Confused...

[lauralu]

Hello everyone,

My DH2B and I are getting very confused and alittle stressed in the search for my ering. He would like to see me go traditional with a simple thin band and has no vision as far as the wedding band goes.He is very open to whatever I pick to go with it for the most part. I on the other hand know I do not want a simple thin band.
Solataire is a good possibility. However, it has to be something unique and different. Side diamonds are appealing and one can get really caught up in going bigger and more because of all the sparkle and forget about a style that just showcases the main attraction. I know I want the wedding band to have diamonds. Possibly an enternity of some sort and somewhat widder than the ering. ALthough not too wide.
I am so tired of all of the stores we have been to having the same ole same ole of everything.
I have been searching sites online and have found a few that I like. We are thinking we may have a local company who has a great rep for designing pieces do it for us. We just need to bring them pics of things we like and go from there.
I have found that you can get a diamond online for less but I am so freaked about not seeing it before we buy it. I know I can save and get the size I want but how does one know for sure if it is the right one? Our budget is 4 to 4500 for the diamond. I would like to get the biggest I can for that price. However I am not wanting to sacrifice color and clarity. I want a clean to the eye stone. If I can see inclusions under a scope I am okay with that. Just not to the eye. I would like a round stone and my finger is a size 7 and I have short fingers with not alot of space bewteen my hand and first knuckle. Here are a few rings I have found so far....
http://www.dejoria.co.uk/catalogue/category-422/code-3605.html

http://www.shapirodiamonds.com/ringdescriptions/623description.htm Would put a round in this I think...

http://www.calvinsjewelry.com/ShowProducts.aspx?cat=15&prodid=78 Don't forget to click on the ZOOM

http://www.calvinsjewelry.com/ShowProducts.aspx?cat=65&prodid=3172 (ZOOM)



I am thinking maybe I should just give it a rest for a month and stop looking to clear my thoughts. Than go at it again.....What do you guys think? Did the right one present itself by jumping out at you and you just knew it was the "one"?

Thanks all

 

[jstarfireb]

Most people here have found the perfect stone first, and then looked for a setting to complement it. However, I''m in your camp (if I understand your post correctly, that is). I had to find a setting that was "the one" and then a stone to match it. I happened upon my perfect setting at Costco, and since I wanted an AGS0 ideal princess diamond, I had Whiteflash custom-design my ring based on the pictures of the Costco ring. Customizing may be a good option for you, but it does tend to run on the expensive side. My custom setting was $1750, and I''ve seen similar settings around for $1000-1200 or so.

A solitaire paired with a diamond wedding band is a very classic and beautiful look. Also, how about some surprise diamonds in a solitaire? I''m a huge fan of surprise diamonds and put them in my setting. They give the ring some extra bling while still keeping the solitaire look. As for the settings you posted, I really like the Judith Conway split shank.

As far as the stone goes, buying from a trusted online vendor and seeing pics, IdealScope and/or ASET images, the grading report, etc., is a must. I''d start with Whiteflash and Good Old Gold, since they give you a ton of info and also have the best upgrade policies. Other vendors that get a lot of good revews here are James Allen, Engagement Rings Direct, and SuperbCert/Excel Diamonds. With your budget, you''re probably looking at I-J/SI1-2 if you want a well-cut round of at least a carat, but you could comfortably get a 0.8-0.9 with higher color and clarity. For example, here''s one with F color that''s at the higher end of your budget if you pay by bank wire, and it looks gorgeous!
http://www.goodoldgold.com/diamond/1353/

 

[lizardofaz]

Hello and Welcome to Pricescope! I''m pretty new to this forum myself but can assure you that the experts here will help guide you to the perfect diamond and setting. I like all of the rings you''ve listed, and especially the first one. Very classic but with just a little twist.

 

[sera]

I would suggest taking a look at the vendors listed through this website. For example, compare this pave band for a solitaire at Whiteflash with the Vera Wang ring at Calvin's.

