Best bang for low budget?

[Dr.Strange.Love]

Well I''ve been browsing these forums and Pricescope for a few weeks now, and I feel like I could really use the expert advice here before I make any decisions. I''m going to be purchasing an e-ring for my very very longtime girlfriend (7 years now). The only issue is price. We are both graduate students with minimal income and some debt. I''ll be moving away because of med school this fall, and I feel the time is right to finally "pop the question". So I''m the market for something modest, with both the ring and diamond costing no more than $1500.

For her, the idea of getting an e-ring finally will be more important than how expensive or flashy the ring actually is, especially since we are both still working towards our careers. But I do want to make the ring special for her. All I know is that she wants something besides a straightforward solitaire 4 or 6 prong ring. She likes round stones, and she''s somewhat familiar with diamonds so I''d like to get something that is at least somewhat low on color and adequate on clarity. I''ve looked all over GOG, WF, and I''ve gone to Knox jewelers here in Minneapolis. But there are so many choices! So does anyone have any suggestions on any nice diamonds or interesting solitaire settings, while still keeping in the low budget? Like I said, she''s not expecting anything fancy because our financial situations, but I''d still like something nice for her. Thanks for suggestions!

 

[honey22]

Welcome to PS! We will find you a gorgeous ring, in budget too!

Settings: (in white gold are $250)

http://www.whiteflash.com/Engagement-Rings/Styles/Solitaire/6-Prong-tiffany-style_993.htm

http://www.whiteflash.com/Engagement-Rings/Styles/Solitaire/4-Prong-tiffany-style_994.htm

Stones (not sure how large, what colour you will drop, but to maximise budget, I have chosen these. Need to call WF and check eye-cleanliness, ask for Lesley, she is amazing and will be totally honest about these stones). You can''t go wrong with one of these, it will knock her socks off! And you won''t believe what you got for your budget! Remember, WF has an upgrade policy, so down the track you can upgrade the stone to something larger, etc if you feel like you want to.

http://www.whiteflash.com/hearts_arrows/A-Cut-Above-H-A-cut-diamond-912965.htm (smidge over budget, don''t forget to ask for PS discount though)

http://www.whiteflash.com/hearts_arrows/A-Cut-Above-H-A-cut-diamond-912978.htm

http://www.whiteflash.com/hearts_arrows/A-Cut-Above-H-A-cut-diamond-912980.htm

Good luck! Keep us updated.

 

[bee*]

This is a tiny bit higher than your budget but what about this stone here (inquire about your PS discount) and possibly this setting here .

 

[honey22]

Some offerings from GOG
http://www.goodoldgold.com/diamond/3868/

Do you think she is colour sensitive? It might be risky if you are not sure, but maybe you can drop to the J-K colours, many PSers have gorgeous stones in this range, they have a warmer look that some people just love, and they will still face up quite white. Something to consider.

 

[NewEnglandLady]

ACA diamonds are phenomenal, but there are some stunning stones in WF's Expert Selection Line as well and they can be great for somebody on a very tight budget. I bought my mom a half carat diamond from the Expert Selection line and I was absolutely floored with how beautiful it is. I think this stone would be great, it's an AGS Ideal and will look fantastic...

http://www.whiteflash.com/round_ideal_cut/Round-Ideal-Cut-cut-diamond-415695.htm

if she doesn't like a 4 or 6 prong setting, you could try a bezel setting..not only is it a different look, but it makes the stone look larger as well.

Or, if she doesn't want a diamond solitaire you could think about a gemstone ring (sapphire is popular because it is hard enough for daily wear) or a diamond eternity band....

 

[KCCutie]

I agree with NEL!

Also if she isn''t into the classic solitaire maybe something like the "Legato" would something to consider. It''s different but not too different.

http://www.whiteflash.com/Engagement-Rings/Styles/Diamond-Settings/The--Legato--with-Shared-Prong_1058.htm

 

[neatfreak]

I agree with NEL''s post too. Great stone!

