Can a budget of $2500 buy happiness?

[spacecowboy]

My wife has been asking for a new wedding ring for quite a while and I'd like to surprise her for our 25th wedding anniversary coming up soon. Recently while she was out shopping for earrings, she snapped a picture of this ring set (silver set) and sent it to her mother, who in turn sent it to me. I'd like to make her happy by surprising her, but I have no idea what I'm looking at. I would like to get her this same or similar set at the best possible quality without relying on the likes of the Jared-Zales-Kays of the industry. I could go a little higher, but AT OR UNDER $2500 would be nice with the option to upgrade down the line. Please feel free to ask me any questions, or request and additional info. Thanks for your help, and I'm glad I found this place.

 

[whitewave]

So that is her engagement ring with the new band she likes? You just want a wedding band?

Blue Nile is having 25% off plus and extra 15% if you are on the mailing list. (Code: 15forlove) They had several bands in this sale.

James Allen is also having a sale.

I would guess what is in the pic is 1/2 ctw channel set band

 

[spacecowboy]

So that is her engagement ring with the new band she likes? You just want a wedding band?

Excuse my ignorance. From my research, it appears to be a matching 3-stone wedding set.

 

[partgypsy]

OK, it looks like a 3 stone ring with channel set stones along the side, and then a channel set anniversary type band.
Are you looking to replicate the entire set, or one of the two rings? Does she currently have an engagement ring she wears?

https://www.jamesallen.com/engagement-rings/three-stone/14k-white-gold-trio-diamond-engagement-ring-item-50679

Here is a James Allen setting, not exactly the same but similar. You would then have to budget for center stone.

this one looks promising at 1360...

https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/0.51-carat-h-color-si1-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-2149523

 

[spacecowboy]

OK, it looks like a 3 stone ring with channel set stones along the side, and then a channel set anniversary type band.
Are you looking to replicate the entire set, or one of the two rings? Does she currently have an engagement ring she wears?

https://www.jamesallen.com/engagement-rings/three-stone/14k-white-gold-trio-diamond-engagement-ring-item-50679

Here is a James Allen setting, not exactly the same but similar. You would then have to budget for center stone.

No, it doesn't have to be exactly the same. Just replicate the set. I really like the one in the link. Thank you very much.

 

[bmfang]

I think you might be asking for too much if you want to replicate the entire set for $2.5k...

 

[spacecowboy]

I think you might be asking for too much if you want to replicate the entire set for $2.5k...

From what I've seen, I think you might be right. I'll probably have to up my budget. Thanks to all so far for your responses. This is harder than I thought.

 

[whitewave]

Maybe you can buy in 2 phases?

Phase one: 3 stone engagement ring

Phase two: channel set band

 

[kmarla]

Does your wife have an engagement ring right now? If so, do you know what size her diamond is and what the specs are? If she does, would you be planning to reuse that diamond in a new setting or start from scratch with a new diamond and setting? This info can help us to help you get the most bang for your budget.

 

[spacecowboy]

Does your wife have an engagement ring right now? If so, do you know what size her diamond is and what the specs are? If she does, would you be planning to reuse that diamond in a new setting or start from scratch with a new diamond and setting? This info can help us to help you get the most bang for your budget.

We got married young (20 yrs old), and as we got older, I don't think she was ever really impressed with her engagement ring. So, I'm basically starting over. The original was a quarter carat, maybe?

 

[whitewave]

My suggestion is to start with a new engagement ring. You may have to let her in on the plan though, so she can get exactly what she wants within budget.

 

[spacecowboy]

My suggestion is to start with a new engagement ring. You may have to let her in on the plan though, so she can get exactly what she wants within budget.

Thanks whitewave. I'm glad you are a step ahead of me.

 

[tyty333]

These are a little less expensive than the other 3 stone JA setting so you'll have a little more to
spend on the stone. Do you like any of them?
https://www.jamesallen.com/engagement-rings/side-stones/14k-white-gold-pave-trio-engagement-ring-item-10619
https://www.jamesallen.com/engagement-rings/three-stone/14k-white-gold-three-stone-micro-pave-diamond-engagement-ring-item-50670

Stone
https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/0.61-carat-i-color-si1-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-2342983

I can check in a minute for a higher color...

https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/0.56-carat-h-color-si1-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-2471479

Edit...you'll have to cut and paste any blue nile links into other windows...they wont work if you just click on them.

