Engagement ring buying armature needs help

[dave2521]

Good Morning/Afternoon/Evening everyone,

Let me start with some basic back story and information. I have been dating my girlfriend for just under two years now, and we have opening talked about and shopped for engagement rings. She is semi difficult to shop for regarding the setting because she wants the setting to be very specific. She is also the type of women who doesn't want to do upgrading at any point to the ring/band/diamond. This is challenging for me because I do not have a huge budget but a decent one and I want to get the perfect setting/diamond within my budget. I would like for the total cost of everything including the wedding band (if possible) to be under $6,500... I am willing to stretch it a little if needed.

I have lurked on this site for about two weeks trying to gain knowledge that I can use to make the big purchase but I feel I have hit a personal standstill and need some advise, so here goes.

She loves one specific setting from Shaneco, and while i have attempted to show her what i consider very similar settings from whiteflash, bluenile, jamesallen etc, she seems to only like this one specific setting from shaneco. She likes it because it comes with the engagement ring and the wedding band, and personally I think that is a huge selling point for me too considering I then do not have to go out and buy a wedding band for her. She also wants the diamond from shaneco for their warranty on it.

Here is the shaneco setting: http://www.shaneco.com/detail/classic-diamond-wedding-set-with-pave-setting/41042383

Here is where it starts to get a little tricky for me, at least I think so. When I went down there to check out their selection of diamonds, they seemed WAY over priced. The Diamond they showed me was a .6ct, VS2, F, Shane Classic (excellent cut) with a HCA of 2.1. It was priced at $4,240... but they said they would give me a "discount" down to $3,590. I still think it is a little high at the discounted price.

Here is the GIA cert info for reference http://www.gia.edu/cs/Satellite?rep...ename=GIA/Dispatcher&c=Page&cid=1355954554547

Looking online through shaneco's website I tend to find better prices for the quality of diamonds, but the HCA score drops considerably (around 5.5 for most)

What this all comes down to is that I feel that shaneco's setting and diamond quality are OK at best, some are better than others. Should I keep searching to find the PERFECT diamond from shaneco due to their warranty and having it all done in one place, or buy the setting from shaneco and diamond from online and have shaneco set it?

Also if anyone can find any, or knows of what other settings that look very similar to the shaneco one that comes with the matching band please link them, i would appreciate that so much!

 

[tyty333]

For $4k you should at least be able to get a .8 G VS2/eye clean SI1.

How much does Shane charge to set an outside stone? Is it $300?

 

[pfunk]

For $4k you should at least be able to get a .8 G VS2/eye clean SI1.

How much does Shane charge to set an outside stone? Is it $300?

I believe the charge is $3 per point if I remember correctly.

 

[Chihuahua6]

Hello. I am a woman also very choosy and picking out my own diamond and designing my own setting so maybe I can help you out here ; ) The setting and band are very pretty but not unique, meaning that she can get that style of pave and head at many other stores. I'm not sure exactly what she likes about them that she isn't seeing anywhere else but she can also have a custom ring made for her from several of the recommended vendors here and likely at a much better quality.

The issue I have with the ones you posted is that they don't state the color and clarity of the diamonds in the setting and ring. I would never buy a piece of jewelry without knowing exactly what I am buying.

Now the issue I have with the diamond you posted (I haven't even checked to see if it's cut well st this point) is that it is indeed overpriced, even if it turned out to be an ideal cut diamond. Here is a diamond with the exact same specs, cut almost to perfection, for $2,300: http://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-3231094.htm

I have to run but i will write more when i get back.

 

[ccuheartnurse]

Hi There,
Congratulations on your next step. Now...** breath **.

I dont have a chance right now to go looking for stones & there are others that are better skilled than I am that will chime in to help you.

In regards to the setting she chose, while very beautiful, is a common look. That being said, there are a lot of variations on that look. You mention she is "semi difficult" & "isn't the type of woman to do any upgrading". In this light, my suggestion to you is to buy a presentation setting & allow her the option of choosing her own setting. However, you know her best & if she wants to be surprised & have you pick it, then thats what you shall do.

 

[tyty333]

Here are some options worth taking a look at...Couldnt find a G/VS1 unless I go down in size.

http://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-3222867.htm
http://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-3222864.htm

Whiteflash has other nice ones too.

I check JA but for the price I didnt see anything that beat the WF stones.

Edit - do you want more size or higher (DEF) color? G/H in a well cut stone is considered a sweet spot unless you are really
color sensitive.

