Bang for your buck...

[stci]

... and if you search for an old stone Dreamer? I think you can have a superbe stone for your money. I don''t remember if you like antique or not.

 

[lucky_D]

If I had 11,000 right now and my dream had always been a 3 stone ring. I would never, ever be able to upgrade. I would get the Three Stone Trellis from BGD or maybe a similar setting for less money. Get a center stone of around 7-8 grand. That should get you around a 1.5 ct. If its well cut, with sparkles around it, it will look bigger than it is. I think you can get a VS2 stone, which, you should not be able to see inclusions. Then you could get 2 .5ct diamonds. Also, in the VS2 range. I saw that this was doable on BGD site, all were select, didnt know if you wanted signature. I think the difference between 1.5 and 1.7 is negligible when your dream setting is a three stone. I could have had a much bigger stone, but for me, the setting can make or break the deal. I don''t know if you like those 5 stone rings, but I LOVE them, I wish I had been married 5 years already so I could get one! You could down the line get one of those, then pretty much your whole finger would be shinning!!!

 

[lucky_D]

Also, in my suggestion I am sticking to the "bang for your buck" idea. I think the getting a bigger solitaire would be amazing, but I don''t know it would be as attention getting as a 3-stone. Like someone said, the difference between a 3 stone with a 1.2 and a 3 stone with a 1.7 would not be that noticeable, so why get that big of stone to begin with? Just get the best quality you are comfortable with, regardless of size. I would take a .5 ct eye clean, ideal cut stone any day over a 3 ct. I1, so so cut stone.

 

[Clairitek]

Date: 4/20/2010 1:05:16 PM
Author: dreamer_d

Date: 4/20/2010 12:59:22 PM
Author: Clairitek

Date: 4/20/2010 12:48:37 PM
Author: dreamer_d

Date: 4/20/2010 12:42:47 PM
Author: Clairitek
Just wanted to pipe up here for a moment- I think that setting has a lot of style for the price! If I were you, I''d for the largest stone you can get your hands on now with the cheapie setting. Then go for a reset later on... say when your son starts kingergarten? Or some sort of milestone. Maybe getting your nth publication accepted??

I''m thinking tenure

, though that might be too far away. Maybe reinstatement at 3 years.

And I agree the setting is nice for the price. I actually think it is the same as the ''fine line'' setting from whiteflash, or very close at least. It is from www.uniquesettings.com actually, if I am not mistaken, so BGD should be able to order it for me if I go that route.

That sounds like an excellent goal! I can''t wait to order my PhD 5-stone ring from WF! Its also partly a 1st anniversary gift. At least thats what I tell my husband. When I got my first publication accepted last fall I opened up two lovely bottles of wine. Well worth the wait!

That setting is pretty darn similar to the fine line. Isn''t that their version of the Cartier 1895 plain solitaire?

Why yes, yet it is. Cartier on the left, Since1920 setting on the right in the picture. Couldn''t get the WF one in there easily.

What are you doig your PhD in? I did not get a fancy ring for my PhD because we got married in the same month, but I did get an upgrade when I got this job last spring!

Thanks for posting those photos. I apparently have expensive taste

I think it is a really great solitaire for the money.

I like this one too, which is even less expensive and has a 2mm shank: http://www.since1910.com/engagement-rings/four-prong-solitaire-basket-setting-2mm-gr6fnd4-set-2080.aspx The other one has a 2.5mm shank.

I''m getting it in mechanical engineering. I have an industry job that I''m starting out in the SF Bay Area in September so I won''t be going into academia.

I actually prefer the closed cathedral over the open one. Could be because my ring is like that. The shank varies from about 2 to 2.5 and then tapers in at the basket.

I don''t think you can go wrong with either of those settings, especially for the price.

 

[decodelighted]

Big stone first. Especially if you can reuse your Legato setting. Even if you can''t. You might even be able to pick up a cheap 2nd hand wrap for a three stone look along the way ... until the day comes to do your final three stone setting.