 

[Dr.Strange.Love]

Hey thanks for all the quick replies! I cannot tell you all how helpful these remarks are, it really does help relieve some of the uncertainty or stress from the situation. Do you recommend me calling WF or GOG or wherever if I decide on a diamond to get an a real eye opinion on it before ordering? Now that I''ve spent all this time looking at diamonds, the setting choices are really overwhelming...I can sure see how it would be easy to go over my budget

Thanks for the suggestion on the rock NEL, I like the idea of getting more for my money with a tiny sacrifice, thanks for the suggestion! With a nice diamond like that at such a nice price...the setting choices are seeming more and more expensive. I''ll find something. I love that Legato, but it might put me a few hundred above my budget, I''m sure I could justify it though.

 

[NewEnglandLady]

Yeah, the settings can get very expensive very quickly and if she doesn''t like a 4 or 6 prong solitaire it sort of rules out the cheapest options.

Definitely call Whiteflash and GOG and let them know your budget--they''ll be able to tell you the prices after the PS discount and bankwire discount (if you''re wiring the money) and that will help you to see how much is left over for the settings. And they will be very honest with you about which they feel are the best stones.

 

[ilovethiswebsite]

I am sure some PSer''s may kill me for mentioning this but I was recently at Costco and saw a guy looking at their engagement rings. They were a lot nicer than I was expecting, and very reasonably priced...

For example:

http://www.costco.ca/Browse/Product.aspx?Prodid=10295231&whse=BCCA&Ne=4000000&eCat=BCCA|108|109&N=4009025&Mo=52&pos=1&No=3&Nr=P_CatalogName:BCCA&cat=109&Ns=P_Price|0||P_SignDesc1&lang=en-CA&Sp=C&ec=BCCA-EC1128-Cat108&topnav=

But I do agree with the others that an online vendor will probably get you a better stone for your budget. I am just throwing this option out there .....

 

[Alleyoop]

If Knox is close, I would have a nice stone sent there and maybe set it in one of these:

Inspiration solitaire is really nice! http://www.knoxjewelers.biz/index.htm?crn=261&rn=797&action=show_detail

These bezels are good:
http://www.knoxjewelers.biz/index.htm?crn=261&rn=665&action=show_detail
http://www.knoxjewelers.biz/index.htm?crn=261&rn=1432&action=show_detail

And this other solitaire is classy:
http://www.knoxjewelers.biz/index.htm?crn=266&rn=1319&action=show_detail

Spending most of your money on rock is a good way to go. She can always get a new setting or a bling-y WB when the time comes. It is the stone that is sentimental, IMHO, not the setting. Some would dissagree.

BTW, I have the plain Legato and love it. I get compliments ALL THE TIME because it is slightly different and dainty for a solitaire setting. Plus, you can pair it with so many different bands for different looks!

Good Luck!

 

[diamondseeker2006]

Unfortunately you are looking for a ring right at the time gold and platinum are at all time highs! You could easily spend the whole $1500 or more on a setting unless you go with a simple solitaire. I think my advice to you would be to put most of the money into the diamond and just get the simple setting for now. Then later on after med school, she could reset this diamond into a pendant and you could get her a new diamond in her dream setting. Or if she wanted to wear this stone forever as an e-ring, she could reset it then.

 

[iheartscience]

Whiteflash has several .5ish J color ACAs for around $1000-$1100 right now. You could get one of those and maybe up the overall budget a bit and go for a setting like this:

http://www.knoxjewelers.biz/index.htm?crn=264&rn=1432&action=show_detail

You could also get a quote from Whiteflash for a custom bezel ring or see if they could order you a stock Stuller bezel setting.

 

[somehowcollide]

Date: 5/20/2008 6:48:43 PM
Author: ilovethiswebsite
I am sure some PSer''s may kill me for mentioning this but I was recently at Costco and saw a guy looking at their engagement rings. They were a lot nicer than I was expecting, and very reasonably priced...


