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Budget ring 1500$~ pls advice

Snowdrop13 said:
I wonder now if the OP might be getting confused with all the different possible options.
Click to expand...

This is how I feel... The OP loved the Tiff circlet halo ring, but was bombarded with a million options, and it got away. He has said his FF isn't into diamonds, so she probably wouldn't know the difference in an old cut vs MRB. I'm willing to bet she wants "clear & white", size, and sparkle, all of which this stone will provide -- and more size than the OP expected with his budget... Ilya has a beautiful diamond (with setting) at an amazing price. He also has a great return policy. This is a no-brainer, IMO.

I just hope the OP doesn't let this one get away as well...
 
...and I don't agree that he should pay top dollar for a super ideal cut MRB or a more expensive setting. To me, that is a complete waste of his budget. Considering his FF isn't into diamonds and wouldn't be able to tell the difference, the Ilya stone and setting deal is the best option. It is a larger diamond (and G!!) and will be set in a halo, which is what she wants. I feel like she'd be happier with a larger old cut than a smaller MRB.

This is $1500, not $15,000... AND he lives in Finland.

Just my opinion.
 
msop04 said:
This is how I feel... The OP loved the Tiff circlet halo ring, but was bombarded with a million options, and it got away. He has said his FF isn't into diamonds, so she probably wouldn't know the difference in an old cut vs MRB. I'm willing to bet she wants "clear & white", size, and sparkle, all of which this stone will provide -- and more size than the OP expected with his budget... Ilya has a beautiful diamond (with setting) at an amazing price. He also has a great return policy. This is a no-brainer, IMO.

I just hope the OP doesn't let this one get away as well...
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Yes she is not so into diamonds. Cant tell if she can find difference between MRB and EOC. What I have read regarding to EOC there are so many different cuts and so far with this Ilya's diamond I have seen only one photo and it dont tell me anything. I've asked more pictures and maybe some video about 14hrs ago without any response.

If it goes now it really doesnt bother me that much because I have no idea how it would look a like the complete setting.

Also havent heard from IDJ from yesterday about Stuller settings.
 
http://www.b2cjewels.com/diamond-search

If the OEC doesn't do it for you, the link above shows MRB options around 0.50ct, J color, SI1 clarity or better, ex/ex/ex, <$950. That site provides free shipping within the US, so if you still get Ilya to custom make the halo, you can have the diamond shipped to him for free (and I think overnight?) and have him set it.

Am I right in that the $650 he quoted you was for a halo with a plain shank? You could find a 0.50ct diamond for around $800 from the link above and see if the leftover $ could go toward diamonds in the shank, and you would have the tiffany halo look she loves.

Ilya custom made me halo and I would recommend him in a heartbeat. He also made a pave guard for my mom's e-ring. His quality is great, not VC or LM, but definitely better than mall quality, so if you were comfortable buying a mall ring, or an ebay second hand ring (which was likely purchased at a mall to begin with), Ilya should be a no brainer.

ETA - My cousin actually went this route for his now wife's ering. Bought the diamond from B2C, sent it to Ilya for a custom setting, had it shipped internationally to him. The process was very easy and hassle free.
 
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You can even bump down carat size to 0.45ct on the search page, which will still give you a diamond around the 5mm mark, save you a few $100, and should definitely give you enough play room in your budget to allow for diamonds in the shank. I only bring this up because the setting sounds more important to your lady than the diamond. You would be getting a 5mm white, clean, 3x diamond in a ring that's close to the tiffany inspiration photo you linked to, for $1500, which is doing more within that price point than most people could dream of!

http://www.b2cjewels.com/diamond-search
 
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Steahl said:
http://www.b2cjewels.com/diamond-search

If the OEC doesn't do it for you, the link above shows MRB options around 0.50ct, J color, SI1 clarity or better, ex/ex/ex, <$950. That site provides free shipping within the US, so if you still get Ilya to custom make the halo, you can have the diamond shipped to him for free (and I think overnight?) and have him set it.

Am I right in that the $650 he quoted you was for a halo with a plain shank? You could find a 0.50ct diamond for around $800 from the link above and see if the leftover $ could go toward diamonds in the shank, and you would have the tiffany halo look she loves.

