Buying a 3-stone ring...on a budget.

[BNole]

Hello. I''ve done some searching already (on this subject as well as synthetic diamonds) and have learned a ton. However, a few of the topics I saw were older, and I was hoping for some "updated" advice.

To make a long story short, I''m looking to propose to my long-time girlfriend, within a few months. However, as a student, I''m working with a tight budget. Although I don''t have a particular "ceiling" in mind, I''d like to keep it as reasonable as possible. That being said, we love the look of 3-stone rings with smaller side accents. This is pretty much the "perfect" ring for us...

Zales 3-Stone

However, like I''ve read, I''m sure better rings can be found at non-chains...for the same cost (or thereabouts). So, any thoughts? Also, i''d consider Palladium, if it meant better diamonds. Of course, she suggested Platinum (she''s not a WG fan), but that''s too pricey for me. Thanks.

 

[JulieN]

Sorry, you didn't mention what your idea of a "reasonable" budget was and what size you were hoping for.

 

[BNole]

I''m looking for a total weight of .75 to 1. I really don''t have a price range in mind...I''m hoping to see what it takes to get what I/she want. Thoughts?

 

[JulieN]

For the stone, 2-5K

Setting, 1.5-3K. Something like that.

 

[JulieN]

Actually, this setting looks like a good price. http://www.bluenile.com/diamond-engagement-ring-setting-white-gold_5846?metal_filter=platinum,%20yellow,%20white&setting_filter=sidestone&sort_select=LTHP&set_shape=

 

[Diamond*Dana]

I am sure that the wise folks here can help you!
My 3 stone (in my avatar) is 1.04 ctw (.27 ~ .51 ~ .27), and it cost us $2700. It is 14KT white gold, though. Also, we have a friend who happens to be a jewler and he sourced the stones and the setting which saved us some $$$. My stones are ideal F VS2 as well. You can cut cost by dropping the color and clarity, but I would not drop the cut since that is the most important.
I think if you told us what you were hoping to spend that we could help you a bit more.

 

[JulieN]

Oh, I made a mistake.

I thought you meant a center stone of .75 to 1 ct.

 

[arjunajane]

Date: 6/1/2008 12:24:36 AM
Author: Diamond*Dana
I am sure that the wise folks here can help you!
My 3 stone (in my avatar) is 1.04 ctw (.27 ~ .51 ~ .27), and it cost us $2700. It is 14KT white gold, though. Also, we have a friend who happens to be a jewler and he sourced the stones and the setting which saved us some $$$. My stones are ideal F VS2 as well. You can cut cost by dropping the color and clarity, but I would not drop the cut since that is the most important.
I think if you told us what you were hoping to spend that we could help you a bit more.

Agreed, its hard to guess without parameters.
People here have all different budgets, we don''t judge!

 

[Rhea]

Some jewellers don''t work in palladium so you may have to go custom if you''re not able to find a stock setting, which would be more expensive.

If you let us know some more details about what you''re looking for it''ll be easier to help you.

 

[E B]

BNole,

Does she prefer only princess three-stones, or also rounds?

 

[E B]

Here are a couple of options from Union Diamond. They have palladium settings for decent prices.

Three-stone palladium and diamond (round) setting $1099

.50ct I, VS2 AGS Ideal $1302 wire price

Together, a 1.00ctw ring, in palladium, with an AGS Ideal center stone, would put you at $2400.

 

[E B]

And here's the princess version of the setting, for $1199:

Palladium three-stone princess

I don't know anything about princess cuts, but here's one that might be pretty. I've heard that with fancy cuts, you really have to see them to know if it's the one, and it looks like Union has a 30-day return policy on loose stones. You could order it, and if you liked it, send it back to be put in a setting.

.50ct H, VVS2 AGS EX/EX

That combination would put you at $2430.

Hope this helps!

 

[BNole]

Thanks for all of the input so far. I''m going to check out all of these links.

As for price, I''d be looking to keep the maximum at around 2500, if possible. Of course, the cheaper, the better...but I could also go a little higher, if necessary. It really depends what I find. If something looks great, i''m willing to spend a little more. Otherwise, she''s very modest, and understands that we''re both getting out of school and trying to start careers...not necessarily looking to spend a lot of money on material possessions right now.

Thanks again.

 

[JulieN]

DId you want a princess or a round?

 

[BNole]

Also, I think we''ve both agreed that we prefer princess cut. And, as for palladium vs WG, what does everyone think? I know that it''s probably preference, but does one hold up better than the other? Platinum is not an option (due to price), and I had heard that palladium was very close. If it''s not "worth" it, I''d look at WG, though. Thanks again.

 

[JulieN]

http://journal.pricescope.com/Articles/47/1/An-Overview-Of-Common-Alloys-Used-In-Jewelry.aspx

 

[BNole]

Julie & All -- You''ve been a ton of help already.

I was looking on the BlueNile website and saw this setting which I absolutely love. Then, I was looking through the last link you sent (different alloys explained) and I THINK she might be allergic to nickel. I never put 2-and-2 together with the WG-nickel. She''s not positive she is, but she had mentioned something was irritating her skin (and I think she mentioned nickel). That being said, I wonder if this setting is available somewhere in palladium?

http://www.bluenile.com/sapphire-diamond-engagement-ring-setting_6239?filter_id=1

 

[Rhea]

This is kinda close:

 

[Diamond*Dana]

Date: 6/1/2008 2:41:03 PM
Author: BNole
Also, I think we''ve both agreed that we prefer princess cut. And, as for palladium vs WG, what does everyone think? I know that it''s probably preference, but does one hold up better than the other? Platinum is not an option (due to price), and I had heard that palladium was very close. If it''s not ''worth'' it, I''d look at WG, though. Thanks again.

Well. I would probably stay away from WG since you stated in your first post that "she is not a fan on WG". I also have a reaction to nickel, but only in earrings, so my WG rings do not bother me. You should probably discuss metals with your GF and see what you can come up with.