$3500 budget, seeking out your thoughts and recommendations!

[patiolanterns]

Wow, just a few days spent pouring over every thread on this site that I can lay may eyes on, and I can't believe how much my perspective on diamonds has changed. A week ago I was ready to go completely screw-up the most important purchase of my life (so far) and buy a ring from a pushy salesperson at the mall... Needless to say, I love this site.

Still, I realize that I am still a humble newbie and would benefit greatly from my own thread with some expert advice tailored to my situation and what is currently available in the market.

I am going to be proposing to the love of my life in early October. I am young and without a great deal of savings, and want to keep my budget at $3500 or under.

My requirements for my Round center stone are extremely "bang-for-the-buck" oriented. My personal thought process about the 4 C's and my potential ideal ring is as follows:

1. Cut is king - no sacrifices here
2. For clarity, it must simply be eye clean - zeroing in on SI1
3. Not picky about color - I'm thinking an I would be best, but would consider a J. Don't mind some fluorescence.
4. I want the largest diamond possible for my budget considering the above

For the setting, I really like the split-shank/infinity style pave set in 14K white gold. There are a couple nice ones that are less expensive at Blue Nile and B2C jewels, and these would allow me to spend a bit more on the center stone. Is the build quality of these settings a big issue?

http://www.b2cjewels.com/Diamond-Accent-Settings/Infinity-Twist-Engagement-Ring-Split-Shank-14K-White-Gold-10038-1.aspx

http://www.bluenile.com/build-your-own-ring/twist-halo-diamond-14k-white-gold-engagement-ring_42402?elem=img&track=product

I am not married to the setting if something else comes along, but I think I want something beyond a solitaire and at least want to do a basic pave.

Other than that, I've been pouring over loose stones and just don't know whether to get something a little smaller at Brian Gavin or Whiteflash that has their upper tier certification (ACA/Signature), OR roll the dice a bit and get an HCA < 2 stone from B2c or bluenile that will be a bit bigger for the same price, and return it if I find any issues with it.

Any thoughts, please send 'em in! I promise not to be offended if anything harsh is said about my ideas so far...

 

[Niel]

Re: $3500 budget, seeking out your thoughts and recommendati

So while going though james allen, i see that .8 cts wont fit your budget, .75 is just slightly out, but a .7 would give you LOTS of room for a lovely setting.

heres a photo comparison of a .7 and a .8 ct stone. really not that big of a deal. so lets assume you get a .7?




I quite love this one, J, nice clarity, just about 2k. And has a brown undertone, and from what Ive heard from people on this site that have stones with a brown undertone appear slightly whiter than there yellow undertone counterparts

http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/0.70-carat-j-color-vs1-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-317458

settings that would be keeping within that twisty style you like include

http://www.jamesallen.com/engagement-rings/pave/18k-white-gold-pave-crossover-engagement-ring-item-22573

LOVE this one
http://www.jamesallen.com/engagement-rings/pave/platinum-enclosed-pave-halo-item-8146

http://www.jamesallen.com/engagement-rings/halo/14k-white-gold-twisted-pave-halo-engagement-ring-item-41065

http://www.jamesallen.com/engagement-rings/halo/18k-white-gold-floral-scallop-twisted-engagement-ring-item-22582

 

[patiolanterns]

Re: $3500 budget, seeking out your thoughts and recommendati

Thank you very much for that thorough write-up.

You sent some very nice settings I hadn't considered. I especially like this one:

http://www.jamesallen.com/engagement-rings/pave/platinum-enclosed-pave-halo-item-8146

But I'm also a bit concered about one aspect of it. Do you think it would sit too "high" on the finger, or is this effect likely more magnified in the pictures than in real life?

Also, it says it needs to be set with a 0.75, but there are numerous pictues with it being set with smaller diamonds, including a 0.56. Is it just a recommedation? A 0.65 or 0.7 certainly isn't far off.

Regarding the stone, 0.7 is definitely around my target. I like the idea of looking for a slight brown tinted J, it does seem better than yellow. Any more center stone thoughts to compare to? I would go down in clarity a bit to go up to an I color, as long is it remains eye-clean. I don't mind a bit of slightly noticeable tint from the side but I want it to look white face-up.

Thanks again!