A lot can change in a few years. You might decide you prefer pear side stones ... you might decide you''d rather have a 2ct stone than add sides to your ring. You (gasp) MIGHT even decide you don''t even want an e-ring look anymore: but would prefer a big blingy eternity band. At least the 1.7 could be set into a killer pendant.

 

[Dreamer_D]

Date: 4/20/2010 2:50:07 PM
Author: stci
... and if you search for an old stone Dreamer? I think you can have a superbe stone for your money. I don''t remember if you like antique or not.

I do love old cuts, no question, but I have already "invested" a tidy sum in my diamond and I cannot apply that amount to an upgrade towards an older cut!

 

[Dreamer_D]

Date: 4/20/2010 3:27:17 PM
Author: lucky_D
If I had 11,000 right now and my dream had always been a 3 stone ring. I would never, ever be able to upgrade. I would get the Three Stone Trellis from BGD or maybe a similar setting for less money. Get a center stone of around 7-8 grand. That should get you around a 1.5 ct. If its well cut, with sparkles around it, it will look bigger than it is. I think you can get a VS2 stone, which, you should not be able to see inclusions. Then you could get 2 .5ct diamonds. Also, in the VS2 range. I saw that this was doable on BGD site, all were select, didnt know if you wanted signature. I think the difference between 1.5 and 1.7 is negligible when your dream setting is a three stone. I could have had a much bigger stone, but for me, the setting can make or break the deal. I don''t know if you like those 5 stone rings, but I LOVE them, I wish I had been married 5 years already so I could get one! You could down the line get one of those, then pretty much your whole finger would be shinning!!!

I would be sticking with select diamonds as they are hearts and arrows and upgrdable, which is my preference, so it changes things in your accounting. A 1.2ct G VS2 is actually $9800

But for my money I could get a 1.2ct G SI1 center and two G SI1 .50ct sides, which is the alternative I have been considering.

You cannot jump the 1.5ct mark and stay in G/H color and SI clarity unless you pony up at least $11k just for the diamond.

 

[Dreamer_D]

Date: 4/20/2010 4:16:01 PM
Author: decodelighted
Big stone first. Especially if you can reuse your Legato setting. Even if you can''t. You might even be able to pick up a cheap 2nd hand wrap for a three stone look along the way ... until the day comes to do your final three stone setting.

A lot can change in a few years. You might decide you prefer pear side stones ... you might decide you''d rather have a 2ct stone than add sides to your ring. You (gasp) MIGHT even decide you don''t even want an e-ring look anymore: but would prefer a big blingy eternity band. At least the 1.7 could be set into a killer pendant.

Very true! I need to focus on getting what I want at this point in time, but still leaving my options open in the future for whatever comes along.

 

[E B]

Date: 4/20/2010 3:30:33 PM
Author: lucky_D
Like someone said, the difference between a 3 stone with a 1.2 and a 3 stone with a 1.7 would not be that noticeable, so why get that big of stone to begin with?

If the difference between 1.2 and 1.7 in a three stone isn't that noticeable, what about shooting for ~1.55-1.65 G-H/eye-clean SI2? Would there even be a visible difference between a 1.6 and a 1.7/1.8 ct. stone in a solitaire?

 

[yssie]

Date: 4/20/2010 5:36:39 PM
Author: E B

Date: 4/20/2010 3:30:33 PM
Author: lucky_D
Like someone said, the difference between a 3 stone with a 1.2 and a 3 stone with a 1.7 would not be that noticeable, so why get that big of stone to begin with?

If the difference between 1.2 and 1.7 in a three stone isn''t that noticeable, what about shooting for ~1.55-1.65 G-H/eye-clean SI2? Would there even be a visible difference between a 1.6 and a 1.7/1.8 ct. stone in a solitaire?

IMO size differences in the centrestone become even more pronounced in a three-stone vs. a solitaire because you''ve got those two sidestones as consistent sizers right there to compare against, vs. a solitare with no reference point for comparison.

