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Beautiful Enagement Ring on a Budget?

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The Graven Acolyte

Rough_Rock
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Jun 22, 2007
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Greetings; I am new around here, and quite new to jewelry in general--so please pardon my ignorance. I am preparing to propose to the woman of my dreams, and am in need of assistance. Whatever knowledge you could provide me with would be invaluable.


Location: Toronto, Ontario, Canada

Need a Ring: In less than three weeks. (Have been thinking about this for a long time, but I realize I've left little time for the actual acquisition.)

Budget: Extremely limited. We are living paycheque to paycheque. We are young. Ideally, I would wait to propose until I had some money put away, but the time to propose is now. I am willing to accumulate a small amount of debt as I have just started a steady job, but we have much to save up for. The figure I've decided upon is $1,000-1,200 (total stone and ring). I might be persuaded to go a little higher, but in our financial situation, I do not think it would be wise to overspend too greatly.

Design: I know she would prefer white gold. I would consider platinum, but it's just too far out of my price range. I really like the design of one of she favoured. (link) I would really like to find something like that, only authentic. I know the diamond cut is called round. I know the ring type/setting is called sidestone. (Would the sidestones be "emerald" cut?) I've been reading a lot about diamond quality (cut, carat, colour, and clarity), but still don't know exactly where to prioritize and which corners I can cut (so to speak). Oh... and she informed me some time ago that her size is a six, so I have that information, at least.


Specific questions:

- I presume that ordering online would provide me with the most flexibility. What are my options as a Canadian? I wouldn't have a problem with importing from the U.S. if I knew I wouldn't be paying ridiculous customs fees. But then, perhaps Canadian sites have just as much to offer?

- How close do you think I can get to that design? I really like it.

- Obviously, my money won't buy an 8mm real diamond. But will the size I can afford look horridly small in this type of ring?

- Is engravement a possibility? Or is it less common to have authentic engravement rings engraved?

Thank you so, so much!
 

JulieN

Super_Ideal_Rock
Premium
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13,375
Welcome to PS.

The sides are called baguettes; emeralds have clipped corners.

Engraving can always be done, it's classic.

That setting is very wide, and I think you'd need a bit of a large stone to look good. As it is, that setting could easily take up your whole budget, so I suggest putting all of your money into the stone, and getting the cheapest setting possible.
 

shimmer

Brilliant_Rock
Trade
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1,702
Hi,

I live in Canada too! I would spend the majority of your budget on a super ideal stone that will sparkle like crazy, like this one from Whiteflash:

http://www.whiteflash.com/round_ideal_cut/Round-Ideal-Cut-cut-diamond-292653.htm

then get a simple 14K white gold setting, like this one:

http://www.whiteflash.com/golden-wardrobe/Gold_Details.aspx?ItemCode=ST6PW&CategID=13

or the 4 prong version:

http://www.whiteflash.com/golden-wardrobe/Gold_Details.aspx?ItemCode=ST4PW&CategID=13

This ring will be stunning, and if you mention that you are a member of pricescope, they will give you a discount on the stone (3% I think).

The exchange rate is on our side right now! I think you will have to pay duty (GST & PST) on that so you will be a bit over $1200, if you would like to stay under, I would suggest this stone:

http://www.whiteflash.com/hearts_arrows/A-Cut-Above-H-A-cut-diamond-292606.htm

You would get a 5% discount on this one because of the different cut rating.

