Diamond Halo ring for $2000 or under

[Niel]

Niel, you really have me interested in that one. Great price, not a huge fan of princes and you can't tell what sparkle it has, but definitely a contender.

Sorry I thought you had said you like squares. I'll keep looking

 

[Raemoore3]

Mayk, I am in love with that one! So I should make an offer first then if it's still over my budget do the layaway?

 

[Raemoore3]

What about this? http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/oval-cut/0.48-carat-d-color-si1-clarity-sku-579318 In this http://www.jamesallen.com/engagement-rings/halo/18k-white-gold-pave-halo-and-shank-diamond-engagement-ring-oval-center-item-17436

I dont think this oval looks that bad. It is very long (which will give more finger coverage). Yes, you could ask for the center
to be a tad better but with a tight budget, wanting finger coverage, and wanting some nice bling, something has to give. I think
this would make a pretty ring and would be nicer than the pre-set rings. This would definitely give you the "engagement" ring
feel that you worry about not getting with some of the cluster rings. You can ask the gemologist to take a look at it and see
what their opinion is.

I would ask them how big the halo would end up being with this stone (in mm) to get a better idea of finger coverage.

If you were willing to go with a halo with out stones on it you can probably get this setting for an oval for $670ish which
opens up a few more stones for you...
Setting
http://www.jamesallen.com/engagement-rings/halo/14k-white-gold-pave-halo-engagement-ring-round-center-item-18301
Possible stones
http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/oval-cut/0.53-carat-h-color-vs1-clarity-sku-700027
http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/oval-cut/0.51-carat-d-color-si2-clarity-sku-556011

I like that setting. Good options, thanks!

 

[Raemoore3]

http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/0.43-carat-e-color-si1-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-569309

60/60 with 1.5 HCA score. Nice white color and likely to be eye clean at that size. Your total ct wt would be the same ~1ct.

How do you feel about this setting? You could even square off the stone a bit with it.

http://www.jamesallen.com/engagement-rings/vintage/14k-white-gold-octagon-halo-diamond-engagement-ring-item-49499

it's SLIGHTLY over budget, but you can probably get an advantage discount on the stone and a $100 referral discount that would bring it really close.

How do I get an advantage discount and referral discount? I'd love this ring if I could get it closer to $2000!

 

[kb1gra]

What about this? http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/oval-cut/0.48-carat-d-color-si1-clarity-sku-579318 In this http://www.jamesallen.com/engagement-rings/halo/18k-white-gold-pave-halo-and-shank-diamond-engagement-ring-oval-center-item-17436

I dont think this oval looks that bad. It is very long (which will give more finger coverage). Yes, you could ask for the center
to be a tad better but with a tight budget, wanting finger coverage, and wanting some nice bling, something has to give. I think
this would make a pretty ring and would be nicer than the pre-set rings. This would definitely give you the "engagement" ring
feel that you worry about not getting with some of the cluster rings. You can ask the gemologist to take a look at it and see
what their opinion is.

I would ask them how big the halo would end up being with this stone (in mm) to get a better idea of finger coverage.

If you were willing to go with a halo with out stones on it you can probably get this setting for an oval for $670ish which
opens up a few more stones for you...
Setting
http://www.jamesallen.com/engagement-rings/halo/14k-white-gold-pave-halo-engagement-ring-round-center-item-18301
Possible stones
http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/oval-cut/0.53-carat-h-color-vs1-clarity-sku-700027
http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/oval-cut/0.51-carat-d-color-si2-clarity-sku-556011

I have that setting with a cushion, actually.

 

[kb1gra]

http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/0.43-carat-e-color-si1-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-569309

60/60 with 1.5 HCA score. Nice white color and likely to be eye clean at that size. Your total ct wt would be the same ~1ct.

How do you feel about this setting? You could even square off the stone a bit with it.

http://www.jamesallen.com/engagement-rings/vintage/14k-white-gold-octagon-halo-diamond-engagement-ring-item-49499

it's SLIGHTLY over budget, but you can probably get an advantage discount on the stone and a $100 referral discount that would bring it really close.

