Budget ring 1500$~ pls advice

[D maklen]

Hi all,

Im a total newbie in this diamond world, so thats why I need help from this fantastic forum.
I know im on low budget but still think I got better deal online than my local jewellery shop.

For 100% sure I know what she likes is
1) white gold
2) round diamond
3) halo style

I had conversation with JA chatperson and she recommend for settings which I liked also and fits on my budget:

https://www.jamesallen.com/engageme...amond-engagement-ring-round-center-item-17445

And two options for Diamond

https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-di...k-color-vs1-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-2759585
(400$)

Second one:

https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-di...-g-color-i1-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-3099528
(430$)

Which one you recommend or neither. Any help and suggestion needed and much appreciated.

Thank You

 

[ac117]

I suggest you call IDJ and speak to Yekutiel - he's great at maximizing budgets. They carry Gabriel & Co. and usually beat the retail prices listed. Another option that would save some money is paying for a halo but with no diamonds on the shank so you have more money for the center stone:
http://idjewelry.com/0-15-ct-diamon...white-gold-diamond-halo-er7496w44jj-igcd.html or http://idjewelry.com/0-10-ct-diamon...white-gold-diamond-halo-er7815w44jj-igcd.html

Here's an equivalent of that JA setting: http://idjewelry.com/0-23-ct-diamon...white-gold-diamond-halo-er6418w44jj-igcd.html

If you must stick with JA, I do not like either of those options. I'd go with either of these settings instead:
https://www.jamesallen.com/engageme...ellis-halo-diamond-engagement-ring-item-53050
https://www.jamesallen.com/engagement-rings/halo/14k-white-gold-pave-halo-engagement-ring-item-18301

And either of these beauties (you could get $100 off with a JA referral code and ask for PS discount to bring you to $1500)
https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-di...-j-color-if-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-2480716
https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-di...i-color-si1-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-3110472
https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-di...j-color-vs1-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-3020534

 

[Niel]

Would you consider second hand?

 

[tyty333]

Ditto ac117

Neither of those JA stones that the SA suggested are cut well...pass on those. The stones that ac117 recommended are well cut.

 

[Snowdrop13]

If preloved is an option, how about this Tiffany ring?

http://www.jewelsbygrace.com/tiffany-co-circlet-ring

 

[D maklen]

Thank you very much for help! So much very nice looking rings.

AC117 idea with no diamonds on the shank and bigger one on the center sounds very good. Which one of ac117 diamonds should I pick?

Never thought about second hand rings and snowdrop13 linked tiffany&co ring, it look so nice with that price! Just wondering scratches in the ring? Is there too much and how "old" ring is it? And is jewelsandgrace legit place to order?

So, im really noob just want to make right decision and really happy to see how much here are ppl willing to help.

 

[bmfang]

Jewelsbygrace is a legit place to purchase from. For scratches, you may be able to get them polished out though the "scratches" I see on some pics on the listing appear to be fibres of some sort that shouldn't cause any probs.

 

[arkieb1]

I second contacting IDJ and speak to Yekutiel, and see what they can do for you unless you like Antiques and want something different and larger looking in which case these would be my picks;

https://loupetroop.com/listings/rin...-solitaire-with-deco-french-cut-sapphire-halo

http://www.jewelsbygrace.com/88ctw-antique-navette-diamond-ring
(and yes Jewels by Grace is a legitimate business to deal with);

For something completely different;

http://www.diamondsbylauren.com/ind...1-daussi-heart-shape-diamond-lovely-cut-r3626

Perhaps closer to what you are looking for;

https://www.rubylane.com/item/1442445-EMS-209/1-03ctw-Round-H-SI2-Ideal?search=1

This is pretty but it's a heart and arrows square cut rather than a round brilliant;

http://www.ebay.com/itm/14k-White-G...031261?hash=item237d2e241d:g:qP8AAOSw44BYlmyl

 

[D maklen]

If preloved is an option, how about this Tiffany ring?

http://www.jewelsbygrace.com/tiffany-co-circlet-ring

I like this very much and also this "arkieb" linked https://www.rubylane.com/item/1442445-EMS-209/1-03ctw-Round-H-SI2-Ideal?search=1

But how come this rubylane diamond is so "cheap" 1.03ctw for 1100$ and tiffany is 1695$ 0.75ctw.? Which one would you pick? So hard to decise

Im going to give a call to Yekutiel also to see what he got to offer.