Happy hunting!
1.gif
 

jstarfireb

Ideal_Rock
Joined
Mar 24, 2007
Messages
6,232
I agree that a smaller diamond doesn't work in that substantial a setting. The other thing is that a setting with diamonds in it will take up 50-100% of your budget! I'd go with a classic Tiffany-style setting for $200 or so in WG, and upgrade it once your budget allows. That way you can focus on getting a nicer stone now, which can also be upgraded later when you get her dream setting. As for the stone, I'd go pretty low in color/clarity to maximize size, but don't compromise on cut quality. Here's a combo that might be nice:

4-prong Tiffany setting: $180 in WG (6-prong is the same, so it's all about personal preference, but I saw that ring you posted had 4 prongs)
0.512 J VS2 ACA diamond - $1120 with the 5% PS/bankwire discount, so you're only $100 over budget

Also, it looks like the sidestones in that ring are baguettes, but I could be wrong!
 

jstarfireb

Ideal_Rock
Joined
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6,232
Forgot to mention that there''s also a small discount on settings at WF. I think it''s something like 2%, so you''re really not saving much with a $180 setting, but it could come in handy when you upgrade.
 

jstarfireb

Ideal_Rock
Joined
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Messages
6,232
Date: 6/23/2007 1:54:42 AM
Author: shimmer
Hi,
I live in Canada too! I would spend the majority of your budget on a super ideal stone that will sparkle like crazy, like this one from Whiteflash:
http://www.whiteflash.com/round_ideal_cut/Round-Ideal-Cut-cut-diamond-292653.htm
then get a simple 14K white gold setting, like this one:
http://www.whiteflash.com/golden-wardrobe/Gold_Details.aspx?ItemCode=ST6PW&CategID=13
or the 4 prong version:
http://www.whiteflash.com/golden-wardrobe/Gold_Details.aspx?ItemCode=ST4PW&CategID=13
This ring will be stunning, and if you mention that you are a member of pricescope, they will give you a discount on the stone (3% I think).
The exchange rate is on our side right now! I think you will have to pay duty (GST & PST) on that so you will be a bit over $1200, if you would like to stay under, I would suggest this stone:
http://www.whiteflash.com/hearts_arrows/A-Cut-Above-H-A-cut-diamond-292606.htm
You would get a 5% discount on this one because of the different cut rating.
Happy hunting!
1.gif

Great minds think alike, shimmer! We both picked rocks that score 0.8 on the HCA (my ACA and your ES). I''d suggest going for the largest of these stones, which would be the 0.56 ES, which also keeps you in budget.
 

erica k

Brilliant_Rock
Joined
Nov 1, 2006
Messages
786
a similar setting (sort of):
http://www.whiteflash.com/Engagement-Rings/Styles/Diamond-Settings/-Flush-Fit--Diamond-Ring_1063.htm#
$795 in White Gold

i did a quick search of stones in Whiteflash's website, and you can get a .40 ct (4.75 mm diameter) stone for $840
http://www.whiteflash.com/hearts_arrows/A-Cut-Above-H-A-cut-diamond-292646.htm

those two combined is already over budget (i know nothing about duties taxes or whatever for Canada).

the cheapest whiteflash setting is $450. (edit* whoops, that's for platinum)
http://www.whiteflash.com/Engagement-Rings/Styles/Solitaire/4-Prong--Tiffany--Style_994.htm

but a 1/2 ct diamond will cost at least $1300 (still over budget).

the Knox classic tiffany is $199 white gold (not my favorite prongs):
http://www.knoxjewelers.biz/index.htm?crn=261&rn=653&action=show_detail

have you thought about a sapphire or other type of stone?

if your heart is set on a diamond, go for cut first and foremost. it'll make the stone look larger than it is. inclusions (unless they're structurally unsound) won't be a big issue, nor will color (unless we're talking about something in the J-O range).

if you went with a cheaper setting, like the knox, you could have a stone around the size of .41 ct.

many of my friends have tiffany-style settings with very sparkly and beautiful .25-.40 ct stones.

my husband purchased my e-ring from Leber Jeweler. the setting (emma) was $800, and the stone (.52ct, ideal cut Canadian, F color, SI2) was $1600. i think the stone looks quite substantial in its wide band. but, i think the setting you've selected would look better with a larger diamond.

