4k budget - what can i get for my money

[Carats]

Hi everyone,

As I read more and more on pricescope, I find myself getting more and more confused about this diamond searching process

I''m on a 4k budget and was wondering what I can get for my money (face up size and shine/brilliance/sparkliness matter most to me). I am looking at rounds, cushions, and radiants. Where should I start? What should i be looking to get for my money? My budget is slightly flexible....i appreciate the feedback...

 

[neatfreak]

Well is that budget for the stone only? Or stone and setting?

For $3,000 you can get an excellent cut .75 round or cushion (give or take). For $4,000 you'd be probably in the .9 range depending on a lot of factors and if you're willing to drop the color/clarity you could get almost to a carat probably.

Just depends on a lot of factors!

 

[surfgirl]

First you need to take her shopping and figure out which shape she wants and what style setting. So take her shopping and try on tons of rings in all shapes and styles, then come back and tell us what she liked best and people can help you.

 

[Carats]

we have gone shopping and she is not really set on one look actually..she likes several:

1) the look of one solitaire stone set in a very thin setting that has small diamonds in it (micropave? or pave?)

2) three stone ring but only if the two side stones are much smaller than the center stone (only caveat, the side stones cant be round)

We are looking within these two styles - hopefully that gives you a better idea...

 

[neatfreak]

Date: 6/25/2007 8:06:18 PM
Author: Carats
we have gone shopping and she is not really set on one look actually..she likes several:


1) the look of one solitaire stone set in a very thin setting that has small diamonds in it (micropave? or pave?)


2) three stone ring but only if the two side stones are much smaller than the center stone (only caveat, the side stones cant be round)


We are looking within these two styles - hopefully that gives you a better idea...

Ok perfect. Well, my ring might be of inspiration to you. We spent about $4500 on mine. It''s a .81 cushion in a Ritani endless love pave setting.

Here''s one thread about it

And here is another with the specs

So you could get the same thing or something similar within your budget for sure.

A nice 3 stone might be harder as you have to pay quite a bit for nice sidestones too. It''s like buying 3 diamonds instead of 2, but it does seriously help the finger coverage!

 

[Carats]

okay i just replied and it all got deleted

!
basically i am looking for one similar to neatfreaks but with the diamonds in the band to not be surrounded on the sides by the setting, if you know what i mean. But basically we like rings identical to yours neatfreak
also in terms of three stone since we want 2 really small sidestones, how much extra would that be? most of the three stoners i have seen have three large, equal sized stones. but i''m thinking id want sidestones 1/4th of the size face up of that of the center stone. also would the colors all have to match?
anyway, i wrote out a longer response and it all got deleted, but thats the basic jist of it.

 

[InlovewithJHK]

Do you mean something like this for the side stones?
http://www.jamesallen.com/engagement-rings/settings-with-sidestones.asp?module=setting&cid=58&item=1440

These are princess side stones that are 1/4 carat each (you said no round side stones right?)

 

[Carats]

yes exactly like that but with small diamonds in the band in addition to the two sidestones. just something to add more sparkle and prevent a dull band from showing on the hand...