 

[gardengloves]

Date: 4/20/2010 12:56:43 PM
Author: cara

Date: 4/20/2010 12:33:34 PM

Author: dreamer_d

Date: 4/20/2010 12:20:59 PM

Author: cara

A while back I (in the living vicariously through ps mode) was all for you getting a three-stone, since you seemed happyish with your stone, not wanting to break the bank, and desiring of blingy finger coverage. But...


Your subsequent posts have convinced me that these were all wishful tide-me-overs, and what you really want is some more size on your center. Yes with a nice blingy setting if possible.


Go with the biggest eyeclean, color-mind clean stone you can afford in Brian''s next batch. Get over the 1.5 carat hump, make *sure* you are okay with the color/clarity since we have already figured out you are not a J/SI2 mostly-eyeclean kinda gal, and get a stone you can be happy with for awhile, even if it is not the most perfect be-all end all stone. Do not go with a non-upgradeable option.


Then, at your leisure, figure out how to set it properly. Maybe in the short term your Legato head can be reworked, or you find a decent solitaire on ebay, or cheapo 3-stone or something, but if you have to wear your rock in a cheapo solitaire for awhile while you save up for a nice 3-stone I don''t think you will be a sad puppy. For me too 1.7 ct is substantial enough that it makes a difference.


(One reason I am not for the 3-stone plan with your current stone is the proportions. For me personally, I would want a bigger center with those sides

or, slightly smaller sides with that center, if I were getting a three stone. But I am also not *currently* lusting after finger coverage on my engagement ring. I would go larger in the center but keep the solitaire setting, or go for a blingy 5-stone if I wanted finger coverage. But that is for *me*.)

Yup, true. I think I need to accept that this is something I want and give myself permission to spend money on it. That is hard for me for some reason. There are more logical things to spend the money on -- flooring for our home, a new bath/shower. We want those things too! But I want this more right now

It does have to end. I am pretty sure this is the last time I get to hijack DH''s bonus money for something so frivolous.

Which is why you should get over the 1.5 ct hump now, since I don''t think you will feel happy and settled with less. Get that size in some color/clarity combo you can live with and be happy with for years. Get the perfect setting later, tied to some milestone when you can justify throwing another chunk of money at your sparkly.

Well Dreamer, I totally agree with everything Cara says , she summed it up beautifully so I don''t need to say it too--- I.7, but still upgradable, you just never know..... .

But, you do need to accept that this is something you need and want and it''s a valid want - and give yourself permission. This is not frivolous, it may not be logical, but its deep seated and is important, and I for one know you deeply deserve it, and I totally understand it. Years to come, you can add a beautiful setting, side stones, and play to your hearts content - but you will get so much heart felt satisfaction from a major center stone. May is not so far away - it''s almost here. Thanks Cara for summing this up so well...

 

[canuk-gal]

HI:

Eye on the prize. A large single stone.

cheers--Sharon

 

[E B]

Date: 4/20/2010 5:55:34 PM
Author: yssie

IMO size differences in the centrestone become even more pronounced in a three-stone vs. a solitaire because you've got those two sidestones as consistent sizers right there to compare against, vs. a solitare with no reference point for comparison.

I think the previous poster meant the overall look, not the center compared to the sides (I could be wrong). But even if there's a noticeable difference between a 1.2 and a 1.6, would there be in a 1.6 vs. 1.7-1.8? Especially when set as a three stone? I ask because a small drop in carat weight could mean a higher color or clarity grade (?), which may be worth it esp. if there isn't a noticeable difference in face up size.

 

[Dreamer_D]

Date: 4/20/2010 6:15:24 PM
Author: E B

Date: 4/20/2010 5:55:34 PM
Author: yssie

IMO size differences in the centrestone become even more pronounced in a three-stone vs. a solitaire because you''ve got those two sidestones as consistent sizers right there to compare against, vs. a solitare with no reference point for comparison.

I think the previous poster meant the overall look, not the center compared to the sides (I could be wrong). But even if there''s a noticeable difference between a 1.2 and a 1.6, would there be in a 1.6 vs. 1.7-1.8? Especially when set as a three stone? I ask because a small drop in carat weight could mean a higher color or clarity grade (?), which may be worth it esp. if there isn''t a noticeable difference in face up size.