Ilya custom made me halo and I would recommend him in a heartbeat. He also made a pave guard for my mom's e-ring. His quality is great, not VC or LM, but definitely better than mall quality, so if you were comfortable buying a mall ring, or an ebay second hand ring (which was likely purchased at a mall to begin with), Ilya should be a no brainer.

ETA - My cousin actually went this route for his now wife's ering. Bought the diamond from B2C, sent it to Ilya for a custom setting, had it shipped internationally to him. The process was very easy and hassle free.
Click to expand...

Since the links won't take you to the diamonds on b2c, I found this one @ $798 (0.5 ct I/SI2, 5.15 mm). It is item #9117854.

If you are certain your FF wouldn't like the OEC, then this is the next best option (although lower in color). It will be white (the fluorescence will help) at that size and it looks clean.
 
Try this link, then click on the diamond to see the actual photo and specs. Hopefully this will work.

http://www.b2cjewels.com/checkout/viewcart

EDIT: Nevermind... you'll have to search with the item number to see the photo.
 
Do the links not lead to the search page with the criteria set? Sorry, I guess that's pretty useless then lol
 
I'm not an expert but you could see if Ilya would make a different halo - perhaps like the one attached (the sapphire one was on his eBay store and the others are pulled from a google search) and it will not look too plain even without the pave on the band. Depending on your girlfriend's finger size, you might not see a lot of the pave on the band anyway (and sometimes they aren't that comfortable to have between fingers) or maybe you could ask if he could add just a few side stones. You can always get a diamond wedding band as well.

What do women normally wear in Finland? Are diamonds typically smaller there? What do her friends wear and does she have a friend who could help you look through these options?

IMG_0724.JPG MIMG_0723.PNG
IMG_0726.JPG
 
Steahl said:
Am I right in that the $650 he quoted you was for a halo with a plain shank? You could find a 0.50ct diamond for around $800 from the link above and see if the leftover $ could go toward diamonds in the shank, and you would have the tiffany halo look she loves.
Click to expand...

I may be wrong, but I imagine Ilya was discounting the setting because the OP was considering his diamond as well... but I could be wrong.
 
Steahl said:
Do the links not lead to the search page with the criteria set? Sorry, I guess that's pretty useless then lol
Click to expand...

No, they didn't... I put in the parameters and only one stone came up. It was the one I posted.
 
Akalahab said:
I'm not an expert but you could see if Ilya would make a different halo - perhaps like the one attached (the sapphire one was on his eBay store and the others are pulled from a google search) and it will not look too plain even without the pave on the band. Depending on your girlfriend's finger size, you might not see a lot of the pave on the band anyway (and sometimes they aren't that comfortable to have between fingers) or maybe you could ask if he could add just a few side stones. You can always get a diamond wedding band as well.

What do women normally wear in Finland? Are diamonds typically smaller there? What do her friends wear and does she have a friend who could help you look through these options?

IMG_0724.JPG MIMG_0723.PNG
IMG_0726.JPG
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Although a lovely setting, I think it will not look modern enough for D's FF... he said she doesn't like vintage-looking rings.
 
That's an art deco ring (which is really pretty). Did you say she doesn't like vintage looking rings?

Ultimately it's up to you what you'll buy her if she's not helping choose, but a modern round brilliant in a traditional harry winston type halo is very different than an old cut in a deco setting.
 
Okay... so don't kill me, but...

I hate to throw out even more options, but this is very similar to the Tiffany ring that got away, so I feel like it's a safe bet! :) It can be made with smaller diamonds to suit your budget. It's a very modern, clean look. Also, the bezel will never snag like prongs can, and it will increase finger coverage and overall "look" -- and make up for the size you'd lose if you decide to go with a modern cut round.

