Advice Needed on New Buyer on Engagement Ring

[Richardd]

Hey everyone,

First and foremost, thank you for your time. I know you get this question a lot but I am looking into buying an engagement ring and was wondering if you wouldn't mind helping me with some advice. I am looking to spend around 15000-20000 with something in the 2.5-3 Carat range with a round cut, VS2/I/ideal cut with the halo that's below the diamond (not sure if theres a technical term.) Is this something that is reasonable or am I reaching for the stars ><? If so, what would you maybe compromise on first and foremost? Not sure whether to go the store or online route. I know everyone has different opinions but would gladly love to hear yours. I included a picture that my girlfriend just loves ( definitely couldn't afford something as big! ) so would love to custom make one similar to that one. Links and feedback are greatly appreciated and thanks again.

 

[tyty333]

A well cut 2.5 I will start around $20k. That setting depending on who makes it will be any where from $3.5-$5ish.

I think you will have to drop down in size (unless you want to go lower color but thats going to show in such a big stone).
If you go down to 2 carats you can probably get it done for $20k.

 

[sarahb]

With your budget I'd go online rather than a BM.

Go with one of the preferred venders here, (WF, GOG, BGD), & stick with an AGS certed stone.

With these online venders, you'll get all the data/images necessary to insure your money is well spent & secondly, I'd shop your stone options here to let the prosumers help you narrow down your options. Their help is invaluable, you can only spend your budget once, make sure it counts!! Have fun!

 

[RayNay111]

Given the specs you mentioned, I don't think you'll be able to have the carat size you're after. Use the front page of Pricescope to do a diamond search so you can get a better estimate as to what is in your price range and decide. Then you can decide if you want to set some of your budget aside for a halo setting or put more into the stone and get a plain setting.

Sarah & Tyty give good advice in going the online route to get the best bang for your buck.

 

[FourMine]

Hello,

Generally speaking, I'd confirm what the others have indicated above. An I VS2 Excellent or Ideal cut is extremely unlikely. If you were looking for a GIA certified diamond that was 2.5+ ct, it'll cost you more than your budget, unless you are okay with a lower color and clarity and cut. Personally, I wouldn't compromise all 4 C's for size. Naturally, you'll have to make a couple of compromises, but there are happy mediums for each C range.

If you're willing to be in the 2ct - 2.50ct range, you're in great shape, given your budget. As for online vs. B&M, I have a bit of a bias so I won't give too much commentary. Both have their positives and negatives. In general, you can find great deals online and get to scan lots of inventory as compared to a traditional B&M. That does not mean, however, that there aren't deals out there at a local B&M store also. It all comes down to what kind of access you have.

Also, If you're getting a halo setting, keep in mind that you must allocate budget for that as well. Wherever you decide to look for your diamond, speak with your jeweler about the custom design - I would suspect most can do custom work for you. The key is trusting your jewelry from a quality perspective.

Thanks,
Anubh

Gemologist | Four Mine

 

[Richardd]

Thank you for all the replies and advice! It can be quite overwhelming on which avenue or where to even start. I will do some more research before nit picking a few. I definitely don't want to compromise on the 4 C's. I meant to say the I/VS2 was the lowest compromise on the spectrum I was hoping to go. If anyone sees any great deals or recommendations for some possibilities so I can use them as a start to maybe the other specs to look out for that would be great . Or maybe it'd even be the one for me! Thanks again for the advice and your time of course. It is truly appreciated and I am very grateful.

 

[Richardd]

How would something like this fare? Or would I be better off compromising in certain areas in your opinion?

http://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-3225747.htm

http://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-3202013.htm

Thanks again.

 

[mns12]

How would something like this fare? Or would I be better off compromising in certain areas in your opinion?

http://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-3225747.htm

http://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-3202013.htm

Thanks again.

Hi!
I didn't look at either of those but was looking at this 2.014 and it seemed to receive great feedback.
http://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-3206023.htm
Here are some additional photos, 2.014 is on the RIGHT.

 

[mns12]

Also, I love that very delicate halo as well. Any idea where it was purchased?

 

[Richardd]

Thanks for the feedback. I wasn't sure if I wanted to go down to SI2 and seen that many people recommend VS2. I was interested in the two I posted about to see if anyone could give me some direction but no luck there haha. And not sure on who made the delicate halo. Was hoping to custom make one similar to it.