How do I get an advantage discount and referral discount? I'd love this ring if I could get it closer to $2000!

Chat with them and let them know that you're interested in a stone and you're wondering if an advantage discount is available.

To get the referral, http://www.jamesallen.com/referfriend/ and refer yourself in both places.

 

[Raemoore3]

Niel, you really have me interested in that one. Great price, not a huge fan of princes and you can't tell what sparkle it has, but definitely a contender.

Sorry I thought you had said you like squares. I'll keep looking

Not a problem . Thanks for looking! Princess stones don't seem to sparkle well. Maybe it's just me.

 

[Raemoore3]

http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/0.43-carat-e-color-si1-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-569309

60/60 with 1.5 HCA score. Nice white color and likely to be eye clean at that size. Your total ct wt would be the same ~1ct.

How do you feel about this setting? You could even square off the stone a bit with it.

http://www.jamesallen.com/engagement-rings/vintage/14k-white-gold-octagon-halo-diamond-engagement-ring-item-49499

it's SLIGHTLY over budget, but you can probably get an advantage discount on the stone and a $100 referral discount that would bring it really close.

How do I get an advantage discount and referral discount? I'd love this ring if I could get it closer to $2000!

Chat with them and let them know that you're interested in a stone and you're wondering if an advantage discount is available.

To get the referral, http://www.jamesallen.com/referfriend/ and refer yourself in both places.

Thanks! Just did it. You guys are great!

 

[tyty333]

Not a huge fan of pear, but I guess it really depends on the setting. Was thinking about the finger coverage from an oval. You guys have me seriously thinking about going with a band without side stones and a diamond shape that's not round since round are more expensive. Just don't want a generic ring and want the best finger coverage and quality I can get. $2000 is a lot for us and I don't want to feel like I wasted it on a tiny ring.

A plain shank halo, at least to me, is not ordinary at all, if you go that route. Do you see a lot of those out in the world? I know I don't. Nor on here.

Ditto....same thoughts for me. I love the contrast of the sparkly halo with a plain metal shank. You can goggle around and find
that I have said this several times before.

Edit - Kb1gra - and your ring is a gorgeous example!

 

[Raemoore3]

What about this? http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/oval-cut/0.48-carat-d-color-si1-clarity-sku-579318 In this http://www.jamesallen.com/engagement-rings/halo/18k-white-gold-pave-halo-and-shank-diamond-engagement-ring-oval-center-item-17436

I dont think this oval looks that bad. It is very long (which will give more finger coverage). Yes, you could ask for the center
to be a tad better but with a tight budget, wanting finger coverage, and wanting some nice bling, something has to give. I think
this would make a pretty ring and would be nicer than the pre-set rings. This would definitely give you the "engagement" ring
feel that you worry about not getting with some of the cluster rings. You can ask the gemologist to take a look at it and see
what their opinion is.

I would ask them how big the halo would end up being with this stone (in mm) to get a better idea of finger coverage.

If you were willing to go with a halo with out stones on it you can probably get this setting for an oval for $670ish which
opens up a few more stones for you...
Setting
http://www.jamesallen.com/engagement-rings/halo/14k-white-gold-pave-halo-engagement-ring-round-center-item-18301
Possible stones
http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/oval-cut/0.53-carat-h-color-vs1-clarity-sku-700027
http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/oval-cut/0.51-carat-d-color-si2-clarity-sku-556011

I have that setting with a cushion, actually.

Your ring is beautiful! What size is the center stone, if you don't mind me asking?

 

[Raemoore3]

Ok, so I've decided to go plain band halo. I'm open to any shaped stone that's got good finger coverage and good specs for around $1000-$1200 from James Allen. I've got the referral discount and will be asking about the advantage discount on the stone. Suggestions on stones? Looking to buy in the next couple of days.

