Buying a budget Pear halo engagement ring

[Poolius]

Hi guys

Sorry this is yet another diamond newbie looking for advice, hopefully you guys can give an opinion as I'm on the fence.

I'm looking for an engagement ring on a fairly tight budget. I am fairly decided on a pear diamond in a halo setting - I think my other half will like this style. Rather than go to the highstreet and get ripped off I'd like something that is at least marginally worth what I'm paying for it. I realise it won't suddenly double in value overnight and I'm not buying it as an investment per-se, I just don't like the idea of paying crazy markups for highstreet tat with diamonds that aren't certified etc.

I've found two main contenders, one at James Allen, another at B2C Jewels. I know James Allen is very popular on these forums but it would be great to get an objective answer. I'm also open to alternatives if they're within my budget.

I've done a bit of research and from the diamonds I've looked at I really don't like seeing inclusions so for that reason I'd like to prioritise clarity, and I'd also like to keep the size close to 0.66-0.7ct. I'm willing to compromise on color as I realise I'm on a very tight budget. I'd like it to come in around $2,000 for the ring and stone (plus taxes once it enters the UK), I also want to be able to see a photo of the diamond and certificate.

I'm in the UK but for simplicity I'll keep all these figures in $USD.

----------------------------

B2C Jewels - Stone
Size: 0.73ct (8.00 x 5.01 x 3.02mm)
Clarity: IF
Color: J
Certificate: IGI S3G20117
http://www.b2cjewels.com/dd-4259227-0.73-carat-Pear-diamond-J-color-IF-clarity.aspx

http://www.77diamonds.com/certification_PSCP2ZSMDYRP.html (details)
http://www.77diamonds.com/viewOriginalCertificate.aspx?code=PSCP2ZSMDYRP (image)

B2C Jewels - Ring
http://www.b2cjewels.com/Pear/1/6385/Diamond-Accent-Settings/Pear-Halo-Diamond-Engagement-Ring-Milgrain-Edging-14K-White-Gold.aspx

B2C Total Cost: $1984 + $73 Shipping + $397 Taxes = $2454 (using voucher mom16)

Interestingly B2C don't have a photo of the actual diamond but I did find a more in depth copy of the cert and a photo of the diamond on a UK site, "77 diamonds". They are charging around $150 more than B2C for the same stone.

-----------------------------

James Allen - Stone
Size: 0.69ct (8.17 x 5.15 x 2.88mm)
Clarity: VVS2
Color: K
Certificate: GIA 5151926464
http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/pear-shaped/0.69-carat-k-color-vvs2-clarity-sku-325317

There is another J colored stone at $1220 which I considered but I can see horrible surface graining on it in the photo.


James Allen - Ring
http://www.jamesallen.com/engagement-rings/halo/14k-white-gold-pave-halo-and-shank-diamond-engagement-ring-pear-center-item-17441

James Allen Total Cost: $2062 + $412 taxes = $2474

-------------------------------


I realise IGI is not as well respected as the GIA, but presumably even an IGI J/IF might be similar to a GIA K/VVS2?

Thanks for taking your time to read this and sticking with me throughout my ramblings. Hopefully there's some good feedback as I'm getting a bit sick of looking at diamonds .

P

 

[Niel]

Congratulations!

First things first.

Pears hold more color. I wouldn't get anything below a h. I would compromise on clarity instead as pears can hide more inclusions than other. As you are on a budget, I suggest you pay for what you can see (color) than what you cannot (clarity)

Now lete take a moment see what is out there.

 

[Niel]

That said, this one is my favorite one on ja

http://www.jamesallen.com/mobile/loose-diamonds/pear-shaped/0.50-carat-e-color-vvs1-clarity-sku-718453

With the plain shank pear halo they have it would come in actually under budget.

I see though that you are happy to go to 2500, so I'll look at that.

 

[Poolius]

Hi Niel, thanks for the advice, I'll take a look when the girlfriend isn't looking. That certainly looks like a nice stone, and is only around 1mm shorter and narrower than I was aiming for so might be a contender.

