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Diamond advice for bigger fingers, please!

kayla-nicole

Rough_Rock
Joined
Jan 11, 2014
Messages
7
All I know about diamonds is go with GIA or AGL. In my area, a 1ct stone is a big rock, and no one knows anything about the 4Cs. So, I have some questions.

First off, here is my taste, in general: Classic, understated, simple.

Second: My ring size is 8 3/4, so I'm worried about smaller diamonds looking TOO small, but I don't know if that's all in my head.

Third: I'd like to keep the ring budget around $2500, give or take a little,

Fourth: I don't mind warmth in my stone, or even a couple visible inclusions as long as they're not blaringly obvious to passerby doing the "Oooh, you're engaged, lemme see!" thing.

So, can I get any advice on what I should get or what I should be looking for? I know I want a solitaire with a thin band, but that's about it. I've been looking at .75-.9 cts. I've also looked at a few half carats but don't know if that's too small. I've tried on a couple rings in person, but it's hard to pinpoint what I'd like long-term, so I'm looking for advice. The half carats are pretty and dainty, but I'm afraid of them making my finger look too chubby. Maybe I'm crazy. Any pictures or advice would be greatly appreciated!

Thanks in advance!
 
That's lovely! I like round because it's classic and faces up nicely. But if you have other suggestions, I'm open to hearing them. Thank you!
 
Here's another old cut. Also a round.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/130786120040?ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1423.l2649 I've been watching it for MONTHS. So I'm pretty sure you can message the seller and see about getting that price down a bit. See if you can get them to entertain 1850 for the stone. They'll probably counter with 2,000. Which is still okay. I'm just trying to eek out more money for a setting for you.


http://www.ebay.com/itm/ART-DECO-ROUND-CUSHION-DIAMOND-SEMI-MOUNT-FILIGREE-ENGRAVING-ENGAGEMENT-RING-14K-/400660152049?pt=Diamond_Solitaire_Rings&hash=item5d4934bef1 In a setting like this.

I'd call my diamond zone (vendor of the setting) and see if they can make it for you in your size. People on the boards have had lovely experiences with them. And apparently they have a great return policy.

I think that would be lovely.
 
My best advice if you want a diamond center stone though is to get that GIA N from ebay and these: http://www.simplysapphires.com/blue/ceylon-blue-round-sapphire-pair-4mm-0.62-carats

6 mm center and 4mm sapphire sidestones. And then we can help you find an affordable white gold setting for them.

The sapphire are a lovely way of getting finger coverage without spending a ton of money.

And three stone rings are classic and very elegant.

ss-ring2.jpg
 
lots of great options posted by gypsy-cant wait to see which ones you like. I helped pick a ring for my cousin who has a a similar finger size-she went with an art deco feel-center was diamond with sapphires on the side in a wide filigree setting.
 
Gypsy|1391846934|3610670 said:
My best advice if you want a diamond center stone though is to get that GIA N from ebay and these: http://www.simplysapphires.com/blue/ceylon-blue-round-sapphire-pair-4mm-0.62-carats

6 mm center and 4mm sapphire sidestones. And then we can help you find an affordable white gold setting for them.

The sapphire are a lovely way of getting finger coverage without spending a ton of money.

And three stone rings are classic and very elegant.

had you seen this?

http://diamondbistro.com/category/216/Natural-Diamond-Center/listings/37145/168-ctw-OEC-EGL-USA-three-stone-diamond-ring.html

maybe shell consider an offer
 
Gypsy|1391854068|3610682 said:
This is lovely and your size:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/14K-WHITE-GOLD-1-CT-MARQUISE-CENTER-DIAMOND-SOLITAIRE-BALLERINA-COCKTAIL-RING-/141165902770?pt=US_Fine_Rings&hash=item20de24bbb2 The seller is a good one. Has a 14 day return policy. You can get it and see if you like it yourself.


Oh love this.

The reason i asked about shape is because I was thinking a marquise might work for you. They are cheap and plentiful on ebay and other second hand shops, as they got very popular and then the bottom dropped out, a lot of people are trying to sell them. They face up large for their shape and they can also look classic in a solitaire or a three stone.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/ESTATE-0-96-CT-14K-GOLD-DIAMOND-SOLITAIRE-MARQUIES-CUT-ENGAGEMENT-RING-GIA-/161011061505?pt=Diamond_Solitaire_Rings&hash=item257d01d301

and a setting like this is super classic
http://www.ebay.com/itm/VTG-14K-WHITE-GOLD-80-CARAT-MARQUISE-DIAMOND-ENGAGEMENT-RING-FREE-RESIZE-/110884641390?pt=Diamond_Solitaire_Rings&hash=item19d13d5a6e
 
Niel, I tried on a marquise shape yesterday and thought of you! It looked great on my finger and I wanted it so badly!! One of these days I'm going to have a budget and seek you out for assistance with one.
 
I'm wondering about a marquise set East-West. It would give finger coverage for sure! Maybe put almost the entire budget into a lower color marquise or the largest size possible (with good characteristics, of course) and get a very simple setting for now.
 
motownmama|1391870966|3610757 said:
I'm wondering about a marquise set East-West. It would give finger coverage for sure! Maybe put almost the entire budget into a lower color marquise or the largest size possible (with good characteristics, of course) and get a very simple setting for now.
I was thinking the same!
My concern was how "classic" it would look as I know that's her goal. But if she's open to the idea it could be lovely.
 
