Best way to buy engagement ring? (Setting>Stone, vice-versa)

[Behacad]

Hello everyone. I am new here and this will be a "noob" thread.

I am interested in proposing to my girlfriend in a year or so. I have learned a great deal about diamonds in the last few months, and I have an idea of what we want for a band/setting. My impression is that the best deal on a diamond is unlikely to be from a source that would also provide an optimal band. Similarly, a source that holds my optimal band is unlikely to have the best deal on a diamond. I believe my best bet for a diamond is online, and I will likely also buy the setting online although I might get it in person if I see near-perfection. Please let me know if my assumptions so far are correct.

I am not sure how to proceed with the purchase of an engagement ring. I have several questions and answers would be greatly appreciated!

• Do I buy the diamond first (online) and then find a setting?
  How do I know if a diamond will fit in a setting? (note: I am shooting around 1 to 1.5 carats).
  How does my stone get placed in the setting? (Do I find a local gemologist?)
  Do you think I should buy my setting online?
  Is there a great online source for reasonably-priced settings/bands? (e.g., quality replications of designers)

 

[webdiva]

Re: Best way to buy engagement ring? (Setting>Stone, vice-ve

Figure out type of setting you like (sometimes the size of stone you can afford will determine this if you want a certain finger coverage). Then buy the stone. Then buy the setting - they are ordered to match the size of your stone. The PS approved vendors are great:
Whiteflash, Brian Gavin Diamonds, Good Old Gold, ID Jewelry, ERD, etc, etc - post up what you're lookign for and we cna make suggestions. Gabriel & Co and Beverley K are great "manufactured" settings that are actually partially handmade and gorgeous - plus cost effective.

Good luck!

 

[minousbijoux]

Re: Best way to buy engagement ring? (Setting>Stone, vice-ve

I know its different over on the Colored Stones side of things, but we always say buy the stone first, and then find the right setting; so many stones are cut to maximize weight regardless of whether it is calibrated or not that its best to find the stone and then get the setting to fit, rather than the other way around.

 

[Behacad]

Re: Best way to buy engagement ring? (Setting>Stone, vice-ve

Wonderful! And how does my stone get placed in the setting? (Do I find a local gemologist?)?

Stupid question probably, but is there a comprehensive list of websites/stores that offer quality settings for decent prices?

 

[diamondseeker2006]

Re: Best way to buy engagement ring? (Setting>Stone, vice-ve

You always have to buy the stone first, because the setting should be made to fit your specific stone and her ring size.

There are vendors who carry a large selection of designer and stock settings, so it is ideal when you can find the stone and then the setting at the same place. That is best case scenario because the stone is covered for damage while being set. If you buy a stone and then have it set elsewhere, you either have to take your chances that nothing bad happens (and it is rare), or you have to get the one kind of jewelry insurance that will allow you to insure the stone and setting before the stone is set.

If you knew the kind of setting you wanted, we could direct you to diamond vendors who sell that kind of setting. That is the easiest way.

 

[webdiva]

Re: Best way to buy engagement ring? (Setting>Stone, vice-ve

Wonderful! And how does my stone get placed in the setting? (Do I find a local gemologist?)?

Stupid question probably, but is there a comprehensive list of websites/stores that offer quality settings for decent prices?

The jeweler you purchase your setting from generally does it. If you're lucky, like me - I got both from the same place. Good Old Gold had a great price on the stone I fell in love with. I had them send me the stone unset to approve, then I sent it back to me set. I'm so happy with my results.

have you looked at rings with your fiance and determined the type of stone and setting she'd like?

 

[Behacad]

Re: Best way to buy engagement ring? (Setting>Stone, vice-ve

Wonderful! And how does my stone get placed in the setting? (Do I find a local gemologist?)?

Stupid question probably, but is there a comprehensive list of websites/stores that offer quality settings for decent prices?

The jeweler you purchase your setting from generally does it. If you're lucky, like me - I got both from the same place. Good Old Gold had a great price on the stone I fell in love with. I had them send me the stone unset to approve, then I sent it back to me set. I'm so happy with my results.

have you looked at rings with your fiance and determined the type of stone and setting she'd like?

My GF and I (not quite my fiancé yet! ) have looked at rings together and I have a feeling for the type of stone and setting she would like. I understand that the jeweller I purchase the setting from would typically set the stone; however, what if I buy the setting online?

 

[LizH]

Re: Best way to buy engagement ring? (Setting>Stone, vice-ve

A lot of PS vendors will take your setting and set their diamond in it. I know that Brian Gavin and Whiteflash does this.

When you find your perfect setting, be sure to tell whoever you are working with the dimensions of your stone. For example, if a round brilliant, then tell them the diameter in mm. This well help them to put the correct size "head" on your mounting.