I think you are both right. It is harder to see the difference between a center stone in a three stone and a single solitaire, BUT comparing two three-stones with similar ct. weight sides I think it would indeed be easier to see the difference in the center stone sizes.

When I viewed diamonds I looked at a 1.67 G, a 1.70 I, and a 1.80 J. I could easily tell that the 1.80 was bigger than the other two. Perhaps not when mounted, but loose for sure.

But I think you are correct EB that trying to get a diamond just under the 1.7ct mark could let my dollar stretch a little more. It would make an H SI2 more affordable. It would actually make an I SI1 affrodable, which is an easier clarity to find. Eye clean SI2s are a needle in a haystack. I think if it was a high I, then I would be willing to take a peek. But H SI1 is still out of budfget by about $1k in that size, though I could swing a 1.5ct H Si1.

It will all depend on what Brian turns up for me I guess!

 

[Dreamer_D]

Date: 4/20/2010 6:08:04 PM
Author: canuk-gal
HI:

Eye on the prize. A large single stone.

cheers--Sharon

Short and to the point as always!

Eye on the prize... I shall repeat as needed.

 

[PumpkinPie]

Date: 4/20/2010 6:29:08 AM
Author: lknvrb4
You said so yourself that you worry with the three stone that you will want a bigger rock. I say go for the bigger rock and keep saving for the dream three stone.

I think I agree most with this statement but it''s gotta be a tough decision for you !

 

[missydebby]

Yes... eye on the prize. (my 2 cents)

 

[Farleysmom]

Get the biggest stone in your "sweet spot" that fits your budget.

and ENJOY....You deserve it!!!!!

There will always be "things" (i.e. windows, floors, furnace, rugs, etc.) that need upgrading regardless of when you get your new stone -- that''s why Home Depot has a "don''t pay for 6mos - 1 year when you spend $299 or more on your HD credit card!! LOL ----- Too bad they don''t apply the same plans to diamond purchases!

 

[Bella_mezzo]

I actually really like the first setting you posted, esp. if BGD could turn those prongs into pretty little claws

I think you won''t be happy until you ahve a honkin rock, and you''ll get to enjoy the big solitare look before deciding for sure if three stone is the way to go. FWIW I''m not so sure you''ll be happy with an I, even if it''s a high I.

 

[Dreamer_D]

Date: 4/20/2010 10:36:38 PM
Author: Bella_mezzo
I actually really like the first setting you posted, esp. if BGD could turn those prongs into pretty little claws

I think you won''t be happy until you ahve a honkin rock, and you''ll get to enjoy the big solitare look before deciding for sure if three stone is the way to go. FWIW I''m not so sure you''ll be happy with an I, even if it''s a high I.

I think you might be right about this one Bella. I really do prefer higher color rocks

 

[Cehrabehra]

DD, I understand your anxiety over this... have you rated your Cs?

cut
color
clarity
carat

Put these in order and then put your truest desire next to each of them... then tick them off and see what you will have to compromise on - you already know that without spending more money you CAN NOT have them all so you''re going to have to come to terms with that and make peace with your compromise.

AFTER you put these in the order of your importance from most to least important put your IDEAL and your DEAL BREAKER.

If I understand correctly, you cannot compromise whatsoever on cut so that''s #1. But what is #2? As a stand alone issue - what is it? Is it color? What in your heart of hearts is the color you REALLY want? A D? What is the lowest of low you will go? Be honest with yourself - if you know you really want an F or a G, put that as your deal breaker color, not your ideal... I''d put your ideal at D.

I think you need to be really honest with yourself and put your priorities in a very clear order so you can tick them off one at a time and not waste your time considering stones that are outside of your parameters.

Does this sound harsh? I hope not - I hated feeling like people were being harsh with me, but sometimes it just sounds like that lol

 

[Dreamer_D]

Date: 4/20/2010 11:10:43 PM
Author: Cehrabehra
cut
color
clarity
carat

Does this sound harsh? I hope not - I hated feeling like people were being harsh with me, but sometimes it just sounds like that lol

How is that harsh??? It was helpful.