I'm in the process of looking for my ring too... confused and stressed here as well! I want sparkle, but not something overpowering. Right now I am leaning towards something by Leon Mege or Ritani.

There are a lot of nice settings that are simple yet unique at Pearlman's... like those by Ritani . You could also find Ritani locally.

Tapered baguette sides at James Allen

Lots with sidestones at Good Old Gold

Very pretty ones with sidestones at Engagement Rings Direct by Vatche

AbsoTively GORGEOUS split shank from Leon Mege!

 

[lauralu]

jstarfireb....what are surprise diamonds?

Thanks for the great links and ideas from all of you so far. I am busy looking at the sites. Here is another one that I really like. However I am not sure I want all the diamonds running down the sides so I am busy thinking what I could do to change it a little.
I love everything else about it. I think it would emphasize any diamond and perhaps make it look even bigger? Would that be correct?
I know that I would like to continue the band to go underneath and make it go all around my finger instead of the openness. I am afraid my finger, when swollen would pinch up in there.

Yes it does seem I am certainly trying to find the perfect setting and than the diamond to fit into it. I never thought about it that way.

o kay here is the link to the other ring I like..

http://www.dimendscaasi.com/engagement/withDiamonds/default.asp

it's style #1A2B1 called so pretty. Middle row 6th one down

 

[mrssalvo]

Have you been to any jewelry stores and tried rings on in person? I have found that many times rings I LOVE in pics I find online, don''t look as great in person and some rings I would never have considered based on the online photo''s are smashing in person. If you haven''t already done so, find a jeweler who carries a lot of designer settings and you''ll get a pretty good idea of what is out there and how it will look on you.

 

[lauralu]

Hi mrssalvo Yes I have been to stores and have tried on rings. There seems to be a lot of the same thing in every store I have been in though. I did rule out a certain number of styles by trying on.....and yes some were styles similar to rings I had seen online and thought were fabulous.I also found out that very thin plain bands and very wide plain bands do not look very good on me if it''s just a band with a diamond in it. Also bands with anything heavy looking is a no as well.

I really like the emerald cut as I love the way it draws your eye into it. However DH2B is wanting me to get a round stone and feels the emerald is more right hand ring. It''s all good though because the emerald cut is on my list for christmas as a right hand ring maybe in a gem stone

I am in the process of trying to find a store with a bigger selection of rings than what I have been able to see so far..

 

[surfgirl]

Lauralu, can I make a suggestion since you sound stressed and really, choosing your ering should be a joyful experience?

First, go to the Show Me The Ring area and look at the top thread. It''s the one called "The Forum Engagement Ring Folder" at the top of the page. Start at page one and look at every single ring in that folder. It''s photos only, no comments so it''s alot of photos of all different style rings. When you see one you like, save and print it.

Next, take those photos and go shopping to your local mall, local jewelery shops, etc. Try on all the styles you *think* you like from the photos. I say *think* because I''ve found that styles I liked in pictures didn''t always look great on my finger. So when you''re trying on different styles in person, you''ll naturally see which ones look best on your hand.

Note your favorite styles and then narrow it down to the one you love. In answer to your question, yes, when I saw my future ering, I knew right away it was "the one". It made my heart palpitate and I couldn''t take the ring off my finger! You will know when you find "your" ring.

Lastly, once you find what you love, only you and your FI can decide if you want to buy it in its entirety (setting and stone) at your local shop, or if you prefer to buy the stone separately from the setting, etc. Or, if you want to buy a stone and have someone make up the setting cheaper. There are plenty of options but first you need to narrow it down. If you follow the above steps I think it will become easier and more enjoyable for you!

 

[mrssalvo]

Date: 7/20/2007 7:51:12 PM
Author: lauralu

I think I am truly going crazy trying to find the "one". Will I know it when I see it? That''s what they say. However, I am begining to think I am either very picky or totally confused..