If you're not totally okay with the old cut sox found, then just ask Ilya what would be his best deal on a diamond with a setting like this:

round with bezel halo.jpg
 
D maklen said:
Sorry im little bit in rush now. I look those later on with time in meantime Ilya answer with link halo he is thinking about

http://m.ebay.com/itm/G-VS-DIAMOND-HALO-VINTAGE-PLATINUM-ENGAGEMENT-RING-6MM-ROUND-SETTING-ART-DECO-/152617178956?_trkparms=aid%3D222007%26algo%3DSIC.MBE%26ao%3D1%26asc%3D20150519202348%26meid%3D1cec5d3755944152ad86bf981c4c0431%26pid%3D100408%26rk%3D1%26rkt%3D18%26sd%3D172730083995&_trksid=p2056116.c100408.m2460

And all for 1700$

He said video will come later if im good with these information given
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I think that halo is very pretty... do you think your FF will like it? I thought this was already was suggested up thread.
 
JUST IN CASE you need more options lol.
Here are a few setting options from B2C, if one stop shopping sounds more appealing to you:

They currently have an email sign up promo where you get a certain amount off for the amount you spend on settings. Setting fee should be free if you buy both diamond & setting.

http://www.b2cjewels.com/1/asab6701...alo-diamond-engagement-ring-in-14k-white-gold - normally $1025, $825 after promo, leaving you with $675 for a diamond. I recommend emailing and asking them to do the dirty work for you in finding a suitable diamond, and then maybe running their suggestions by the folks here, but ask for at least Si1 clarity, J color, and excellent cut. This setting will give her crazy amounts of finger coverage!

http://www.b2cjewels.com/1/asaj0497/halo-cathedral-engagement-ring-in-14k-white-gold - normally $599, $499 after discount, leaving you with $1000 for a diamond. Plainer halo, but budget room for a bigger diamond.

http://www.b2cjewels.com/1/asab1221/round-diamond-halo-engagement-ring-in-14k-white-gold - $1049, $849 after discount, leaving you with $650 for a diamond

http://www.b2cjewels.com/1/asaj2371...g-with-pave-diamond-accents-in-14k-white-gold - Normally $925, $825 after discount. $675 for a diamond.

$650 doesn't seem like much for a diamond, but still gives you about a 0.40ct diamond with good specs. Most of us I here would put our pennies into the diamond, but I totally understand having your heart set on a style/setting more than a diamond, like in your gf's case.
 
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D maklen said:
Sorry im little bit in rush now. I look those later on with time in meantime Ilya answer with link halo he is thinking about

http://m.ebay.com/itm/G-VS-DIAMOND-HALO-VINTAGE-PLATINUM-ENGAGEMENT-RING-6MM-ROUND-SETTING-ART-DECO-/152617178956?_trkparms=aid%3D222007%26algo%3DSIC.MBE%26ao%3D1%26asc%3D20150519202348%26meid%3D1cec5d3755944152ad86bf981c4c0431%26pid%3D100408%26rk%3D1%26rkt%3D18%26sd%3D172730083995&_trksid=p2056116.c100408.m2460

And all for 1700$

He said video will come later if im good with these information given
Click to expand...
He also makes this setting in white gold for about $200 less. Or are you set on platinum?
 
If you look for something in the 1/2 ct mark I still like this one. Sign up for their newsletter & you'll get $100 off. Brings it to under $1000. Buy the platinum setting from Ilya or another halo for $5-600 & you're good to go. It's VG polish I think but you wont notice that. It's an I & looks pretty clean. I'd ask them about it.
https://www.yadavjewelry.com/products/round-diamond-i-si1-yd751196

High clarity but great price. I'd ask if tinted. I didn't see a lot of low clarity options but if I had the choice between high clarity & low clarity for the same price, I'd buy high clarity. LOL
https://www.yadavjewelry.com/products/round-diamond-j-vvs2-yd614527

They do buy Stuller pieces.

Or the B2cJewels options or IDJ. But I'd stick to buying a new stone/ ring from a vendor & having it put together. I'd skip Ebay & concentrate on something new & specific for you. Will give you more piece of mind.
 
