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Deciding on engagement ring

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G

GC

Rough_Rock
Joined
Oct 25, 2006
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I''m just looking for some feedback here I guess..trying to get something to spur me in one particular direction.

I''m trying to decide on which of a few choices I want to buy for my gf''s engagement ring.

I''m near the Indianapolis area, and one choice is to send my business to a family owned two store jeweler there. The diamond is an I/VS2, 1.00 carat Princess shape for $4200. The setting is 19k white gold, three stone, at 0.38k total weight on the side stones I believe, for $2550. So in total, the ring would be just under $6800 I believe...and with sales tax, just under $7200. Also, the setting would be from Scott Kay, if that says anymore about it.

There is also a local jeweler who my parents have dealt with in years past who I consulted too. The stone is an I/SI1, 1.0 carat, and the setting is 18k white gold three stone at 0.5 carat total weight. His price to me was $7100 in full..taxes and all.

There is actually a third jeweler who I priced a ring from who had an F/SI1 1.04 carat Princess stone, and again three stone 18k white gold setting, with total weight of between 0.3 and 0.5 carats (I forgot the specifics). That was priced at $7000...but I''m sure that is not including taxes.

My choice is really between the first two. I can''t decide between them. I like the customer policies (lifetime diamond protection guarantee and craftsmanship guarantee, lifetime 100% trade in value towards up-buy) of the larger jeweler in Indy. But I also feel, due some sort of kind heart characteristic, to feel like I should try and do business with the small town jeweler.

Any one have any advice? And...I know I don''t have the cut quality characteristics of the stones as I''ve seen many times on here and read about, but can anyone say whether the stones I mentioned seem well priced?
 
hey gc
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welcome to ps!
the prices seem pretty much in line with the typica b&m and all are virtually the same, so it sounds like that is what you can expect to pay in your area. now you just have to decide which one you like the best!

have fun and let us know what you decide!
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I like them both quite a bit. I''m sure she''d love either one of them. But I''m torn between what, seems to me at least, to be the better guarantees and after-purchase offerings that the Indy store offers and the desire to give business to the smaller jeweler. I know I''m going to get a great ring at either place..I just can''t choose which I should give my money too.
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...its likely that we would move out of state at some point, because she''s from Colorado, and we both love it there. So my initial thought was that it''d be easier to get the ring back to the Indy location for cleaning/inspection etc in that event, than it would to the smaller jeweler (the town is an hour from Indy). And I liked that the Indy store gives you 100% of the diamonds original price towards a new stone of even $1 more in value.

I just can''t decide!!!!
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Do you think it likely she would want to upgrade it in the future? If she''s sentimental and wouldn''t, then the small town one would be fine, but if you think she would, then go with the other store that will give you credit.
 
If you move away, you won''t be sending the ring to either one for cleaning and inspection, it''ll be done wherever you are. I know how you feel about the small town jewelers. I would have loved to have bought from ours. But the truth was, I could get a better stone elsewhere at the same price as a mediocre stone from them. So I just had to go for the higher quality option.

Off hand, I like the VS2 on the first one and I think a Scott Kay setting is very nice quality as well. So knowing nothing about the cut and appearance of the diamonds, I guess I''d choose that one. Plus I do like the 100% trade-up policy just in case.
 
Well, now I have a new dilemma. I went back and talked to the local jeweler and sort of changed my mind on which setting of the two I liked. He called his dealer and then got back to me. He could get the other setting in the size to fit the 1 carat stone of his that I liked. He said it would cost a little more than the other setting, but he''d eat the extra cost and give it to me at the $7100 price of the original choice. That was positive news for me..started swaying me toward going with him.

...then I got another email from the store in Indy. She''d found two other settings that were less than the $2550 of my original choice, the second of which was a Scott Kay setting. Both would fit the Princess cut nicely she said, and were accented with round diamonds for the sides. The total on the Scott Kay setting with the I/VS2 stone would be just over $5500. Which..I have to say is pretty enticing. The Scott Kay would..I believe be 14k (she didn''t specify on it) and with 1/4 ctw.

scottkay102506.JPG
 
was/am not aware that SK did 14K

I do think a princess center should have princess sides.
 
Date: 10/25/2006 10:26:54 PM
Author: JulieN
was/am not aware that SK did 14K

I do think a princess center should have princess sides.
Click to expand...
Same here.
 
