Size 3 finger... advice on setting, carat, color

[alma123]

Hello all, I'm relatively new to the engagement ring world and just started ring shopping.

I'm attracted to the more "modern" setting. I like the bezel set and wider bands (although not too wide because I have smaller hands-- I thought I liked Tiffany's Etoile until I tried it on). I've also tried on the halo setting and it looked too "flashy" for my liking.

I've tried on Tiffany's and Cartier's bezel set with the 0.5 ct and I'm very satisfied with how it looks. My bf wants me to go with something bigger so I'm thinking possibly ~0.7 ct.

My question is, I realize the bezel set is not very popular (stock was very limited at Cartier's and Tiffany's). I wanted other's opinions on why not.

Regarding carat, I'm happy with a 0.5 ct but should I get something bigger? 0.7 ct? 1 ct? My finger is only size 3 and I don't want a ring that's too big. All these would be in my price range (although I wouldn't mind putting the extra money towards something else if I got a smaller diamond, as long as I LOVE the ring). Regarding clarity, I want something eye-clean so I'm thinking VS2 and above. With color, I want something as white as possible while being economical so I'm thing H and above. Now with the bezel setting, would it make the diamond more white or less white than the prong setting (ie will I-J still look white to the naked eye? Or should I only stick to F and above if I want no color?)

Finally prices-- Tiffany quoted me $8800 for a 0.5 ct E VVS1 on a bezel setting. Cartier's was $5300 on a bezel set, also 0.5 ct (I didnt ask for the grade but it looked nice so I wasn't as concerned). Tiffany's prices seem a bit steep for what we're getting, but Cartier's was very reasonable.

Also one more thing, my sister is a fan of Roberto Coin's Cento collection, where he cuts the diamond with 100+ facets which supposedly gives it more fire. I wasn't able to find his engagement rings in stores so I couldn't see for myself. If anyone here has experience with nontraditional cuts (with Roberto Coin, Leo, or Solasfera), I'd love to hear your thought.

 

[04diamond<3]

What's your budget? You can get a 1ct on a size 3 finger and I think it'd look perfect. If your budget is $8000, you can definitely get a good quality 1 ct. With tiffany and cartier you're buying the name! you can get a 1/2 carat bezel ring from JA for about $1500....

Here's a GOG Solasfera:

http://www.goodoldgold.com/diamond/10146/

Not sure how much it is but it's stunning. You can call them and they'll work with you and your budget. A true H & A will be just as stunning!

This one from JA is also gorgeous:

http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/F-SI1-Excellent-Cut-Round-Diamond-1537449.asp

 

[alma123]

My bf said 15-20k although I am not sure I feel comfortable spending that much especially if I am happy with a ring for much less. Then again, we have money and engagements are kind of a big deal so maybe I should go all out... decisions, decisions. Regarding Tiffany's, I certainly don't need designer brands, I would be happy to buy online if I know it's a good quality ring.

 

[PintoBean]

Also, your occupation and lifestyle should be taken into consideration. For example, if you are a nurse who plans on wearing her ring at work, something not too large and bezel set would facilitate frequent hand washing and gloves.

 

[diamondseeker2006]

I think Solasfera is right up there with the top performing diamonds of any kind. I wouldn't do an E IF because you are paying sooo much for the high color and clarity. I think one carat is not too large and you might be sorry if you don't get it now. Here is one I would suggest instead:

http://www.goodoldgold.com/diamond/9920/ ($13,765)

These are not great pictures, but Sholdt has some beautiful modern bezel style settings:

http://www.goodoldgold.com/SettingsGallery/sholdt/

[URL='https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/sholdt-semi-bezel-solitaire-ring.76450/']https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/sholdt-semi-bezel-solitaire-ring.76450/[/URL] (better picture, and more on page 2)

 

[04diamond<3]

My bf said 15-20k although I am not sure I feel comfortable spending that much especially if I am happy with a ring for much less. Then again, we have money and engagements are kind of a big deal so maybe I should go all out... decisions, decisions. Regarding Tiffany's, I certainly don't need designer brands, I would be happy to buy online if I know it's a good quality ring.

Oh yay! That's a great budget!! And if they're such a big deal (which they always should be!) I say get what you can! Especially if it's what you want!

Here's are good ones from GOG:

http://www.goodoldgold.com/diamond/9633/
http://www.goodoldgold.com/diamond/9549/

and they have some designer settings too.

