Buying engagement ring for the UK on limited budget - what are the best options

[susiegrneyes]

Another vote for Blue Nile. I have a .41 D VS2 set in 18k white gold I purchased from them that gets tons of compliments. Sparkle definitely outweighs size.

 

[Mitzi123]

Talk to my friend Tina @layladiamonds (on Insta), she will give you the best possible bang for your buck. She's located at the London Diamond Bourse. Say Hi from Miriam

 

[johnjo56]

Lurkers are definitely watching this thread - most of the earlier recommendations are no longer available.

WF has a very generous upgrade policy. What type of setting are you leaning toward? A bezel provides a nice size boost, if you'd prefer to cross the 5mm mark

I have put the WF diamond on “hold” for 24 hours as I’m now paranoid this will get snapped up as well As I am running out of recommendation stones, they are all getting sold. Shame you dont get commission on these! Lol

 

[Ceilimom]

I have put the WF diamond on “hold” for 24 hours as I’m now paranoid this will get snapped up as well As I am running out of recommendation stones, they are all getting sold. Shame you dont get commission on these! Lol

Just seeing the wonderful end pictures is the best reward

 

[johnjo56]

Thanks for all your help so far with helping me make a choice on an engagement ring it has made it much less daunting than it felt at the beginning of the week!!

So, I have managed to secure 2 diamonds on hold now for 24 hours so any of you wise folk can you let me know which you prefer? Both budget around the same price after tax. They will appear as sold but its just me taking them offline for the time being.

One was a very kind suggestion on here from Blue Nile at 0.5 carat and the other is a WF stone I was recommended by one of there online staff at 0.44 carat. My goal was always to bet at least to 0.45 carat so both of these meet that criteria.

0.50-Carat Round Cut Diamond | Blue Nile UK

goto.bluenile.com

https://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-4361894.htm

Also, is 2mm a good band width on a solitaire ring? I also see them at 1.5mm and 3mm but I wonder if the diamond will be dwarfed by the band if it's too thick.

I want to try and get this all completed fpor the weekend so i can get iot ordered and back in time for our long weekend in York next month when I hope to pop the question..yikes!!

 

[Jax172]

I would go with the Blue Nile stone. It’s really beautiful and as a plus it’s also bigger. And yes a smaller band will make the diamond “pop” more. My first engagement ring was a half carat from Blue Nile. So maybe I just have a soft spot for them but I think you will be happy with that choice.

 

[caolsen]

I would go with the Blue Nile stone. It’s really beautiful and as a plus it’s also bigger. And yes a smaller band will make the diamond “pop” more. My first engagement ring was a half carat from Blue Nile. So maybe I just have a soft spot for them but I think you will be happy with that choice.

Ditto on Blue Nile - and the band recommendation. I think they will also be the easiest vendor to deal with in the UK, their presentation box is really well done, and their shipping is top notch.

 

[seaurchin]

Also, if it's the same as in the US, I would not pay by wire transfer. You get a small discount that way but you lose the backup of PayPal or the credit card company if something goes wrong and you want your money back. Good luck and please show us what you get.

 

[AllAboardTheBlingTrain]

Thanks for all your help so far with helping me make a choice on an engagement ring it has made it much less daunting than it felt at the beginning of the week!!

So, I have managed to secure 2 diamonds on hold now for 24 hours so any of you wise folk can you let me know which you prefer? Both budget around the same price after tax. They will appear as sold but its just me taking them offline for the time being.

One was a very kind suggestion on here from Blue Nile at 0.5 carat and the other is a WF stone I was recommended by one of there online staff at 0.44 carat. My goal was always to bet at least to 0.45 carat so both of these meet that criteria.

0.50-Carat Round Cut Diamond | Blue Nile UK

goto.bluenile.com

https://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-4361894.htm

Also, is 2mm a good band width on a solitaire ring? I also see them at 1.5mm and 3mm but I wonder if the diamond will be dwarfed by the band if it's too thick.