She gave me a picture of two rings in the last email, and for the first she mentioned it was 14k and had princess sides. She then listed the Scott Kay, but didn''t say the k for it, so I just assumed 14, so I probably assumed wrong.

So it''d be better suggested that I avoid getting Princess center with round sides? Ok..will keep that in consideration.

I''m just really in a bind now...I liked the lower priced Scott Kay setting she sent me (tho the round diamonds on the sides seems to be a miss..) but I feel like the local jeweler is really trying to do what he can and help me out so I do business with him. This choice just keeps getting tougher!


I have a few other things to ask about but its late enough that its time to call it a night..will have to get to it tomorrow. Thanks for the continued input to this point though everyone!!
 
I have to agree, because I had a princess with round sides and it did not look all that great. Now, I have a rectangular radiant, in the same round sided setting and it clicks. Perhaps something about needing the longer sides of a radiant to make it pop.
 
Catmom has a princess with round sides that I've seen in person and it's very pretty. I'll send her an e-mail and ask her to post a pic if she has one.

To Justjulia's point--maybe it has to do with the ratio of center to side stones too though in terms of making it pop?
 
Thanks Dee Jay. I think it all depends on your personal likes, the ratios of the stones and how the setting works. By that I mean are the side stones on the same plane or at differing levels than the main stone. As you can see my side stones are angled down from the center princess. I think that makes a big difference that allows the princess to pop. I get lots of comments along the lines of "oh I never would have thought that having a princess with round sides would work but yours is so pretty". I think it can work if it''s done right but I''m sure others will disagree. That''s what makes the world go around.
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Ok, a few questions I had first. When I showed the jeweler the Scott Kay design (which looks like the above may be the same thing, but can''t quite tell), he said that he would be a little worried with that design because the side stones were butted up against the prongs of the center. He was afraid they would have more chance at possibly coming loose. He also said he''d insist on platinum with a design like that (I assume platinum would be sturdier than the white gold..?).

So the question..to those in the know...if the design I attached above is that type, where the side stones are butted against the center''s prongs, would anyone be leary of the wearability and sturdiness of it? I suppose thats why we have insurance, to cover things like that where side stones may get lost. But me, i''m just always planning ahead! haha

Second..the local jeweler didn''t have GIA or AGS reports on the stones I liked. He said it just keeps the cost down a bit, but that he could get one. I didn''t ask the Indy jeweler if they had them. Its not that I have a trust issue..I trust both. But should there be either of those qualified reports with it?


Assuming I would get the less costly ring shown above, and that the princess would look nice with the round sides, I still feel bad (I''m such a softie) for thinking I''ll have to tell the local guy that I''m going with a different ring. Since I''d be saving about $1K, would it be nutty to then tell him that since I am saving some $ and didn''t buy a ring from him, I''d like to take that new found money and eventually put it towards some wedding bands (assuming my gf says yes LOL) purchased from him? Does that make any sense? Or is it better to just keep both the e ring and bands purchased from the same jeweler?

Really sorry for all my long winded posts. I''m just the type that thinks, thinks, thinks, and covers every base. And, for me, its a huge event, and I''m a perfectionist..so I just want the ring to be the right fit and such.
 
Well I''m pretty sure I''ve decided who to go with on the e ring. 90% going with the Indy jeweler. I''m getting roughly the same ring and stone for about $1K less..I''m losing about 1/4 ctw on the side stones, but no big deal I suppose.

But the small jeweler is a really nice guy and was really trying to do what he could to help me out. So I hate to just not do business with him...but for the e ring, money is talking and I can''t help but listen.

My question: When it gets to that point, and assuming I''d find a good price, is it out of the ordinary to get the wedding bands from a different jeweler than your e ring? If not, I''m inclined to tell him that with the money I''m saving, I want to come back to him first thing when I get to the wedding band stage to see what he has.

Or is it typically better to keep all three rings thru the same jeweler?
 
No, it does not matter at all where you''re getting the wedding bands. But if you''re getting a Scott Kay e-ring, then you''ll probably want to get a Scott Kay wedding band to look right with it. You could certainly get yours from the small town jeweler, though.

I''ll have to tell you, as nice as people can be, buying uncertified stones is risky business if you are a perfectionist. If you really want an excellent quality stone, you''ll probably be far better off going with one of the AGS0 princess cut stones. You can get them online easily. I''ve made the mistake of buying uncertified earring stones, and once I learned about diamond quality, I had to take a loss to get rid of them and start over. So my money-saving deal certainly didn''t turn out the way I had planned.
 
