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Engagement Ring. $1500 budget though...

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Kamakiri

Rough_Rock
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Mar 30, 2008
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Hi everyone

I'm from Australia and been doing some research on Engagement Rings and to be honest with you the more research I'm doing the more confusing it gets. Serious... :)

Why only $1500 budget? Well we have 3 sons. We aren't exactly rich people and I can honestly say if I spend more than that it would worry her for a very long time. She would prefer the money on the house and kids. We just can't afford it and I feel like a real cheapy guy but I wish I could get her something much more so this is why I come here so I can possibly get the most out of my money to give her something special. Below is what she likes...

White gold
A ring that has the diamond bit more covered than others. So it's not poking out getting caught on everything (know what I mean?)

A nice plain wedding band that matches.

What I found out doing research it's better getting a good rating in Colour and loose a bit of Clarity? (looks better)

Cut's I'm TOTALLY confused with. Some cuts give better light omg my brain hurts (how do you guys know so much?).

Carots?

Basically I would love if someone is kind enough to give me the estimate ratings of Colour, Clarity etc and type of setting I should get for my budget.

Thanks so much guys.

PS Is buying online a good option?
 
Buying online is a great option! Give PS members some time to do a little research and get back to you. You can find a nice ring and matching band for that.
 
Hi Kamakiri,

From what I've heard, buying over here is still cheaper, even with the certain taxes and such you have to pay, than buying over there. Definitely for diamonds. I would highly recommend buying here, from a reptuable vendor. I did a quick look to see what was possible.

This is a nicely made, but inexpensive setting. It won't be sticking up enough to catch on anything, but will show the diamond off nicely.

http://www.whiteflash.com/golden-wardrobe/Gold_Details.aspx?ItemCode=ST6PW&CategID=13

And this diamond. You will get a certain % off for a PS discount. Not sure on a diamond this size, sometimes it's less than on a larger stone.

http://www.whiteflash.com/hearts_arrows/A-Cut-Above-H-A-cut-diamond-636645.htm#

For the band, you might check over there first. It might be cheaper for that, just do some pricing.


I've tried to leave enough for taxes. (but I don't know what they are)

This would make a lovely ring. Because the diamond is cut so well (top notch), it's still going to look very white, and the clarity is fine. I would have gone SI1, but there wasn't any.

HTH!

And you are sweet to buy her something at all, no matter the size.
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http://www.bluenile.com/diamonds_details.asp?__fun_frm=i&track=btntext_viewselect&elem=img&pid=LD01291070&filter_id=0

What about a diamond like that in a simple gold setting (around $300?)
 
This ring $250 http://www.whiteflash.com/golden-wardrobe/Gold_Details.aspx?ItemCode=ST4PW&CategID=13
This wedding band $82 http://www.e-weddingbands.com/store/product89716.html I like this one better than the plain domed, it''s a bit more heavy.

AND this stone
http://www.whiteflash.com/hearts_arrows/A-Cut-Above-H-A-cut-diamond-636704.htm# $1235 .53 J/VS2 This is a terrific size - measurements: 5.19-5.21X3.20


With Whiteflash, if you wire them the money, you will receive discounts off the diamond and the setting, so all of the above would come in at your $1500 mark.

The wedding band would come from www.e-weddingbands.com, a great company with reasonably priced wedding bands.

With the dainty setting and this size stone, I don''t feel she would consider it "sitting too high".
 
cinnamon, what about the taxes and stuff he would have to pay? (that''s why I shot lower)
 
What about these? They look great to me, but I'm fairly new to the whole searching process (although long-time lurker) so maybe Ellen, Cinnamon013 and Vslover can chime in with their thoughts. Also, I agree with Ellen about her comments about getting it set locally, otherwise I also like her selection of the WF setting.

http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/G-SI1-Ideal-Cut-Round-Diamond-1107838.asp

http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/G-SI1-Ideal-Cut-Round-Diamond-1036474.asp

http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/G-SI1-Ideal-Cut-Round-Diamond-1036475.asp
 
From Good Old Gold

This stone www.goodoldgold.com/diamond/3868/
0.46ct G SI1 Round H&A
price $1250.52
bankwire price $1208.22
Mention PS and bankwire the money to them to get this price.