Okay, my priority list is CUT, CARAT, COLOR, and then CLARITY.

Cut will be a BGD H&A no matter what.

Ideal: 1.99ct, G, VS2... I do not want higher color, I really like G color, and VS2 is totally mind clean to me and desirable.
Deal breaker (is this the lowest I will go?): 1.65ct, I, SI2... but not all three. I would go this low on any one variable to get the others.

Not a lot of room there I guess

 

[lucky_D]

If you don''t mind me asking, how long did it take for you to save the $5,000? Do you and your husband have a guaranteed job, have retirement savings/ emergency savings you can touch? Are you SURE the diamond prices are going to go up and by how much? IF they are, then you can look at it as an investment. I don''t know how BGD works, but my jeweler will give me the amount I paid as the trade in value of the stone, not what its worth at the time, so if you intend on upgrading your stone again later on, would it even matter that you purchased it when it was cheaper?
I like what Cehrabehra said. Its perfect! I wish someone had made me do that. I focused so much in clarity, made it my #1 for some reason, then carat weight. Wish I had though of cut a little more. I think well cut stones look bigger than they are.

 

[Cehrabehra]

For me color is at the bottom - clarity was important to me (but vs2 is totally fine) and I didn''t care what color it was - any color was fine as long as it was as big as I could get lol Cut wasn''t really an issue too much because when I got my stone even just a few years ago cushions hadn''t been quite as analyzed as they are so it was more important to get the type I wanted. I''m lucky that my stone is cut pretty well considering the timing.

And DD - I wanted to say that I completely am sympathetic with your impatience. I am absolutely jonesing here for a diamond... i''ve even been taking my earrings out all the time just to have a diamond to look at - so sad! I keep thinking about what I want made and how i''m going to time everything - whether I should act now or wait. ugh!

If you think it is possible to get what you want for your money - don''t give up, hold out and don''t settle! There''s no real hurry, you have a diamond on your finger right now you lucky girl!!

 

[NovemberBride]

DD,

This is a tough one and I don''t envy your decision. When we first got engaged, I really wanted a 2 carat stone. DH chose a 2.06 H SI2. The grade setting inclusion was a white cloud, one of the better inclusions you could hope for in an SI2, particularly of this size. DH could not see them. But I could and they drove me nuts, so we traded it in. I looked at stones in every combination you have thought of to stay in the original budget, going down to I or J color, dropping to a 1.8 and looking for an SI1. But none of these made me happy. I really wanted 2 carats, H color and VS2. SI1''s in this size were just not mind clean for me. In the end, we ended up paying several thousand extra for my current 2.09 H VS2. Luckily, it was feasible for us as we already had bought our home and had significant savings. I justified it because I knew if I went for something less than what I wanted it would drive me nuts. I also knew this would be my forever stone - I am a size 3.5 ring and can''t really imagine a scenario in which I would need/want a bigger ring.

Based on your recent posts and the fact that you are looking to upgrade again so soon, it seems like you are similar to me in that you know exactly what you want - G color, SI1 and 1.7+ carats. And like me, I suspect you''ll find something wrong with any stone that''s outside those parameters and you''ll fixate on the "flaw" until you can upgrade again. I would never tell someone to spend money they don''t have, but if there is anyway you do have the $ needed to get you to those specs without compromising your financial security, I''d suggest getting your dream stone and sticking it in your current setting. I really feel that''s the only way you are going to be able to stop obsessing and move on to other things. It seems certain that you are going to spend that money eventually, so why not do it now before the alleged price increases take effect?

 

[Dreamer_D]

Date: 4/21/2010 12:11:37 PM
Author: lucky_D
If you don''t mind me asking, how long did it take for you to save the $5,000? Do you and your husband have a guaranteed job, have retirement savings/ emergency savings you can touch? Are you SURE the diamond prices are going to go up and by how much? IF they are, then you can look at it as an investment. I don''t know how BGD works, but my jeweler will give me the amount I paid as the trade in value of the stone, not what its worth at the time, so if you intend on upgrading your stone again later on, would it even matter that you purchased it when it was cheaper?
I like what Cehrabehra said. Its perfect! I wish someone had made me do that. I focused so much in clarity, made it my #1 for some reason, then carat weight. Wish I had though of cut a little more. I think well cut stones look bigger than they are.

