Assistance with Ring Purchase (Halo with Emerald)

[TheOneHC]

That's wonderful that they check because that develops trust between vendors and customers. I REALLY like that setting, especially seeing that there is a platinum version that's not expensive. Thank you! And may I look at diamonds from other sites if I do not want to go with this one?

OP, I don't think it's the smartest idea to spend an extra $500 on platinum unless absolutely necessary (like if there is a nickel allergy). That's 20% of your total budget to change from 14K WG to platinum. If your total budget is $2500, wouldn't you want to use that money toward the diamond? Also, I think you should see a similar size emerald cut in a halo, as it will look nothing like the photos shown thus far. The stones pictured are much larger, and a smaller one will change the aesthetic quite a bit. Not saying it wouldn't be lovely -- just different. These are just my thoughts, of course...

You've swayed my opinion as I completely agree with you, it only makes sense to put it towards the diamond more. Your thoughts makes perfect sense to me! Alright, let's do that then

 

[msop04]

Would your FF be at all interested in ovals or marquise? They give A LOT of look and both look amazing in halos or you could even do a pretty bezel solitaire -- you also have choice to set them N/S or E/W. The facets will be more sparkly than a step cut at that size as well.

http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/marquise-cut/0.59-carat-e-color-vs2-clarity-sku-271287 $1440, 7.75 x 4.53 mm <----- hello, finger coverage!!

http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/oval-cut/0.50-carat-e-color-vvs2-clarity-sku-240498 $1500, 5.85 x 4.44 mm <---this is a pretty little oval

http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/oval-cut/0.52-carat-e-color-vvs1-clarity-sku-231656 $1650, 6.21 x 4.36 mm <--- larger oval

This still leaves you $950 - $1060 for your setting.

 

[TC1987]

Does the center diamond have to be icy white? Because if not, then you could definitely look at the "antique white" of K color, or the very pale yellow of L and M (the "cape" colors, top light silver, whatever various countries call them). You could get a much larger diamond that way. I think that the K/L/M step cut stones are really interesting, when they are beautifully cut. And there were many antique rings done in those colors of center diamond set in platinum or white gold with very white halo or side stones.

Asseherhalolover has a gorgeous L color Asscher. There are some nice J color Asschers on here, too. I didn't follow the emerald cuts, but there are some, like the J color three-stone that Widget had reset.

Widget's J color Asscher https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/hey-widget.49236/page-4 Look at the 1st page, because I think the old mounting made the stones show more tint than the Leon rings does, and that might give you some idea what K would look like.

Look at Diamonds by Lauren site because they show some warmer color step cuts.

AsscherHaloLover L color Asscher http://www.pricescope.com/gallery/acidfree_albums/stones/Pave_Asscher_Halo_with_Band

https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/show-me-your-i-j-k-l-etc-color-emerald-cuts.155942/

This one was a very large carat weight L color center and I forget what color sides, either K or L, I beleive. Made by Leon Mege for Erica of what was Jewels by Erica Grace

 

[TheOneHC]

Would your FF be at all interested in ovals or marquise? They give A LOT of look and both look amazing in halos or you could even do a pretty bezel solitaire -- you also have choice to set them N/S or E/W. The facets will be more sparkly than a step cut at that size as well.

http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/marquise-cut/0.59-carat-e-color-vs2-clarity-sku-271287 $1440, 7.75 x 4.53 mm <----- hello, finger coverage!!

http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/oval-cut/0.50-carat-e-color-vvs2-clarity-sku-240498 $1500, 5.85 x 4.44 mm <---this is a pretty little oval

http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/oval-cut/0.52-carat-e-color-vvs1-clarity-sku-231656 $1650, 6.21 x 4.36 mm <--- larger oval

This still leaves you $950 - $1060 for your setting.

Sadly she isn't into other shapes and has her heart set on emeralds only.. Though they do look amazing!! Thank you nonetheless!!