Well, I''m not so sure there is a momement of finding the "one." I''ve had my upgrade stone for over a year and it''s still not set because I became so caught up in details that I just couldn''t decide on a setting. I got to the place you are at of just being confused and had to take a break from looking. It does sound like you have a pretty good idea of what it is you do and don''t want. Just don''t settle for something you''re not totally in love with b/c that''s what your bf wants you to get. You''re going to be the one wearing it.

I think you might ought to consider 3 stones. they provide such nice finger coverage and paired with a diamond bang are blingtastic...here''s logans 3 stone, she went from a solitiare to the 3 stone and you can see what a difference it makes and her center stone is .78 carats:

<img src=""http://www.pricescope.com/idealbb/files/kvlafter.jpg

 

[mrssalvo]

ok, second pic didn''t show up in the post for some reason: here''s her ring in the new 3 stone setting;

 

[mrssalvo]

and here it is with her diamond wedding band:

 

[sera]

Good advice, surfgirl... I had done that and it really helped! It helps TREMENDOUSLY to see the rings on people''s hands; it helps confirm and/or rule out your ideas. It''s 96 pages long so will take some time to go through, but it is worth it. The PS''ers have some lovely rings. Hopefully soon we will be on that list, too =]

 

[lauralu]

lauralu is now busy going through all the beautiful ring pics in the show me your ring folder...settling in with a diet coke and a bag of microwave popcorn

thanks again all. The pics of the 3 stone reset...WOWZA WU WU very nice indeed. what size are the two side stones?

 

[Gypsy]

There may be 'the one' for some. But I'm betting most of the time 'the one' for most people is out of budget, impractical, or otherwise not available. SO it's not a matter of the one... but with e-rings, or wedding dresses... it's a matter of the right ONE for the TIME and budget you have.

SO... honestly. I would figure out a budget and work backward ... setting then stone. (I'd personally do stone then the setting... but well, to each their own).

 

[jstarfireb]

Date: 7/20/2007 6:27:00 PM
Author: lauralu
jstarfireb....what are surprise diamonds?

...

o kay here is the link to the other ring I like..
http://www.dimendscaasi.com/engagement/withDiamonds/default.asp
it's style #1A2B1 called so pretty. Middle row 6th one down

Beautiful setting there! I'm envisioning it with a square cushion...

Not bad with a round either.

Surprise diamonds are tiny accent diamonds that are built into the head of the ring. Here are some examples (click on the pics to see them in detail):
Flush-Fit Cathedral
U-Prong Knife-Edge
Comfort-Fit Surprise Diamond

See how these rings look like regular solitaires from the top...but on the side view, there are tiny bezel-set diamonds? Those are surprise diamonds, and I'm totally in love with them.

 

[jstarfireb]

Also...it''s nice to respect your future husband''s wishes, but ultimately it''s YOU who will be wearing the ring, not him. You need to be 100% satisfied with it, especially since you have a say in the choice! Start with a budget and then go for what makes your heart sing (budget permitting)!

 

[diamondseeker2006]

Date: 7/20/2007 10:56:06 PM
Author: jstarfireb
Also...it''s nice to respect your future husband''s wishes, but ultimately it''s YOU who will be wearing the ring, not him. You need to be 100% satisfied with it, especially since you have a say in the choice! Start with a budget and then go for what makes your heart sing (budget permitting)!