They have many simple settings that would probably work within your budget. You''d just need to email them to see what would work best. You can also search the settings on their website.

You could get the simple wedding band from just about anywhere like Ellen said. I do think the prices at www.e-weddingbands.com is a great price.
 
Date: 3/30/2008 12:18:26 PM
Author: Ellen
cinnamon, what about the taxes and stuff he would have to pay? (that''s why I shot lower)
Good point. I forgot about him probably having to pay some import taxes. I was just thinking about that not being taxes for shipping outside of TX for Whiteflash.
 
Nice pics pocahontas! I like 2 and 3 best, with 2 being the largest. Need to check if eyeclean if interested.

And I just suggested getting the wedding band locally as it might not cost anymore than here, but not sure.
 
Date: 3/30/2008 12:13:29 PM
Author: cinnamon013
This ring $250 http://www.whiteflash.com/golden-wardrobe/Gold_Details.aspx?ItemCode=ST4PW&CategID=13

This wedding band $82 http://www.e-weddingbands.com/store/product89716.html I like this one better than the plain domed, it''s a bit more heavy.


AND this stone

http://www.whiteflash.com/hearts_arrows/A-Cut-Above-H-A-cut-diamond-636704.htm# $1235 .53 J/VS2 This is a terrific size - measurements: 5.19-5.21X3.20



With Whiteflash, if you wire them the money, you will receive discounts off the diamond and the setting, so all of the above would come in at your $1500 mark.


The wedding band would come from www.e-weddingbands.com, a great company with reasonably priced wedding bands.


With the dainty setting and this size stone, I don''t feel she would consider it ''sitting too high''.


I think there''s a good chance she might want to pick her own wedding band out....I know I wouldn''t have been psyched if DH had chosen that for me. Better to just get the E-ring for now IMO.
 
Don''t apologize for your budget! We had the same budget when we got engaged 2 years ago... but that''s why ordering from a company like WF is a great idea b/c they have an upgrade policy: if you want a larger stone at a future time you can send your first stone back and they give you a credit of your original purchase price towards a new stone. That might be something you will like having.

I seem to recall reading that the Aussie taxes + duties come out to 15%, but do a search for the word "Australia" and I am sure you will find the link you want! There are a few aussie regulars who might pop in to help you out (honey22 is one, so you can search for her topics and probably find what you need to know).

You may need to get your wedding band locally, though, since e-weddingbands.com, which has awesome prices, charges a very very large shipping fee for international orders ($50 - $100) which offsets the savings too much.

As your your questions about color/clarity... that is a personal preference! Most people on PS seem to but stones that are "eye-clean", meaning you cannot see the inclusions with the naked eye, which is usually stones in the VS2 - SI1 range. Going better than "eye-clean" in clarity costs a lot and so cuts into the size stone you can buy! Others want their stone to be "mind clean", and so they go for VS1 and occasionally VVS2, but there seem to be fewer people taking that final option. So with your budget I''d say stick to VS2 - SI1 (eye clean!!). As for color, that is a personal preference too, and people range in how "color sensitive" they are. Lots of people with a budget (including me!) go with I or J color stones because, and here is the trick, if you get an ideally cut stone that has been correctly graded for color (by AGS or GIA, those are reputable labs) then you will not see the color in the stone. So you need to make that choice for yourself. Given your budget you probably won''t get over the .50ct mark anyways, so going lower in color isn''t going to buy too much stone and you may want to stick in the "sweet spot" of G -H... an ideally cut stone in that range will look colorless and you will also be able to maximize size for your budget.

Given your situations I''d say order from Whiteflash and get an ACA stone, which is a typically safe way to get an ideally cut stone with minimal pain. That said, if you want to spend a few weeks on PS learning about cut, then you can do that too!

DD
 
To offer out some other choices since Ellen pointed out I listed one a bit high, here are some others in addition to the one she listed for your consideration.

http://www.whiteflash.com/diamonds/Compare_Diamonds.aspx?idnos=636642,636655,636641,636643,636646

All top notch cut, with varying colors of G, H, or I. All of these would face up very white given the great cut. And like Ellen said, the clarity is good on all of these basically because that''s all that is in stock right now. Only one is listed SI1, and it likely eyeclean. Just ask WF to make sure.
 