They have this setting
http://www.bluenile.com/build-your-own-three-stone-ring/three-stone-pave-diamond-engagement-ring-14k-white-gold_58245?elem=img&track=product

http://www.bluenile.com/build-your-own-three-stone-ring/diamonds?stockno=LD07784892

 

[spacecowboy]

These are a little less expensive than the other 3 stone JA setting so you'll have a little more to
spend on the stone. Do you like any of them?
https://www.jamesallen.com/engagement-rings/side-stones/14k-white-gold-pave-trio-engagement-ring-item-10619
https://www.jamesallen.com/engagement-rings/three-stone/14k-white-gold-three-stone-micro-pave-diamond-engagement-ring-item-50670

Stone
https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/0.61-carat-i-color-si1-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-2342983

I can check in a minute for a higher color...

https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/0.56-carat-h-color-si1-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-2471479

Edit...you'll have to cut and paste any blue nile links into other windows...they wont work if you just click on them.

They have this setting
http://www.bluenile.com/build-your-own-three-stone-ring/three-stone-pave-diamond-engagement-ring-14k-white-gold_58245?elem=img&track=product

http://www.bluenile.com/build-your-own-three-stone-ring/diamonds?stockno=LD07784892

Thanks tyty333! Those settings are beautiful and definitely give me more to add to a nicer stone. You people here have been amazing!

 

[bunnycat]

This one might also work. The bead setting on the sides feels a little more like channel set than regular pave does, but it does have 2 little princess cuts for side stones instead of rounds.

https://www.jamesallen.com/engagement-rings/three-stone/14k-white-gold-princess-shape-trio-diamond-engagement-ring-item-49483

 

[spacecowboy]

This one might also work. The bead setting on the sides feels a little more like channel set than regular pave does, but it does have 2 little princess cuts for side stones instead of rounds.

https://www.jamesallen.com/engagement-rings/three-stone/14k-white-gold-princess-shape-trio-diamond-engagement-ring-item-49483

Thanks bunnycat. I think I like this one the best so far.

 

[bunnycat]

This one might also work. The bead setting on the sides feels a little more like channel set than regular pave does, but it does have 2 little princess cuts for side stones instead of rounds.

https://www.jamesallen.com/engagement-rings/three-stone/14k-white-gold-princess-shape-trio-diamond-engagement-ring-item-49483

Thanks bunnycat. I think I like this one the best so far.

You're welcome! So exciting for you! It's a fun time.

You might also consider looking other places for a band that goes with the ring if you are trying to make a full set. ID Jewelry in NY might have some possibilities:

http://idjewelry.com/wedding-bands/stackable-bands.html?dir=asc&order=price&p=2

 

[spacecowboy]

I think I'm going to take whitewave's advice and let her in on the process on Friday. I'll do it at a nice restaurant so it will be special. Thanks everyone for pointing me in the right direction for my budget (which has increased). But she's more than worth it.

 

[spacecowboy]

You might also consider looking other places for a band that goes with the ring if you are trying to make a full set. ID Jewelry in NY might have some possibilities:

http://idjewelry.com/wedding-bands/stackable-bands.html?dir=asc&order=price&p=2

Thanks. Their site must be down momentarily, but I'll keep trying.

 

[bunnycat]

You might also consider looking other places for a band that goes with the ring if you are trying to make a full set. ID Jewelry in NY might have some possibilities:

http://idjewelry.com/wedding-bands/stackable-bands.html?dir=asc&order=price&p=2

Thanks. Their site must be down momentarily, but I'll keep trying.

it does happen...frustrating. But yes, try again.