For example:


http://www.costco.ca/Browse/Product.aspx?Prodid=10295231&whse=BCCA&Ne=4000000&eCat=BCCA|108|109&N=4009025&Mo=52&pos=1&No=3&Nr=P_CatalogName:BCCA&cat=109&Ns=P_Price|0||P_SignDesc1&lang=en-CA&Sp=C&ec=BCCA-EC1128-Cat108&topnav=


But I do agree with the others that an online vendor will probably get you a better stone for your budget. I am just throwing this option out there .....

ILTW-Wow, that''s actually a pretty good find. Love the European shank and platinum, too? Not bad!

 

[purrfectpear]

The Costco ring only comes in size 7 and although it says sizeable to any size, with a euro shank you will not be able to size it down to say a 5 without it looking wonky IMO.

 

[somehowcollide]

Date: 5/21/2008 7:00:40 AM
Author: purrfectpear
The Costco ring only comes in size 7 and although it says sizeable to any size, with a euro shank you will not be able to size it down to say a 5 without it looking wonky IMO.

True, true story. I actually have a size 4 finger, and after sizing my European shank is practically non-existent. My FI did mention that you could size from both sides, versus sizing from the shank but then the proportions could look funny... Conundrum!

 

[gailrmv]

hi! Congratulations on your upcoming engagement!

I have a small favor to ask. Can you tell me your thoughts on Knox Jewelers? They are one vendor I might work with for a sapphire ring I hope to purchase. Their website is great, but it would be so helpful to hear from someone who has gone there in person. Especially, how did you feel their quality and prices were compared with other places you''ve looked?

Now for some ideas. I like solitaires, so if it were me, easy choice: diamond from a vendor with upgrade policy, simple solitaire setting. Then you can upgrade in the future (diamond, or change setting, or both) if you want to.

If the simple solitaire thing is out, then unfortunately a looot of your budget is going into the setting due to prices right now.

What would she think of a gemstone ring? If you wanted, you could get her a diamond down the road for an anniversary. I like this one (just over budget) from Knox.

http://www.knoxjewelers.biz/index.htm?crn=275&rn=1642&action=show_detail
They have it in pink also.

I also think this one is very classy and engagement-esque, and right in your budget!
http://www.thenaturalsapphirecompany.com/Sapphires/Sapphire-Jewelry/Sapphire-Rings/Jewelry=J1176

Another nice sapphire ring in your budget:
http://www.thenaturalsapphirecompany.com/Sapphires/Sapphire-Jewelry/Sapphire-Rings/Jewelry=J1192

My cousin has an antique Tiffany solitaire with about 1/3 carat diamond. It is a great look and just perfect for her. Signed Pieces has them from time to time and that carat weight might be right at your budget. I''ve ordered from them before and they are great.
www.signedpieces.com

Last option, how would she feel about a diamond band (as opposed to a solitaire) for her e-ring? I think they are a great look, and you could get a very nice one within budget. The only downside is that it looks like a wedding band more so than a typical e-ring. If you will be married while you are both in school (and have tight budgets), you could use it as both e-ring and w-band and then choose a diamond solitaire for an anniversary later on when you are out of school. Examples of some of my favorites:

http://signedpieces.com/item.cfm?item_id=2693
http://signedpieces.com/item.cfm?item_id=4470
http://signedpieces.com/item.cfm?item_id=1208

Happy hunting!

 

[Dr.Strange.Love]

Well, I''m sorry to say that I wound''t be the best person to ask right now for advice on Knox. I only stopped in briefly and I was in a hurry so I didn''t get much of a chance to interact with the staff. I''m going back later on this week, so I can give a more full report then. Thanks for the suggestions on the gem rings though. Those are gorgeous and tempting, but I will likely go with a diamond. I''m going to keep those gem websites you linked to bookmarked for a later date though!

 

[Rhea]

I love the bezel set from Knox, it''s beautiful. It sounds like you have some really great choices for your budget. Have you found a setting that you really like yet?

 

[Dr.Strange.Love]

I have to say this has been an enjoyable experience, I''m liking the search, its just so hard to keep to my budget. It looks like I will likely go with a nicer stone and then just a basic solitaire that she can upgrade at a later date. I was thinking a diamond something like this or similar:

http://www.whiteflash.com/hearts_arrows/A-Cut-Above-H-A-cut-diamond-912965.htm

And then with a simple 4 or 6 prong solitaire from WF to keep to my budget.