a setting like this might look nice with a smaller diamond (very dainty):
http://www.leberjeweler.com/earthwise/amelia.php3
the price is $550 for a 1 ct stone, so it might be less for something like .30-45?

i'm sure other people can recommend options, these are the only that i am familiar with.

best of luck!

edit *sounds like others have come up with great options while i was slowly composing my post!
 

surfgirl

Ideal_Rock
Joined
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4,438
Graven, nothing is worth going into debt over, especially not an ering. I just wanted to say that up front. It's lovely that you want to give your gf something special but if it's that much of a stretch for you right now, could you propose with something whimsical - like a toy ring - and tell her that a real ring is coming down the road? It's just a suggestion. I dont think there is anyone here that would want their FI to go into financial debt over their ering. So please dont think it's your only option at this point, especially since you've got only a few weeks.

That said, do you have a Costco or something like that nearby? Perhaps you can get a good deal on a simple ring or a half eternity band? I have an old half eternity band from a chain jeweler's in the US - it's white gold, excellent G/VS stones, and it is a lovely ring. I think it was about $700. or so but this was quite a few years ago. Something like that might be nice and well under your budget.

This page has Costco options and I think they're also in Canada so the duty wouldn't be an option if you bought in Canada..

oops, hard to link that. Look up Costco.com. The jewelry section has ering solitaires in your price range and they'd be in stock if your local store had them...I suggest it only because you need a ring fast and they have them in your country.

http://www.costco.com/Browse/Product.aspx?Prodid=11213281&whse=BC&Ne=4000000&eCat=BC|108|28447|56576&N=4017522&Mo=15&pos=4&No=12&Nr=P_CatalogName:BC&cat=56576&Ns=P_Price|1||P_SignDesc1&lang=en-US&Sp=C&ec=BC-EC10573-Cat28447&topnav=

Sorry for the long link but this has elements of the one your gf likes, but without the center stone, which adds alot of money. You could do something like this with an upgrade in the future?

Or this:
http://www.costco.com/Browse/Product.aspx?Prodid=11181560&whse=BC&Ne=4000000&eCat=BC|108|28447|56576&N=4017522&Mo=15&pos=4&No=11&Nr=P_CatalogName:BC&cat=56576&Ns=P_Price|1||P_SignDesc1&lang=en-US&Sp=C&ec=BC-EC10573-Cat28447&topnav=
 

jstarfireb

Ideal_Rock
Joined
Mar 24, 2007
Messages
6,232
Costco is a great option (thanks, Surfgirl, can''t believe I forgot to mention it after finding my dream ring at Costco!). Especially with their round stones...I''ve seen arrows in their rounds from inside the display case, so they have some nicely cut stones. The problem is going to be finding one in white gold, since they all seem to be set in platinum, at least at the Costcos I''ve been to.
 

pricescope

Ideal_Rock
Joined
Dec 31, 1999
Messages
8,266
This setting leaves you the most budget for the stone and has engraving

DM15400300200zoom.jpg
 

Regular Guy

Ideal_Rock
Joined
Jul 6, 2004
Messages
5,962
Welcome.

WF has a great rep, and the selected options definitely worth considering.

I recognize the piece from Pricescope, but...



Date: 6/23/2007 8:06:46 AM
Author: Pricescope
This setting leaves you the most badged for the stone and has engraving
..is it from there? (edited to add...probably this one?)

Two other options to note...

Blue Nile has a Canada presence, if that may help.

Also, these guys, where they can pull this option for you...is very close to you, and might help as well.

Regards,
 

decodelighted

Super_Ideal_Rock
Joined
Jul 27, 2005
Messages
11,534
Wow! I really like that engraved one from Blue Nile! Is that new, I wonder? I don't remember seeing it when I looked there ...

