Can my dream ring become a reality?

[xiao]

I mentioned this in another thread, but decided to start a new one with more information.
Well, my bf of 9.5 yrs and I have FINALLY started ring shopping.
I''ve been looking online and in stores for 1-2 weeks now, and have a better idea of what i''m looking for.
I knew that I wanted an antique platinum ring with a 0.88-1.0 ct OEC/OMC

n the very first antique store I went to, I found something almost perfect...it was a 0.8ct OMC going for $4200.
I was looking for something a little larger and a little less expensive.
Since that day, i have been hunting for similar rings that fit in my bf''s budget (~$3.5k). The budget is a big concern because we''re both graduate students.

Well, this is very close to the ring of my dreams.
http://vintagediamonds.net/vaa6821.jpg
http://vintagediamonds.net/vaa6826.jpg
http://vintagediamonds.net/vaa6824.jpg

This one is an 0.87 RB antique platinum ring but it''s not a great stone..
It''s currently at a really low price on Ebay, so i''m thinking of buying it for the setting and replacing it with a higher quality OEC.
Do you think this would be possible?

Here''s an OEC that I found that''s 0.89ct H/I SI1 which i''m considering..
http://i14.ebayimg.com/03/i/000/fc/f1/fdbe_1.JPG

It seems a really daunting task to find that dream ring with our budget, but i''m hoping that it will become a reality sometime soon.

 

[Finally!]

I can't tell you how much the stones should cost, but as far as quality, you might find some interesting information on this page:

http://www.oldworlddiamonds.com/Beauty.html

Seems like you might do best to crawl some estate sales with a loupe and beginner's IdealScope in hand. This seems like a tough item to buy well online.

 

[kimikocat]

Go lower in color, if you want a larger size, and lower in clarity...

Remember, also, that carat weight is not the only determinant of size. Spread is also a factor. If size is important to you, veer away from OMCs (which are deeper, and therefore, smaller) and look at OECs.

Here''s a stone on OWD''s site that''s about 0.9 carats, I/SI, http://www.oldworlddiamonds.com/inv_details.php?ID=1677&SHAPE=EU&PAGE=16&SORT=WEIGHT. It would be a reach for you -- it would take up your entire budget -- but you can see some prices.

Here''s another, also around 0.9, but deeper. H color. http://www.oldworlddiamonds.com/inv_details.php?ID=1230&SHAPE=EU&PAGE=17&SORT=WEIGHT

This L colored one is almost 1 carat and leaves you money to set the stone. http://www.oldworlddiamonds.com/inv_details.php?ID=1762&SHAPE=EU&PAGE=19&SORT=WEIGHT

So you just have to play around and see if you find something that works for your eye and your budget. Since old stones are so quirky, you probably want a good return policy so you can take a look and decide if you love it.

Good luck and come back to show us the stone!

Kimi

 

[Kelli]

I love that L colored one. If it were me, I''d go with a lower color to maximize size. Antique cuts in lower colors have such beautiful character IMO!