Completely rocky needs help

[pedromiguelppinto]

Hi all, I am a completely rocky in this matter, but I finally decide to propose my girlfriend and I would like to offer her a diamond ring. Fortunately I found this forum, and I have read a lot and now at least I can understand the meaning of all this letters/codes (VS, H, G...) concerning diamonds. Anyway, I am still a student so my budget is really short (400USD). For what I read I know that whit that budget will be difficult to find a nice ring like she really deserves. Also she has some interest in jewellery so I don't want to propose her with some cheap fake thing...
I try in here to find some help, using this tool for finding proposals from sellers, and the few answers I get was saying that this is not a real budget for diamond ring.
Like I said I know that with this budget I can't get huge diamond or really good branded/stylish ring, but I was looking for some real simple solitaire design with thin diameter (she likes thin rings) in yellow gold (18k if possible) and a nice diamond with something around 0.2carats.
I start to look online everywhere and I realize that in fact with this budget it wouldnt be easy, and then I found in ebay some options, that from my small experience looks ok.

- http://www.ebay.com/itm/190735910599?ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1423.l2649
- http://www.ebay.com/itm/170921081606?ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1423.l2649

In both cases I can ask for 18K gold instead 14K and the price will be around 400USD. Both have GGI certificate for diamond. (Is GGI a reliable certificate like GIA?).
So what I'm asking is the opinion of the "experts" here about this two options. Do they worth the money or they are completely waste of money?

p.s.-something that might be important is that Im right now living in Switzerland, and I think I have to pay something like 11/12% more for VAT (8% and other costs), but if someone knows good prices in EU it might be better, I can send it to Portugal and skip the extra taxes, and then I could go till 450USD for the ring.

Thanks in advance...

 

[diamondseeker2006]

Both of those diamonds are clarity enhanced, so I do not think those are worth buying at all. Your best bet is second hand, and an antique style ring might be your best bet.

Here are a few suggestions:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/VINTAGE-OLD-EUROPEAN-CUT-DIAMOND-E-VS1-CENTER-RETRO-ENGAGEMENT-RING-ESTATE-ORG-/400327357873?pt=Diamond_Solitaire_Rings&hash=item5d355eb5b1

http://www.ebay.com/itm/ORIGINAL-1930-DIAMOND-G-VS-VINTAGE-14K-GOLD-ESTATE-RING-/170922437741?pt=US_Fine_Rings&hash=item27cbc56c6d

http://www.ebay.com/itm/VINTAGE-DIAMOND-5-STONE-RING-F-G-VS-ART-DECO-OLD-14K-BAND-ROUND-WEDDING-ESTATE-/170921118834?pt=Vintage_Costume_Jewelry&hash=item27cbb14c72

http://www.ebay.com/itm/1-2-CARAT-DIAMOND-ENGAGEMENT-RING-IDEAL-CUT-ROUND-E-SI1-/170920050500?pt=US_Fine_Rings&hash=item27cba0ff44

 

[Gypsy]

Some more options:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Large-Vintage-14k-Gold-Two-Tone-40-Ct-Diamond-Engagement-Ring-/370642313563?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item564c00e15b best offer 450

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Enchanting-Womens-Vintage-14K-White-Gold-Diamond-Ring-/220713023533?pt=US_Fine_Rings&hash=item336385782d best offer 450

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Pre-Owned-Ladies-14K-White-Gold-Diamonds-Vintage-Style-Cocktail-Ring-3-2g-/271057408352?pt=US_Fine_Rings&hash=item3f1c47d160 best offer 450

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Vintage-Three-Stone-Diamond-Ring-in-14K-Yellow-Gold-Size-5-1-2-/310392122899?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item4844cfee13

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Vintage-14k-Gold-Two-Tone-58-ct-Diamond-Engagement-Ring-/221121445484?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item337bdd7e6c

This is beautiful: http://www.ebay.com/itm/VINTAGE-ANTIQUE-18KT-WG-SAPPHIRE-DIAMOND-DECO-ENGAGEMENT-RING-/280993006388?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item416c7d0334

This is gorgeous: http://www.ebay.com/itm/Antique-Art-Deco-Diamond-Wedding-Band-Ring-Anniversary-Eternity-14K-Vintage-SZ-6-/170911655193?pt=US_Wedding_Bands_with_Diamonds_Gemstones&hash=item27cb20e519