 

[TheOneHC]

Does the center diamond have to be icy white? Because if not, then you could definitely look at the "antique white" of K color, or the very pale yellow of L and M (the "cape" colors, top light silver, whatever various countries call them). You could get a much larger diamond that way. I think that the K/L/M step cut stones are really interesting, when they are beautifully cut. And there were many antique rings done in those colors of center diamond set in platinum or white gold with very white halo or side stones.

Asseherhalolover has a gorgeous L color Asscher. There are some nice J color Asschers on here, too. I didn't follow the emerald cuts, but there are some, like the J color three-stone that Widget had reset.

Widget's J color Asscher https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/hey-widget.49236/page-4 Look at the 1st page, because I think the old mounting made the stones show more tint than the Leon rings does, and that might give you some idea what K would look like.

Look at Diamonds by Lauren site because they show some warmer color step cuts.

AsscherHaloLover L color Asscher http://www.pricescope.com/gallery/acidfree_albums/stones/Pave_Asscher_Halo_with_Band

https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/show-me-your-i-j-k-l-etc-color-emerald-cuts.155942/

This one was a very large carat weight L color center and I forget what color sides, either K or L, I beleive. Made by Leon Mege for Erica of what was Jewels by Erica Grace

We're only going for the icy white look :/ sadly.. Though I appreciate the thought and input!

 

[msop04]

I totally love the first one! What makes it SUPER icy like that? The cut? The color? The clarity? Or just a mixture of all three? I've been doing a lot of research ever since I posted on here and have found that color and clarity plays most of the factor when it comes to emerald cuts? Is that true?

http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/emerald-cut/0.61-carat-d-color-vvs2-clarity-sku-165574
This stone is a really high color, so it's gonna have that "blueish white" look... like ice. The high clarity can't hurt, but it's mainly the color. The cut looks really good to me (I'm no emerald cut expert by any stretch of the imagination), so the facets seem to be giving great light return.

In addition, this stone has a very appealing L/W ratio... but totally a personal preference. I prefer stubbier emerald cuts with noticably clipped corner. This stone would look freaking amazing in a bezel halo -- and the bezel would add size while accentuating the awesome shape!

 

[msop04]

Here is an ebay find UNDER budget... hopefully the ebay gurus will chime in. GIA certified.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Emerald-Cut...-of-diamonds-size-6-1-4-E-color-/380831550363

 

[Gypsy]

Here are a couple nice options:
http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/emerald-cut/0.70-carat-f-color-vs2-clarity-sku-298096
http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/emerald-cut/0.71-carat-g-color-vs2-clarity-sku-282954

These have a potential to be quite lovely and bright.

 

[Gypsy]

Here is an ebay find UNDER budget... hopefully the ebay gurus will chime in. GIA certified.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Emerald-Cut...-of-diamonds-size-6-1-4-E-color-/380831550363

The emerald is not a very nice one.

 

[msop04]

Here is an ebay find UNDER budget... hopefully the ebay gurus will chime in. GIA certified.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Emerald-Cut...-of-diamonds-size-6-1-4-E-color-/380831550363

The emerald is not a very nice one.

Thanks, Gypsy... was afraid of that. It's really challenging to find a nice stone AND diamond halo setting within budget.

 

[msop04]

Here are a couple nice options:
http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/emerald-cut/0.70-carat-f-color-vs2-clarity-sku-298096
http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/emerald-cut/0.71-carat-g-color-vs2-clarity-sku-282954

These have a potential to be quite lovely and bright.

Both of those look great! ...but won't leave any room for a diamond halo setting.

 

[msop04]

Gypsy, what about LOGR? I'll bet they will be very inexpensive even on a custom ring... here is one that's already listed for a 6x8 stone. The drawing below the listing could be modified to a thinner band and to accommodate OP's stone.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/6x8mm-EMERA..._Engagement_Ring_Settings&hash=item3a8d30e167

OP, if you can stretch your budget a couple hundred bucks, you may be able to get one of those stones Gypsy just posted in a LOGR halo.

 

[Gypsy]

Here are a couple nice options:
http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/emerald-cut/0.70-carat-f-color-vs2-clarity-sku-298096
http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/emerald-cut/0.71-carat-g-color-vs2-clarity-sku-282954

These have a potential to be quite lovely and bright.

