$2,000 for engagement: need your ideas

[enelson]

Ok pricescope, I have $2,000 to spend total on a ring. I would like everyone''s ideas, and selections. I like vintage, but I don''t want a tiny diamond. Please let me see your ideas.

 

[Irishgrrrl]

Emily Rose~

I saw this setting on Abazias.com the other day, and I really like the vintagey feel of it: http://www.abazias.com/database/NewEngagementInfo.asp?stock=ENG-S-99-10808

It''s only $257 if you get it in white or yellow gold, and they do sell a matching band, which is here: http://www.abazias.com/database/NewEngagementInfo.asp?stock=WBL-12-4697

So, if you get that setting, that leaves $1,743 in your budget to buy the diamond. I''m not sure what shape you''re interested in, but personally, I think an asscher would look gorgeous in that setting, so I found you one: http://www.abazias.com/database/NewDiamondInfo.asp?stock=47557984&src=builder I think this is the largest one that Abazias currently has that would fall within your budget. Plus, that diamond is only about $1,400, so you''d come in under budget and have enough money left over to buy the matching band!

Keep in mind, I know exactly zero about asschers, but this one is good-sized at about 3/4 of a carat, and is VS2 clarity which I believe should make it eye-clean. The color is I, so it may be a little "warm" but I think it would still look white.

 

[Lexie]

What diamond size/shape would be ideal? What would you consider as being too tiny? Do you prefer white gold/platinum or yellow gold?

 

[erica k]

I thought you were leaning towards a setting from Abazias and maybe the .63ct GOG RB? Or are you now looking for a solitaire setting with more detailing?

 

[enelson]

I prefer any stone but marquis, and white gold or palladium.

 

[kcoursolle]

How about this stone: http://www.whiteflash.com/round_ideal_cut/Round-Ideal-Cut-cut-diamond-415695.htm
A stone almost .60 carats won''t look small, but they have an upgrade policy if you ever want to go bigger down the road.

with this setting: http://www.knoxjewelers.biz/index.htm?crn=200&rn=1199&action=show_detail (they also have a four prong version and a matching band)

or this setting: http://www.whiteflash.com/Engagement-Rings/Styles/Diamond-Settings/Petite-Open-Cathedral_1211.htm

This is one of my favorites: http://www.whiteflash.com/Engagement-Rings/Styles/Diamond-Settings/The--Legato--with-Micro-Pave_1071.htm

 

[kcoursolle]

Alternatively, you could get this stone which is about as big as you could go with your budget and set it in a simple $200 solitaire setting: http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/H-SI2-Ideal-Cut-Round-Diamond-1155760.asp. For your first anniversary you could re-set it as a gift into a more vintagy setting.

 

[erica k]

I agree with kcourselle, go with a simple setting and put most of your money into a stone.

What size ring do you wear? Are you planning on upgrading? You should definitely stick with vendors with generous upgrade policies and consider splurging on a setting later on.

There are several PSers with Van Craeynest rings. I think they cost at least $1600 for wg with a few small diamonds, but they might be worth considering later on if you stick with a 1ct or under stone.

The VC rings are incredibly well made, heirloom quality, and I think they look absolutely gorgeous with smaller stones.

 

[swingirl]

Just an idea for someone who doesn't want a small ring.

Here's a 0.86 ct princess in an M. Quite warm in color but beautifully cut by Infinity.

winfields 0.86 ct princess

(scroll down the page to see all their stones listed. Princess cuts are "PR")

It's around $1800. The least expensive setting I found (only checked a few PS vendors) is from WF for around $300 so I went over budget. Oops!