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Ladies-Antique-European-Cut-Diamond-Ring-30-cts-Engagement-Ring-Size-6-1-2-/170904381035?pt=Diamond_Solitaire_Rings&hash=item27cab1e66b

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Platinum-Princess-75-ct-Diamond-Eternity-Band-/221122889632?pt=US_Fine_Rings&hash=item337bf387a0

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Art-Deco-Style-Genuine-Diamond-Ring-/261106685838?pt=Diamond_Solitaire_Rings&hash=item3ccb2bd78e

http://www.ebay.com/itm/18K-White-Gold-Damiani-Designed-by-Damiani-Brad-Pitt-Diamond-Ring-Size-4-75-/221138348136?pt=US_Fine_Rings&hash=item337cdf6868 If she likes celebrities and has modern tastes... and has small hands.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/14K-YELLOW-GOLD-PEAR-SHAPE-DIAMOND-SOLITAIRE-ENGAGEMENT-RING-/110963344774?pt=US_Fine_Rings&hash=item19d5ee4586 Really pretty diamond and you can reset it later down the line.


OMG!!! WINNER WINNER CHICKEN DINNER: BUY THIS NOW! http://www.ebay.com/itm/Dainty-halo-style-VS-clarity-ideal-cut-diamond-engagement-ring-or-promise-ring-/200831325276?pt=Diamond_Solitaire_Rings&hash=item2ec27ad45c that diamond is BEAUTIFUL and the setting is lovely as well.

 

[VRBeauty]

I'd agree with Diamond Seeker regarding avoiding clarity enhanced diamonds and other sketchy diamonds generally.

Kudos to you for working with your budget and not starting your life together with a ring bought on credit! Would you consider a nice colored stone ring for now, or a used diamond ring, with the intention of upgrading her engagement ring at some later point (maybe for as a wedding gift or for an anniversary, for example)? PS'ers end up with more jewelry than they can use, and sell their surplus on sites like http://www.diamondbistro.com or http://www.loupetroop.com. Jewels by Erica Grace also has a nice diamond ring, albeit not your traditional engagement ring, for not much more than you have budgeted: http://jewelsbyericagrace.com/antique_vintage_and_reproduction_rings. is a bit unorthodox and considerably more risky, but... some have also made nice antique diamond finds at pawn shops.

Oh my goodness - I posted while Gypsy was posting - she's uncovered some great options!

 

[pedromiguelppinto]

Thanks very much for all your answers.

My intention is completely surprise her with it.

About your suggestions, a second-hand ring seems to be a good option since clarity enhanced might not be good solution (I didnt know before what its this). But I would like something more modern and not so vintage... about diferent stones, i thought about diamond because its the most typical stone for proposal, and she already has a really gond ring with shappire. About the gold color, as to be yellow, because that i know, she only likes yellow gold! So the idea is some solitaire diamond, modern style, yellow gold...(I like when the ring is yellow gold and the part that support the diamond is white, but of course is not a pre-requesite, I dont want to be to capricious )

And what yours opinion about 14K vs 18K? Of course 18K is better, but 14K is worthy too or not?

What about this:
- http://www.ebay.com/itm/280977342272?_trksid=p5197.c0.m619#shId
- http://www.ebay.com/itm/14K-YG-1-3-Ct-Marquise-Diamond-Wedding-Engagement-Ring-w-Appraisal-1315-VS2-/261108666753?pt=Diamond_Solitaire_Rings&hash=item3ccb4a1181 (This one looks nice too, but personally I always prefer the round cut, but... )
- http://www.ebay.com/itm/14K-YG-1-3-ctw-Diamond-Solitaire-38-ct-Engagement-Ring-Love-Band-Classic-/220929593832?pt=Diamond_Solitaire_Rings&hash=item33706e11e8 (this diamond looks a bit "dirty" but has this nice detail inside...)
- http://www.ebay.com/itm/370652528031?ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1438.l2649 (18K gold, and good price, dont know it come with any certificate for diamond...)
- http://www.ebay.com/itm/221059511128?ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1438.l2649 (this one is new and they say not enhanced)

p.s. - important question... is it possible to clean/polish the ring to take of some possibles marks (risks, spots, stains, oxidation(!?)...) that the gold might have, to give a more "new look" to the ring?