Both of those look great! ...but won't leave any room for a diamond halo setting.

Oh, that budget is for both. Oy. OK.

 

[Gypsy]

Many people have bought LOGR settings happily. I had one from Jewelry hoo. It's a good option for this budget. Provided the wearer understands that they must take care when wearing them.

The OP could ask for this setting made for the size of the center she ultimately buys. http://www.ebay.com/itm/Claw-Prongs-Emerald-Cut-5x7mm-Aquamarine-14K-White-Gold-Diamonds-Promise-Ring-/271292705319?pt=US_Fine_Rings&hash=item3f2a4e2a27

 

[TheOneHC]

I totally love the first one! What makes it SUPER icy like that? The cut? The color? The clarity? Or just a mixture of all three? I've been doing a lot of research ever since I posted on here and have found that color and clarity plays most of the factor when it comes to emerald cuts? Is that true?

http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/emerald-cut/0.61-carat-d-color-vvs2-clarity-sku-165574
This stone is a really high color, so it's gonna have that "blueish white" look... like ice. The high clarity can't hurt, but it's mainly the color. The cut looks really good to me (I'm no emerald cut expert by any stretch of the imagination), so the facets seem to be giving great light return.

In addition, this stone has a very appealing L/W ratio... but totally a personal preference. I prefer stubbier emerald cuts with noticably clipped corner. This stone would look freaking amazing in a bezel halo -- and the bezel would add size while accentuating the awesome shape!

Ah I see! Yes, it truly is VERY appealing. Alright, so I got to get a good D-F.

 

[TheOneHC]

Here are a couple nice options:
http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/emerald-cut/0.70-carat-f-color-vs2-clarity-sku-298096
http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/emerald-cut/0.71-carat-g-color-vs2-clarity-sku-282954

These have a potential to be quite lovely and bright.

I WISH I could afford them, they look amazing! But just can't...

An LOGR setting? They are very inexpensive.. Why is that? Are they really soft or something?

 

[krish82]

Yeah! If you have a stone from somewhere else they will still take it in and set it with a setting that you like that's from Adiamor. Another reason why I got my stone from them is because of the price... I've looked everywhere like blue Nile, James Allen etc. and the first stone that I like from adiamor I also found at blue nile (I think they get their diamonds from the same place), exactly the same stone... GIA number and everything, but blue Nile was selling this stone for a couple hundred more. I think it was around $1,700 from adiamor while the same stone cost $1,900 from blue Nile. I think adiamor will also offer a free appraisal, or at least that's what they offered me when I asked them for info about the custom ring that I wanted.

You can directly contact Kristina [email protected], she's very nice and can give you a final price the next day (not a quote) if you decided to go with a custom ring or have an emerald cut set in that setting that I showed you.

 

[msop04]

Here are a couple nice options:
http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/emerald-cut/0.70-carat-f-color-vs2-clarity-sku-298096
http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/emerald-cut/0.71-carat-g-color-vs2-clarity-sku-282954

These have a potential to be quite lovely and bright.

I WISH I could afford them, they look amazing! But just can't...

An LOGR setting? They are very inexpensive.. Why is that? Are they really soft or something?

'

No, they aren't soft... they are just really budget friendly. I have read several posts in the past on PS that they were solid settings. I don't have anything from them, but it is worth looking into.

 

[msop04]

Many people have bought LOGR settings happily. I had one from Jewelry hoo. It's a good option for this budget. Provided the wearer understands that they must take care when wearing them.

The OP could ask for this setting made for the size of the center she ultimately buys. http://www.ebay.com/itm/Claw-Prongs-Emerald-Cut-5x7mm-Aquamarine-14K-White-Gold-Diamonds-Promise-Ring-/271292705319?pt=US_Fine_Rings&hash=item3f2a4e2a27

OP, this setting looks very nice!! You could get that gorgeous icy stone you liked AND the setting she wanted!