 

[molldoll64]

i love pear engagement rings with the halo as well! that is the style that im looking for for my ering as well I too am very conscious about budget and i dont know how set you are on a diamond but i know of a shop on etsy that sells pear erings with the halos but they are saphires. she has amazing reviews and her rings are very reasonably priced its worth a look if your interested take a look at her "about" page that will give you information on the type of stones she uses and the grading of them. Hope this helps


https://www.etsy.com/shop/EidelPrecious?ref=pr_faveshops

 

[leukolenos]

Ooooo what about this???? I love it!
http://www.diamondsbylauren.com/index.php/jewelry/diamond-ring-42ct-g-si2-pear-shape-diamond-halo-ring-gia-r6478

 

[Niel]

Ooooo what about this???? I love it!
http://www.diamondsbylauren.com/index.php/jewelry/diamond-ring-42ct-g-si2-pear-shape-diamond-halo-ring-gia-r6478

The stone is a tad small, and I have a concern with the quality of that halo, myself. The idea is great but I'm not sure that's the best he could do for his money.

 

[tyty333]

Do you live in the same state as JA or B2C Jewels? You realize that you are not charged taxes unless you are in their state? I
guess technically you are suppose to go pay taxes somewhere/somehow but they do not charge you for them unless you are in
the same state.

 

[leukolenos]

He's in the UK, so he'll owe import duties.

 

[leukolenos]

Ooooo what about this???? I love it!
http://www.diamondsbylauren.com/index.php/jewelry/diamond-ring-42ct-g-si2-pear-shape-diamond-halo-ring-gia-r6478

The stone is a tad small, and I have a concern with the quality of that halo, myself. The idea is great but I'm not sure that's the best he could do for his money.

I agree on the size- bigger is better! I think halos in general are hard, but halos on a budget are even harder.

 

[Niel]

This one isna little weird but I find I can't stop watching it.

http://www.jamesallen.com/mobile/loose-diamonds/pear-shaped/0.70-carat-h-color-vs1-clarity-sku-891752

 

[Dee*Jay]

This one isna little weird but I find I can't stop watching it.

http://www.jamesallen.com/mobile/loose-diamonds/pear-shaped/0.70-carat-h-color-vs1-clarity-sku-891752

I am absolutely in love with this stone!

 

[tyty333]

He's in the UK, so he'll owe import duties.

Ah, missed that.

 

[Poolius]

Yes, unfortunately import duty will add 20% on to the cost for me, so ~$2000 is my limit for the ring and stone .

I'm going to look at the stone Niel suggested plus a few smaller stones on James Allen. I'll let you know if I make a decision!

Thanks,
P

 

[Niel]

Yes, unfortunately import duty will add 20% on to the cost for me, so ~$2000 is my limit for the ring and stone .

I'm going to look at the stone Niel suggested plus a few smaller stones on James Allen. I'll let you know if I make a decision!

Thanks,
P

I really suggest then the stone I originally posted. It seems to have sparkle throughout, meaning the tip isn't dead. A nice shape, not too deep. No bow tie. A high color like you wanted and a high color. Size really isn't the end of the world. Someone will always have a bigger diamond. Luckily being in the UK,(last I checked anyways) the expectations for a large diamond aren't quite as high as in the US.

 

[Poolius]

Hi Niel

Yes I think you're right about ring expectations in the UK, which is good for my wallet . As far as I'm aware all of my friends have bought on the highstreet or independent local shops.

I've shortlisted a few more in addition to your first suggestion at JA and would genuinely appreciate your views on them:

http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/pear-shaped/0.56-carat-h-color-vvs2-clarity-sku-792774

http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/pear-shaped/0.58-carat-h-color-vs2-clarity-sku-1022910

http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/pear-shaped/0.53-carat-g-color-vs2-clarity-sku-957913

http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/pear-shaped/0.50-carat-e-color-vs1-clarity-sku-1096154


Thanks again,
P

 

[leukolenos]

Yes- I'd agree that you are very lucky concerning the size expectations! I'm an American married to a Brit, and my inlaws think my jewelry is ridiculous! can't wait to see what you decide!