 

[Niel]

Re: $3500 budget, seeking out your thoughts and recommendati

Thank you very much for that thorough write-up.

You sent some very nice settings I hadn't considered. I especially like this one:

http://www.jamesallen.com/engagement-rings/pave/platinum-enclosed-pave-halo-item-8146

But I'm also a bit concered about one aspect of it. Do you think it would sit too "high" on the finger, or is this effect likely more magnified in the pictures than in real life?

Also, it says it needs to be set with a 0.75, but there are numerous pictues with it being set with smaller diamonds, including a 0.56. Is it just a recommedation? A 0.65 or 0.7 certainly isn't far off.

Regarding the stone, 0.7 is definitely around my target. I like the idea of looking for a slight brown tinted J, it does seem better than yellow. Any more center stone thoughts to compare to? I would go down in clarity a bit to go up to an I color, as long is it remains eye-clean. I don't mind a bit of slightly noticeable tint from the side but I want it to look white face-up.

Thanks again!

What I did was take your budget, minus what that setting costs, adjust the settings to search for only stones with 57% tables or less and depths no deeper than 62.4. I excluded Ks because you didnt seem interested in those. all the rest i looked at. I didnt really see an I that jumped out at me like that J did. So i agree, you could go lower in clarity, but cut is first and foremost, and i didnt see anything in an I si1 that had the same cut quality.

I will do one more look though, sense JA will give you the chance to reserve 3 stones and get idealscopes for all (to see which is best) no harm in getting a few options.

as for that setting.

I have inquired before if they would stretch it and make that setting for a .7 size stone. They agreed. I think they are more suggestions than hard and fast rules.

somebody recently did this halo for a .75 and it made jewel of the week. It can help you with how high it sits of the finger

https://www.pricescope.com/blog/jewel-week-swirl-halo-engagement-ring

 

[arkieb1]

Re: $3500 budget, seeking out your thoughts and recommendati

Is your budget for the stone only or for the stone + setting? If you could stretch it I would ask Wink if this stone faces up eyeclean;

http://www.highperformancediamonds.com/index.php?page=view-id-diamond-infinity-new&id=1252

Or how about something intentionally yellow put into a white spiral or twisted halo;

http://www.diamondsbylauren.com/index.php/jewelry/loose-yellow-diamond-86ct-u-v-natural-light-yellow-vs1-round-brilliant-gia-beautiful-cut-r5925

Or a preloved bargain;

This stone would look great in one of the above settings and it should come in under budget;

http://www.diamondbistro.com/category/216/Natural-Diamond-Center/listings/39034/Plat-solitaire-with-074-ct-AGS-Ideal-Diamond.html

Or

http://www.diamondbistro.com/category/216/Natural-Diamond-Center/listings/39511/Reduced-6-Ideal-Cut-AGS-certified-solitaire.html

And a pretty antique ring thrown in just for good measure;

http://www.jewelsbygrace.com/rings/vintage-and-antique/70ct-old-european-cut-filigree-solitaire.html#.VBZXpu0Vq5Q

And another antique ring;

http://loupetroop.com/listings/rings-natural-diamond-center/dot-79-oec-g-h-vs2-antique-platinum-engagement-ring-from-jbeg

 

[patiolanterns]

Re: $3500 budget, seeking out your thoughts and recommendati

What I did was take your budget, minus what that setting costs, adjust the settings to search for only stones with 57% tables or less and depths no deeper than 62.4. I excluded Ks because you didnt seem interested in those. all the rest i looked at. I didnt really see an I that jumped out at me like that J did. So i agree, you could go lower in clarity, but cut is first and foremost, and i didnt see anything in an I si1 that had the same cut quality.

I will do one more look though, sense JA will give you the chance to reserve 3 stones and get idealscopes for all (to see which is best) no harm in getting a few options.

as for that setting.

I have inquired before if they would stretch it and make that setting for a .7 size stone. They agreed. I think they are more suggestions than hard and fast rules.

somebody recently did this halo for a .75 and it made jewel of the week. It can help you with how high it sits of the finger

https://www.pricescope.com/blog/jewel-week-swirl-halo-engagement-ring

Thanks for those pictures Niel, it was exactly what I needed. I am really considering that setting now, it just looks so fantastic and I don't think the height is a dealbreaker. And I was thinking the exact same thing about the idealscope, may as well find 3 stones to compare. I will point out that I don't need to order right away so I could wait until some new JA inventory comes in if there is not much to choose from now. Or I could buy the loose stone elsewhere and still consider a JA setting... My primary goal here is still getting a great cut.