Rhea|1391870555|3610755 said:
Niel, I tried on a marquise shape yesterday and thought of you! It looked great on my finger and I wanted it so badly!! One of these days I'm going to have a budget and seek you out for assistance with one.
Awesome! I love when marquise get some love.
 
If you wanted something new, you could do something like this stone:
http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/0.75-carat-j-color-vs2-clarity-very-good-cut-sku-256168
(you want to have someone else validate this one -- I'm not a diamond expert like others here. It scores 1.6 on the HCA, but it's listed as only "very good" cut - probably because of the symmetry.)
Another option is:
http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/0.76-carat-j-color-si2-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-243473
Although it is slightly more included. If you're willing to go down to 0.7 carat, the options are better. Something like this maybe:
http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/0.70-carat-i-color-vs2-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-216748


with this setting:
http://www.jamesallen.com/engagement-rings/solitaire/14k-white-gold-2mm-knife-edge-solitaire-engagement-ring-item-7115

or this setting with some more pizzazz:
http://www.jamesallen.com/engagement-rings/solitaire/14k-white-gold-cable-solitaire-engagement-ring-item-9315


Or this ACA diamond from Whiteflash: (Pricescope wire price $2324)
http://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-3019467.htm

With one of their solitaire settings that run about $350, so slightly over budget.
 
Also pretty is that oval in a halo on GOG steals and deals- $2950 but maybe they are negotiable?
 
Hi!

I'm not one of the experts, but I do wear a size 8 ring, so I hope it's alright if I chime in :)) .
You had mentioned that the .50 carat might be too small and I would agree that it would probably be better to go bigger. I just ordered a .50 carat and a .60 carat from James Allen to choose from, and the .60 carat round solitaire was perfect for me. Surprisingly there was quite a big difference in size between the two. Don't forget, once you add a wedding band, you will get more finger coverage too.

Here are some links I had saved with some great hand shots showing different style rings on size 8 + hands:

http://boards.weddingbee.com/topic/calling-all-ladies-with-8-ring-size-help-let-me-see-your-rings#axzz2skVvU663

http://boards.weddingbee.com/topic/any-one-ring-size-over-8#axzz2skVvU663

http://boards.weddingbee.com/topic/ladies-show-me-your-ring-if-your-finger-is-a-size-8#axzz2skVvU663
 
OP - this will likely go a bit over budget, but Diamonds by Lauren does offer a PS discount so it may be worthwhile just to call David and see what might be possible... I'd guess it might come in apx $3000-3250?

I find this 1.12ct N-VS2 pear simply gorgeous - love the shape and the cut and the color - and the fact there is likely no bowtie - plus the huge face-up presence (9.3 x 5.6mm)... http://www.diamondsbylauren.com/ind...12ct-n-vs2-pear-shape-gia-organic-shape-r5504

and have DBL put it in this slender understated semi-mount: http://www.diamondsbylauren.com/ind...g-custom-bezel-ring-with-rounded-shank-so3789
 
I too couldn't afford THE e-ring of my dreams, so here is how I made the best of it. I got beautiful half carat certified stone that was in a setting that made my heart sing, knowing I didn't want to settle on style OR wear a "baby" ring, lol. THEN I bought a five stone wedding band. Five stones are less expensive, but give GREAT finger coverage and that Wall to wall blingy diamond look.

When people see my hand, they see a good sized flash of fire and sparkle, yet if they are one of the few who DO take the time to look at the e-ring specifically, well it's beautiful, custom made and has a cert. center stone.

I got both rings second hand on e-bay for a steal, so there are many ways to get that look you want on a budget and not feel like like you settled all the way around. Good luck !
 
I've looked at them and they are nice. I had a pear shape that I liked from my ex-husband. I don't know why, but I'm very stuck on round, and I can get the size I want within budget. Actually, can I ask you if you know anything about Ritani? I've been looking at them, and I guess they get their GIA grades, then personally inspect them to make sure they're all eye-clean. They'll also send a couple rings at a time to a local jeweler so you can see them in person. Do you know how good they are? I'm leaning heavily towards them. I can get a .9 below budget, Ideal cut and all that jazz, in a knife edge (which I LOVE) for under budget.
 
Thanks! I have an account on weddingbee and that's what got me here. I think I'd be fine with a .75, but may go bigger just because we can. We don't really have a super limited budget, this is just what I think of as "reasonable" for an engagement ring. If I fall in love with something else, we'll get it. But I'm a weirdo about budgets. hahaha
 
I'd just ignore the finger size and buy whatever diamond I like and can afford.

AFAIC, finger size determines ring size, not diamond selection.

Anyone implying a finger twice as wide needs a diamond twice as wide needs an … uhm ... price/reality-check.
Doubling the weight does not double the diameter.
A 1 ct is about 6.5mm.
To double the width and get a 13 mm you have to jump up to around 7 ct.
 
$2500 seems low to me for what they're promising you. Do you have any more details?
 
How about a halo ring for finger coverage?
 
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