I''m still here just browsing the websites you guys all gave me. And I have to say thankyou so much. I''m def bookmarking this thread.

Correct me if I''m wrong but the AGS repoort is the ''one'' to get right? So a website claiming to have that is spot on?

And with the WF Rating on the whiteflash site. Is that the rating of the cut? So any cut that says ideal is pretty good?

And with the carots. I''m trying to picture how small it will be. I might have to go into a shop and have a look at similar ones.

Ellen Eyeclean? Whats that?

Seems like this site really likes whiteflash though? It has a really good reputation right?

Oh just a thought. My sister lives in Canada. Would this make any difference with taxes shipping etc if I get her to buy it for me sent to her address?
 
AGS is good, GIA is also. The problem is, their range on Excellent cut stones is rather large. There are several vendors that carry extremely nice GIA stones, you just need to know what you're looking for.

With WF the ACA's, and most in their Expert Selection would all be good choices.

If you go looking at sizes, make sure you write down the diameter of these stonmes we've listed. You could ask to see a .40, but if it's cut deep, it will look smaller than it should.
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Eyeclean means (to the vendors) that looking at a stone face up (down on the table) you won't see any inclusions from so many inches away. If you don't want to see anything from any distance, or from any angle (bottom, side), then tell them that and they'll let you know. And they do exist! (and don't go by the plots/pictures, must be seen!)

WF is a fine place to shop, as are many others. Part of picking a place is finding who has what you want. But WF and Goodoldgold have some of the best upgrade policies.

Not sure on the last question, hopefully someone will help.
 

Correct me if I'm wrong but the AGS repoort is the 'one' to get right? So a website claiming to have that is spot on? AGS is probably preferred around here, but you can find many GIA rated stones that will be awesome as well. Their highest category is Excellent, so look for that. I believe Ellen's is GIA rated and one I've had my eye on as an upgrade is GIA rated. Use this link on the GIA stones to see if a GIA excellent scores within the AGS Ideal range. https://www.pricescope.com/tools/hca




And with the WF Rating on the whiteflash site. Is that the rating of the cut? That's their rating. So any cut that says ideal is pretty good? Yes,very good! And if it's GIA, Excellent would be the rating listed because that is their term.




And with the carots. I'm trying to picture how small it will be. I might have to go into a shop and have a look at similar ones. When you do this, you can't compare exact weight necessarily. Poorly cut stones will not have as high size measurements. Look for something that is the measurements you are seeing on WF and GOG and that will give you a good idea.




Ellen Eyeclean? Whats that? Eyeclean varies by vendor and person. Basically, the vendor will tell you that from xx cm away, you cannot see any visible inclusions. This is determined from viewing the diamond from the top down.




Seems like this site really likes whiteflash though? It has a really good reputation right? WF has a great reputation, as does GOG and James Allen. With WF and GOG you can upgrade. With James Allen, you can as well. But I think I remember you have to spend twice as much with JA in order to do it.




Oh just a thought. My sister lives in Canada. Would this make any difference with taxes shipping etc if I get her to buy it for me sent to her address? I don't know.
 
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It sounds like everyone is finding some great diamonds for you. I think it''s a great idea to order in a great diamond and have it mounted locally. A basic solitaire would be beautiful and class and show off the gorgeous diamond. Good luck. Let us know what you get.
 
Why don''t you contact the member... Gary H (Cut Nut)? He''s in australia and frequents this forum just to give a lot useful info. and seems very knowledgable and trustworthy which is really important. He has a store in Australia.

I don''t know how much it would be, if it would be cheaper to buy online or in Australia, but I would hate to see a large chunk of your money going towards customs/shipping etc. when it could go towards your ering or wedding ring in the future.
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BlueNile says they ship to Australia:

http://www.bluenile.com/landing.asp?land=international

Mondera does too:

http://www.mondera.com/help/international_shipping.asp?mscssid=LIGYEQAZNPMVLNSCTJCQNGGHTKLWKIHQ

A bezel setting would definitely provide extra protection from bumping the ring on things, though most rings are made securely and will hold up to normal wear and tear. Or you can get a 6 prong setting for half the price.