ETA: This might be a really unconventional suggestions but I just saw a show on one of those Learning Channels ... and it was about Beverly Hills pawn shops. Apparently they get crazy good merchandise & sell it at major discounts. Not sure what the pawn shops around you are like but it might be possible to get a very nice ring at a huge discount (if you don't mind pre-owned). It's also good for your timeframe because you'd just walk in & see if there's anything you like. Not saying it's the right choice for everyone -- but certainly thinking out of the box!
1.gif
 

decodelighted

Super_Ideal_Rock
Joined
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Messages
11,534
This one reminded me of the picture you linked ... and it''s just $600. I''m sure you could get more stone & ring for your full budget ... just linked because it was similar.

eringwithbags.jpg
 

iheartscience

Super_Ideal_Rock
Joined
Jan 1, 2007
Messages
12,111
I would also get the cheapest setting possible to maximize your diamond budget. I think the choices posted from Whiteflash look great.
 

The Graven Acolyte

Rough_Rock
Joined
Jun 22, 2007
Messages
20
Wow, you guys have been so great, thank you. You've really given me a lot to think about.

So, the consensus seems to be to spend as much as I can on a diamond, and not only that, but to throw colour and clarity out the window to maximize size/carat and get a top cut. Am I hearing you guys correctly? I think that's pretty much what I'd been doing, only I'd been paying more attention to colour. For example, I'd take a zip around Blue Nile and come up with something like this. I don't know a lot about the additional stats; but obviously, bigger is better. Should I forget about colour and clarity entirely and just get the greatest carat diamond I can afford in a top cut?

I've been looking at the Whiteflash recommendations, and have noticed that the different between, say, an $1,100 top cut diamond and an $800 top cut diamond is only about .5 mm. Obviously, to the enthusiast, there might be additional differences. But will the diamond ignorant, such as my betothed and I, really notice?


Date: 6/23/2007 1:55:53 AM
Author: jstarfireb
...upgrade it once your budget allows. That way you can focus on getting a nicer stone now, which can also be upgraded later when you get her dream setting.
I can appreciate the concept of upgrading. But I don't think she'd ever want to. While there is definitely a certain material sentimentality to getting an engagement ring, I think even stronger will be the emotional sentimentality that "this" is the ring I got her when I proposed. Of course... I could always get a more expensive ring for a future anniversary or event, but it wouldn't be quite the same....


Date: 6/23/2007 2:28:07 AM
Author: surfgirl
Graven, nothing is worth going into debt over, especially not an ering. I just wanted to say that up front. It's lovely that you want to give your gf something special but if it's that much of a stretch for you right now, could you propose with something whimsical - like a toy ring - and tell her that a real ring is coming down the road? It's just a suggestion. I dont think there is anyone here that would want their FI to go into financial debt over their ering. So please dont think it's your only option at this point, especially since you've got only a few weeks.
Your sentiment is not only practical, but sweet, surfgirl. I do appreciate it. It's just that she's wished for a ring for the longest time (we agreed on marriage quite some time ago; I've just never asked for her hand officially), and the time to propose is just around the corner. The money isn't that big of an issue; as long as I have my job we'll be okay. It's just that she lives 1,100 miles away (in the U.S.), so we have not only a wedding to save up for, but an international move, also. I don't think she'd want for it to be "upgraded" later; so I'm trying to do the best I can to get something special now.


Date: 6/23/2007 8:45:38 AM
Author: decodelighted
Not sure what the pawn shops around you are like but it might be possible to get a very nice ring at a huge discount (if you don't mind pre-owned).
I appreciate the suggestion, but I can't fathom giving her a ring with a history unless it was a history I knew and appreciated. But it's great advice for those who aren't as sentimental/impractical as I.


Thank you so, so much everyone. With everything you post, you're each helping me.

At this point:

- I considered going with a simple setting for a time, but have decided that I think I do want to go for something with side stones even if it means going a little over budget.

- How do I know whether a ring can be engraved? Does the band have to be of a certain width/thickness? And where would I go to have an engraving done? About how much can I expect that it would cost?

