Any advice welcome! Thanks in advance!

[ricoj412]

Hi Everyone!

I'm looking to get engaged in the next couple of months. I've been doing a TON of research on diamonds, settings, etc. and was hoping to get some opinions and advice.

My girlfriend is petite with small fingers (ring size 4.25). She's left everything regarding the ring up to me, with two caveats: 1. I'm not to buy her something she'll lose a finger over and 2. I'm not to go in debt for the ring.

The only thing I have firmly decided on is that the diamond will be a round brilliant. I'm trying to keep the ring around 3-4,000. If I get a gorgeous ring for less, then that's a bonus.

I'm thinking of getting around a .5ct stone, but I've heard a lot of people say that size is just too small. Most of my local jewelers keep pointing me in the .7ct range (I'm assuming for the extra $$). What's your take on a .5ct diamond on a 4.25 ring size?

Also I'm thinking of going with a simple solitaire setting because I'm worried that side stones will over power the diamond, or just look too gaudy on her finger. Though I will post one setting I absolutely fell in love with: http://www.jamesallen.com/engagement-rings/settings-with-sidestones/ring/item_58-4100.asp

Thanks in advance for all of your thoughts and opinions.
Rico

 

[JulieN]

.5 cts is not too small, but you have the budget for a .7 ct. Boys are always concerned about "gaudiness." Does your gf like to watch "Keeping up with the Kardashians" or "Say Yes to the Dress?" I consider myself a simple gal, all of my boyfriends have had more clothes than I do, but I still like to watch those shows. A .7 ct stone will never be gaudy compared to what's on popular mainstream TV nowadays.

 

[Ravinmad]

I am all about .5-.6ct size myself, and the solitare seems to be the way to get the most out of this "smaller" stone compared to a .75-1.0ct when you can side stone, pave, etc.

Your budget would allow for a nice .5ct stone, with a very nice ring. Given this I would do this sort or arrangement

http://www.jamesallen.com/engagement-rings/solitaire/platinum-solitaire-diamond-rings.html

or

http://www.jamesallen.com/engagement-rings/solitaire-rings/ring/item_57-4132.asp

several diamond options all at the 1600-2000 range
Larger stone option - .6
http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/I-VS2-Ideal-Cut-Round-Diamond-1438984.asp

slightly smaller, but higher better color .58

http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/G-SI1-Ideal-Cut-Round-Diamond-1445219.asp

.53 G with VS2 clarity

http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/G-VS2-Ideal-Cut-Round-Diamond-1444960.asp

excellent price point for a .5ct stone

http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/G-SI2-Ideal-Cut-Round-Diamond-1445217.asp

H&A .60 I VS1 at higher price point, 2300 but depending on the setting its possible

http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/I-VS1-Ideal-Cut-Round-Diamond-1436445.asp

good luck and enjoy

 

[OCgirl]

I don't think 0.7 ct will look "gaudy" on her finger. I wear a size 4.25 and I definitely don't think 0.7 ct looks too much. I think your questions depends on your current circumstances. For example, how old are you guys? Are you guys still in school or just started working? What area do you live in?

I personally think a simple solitaire will be the best bet. It's a safe yet elegant choice. If she doesn't like the setting, she can always change it later.
If you are still young and you would like to give your future fiance the option to upgrade, pick a vendor that has a decent upgrade policy.

Without knowing your color or clarity preference, here's something within your budget:

.71 ct G VS2 $3420 after PS discount
http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/G-VS2-Ideal-Cut-Round-Diamond-1445915.asp

http://www.jamesallen.com/engagement-ringssolitairering/item_57-8435.asp
solitaire setting, $425

 

[Gypsy]

You can very safely go up to a carat on that finger size and be just fine. Don't worry about gaudy in those size ranges.

I would get a nice 70 pointer since you have the budget for it and do from there.

What shape diamond does she want, what type of setting does she want?

 

[ricoj412]

Thanks for the advice everyone.

We're definitely a lot older than the just starting out crowd (33 and 30 respectively). This will be her second marriage (my first), but we're just being practical about the money we spend on everything. We'd rather have it in the bank in case of emergency.

Truthfully I can go higher than the 3-4,000 but that seemed like a good price point given that she tends to have simpler tastes than I do (I'm definitely the higher maintenance out of the two of us).

Based on everyone's feedback It sounds like I can't really go wrong with either approach.

 

[LaraOnline]

The jeweller may be pointing you to the .7 size because that is the most common size he sells in your area.
He might be doing you a favour... he is right if he tells you not to go 'too' small.
Size is very important in your fiance's appreciation of the ring!
Why not consider an upgradeable stone so that you can start small, but change up if she gets a little bored with it ten years down the track?
Being happy with the ring really is important...you want her to wear it every day, don't you?
Just my thought: as a general rule, I would say stretch a little to what you might think is a 'relevant' cost. After all, an engagement ring is kind of meant to be a 'grandish' gesture.

 

[farmer gal]

I would go with something like this. They have an excellent upgrade policy if you ever decide to do so

Diamond:
http://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-2728090.htm

Setting:
http://www.whiteflash.com/engagement-rings/solitaire/6-prong-tiffany-style-solitaire-engagement-ring-582.htm#divReviews

 

[motownmama]

I agree - I think you're getting some good advice here. Also, the jeweler may be up-sizing you b/c he's seen loads of engaged women and knows what makes them happy!!! Experience vs. greed. If you can afford it, go up to the .7 size. NOTHING wrong with 1/2 ct though.

 

[Lula]

I would go with something like this. They have an excellent upgrade policy if you ever decide to do so

Diamond:
http://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-2728090.htm

Setting:
http://www.whiteflash.com/engagement-rings/solitaire/6-prong-tiffany-style-solitaire-engagement-ring-582.htm#divReviews

I agree with the others that you can safely go a little above 1/2 carat without it looking too large on her finger. This diamond from WF looks great. WF has excellent return and upgrade policies, so you could order just the diamond, take a look at it in person, and send it back if it's not the right stone for you. Another thing to consider is that the diamonds you are seeing locally may not be well-cut. A well-cut stone sparkles more and looks larger for its size.