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Budget ring 1500$~ pls advice

starrysim said:
I've been following this thread closely and am curious to see what you'll pick in the end.

I agree with rockysalamander that between those two, your choice should be based on what style she would prefer, and how she feels about a vintage style and pre-owned ring. Some ladies really would not like the idea of a pre-owned ring. No one can answer that question for you about your girlfriend. Out of those two I personally would pick the ebay one for myself rather than the Tiffany because I like the style better and the Tiffany name is not important to me, but I may be in the minority.

I'm just wondering why you've totally ruled out James Allen? I think you can get a beautiful brand new ring in your budget that will be very similar to the ebay one, but you'll have peace of mind and a reliable return policy, just in case. It seems like you don't really want the hassle of dealing with private sellers, and being in Europe makes it a bit harder too.
I think either of these settings posted previously would leave enough room for a nice diamond.
https://www.jamesallen.com/engageme...-halo-engagement-ring-round-center-item-18301
https://www.jamesallen.com/engageme...ellis-halo-diamond-engagement-ring-item-53050
I wouldn't go with the one JA recommended for you, with the pave band, because it doesn't leave enough budget for the diamond.
For the diamond, you'd have about $680 to spend. I'm not an expert so I'd rather not post a suggestion, but if this is the route you decide to take, the members here will pick the absolute best choice to maximize value for your budget. From what I see, you can afford a bigger center stone than the 0.35 ct in the ebay ring.

I hope I didn't confuse you further but I really think JA is still an option to consider, and may cause less stress for you.
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Thank you Starrysim. You are 100% right with that, I want to have piece of mind without any hassle.
And what comes to JA, I almost forgot it all. Yes, it is def option.

New ring looks always fresh and nice :) and your link both are gorgeous settings. I like!

Its hard to find the diamond to setting!! Maybe thats the reason why I have looked second hands, cause everything is already made up! For 680$ just wondering how good looking diamond you get with that.

I know im in very low budget to compare other users here, what I have seen like "I have only 15k to spend for a diamond" :) but still you keep helping me out..really appreciate!
 
I'm glad I wasn't totally off base in my suggestion. Since your setting will be a halo, a diamond around 0.4 ct will still look like a nice size. You will probably have to compromise on cut and colour, but honestly most people "in real life" would not notice the difference between a super ideal or a decent Excellent/Ideal diamond. With your budget, you just have to accept that it won't be the absolute best, but will still sparkle beautifully and look stunning in a halo setting. It will be much better than what you'd get at a local jewellery store. I think you can shoot for a 0.4 ct Ideal in I colour and SI1/2, and the members here can help you pick out a nice one better than I can. It may put you over budget by less than $100, or stick to budget and go down to maybe 0.35 ct. Also keep in mind there is a pricescope discount at JA I believe.
 
MollyMalone said:
I did searches on both Google and Bing, using various time spans. It looks to me as if Tiffany first introduced the Circlet Collection in 2007: November 2007 is the earliest date I'm seeing any references to Circlet pieces. So I doubt the Circlet ring that you're considering is more than 10 years. In his Qualitative Pre-Sale Report, independent appraiser David Atlas (who posts here as Old Miner) says the markings inside the ring are -- as we can see in the photos -- clear (not worn away in any respect) & that the mounting is in very good condition.

You're right that LC 435 is not a GIA report number (it has too few numbers; think LC 435 is a number Mr. Atlas assigns for his own record-keeping purposes.) FYI you would not have received a GIA report had you purchased this ring new: Tiffany's smaller diamonds don't come with GIA reports; they are graded only by Tiffany "in house."

Of the two, I now think the Tiffany Circlet ring would definitely be your better choice since you've described your wife-to-be as having more modern tastes than antique. The eBay UK ring I linked has millegrain (the teeny beading around the edges) & that's a more "vintage" detail. The Circlet ring's inner and outer bezels, however, don't have any millegraining; the bezels are entirely smooth. That's "fresher", has a more contemporary look to my eye.

And please, there is noooo need for you to apologize for your English -- it is very good!!
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Thank you Molly! You've been big help in this "journey". I just emailed to Grace about possibility to re-size to size 5 (we went to check local jewellery store actual size). I read that if you re-size platinum ring it usual leave some mark on the ring? And heard that platinum rings are more sustainable than white gold rings? Here people usually wear gold or white gold but I think platinum would be better.
 