 

[Natylad]

http://www.ebay.com/itm/14K-YELLOW-GOLD-PEAR-SHAPE-DIAMOND-SOLITAIRE-ENGAGEMENT-RING-/110963344774?pt=US_Fine_Rings&hash=item19d5ee4586

I think that the above ring that Gypsy posted is TO.DIE.FOR...It looks much more expensive than its price and it has true value as a piece, especially due to the size and quality of the center diamond...Buy it or i will !!!

 

[starrylight]

Unless a solitaire is very well done, they tend to scream "boring!" to me so I would look for something with a tiny bit of pizazz in the setting, which is why I'm personally steering you towards maybe some sidestones or some vintage-y details.

Regardless, based on what you said, I'd go for:
http://www.rubylane.com/item/605466-0005277/Vintage-14-K-Yellow-Gold (yellow gold, solitairish, tiny bit of embellishment)
http://www.rubylane.com/item/630093-566/Vintage-Deco-Diamond-Solitaire-Engagement (same, even with the two tone)
http://www.rubylane.com/item/669694-3904/Vintage-18k-White-Yellow-Gold (This is an amazing solitaire, but I am stretching your budget)


Personally I'd look into:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/ANTIQUE-VICTORIAN-1800S-14k-GOLD-DIAMOND-RING-W-ORIG-CASE-BOX-/350619603264?pt=US_Fine_Rings&hash=item51a28e9140
http://www.ebay.com/itm/BEST-VINTAGE-1940-REAL-14K-YELLOW-GOLD-1-2-carat-VS-OEC-DIAMOND-ENGAGEMENT-RING-/261111944174?pt=Diamond_Solitaire_Rings&hash=item3ccb7c13ee (love both ebay ones, but no idea what price they're going to sell for)
http://www.rubylane.com/item/501985-012ringx2014kx20diamond/14k-Diamond-Solitaire-Ring-w (deviating a tad)
http://www.rubylane.com/item/674421-RP-202/Solitaire-Diamond-Ring-circa-1930s (vintage details)

Some more advice/ideas:
I would personally stay away from illusion or bulky settings around the main diamond. ex: http://www.rubylane.com/item/237742-2983/VINTAGE-Artcarved-Woodcrest-14K-White
I'd look into something like this: http://www.rubylane.com/item/465689-06108/Gorgeous-Art-Deco-14K-Diamond (you said she has a sapphire, maybe incorperating some color with something you know she already likes, or a birthstone, or personally I like stone of the state you met her in)
Maybe post some pictures of jewelry that she picked out, so that recommendations are a tad easier. Just make sure it's not stuff that someone else bought her (I know I have a ton of jewelry my family picked out for sentimental reasons in my jewelry box)

 

[starrylight]

The cleaning is questionable. Some marks may be dirt and fingerprints, but others may be scratches. Unfortunetly, it is often hard to tell so I would go for one that looks well cleaned. They will clean the ring for you if you get it sized (which you'll probably need to do, but for sizing down, it is ~$25)
The first from your second batch from ebay: the inclusions are very visible from this picture, but I do like the setting: http://www.auctiva.com/hostedimages/showimage.aspx?gid=1151596&ppid=1122&image=608936888&images=608936832,608936864,608936888,608936919,608936943,608936967&formats=0,0,0,0,0,0&format=0
The other ones, the inclusions were either very noticeable or I thought the head was set outrageously high. You might want to look at profiles of the ring before you commit.

 

[Gypsy]

If she likes yellow gold, I agree that this is the best choice. That diamond is stunning. Ring is worth much more than offering price.


http://www.ebay.com/itm/14K-YELLOW-GOLD-PEAR-SHAPE-DIAMOND-SOLITAIRE-ENGAGEMENT-RING-/110963344774?pt=US_Fine_Rings&hash=item19d5ee4586 This is the best value and nicest diamond if you want yellow gold.