Arkieb1, Thanks for the suggestions. The first stone looks really nice, but I do have a total budget of $3500 . I considered the fancy yellow stone and those really nice antique options (all of which are very well-priced too), but think I'm going to stick with a white stone and a modern cut/style. I'm sure someone reading this well benefit from those suggestions though. If you (or anyone else) have any other thoughts on stone or setting, I'm still very open to them, although for the setting that JA swirl halo is definitely in the lead right now...

 

[chel180]

Re: $3500 budget, seeking out your thoughts and recommendati

Will this ring be your engagement ring? Are you planning to wear a wedding band with it? You will have a gap or need a curves band if you do. Just something to consider.

What do you think of this one at bluenile? They have some previous sales at the bottom and as an example this one is a .9 I VS2 well cut in a white gold twist halo for $3500.
http://www.bluenile.com/uk/engageme...sed-engagement-ring-details?ring_id=454828860

 

[Niel]

Re: $3500 budget, seeking out your thoughts and recommendati

Will this ring be your engagement ring? Are you planning to wear a wedding band with it? You will have a gap or need a curves band if you do. Just something to consider.

What do you think of this one at bluenile? They have some previous sales at the bottom and as an example this one is a .9 I VS2 well cut in a white gold twist halo for $3500.
http://www.bluenile.com/uk/engageme...sed-engagement-ring-details?ring_id=454828860

That's in BGP... in USD it would be 5700

 

[Calliecake]

Re: $3500 budget, seeking out your thoughts and recommendati

Have you discussed what type of setting your future fiancé would like with her. Most women are pretty particular about what they like and don't like with settings. Just because you love it doesn't mean she will. You want her to love her ring. Have you considered purchasing a stone and picking out a setting together after you propose?

 

[E B]

Re: $3500 budget, seeking out your thoughts and recommendati

Have you discussed what type of setting your future fiancé would like with her. Most women are pretty particular about what they like and don't like with settings. Just because you love it doesn't mean she will. You want her to love her ring. Have you considered purchasing a stone and picking out a setting together after you propose?

I agree, patio. If you really want to surprise her, or she wants to be surprised, I would do a more simple straight pave setting, if only for more wedding band choices.

 

[Niel]

Re: $3500 budget, seeking out your thoughts and recommendati

now I can certainly understand why people would be concerned about a more flush fit band. If thats something youre worried about, take a look at this! its 18k now, and puts you a few hundred over budget. I would ask if maybe they could do it in 14k to get you closer to your goal. But its really quite stunning, gets you that twist shank, a .7ct stone, and a w band would sit more flush than that JA setting.

http://www.whiteflash.com/engagement-rings/solitaire/simon-g-mr1498-d-delicate-diamond-engagement-ring-3423.htm

http://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-3215934.htm
or
http://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-3222848.htm

 

[smitcompton]

Re: $3500 budget, seeking out your thoughts and recommendati

I love that setting. I would put the .67 pt i color in that setting. nice niel.


Annette

 

[patiolanterns]

Re: $3500 budget, seeking out your thoughts and recommendati

Have you discussed what type of setting your future fiancé would like with her. Most women are pretty particular about what they like and don't like with settings. Just because you love it doesn't mean she will. You want her to love her ring. Have you considered purchasing a stone and picking out a setting together after you propose?

The "just because you love it doesn't mean she will" sentiment is certainly a big worry of fine. I did strongly consider mounting the stone in an ultra-basic setting and then letting her pick out the real setting. It just seems like such a cop-out to not pick out a full ring. I also worry how I could steer her towards buying it online when the obvious thing to do is to go pick one out at a store together, and then there's the awkwardness of budget restrictions.

Do the online retailers allow you to get a basic setting, and then apply the value of that setting towards a more elaborate one within the return policy period? It seems like you are simply returning and re-buying. This way I could say order a JA or WF stone and have her pick out a setting she likes from that same site only. I would consider this. Especially if anyone finds any slam-dunk stone that I would have to grab immediately.

