3 stone engagement ring

[zoli]

Hi everyone!

First post here and total rookie! We are looking at getting a 3 stone engagement ring. I have quite big knuckles (that's what I feel anyway), so prefer some coverage, however, I don't want to look totally "Kardashian". What should we be budgeting for? When we go to jewellers I get totally put off by the GIA papers and sales tales.
Hoping for some advice and potentially direction where to buy!

Zoli

 

[Krisking]

Do you mind posting your finger size and budget? Also, do you have any preferences based on what you've seen so far?

 

[zoli]

Hi Krisking,
My size is N, which is a 6.5 in US?
Budget, I was *hoping* around $10.000 - if that is possible. I like the settling as on the photo, with a slightly bigger centre stone and 2 on the side.

 

[Krisking]

Great! So three round stones, based on the picture?

There are several three stones threads here, which may help you see real life examples. This one also has a helpful photo of center:sidestone proportions.

https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/poll-3-stone-ring-side-stones-to-center-ratio.193822/

If you are open to buying online and know which proportion you prefer, people can help suggest stones with good finger coverage and within budget. You might want to look at sites like Whiteflash, Brian Gavin, and James Allen to see what settings you like!

 

[zoli]

Oh Krisking, I hadn't even thought of ratio%, so thank you for link!
I like the 70-76% ratio. I like it to be a "whole" ring, instead of the centre standing out on its own.
I can't remember the carats of the ring on the photo, but thinking that size - maybe a bit bigger?

 

[SimoneDi]

I would suggest Blue Nile as well because they operate in the UK and VAT is included. Do you know what is your color sensitivity? What metal would you prefer - YG, RG, WG, Plat? Are you open to pre-loved options, or you would prefer a brand new ring?

You have a very healthy budget, so I am certain that we will be able to to help you get the tree stone ring of your dreams, just make sure to review what you really want setting wise, color wise, etc.

I am another three stone fellow lover btw so I am already excited about your future ring here is mine for reference (2.1 ct center, .23ct side stones each)

 

[zoli]

SimoneDi, your ring is stunning!
I like WG and I'm definitely open to preloved! I am in Australia and jewellery here is SO expensive. As for colour, as long as it doesn't throw too much warmth or grey. I like the sparkle In saying that, I've seen I colour stones I like more than an E - so it would depend on the cut quality? Again, total rookie and trying to get best value for money

 

[SimoneDi]

SimoneDi, your ring is stunning!
I like WG and I'm definitely open to preloved! I am in Australia and jewellery here is SO expensive. As for colour, as long as it doesn't throw too much warmth or grey. I like the sparkle In saying that, I've seen I colour stones I like more than an E - so it would depend on the cut quality? Again, total rookie and trying to get best value for money

Thank you! Well my diamonds are actually an I color and you will see that the majority of PSers would always recommend choosing ideal/the best cut and further prioritizing the remaining diamond characteristics.

When recommending rounds diamonds, we usually suggest the below cut criteria in order to ensure a well-performing diamond. There are exceptions of course, but following the below guide will usually ensure a beautifully cut round diamond:

Table: 53-58
Depth: 60-62.4
Crown Angle: 34-35 (up to 35.5 crown angle can sometimes work with a 40.6 pavilion angle)
Pavilion: 40.6-40.9 (sometimes 41.0 if the crown angle is close to 34)

Most people start to see some color in J and below. H-I would provide a "white" look while allowing you to maximize your budget.

Have you tried on different three stone proportions besides the one you posted/ I know that it took me a long time to get the proportions right, so I would definitely suggest spending more time visiting other jewelers and trying on different rings if possible. There are also multiple apps like JA, T&Co, etc that have vitrual "try on" options, perhaps play around with some of those as well before you decide what proportions you might like best and ultimately, before you make a purchase.

