help for a newbie :)

[magicmoose]

Hi all,

I have spent a fair while looking into various options and I'm pretty set on what I want, but need help picking specifics. Budget is pretty limited as we are both students - about $2.5-3k including setting Australian would be the absolute max.

For the setting, ideally I want a three-stone or arrangement in white gold with pink sapphires. Finding this however has proved elusive, so I'm prepared to go custom on that. So my current thinking is to get the stone from JamesAllen etc. and get it set here.

As for the diamond, I realise it isn't going to be huge for this price, and quality obviously trumps size. So I'm looking for any suggestions

As mentioned above I am in Australia so 10% tax applies over $1k on imports. And obviously international stores need to ship here.

Thanks!!

PS if there's any more info you need, just let me know

 

[diamondseeker2006]

Welcome! I think you'll have to allow maybe $1000-1500 for the custom setting with sapphires (you might be able to do it for less with white gold and small sapphires) and then have $1500 or so (plus taxes) left for the diamond. With side pink sapphires, I wouldn't go too low in color for the diamond. I think a whiter diamond will look better, so I wouldn't go below H color. That will put you around the .50 range with SI1 clarity. This is a great stone if you can stretch to $1700 for the stone:

http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/0.50-carat-g-color-si1-clarity-ideal-cut-sku-361878

Here's an example of a three stone ring with a half carat center. I am just a little concerned about going smaller than that for a center stone unless you do a halo on the center stone.

https://bridal.gabrielny.com/product/ER8286W44JJ

https://bridal.gabrielny.com/product/ER9527W44JJ

 

[arkieb1]

The setting will be way cheaper from overseas than having something made here in Australia even with the taxes and duties. I'd be probably buying a cheap and practical setting from a reliable vendor like Poppyseed, Amcor Designs or get one of the reliable vendors on Etsy or Ebay to make you a budget friendly setting to save money and buy the biggest best cut centre stone that you can.

Amcor;

http://www.amcordesign.com/index.php?route=product/category&path=61_78

The others might have Poppyseed's email address or a contact link.

Or do you look at the preloved items on DiamondBistro and Loupetroop. If you got this repolished, sold the centre diamond resized it and replaced it with a top cut one that might work as well and I would make an offer ie haggle;

http://www.diamondbistro.com/category/216/Natural-Diamond-Center/listings/39277/Retro-Vintage-125ct-Diamond-Sapphire-14k-White-Go.html

Or this;

http://www.diamondbistro.com/category/219/Colored-Center-Stone/listings/38645/natural-pink-sapphire-and-diamond-three-stone-ring.html

 

[EvangelineG]

Julia B came to mind as an etsy option. I haven't ordered from her personally, but have heard good things over on the coloured stone part of the forums.

Here's an example of a 3 stone that she does. This one has morganite in rose gold, but I am betting she could source pink sapphires as sides, in whatever metal.

https://www.etsy.com/ca/listing/168...ite-engagement-ring-in?ref=shop_home_active_9

 

[magicmoose]

Hi all

Sorry for the late reply - haven't been able to get time to come online away from the (hopefully) future fiancee

Thanks for the link to the JA diamond, unfortunately it was unavailable when I checked in the morning.

I will definitely look into Etsy, hadn't thought of that actually. Would it be possible to get the setting and stone from different places online? Or does the place making the setting need the stone?

I will probably go to see a jeweller here tomorrow to discuss some options, particularly for settings.

I am considering going for a pink sapphire as a centre stone with diamond side-stones, which would be cheaper (and she does love pink!). Opinions?

Thanks again for the help!

 

[arkieb1]

That sounds like a good option, if you are looking for a pink sapphire check in with our Colour stone members and ask for help there. How much did the jeweller quote for a setting? I'd still be considering places overseas for the setting and no you do not always have to buy the setting and the centre stone from the same vendor but it depends upon who you use different vendors have different rules.

Also check Loupetroop and DiamondBistro regularly they have things that members sell for great prices.

 

[Niel]

I think a pink center with diamond sides is a fantastic option.

had you seen this?

http://loupetroop.com/listings/rings-colored-stone-center/2-dot-16ct-ec-spinel-cut-by-roger-dery-and-gia-graded-61ctw-ec-diamonds

 

[msop04]

I think a pink center with diamond sides is a fantastic option.

had you seen this?

http://loupetroop.com/listings/rings-colored-stone-center/2-dot-16ct-ec-spinel-cut-by-roger-dery-and-gia-graded-61ctw-ec-diamonds

+1

This ring is GORGEOUS and has some serious finger coverage!! Perfect.