JA:

http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/H-VS1-Ideal-Cut-Round-Diamond-1542026.asp
http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/H-VS2-Excellent-Cut-Round-Diamond-1528643.asp
http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/F-VS1-Ideal-Cut-Round-Diamond-1493095.asp

How high in carat weight are you comfortable going up to? I found some nice stones over 2ct....

 

[alma123]

Thanks for all the ideas and pics of the beautiful stones!

I think it's just a matter of personal preference but I don't think I'm "fashion-forward" enough to wear anything above 1 carat. I don't want to draw attention because of the ring I'm wearing. I see this girl with sz 3 finger in a 1.5 ct and it's very beautiful but it's just not me:

http://bios.weddingbee.com/pics/219962/ering.jpg

This one is 0.8 ct and it's very reasonable looking:

http://bios.weddingbee.com/pics/219262/tumblr_lwdzn3fQ0t1qi495to1_r1_500.jpg

This is sz 4 and a 0.5 ct with a wider band and it's quite lovely:

http://bios.weddingbee.com/pics/197991/round-e-ring.JPG

Besides, the bezel setting also makes it look a bit bigger too IMO.

 

[alma123]

Also, your occupation and lifestyle should be taken into consideration. For example, if you are a nurse who plans on wearing her ring at work, something not too large and bezel set would facilitate frequent hand washing and gloves.

Good point! I have a regular office job but I want a ring that doesn't stick out too much. That's why I prefer bezel instead of prongs.

 

[PintoBean]

Brian gavin carries a bezel solitaire in his own line of settings. BG also carries scholdt settings as well http://www.briangavindiamonds.com/designer/sholdt

Their signature diamonds and customer service are also pretty darn fantastic.

 

[alma123]

I think Solasfera is right up there with the top performing diamonds of any kind. I wouldn't do an E IF because you are paying sooo much for the high color and clarity. I think one carat is not too large and you might be sorry if you don't get it now. Here is one I would suggest instead:

http://www.goodoldgold.com/diamond/9920/ ($13,765)

These are not great pictures, but Sholdt has some beautiful modern bezel style settings:

http://www.goodoldgold.com/SettingsGallery/sholdt/

[URL='https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/sholdt-semi-bezel-solitaire-ring.76450/']https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/sholdt-semi-bezel-solitaire-ring.76450/[/URL] (better picture, and more on page 2)

Thanks for the Sholdt links! Looks like I'll be making a visit to Palo Alto I agree, I certainly don't want to regret being too small.

 

[alma123]

Brian gavin carries a bezel solitaire in his own line of settings. BG also carries scholdt settings as well http://www.briangavindiamonds.com/designer/sholdt

Their signature diamonds and customer service are also pretty darn fantastic.

You just made my day! Love this site!

 

[PintoBean]

Have you seen James Meyer settings?

https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/oec-set-in-james-meyer.111211/

https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/james-meyer-owners-need-your-input-photos.133187/

https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/james-meyer-engagement-ring.164959/

 

[justginger]

I would go to a reputable jeweler with a wide range of sizes and colors (GIA certed), and try on to your heart's content. Find that magic combo that is your "Goldilocks" range. Not too big, not too small, not too yellow, not too expensive, just right.

It is hard for people to suggest sizing and colors for you because it is such a matter of personal preference. I can't see color very well, and when I do see it, it rarely bothers me. I'm happy down to a J in a modern cut, even in a large stone. Ask around and you'll find others that would hate the same thing - DS comes to mind. And size... I wear a 3.25 and have a 4.65 ct solitaire. I'd go larger if price wasn't a factor and I AM in and out if gloves all day. It's a matter of trying until you find what makes you happiest. I do suggest going larger than you originally think...diamonds have a way of shrinking over time!

 

[diamondseeker2006]

(Pintobean, the last I heard, James Meyer doesn't accept customer stones to set, so I would have to eliminate that as an engagement ring option if that is true.)

Color and other specs are personal preference, although most of us would recommend excellent/ideal cut only. The thing is, your budget is going to allow you to have a high color and clarity stone since you don't want higher than one carat.

Vatche makes a gorgeous bezel ring and both Good Old Gold and WhiteFlash sell Vatche settings as well as outstanding diamonds:

http://www.dvatche.com/index.php?page=collection&catID=2,18&startRow=48&id=51

 

[alma123]

(Pintobean, the last I heard, James Meyer doesn't accept customer stones to set, so I would have to eliminate that as an engagement ring option if that is true.)

Color and other specs are personal preference, although most of us would recommend excellent/ideal cut only. The thing is, your budget is going to allow you to have a high color and clarity stone since you don't want higher than one carat.