 

[Niel]

so.. i know you said she didnt like anything you showed her.... BUT, im still going to try as BG is having a sale, and this would get it all on one place, stay at 6.5k, and be ammaazzziiinngg


http://www.briangavindiamonds.com/diamonds/diamond-details/0.718-g-vs2-round-diamond-ags-bl-104077586056

http://www.briangavindiamonds.com/engagement-rings/pave-and-side-stones/six-prong-fishtail-pave-18k-white-gold-5509w18

http://www.briangavindiamonds.com/wedding-and-anniversary-bands/eternity-bands/fishtail-pave-matching-band-18k-white-gold-5477w18

read about the sale here... im sorry if my math wasnt quite right, but it should be.

http://www.briangavindiamonds.com/diamond-madness


ETA: they have other stones in the .6 ct size in colorless, but id get 10 points larger and go for the G

 

[dave2521]

For $4k you should at least be able to get a .8 G VS2/eye clean SI1.

How much does Shane charge to set an outside stone? Is it $300?

When I was there and asked about setting an outside stone, they advised me it would be $300, so i am going to assume on that being the correct price, but be very happy if it is less.

Hello. I am a woman also very choosy and picking out my own diamond and designing my own setting so maybe I can help you out here ; ) The setting and band are very pretty but not unique, meaning that she can get that style of pave and head at many other stores. I'm not sure exactly what she likes about them that she isn't seeing anywhere else but she can also have a custom ring made for her from several of the recommended vendors here and likely at a much better quality.

Even though she says no, i think her big thing is the shaneco warranty that is clouding her mind to any other settings.

In regards to the setting she chose, while very beautiful, is a common look. That being said, there are a lot of variations on that look. You mention she is "semi difficult" & "isn't the type of woman to do any upgrading". In this light, my suggestion to you is to buy a presentation setting & allow her the option of choosing her own setting. However, you know her best & if she wants to be surprised & have you pick it, then thats what you shall do.

Thanks for the "breath" comment, its be a somewhat stressful time but fun and exciting too.

As I mentioned above, I think she is moved by the fact that she can take that setting to shaneco any time to have it cleaned, inspected, repaired etc. I think the ring is beautiful, but agree it is a little more common. my concern is about their center diamonds.

Should i be concerned also about the quality of the setting from Shaneco? or is it safe to buyit since it is the one she likes the best?

Here is the only diamond i found online that i like from shaneco:

.79, VS1, G, Shane Classic (Excellent cut) 1.7HCA - $4435 http://www.gia.edu/cs/Satellite?pag...&c=Page&cid=1355954554547&reportno=6182043388

Here is a diamond from Brian Gavin that matches the price closely:

.832, SI1, H, Ideal, 1.1 HCA - $4273 http://www.briangavindiamonds.com/d...ls/0.832-h-si1-round-diamond-ags-104074030005

I am sure there are other quality diamonds out there but i am not the best searching from them yet!

 

[dave2521]

Here are some options worth taking a look at...Couldnt find a G/VS1 unless I go down in size.

http://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-3222867.htm
http://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-3222864.htm

Whiteflash has other nice ones too.

I check JA but for the price I didnt see anything that beat the WF stones.

Edit - do you want more size or higher (DEF) color? G/H in a well cut stone is considered a sweet spot unless you are really
color sensitive.

I was looking anywhere from E-H color and SI1-VS1 Clarity. hoping for at least a .75 stone and Cut is my most important factor... I want that thing to SPARKLE like that dude from Twilight... Bad comparison I know!

 

[Niel]

get her what she wants. but honestly, most independent jewlers that ive used in my area will clean and inspect any diamond ring...for free.

And as for the quality of that shane and co? I dont love it. The head is a peg head vs an integrated head. I do think the head makes it look a tad less expensive than say, the BG setting.

 

[msop04]

get her what she wants. but honestly, most independent jewlers that ive used in my area will clean and inspect any diamond ring...for free.

And as for the quality of that shane and co? I dont love it. The head is a peg head vs an integrated head. I do think the head makes it look a tad less expensive than say, the BG setting.

I second this... the BG setting is 1000x better than the one from Shane Co.

 

[RockyRacoon]

get her what she wants. but honestly, most independent jewlers that ive used in my area will clean and inspect any diamond ring...for free.

And as for the quality of that shane and co? I dont love it. The head is a peg head vs an integrated head. I do think the head makes it look a tad less expensive than say, the BG setting.

Listen to what Niel is telling you here!

The BGD options she suggested are great.

 

[ccuheartnurse]

Here's a pretty setting from Whiteflash & has a different head than the BGD one. Is a bit cheaper too which might help your budget.

http://www.whiteflash.com/engagement-rings/diamond-settings/harmony-diamond-engagement-ring-878.htm

 

[Niel]

Here's a pretty setting from Whiteflash & has a different head than the BGD one. Is a bit cheaper too which might help your budget.

http://www.whiteflash.com/engagement-rings/diamond-settings/harmony-diamond-engagement-ring-878.htm

I suspect if she's particular, she probably will notice that it has 2 less prongs in the head. Just something to consider, that might be why all the ones you've showed her haven't been sufficient, though they were similar

 

[ccuheartnurse]

Thank you for that observation.