You might look in the H-J, VS2-SI2 range to get the most bang for your buck (here''s a 1/2 carat example).

If you might upgrade the stone in the future, then Good Old Gold and White Flash are the place to go. But if not, then you might want to check out these other less personal sites that have lower priced diamonds. In your price range, it might make a big difference in the size of diamond you can afford. I picked out an AGS0 stone as my example to be on the safe side since you''re foregoing all the nice info that sites like WF and GOG provide.
 
Date: 3/30/2008 5:10:26 PM
Author: phoenixgirl

If you might upgrade the stone in the future, then Good Old Gold and White Flash are the place to go. But if not, then you might want to check out these other less personal sites that have lower priced diamonds. In your price range, it might make a big difference in the size of diamond you can afford. I picked out an AGS0 stone as my example to be on the safe side since you''re foregoing all the nice info that sites like WF and GOG provide.
Good point, except, BN is well known for telling people SI1''s are eyeclean, when they''re not. Too much of a hassle for the OP to risk, so then he''s back to VS2. Quality of Mondera is rather unknown. I suppose if he got an AGS0, there would be a good chance he got a good stone, but frankly, I''d rather recommend a sure thing, given logistics and tight budget.
 
Wasn''t there something about Australia taxes on loose diamonds being higher as opposed to a mounted stone? If this is correct, that may determine whether it''s cheaper to get the setting in Australia or online.

No need to apologize for your budget at all! What is important is you want to propose; it''s just an extra plus that you wish to buy her the best ring you can... very sweet and I''m sure she will be thrilled (especially when you purchase one of these gorgeous, top notch stones like suggested)!

Going with a company like WF or Good Old Gold is great because you get a stunning, above average diamond and they offer upgrades.
 
Hi Kamakiri

I''m in Australia and recently got my ring from Whiteflash. I paid around $100 for shipping, plus another $100 for customs duties and charges, and 10% GST on the purchase price. With the wire transfer, the bank''s exchange rate was worse than the current rate, so you will have to take that into consideration too.

If your budget is AUS$1500 all up, including shipping, you should take all that into account. We ended up going about $400 over our budget because of that, eventhough the actual purchase price of the ring was under budget.

With regard to size, go into your local jewellers and have a look at different carat rings. I know that the cut will make some look bigger or smaller than average, but these differences will be fractions of millimetres. Unless you have super good eyes, you probably won''t notice the difference. Try on different styles of rings, and see which you like best. Also Round Brilliant cut will face up larger than other cuts, like square shapes.

Good luck!
 
Hi Kamakiri :) I also live in Australia and I agree you will get more for you money even with taxes buying US then buying locally. As for you budget I think that is a great amount to get your SO something really beautiful :):):):)and sparklie that will make her swoooon :).

I personally am going through GOG one of the nice things about them is when your buying from OS is the video's to me it helped because I got a really good idea of how the diamond would look :). But any of the PS vendors should be able to help you :).

You will pay more duties having the ring set I believe but after talking to another Aussie poster arunjajane here even with the increased duties it was still cheaper to have the ring set OS and sent back here, she will possibly be able to clarify.

I would suggest going to a couple of local upscale stores to have a look at some AGS0 diamonds that are well cut to check your colour and clarity tolerances a well cut stone will hide more colour then a poorly cut one.

GL :)


Just wanted to add an option as well

This stone G SI1 if eyeclean could be a possibility

Plus this setting In white or Yellow Gold

Comes to $1110USD leaving $263.70 USD for any import duties at the current exchange rate :)
 
What about something like this?

.46 I, SI1 GIA EX/EX $705 wire

In this white gold bezel setting (which will not only protect the diamond, it''ll make it look bigger!):

Bezel Setting, white gold $350

Total = $1055 + Int. shipping $100 = $1155
 
Date: 3/30/2008 9:45:19 PM
Author: Deelight
Hi Kamakiri :) I also live in Australia and I agree you will get more for you money even with taxes buying US then buying locally. As for you budget I think that is a great amount to get your SO something really beautiful :):):):)and sparklie that will make her swoooon :).