I like that 3rd option Steahl posted. :-)
 
I wanted to point out that Ilya (of My Diamond Zone) isn't just an ebay seller. The name has changed to "Ivy and Rose" and they have a website as well as an Etsy store. Other PS-approved vendors also utilize ebay (and Etsy) to sell jewelry, but it doesn't make them any less credible.

https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/ivy-and-rose-vintage.224989/
https://ivyandrose.com/about_us
https://www.etsy.com/shop/IvyandRoseVintage

Also, Ilya makes or orders the settings (unless otherwise stated as a vintage piece), so it will be new.
 
D maklen said:
Sorry im little bit in rush now. I look those later on with time in meantime Ilya answer with link halo he is thinking about

http://m.ebay.com/itm/G-VS-DIAMOND-HALO-VINTAGE-PLATINUM-ENGAGEMENT-RING-6MM-ROUND-SETTING-ART-DECO-/152617178956?_trkparms=aid%3D222007%26algo%3DSIC.MBE%26ao%3D1%26asc%3D20150519202348%26meid%3D1cec5d3755944152ad86bf981c4c0431%26pid%3D100408%26rk%3D1%26rkt%3D18%26sd%3D172730083995&_trksid=p2056116.c100408.m2460

And all for 1700$

He said video will come later if im good with these information given
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tell him yes- and if you want it in white gold, it's even cheaper. And get the video and post it here!
 
msop04 said:
I wanted to point out that Ilya (of My Diamond Zone) isn't just an ebay seller. The name has changed to "Ivy and Rose" and they have a website as well as an Etsy store. Other PS-approved vendors also utilize ebay (and Etsy) to sell jewelry, but it doesn't make them any less credible.

https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/ivy-and-rose-vintage.224989/
https://ivyandrose.com/about_us
https://www.etsy.com/shop/IvyandRoseVintage

Also, Ilya makes or orders the settings (unless otherwise stated as a vintage piece), so it will be new.
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I didn't trash Illya & in fact, encouraged the OP to ask him if he can source some modern stones for the OP. I know Ilya well. I simply meant that the OP should stop looking for preowned rings on Ebay & concentrate on building his own customized ring for him.
 
ccuheartnurse said:
I didn't trash Illya & in fact, encouraged the OP to ask him if he can source some modern stones for the OP. I know Ilya well. I simply meant that the OP should stop looking for preowned rings on Ebay & concentrate on building his own customized ring for him.
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Didn't think you were trashing Ilya at all... but since OP was dealing with him via ebay, I was worried it may discourage him from this vendor is all. I agree about the pre-owned rings, and also think he should follow through with Ilya.
 
soxfan said:
I don't think I've ever been more invested in a PS thread. LOL!!!
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Haha!!! Me too. I've just been lurking. Don't want to add more suggestions. I actually think there are too many. Hope OP isn't too overwhelmed.
 
hathalove said:
Haha!!! Me too. I've just been lurking. Don't want to add more suggestions. I actually think there are too many. Hope OP isn't too overwhelmed.
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I was soooo hesitant to post that last setting idea, but it was so much like the Tiffany, I couldn't resist! ...so I guess I shouldn't complain about too many suggestions, since I'm part of the problem! HA!

I can't wait to see what Ilya finds!!
 
Agree that I'm definitely adding to the problem haha, but I think it's also helpful for future lurkers shopping in a similar budget to see what's possible! And who doesn't love a delicious challenge like finding a halo for $1500?? :dance: Apparently all of us, going by the 8 pages of replies so far bahaha
 
Ok i know this is a bit out of the box and you are in a time crunch- but have you looked for delicate halo pendants that can be converted into rings? Brooch or pendant ring conversions are incredibly easy and VERY popular as most people don't search for those types of things when they are looking for a pre owned engagement ring...a local jeweler should be able to add a delicate shank for 200 or so. Let me see if I can find some options on a few of the jewelry consignment sites that are reputable, but wanted to see first if you would be open to this or do we really need an already finished piece...

edit to add: have you also checked sites like idonowidont, where people sell second hand rings? They may have a better selection of graded center stones. I saw a pretty decent handful on eBay that looked ok within your budget but its such a longshot with the center stone to know what you are getting...
 
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soxfan said:
I agree! :eek:
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Lol you know her that well soxfan?

Seems like a big halo that could fit that stone you were considering.

Just trying to help:wavey:
 
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