9.5k to spend, not sure on ring size

[slg47]

proposals work best when both parties are on the same page.

girl wants surprise ring--girl gets surprise ring--yay!

girl doesn't want surprise ring--girl doesn't get surprise ring--yay!

so...which would your lady prefer? a surprise ring that you pick out or a ring that she has input in? 9.5k is a LOT of money to spend on something that you're not sure about!

as a side note...her having input in the ring does not mean the proposal is not a surprise. I designed my ring and selected my diamond, and my proposal was a complete surprise personally for me, I wanted the ring with the proposal since that //to me// made it more 'official'. we already knew we wanted to get married

also, I assume you have discussed marriage at some point? so asking her about rings would not spoil the surprise? ultimately it really boils down to what is best for you as a couple and what will make you guys the happiest

I appreciate your feedback as well as other members feedback. My girl would definitely want a surprise knowing her. I thought I had this all worked out but each member has a different approach which makes it difficult to find my way. I'm going to go to the mall with her and just stroll by some jewelry to check it out and see if I can get a feel on what she likes as well as find out her ring size.

that sounds good-definitely get her ring size! also note if she likes solitaire/three stone/pave...what shape...etc. once you get her preferences figured out we can help you find some options that fit her style and your budget

 

[milkidentification]

I'm back and with more info this time. I went with the gf to look at jewelry and she really wants a round solitaire with a white gold or platinum band. I've decided to go more in the 1.3 carat range and get a rock of higher quality. Still looking for a great cut and now I'm looking for a good clarity rating too. I've been looking around a few sites, can a few pricescopers provide assistance on some good finds? Thank you!

 

[webdiva]

Fantastic - now you have an idea of what she wants and you're both on the same page!

Here are some choices around 1.3c in the 9.5k budget with a simple white gold solitaire setting:

Brian Gavin Diamonds
1.26 J VS2 - $9100 - http://www.briangavindiamonds.com/diamonds/diamond-details/1.260-j-vs2-round-diamond-ags-104059065015
Setting - $325 - 4 or 6 prong are the same price - http://www.briangavindiamonds.com/engagement-rings/solitaire/six-prong-solitaire-14k-white-gold-5351w14
Total : $9425

Whiteflash:
1.328 H SI2 - $9500 (a little over budget - you get $75 off with your first order) - http://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-2681925.htm
Setting is $339 with wire discount- http://www.whiteflash.com/engagement-rings/solitaire/4-prong-tiffany-style-solitaire-engagement-ring-587.htm
total : $9800-ish

Good Old Gold:
1.3 J VS1 - $9244 - http://www.goodoldgold.com/diamond/8785/
I know they have a number of solitaires in different ranges - so budget about $300-400 on top of the $9244

James Allen:
1.41 H SI2 AGS000 - $9121 with PS wire discount - http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/H-SI2-Ideal-Cut-Round-Diamond-1425620.asp
1.3 G SI2 AGS000 - $8077 - http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/G-SI2-Ideal-Cut-Round-Diamond-1472127.asp
1.3 I SI1 AGS000 - $8865 - http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/I-SI1-Ideal-Cut-Round-Diamond-1458715.asp
They had a quite a few options, actually - these are proven light performance options, though - without an idealscope

(You'd have to ask them if it's eye clean at 6")
Setting : http://www.jamesallen.com/engagement-rings/solitaire/14k-white-gold-2-5mm-comfort-fit-solitaire-engagement-ring.html - $405 in 14k, 570 in 18k

 

[milkidentification]

What do you think of these? Some of them are slightly above my price range but I'd like your thoughts.

http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/D-SI2-Very-Good-Cut-Round-Diamond-1494088.asp

http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/F-SI2-Excellent-Cut-Round-Diamond-1488174.asp

http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/G-VS2-Excellent-Cut-Round-Diamond-1503525.asp

http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/F-SI1-Excellent-Cut-Round-Diamond-1499481.asp

Not sure why this one isn't priced higher considering the size...
http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/H-SI1-Excellent-Cut-Round-Diamond-1503035.asp

 

[Gypsy]

Milk. Webdiva spent all that time looking for stones for you. Check hers out. She's got great choices there.

 

[milkidentification]

Webdiva I'm confused in that everything you found is AGS certified and everything I found is GIA certified. Should I be looking for AGS certified stones? Are they better stones?

 

[Gypsy]

They are the only lab that rates light performance and are great at it. An AGS0 stone is going to be exceptional. GIA's Ex/Ex is too loose so you need a lot of follow up. GIA and AGS are the two top labs. All of our top Hearts and Arrows Diamonds brands, BGD, Infinity, and ACA from Whiteflash submit to AGS for a reason. They are an excellent lab. I personally would be thrilled that either lab.

 

[milkidentification]

James Allen:
1.3 G SI2 AGS000 - $8077 - http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/G-SI2-Ideal-Cut-Round-Diamond-1472127.asp

Webdiva I'm going with this diamond. This is beautiful and quite a bargain. They checked it for eye cleanliness and it looks great, they even said it looks more like an F than a G. Thank you for your help, I am so appreciative!

 

[webdiva]

James Allen:
1.3 G SI2 AGS000 - $8077 - http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/G-SI2-Ideal-Cut-Round-Diamond-1472127.asp

Webdiva I'm going with this diamond. This is beautiful and quite a bargain. They checked it for eye cleanliness and it looks great, they even said it looks more like an F than a G. Thank you for your help, I am so appreciative!

Yay! Congrats! What a great choice! Definitely come back with pictures! Did you go with that setting or another one?

 

[milkidentification]

James Allen:
1.3 G SI2 AGS000 - $8077 - http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/G-SI2-Ideal-Cut-Round-Diamond-1472127.asp

Webdiva I'm going with this diamond. This is beautiful and quite a bargain. They checked it for eye cleanliness and it looks great, they even said it looks more like an F than a G. Thank you for your help, I am so appreciative!

Yay! Congrats! What a great choice! Definitely come back with pictures! Did you go with that setting or another one?

Thank you again, the ring should be here next week. I went with the setting above in platinum thinking that I can always upgrade it later. I'll be sure to post up some pics. Excited but a little nervous here too, heh.