 

[Niel]

Hi Niel

Yes I think you're right about ring expectations in the UK, which is good for my wallet . As far as I'm aware all of my friends have bought on the highstreet or independent local shops.

I've shortlisted a few more in addition to your first suggestion at JA and would genuinely appreciate your views on them:

http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/pear-shaped/0.56-carat-h-color-vvs2-clarity-sku-792774

http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/pear-shaped/0.58-carat-h-color-vs2-clarity-sku-1022910

http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/pear-shaped/0.53-carat-g-color-vs2-clarity-sku-957913

http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/pear-shaped/0.50-carat-e-color-vs1-clarity-sku-1096154


Thanks again,
P

Of the ones listed I think I like the H best. I still think the e will be the most bang for your buck, but ask them if they can get you aset images of both

 

[Poolius]

Hi guys,

I asked for ASET images from JA. Unfortunately the 0.50ct E/VVS1 that Niel recommended wasn't at their NY offices so I can't get ASET on it.

Instead I asked for two other stones and they also suggested a third. I don't like their suggestion as I'm put off by a horrible smudge mark in the 3D image of it.

Here's what they say about them:

-----------------------------------------------
I am happy to confirm that diamond 1012778, the 0.58 ct F/VS2 ($1370) stood out as the top performer. It faces up a very nice white with very nice levels of brilliance for a pear shape. The bowtie is noticeable however it is broken up with brilliance as the diamond is moved. The remaining portions of the stone have crushed ice style sparkle, so the glitter is very blended and busy. The outline shape is very attractive!
http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/pear-shaped/0.58-carat-f-color-vs2-clarity-sku-1012778




Next we have diamond 904534, the 0.55 ct H/VVS2 ($1300). This stone faces up slightly warm in color, however the warmest of the group, with nice light performance. The bowtie is larger than the first option and it too has crushed ice (busy) sparkle near the tip and head. The gemologist noted that this diamond has the best outline shape of the group.
http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/pear-shaped/0.55-carat-h-color-vvs2-clarity-sku-904534


-------------------------------------------------


I'm leaning towards either 904534 the 0.55 ct H/VVS2 ($1300) (larger, nicer shape and ratio, ASET) or Niel's suggestion 718453 0.5ct E/VVS1 ($1240) (smaller but better color, clarity) shame I can't get ASET on it.

Any advice?? Thanks again!

 

[Poolius]

I might just "risk it" with the 0.5ct E/VVS1 ... how bad can it be? I do prefer the shape of the other one though

 

[rubybeth]

One other thought, if your intended isn't super flashy, what about a halo with a plain shank? I love the setting you selected from JA, but what about this one instead? http://www.jamesallen.com/engagement-rings/halo/14k-white-gold-pave-halo-diamond-engagement-ring-pear-center-item-17461

I love halos with plain shanks (the part that goes around your finger) since I think it can look great with either a plain wedding band or a diamond band. Makes stacking bands a bit easier, as well, since they can scratch other bands, or get scratched. Saves a bit of money, too, which maybe you could put toward the stone or import costs.

 

[Niel]

I might just "risk it" with the 0.5ct E/VVS1 ... how bad can it be? I do prefer the shape of the other one though

i would bu this one i dont think the other two even come close.

with that plain shank halo, right on budget and it would be amazing

 

[vintagelover229]

https://www.ebay.com/itm/281665521235

 

[leukolenos]

I love a halo with a plain shank- that's perfect!

 

[rubybeth]

Any updates on which stone you chose? Can't wait to see the finished ring!!

 

[Poolius]

Hi

I went for the 0.5ct e vvs1 recommended by Niel with the halo side stones I'll be ordering it as soon as I get some quiet time away from prying eyes!

Thanks for all your suggestions and assistance. Of course I'll upload a photo in a few weeks when it's here .

P

 

[Niel]

Awesome! Shell be over the moon!

 

[leukolenos]

How exciting! Can't wait to see!

 

[Poolius]

Hi guys, it's arrived! Thanks for all your input. I'm really happy with it, hopefully she is too . Let's hope it fits!

Sorry the pictures aren't great!

 

[Niel]

Awesome! Looks big I bet she loves it.