I want to try and get this all completed fpor the weekend so i can get iot ordered and back in time for our long weekend in York next month when I hope to pop the question..yikes!!

I prefer the BN stone as well! It’s still a ~0.2mm size bump which will be quite visible on the hand. Here’s a diamdb visualisation:



0.5 on the left and .45 on the right.

2mm is good for a simple solitaire band. Agree 3mm might be too thick on a 0.5ct stone but 1.5mm seems too thin and risky to me. You could also do a 2mm tapering to 1.8mm at the top, if you like, but I just have an irrational fear of making my shanks too thin so I wouldn’t go below 2mm. If you would like something that looks really thin to make the stone pop you could consider a knife edge / half knife edge setting, but some people find them uncomfortable between the fingers.

 

[Dandi]

Another vote for Blue Nile and a 2mm band!

 

[johnjo56]

Thanks for all the replies, it's starting to come together! Im getting really excited and I won't even be wearing it!! lol

I have just been looking on BN at settings. My thought has always been to go with a simple classic white gold solitaire that does nothing more than show off the beauty of the diamond. However they have a sale on a small selection of settings and I saw a design that seemed a nice alternative at a really good price (tiny diamonds on the sides).

My question is do you think a stone size of only 0.5 would get 'lost' with the other small side diamonds or would it look quite nice or do you think the simple solitaire would still be best?

I have listed both options below:

Petite Diamond Engagement Ring in 14k White Gold (0.23 ct. tw.) | Blue Nile UK

Capture your lasting love with this delicate 14k white gold engagement ring, showcasing pavé-set round diamonds along the shank and your choice of centre diamond.

www.bluenile.com

Petite Solitaire Engagement Ring in 14k White Gold | Blue Nile UK

Elegant in simplicity, this petite solitaire engagement ring is crafted in polished 14k white gold to create a classic frame for your centre diamond.

www.bluenile.com

 

[caolsen]

Thanks for all the replies, it's starting to come together! Im getting really excited and I won't even be wearing it!! lol

I have just been looking on BN at settings. My thought has always been to go with a simple classic white gold solitaire that does nothing more than show off the beauty of the diamond. However they have a sale on a small selection of settings and I saw a design that seemed a nice alternative at a really good price (tiny diamonds on the sides).

My question is do you think a stone size of only 0.5 would get 'lost' with the other small side diamonds or would it look quite nice or do you think the simple solitaire would still be best?

I have listed both options below:

Petite Diamond Engagement Ring in 14k White Gold (0.23 ct. tw.) | Blue Nile UK

Capture your lasting love with this delicate 14k white gold engagement ring, showcasing pavé-set round diamonds along the shank and your choice of centre diamond.

www.bluenile.com

Petite Solitaire Engagement Ring in 14k White Gold | Blue Nile UK

Elegant in simplicity, this petite solitaire engagement ring is crafted in polished 14k white gold to create a classic frame for your centre diamond.

www.bluenile.com

I would go with the plain, simple band.

There’s is a risk of the visual effect of losing the central stone and since this is a surprise, you soon to be fiancé may not love the side stone look.

You want really go wrong with a classic band. When it comes to finding wedding rings, fiancé may want to look at a band with stones, like a half eternity, to completely finish the look.

 

[LilAlex]

I am also limited with the amount i have to spend - MAX £800.

Go vintage or estate. I did not read all the other posts -- sorry -- but you will get way more for your money with this budget.

 

[yssie]

Thanks for all the replies, it's starting to come together! Im getting really excited and I won't even be wearing it!! lol

I have just been looking on BN at settings. My thought has always been to go with a simple classic white gold solitaire that does nothing more than show off the beauty of the diamond. However they have a sale on a small selection of settings and I saw a design that seemed a nice alternative at a really good price (tiny diamonds on the sides).

