend.

 

[OoohShiny]

Some superb options there, Gypsy, as always!

That princess has an amazing ASET!

 

[NTave]

I only have one thing to add, go for a lower set ring if your fiancé to be plans on staying a hospital based nurse..cathedral and higher set settings get caught on beds and gloves, etc.

 

[Niel]

Just because her friendshave big rocks doesn't mean she wears the to work.

I might save a few hundred and also buy her a ring holder necklace. That way she can wear it around her neck when she can't wear it on her fingers. Something like these.

http://www.emilyc.com/shop/

 

[teobdl]

Cool idea, Neil!

Pear sidetones are my favorite 3 stone!

Another option to consider (though people love it or hate it) is a 3 stone bezel. http://www.loveaffairdiamonds.com/the-astin-3-stone-setting/

Very durable, can opt out of the milgrain if that's more likely to snag (probably not.. its very small)

 

[lioness]

Gypsy: fourth choice is brilliant, gorgeous!

 

[lioness]

Just because her friendshave big rocks doesn't mean she wears the to work.

I might save a few hundred and also buy her a ring holder necklace. That way she can wear it around her neck when she can't wear it on her fingers. Something like these.

http://www.emilyc.com/shop/

Yes. Depending on her practice area, she may need some sort of ring holder, especially if she's a surgical nurse. Here is an example of a piece created for a surgeon to address this issue: http://personaljewelryshopper.com/2014/04/the-surgeons-pendant/

 

[ktybourbon]

Hi again.
Ok, so you have spoken to your gf about stone shape and 3 stone rings, which is great!
I would stick to PS vendors. Where do you live? I am a believer of seeing stones in person if possible.
Also, I am a nurse, and as far as I know, there are NO rules regarding ring size!
So, don't worry about that! Just make sure she cleans her ring regularly.
Some nurses used to wear them around their neck at work, not because of the size, but in terms of keeping the stone clean.

I'm in Chicago. Wearing around the neck is not a bad idea, that would certainly alleviate my concern about height. Thanks!

 

[ktybourbon]

Third Option:

Center stone: http://www.briangavindiamonds.com/diamonds/diamond-details/1.210-i-vs1-princess-diamond-ags-104070929001
Princess center: $6,135 This is an AGS0 princess with AMAZING performance. Honestly you aren't going to get a princess with more sparkle ANYWHERE. It will knock your socks off.

Setting: http://www.briangavindiamonds.com/engagement-rings/three-stone/princess-trellis-ii-platinum-5447p $1675.00

Which leaves 2190 for 2 sidestones. BGD can source you two very nice princess sidestones for less than that. I would shoot for 30-40 point sidestones of I color and eyeclean clarity.

This gets you: Platinum setting. 1.2 carat center stone. All princess three stone.

And most importantly: A HAPPY FIANCE. Because this is what she wanted. And THIS is the choice I recommend.

I have one more recommendation for you.

Gypsy,

Thanks for all the recommendations. Appreciate you putting them together. My decision is going to have to start from the beginning depending on what shape she wants. Her initial preference was obviously princess, but I dont believe compared anything in person. So I will do my best to figure this out without giving away the surprise

 

[ktybourbon]

So, I'm back again. After researching I'm leaning towards building the ring. I would like to use a place that will allow a 30 day return policy, as I want my ladyfriend to be happy with her ring. I get the feeling the Bluenile isnt the favorite on here, but thoughts on the below....? thanks!

The total diamond carat weight of your three-stone ring is 1.56.
Ideal-cut, J-color, SI2-clarity, Round, 0.90-carat Diamond Stock #: LD04935953
$2,586
Ideal-cut, J-color, SI2-clarity, Round, 0.33-carat Diamond Stock #: LD04899556
$483
Ideal-cut, J-color, SI2-clarity, Round, 0.33-carat Diamond Stock #: LD04900297
$469
Three-Stone Trellis Diamond Engagement Ring in Platinum Stock #: 5922
$1,070

 

[Gypsy]

You can't buy princesses without images or an ASET on line.

That's why BN is not our favorite. They provide neither. Numbers on a GIA lab report don't tell you anything about a princess. So unless you can find an AGS0 princess at BN, forget about shopping there. Cut is king.

Go to James Allen. They'll give you 60 days return policy and pay shipping both ways. And you get three ASETs per diamond purchase. Which is what you need.

Okay?

Also the large majority of SI2 stones are not eyeclean. You can't buy SI2 without images.