My other alternative is to go with a cheaper stone:

http://www.whiteflash.com/hearts_arrows/A-Cut-Above-H-A-cut-diamond-912997.htm

Or maybe as NEL said an Expert Selection from WF, and then I would have extra to get a setting like one of these from Knox:

http://www.knoxjewelers.biz/index.htm?crn=261&rn=665&action=show_detail

http://www.knoxjewelers.biz/index.htm?crn=261&rn=797&action=show_detail

http://www.knoxjewelers.biz/index.htm?crn=261&rn=1054&action=show_detail


Alas, I still haven''t made up my mind. I''m going to call WF this afternoon to see what they think and inquire about discounts. I''m going to go to Knox (its only about 2 miles from where I live) and see what they think and how much it would cost to have a diamond set. I''m really suprised their settings are cheaper than WF, which makes me happy. My ideal situation would be to get a nice, 1/2 carat diamond and then set it one of Knox''s settings, but they may be over my budget. I''ll let you all know what I decide! Thanks for all the suggestions.

 

[Rhea]

The Motion setting is going to be hard for a band to sit next to if that''s a concern for you. Knox has beautiful rings, great choices.

 

[Dr.Strange.Love]

I just got off the phone with WF and they were incredibly helpful. The person I talked to on the phone made a comment that an ACA diamond in the J color range would still look colorless in most light when not put side by side against another diamond, so I may be able to find a cheaper diamond in that color that will allow me to go with a nice setting. Have you guys found this to be true? I''ve been able to see the difference between an F and J when in bright light, so I never considered going higher than I. But he seemed pretty confident that to most it would look colorless.

 

[bebe]

You can''t go too wrong with WF or GOG.

Also remember your local taxes if buy local

 

[angel777]

Best bang for the buck in my opinion would be sticking with J color, SI1, SI2 clarities and making sure the diamond is eye clean from all angles.
Cut - do not sacrifice. Get best of the best.

Avoid magic numbers .5 ct 1ct and so on.
I would either get a diamond UNDER .5ct or much much over while still in your budget.

 

[treysar]

Hi!
I like to go to jamesallen.com, where you can SEE pics of I1 stones and see where the inclusions are. This kind of gives you an idea of how big you can go with a lower clarity and still have a really nice diamond. Like this stone is an I1, but it still looks pretty eye clean to me, and that''s at 10x!!

.71 I1

 

[iheartscience]

I don''t have a J ACA but soooo many people here on PS do and they love them. LynnB has a gorgeous 2+ carat J and so does Mara. Smaller stones show less color than larger ones, so a .5 J ACA should look extremely white! In fact, I plan on getting a .5ish J ACA for a graduation present for myself! I have I ES earrings from WF and they look so white I know a J would be fine with me.

 

[treysar]

Or maybe an antique ring? This is pretty:
Fay Cullen

 

[gailrmv]

Thanks in advance for the report on Knox if you have a chance! It sounds like you have a great plan.
I have a 0.40 J SI1 expert selection stone from WF and it is awesome. It''s in a pendant which I wear nearly every day. To be honest my stone would be a little small for my taste in a solitaire e-ring (I am ring size 5.75, and tall), but it would be just perfect in a bezel ring or more ornate setting, or if I knew I was planning to upgrade later on. Anyway, the color and clarity are great. I was only able to get a pendant w/in my budget because of going with J SI1 and I do not regret it at all. I would totally get those specs again if I am ever buying any more diamonds!

 

[ilovethiswebsite]

ahahah

this topic title made me think of something dirty....

 

[erica k]

i think that bezel set stones in the .50-.75ct range look fabulous!

here's mine (canadian .52 FSI1) with a wg setting (was $800 3 years ago).

ETA. the setting was $800. i think the stone was $1700 or so, but the color and origin made it more expensive than it needed to be.

ETA again. oh, and i'm a size 5.5/6.