Vatche makes a gorgeous bezel ring and both Good Old Gold and WhiteFlash sell Vatche settings as well as outstanding diamonds:

http://www.dvatche.com/index.php?page=collection&catID=2,18&startRow=48&id=51

Wow! I thought I browsed Vatche's site before but I definitely didn't see that! That is a beautiful setting

 

[Niel]

I am in LOVE with that sholt bezel!!! If I were to get a bezel that would be it

As for the stone, I want to say like the others dont go too small because later on you might wish you had the size. But in the same token you shouldnt get something you are uncomfortable with. But i think once you wear it a bit you will get used to it. What I would do if I were you is get one of those branded cuts. Any GOG one, for example. A little more expensive but sense you arent trying to go for size, then the little bit of a premium isnt an issue. An Octavia comes to mind, and a bezel would really set off the amazing shape. Plus, they face up a tad smaller so you can go "big" without going big
http://www.goodoldgold.com/diamond/8863/

 

[CharmyPoo]

Based on your practical nature and sizable budget, I would stick with G and VS1 to be on the safe side. I also think if you go bigger it wouldn't be overly flashing. My finger is 2.75 and I wear a 1.7 ct and just purchased a 2+ ct diamond. I used to think the 1.7 ct looked big and was slightly uncomfortable but now it looks small to me. Heck, even the 2+ ct looks small so I want to go 2.5 - 3.0 ct.
Fortekitty is also a size 3 and her diamond is enormous at 3.7 ct and I think it still looks beautiful although indisputably large.

Net of it ... buy what you feel is comfortable for you but in time the diamond will look smaller.

 

[distracts]

My question is, I realize the bezel set is not very popular (stock was very limited at Cartier's and Tiffany's). I wanted other's opinions on why not.
Right now the style that's in is all dainty and froufrou and bezels are neither.

Regarding carat, I'm happy with a 0.5 ct but should I get something bigger? 0.7 ct? 1 ct? My finger is only size 3 and I don't want a ring that's too big.
One carat isn't really that big. Do it!

Regarding clarity, I want something eye-clean so I'm thinking VS2 and above. With color, I want something as white as possible while being economical so I'm thing H and above.
With your budget and size preferences, get whatever you want! H VS2 or whiter/clearer sounds just fine.

Now with the bezel setting, would it make the diamond more white or less white than the prong setting (ie will I-J still look white to the naked eye? Or should I only stick to F and above if I want no color?)
It isn't color as in body tint that happens when you put a bezel around it but greyness of light leakage or obstruction if it's not cut well. Tiffany and Cartier diamonds are certainly cut better than your average diamond, but they are often not the top of the top when it comes to light performance, and posters here have had difficulty with making them dig through their stock to get the best. Just so you know. With an ideal cut diamond, all of the light that enters the top is directed back out of the top, which makes them appear whiter and sparklier - no matter the body color.

Finally prices-- Tiffany quoted me $8800 for a 0.5 ct E VVS1 on a bezel setting. Cartier's was $5300 on a bezel set, also 0.5 ct (I didnt ask for the grade but it looked nice so I wasn't as concerned). Tiffany's prices seem a bit steep for what we're getting, but Cartier's was very reasonable.
Almost 9k for a half-carat? lololol. Don't buy there. I would be so pissed off if my fiance spent 9k only to end up with a half carat diamond. If the Cartier was of similar color, the price is far more similar to comps.

If the designer brand is not important to you but quality is, I would buy from Whiteflash or Brian Gavin Diamonds or Good Old Gold, from any of their lines of ideal cut diamonds. Here are a few of their bezel and semi-bezel settings (I didn't look at the Tiffany or Cartier ones to compare):
http://www.whiteflash.com/engagement-rings/solitaire/keystone-half-bezel-solitaire-engagement-ring-1105.htm
http://www.whiteflash.com/engagement-rings/solitaire/cameron-solitaire-engagement-ring-585.htm
http://www.briangavindiamonds.com/engagement-rings/full-bezel-solitaire-platinum-5365p
http://www.briangavindiamonds.com/engagement-rings/solitaire/lola-sholdt-platinum-5341p
http://www.briangavindiamonds.com/engagement-rings/solitaire/ava-sholdt-platinum-5343p

 

[CharmyPoo]

I saw this ring and thought of you ...

[URL='https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/santa-baby-forgot-to-mention-one-little-thing-a-ring.183575/']https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/santa-baby-forgot-to-mention-one-little-thing-a-ring.183575/[/URL]

 

[rosetta]

I think audballs ring (the one charmypoo posted) is an excellent suggestion.