Bob at WF told me simply and this made sooooo much sense to me. With a cert diamond-(GIA etc), you know you are paying fairly for what you get. It doesn''t necessarily cost more, but you know what you have. With an uncert. stone who knows?

Just a question GC have you looked online, or did I miss that part? You could maybe save quite a bit getting the setting and the stone online, and having a lifetime trade up policy no matter where you live. I understand about you feeling bad, but is it worth paying extra if you don''t have to? You can always give the other jewelers the opportunity to match the price, and then it''s up to them.....
 
Ok, thanks for the advice. I kind of had a feeling that someone would say about keeping the same designer for the wedding bands. If thats the case, I don''t think the small jeweler could get a Scott Kay... maybe I''m wrong. I just base that off the fact that when I showed him a Scott Kay setting a few days ago, he mentioned that it was probably copyrighted so he couldn''t get that very thing. So, I assumed, that it meant he couldn''t a copywritten designer..?

But, thats all down the pike I suppose. I guess I''m just looking for ways that would give me a chance to do business with him in the future. I''m so weird. haha

And as for the uncertified stones, I know he said he could have it certified..but just didn''t do so to start with, unless someone requests I guess. Far as the Indy jeweler goes, I emailed the store VP who I''m working with and asked if the stone was certified. So I''m waiting to hear back on that one.
 
I haven''t looked online yet for either. I knew that there was possibly some pretty competitive pricing for both available online, but haven''t never ventured into that area, I assumed that you wouldn''t have all the craftsmanship guarantees, free cleanings (though this may be a very nominal fee with any jeweler), and all the other perks you get with a B&M store.

The other issue, if I were to go online and buy now, is that I''m probably running short on time. I want to give it to on Christmas sometime probably...and we''re leaving for Colorado where she''s from the 22nd of December. So with online buying I figured that between getting stones shipped for me to look at, shipping back, checking out settings, etc, and having it sent off to set might require more time than I have available.


And..I''m a pretty fiscal guy, and like to get the best deal for my money, but even if I''m giving up a few hundred more for a stone thru a B&M vs. an online vender, I think I''m ok with that. Unless that few hundred or so would do absolute wonders as far as upgrading the quality of the stone-to-be.


Appreciate all the input... its of great help, and if not put to use this go round, then will be of use in the future, cuz we all know, women aren''t satisfied with just ONE ring!!
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also...what is AGS0 (that an "oh" or "zero")?
 
Hey GC,

I am new at this too. I NEVER thought I would buy on line, but after reading these boards for past month and comparing prices I saw the value for myself. I too appreciate personal service and feel bad when I''d like to give someone the business. But you should at least check it out.

I have been working with Bob at WF, and he is a gemologist and helped me decipher alot of stones. I am having one sent to me, and don''t anticipate having that done too often. I would highly reccomend him. He always was prompt at returning emails-oftne within minutes, and has even called me at home at 8 0''clock at night! Now that is service! He has been my eyes for me, and rejected several stones I asked about for various reasons.

Someone else posted about GOG to you, and that would be good too. I mean, for that few hundred, maybe you could get a GIA cert. or something and know that your investment was what someone thought, or maybe a slightly better quality stone. It can''t hurt.

As far as timing, the stones will be fedex''d to you (at least in my case), and I should have it within 2 days of requesting it. WF found the diamond for me and had it in their hands in less than 24 hours! You have 10 -30 days with most vendors to return. As far as cleaning, any store will do that, and check the prongs etc. Just make sure you get insurance on the ring.

In my case, I will probably save 30-50% on my stone, and perhaps another 50% on the setting as I am going custom vs buying a designer setting. Some would say it''s too much hassle, but with the $ we are saving, I think it''s worth it, and it''s been a heck of an education.

Keep us posted!
 
Actually GC, I just looked a WF engagement ring selections, and saw a setting kind of similar to what I think you want, with a larger TCW, for about $1300. You''d have to go on line and look around I guess so see if it would work for you. Sorry, I don''t want to be a pest, I just hate to have people spend extra $ if they don''t have to. I saw some diamonds there too, that were GIA rated and actually a H in color for a little less. Do you know what kind of cut you are looking at-that is key.
 
