Advice on engagement ring style

[SgrPlum12]

Hi diamond lovers!

I hope to be engaged soon and I'm taking initiative to pick out the style of the engagement ring, since my boyfriend is fine with that. Id love your opinions!

My top choice would be a round solitaire with a pave band, so all you see is sparkle. I'm not a fan of channel sets, but pave or prong set side diamonds would be good. One I found that I like is the Simon G 1935 setting.

I'm also starting to love another style. I saw a round diamond set in a cushion halo. It makes the diamond look so much bigger! The one thing I didn't like about it though was that you can't really see the whole diamond from the side. It's hidden from the halo. Also, my boyfriend doesn't like this style as much as the first because he thinks that the halo is pretending to make the diamond bigger. But is this style becoming more popular than the previous one I mentioned?

Anyway, I'd love to see your pics of similar styles or get your opinion on what you'd prefer. Also, does anyone have any styles similar to what I've mentioned that you could recommend for me to look at? Preferably a medium to lower end designer. If I had to choose between a big name designer or a bigger center diamond, I'm picking the bigger diamond!

Thanks everyone!

 

[Gypsy]

There are very few designer settings I'd buy in that style. It's a popular style. But with any pave (halo or not) you want to make sure you are getting the best possible quality for your budget.

Which brings me to the key question: what is your budget?

And what shape center stone do you want?

And have you tried on a variety of different styles to see what you like best on your hand?

 

[SgrPlum12]

Hi Gypsy! I love your kitty!

I want a round diamond.. (Possibly cushion).

Budget is 10k with the setting, so about 7.5 - 8k for the stone itself.

Both of those styles are ones that I have really liked that I've tried on my hand.

 

[Gypsy]

Are you very active?

Do you work with animals? Or with kids?

Or are you in the medical profession? Do you have to wash your hands a lot?

Do you work with your hands?

Do you plan to have (or already have) kids fairly soon?

 

[SgrPlum12]

I'm a high school math teacher. So there's no problem there. I write a lot on a SMART board, talk a lot, and grade papers. I do not have to excessively wah my hands. I don't see my job affecting the ring at all.

I do plan to have kids hopefully in 2 years.

 

[Tekate]

Ilovethese!

http://www.engagementringsdirect.com/belinda-classic-basket-4-prong-micro-pave-engagement-ring-bpid-102-15.html
http://www.engagementringsdirect.com/julianna-classic-4-prong-micro-pave-engagement-ring-bpid-1077-16.html
http://www.stevenkirsch.com/engagement/r0202.html
my favorite: http://www.victorcanera.com/jewelry/engagement-rings/the-alaria-solitaire-with-flush-stems

not a fan of halos..just me.. pick what YOU want. congratulations!

Hi diamond lovers!

I hope to be engaged soon and I'm taking initiative to pick out the style of the engagement ring, since my boyfriend is fine with that. Id love your opinions!

My top choice would be a round solitaire with a pave band, so all you see is sparkle. I'm not a fan of channel sets, but pave or prong set side diamonds would be good. One I found that I like is the Simon G 1935 setting.

I'm also starting to love another style. I saw a round diamond set in a cushion halo. It makes the diamond look so much bigger! The one thing I didn't like about it though was that you can't really see the whole diamond from the side. It's hidden from the halo. Also, my boyfriend doesn't like this style as much as the first because he thinks that the halo is pretending to make the diamond bigger. But is this style becoming more popular than the previous one I mentioned?

Anyway, I'd love to see your pics of similar styles or get your opinion on what you'd prefer. Also, does anyone have any styles similar to what I've mentioned that you could recommend for me to look at? Preferably a medium to lower end designer. If I had to choose between a big name designer or a bigger center diamond, I'm picking the bigger diamond!

Thanks everyone!

 

[msop04]

Hi diamond lovers!

My top choice would be a round solitaire with a pave band, so all you see is sparkle. I'm not a fan of channel sets, but pave or prong set side diamonds would be good. One I found that I like is the Simon G 1935 setting.

I'm also starting to love another style. I saw a round diamond set in a cushion halo. It makes the diamond look so much bigger! The one thing I didn't like about it though was that you can't really see the whole diamond from the side. It's hidden from the halo. Also, my boyfriend doesn't like this style as much as the first because he thinks that the halo is pretending to make the diamond bigger. But is this style becoming more popular than the previous one I mentioned?

Anyway, I'd love to see your pics of similar styles or get your opinion on what you'd prefer. Also, does anyone have any styles similar to what I've mentioned that you could recommend for me to look at? Preferably a medium to lower end designer. If I had to choose between a big name designer or a bigger center diamond, I'm picking the bigger diamond!
Thanks everyone!

Hi SgrPlum12!

I love a round in a cushion halo (clearly, I'm biased...). I initially wanted a solitaire with a little "sparkly" on the band, but the overall look just didn't do it for me after seeing the bigger look of the halo. To me, a diamond with a different shaped halo will not just "add on" to the same shape -- not making it look like "it's trying to be a bigger diamond" -- but enhance the diamond. Also, I totally agree with you on wanting a larger diamond and not going so expensive on the setting. You can still get a nice halo setting without spending so much -- you can probably still get a larger stone AND an even larger look with... Gabriel & Co. This vendor is recommended a lot here and they have A TON of styles from which to choose. Unless you just really need platinum, I'd get 14K white gold (18K will show a "patina" sooner and will need to be replated more often). I'm not sure exactly what style you like, but here are a few of my faves in the "round with cushion halo" section (all from $1500-2000). As far as showing the sides of the stone, you could always have them set it a little higher, but I think Gabriel sets the stones at the height they should be.