 

[TheOneHC]

Many people have bought LOGR settings happily. I had one from Jewelry hoo. It's a good option for this budget. Provided the wearer understands that they must take care when wearing them.

The OP could ask for this setting made for the size of the center she ultimately buys. http://www.ebay.com/itm/Claw-Prongs-Emerald-Cut-5x7mm-Aquamarine-14K-White-Gold-Diamonds-Promise-Ring-/271292705319?pt=US_Fine_Rings&hash=item3f2a4e2a27

OP, this setting looks very nice!! You could get that gorgeous icy stone you liked AND the setting she wanted!

That's what I was thinking, though, I'll definitely have to do a little research on the setting.. and see why it's so inexpensive haha

 

[TheOneHC]

Yeah! If you have a stone from somewhere else they will still take it in and set it with a setting that you like that's from Adiamor. Another reason why I got my stone from them is because of the price... I've looked everywhere like blue Nile, James Allen etc. and the first stone that I like from adiamor I also found at blue nile (I think they get their diamonds from the same place), exactly the same stone... GIA number and everything, but blue Nile was selling this stone for a couple hundred more. I think it was around $1,700 from adiamor while the same stone cost $1,900 from blue Nile. I think adiamor will also offer a free appraisal, or at least that's what they offered me when I asked them for info about the custom ring that I wanted.

You can directly contact Kristina [email protected], she's very nice and can give you a final price the next day (not a quote) if you decided to go with a custom ring or have an emerald cut set in that setting that I showed you.

I'll email her tomorrow because I really liked the setting. I found a diamond that may be a good candidate for the setting here: http://www.adiamor.com/Diamonds/GIA-Certified-D-VVS2-Emerald-Diamond/D20156611

I'd want to get some assets for it, do they supply that?

 

[krish82]

The stone that you pick have a very big table and the cut is only good. I think what made that stone a bit expensive is the color, but like everyone said, it's not worth going for a D color and just go for a good cut. With color, maybe from D to G. My diamond is a G color and it's beautiful! Here's a pic for you to see.

How about this diamond? http://www.adiamor.com/Diamonds/Results/D19944845 I think it has excellent proportions, except that the color is G

 

[Gypsy]

My personal opinion is that you really have no experience with diamonds if you think you need D color. I promise you that you would not be able to to tell a G from a D if I were wearing it.

D-E-F-G are all white and without tint in a well cut stone.

So what you need? Is a well cut stone.

Frankly you are wasting your budget on two things: color you don't need and a halo setting.

You really should just buy the nicest stone you can afford in a simple setting and then upgrade the setting when you have more funds.

 

[krish82]

By the way, my stone is 0.71, affinity ideal cut, IF clarity, 6.23x4.36 so it actually looks bigger than most 0.70/0.71 stones, excellent proportions! And we only got it for 2,180!

 

[krish82]

Gypsy is right... D is just a waste of money, unless you have that money to waste. With the setting though, that's more of a person's preference in style, unless the only reason you're getting the halo is to make it look bigger, but again it's up to you and your fiancé. When we bought my stone I didn't want a big diamond and wanted one of those megan thorne simple, no halo setting, but fiancé didn't like it so we kept on looking and finally found one... And well it was a halo lol and my ring is being made as we speak.

I don't know much about any other cuts, but I'm definitely an emerald cut addict especially the smaller emerald cuts!

 

[msop04]

Gypsy is right... D is just a waste of money, unless you have that money to waste. With the setting though, that's more of a person's preference in style, unless the only reason you're getting the halo is to make it look bigger, but again it's up to you and your fiancé. When we bought my stone I didn't want a big diamond and wanted one of those megan thorne simple, no halo setting, but fiancé didn't like it so we kept on looking and finally found one... And well it was a halo lol and my ring is being made as we speak.

I don't know much about any other cuts, but I'm definitely an emerald cut addict especially the smaller emerald cuts!

I totally agree with both of you, and suggested he do just that, but... OP said this and shut me down... LOL

Though I do LOVE this idea, though we came to conclusion that we just wanted to get a halo ring once and that's that, therefore decided to just invest in something simple, small but still beautiful with the budget we have and I believe we can pull it off based on the suggestions people have already given me.