AGS0 is the highest cut grade the AGS lab gives. (And it''s zero)
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Most of a diamonds beauty comes from how it''s cut. Most diamonds are cut to save weight since they can charge more for carat weight than sparkle. Basically light goes into a diamond, bounces about and comes back out to hit your eye as dazzling sparkle. But without a precise cut, most of that light leaks out in different areas and the stone looks dull and dark in normal lighting. (store lighting would make coal look good!) Think of it as perfectly placed, polished, and angled mirrors within the diamond. Princess cut diamonds are really tricky, and it''s sooo easy for them to be cut less than perfectly.

If a diamond is cut really well, then they would have taken the time and trouble to have it certified. You can find beautifully cut diamonds that will take her breath away online for far less than what you''d pay at a B&M. And because most of them can''t supply AGS0 level diamonds and/or because their sales people don''t know enough about diamonds to explain the difference, most B&Ms try to dismiss the fact that cut is the most important of all the 4C''s.

Online stores don''t have the massive overhead B&M''s do which translates to much lower prices. Because of a wider market base they can specialize in beautiful diamonds. And my favorite part... unless you live in their state there''s no sales tax!!

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Ok, I got a reply back from the Indy store. The stone I like has an EGL certification, said she''d show me tomorrow.

I haven''t heard of EGL yet, and I haven''t looked it up yet. Is this a worthwhile cerfitication for the stone?
 
Like I said I am new at this too, but if you have an EGL you will want to know if it is USA or Israel. You can do a search on this forum for EGL and get all the info you need. In most cases, you will have to assume an EGL will be a grade lower in most areas than a GIA or AGA. My jeweler had the same thing, and I think most of them do. I guess in the end, you have to by what looks good to your eye, but I would feel much better about having paperwork from one of the other labs.
 
In addition to what has already been said, if you know the basic color and clarity that you want, and if you are getting an AGS0 stone, you can technically just have the vendor set it for you and if you choose a setting they have in house, you''d have the finished ring in a week or two. My brother-in-law did this back in May and had his ring in a week. Custom settings may take 4-8 weeks. I did have my stone sent to me to look at first just because I wasn''t sure about what size I wanted, but when you are looking at top quality cut, the stone is going to be beautiful. You just have to decide on a color, clarity, and size that you want that is within your budget.

I, too, feel an obligation to anyone who spends time with me, and I include the online vendors in that sentiment. I felt terrible the two times I returned stones and then bought from a 3rd vendor. But again, I had to learn what I wanted and wait for someone to get one in. I did get my new diamond anniversary ring from a local jeweler, because I did want to have a relationship with someone nearby for cleaning, repairs, etc.

And of course, you can buy your stone online and then have someone local set it, but it is a lot less hassle to order the stone online and have that vendor set it. Then there are no worries about who is liable if the stone gets damaged when setting (which is rare but does happen). Or you could have the diamond vendor set the stone and then get wedding bands locally.
 
shew...so much to think about. I''ll take note of the report on the stone tomorrow and get a copy if possible. I know that cut makes the stone more than anything, and this particular B&M puts weight to that fact in their radio spots. They say exactly what was said earlier..how stones are priced by weight, but the wrong cut tho more weight means not that great a stone.

And..I think my gf is going to go into the store with me to try on the settings..or possibly several (as a friend suggested) to keep her guessing, to make sure that it fits her well, and feels good and all else. Just browsing around I read some of the horror stories about ladies e-rings not fitting well, and just not being that happy with them. So i don''t want that to happen.
 
Well you are a very smart guy to let her try on some settings so you''ll know what SHE loves most!!!
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GC-

Just out of curiosity what store are you working with? All my family is in Indy ....and I get down there often.
 
Reis Nichols.

And..tho its late to add, the stone/budget I''ve been looking to stay within are:
carat: 1.0 approximate
color: G-I, tho one stone I saw was an F..priced at 6K, and had an AGS report.
clarity: VS1-SI1 (I know above that and you''re paying a premium for fewer imperfections that only experts will find, as told to me by the local jeweler)
obviously the shape is Princess
Cut: I''d say Ideal..as a guess from what I''ve seen and read on PS. I don''t know what are the optimal ranges for all the cut regions, tho I know its probably available on PS somewhere, but haven''t looked.

setting: three stone in white gold

Budget: I had planned to spend between 5500-7K. As mentioned, the local jeweler had a 1.5 ctw three stone I liked (1 carat center, 0.5 ctw sides) for $7100 total, but Reis Nichols has the Scott Kay setting ($1314, 1/4 ctw, 19k on the ring) and the I/VS2 Princess ($4208) for just over $5500..so just about $6K total.
 
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