Hmm...this is a tough one. The Circlet will give her a lot of WOW and presence. It is on trend (halo), but not like every other person's halo. The Circlet will be more of "her" look than the popular look. Its a nod to vintage, without being vintage. The Circlet, to me, is absolutely the best value by a mile. The platinum setting alone would nudge me because I hate the maintenance of white gold. So, if she likes to put her own twist on a style, this is a good choice.

If you look at JA. You will be getting her on trend (halo), but exactly like every other halo she will see. She will see larger and smaller versions of her exact ring in her every day life. Does that sound good or bad when you think of her? The ring will give her less presence and be more modest, but offer more pin-flashes from the tiny melee.

If you go this route, I like this halo:
https://www.jamesallen.com/engageme...-halo-engagement-ring-round-center-item-18301

Here are the JA stones listed earlier by TyTy. I personally like the I of these three.
https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-di...-j-color-if-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-2480716:love:
https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-di...i-color-si1-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-3110472:love:
https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-di...j-color-vs1-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-3020534 {maybe gone?}
 
I was going to comment on the style as well. I agree that the Tiffany may be a perfect choice for you (and her), even though it would not be a style I would choose for myself. However, the fact that your girlfriend said she wants a halo leads me to think she wants a halo like the kind that are in style and all over pinterest these days. You can't tell a girl that her choice is not valid because it's too in style and not unique enough. You may be setting her up for disappointment if you don't get exactly what she wants.

Is there a way you can find out which she would prefer? I know many ladies would rather be asked their opinion rather than end up with a very expensive ring that isn't what they were hoping for. Instead of showing her the exact ones, you can make a panel of six different rings in different types of halos and ask her to let you know her thoughts. Or, can you do it indirectly through one of her friends? The friend can even ask her how she would feel about a pre-owned Tiffany.
 
rockysalamander said:
Hmm...this is a tough one. The Circlet will give her a lot of WOW and presence. It is on trend (halo), but not like every other person's halo. The Circlet will be more of "her" look than the popular look. Its a nod to vintage, without being vintage. The Circlet, to me, is absolutely the best value by a mile. The platinum setting alone would nudge me because I hate the maintenance of white gold. So, if she likes to put her own twist on a style, this is a good choice.

If you look at JA. You will be getting her on trend (halo), but exactly like every other halo she will see. She will see larger and smaller versions of her exact ring in her every day life. Does that sound good or bad when you think of her? The ring will give her less presence and be more modest, but offer more pin-flashes from the tiny melee.

If you go this route, I like this halo:
https://www.jamesallen.com/engageme...-halo-engagement-ring-round-center-item-18301

Here are the JA stones listed earlier by TyTy. I personally like the I of these three.
https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-di...-j-color-if-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-2480716:love:
https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-di...i-color-si1-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-3110472:love:
https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-di...j-color-vs1-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-3020534 {maybe gone?}
Click to expand...


Thanks Rocky, when im thinking the way you put it. "exactly like every other halo" and "larger and smaller" so it sounds not so good...with tiffany circlet look got some unique style which I prefer!

By the way I was looking old Pricescope threads and found this one with search engine

https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/tiffany-circlet-style-ring.204736/

An old post from year 2014 from forum member looking for tiffany circlet ring (3 stone)
Specially forum member "Diamondseeker2006" response "Be sure to get your size or close to your size. And do not let anyone size or work on the ring but Tiffany."

I still have problem with it because we dont have local tiffany here. Do you think that only Tiffany's can work with it?
 
starrysim said:
I was going to comment on the style as well. I agree that the Tiffany may be a perfect choice for you (and her), even though it would not be a style I would choose for myself. However, the fact that your girlfriend said she wants a halo leads me to think she wants a halo like the kind that are in style and all over pinterest these days. You can't tell a girl that her choice is not valid because it's too in style and not unique enough. You may be setting her up for disappointment if you don't get exactly what she wants.

Is there a way you can find out which she would prefer? I know many ladies would rather be asked their opinion rather than end up with a very expensive ring that isn't what they were hoping for. Instead of showing her the exact ones, you can make a panel of six different rings in different types of halos and ask her to let you know her thoughts. Or, can you do it indirectly through one of her friends? The friend can even ask her how she would feel about a pre-owned Tiffany.
Click to expand...

Actually I have been showing her lots of rings..and I mean like over 100 rings...all different types and just by asking good or bad :) and also showed that tiffany and she said "good". Time lapse And Ive asked her opinion about second hand rings - no problems with that...Totally turn off was all kind of coloured stones and heart/oval shapes.