My question is do you think a stone size of only 0.5 would get 'lost' with the other small side diamonds or would it look quite nice or do you think the simple solitaire would still be best?

I have listed both options below:

Petite Diamond Engagement Ring in 14k White Gold (0.23 ct. tw.) | Blue Nile UK

Capture your lasting love with this delicate 14k white gold engagement ring, showcasing pavé-set round diamonds along the shank and your choice of centre diamond.

www.bluenile.com

Petite Solitaire Engagement Ring in 14k White Gold | Blue Nile UK

Elegant in simplicity, this petite solitaire engagement ring is crafted in polished 14k white gold to create a classic frame for your centre diamond.

www.bluenile.com

Plain band.

However, I disagree that a thinner band always makes a stone pop. What’s her finger size? A thicker band with a smaller diameter stone can be a bold and beautiful statement - here’s a Tiffany Etoile with a 0.22ct stone. To my eyes the stone looks much more proportional and engagement-ey than it would on a thin band, and I think this style would be more flattering on most finger sizes.

 

[yssie]

Petite Solitaire Engagement Ring in 14k White Gold | Blue Nile UK

Elegant in simplicity, this petite solitaire engagement ring is crafted in polished 14k white gold to create a classic frame for your centre diamond.

www.bluenile.com

There is one thing that you want to be careful of when choosing premade settings like this.



See how the shoulders rise up a little, but are separated from the head? Mounts like this are built to fit certain head size ranges - they aren’t custom made for each stone. BN’s website says that this particular mount can fit a round between 0.23ct and 5ct. You’ll want to ask what the head tolerance of the specific mount they’ll use for your 0.5ct 5.2mm stone is.

When the mount is made for a much larger head - this happens. This is just a simulation, and it’s a different setting, but it shows the issue that you want to avoid very well.

 

[johnjo56]

Plain band.

However, I disagree that a thinner band always makes a stone pop. What’s her finger size? A thicker band with a smaller diameter stone can be a bold and beautiful statement - here’s a Tiffany Etoile with a 0.22ct stone. To my eyes the stone looks much more proportional and engagement-ey than it would on a thin band, and I think this style would be more flattering on most finger sizes.

I don't know the exact measurement on her left hand but I would say she is approx a size 6.5 US measurements and size N uk sizing.

That looks a really nice ring I must admit but just checked the price and I would have to sell my car or start busking at the weekends to afford that ring! lol

Blue Nile is limited in what it can offer that is within my budget with regards to bezels/ half bezel rings etc.

Thanks for the warning as well with regards to the other solitaire, I can quite easy see that snagging on clothes and things if it opens up like that with the stone set inside and it possibly coming out!

When i first started my search my favourite setting was actually the cheapest setting that BN sold, it was just plain and simple. I am maybe thinking of going back to that and at a later date we could always have it put in another ring should my partner want to.

Can you see any faults with this one?

Classic Simple Solitaire Engagement Ring in 14k White Gold | Blue Nile UK

Unsure what setting she'd like best? Select the right diamond and set it on this simple and elegant band of 14k white gold. After your proposal, let her make the choice of setting style she prefers.

www.bluenile.com

 

[lovedogs]

Plain band.

However, I disagree that a thinner band always makes a stone pop. What’s her finger size? A thicker band with a smaller diameter stone can be a bold and beautiful statement - here’s a Tiffany Etoile with a 0.22ct stone. To my eyes the stone looks much more proportional and engagement-ey than it would on a thin band, and I think this style would be more flattering on most finger sizes.

Totally agree about this, but it's certainly a matter of personal taste

 

[lovedogs]

I don't know the exact measurement on her left hand but I would say she is approx a size 6.5 US measurements and size N uk sizing.

That looks a really nice ring I must admit but just checked the price and I would have to sell my car or start busking at the weekends to afford that ring! lol

Blue Nile is limited in what it can offer that is within my budget with regards to bezels/ half bezel rings etc.