 

[bmfang]

My guess is that the Tiffany ring has SI1 diamonds in it. The rubylane listing has a SI2 in it.

 

[ac117]

I like this very much and also this "arkieb" linked https://www.rubylane.com/item/1442445-EMS-209/1-03ctw-Round-H-SI2-Ideal?search=1

But how come this rubylane diamond is so "cheap" 1.03ctw for 1100$ and tiffany is 1695$ 0.75ctw.? Which one would you pick? So hard to decise

Im going to give a call to Yekutiel also to see what he got to offer.

A few different factors....there is obviously a small premium for the Tiffany name, even when preloved. However, the Tiffany ring is platinum (Ruby Lane is 14k wg), and I don't think Tiffany's uses diamonds with SI2 clarity grade (Ruby Lane's center is SI2). Between these 2, I would definitely go with the Tiffany. However, unless you think the Tiffany name would really be important to her, I would still personally stick to the JA or IDJ recommendations bc they get you a well cut center diamond and a brand new ring...

 

[D maklen]

And what do you think is their price if you buy them new? Just wondering how good value I get if I buy preloved ring.

 

[partgypsy]

Doesn't look like they offer that ring anymore. But I would think most women would prefer a platinum tiffany ring over a larger ruby Lane ring, for the name and quality of diamonds. The only downside is that it is not exactly a halo type (a little different) and wouldn't be able to upgrade the center diamond due to the design. But I think the Tiffany ring looks beautiful and is a good price!

 

[ac117]

I disagree that most woman would prefer a Tiffany ring over a larger ring...people don't generally know it's Tiffany's so they would only know if your gf tells them. Again, if you think the Tiffany name is something she would love and value then I do really like that preloved option!

From a quick search, Grace's price is extremely low!
http://www.ebay.com/itm/TIFFANY-CO-...-5-/282445802527?_trksid=p2385738.m2548.l4275
http://www.ebay.com/itm/TIFFANY-CO-...UM-/172698345781?_trksid=p2385738.m2548.l4275
https://www.tradesy.com/weddings/br...clet-engagement-ring-size-6-tcw-064-14062534/

 

[partgypsy]

any update on your search?

 

[D maklen]

I contacted jewelsbygrace about tiffany&co ring and asked about is there visible size of wear, year of purchased and re-size if it doesnt fit how should I proceed.

Got nice answer and suggestion that I make re-size here in Finland but we dont have tiffany&co, nearest is in Hamburg, Germany.

Then I contacted by email IDJ and asked if Yekutiel can help me and mentioned this forum recommended him.

I got answer from Joey who said Yekutiel asked him to take over my case.

We've been changing emails picture ring examples and he wanted picture of her hand that help them to analyse what choices they can offer her and what should go best with her personality.

I keep you updated what they got to offer

 

[Diamond_Hawk]

Hi D Maklen,

I see you're getting plenty of options here

Just keep in mind the color of the melee diamonds in the halo. Some people like to match the color with the color of the center diamond while some people don't mind seeing a difference.

 

[D maklen]

Update:

IDJ found few options from their store. One is more substantial (which I didnt like) and other one was more delicate and very pretty thin (1.7mm shank) halo style setting. They send video clip and it looked nice.

When I asked more information about the ring I got answer 14KT White Gold with total diamond weight of 0.65ctw H SI. and price is just 720$!! so thats way under my budget!

Please help me what else should I need to know. Sounds too good to be true? GIA certificate or something?

 

[hathalove]

Update:

IDJ found few options from their store. One is more substantial (which I didnt like) and other one was more delicate and very pretty thin (1.7mm shank) halo style setting. They send video clip and it looked nice.

When I asked more information about the ring I got answer 14KT White Gold with total diamond weight of 0.65ctw H SI. and price is just 720$!! so thats way under my budget!

Please help me what else should I need to know. Sounds too good to be true? GIA certificate or something?