 

[Gypsy]

What about this:
- http://www.ebay.com/itm/280977342272?_trksid=p5197.c0.m619#shId No head on shot of stone is a bad sign, pass
- http://www.ebay.com/itm/14K-YG-1-3-Ct-Marquise-Diamond-Wedding-Engagement-Ring-w-Appraisal-1315-VS2- /261108666753?pt=Diamond_Solitaire_Rings&hash=item3ccb4a1181 (This one looks nice too, but personally I always prefer the round cut, but... ) sold
- http://www.ebay.com/itm/14K-YG-1-3-ctw-Diamond-Solitaire-38-ct-Engagement-Ring-Love-Band-Classic-/220929593832?pt=Diamond_Solitaire_Rings&hash=item33706e11e8 (this diamond looks a bit "dirty" but has this nice detail inside...) Stone is awful
- http://www.ebay.com/itm/370652528031?ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1438.l2649 (18K gold, and good price, dont know it come with any certificate for diamond...) Stone is awful
- http://www.ebay.com/itm/221059511128?ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1438.l2649 (this one is new and they say not enhanced) Stock picture not real ring .Real ring will look nothing like that.

p.s. - important question... is it possible to clean/polish the ring to take of some possibles marks (risks, spots, stains, oxidation(!?)...) that the gold might have, to give a more "new look" to the ring? Yes.

 

[Mayk]

If she likes yellow gold, I agree that this is the best choice. That diamond is stunning. Ring is worth much more than offering price.


http://www.ebay.com/itm/14K-YELLOW-GOLD-PEAR-SHAPE-DIAMOND-SOLITAIRE-ENGAGEMENT-RING-/110963344774?pt=US_Fine_Rings&hash=item19d5ee4586 This is the best value and nicest diamond if you want yellow gold.

NICE find Gypsy!!!! You have MAD SKILLS!!!

 

[Natylad]

The bidding on the pear ring that Gypsy posted has ended and somebody got it for like $499.99 ....
I wish that the person who bought it was the OP...

 

[CharmyPoo]

Gosh .. I know you are looking for a solitaire in yellow gold but if I was me .. no question ... I would go for this one that gypsy posted. Heck, if you don't buy it .. I may buy it.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Dainty-halo-style-VS-clarity-ideal-cut-diamond-engagement-ring-or-promise-ring-/200831325276?pt=Diamond_Solitaire_Rings&hash=item2ec27ad45c

A jeweler can easily make your ring look brand new again. I have bought in half broken ebay rings that got fixed up to look brand spanking new. No one will ever know the rings were 100 years old!

Let me go look at what I can find on eBay but I think you got some amazing suggestions from gypsy already.

 

[distracts]

Here are a few that have been on my wishlist for a while:

http://www.rubylane.com/item/515817-SBS-RLx2fNC-1088/Ex78quisite-18k-Genuine-Bezel-Set - I bet you could offer $400 and the seller might take it. Worth a shot.

http://www.rubylane.com/item/605466-000446/Vintage-14K-White-Yellow-Gold - these vintage styles are very in right now so you might want to consider them. The diamond is the size you want but it also has some more detailing so it's not just plain, and that way if you upgrade later on, this ring will still probably be different and wearable.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/18CT-GOLD-LADIES-BRILLIANT-CUT-SOLITAIRE-DIAMOND-RING-CARAT-/200831606222?pt=UK_Jewellery_Watches_FineJewellery_CA&hash=item2ec27f1dce

 

[pedromiguelppinto]

Thank you all for keeping find good options, some of them are not in my personal style, but good anyway. The last option given by distracts is more close what Im looking for. Anyway Im not yet in hurry, Im thinking on making the proposal in our anniversary, that is around 5 months from now, I just start look already for increasing the chances of getting a good buy and to avoid being in hurry in the last minute.

This one I like very much - http://www.rubylane.com/item/605466-0002103/Vintage-14K-Gold-Diamond-1
Pitty is a bit out of the budget (459USD + shipping (to Switzerland) + VAT and customs fees)
This one is nice too (only dont have many info about diamond) - http://www.rubylane.com/item/605466-0005277/Vintage-14-K-Yellow-Gold
This one looks really nice, but again not so many info about the diamond - http://www.rubylane.com/item/186024-L-2991/14K-Diamond-Ring
One other question can anyone tell me how much might cost to resize (for lower size) a ring and cleaning it in the way it looks like new again in normal jewelry shop?

And another important question is if this sellers an send the ring abroad...