I personally am going through GOG one of the nice things about them is when your buying from OS is the video''s to me it helped because I got a really good idea of how the diamond would look :). But any of the PS vendors should be able to help you :).

You will pay more duties having the ring set I believe but after talking to another Aussie poster arunjajane here even with the increased duties it was still cheaper to have the ring set OS and sent back here, she will possibly be able to clarify.

I would suggest going to a couple of local upscale stores to have a look at some AGS0 diamonds that are well cut to check your colour and clarity tolerances a well cut stone will hide more colour then a poorly cut one.

GL :)


Just wanted to add an option as well

This stone G SI1 if eyeclean could be a possibility

Plus this setting In white or Yellow Gold

Comes to $1110USD leaving $263.70 USD for any import duties at the current exchange rate :)
You rang..? he he
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Hi Kamakiri, as Dee metioned I''m also an aussie who (thankfully) has found PS and decided to purchase from OS (GOG). I think you''ve made a great start by looking on here and asking for help, thats very commendable!
It looks like you''ve been given some great ideas, so i''ll leave that bit to the pro''s.

Just a note on the customs, you may wanna check for yourself, but this was the info I was given; its a bit confusing, so stick with me!
DUTY
- If it is a loose diamond, you pay no Duty.
- If you have a diamond and a setting, but the diamond is not yet set, you pay 5% duty on the cost of the setting only.
- If the diamond is set, you pay 10% duty on the cost of the diamond and the setting.
GST:
You have to pay 10 % GST on the total cost (ie. diamond, setting, shipping and duty).
There wil also be a processing fee, about $69.

I''m pretty sure this is correct- i know there''s a thread where Honey22 and I discussed this previous (she is also Aussie), but I couldn''t find it at the moment. i will keep looking.
So, if you wanted to be a bit tricky, you could ask ur vendor to list your diamond and setting separately on your invoice to save a couple bucks - however I may be concerned about implications for insurance..?
Sorry if i''m confusing you further!
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But anyway, the moral is, with all the charges it still works out Alot cheaper than buying locally - certainly for diamonds, and in my experience also for settings.

I know some have mentioned finding a setting locally, which is a good idea also - just personally though, I researched this abit and I would still prefer to have my OS vendor set my stone, as at least you know it will be 100% covered. I found resistance from stores here about setting a stone thats not theirs, and they certainly won''t insure it!

I hope this helps fill in a few of the blanks - you''re in good hands here and I''m sure you will be able to find a fantastic ring for your lady and stay within budget. please don''t hesitate to ask if you have any Q''s
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Hi there. Sorry, just catching up with PS after work!

Like you, I''m an Aussie too, and I say GO WHITEFLASH!!! I tried to find a stone online here from Diamond exchange and that was a disaster. Most of their stock is overseas, so by the time they get you the certs and check availability, the darn thing is sold already and they don''t have much new stock to chose from fast enough.

I discounted buying from a B&M stone mainly due to the crazy prices and the horse-s**t they fed me while looking for stones.

The settings I saw at Diamond exchange were very ordinary, looked quite cheap in my opinion $600 mark YG). If I wanted to make small changes such as thinning out the band, I needed have it made for around the $1000 mark, which is a massive chunk of your budget, do I would really say no go. Other jewellers in Melb will charge you around the $800-1000 mark for setting a stone in a simple yellow gold solitaire setting, so I would say no go there either.

So, I ended up with a gorgeous ACA from WF and could not be happier. Paid less than I would have here and got a much better ring, no question. The quality and workmanship is perfect and I cannot say enough of their customer service. Lesley is absolutely fantastic. If you give her your budget (convert to US first) she will be able to find you a stone that fits your tastes and budget and then allow roughly 15% for import fees. If you search under my posts, you will see I have actually broken down the exact fees and charges I paid, for the ring, import taxes, GST etc, so that will give you an idea of what you are up for. Honestly, even if it''s say $100-200 over budget, I would truly say stretch it if you can, you so won''t be disappointed.