- What about more antique setting styles? Not sure I want to go down this path, but I would like to give it a glance. Bear in mind, I want a new ring--just am wondering about antique styles.
 

surfgirl

Ideal_Rock
Joined
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Messages
4,438
OK, I better understand your thinking now so yes, let's find you a terrific ring for under $1500 or so?

First, try looking at this entire recent thread as it ha tons of antique style links:

https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/she-put-me-in-charge-vintage-e-ring.61973/

You mentioned you would consider antique style but not real antique..Please dont discount antique rings! They have a beauty that is so ethereal and unique - I have one. I understand the "I dont want a ring with someone else's mojo on it" thinking because I thought that way before I found my ering. But honestly, there are some amazingly lovely antique rings out there. Back in the day, they seemed to take more care in creating pretty settings for smaller stones, just IMO...If you need to, I can come to Canada and perform a Native America smudging session on your ring to cleanse it!
28.gif
SOME people here think that's going too far (*clears throat, looking at Harriet*!
25.gif
) but hey, you gotta do what you gotta do, right?!?

How bout this one at Faye Cullin:
http://www.faycullen.com/engagement_rings/800/d510r3d.html

Would she like a ruby?
http://www.faycullen.com/engagement_rings/800/d511r4rd.html

A princess cut perhaps:
http://www.faycullen.com/engagement_rings/800/d327r7d.html

A 3 stone!:
http://www.faycullen.com/engagement_rings/800/d119r6d.html

http://www.faycullen.com/engagement_rings/800/c118r4d.html

This one is really lovely if you can get in around the $2k mark and it's not antique, just antique styled:
http://www.faycullen.com/engagement_rings/800/c1229r8ds.html

Oh wait! This is a better site with new antique style rings:

The one at the top of the page:
http://antiqueengagementrings.com/shopping/shopdisplayproducts.asp?page=7

Or this?
http://www.topazery.com/antique-jewelry-item-rg2109.htm

This one is lovely!
http://www.topazery.com/antique-jewelry-item-rg2186.htm

This has similar elements to the one your GF liked:
http://www.topazery.com/antique-jewelry-item-rg1350.htm
 

neatfreak

Super_Ideal_Rock
Joined
Feb 17, 2007
Messages
14,169
Date: 6/23/2007 2:47:58 PM
Author: surfgirl
OK, I better understand your thinking now so yes, let''s find you a terrific ring for under $1500 or so?


First, try looking at this entire recent thread as it ha tons of antique style links:


https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/she-put-me-in-charge-vintage-e-ring.61973/


You mentioned you would consider antique style but not real antique..Please dont discount antique rings! They have a beauty that is so ethereal and unique - I have one. I understand the ''I dont want a ring with someone else''s mojo on it'' thinking because I thought that way before I found my ering. But honestly, there are some amazingly lovely antique rings out there. Back in the day, they seemed to take more care in creating pretty settings for smaller stones, just IMO...If you need to, I can come to Canada and perform a Native America smudging session on your ring to cleanse it!
28.gif
SOME people here think that''s going too far (*clears throat, looking at Harriet*!
25.gif
) but hey, you gotta do what you gotta do, right?!?


How bout this one at Faye Cullin:

http://www.faycullen.com/engagement_rings/800/d510r3d.html


Would she like a ruby?

http://www.faycullen.com/engagement_rings/800/d511r4rd.html


A princess cut perhaps:

http://www.faycullen.com/engagement_rings/800/d327r7d.html


A 3 stone!:

http://www.faycullen.com/engagement_rings/800/d119r6d.html


http://www.faycullen.com/engagement_rings/800/c118r4d.html


This one is really lovely if you can get in around the $2k mark and it''s not antique, just antique styled:

http://www.faycullen.com/engagement_rings/800/c1229r8ds.html

Not to discount Fay Cullen because she has great pieces. BUT her return policy is horrid so PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE make sure it''s the exact thing you want before you order from her.
 

neatfreak

Super_Ideal_Rock
Joined
Feb 17, 2007
Messages
14,169
Date: 6/23/2007 2:59:33 PM
Author: surfgirl
NF, I didn''t know that about Faye Cullin, thanks.