Thanks for the warning as well with regards to the other solitaire, I can quite easy see that snagging on clothes and things if it opens up like that with the stone set inside and it possibly coming out!

When i first started my search my favourite setting was actually the cheapest setting that BN sold, it was just plain and simple. I am maybe thinking of going back to that and at a later date we could always have it put in another ring should my partner want to.

Can you see any faults with this one?

Classic Simple Solitaire Engagement Ring in 14k White Gold | Blue Nile UK

Unsure what setting she'd like best? Select the right diamond and set it on this simple and elegant band of 14k white gold. After your proposal, let her make the choice of setting style she prefers.

www.bluenile.com

That's a solid option.

 

[yssie]

I don't know the exact measurement on her left hand but I would say she is approx a size 6.5 US measurements and size N uk sizing.

That looks a really nice ring I must admit but just checked the price and I would have to sell my car or start busking at the weekends to afford that ring! lol

Blue Nile is limited in what it can offer that is within my budget with regards to bezels/ half bezel rings etc.

Thanks for the warning as well with regards to the other solitaire, I can quite easy see that snagging on clothes and things if it opens up like that with the stone set inside and it possibly coming out!

When i first started my search my favourite setting was actually the cheapest setting that BN sold, it was just plain and simple. I am maybe thinking of going back to that and at a later date we could always have it put in another ring should my partner want to.

Can you see any faults with this one?

Classic Simple Solitaire Engagement Ring in 14k White Gold | Blue Nile UK

Unsure what setting she'd like best? Select the right diamond and set it on this simple and elegant band of 14k white gold. After your proposal, let her make the choice of setting style she prefers.

www.bluenile.com

That is such a classic and traditional mount - it’s hard to go wrong, I think!!

If you much prefer the other style though - definitely ask BN! They’re good about getting back to you when they don’t have answers on hand. They will have multiple copies of the same style premade with clearance for different sizes of head - the question is what the clearance of the copy they’d use for your specific stone is. If they use a mount made for 0.25-0.5ct stones then yours will fit perfectly. If they use a mount made for 0.5-0.75ct stones - that’ll be a problem. It’s just something to verify, apologies if I created needless worry.

 

[Fabtwinsmom]

Just something a little extra but still a simple solitaire style:
https://www.bluenile.com/uk/build-y...ent-ring-14k-gold_36381?diamondSku=LD05161377

 

[yssie]

I’m just going to throw this in here. I know that you said you didn’t want to go the Preloved route, but it’s just too good not to. Perhaps one of the lurkers will be interested.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/Tiffany-Co...-/183775918331?_trksid=p2349624.m46890.l49286

Authentic Tiffany - 0.4ct G VS1, proportions are fine. Preloved, but a good polish would bring the mount back to like new. Size 4 but easily sizable. Reputable seller, and paperwork and original boxes included. Listed at $2399 USD on eBay - vendors are usually willing to knock at least 10% off if you buy off eBay, and given that price on this particular ring was at some point dropped from $2499 to $2399 - I’d certainly try for more off.

One note - The Tiffany proportions description notes “lower half length percentage”, but the diagram depicts lower half height. What they are actually measuring is length, same as is noted on GIA and AGS reports; the diagram labelling is misleading. Tiffany report LGF length is not rounded.

 

[Jax172]

You don’t need to worry about the setting with Blue Nile - they will make it look right for your diamond. Like I said we had bought a 0.55 from them with a platinum setting similar to the ones you mentioned (without diamonds) and it was a nice tight fit against the head, no giant gap. They make quality rings.

 

[Lisag103]

Thanks for all the replies, it's starting to come together! Im getting really excited and I won't even be wearing it!! lol

I have just been looking on BN at settings. My thought has always been to go with a simple classic white gold solitaire that does nothing more than show off the beauty of the diamond. However they have a sale on a small selection of settings and I saw a design that seemed a nice alternative at a really good price (tiny diamonds on the sides).