In terms of discussing the ring and then buying something in line with her expectations, this proposal is going to be somewhat elaborate and needs to remain a complete surprise, so I am very hesitant to engage her in any talk about rings and make her suspect anything any more than she already might. I think this option is out for that reason.

Back to the settings, I really do love that high-set twisty halo but I'm going back to some of the more traditional flush ones again. Niel, that whiteflash one is very nice as well. I'll send an email to Whiteflash about the possibility making that one in 14k and let the forum know what they say. Both those stones would be great if I chose that setting, I think I'm slightly more partial to the slightly-smaller I-color stone.

Overall, based on my back-and-forth indecisiveness on the setting, I clearly need to think about it more, but there's lots of fantastic options here and I like hearing all the different angles and ways to approach this. I'm going to mull everything over for a couple days and see how I feel. So far I've been thrilled with the response so thanks again (especially to Niel). Again if anyone finds anything else setting-wise or any incredible stones feel free to add it to the pot!

 

[telephone89]

Re: $3500 budget, seeking out your thoughts and recommendati

I have no idea about stones, but if you want to get her opinion without her knowing, you could ask one of her friends to take her shopping, on the guise that they are looking for the friend's ring. Then the friend could feel her out, 'Ooh I like this one, what do you think?' and your gf would just assume they are looking for the friend.

 

[Niel]

Re: $3500 budget, seeking out your thoughts and recommendati

I cannot speak for wf. But as for JA, from personal experience, they have allowed me to return the basic setting and use the funds toward another setting. I did it within the 60 day return period and they didn't seem to mind. They actually suggested it! Also, they paid for the shipping every time. Including the return from me back to them to reset! They sent me a mailing label.
But if she ended up liking the Simon g setting bestthat doesn't really work.

Let me ask you this. Does your girlfriend have a pinterest? Usually they will pin, or at least "like" jewelry. You can see likes and pins if you find her pinterest site.

If you can't get a pinterest see if she has confided in a friend or family. Or look at her other jewelry.

Something must have made you lean toward twisty shanks, what was it?

 

[E B]

Re: $3500 budget, seeking out your thoughts and recommendati

I cannot speak for wf. But as for JA, from personal experience, they have allowed me to return the basic setting and use the funds toward another setting.

If Whiteflash will do the same, I think the diamond below is a great option for you. An unnoticeable amount smaller than a .7 but, what, $500-800 less than hitting that .7 ct mark with the same specs, leaving you ~$1300 for a setting (given they credit you for the solitaire). I think it's worth asking about.

http://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-3215934.htm

 

[endless_summer]

Re: $3500 budget, seeking out your thoughts and recommendati

If you are concerned about both cut and size, one added bonus of going with a Whiteflash center stone is very liberal upgrade policy. If you are willing to give a little in carat weight/size now, you and your soon-to-be fiance could have a beautifully cut stone and then work up in size overtime for anniversaries and the like as you are both able and wish to do so. Here's a link, so you can check it out if you hadn't already seen it:

http://www.whiteflash.com/about-diamonds/jewelry/lifetime-upgrade.htm

Best of luck!

 

[starrylight]

Re: $3500 budget, seeking out your thoughts and recommendati

If you're sure that she wants a round, then whiteflash has plenty of settings. But it sounds that you are very set on surprising her and aren't completely sure on what stone shape, I would go with James allen and their cheapest solitaire.

 

[patiolanterns]

Re: $3500 budget, seeking out your thoughts and recommendati

Wow, so much to chew on here. She does have a pinterest account, but it hasn't been updated in a while and there are no clues in there. Thinking about her other jewelry, she sticks to simple, studded earrings but likes to wear more elaborate rings and necklaces, often with sapphires and other colorful gems. She doesn't really own anything higher-end, except a simple diamond pendant with a ~0.5 carat princess-cut that she got from her mother. I don't think she is too crazy about it and I always thought she'd like something more elaborate for her ring. But other than that, it's just guesswork. An engagement ring is just in a completely different category. Maybe she wants it to have the same theme as her other jewelry, or maybe she wants it to be completely different and special.