I'm confused. Was that the price for the setting only? Meaning you still need a center stone for the ring? Or is the .65ctw the weight of the center and the melee?

 

[D maklen]

I'm confused. Was that the price for the setting only? Meaning you still need a center stone for the ring? Or is the .65ctw the weight of the center and the melee?

Whole ring. Including melee and the center diamond. Thats why Im wondering how it can be so cheap?

 

[hathalove]

What is the weight of the center stone?

 

[hathalove]

I'm also curious if putting your budget into the diamond and an inexpensive solitaire setting is an option and then upgrade the setting later for a special occasion?

 

[Snowdrop13]

A

Update:

IDJ found few options from their store. One is more substantial (which I didnt like) and other one was more delicate and very pretty thin (1.7mm shank) halo style setting. They send video clip and it looked nice.

When I asked more information about the ring I got answer 14KT White Gold with total diamond weight of 0.65ctw H SI. and price is just 720$!! so thats way under my budget!

Please help me what else should I need to know. Sounds too good to be true? GIA certificate or something?

Any photos?

 

[D maklen]

A

Any photos?

No photos. I have only received video clips so far.

 

[D maklen]

I'm also curious if putting your budget into the diamond and an inexpensive solitaire setting is an option and then upgrade the setting later for a special occasion?

Im afraid solitaire setting is not an option right now. Looking for a halo setting because I know that is what she only wants.

 

[Tophat1]

Hard to say if it is too good to be true without knowing the center stone weight. If it is 6 x 10 pointers, it sounds reasonable. If it is a 0.50 center with tiny pave halo totalling 0.13, then I would doubt the price

 

[MollyMalone]

IDJ routinely includes such a halo ring on their eBay listings; here's the current listing, with a stock photo:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Auction-0-6...T-RING-WITH-CENTER-DIAMOND-14KT-/152596092411

I'm not seeing it on their web site, however, so you'll need to ask them about the size of the center stone. I assume there is no lab report since there's not one posted or mentioned in the eBay listing.

 

[MollyMalone]

I contacted jewelsbygrace about tiffany&co ring and asked about is there visible size of wear, year of purchased and re-size if it doesnt fit how should I proceed.

Got nice answer and suggestion that I make re-size here in Finland but we dont have tiffany&co, nearest is in Hamburg, Germany.
* * *

The re-sizing wouldn't have to be done by Tiffany. I'd feel comfortable having a competent jewelry repair "bench" with a laser welder do the resizing -- and this is a Tiffany ring where you don't lose the Tiffany stamp if it's resized, because the stamp is on the inside of the upper shank, under a shoulder of the band. But what is your wife-to-be's ring size; I'm wondering if re-sizing really is a viable possibility (and the difference between her ring size & the size of the Tiffany ring will have a bearing on the cost of re-sizing).

Also, if you share her ring size, we'd have a better frame of reference for looking for other second-hand/pre-loved halo rings : - )

 

[D maklen]

IDJ routinely includes such a halo ring on their eBay listings; here's the current listing, with a stock photo:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Auction-0-6...T-RING-WITH-CENTER-DIAMOND-14KT-/152596092411

I'm not seeing it on their web site, however, so you'll need to ask them about the size of the center stone. I assume there is no lab report since there's not one posted or mentioned in the eBay listing.

Yes it is exactly that ring! I asked about size of center stone. Not answer yet.

I dont feel very comfortable anymore to buy that ring, because lack of information given. No lab reports etc. Am I being too careful now?

 

[D maklen]

The re-sizing wouldn't have to be done by Tiffany. I'd feel comfortable having a competent jewelry repair "bench" with a laser welder do the resizing -- and this is a Tiffany ring where you don't lose the Tiffany stamp if it's resized, because the stamp is on the inside of the upper shank, under a shoulder of the band. But what is your wife-to-be's ring size; I'm wondering if re-sizing really is a viable possibility (and the difference between her ring size & the size of the Tiffany ring will have a bearing on the cost of re-sizing).

Also, if you share her ring size, we'd have a better frame of reference for looking for other second-hand/pre-loved halo rings : - )

Thanks for that information, this forum have been very useful!

Her size local (finland) is 16, so I think if its converted to US size should be 5,5.