If someone asks my opinion most beautiful ring would be solitaire ring with very big diamond :)
 
D maklen said:
Thank you Molly! You've been big help in this "journey". I just emailed to Grace about possibility to re-size to size 5 (we went to check local jewellery store actual size). I read that if you re-size platinum ring it usual leave some mark on the ring? And heard that platinum rings are more sustainable than white gold rings? Here people usually wear gold or white gold but I think platinum would be better.
Click to expand...
As I said earlier in this thread, I don't think the resizing has to be done by Tiffany -- especially because the resizing will not require new stamping inside the shank. The problem with resizing platinum rings often arises when the resizing is done by someone who's not experienced in working with platinum & uses white gold solder. If the ring is resized by someone who's savvy in the use of a laser welder, there should be no tell-tale sign that a ring has been re-sized.

(I assume Grace -- who is not a novice, whose inventory includes platinum rings that are older, have more intricate details -- would have the resizing done by a skillful "bench" who, she confidently knows, is at ease with working with platinum & laser welders).
 
I've been following this thread with interest and my vote is for the Tiffany ring. Good luck!!
 
OP, if I am in your shoes I would think about how I would feel if tomorrow when you check again JBGs site, the Tiffany's ring is listed as sold. If the associated feelings would be such of regret on missing out, I would recommend buying that ring ASAP. You seem to be thinking too much about resizing from size 4 to 5.5, it is not that big of a difference. Maybe Grace can even get it resized at Tiffany's, or her bench will do just fine. The diameter of the ring is 8.56, that is similar to a 2.3ct round..granted, it is not a solitaire, it will still be a "big" look at a great price. Your decision in the end, but make sure you don't wait too long if you really like the ring, or any ring for that matter.

P.S. I found this pic online of someone who has the circlet ring as an e-ring. It looks pretty!

IMG_5764.JPG
 
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D maklen said:
Actually I have been showing her lots of rings..and I mean like over 100 rings...all different types and just by asking good or bad :) and also showed that tiffany and she said "good". Time lapse And Ive asked her opinion about second hand rings - no problems with that...Totally turn off was all kind of coloured stones and heart/oval shapes.

If someone asks my opinion most beautiful ring would be solitaire ring with very big diamond :)
Click to expand...

In this case, I agree you should go with the Tiffany. It's a great deal and you could not normally buy a Tiffany on your budget. I bet it will be a nice surprise for her that you did so well. It even comes with the box and papers, it's a great find. I also agree with the poster above that you should go for it before it gets sold, because I don't imagine it will stay for long.
 
Yes a quick Google search will also tell you these are being listed for like 3300 usd used.

I say just do it.
 
I think you should get the Tiffany. Your inner struggle keeps bringing you back to this ring. The ring sure looks good on the hand. :-) I wouldn't worry about resizing issue re: private bench vs Tiffany.

Judy
 
@D maklen, I see that the Tiffany Circlet ring, which was still for sale this morning (NYC time) is now marked Sold on Grace's web page -- I hope you'll come back to say that you are the one who's purchased it.
fingers crossed.png
 
Just receiced email from Grace 3hrs ago that she can make re size for 65$ and was going to answer that im going to buy it. But now I see that its SOLD, really make me feel bad and im very sad about it. I cant describe this feeling :(
 
D maklen said:
Just receiced email from Grace 3hrs ago that she can make re size for 65$ and was going to answer that im going to buy it. But now I see that its SOLD, really make me feel bad and im very sad about it. I cant describe this feeling :(
Click to expand...
Check with her. Maybe she changed status for you?
 
I think it's unlikely Grace would mark it as sold without a confirmed purchase?

If it is sold then it's a shame but not the end of the world. You did seem to have lots of doubts about the ring anyway, I'm pretty sure if you were convinced it was "the One" you'd have snapped it up? Back to the drawing board!
 
+1 to you having lots of doubts. Maybe it just means you'll find one that you feel certain about :)

It can be scary to pull the trigger and buy one!
 
Sorry about that..like I said yesterday, when you see a deal, you need to act on it right away. But as Snowdrop13 said, you seemed to be doubtful, at the end I always think that things happen for a reason.
Here is my proposal to you that maybe you want to discuss with your significant other...get her a nice solitaire, the biggest you can afford with a great upgrade policy, something like WF, BGD, etc and either upgrade the setting to a halo a year down the road, or upgrade the solitaire. Halos cost unnecessarily much. With a limited budget, I always think that the most important part should be the diamond.
 