 

[nala]

I would suggest Blue Nile as well because they operate in the UK and VAT is included. Do you know what is your color sensitivity? What metal would you prefer - YG, RG, WG, Plat? Are you open to pre-loved options, or you would prefer a brand new ring?

You have a very healthy budget, so I am certain that we will be able to to help you get the tree stone ring of your dreams, just make sure to review what you really want setting wise, color wise, etc.

I am another three stone fellow lover btw so I am already excited about your future ring here is mine for reference (2.1 ct center, .23ct side stones each)

Your ring is gorgeous! Is there a smtb thread on it?

 

[SimoneDi]

Your ring is gorgeous! Is there a smtb thread on it?

Not yet Nala but thank you so much! I will try to create one soon.

 

[zoli]

So, I went into a jewler today and tried a trilogy they had in the "Hearts of fire" series. Centre stone 0.50 and sides 0.30. The ring was lovely, but not enough "spread" to cover my finger I think I will need around 1 carat for centre and 0.60-0.80 to get the desired coverage. I'm so excited! I was quoted, hold on, $31400 (in australian dollars) for a 1 carat centre and 0.50 side stones. Are the "Hearts on fire" diamonds worth the extra $$ or is it a retail spin?

 

[Krisking]

Yea, that's exciting! Glad you tried on more in person!

Retail markup.

So about $24,600. USD? You can get better (price and product) online, even with taxes, etc.

 

[zoli]

Krisking, yes around that $$ in a white setting. I thought it was quite expensive? Also, I'm heading to India in a couple of months before going back to Europe. Is it worthwhile looking into buying there or is it safer online?

 

[SimoneDi]

So, I went into a jewler today and tried a trilogy they had in the "Hearts of fire" series. Centre stone 0.50 and sides 0.30. The ring was lovely, but not enough "spread" to cover my finger I think I will need around 1 carat for centre and 0.60-0.80 to get the desired coverage. I'm so excited! I was quoted, hold on, $31400 (in australian dollars) for a 1 carat centre and 0.50 side stones. Are the "Hearts on fire" diamonds worth the extra $$ or is it a retail spin?

Hearts on fire are frequently called “wallets on fire” around here and for a reason. The only thing that is true about them is that they do indeed sell beautiful diamonds, but so do many other vendors at much more reasonable prices, such as WF, BGD, CBI, VC, GOG. And further, well cut AGS or GIA diamonds may be found within other recommended vendors’ offerings like JA and BN, they just don’t specialize is super ideal diamonds, but super ideal is not important for everybody. A very well cut diamond may appear just as appealing to you and be more budget friendly. Can you please let us know what % the taxes will be of you select a ring online and have it shipped to you?

 

[zoli]

Hearts on fire are frequently called “wallets on fire around here” and for a reason. The only thing that is true about them is that they do indeed sell beautiful diamonds, but so do many other vendors at much more reasonable prices, such as WF, BGD, CBI, VC, GOG. And further, well cut AGS or GIA diamonds may be found within other recommended vendors’ offerings like JA and BN, they just don’t specialize is super ideal diamonds, but super ideal is not important for everybody. A very well cut diamond may appear just as appealing to you and be more budget friendly. Con you please let us know what % the taxes will be of you select a ring online and have it shipped to you?

Tax is 10% - however, I'm leaving the country and will get it refunded, so it's not that big a deal

 

[Krisking]

I'm not familiar with buying in India, but I suspect most people will recommend buying online. Many online vendors (that @SimoneDi listed) are very safe, high quality, and well-known.

 

[cflutist]

My advice is to buy online which is what I did. CBI diamonds are cut as well (sometimes better) than HoF without their markup.
Here is my 3-stone ring HPD "Trilogie " that is made with all CBI diamonds
2.21 F-SI1
.53 F-VS1
.53 F-VS2
The two sidestones are within .01mm of each other and have the same crown and pavilion angles.