 

[alma123]

Thanks all, for the links. For some reason, I'm not as drawn to the half-bezel as much as a full bezel. I've also seriously considered, based on what you guys are saying, to go bigger than 1 carat. I love how cute the bezel looks on a 0.5-0.75 ct setting but I don't love it on a larger diamond. Bigger diamonds look good on a prong setting or a very very thin bezel edge.

I haven't ruled out either option (small diamond bezel, larger diamond prong). I haven't had a chance to try on rings in person larger than 0.7 carat so I will try do so hopefully by the weekend.

 

[diamondseeker2006]

I saw this ring and thought of you ...

[URL='https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/santa-baby-forgot-to-mention-one-little-thing-a-ring.183575/']https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/santa-baby-forgot-to-mention-one-little-thing-a-ring.183575/[/URL]

Perfect! This is the Sholdt I posted above but with a smaller diamond. If you take a look at the Solasfera diamonds at Good Old Gold, they also carry Sholdt settings so you can have them do the setting, too, if you choose that setting.

 

[Niel]

That ring is lovely but i love a full bezel over a half bezel. Like this sholdt

http://www.briangavindiamonds.com/engagement-rings/solitaire/lola-sholdt-platinum-5341p

 

[rubybeth]

I loooove bezels, and like both single bezels and double bezels. This is one of my favorite settings: http://www.jamesallen.com/engagement-rings/solitaire/14k-white-gold-bezel-solitaire-engagement-ring-round-center.html Someone here has a pear in that setting, and it's just amazing. It's a very thin/dainty bezel/ring and doesn't overpower the stone, just lets it shine.

 

[Rosebloom]

This thread shows a beautiful larger stone in a delicate bezel. For a more modern look, you could skip the milgrain.

[URL='https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/2-7c-cushion-in-rose-gold-milgrain-bezel-setting-from-erd.176615/']https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/2-7c-cushion-in-rose-gold-milgrain-bezel-setting-from-erd.176615/[/URL]

I would definitely go bigger. A 1.25 AGS 000 H/VS2 in a delicate platinum bezel. It would be perfection!

 

[Niel]

This thread shows a beautiful larger stone in a delicate bezel. For a more modern look, you could skip the milgrain.

[URL='https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/2-7c-cushion-in-rose-gold-milgrain-bezel-setting-from-erd.176615/']https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/2-7c-cushion-in-rose-gold-milgrain-bezel-setting-from-erd.176615/[/URL]

I would definitely go bigger. A 1.25 AGS 000 H/VS2 in a delicate platinum bezel. It would be perfection!

Gah I am in love with it!

I've always loved that. Personally I really hope you go with the bezel

 

[alma123]

This thread shows a beautiful larger stone in a delicate bezel. For a more modern look, you could skip the milgrain.

[URL='https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/2-7c-cushion-in-rose-gold-milgrain-bezel-setting-from-erd.176615/']https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/2-7c-cushion-in-rose-gold-milgrain-bezel-setting-from-erd.176615/[/URL]

I would definitely go bigger. A 1.25 AGS 000 H/VS2 in a delicate platinum bezel. It would be perfection!

Gah I am in love with it!

I've always loved that. Personally I really hope you go with the bezel

I love that bezel too! And I especially love it in a cushion setting. But I don't know how I feel about the cushion shape. I've read that they are not as shiny as round brilliant cut? And I want to maximize the sparkle so I didn't think cushion cut is for me.

I think now I like the delicate thin bezel and a perhaps more delicate band. But I rarely see bigger diamond + full bezel + round brilliant cut that I'm impressed with, but this one is nice. It's in this thread: [URL='https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/bezel-setting-suggestions.174073/']https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/bezel-setting-suggestions.174073/[/URL]

 

[diamondseeker2006]

You have just posted an antique setting with antique diamond. It's pretty much the opposite of modern! You'll need to decide whih you want! A sleek modern bezel with a hearts and arrows round brilliant or Solasfera is gorgeous, and an antique bezel setting with an August Vintage round would be equally amazing...they are just totally different looks!

(I mention August Vintage round over an antique diamond because you have repeatedly said that cut and sparkle are important to you.)

 

[diamondseeker2006]

Here is a Phillip Press bezel setting and an August Vintage round:

http://www.goodoldgold.com/diamond/8301/

 

[diamondseeker2006]

Or the most magnificent one, in my opinion, by Victor Canera:

http://www.victorcanera.com/jewelry/engagement-rings/the-sophia-french-cut-solitaire-with-bezel-round.html