My question is do you think a stone size of only 0.5 would get 'lost' with the other small side diamonds or would it look quite nice or do you think the simple solitaire would still be best?

I have listed both options below:

Petite Diamond Engagement Ring in 14k White Gold (0.23 ct. tw.) | Blue Nile UK

Capture your lasting love with this delicate 14k white gold engagement ring, showcasing pavé-set round diamonds along the shank and your choice of centre diamond.

www.bluenile.com

Petite Solitaire Engagement Ring in 14k White Gold | Blue Nile UK

Elegant in simplicity, this petite solitaire engagement ring is crafted in polished 14k white gold to create a classic frame for your centre diamond.

www.bluenile.com

I like the setting with the side diamonds, I think it will complement the center and give some extra bling!

 

[Lookinagain]

Can you see any faults with this one?

Classic Simple Solitaire Engagement Ring in 14k White Gold | Blue Nile UK

Unsure what setting she'd like best? Select the right diamond and set it on this simple and elegant band of 14k white gold. After your proposal, let her make the choice of setting style she prefers.

www.bluenile.com

I like this one. It's classic and if you aren't sure of what kind of setting she would like, this is probably a very safe choice. Also as you mentioned, it's not expensive, so if she wants something different in the future, you can buy a different one and this original one could always be used for a colored stone.

 

[Gone_]

I think for such a delicate stone I'd go with a tapered shank or a knife edge shank (which can still be solid). 2 mm is an overkill, the stone will look lost next to it.

The last one shared looks too wide (reverse taper?)... and doesn't look delicate

 

[Ceilimom]

I don't know the exact measurement on her left hand but I would say she is approx a size 6.5 US measurements and size N uk sizing.

That looks a really nice ring I must admit but just checked the price and I would have to sell my car or start busking at the weekends to afford that ring! lol

Blue Nile is limited in what it can offer that is within my budget with regards to bezels/ half bezel rings etc.

Thanks for the warning as well with regards to the other solitaire, I can quite easy see that snagging on clothes and things if it opens up like that with the stone set inside and it possibly coming out!

When i first started my search my favourite setting was actually the cheapest setting that BN sold, it was just plain and simple. I am maybe thinking of going back to that and at a later date we could always have it put in another ring should my partner want to.

Can you see any faults with this one?

Classic Simple Solitaire Engagement Ring in 14k White Gold | Blue Nile UK

Unsure what setting she'd like best? Select the right diamond and set it on this simple and elegant band of 14k white gold. After your proposal, let her make the choice of setting style she prefers.

www.bluenile.com

Looks perfect for your diamond.

 

[Ceilimom]

johnjo56
Is BlueNile UK having a promotion to win a £ 20,000. shopping spree? If you enter, when you sign up you may be able to save £50.00. Check it out and if it's going on see if you can utilize the discount.

 

[Lookinagain]

Looks perfect for your diamond.

Here is what they show as the setting looking like with a 5 mm diamond. I think it will be lovely.


I would also think, because you have a limited budget, that you don't want to put too much of it into the setting and focus your spending on the diamond. Looking at the other BN settings, they seem to be quite a bit more.

 

[elizat]

I know you said you don't want a pre-loved ring, but all diamonds are already reused unless they are custom cut.

I think these options below would be a great value for your money.

Plus they have a little bit more uniqueness than a basic solitaire does.

GIA CERTIFIED OLD EUROPEAN CUT DIAMOND ENGAGEMENT RING I SI1 PLATINUM VINTAGE OE

Elegant and full of brilliant sparkle, this vintage engagement ring’s classic design is crowned by a stunning GIA certified old European cut diamond. The beautifully white and 100% eye clean 0.51ct diamond is hand cut with wide facets that deliver dazzlingly bright sparkle and vivid fire. The...

ivyandrose.com

https://ivyandrose.com/products/gia...ent-ring-platinum-old-european-cut-vintage-er

 

[seaurchin]

Did you get one yet?