 

[diamondseeker2006]

HoF is WAY overpriced. I have found Whiteflash to have consistently the best selection with most competitive prices. Your choice for larger side stones is going to be painful for your budget, though, meaning your center stone will have to be smaller to accommodate the larger sides to stay in budget.

Examples of well matched sets (at a better price than HoF!):

Set 1: (I color)

https://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-3947607.htm

https://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-3952947.htm

https://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-3952928.htm

Set 2: (H color)

https://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-3949678.htm

https://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-3949678.htm

https://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-3876813.htm

 

[diamondseeker2006]

I am another three stone fellow lover btw so I am already excited about your future ring here is mine for reference (2.1 ct center, .23ct side stones each)

Umm, you need to post a SMTB thread!!!! I've been waiting to see yours!

 

[ac117]

Definitely a ripoff!! Look at these super ideal stones:

1.10ctw - $3400 for the pair - https://www.whiteflash.com/loose-di...etails.aspx?Diamond1=3952918&Diamond2=3952946
Beautiful I VS2 for $6350 - https://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-3947607.htm
Or slightly larger J VS2 for $6100 - https://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-3947599.htm
Their lovely trellis 3 stone setting for $1240 : https://www.whiteflash.com/engageme...tone-trellis-diamond-engagement-ring-1025.htm

On the lower side the total is about $10,750 or $11k for the I colored center.

 

[ac117]

I would suggest Blue Nile as well because they operate in the UK and VAT is included. Do you know what is your color sensitivity? What metal would you prefer - YG, RG, WG, Plat? Are you open to pre-loved options, or you would prefer a brand new ring?

You have a very healthy budget, so I am certain that we will be able to to help you get the tree stone ring of your dreams, just make sure to review what you really want setting wise, color wise, etc.

I am another three stone fellow lover btw so I am already excited about your future ring here is mine for reference (2.1 ct center, .23ct side stones each)

@SimoneDi Such a tease!!!! We need more pics of the beauty already!!! Gorgeousssss

 

[zoli]

My advice is to buy online which is what I did. CBI diamonds are cut as well (sometimes better) than HoF without their markup.
Here is my 3-stone ring HPD "Trilogie " that is made with all CBI diamonds
2.21 F-SI1
.53 F-VS1
.53 F-VS2
The two sidestones are within .01mm of each other and have the same crown and pavilion angles.

Holy moly! Your ring is stunning and absolutely love your setting Do you wear a wedding band? If so, can you please post a pic

HoF is WAY overpriced. I have found Whiteflash to have consistently the best selection with most competitive prices. Your choice for larger side stones is going to be painful for your budget, though, meaning your center stone will have to be smaller to accommodate the larger sides to stay in budget.

Examples of well matched sets (at a better price than HoF!):

Set 1: (I color)

https://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-3947607.htm

https://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-3952947.htm

https://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-3952928.htm

Set 2: (H color)

https://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-3949678.htm

https://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-3949678.htm

https://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-3876813.htm

We can go up in price, it's actually me that's a bit tight in regards to the ring and not my husband Those stones look really nice, I'll jump on my laptop in the morning at have a better look - thanks for finding them!

 

[SimoneDi]

@zoli you will absolutely be doing the right thing by purchasing online as that would save you a lot of money and you will end up with with a gorgeous ring! Awesome that due to the move taxes will be refunded!

Umm, you need to post a SMTB thread!!!! I've been waiting to see yours!

@SimoneDi Such a tease!!!! We need more pics of the beauty already!!! Gorgeousssss

Ladies, thank you so much for your comments! I don’t want to hijack OPs thread, but I will post soon!!

 

[cflutist]

@zoli

Yes, I also had an eternity band made with a built-in spacer so that I could wear it with this ring (a RHR) or my solitaire e-ring.
Lots of photos can be found here along with the CADs for both the 3-stone HPD Trilogie and the eternity band.
https://www.pricescope.com/communit...e-with-3-f-color-cbi-diamonds-3-27ctw.237956/