 

[msop04]

OP, I see that you're hesitant on the LOGR settings, and I can certainly understand your concern -- but several PS'ers have posted that they enjoy their LOGR pieces. Are they hand forged Victor Canera or VCA quality? Of course not, but something's really gotta give with the budget you're working with. I would think the LOGR pieces are inexpensive because he deals in such great volume, has a minimal profit margin, and they are made in China... maybe someone can help answer that for sure.

Here are some other settings from LOGR that could be customized to fit the stone you choose... realize that the prices are for the entire ring and you won't need the stone in them... it should change the price a lot.

I love this double halo for some extra OOMPH!
http://www.ebay.com/itm/5-11ct-VVS-...t=Diamond_Solitaire_Rings&hash=item3a84977829

I love the clipped corners and claw prongs on this one -- diamonds could be added to the band
http://www.ebay.com/itm/3-25ct-Blue...Gemstone_Engagement_Rings&hash=item5662df6a01

 

[msop04]

I will continue to look, but I do wish you'd take the advice to get the biggest and best stone with 90% of your budget and do a classic, timeless (read: "upgradeable) solitaire setting. However, if that isn't an option at all, know that you will have to bend somewhere. It can't really be clarity, because step cuts show everything.

My thinking is you have about 3 options:

1) get a very small EC in a halo (spending at least 1/2 your budget on the setting)
2) get a larger EC (like the ones Gypsy posted) in a solitaire setting
3) get a larger EC (Gypsy's) and set it in budget halo like LOGR. Note: "budget" doesn't necessarily mean poor quality, it just means less expensive.

If you choose to go the smaller stone route (1), do so with the understanding that the diamond will likely look more like a baguette in a halo than an emerald cut in a halo. If FF truly loves the emerald cut and won't stray from it, I would want a stone large enough to actually see and appreciate the pretty faceting. I also think if you listen to the seasoned PS members (like Gypsy), you will truly get the absolute best option for your budget.

 

[PattyCo]

Here is a longer emerald cut diamond that might not get "lost" in a halo setting.
http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/emerald-cut/0.52-carat-e-color-vs1-clarity-sku-207324

And maybe this halo could be modified to accomodate it. 14K White Gold, $1,025
http://www.jamesallen.com/engagement-rings/halo/14k-white-gold-pave-halo-and-shank-diamond-engagement-ring-cushion-center-item-17429

Platinum, $1,600
http://www.jamesallen.com/engagement-rings/halo/platinum-pave-halo-and-shank-diamond-engagement-ring-cushion-center-item-17426


I hope this helps ,
Warm regards,
PattyCo

 

[msop04]

Here is a longer emerald cut diamond that might not get "lost" in a halo setting.
http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/emerald-cut/0.52-carat-e-color-vs1-clarity-sku-207324

And maybe this halo could be modified to accomodate it. 14K White Gold, $1,025
http://www.jamesallen.com/engagement-rings/halo/14k-white-gold-pave-halo-and-shank-diamond-engagement-ring-cushion-center-item-17429

Platinum, $1,600
http://www.jamesallen.com/engagement-rings/halo/platinum-pave-halo-and-shank-diamond-engagement-ring-cushion-center-item-17426


I hope this helps ,
Warm regards,
PattyCo

PattyCo, please don't take offense to my comments -- I'm just trying to share what I see for the benefit of the OP and his FF...

I'm not an EC expert, but it looks like the faceting on the stone above is pretty bad. It doesn't throw a lot of light at many angles I could see and it's a very dark "black widow" hourglass when viewed straight on... please someone correct me if I'm way off base here. Also, it's 3 mm wide -- very thin. The best stones that have been mentioned so far have been the 0.70ish EC's posted by Gypsy.

The problem with the JA settings, although lovely, is that they would take up 1/2 of his budget. The platinum one only leaves about $900 for the stone. Platinum would be a complete waste of money in this budget situation. If the OP is set on a halo, there are other vendors who could provide one at a much lower price.