 

[kb1gra]

What about this? http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/oval-cut/0.48-carat-d-color-si1-clarity-sku-579318 In this http://www.jamesallen.com/engagement-rings/halo/18k-white-gold-pave-halo-and-shank-diamond-engagement-ring-oval-center-item-17436

I dont think this oval looks that bad. It is very long (which will give more finger coverage). Yes, you could ask for the center
to be a tad better but with a tight budget, wanting finger coverage, and wanting some nice bling, something has to give. I think
this would make a pretty ring and would be nicer than the pre-set rings. This would definitely give you the "engagement" ring
feel that you worry about not getting with some of the cluster rings. You can ask the gemologist to take a look at it and see
what their opinion is.

I would ask them how big the halo would end up being with this stone (in mm) to get a better idea of finger coverage.

If you were willing to go with a halo with out stones on it you can probably get this setting for an oval for $670ish which
opens up a few more stones for you...
Setting
http://www.jamesallen.com/engagement-rings/halo/14k-white-gold-pave-halo-engagement-ring-round-center-item-18301
Possible stones
http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/oval-cut/0.53-carat-h-color-vs1-clarity-sku-700027
http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/oval-cut/0.51-carat-d-color-si2-clarity-sku-556011

I have that setting with a cushion, actually.

Your ring is beautiful! What size is the center stone, if you don't mind me asking?

The stone is a 1.01 I/VVS1.

An oval or a pear would look great in this setting.

 

[Raemoore3]

http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/0.43-carat-e-color-si1-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-569309

60/60 with 1.5 HCA score. Nice white color and likely to be eye clean at that size. Your total ct wt would be the same ~1ct.

How do you feel about this setting? You could even square off the stone a bit with it.

http://www.jamesallen.com/engagement-rings/vintage/14k-white-gold-octagon-halo-diamond-engagement-ring-item-49499

it's SLIGHTLY over budget, but you can probably get an advantage discount on the stone and a $100 referral discount that would bring it really close.

Or this one if I can swing it budget wise because I seriously love this setting.

 

[kb1gra]

http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/oval-cut/0.56-carat-h-color-vvs2-clarity-sku-632693

That setting you really like won't take an oval, so if that one really makes you happy, send them the stone I picked out and the setting and tell them your budget and that you have a referral code and are there any other discounts available that might get it close to your number?

You never know. They've been known to work with budgets a little bit and you're really pretty close.

 

[Raemoore3]

Or this setting, my absolute favorite. Just wish it has a plain band. http://www.jamesallen.com/engagement-rings/vintage/18k-white-gold-art-deco-inspired-octagonal-halo-engagement-ring-item-53165.. In white gold, this setting is $1275 so I'd need around .5 ct or larger round for $800-$1000.

 

[kb1gra]

Ask them if that setting in 14k can take a .43 round. They say the minimum is 5 but we're talking fractions of a millimeter size differences.

If so, that one is in your price range with the round I sent over.

 

[Raemoore3]

Do you think that size would look strange in this setting? I think the setting would look good even if there was a gap between the halo and the stone, but without seeing it I can't be sure. Opinions?

 

[Niel]

http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/0.60-carat-i-color-vs2-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-694481

I like it with this one, which could be millgrained for free, and with the referral discount would be less than 2k


http://www.jamesallen.com/engagement-rings/halo/14k-white-gold-trellis-halo-diamond-engagement-ring-item-53050

 

[ac117]

Kb1gra - What do you think about this stone for OP? A smidge larger than the one you posted - do you think it would be eye clean at this size? I zoomed out and it looks very sparkly and cut looks great, but please correct me if I'm wrong!

http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/0.47-carat-d-color-si1-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-688672

 

[Raemoore3]

http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/0.60-carat-i-color-vs2-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-694481

I like it with this one, which could be millgrained for free, and with the referral discount would be less than 2k


http://www.jamesallen.com/engagement-rings/halo/14k-white-gold-trellis-halo-diamond-engagement-ring-item-53050

Love that ring, Niel!