I think the bigger issue here for us is not can we scrounge up the money, but what amount of money are we realistically prepared to put towards this upgrade at this time in our lives, and the limit for us is really and truly $5k. We could put more, but we do not want to. If I wait a year, we are not suddenly going to say "Ok, lets put another $5k into the pot!" We are very near the limit of what we think is ok to invest into my ring.

 

[Dreamer_D]

Date: 4/21/2010 12:25:15 PM
Author: Cehrabehra
For me color is at the bottom - clarity was important to me (but vs2 is totally fine) and I didn''t care what color it was - any color was fine as long as it was as big as I could get lol Cut wasn''t really an issue too much because when I got my stone even just a few years ago cushions hadn''t been quite as analyzed as they are so it was more important to get the type I wanted. I''m lucky that my stone is cut pretty well considering the timing.

And DD - I wanted to say that I completely am sympathetic with your impatience. I am absolutely jonesing here for a diamond... i''ve even been taking my earrings out all the time just to have a diamond to look at - so sad! I keep thinking about what I want made and how i''m going to time everything - whether I should act now or wait. ugh!

If you think it is possible to get what you want for your money - don''t give up, hold out and don''t settle! There''s no real hurry, you have a diamond on your finger right now you lucky girl!!

To be honest, it is probably not possible to get what I want for the money. We can compromise color and get a J or I color inthe size and clarity, or compromise clarity and get a a G/H SI2 in the size we want, or we can compromise size. Ain''t gonna happen!

Deciding which way to go is a toughie.

 

[Dreamer_D]

Date: 4/21/2010 12:34:27 PM
Author: NovemberBride
DD,

This is a tough one and I don''t envy your decision. When we first got engaged, I really wanted a 2 carat stone. DH chose a 2.06 H SI2. The grade setting inclusion was a white cloud, one of the better inclusions you could hope for in an SI2, particularly of this size. DH could not see them. But I could and they drove me nuts, so we traded it in. I looked at stones in every combination you have thought of to stay in the original budget, going down to I or J color, dropping to a 1.8 and looking for an SI1. But none of these made me happy. I really wanted 2 carats, H color and VS2. SI1''s in this size were just not mind clean for me. In the end, we ended up paying several thousand extra for my current 2.09 H VS2. Luckily, it was feasible for us as we already had bought our home and had significant savings. I justified it because I knew if I went for something less than what I wanted it would drive me nuts. I also knew this would be my forever stone - I am a size 3.5 ring and can''t really imagine a scenario in which I would need/want a bigger ring.

Based on your recent posts and the fact that you are looking to upgrade again so soon, it seems like you are similar to me in that you know exactly what you want - G color, SI1 and 1.7+ carats. And like me, I suspect you''ll find something wrong with any stone that''s outside those parameters and you''ll fixate on the ''flaw'' until you can upgrade again. I would never tell someone to spend money they don''t have, but if there is anyway you do have the $ needed to get you to those specs without compromising your financial security, I''d suggest getting your dream stone and sticking it in your current setting. I really feel that''s the only way you are going to be able to stop obsessing and move on to other things. It seems certain that you are going to spend that money eventually, so why not do it now before the alleged price increases take effect?

I have thought of that, of ponying up an extra $3k and geting what I really want. But it would be so irresponsible right now to do that. And I am not convinced that what I "want" is real or all in my head. I know that wanting a bigger diamond is real, I have always felt like that, but as for the other variables... "mind clean" should be something you can change with therapy!

 

[steph72276]

Haha, diamond therapy, love it!

 

[Cehrabehra]

I think I''d just go ahead and be irresponsible if it meant I NEVER had to revisit the issue... the cost of a new setting when you upgrade again next would almost cover the difference! I''d consider it the peace of mind.