I agree. I think some of your confusion is that you like something different than your fiance is suggesting. My strong feeling is that he should set the budget and let you choose the style ring and diamond that you love. I''d suggest talking a look at the WhiteFlash site for settings. One of my favorite settings on PS is the one that LynnB has, and it is called the Harmony setting under diamond settings on the WhiteFlash site. There are many other pretty and unique rings on the site, though!

http://www.whiteflash.com/Engagement-Rings/Styles/Diamond-Settings/Harmony-Engagement-Ring_1136.htm#

 

[sera]

Date: 7/20/2007 7:51:12 PM
Author: I really like the emerald cut as I love the way it draws your eye into it. However DH2B is wanting me to get a round stone and feels the emerald is more right hand ring. It's all good though because the emerald cut is on my list for christmas as a right hand ring maybe in a gem stone

Or you could have both...
Sasha Primak ring
I was conducting yet another search for mine and came across this one and recalled you mentioned round and EC... I think they are baguettes (?) but even when I view rings that are not "the one," it often helps clarify what I want or don't want.

 

[Odilia]

Date: 7/20/2007 10:21:32 PM
Author: lauralu

I think I am truly going crazy trying to find the "one". Will I know it when I see it? That''s what they say. However, I am begining to think I am either very picky or totally confused..?

Didn''t read the whole thread but just wanted to add a few comments. First of all, I would say, take your time. I totally sympathize, because it is hard to find "the one" and especially with what''s in most mall or typical jewelry stores.

I do agree with mrssalvo that it''s hard to know "the one" for you unless you see something like it on your hand. Even looking at hand pics, if those ones on this thread were logan sapphire, she has very tiny fingers, so it takes much less diamond to get finger coverage on her than someone with bigger fingers, as an example. Just saying that what looks just right on someone else''s hand may not look best on ourselves.

I don''t know where you live, but most areas have a Bailey, Banks and Biddle nearby, and they have a better selection than most. The designer rings are the nicest (although of course they come with the price tag$$$.) But, if you try on the designer rings, then you can get an idea of what you like on your hand, and then try to find it cheaper on line or have a custom-made something like it. Also, if there is a designer you like, you can go to their website, and find stores in your area that carry it. That is a way I''ve found to locate the better jewelry stores. And of course you can always ask on Pricescope if anyone knows where the good stores are in your area.

Another suggestion is to find good antique jewelry stores. Surfgirl and others found fabulous antique rings, and often they are better deals than new rings - and more unique and beautiful.
Also, keep in mind (you were probably doing it already) what wedding band you will want to wear with the e-ring, because so many people (myself included) didn''t think it through enough, and wound up with a ring that needed a weird-shape wedding ring, which is a pain for some people. So, for example, I think it was one of the first solitaires you posted, it had a pretty crown head that sticks out, not allowing a w-band to sit flush. If that doesn''t bother you, fine, but it would bother me and a lot of people (on our own hands), which is a shame because that is a pretty ring!

I also agree with those who say, you are wearing it, not DH2B, so if you really love emerald cut for example, try to get him to go for it. Another thing I found is, I''m better off looking without fiance/DH, because if I am indecisive, it drives him crazy to look at so many rings and not settle on one. So I shop without him and bring him in for the final decision.

Lastly, having been (and still am!) totally indecisive myself, if I had to start all over again (just to add my own 2 cents), I would have gone with something like either:

Ritani Endless Love - because the two bands sit flush with each other, diamond sits low, enough sparkle in each ring to be interesting, but not too much when the two rings are together. e.g. https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/stunning-1-60-k-vs-aca-in-ritani-setting.47645/
-or-
Michael B Lace - for much the same reasons as above.

Good luck!!

 

[Odilia]

Date: 7/20/2007 4:07:53 PM
Author:lauralu
my finger is a size 7 and I have short fingers with not alot of space bewteen my hand and first knuckle. Here are a few rings I have found so far....

http://www.calvinsjewelry.com/ShowProducts.aspx?cat=65&prodid=3172 (ZOOM)

Just read parts of this that I hadn''t the first time: Given your finger size and length, that''s all the more reason I''d go with something like Ritani Endless Love or that Vera Wang aqua ring you showed. Nice thin band, showcases the diamond, but doesn''t take up too much space on your fingers.