 

[Niel]

i like the I, its a nice color and size, and well cut and in budget, but if youre concerned about color, heres another one


http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/0.50-carat-e-color-si1-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-677104

 

[Raemoore3]

Feel like an idiot, Niel, but what is miligrained? Oh, and I'm good with an I. As long as the stone doesn't look yellow, I'm good. I'm good with H-I, SI1 as long as the inclusions are black crystals or as long as it doesn't look speckled with all kinds of inclusions and is eye clean. Prefer excellent cut and at least .60 ct and for the stone to look clear. Some look really cloudy. JA is telling me that they don't put holds on diamonds any more and I won't be ordering until later today or tomorrow. Any other suggested stones?

 

[Niel]

Feel like an idiot, Niel, but what is miligrained? Oh, and I'm good with an I. As long as the stone doesn't look yellow, I'm good.

Don't feel dumb.

It's the texture you see on the metal on antique or antique style rings, like this

 

[Niel]

Feel like an idiot, Niel, but what is miligrained? Oh, and I'm good with an I. As long as the stone doesn't look yellow, I'm good. I'm good with H-I, SI1 as long as the inclusions are black crystals or as long as it doesn't look speckled with all kinds of inclusions and is eye clean. Prefer excellent cut and at least .60 ct and for the stone to look clear. Some look really cloudy. JA is telling me that they don't put holds on diamonds any more and I won't be ordering until later today or tomorrow. Any other suggested stones?

I would get that one if its still available tonight when you order

 

[Raemoore3]

Feel like an idiot, Niel, but what is miligrained? Oh, and I'm good with an I. As long as the stone doesn't look yellow, I'm good.

Don't feel dumb.

It's the texture you see on the metal on antique or antique style rings, like this

Oh, I like the non-miligrained. Gives it a more art deco look (or at least a more geometrical look). That's actually what I like most about it over other halos.

 

[Mayk]

Mayk, I am in love with that one! So I should make an offer first then if it's still over my budget do the layaway?

Call Grace. She is so awesome and easy to work with. A highly recommended vendor here.

 

[Raemoore3]

Mayk, I am in love with that one! So I should make an offer first then if it's still over my budget do the layaway?

Call Grace. She is so awesome and easy to work with. A highly recommended vendor here.

I actually looked at a close up of the center diamond on that one and it had a lot of inclusions, or at least it looked like it.

 

[Raemoore3]

I think Niel has the winner. After talking with JA on live chat, with the halo that ring would measure 10.5mm x 10.5mm which would be great finger coverage and with the referral discount it would be $1965! Thanks so much everyone! It wouldn't ship until Nov. 6th if I was able to order it today so it'll be a while, but I'll try to come back and post a pic of the finished product

I still need those alternate round stone recommendations in case *gasp* this one is sold before I can get to it.

 

[kb1gra]

I think Niel has the winner. After talking with JA on live chat, with the halo that ring would measure 10.5mm x 10.5mm which would be great finger coverage and with the referral discount it would be $1965! Thanks so much everyone! It wouldn't ship until Nov. 6th if I was able to order it today so it'll be a while, but I'll try to come back and post a pic of the finished product

I still need those alternate round stone recommendations in case *gasp* this one is sold before I can get to it.

Ask them to put it on hold for you while you make a decision on a setting. They will hold for 24 or 48 hours (I forget which).

 

[Niel]

I think Niel has the winner. After talking with JA on live chat, with the halo that ring would measure 10.5mm x 10.5mm which would be great finger coverage and with the referral discount it would be $1965! Thanks so much everyone! It wouldn't ship until Nov. 6th if I was able to order it today so it'll be a while, but I'll try to come back and post a pic of the finished product

I still need those alternate round stone recommendations in case *gasp* this one is sold before I can get to it.

Ask them to put it on hold for you while you make a decision on a setting. They will hold for 24 or 48 hours (I forget which).

She said they wouldn't let her