 

[pedromiguelppinto]

Few more:

http://www.rubylane.com/item/480330-14066x20Diamondx20Engagement/

http://www.rubylane.com/item/164295-465/

http://www.rubylane.com/item/596383-solitaire/

 

[motownmama]

 

[Natylad]

My thoughts exactly motownmama...

 

[Kalliope]

Gosh .. I know you are looking for a solitaire in yellow gold but if I was me .. no question ... I would go for this one that gypsy posted. Heck, if you don't buy it .. I may buy it.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Dainty-halo-style-VS-clarity-ideal-cut-diamond-engagement-ring-or-promise-ring-/200831325276?pt=Diamond_Solitaire_Rings&hash=item2ec27ad45c

A jeweler can easily make your ring look brand new again. I have bought in half broken ebay rings that got fixed up to look brand spanking new. No one will ever know the rings were 100 years old!

Let me go look at what I can find on eBay but I think you got some amazing suggestions from gypsy already.

Oh my God, who grabbed this beauty? It's adorable !

 

[distracts]

Do you know that a plain solitaire is what your girlfriend wants? Does she like the diamond set high or low? Most of the ones you are linking have the diamond set what in my opinion is absurdly high for such a small thing. I recently bought a very nice half-carat old european cut diamond in a nice yellow gold solitaire setting for only slightly more than your budget so I know it can be done. But if this was going to be my only e-ring for a while, I would want a slightly more intricate setting so I had something to look at. But that's just me.

Of the ones you posted, I like this best:
http://www.rubylane.com/item/186024-L-2991/14K-Diamond-Ring
It looks like it would be eye-clean, and white enough.

This are some others I found:
http://www.rubylane.com/item/501985-012ringx2014kx20diamond/14k-Diamond-Solitaire-Ring-w
http://www.idonowidont.com/diamonds/dainty-14k-gold-single-diamond-engagement-ring
http://www.idonowidont.com/diamonds/engagement-ring-0552-carat-14-karat-gold
http://www.idonowidont.com/diamonds/engagement-ring-38

 

[pedromiguelppinto]

Hi guys, what do you think about this one http://www.hsamuel.co.uk/webstore/d/2080621/18ct+gold+third+carat+diamond+solitaire+ring/
I just won this ring on ebay for 170 pounds - http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/181035319531?ssPageName=STRK:MEWNX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1497.l2649

Hope I made a good decision...

 

[Polished]

I think that setting is just gorgeous pedromiguelppinto and a lovely ring to give to your intended. One thought occurred to me, is that as a possible future anniversary or birthday present it may be special to put a diamond with a top quality cut into this setting. Cut is what determines how the light that enters the diamond is reflected and this brings out the fire and brilliance of the diamond. Just to give the idea of the price of a .33 diamond with a great quality cut :

http://www.briangavindiamonds.com/diamonds/diamond-details/0.330-g-si1-round-diamond-ags-104052884059

http://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-2829780.htm

but I love the ring you chose and what an amazing saving over the price listed for it new!

 

[pedromiguelppinto]

I will receive the ring in few days, but Im not expecting that the diamond gonna be extreme quality, but also I think it suppose to be fairly good, after all the ring cost new around $1400 usd... thanks polished I also loved the ring shape and the diamond is not very high like it happen with many solitaire rings, that then will look strange with small diamonds, beside I imagine it might be a bit uncomfortable to use.

And the final price I paid was around $300 usd already including shipping to portugal...

 

[justginger]

Hi guys, what do you think about this one http://www.hsamuel.co.uk/webstore/d/2080621/18ct+gold+third+carat+diamond+solitaire+ring/
I just won this ring on ebay for 170 pounds - http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/181035319531?ssPageName=STRK:MEWNX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1497.l2649

Hope I made a good decision...

It's hard to offer an opinion when the diamond itself isn't even photographed. The setting looks nice, but with no photos and no certification, it's a complete crapshoot regarding the stone. I'm interested to know what you think about it when it arrives. I hope it's exactly what you're wanting.

 

[pedromiguelppinto]

you are right, but like I said before, since its from a really known uk seller and it cost around 1400usd (new) I dont think the diamond should be a completely crap... but anyway for what I paid I think that worth at least for the setting, I guess...