 

[partgypsy]

laralu, another thing is to have a conversation with your fiance-to-be about what the budget is on the total cost of the ring (stone + setting). You might want to include price of wedding band in as well. Oftentimes one has to compromise on the size of the center stone to get the setting one wants, or vice versa. Once you get that info, you would have a better understanding of how to balance what kind of center stone with what setting you like. What some people do here is get the stone of their dreams, and upgrade on the setting later. Or, try to find the right combination of everything. Only you can know what you would be happiest doing.

 

[lauralu]

OOOOOOOOOOOOOOO lots of very pretty rings in the folder. Good idea about the antique rings. I will have to do a search and see what I can come up with in our area. I am in Minnesota so if anyone knows of good places in this state to go with a large selection of rings please let me know. I have found a few online that say they are the largest in Minnesota, but everyone knows how that can be. If I am going to venture several hours from home i want to know it will be worth it.

How about this ring? Different?


http://www.artofplatinum.com/4images/details.php?image_id=357

The only issue I see, is the obvious. What kind of wedding band to have made for it. Also it does not help that I can't see it from the side to see what kind of mounting it has. I do like the fact that I think it might be a ring that it not a real high setting.

 

[jstarfireb]

Date: 7/21/2007 11:45:21 AM
Author: lauralu
OOOOOOOOOOOOOOO lots of very pretty rings in the folder. Good idea about the antique rings. I will have to do a search and see what I can come up with in our area. I am in Minnesota so if anyone knows of good places in this state to go with a large selection of rings please let me know. I have found a few online that say they are the largest in Minnesota, but everyone knows how that can be. If I am going to venture several hours from home i want to know it will be worth it.

How about this ring? Different?
http://www.artofplatinum.com/4images/details.php?image_id=357

The only issue I see, is the obvious. What kind of wedding band to have made for it. Also it does not help that I can''t see it from the side to see what kind of mounting it has. I do like the fact that I think it might be a ring that it not a real high setting.

That Leon Mege ring is gorgeous, but be aware that he tends to run on the expensive side. That''s also a pretty large stone (and I can''t see that ring looking good with a much smaller one), so until we have an idea of your budget, it will be hard to recommend for or against it. As for the wedding band issue, that ring is so large and ornate that I think it could easily be worn without a band. A single ornate ring is a good alternative to an engagement ring plus wedding band, especially if you''re short on finger real estate. Otherwise, you could have Leon make you a curved pave band to match.

Here''s a setting that bears some similarities to the Leon, in case Leon ends up being unattainable for now...
http://www.knoxjewelers.biz/index.htm?crn=200&rn=1106&action=show_detail

Take a peek at the rest of the settings on the Knox site...they''re highly regarded here, and they''re in Minneapolis, so they might not be a far drive for you.

 

[lauralu]

hello :0 thanks for the knox site. I do like some of the features of the ring you linked from knox. The only thing I can see that I would not like is that it looks kind of heavy. However, the style of the wrap is definitely something I like.

We are planning to spend a total of 7 grand on my rings. ering and wedding band combined. We have taken a pic of the ring in one of my earlier post on this thread from scassi into a local jeweler who designs custom pieces. We have checked him out and he has a lot of very happy customers. His store charges 200 bucks for the design work. He thought he could put together a replica similar to that band for 1200.

I work at an upscale clothing store and when ever I see someone with an interesting or beautiful ring I ask them about it. i have run into so many peole who have had this establishment do their design or reset. I am thinking 200 for the custom work is really a good price? Am I correct in my thinking?

I love that swirl look on the art of platium ring. How would a 1 ct diamond in that setting minus the tear drop stones on each side look? I think a custom pave wrap for it might be nice as well.
Am I way off the mark in my thinking? Can anyone tell me what they might guess the mounting to be?

All this searching I do on the internet and I just wonder if I will go to knox or somewhere and fall in love with something I just need to take home with me that is completely different than what I have been trying on and looking at so far....it''s interesting to say the least.