Engagement ring - budget $2,500

[lesco]

I posted recently re. upgrading my e-ring. However, I''ve decided to keep my ring as is. As I prepare for shopping for a new one, I have the following questions. 1- With a budget of about $2,500, what kind of carat size diamond will I be able to get without sacrificing the cut, of course. 2- Will I be able to afford a basic platinum 6 prong setting with this budget?

 

[Ellen]

Hi lesco,

I would seriously consider WG for a setting, as Platinum would eat up a lot of the budget. As for the stone, it all depends on how low in color and clarity you''re willing to go.

 

[milton333]

I can get you close.

You can get a .74, F, SI2, Expert Selection for $2429 after wire transfer discount, with this 6 prong Tiffany in white gold for $195.

Here is a .72, G, SI2, Expert Selection for $2195 (see setting above).

This is a .708, H, SI2, ACA, $2374 with wire transfer and PS discount.

There are several others in the .55 - .60 range slightly under your budget that would allow you a slightly more elaborate setting.

From Good Old Gold, also nice, a .64, E, SI1 for $2295 with wire transfer. You'd have to call to ask about white gold settings to go with.

This is a .77, I, SI2 that is pushing the edge of your budget at $2463.

There are probably lots more at James Allen and Blue Nile, these are just examples. Whiteflash has one of the cheapest white gold settings out there, 4- or 6-prong Tiffany-esque for $195. At BN, I think their most basic settings starts at $350. Not sure for the others. I'd get the most stone you can, then maybe upgrade the setting some day.

ETA: Re: platinum, I'd say no for now. The WF basic setting jumps about $300 from white gold to platinum. With your budget, I'd stay with white gold for now to maximize the stone.

 

[Sparkalicious]

$2,500 should be able to obtain the highest quality cut and still get you a lovely diamond somewhere around the 0.70 ct range.... A simple white gold setting would run you about $195 ... Unfortunately, platinum would be significantly more.

What are your desired color & clarity range?

If you are looking for a top notch cut & something in the D-E-F color range, I found a diamond for you on Whiteflash that you might like ... just outside of your budget but it''s always worth a shot to inquire with Whiteflash to see if they are able to work the price down a little. If they''ve had the latitude, they''ve been more than accomodating with me previously.

0.735 F/SI1 A Cut Above, $3,135 (bank wire price)

This SI1 looks as though it might be "eyeclean" or there will be no visible inclusions apparent to the unaided eye. You can certainly confirm this with the vendor as well.

Also -- Keep in mind if you are purchasing online you may not have to pay tax on your purchase if you live outside of the vendor''s state.

I hope this help and good luck with your search!

 

[Ellen]

Spark, I think that stone may be too much, since it''s $635 over budget. Are you sure you meant to post that one?

 

[Lorelei]

I found this setting as an example of a platinum setting that sounds similar to what Lesco wants, and it is around $1200, so that would leave him $1300 for the diamond thereabouts.....So either he would have to go for a smaller non branded cut diamond to help the budget, especially as you can pay a premium for a branded cut, there are Expert Selection diamonds and other great cuts out there which may work, and lower colour and clarity, or a WG setting for now, then he could upgrade to platinum later.

Lesco, I would suggest perhaps a non branded diamond which is still well cut, and perhaps a nice middleground of G or H colour and SI1 or even SI2 clarity. As long as the cut is good and the diamond eyeclean, this might be the best way to get a great diamond on your budget.

http://www.whiteflash.com/Engagement-Rings/Styles/Solitaire/Classic-tiffany-style-Knife-Edge_1137.htm

This is a good example of a possible choice from James Allen, if you want to put much of your budget into the platinum setting, this is what you could get for the diamond. Also do check with the vendor especially when selecting SI clarity diamonds, that they are eyeclean and will match your expectations of 'eyecleanliness.'

http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/G-SI1-Ideal-Cut-Round-Diamond-1122703.asp?b=16&a=12&c=77&cid=131

 

[Sparkalicious]

Date: 2/2/2008 2:11:20 PM
Author: Ellen
Spark, I think that stone may be too much, since it''s $635 over budget. Are you sure you meant to post that one?

Sure did ...

Just presenting options and pricing perspective ... Ultimately, lesco can decide how "malleable" the budget is and whether or not this will absolutely not be in the budget.

Maybe it''s just the incorrigle enabling gene in me but I know when I was looking, I started out thinking that I knew what my budget was but that drastically changed once I realized or determined exactly what it was that I was looking for ...

Lesco, I hope you don''t mind me posting a diamond that is outside of your stated budget ... It''s just a thought as it looks like a beauty and might be perfect if you are seeking something in the D - E- F range ... If not ... by all means, since you can''t delete it ... disregard.

Good luck on your search!

 

[lesco]

Thank you for all of the suggestions. Never though my budget would allow for a .7 diamond. I thought it would be more along the lines of a .4 -.5 carat range. I will look at these more closely once I get home.
I guess platinum is not the way to go for now. Agreed, once I find a nice stone, the setting can be changed later on.