SimoneDi said:
Sorry about that..like I said yesterday, when you see a deal, you need to act on it right away. But as Snowdrop13 said, you seemed to be doubtful, at the end I always think that things happen for a reason.
Here is my proposal to you that maybe you want to discuss with your significant other...get her a nice solitaire, the biggest you can afford with a great upgrade policy, something like WF, BGD, etc and either upgrade the setting to a halo a year down the road, or upgrade the solitaire. Halos cost unnecessarily much. With a limited budget, I always think that the most important part should be the diamond.
Click to expand...

For solitaire do you have something on mind? How big stone can I get to nice solitaire setting? I can ask her about it..
 
D maklen said:
Meanwhile I got offer from Joey

https://www.gabrielny.com/engagement-ring/ER913024R0T44JJ.CSD4

Price 1850$
Click to expand...

It is not a bad ring, I am just not crazy about it. Again, with limited budget, I personally would like to see the entire budget into the diamond, but in the end it is not about me, it is about your gf.

If you want to get her a super ideal diamond with great upgrade policy, then:

1. If you drop to a K color, you can get her a 0.736ct stone. https://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-3857541.htm
This is a lovely size, especially in Europe!
Now, many people will tell you here that K is too warm, but I really think that when in a solitaire and when not compared to other stones, K can be just fine. I had a K diamond and I am from the EU originally, so I know that diamonds in Europe are not such a hot commodity as in the States and few are even GIA graded, let alone super-ideal AGS.
2. J color will get you a 0.634ct diamond - https://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-3836194.htm
3. There is also a similarly priced H color 0.6ct stone https://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-3784270.htm
This is probably the safest option.

If you don't think you will ever want to upgrade, or don't want super-ideal, then JA, Blue Nile may be good alternatives. We can look there, too.
 
Simonedi thank you for links, for my eye they all look same very sparkling and good looking. I think im not going to upgrade it. I showed solitaire setting to her and she said "its nice but if its same price with halo, take halo one"

I think when ordering from bluenile.uk I dont have to pay VAT.
 
D maklen said:
Simonedi thank you for links, for my eye they all look same very sparkling and good looking. I think im not going to upgrade it. I showed solitaire setting to her and she said "its nice but if its same price with halo, take halo one"
Click to expand...
Ugh, but they aren't not the same! One is 0.25 center, the other one is a 0.6-0.7 center stone...Ok, fine her choice. I still don't love the Gabriel and co halo. How does she feel about fancy color diamonds, any of the below?
http://www.leibish.com/rings-jewelr...intense-yellow-diamond-double-halo-ring-25619
http://www.leibish.com/rings-jewelry/fancy-deep-brown-round-diamond-double-halo-ring-25065
 
simone also coloured diamond she didnt like.

How can you see in whiteflash site how diamond looks in the ring? Now its very hard to compare different diamonds with the ring.
 
Don't go with whiteflash. There is a premium for a branded cut that I just don't think you need to pay. The difference would be negligible at the size you're looking at and your budget is modest for everything you're trying to accomplish
 
Oh, I'm sorry about the Circlet ring, D. But it's great you're so quickly climbing back into the saddle again : - )

Since it appears from your latest post that you are now waffling, are considering the idea of getting a solitaire ring, let me encourage you to honor (despite the persistent opinions of some people here) your wife-to-be's strong preference for a halo'd ring.

Giving her a solitaire e-ring after she has said she would rather have a halo will suggest that you have decided what's best for her. Giving her a halo ring, though, will be a very tangible demonstration that her wishes matter to you, that she truly was heard -- and attentiveness, receptivity, not being dismissive of the other partner, are qualities that are really important in a relationship.

But I gotta say the particular GabrielNY ring that Joey is proposing doesn't grab me. I don't think it's very graceful & the rose gold accents are a distraction imo. Would you like us to suggest some other GabrielNY halo settings that are in the lower price range, so you would have specific names/numbers of settings to give Joey at IDJ for price quotes?

In the meantime, I found this just now. A 18K white gold, halo ring with GIA-graded .38 ct center stone: G color, VS2 clarity, XXX (cut, polish, symmetry); total carat weight: .66. US ring size 4.75. Listed at $1499.99; a reliable vendor (I've purchased from them) who will ship to Finland.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Diamond-Eng...olitaire-w-Accents-Genuine-66ctw/391753668708

WilsonBrothers halo with GIA graded stone.jpg
 
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