Also, you won''t avoid the customs duties by having your sister send it to you, or bring it into the country. If she sends it, she will need to declare the contents for insurance, and that will get picked up by customs upon entry into Australia. If she actually gets on a plane and brings it, she will also need to declare when she comes through customs and she will have to pay then. If you don''t declare it and they find it in a bag search, she runs the risk of getting fined and paying the duties. I have heard to someone who wore the ring to avoid paying duties, customs found the receipt and then slapped them an invoice for the duties. They are dilligent little buggers. Also, it won''t be insured until you take posession of the ring, so if she loses it on the plane, game over. WF will ship it with insurance so I just arranged my homeowners insurance to cover it from the second Fedex handed over the box (I actually called to confirm this before I left the Fedex office!).

Good luck! How exciting for you, she is going to love her new ering!!!
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Date: 3/30/2008 5:10:26 PM
Author: phoenixgirl
BlueNile says they ship to Australia:

http://www.bluenile.com/landing.asp?land=international

Mondera does too:

http://www.mondera.com/help/international_shipping.asp?mscssid=LIGYEQAZNPMVLNSCTJCQNGGHTKLWKIHQ

A bezel setting would definitely provide extra protection from bumping the ring on things, though most rings are made securely and will hold up to normal wear and tear. Or you can get a 6 prong setting for half the price.

You might look in the H-J, VS2-SI2 range to get the most bang for your buck (here''s a 1/2 carat example).

If you might upgrade the stone in the future, then Good Old Gold and White Flash are the place to go. But if not, then you might want to check out these other less personal sites that have lower priced diamonds. In your price range, it might make a big difference in the size of diamond you can afford. I picked out an AGS0 stone as my example to be on the safe side since you''re foregoing all the nice info that sites like WF and GOG provide.
I would just seriously go with WF or GOG, they both ship to australia, and like ellen mentioned, i believe are more of a "sure thing"..
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Date: 3/30/2008 11:27:55 AM
Author:Kamakiri
I feel like a real cheapy guy

Hey Kamakiri

Remember that old cliché about "It''s the thought that counts"? It''s kinda true, especially with something like this. The thought and effort you''re putting into finding the perfect ring for her is worth more than the money ever will be. Even if you had more money, would you really want to spend it on a bigger stone? I''d rather take her out to dinner, or for a special holiday somewhere. Spend the money and time with the family. The memories of that will mean more than having a shiny ring.

With something like an engagement ring it really is the thought and emotion behind it that counts. At the end of the day a diamond is just a rock, and the love you have for your partner will always be worth more.
 
Date: 3/31/2008 4:49:59 AM
Author: Splinter

Date: 3/30/2008 11:27:55 AM
Author:Kamakiri
I feel like a real cheapy guy

Hey Kamakiri

Remember that old cliché about ''It''s the thought that counts''? It''s kinda true, especially with something like this. The thought and effort you''re putting into finding the perfect ring for her is worth more than the money ever will be. Even if you had more money, would you really want to spend it on a bigger stone? I''d rather take her out to dinner, or for a special holiday somewhere. Spend the money and time with the family. The memories of that will mean more than having a shiny ring.

With something like an engagement ring it really is the thought and emotion behind it that counts. At the end of the day a diamond is just a rock, and the love you have for your partner will always be worth more.
Very nicely said Splinter, well done!
BTW, I love ur avatar, does that mean ur lady sports a gorgeous half carat stone?
I think Kamakiri has a budget thats just fine for an ering - many people, like my mother, don''t get a diamond rind until after 20years of marriiage. As you said, in this situation it really is the effort and thoughtfulness that counts.
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Date: 3/31/2008 7:07:29 AM
Author: arjunajane

BTW, I love ur avatar, does that mean ur lady sports a gorgeous half carat stone?


Thanks for the compliment. I like drawing in Adobe/Macromedia Flash. She doesn''t have a stone yet (or really suspect one is heading her way
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). I''m on the hunt for the perfect half carat with a custom setting. She doesn''t like anything too flashy, so I''m keeping it small, elegant and getting the best quality I can find. 0.5 carat (maybe up to a .75), D, VS1, AGS Ideal, etc.

This is what I mean when I say it''s not about how much you spend. It''s about the effort and thought behind it.
 
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