Ugh yes. Unfortunately we have first hand experience with it...
 

jstarfireb

Ideal_Rock
Joined
Mar 24, 2007
Messages
6,232
Date: 6/23/2007 2:22:50 PM
Author: The Graven Acolyte
So, the consensus seems to be to spend as much as I can on a diamond, and not only that, but to throw colour and clarity out the window to maximize size/carat and get a top cut. Am I hearing you guys correctly? I think that's pretty much what I'd been doing, only I'd been paying more attention to colour. For example, I'd take a zip around Blue Nile and come up with something like this. I don't know a lot about the additional stats; but obviously, bigger is better. Should I forget about colour and clarity entirely and just get the greatest carat diamond I can afford in a top cut?

I wouldn't go as far as to say throw color and clarity out the window, but consider that a well-cut round diamond will look whiter and clearer than a poorly cut one. As for clarity, make sure it's eye-clean...you can have eye-clean diamonds even at SI2 clarity. As for color, you probably won't see any warmth in a well-cut diamond through H color, but if you go down to J, the possibilities in your budget open up tremendously. And at a size below 1ct, you still probably won't see much color.

You mentioned you like antique styles...check out some of the rings here:
http://www.antiqueengagementrings.com
Some of them are actual antiques, but since that's not what you want, focus on the ones that say "replica."

That BN diamond looks nice, but it seems to face up a bit small. The WF ones we posted will probably look bigger. Also, E is definitely color overkill! Even if you don't want to go down to I or J, at least take a look at G-H so you can get a bigger diamond. We normally don't like Blue Nile around here since it doesn't have an upgrade policy...but since you don't think she'd utilize one, BN opens up a lot of possibilities.
 

jstarfireb

Ideal_Rock
Joined
Mar 24, 2007
Messages
6,232
How about this one from the site I just pointed you to? It''s a replica antique setting, 0.5ct stone, has diamonds in the setting, and the stone will look bigger because of the square-cornered setting. A bit over budget, but if she likes the style, it''s a winner. Also, Old Euro Cuts are just gorgeous!
 

gladyskristen

Brilliant_Rock
Joined
Oct 24, 2006
Messages
783
Hi Graven! It''s nice to see a guy who doesn''t earn a lot wanting to give his gf the best that he can (instead of spending it on a car... lol)!

Since ur gf likes the side stones, perhaps you can get a setting that is plain, but wide enough such that it''ll allow you to ADD sidestones in at a later time? Tt way, the sentimental value of the whole ring is preserved, you can max out ur budget on the stone, and she will eventually have what she wants.
2.gif
 

jstarfireb

Ideal_Rock
Joined
Mar 24, 2007
Messages
6,232
Sorry for the multiple replies...but ideas just keep popping into my head! Do you know if she would like a colored gemstone ring with diamond sidestones, like one of these?

Sapphire
Ruby
Pink Sapphire
Emerald - Careful, emeralds are usually cloudy unless lab created

What''s her birthstone? Maybe she''d like her birthstone as the center stone and diamonds on the sides. That would save you a TON of cash! But not all women like this type of engagement ring...some, myself included, just have to have a diamond!
 

denverappraiser

Ideal_Rock
Trade
Joined
Jul 21, 2004
Messages
9,150
Have you considered buying something other than a diamond for the center stone? This will save you from starting your marriage together in debt and you can get a lovely ring for bunches less money. A beautiful one carat sapphire (Princess Diana wore a sapphire engagement ring) can be had for a few hundred dollars for example. Many of the same jewelers will be happy to sell you other things as well as diamonds.

Neil Beaty
GG(GIA) ICGA(AGS) NAJA
Professional Appraisals in Denver
 
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