Buying a 2500-3000 $ engagement ring. Advice needed!

[loveofmylife]

hi,

Since i dont have a clue about diamonds i thought you could help me find/pick the perfect engagement ring.

My boyfriend and I are going to Dubai for holiday and we thought it would be a good idea to buy an engagement ring there since its really expensive to buy it where we live (Europe but not UK).

I am looking for a channel set ring with a round brilliant diamond (see attached file/picture).

We have a tight budget around 2800 dollars.

I really want a diamond between 0.5 to 0.7 carats.

What specs should i be looking for? What is the best value for my money?

 

[canvasback]

I'm a newbie, but will give you an opinion as well as a free bump.


I would look at some AGS or GIA cert. I-J colored stones. SI1-SI2 clarity. You may even be able to find a good deal on a stone with strong fluorescence. If eye clean and certified is a must, be sure to make that known first-hand.
Here's a couple stones I found really quickly. I just bought a WhiteFlash Expert Selection stone and am thoroughly pleased.

http://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-3063730.htm


and another

http://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-3157634.htm

 

[smitcompton]

Hi,

If you are located in the states and wouldn't mind a preloved ring, there is one that looks very nice in the preloved section. Its a 75 pt stone in a ring with lovely diamonds on the band. Please look as I doubt it will last long. Price 1.200.00. Looks very nice!

Annette

 

[Gypsy]

What size do you wear?

 

[Gypsy]

Setting options:
https://bridal.gabrielny.com/product/ER7991W44JJ 900
https://bridal.gabrielny.com/product/ER7985W44JJ 850
https://bridal.gabrielny.com/product/ER2150W44JJ 800

GOG Should be able to get you a discount on the list price (usually can) to save you a little more.
With this stone:
http://www.goodoldgold.com/diamond/12143/ This stone for 2200.

So that SHOULD work out to be 3000 out the door, with all discounts and no sales tax.

 

[Kalliope]

So that SHOULD work out to be 3000 out the door, with all discounts and no sales tax.

Given that the OP is living in Europe, with all the shipping costs, taxes, duty fees and charges for bank wire I think this will exceed the budget. Maybe a stone closer to 0.5ct would work?

 

[Gypsy]

They can work with GOG to source them a nice diamond of nice quality J SI1 with Strong Blue and maybe even a 60/60 stone to discount it enough to make it affordable for them.

 

[Gypsy]

Something like this:
http://www.bluenile.com/diamond-details/LD04865267
or this
http://www.bluenile.com/diamond-details/LD04638295


GOG may be able to get either of them in. Or something like them.

Tell them you want the following (just copy and paste it):

Eyeclean J color 50-70 point GIA 3x round brilliant with Medium-Strong Blue fluorescence (that is not overblue). A table between 59-60.5 and depth of 59.5 and 61. Pavilion angle between 40.2-41. And a crown angle of 33.5 and 35.

It's pretty specific. But it will give you excellent light performance and maximum discount. And will enable to get the most for your budget.

 

[Rhea]

Since the poster is in Europe VAT needs to be taken into consideration. Depending on what country they are located in it could be as high as 27% and there may be an additional import duty for luxury goods. Because of the taxes the actual budget, to hit around $2800, is about $2200 with shipping. Europe also doesn't use nickel white gold, it's banned over here due to the high number of people with an allergy to it, so a white gold setting from the US where nickel white gold is still allowed may end up causing problems for a future jeweller being able to work with it for repairs, match it for a wedding ring, and any allergic reaction the OP may not realise they have.