 

[farrahlyn]

nothing of USE to add, everyone has been extremely helpful already. Just want to say how exciting! My hubby upgraded my ring about a year ago on our 15th anniversary and it was the best present ever! Not because of the monetary value or the size of the stone, no. Because he listened when we casually discussed one day upgrading my ring and he researched when it came down to it and he got me exactly what i wanted which is a very unusual setting. You wife will LOVE it, great job! Can't wait to see what the end product is after you get here in on it

 

[spacecowboy]

nothing of USE to add, everyone has been extremely helpful already. Just want to say how exciting! My hubby upgraded my ring about a year ago on our 15th anniversary and it was the best present ever! Not because of the monetary value or the size of the stone, no. Because he listened when we casually discussed one day upgrading my ring and he researched when it came down to it and he got me exactly what i wanted which is a very unusual setting. You wife will LOVE it, great job! Can't wait to see what the end product is after you get here in on it

In appreciation for the help I received here, I will definitely post pictures. Thanks.

 

[pearaffair]

nothing of USE to add, everyone has been extremely helpful already. Just want to say how exciting! My hubby upgraded my ring about a year ago on our 15th anniversary and it was the best present ever! Not because of the monetary value or the size of the stone, no. Because he listened when we casually discussed one day upgrading my ring and he researched when it came down to it and he got me exactly what i wanted which is a very unusual setting. You wife will LOVE it, great job! Can't wait to see what the end product is after you get here in on it

Do you wish that you had picked it with him, or was the surprise just the thing?

I wonder if the OP's wife would rather be surprised with a ring (with a good return policy)?

In theory I would love to pick a ring with my DH, but in practice I would balk at any price and second-guess my selection. If it were a surprise gift I would just be elated at the sentiment (so long as pricescopers had helped him along the way!).

 

[farrahlyn]

nothing of USE to add, everyone has been extremely helpful already. Just want to say how exciting! My hubby upgraded my ring about a year ago on our 15th anniversary and it was the best present ever! Not because of the monetary value or the size of the stone, no. Because he listened when we casually discussed one day upgrading my ring and he researched when it came down to it and he got me exactly what i wanted which is a very unusual setting. You wife will LOVE it, great job! Can't wait to see what the end product is after you get here in on it

Do you wish that you had picked it with him, or was the surprise just the thing?

I wonder if the OP's wife would rather be surprised with a ring (with a good return policy)?

In theory I would love to pick a ring with my DH, but in practice I would balk at any price and second-guess my selection. If it were a surprise gift I would just be elated at the sentiment (so long as pricescopers had helped him along the way!).

Well, he went through my Pinterest account and found the ring that i had told him i loved so much. i actually had a couple EW marquise rings saved and he picked his favorite. i loved them both so that was no biggie. Anyway, he went to a local place and chose a stone and had a ring custom made, inspired by the Kwiat EW marquise setting. He didn't realize it would take so long to get it so he didn't have it in hand for our anniversary, just gave me a jewelry box with a picture of the ring. (it actually took 15minutes for him to convince me that he actually was having a ring made! ) Anyway, he offered to let me in on the process and change whatever i wanted but he was very proud to have chosen the stone himself and i didn't even ask to see it. (it is a really pretty stone!) The jeweler did call a few times on some design decisions and my hubby deferred to me. So i wasn't HIGHLY involved in the process... i was actually very ill and then recovering from surgery right around this time so i couldn't be heavily involved anyway.

i WAS horrified at the price tag TBH, i have NEVER spent so much money on myself. I was pretty happy that he had already placed the order and started the ball rolling or i would have probably started second guessing and trying to find a less expensive non custom setting that was similar. The worst part was the wait. It took 7 weeks total and i was ITCHING to have it on my finger!

 

[the_mother_thing]

Just throwing this out for consideration (if you're open to a 'pre-owned' item from a reputable seller), as it is a really pretty, three stone ring that would give her a lot of finger coverage. It's a size 4, and will have sizing limitations (ask Grace, as well as how visible the grading inclusions are), and is just a smidge over your budget.

http://www.jewelsbygrace.com/rings/1-09ctw-round-brilliant-cut-diamond-3-stone-ring-by-ritani#.WJy0aX9TIqg