With this in mind, I think I am going to go with a presentation solitaire and then let her choose the setting. It's a happy medium. I don't relish shipping the stone back and forth, but it seems that the retailers make it fairly easy. JA has the presentation solitaire seemingly for this purpose and a poster above confirmed that it is no problem. I will ask whiteflash what their policy is as well, as I like the 0.677 ct stone and they have a good selection of settings, and see what they say.

I'm hoping JA gets a bit more inventory, I love their site and I think it would be really neat to get the free ideal-scope's done, but they seem to be a bit lacking in the specs I want right now. I can check bluenile and the "virtual selection" on WF and find tons of I-color 0.7s. But I want an in-house stone for the confirmed eye-clean and upgrade benefits, so I hope they get some more this week or early next-week. I keep refreshing it and haven't found anything new.

So, that's my thought's after sleeping on it a couple nights. Thanks to all the posters that have helped me get to this point. Now, I just have to get a stone. I will report back on what Whiteflash says about returning a basic presentation setting, and will keep checking James Allen's inventory. I have the J-stone from the top of the thread as a possible option and would like to find two more to compare with using the ideal-scope. I am a bit worried about that 0.67ct whiteflash stone disappearing, how quickly do they typically sell? And do you think it's such a good stone that I should really be pulling the trigger now (assuming they say yes to my the setting change)?

Thanks again everyone.

 

[endless_summer]

Re: $3500 budget, seeking out your thoughts and recommendati

It sounds like you've got a great plan for moving forward. If you like WF's 0.67 stone, please see if they'll reserve it for a day or two while you consider your options and make your decision. Stones that folks like on PS often disappear, and if that's the one, none of us would want you to miss out on it.

 

[Niel]

Re: $3500 budget, seeking out your thoughts and recommendati

What I would suggest is you ask WF to hold that stone while you get your questions answered.

My concern is that women dont necessarily LIKE to give up their brand new show off-able e ring for a few weeks to be reset. And, some are sentimental and dont want to change what you originally presented.

I went to WF and did a live chat with a person because I myself had a question on this. Turns out they have a 30 day "inspection policy" on all rings except eternity rings. I guess youd just pay for shipping. i think 50 bucks maybe?

If that ring you like comes in 14k, what i would do is buy THAT setting vs a presentation solitaire. You seem to think she would like that one, and i mean, shes going to be your fiance, you much know her style a little

that way, if she likes it, then done and done. No shipping back, she gets to wear it, all is well. If not, then you can worry about getting another setting. But that way, you have the chance of getting it right the first try,vs a presentation solitaire which you are certain to have to return

 

[E B]

Re: $3500 budget, seeking out your thoughts and recommendati

It sounds like you've got a great plan for moving forward. If you like WF's 0.67 stone, please see if they'll reserve it for a day or two while you consider your options and make your decision. Stones that folks like on PS often disappear, and if that's the one, none of us would want you to miss out on it.

Good advice! There is another person (that we know of) considering the same diamond.

 

[patiolanterns]

Re: $3500 budget, seeking out your thoughts and recommendati

I heard back from Whiteflash:

First of all, as expected I can definitely credit the full amount of any setting to a new one within the return policy (30 days), and I can get a 50% refund within 60 days. Obviously, I'd prefer to do it quickly and stick to 30 days.

The Simong-G Whiteflash ring would take about 6 weeks to order and I'd like to propose no later than October 10th, so it's out as the default setting, but I could still get it after the proposal. They are checking on the 14k white gold option.

So right now I think I'm sticking to a presentation solitaire setting. The really bad news is that the 0.677 ct stone is now reserved... Apparently I just missed it. Which is my own fault, I should have done this yesterday but I ran out of time. So I'm back to looking for a stone unless this one is released from hold. Still interested in JA stones as well (or any other in-house vendor with a wide selection of settings).

I won't let this setback bother me, I'll just see what comes up tomorrow and take it one step at a time.

Thanks again to everyone.

 

[E B]

Re: $3500 budget, seeking out your thoughts and recommendati

Here's another similar option from WF. A little more money, but the clarity is also higher.

http://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-3157633.htm?source=pricescope

This one from GOG may be a good option too, if the inclusions aren't visible or a setting risk:

http://www.goodoldgold.com/diamond/10894/

Just curious, does any of the jewelry she wears look like this?

http://www.jamesallen.com/engagemen...etite-diamond-halo-engagement-ring-item-41066