Cushion Halos
http://www.gabrielny.com/engaged/style/ER8985W44JJ $1840
http://www.gabrielny.com/engaged/style/ER7510W44JJ $1865
http://www.gabrielny.com/engaged/style/ER7525W44JJ $1775
http://www.gabrielny.com/engaged/style/ER6990W44JJ $1850
http://www.gabrielny.com/engaged/style/ER7479W44JJ $1800

 

[SgrPlum12]

Hi Tekate!

Those are gorgeous! Thanks for the recommendations. The only thing that makes me nervous is the price for these custom pieces. There are no numbers available since each piece is custom made. Very gorgeous diamond encrusted heads though! Wow!

 

[SgrPlum12]

Hi msop04! I have looked at Gabriel and Co in person and really liked them. The ones you sent are beautiful. Those settings are definitely up my alley. I showed the pics to my boyfriend and so far, I can't convince him to agree to the halo. Since he's the one making the purchase, and since I was torn anyway, I think we'll be sticking with the round solitaire set in a pave band. A piece of me will always long for one though!

 

[msop04]

Hi msop04! I have looked at Gabriel and Co in person and really liked them. The ones you sent are beautiful. Those settings are definitely up my alley. I showed the pics to my boyfriend and so far, I can't convince him to agree to the halo. Since he's the one making the purchase, and since I was torn anyway, I think we'll be sticking with the round solitaire set in a pave band. A piece of me will always long for one though!

Well, I'm glad you liked them, but I really wish he'd let you get what you want (since you're the one who'll be wearing it and all...) Glad you like the solitaires also, so there's no big disappointment on your part!

Tell him you've picked out his band, since he's choosing your ring... here it is (the one on the left): Tell him you're totally okay if he wants it in a white metal though.

 

[SgrPlum12]

Oh my gosh, that's hilarious! Love it!! I will show him, haha!

 

[msop04]

Hi Tekate!

Those are gorgeous! Thanks for the recommendations. The only thing that makes me nervous is the price for these custom pieces. There are no numbers available since each piece is custom made. Very gorgeous diamond encrusted heads though! Wow!

I loved those settings as well -- the only issue is that you'd have to go way smaller in diamond size for SK, VC, or Leon... I will try to find some that are similar, but more "wallet friendly!"

 

[SgrPlum12]

Awesome, thank you!!

 

[kb1gra]

Here is my round in a cushion halo. I love this style (obviously )

 

[Daisyoz]

Kb1gra, your ring is beautiful! Is that the Tacori 2620 in rose gold?

 

[Gypsy]

I would advise that you not get pave all the way around on the shank of the ring if you want kids soon. Fingers swell, and finger sizes change, sometimes permanently. So get a 3/4 eternity pave on the shank. Regardless of if you are getting a halo with a pave shank, or a pave solitaire.

 

[msop04]

Awesome, thank you!!

Okay, so here are a few that I found that you may like (you can ask for 14K for less expensive quote)...

ERD
http://www.engagementringsdirect.co...g-micro-pave-engagement-ring-bpid-159-18.html
http://www.engagementringsdirect.co...ng-micro-pave-engagement-ring-pid-109-16.html
http://www.engagementringsdirect.co...g-micro-pave-engagement-ring-bpid-134-19.html This link shows an actual photo of this ring with a 1.34 ct. **very pretty** http://www.engagementringsdirect.com/recently-sold-24-4.html

BGD
http://www.briangavindiamonds.com/e...ix-prong-fishtail-pave-18k-white-gold-5509w18
http://www.briangavindiamonds.com/e...ternal-grace-with-pave-18k-white-gold-5822w18

Ritani
http://www.ritani.com/engagement-ri...ith-surprise-diamonds-in-14kt-white-gold/6131
http://www.ritani.com/engagement-ri...ith-surprise-diamonds-in-14kt-white-gold/6131
http://www.ritani.com/engagement-ri...band-engagement-ring-in-14kt-white-gold/10593
http://www.ritani.com/engagement-ri...band-engagement-ring-in-14kt-white-gold/10611 (not crazy about the "braid," but really like the prongs -- any of these can be modified though...)

IDJ
http://idjewelryonline.com/product_info.php?cPath=42_86&products_id=25707
http://idjewelryonline.com/product_info.php?cPath=42_43&products_id=24453&cType=ER **really pretty**
http://idjewelryonline.com/product_info.php?cPath=42_43&products_id=10072&cType=ER (like above, but semi-bezel -- a little different, but gorgeous!!)

 

[msop04]

Here is my round in a cushion halo. I love this style (obviously )

Gorgeous!! (sorry for the threadjack, OP)

 

[msop04]

OP, this is pretty much my favorite setting on PS (VC's Ann Marie, belonging to a PS member)... it's antique cushion, but the shape of the cushion is almost round. I contacted VC about doing this with a round, and he said it would definitely work -- sadly, it was out of my budget. (still kicking myself for not just getting it)

 

[SgrPlum12]

Hi msop,

Those settings are definitely very pretty and in my price range! Thanks so much for taking the time to find them for me. I'll have to study them some more and figure which one is my favorite.

 

[SgrPlum12]

Those cushion halos are gorgeous!