 

[Niel]

Thank you for that observation.

It was actually for the OP...

 

[dave2521]

Here's a pretty setting from Whiteflash & has a different head than the BGD one. Is a bit cheaper too which might help your budget.

http://www.whiteflash.com/engagement-rings/diamond-settings/harmony-diamond-engagement-ring-878.htm

I suspect if she's particular, she probably will notice that it has 2 less prongs in the head. Just something to consider, that might be why all the ones you've showed her haven't been sufficient, though they were similar

Funny you mention that, she wants 4 prongs not 6... and I acutally showed her that exact setting from whiteflash and her reaction was "I dont like it"

I think one thing she is afraid of is having to pay for the minor repairs like re-plating it and if a small stone falls out etc, thats why i think she is stuck on shaneco regardless of the quality

Edit: I think I may just consider buying one from BGD or Whiteflash and when i go to propose, if she still wants the shane then we will change it then.

 

[SparkleGrind]

Hi Dave,

We are in nearly identical situations. I am seeking a rock with almost the same specs (in fact you can find my post just like this one a few below here), and looking at bands exactly like the one you are. The way you described your girl even sounds like mine, and we have been together about 2 years as well! Seriously weird combing through your post and picking out the similarities.

Good luck to you, this whole thing can be a bit overwhelming. Maybe we can compare notes along the way. When do you plan to pop the question?

 

[dave2521]

Hi Dave,

We are in nearly identical situations. I am seeking a rock with almost the same specs (in fact you can find my post just like this one a few below here), and looking at bands exactly like the one you are. The way you described your girl even sounds like mine, and we have been together about 2 years as well! Seriously weird combing through your post and picking out the similarities.

Good luck to you, this whole thing can be a bit overwhelming. Maybe we can compare notes along the way. When do you plan to pop the question?

My plan is to do it within the month. Id like to do it on 04/04 since that will be our two years, and she loves the # 4 so would make it very special to her I feel.


Good luck to you also!

 

[RockyRacoon]

Hi Dave,

We are in nearly identical situations. I am seeking a rock with almost the same specs (in fact you can find my post just like this one a few below here), and looking at bands exactly like the one you are. The way you described your girl even sounds like mine, and we have been together about 2 years as well! Seriously weird combing through your post and picking out the similarities.

Good luck to you, this whole thing can be a bit overwhelming. Maybe we can compare notes along the way. When do you plan to pop the question?

My plan is to do it within the month. Id like to do it on 04/04 since that will be our two years, and she loves the # 4 so would make it very special to her I feel.


Good luck to you also!

If that is your timeline, you should be reaching out to BGD or WF TODAY!

 

[msop04]

Here's a pretty setting from Whiteflash & has a different head than the BGD one. Is a bit cheaper too which might help your budget.

http://www.whiteflash.com/engagement-rings/diamond-settings/harmony-diamond-engagement-ring-878.htm

I suspect if she's particular, she probably will notice that it has 2 less prongs in the head. Just something to consider, that might be why all the ones you've showed her haven't been sufficient, though they were similar

Funny you mention that, she wants 4 prongs not 6... and I acutally showed her that exact setting from whiteflash and her reaction was "I dont like it"

I think one thing she is afraid of is having to pay for the minor repairs like re-plating it and if a small stone falls out etc, thats why i think she is stuck on shaneco regardless of the quality

Edit: I think I may just consider buying one from BGD or Whiteflash and when i go to propose, if she still wants the shane then we will change it then.

I think this is a wise decision... the difference in workmanship will be obvious, and she'll really appreciate the quality! Good luck to you, OP!

 

[Cricketcat]

As one who finally broke ties with Shane Co. last year after close to ten years of dealing with them, PLEASE don't let their warranty influence you. Please purchase jewelry insurance and listen to the advise given by others here to you. That warranty kept me going back, not being able to get things taken care of satisfactorily, and never having peace of mind until I said enough. I finally purchased a Brian Gavin diamond and eventually had a local jeweler who does manufacturing make a platinum solitaire setting. It was done right the first time. Before I had the setting made, I had taken the diamond from Brian Gavin into Shane Co. to have it set in one of their settings I already had. Before I could tell them the value of the diamond, the sales associate gave an estimate of the diamond's replacement at over three times the amount I paid for it. I just wanted to share my experience.

 

[dave2521]

As one who finally broke ties with Shane Co. last year after close to ten years of dealing with them, PLEASE don't let their warranty influence you. Please purchase jewelry insurance and listen to the advise given by others here to you. That warranty kept me going back, not being able to get things taken care of satisfactorily, and never having peace of mind until I said enough. I finally purchased a Brian Gavin diamond and eventually had a local jeweler who does manufacturing make a platinum solitaire setting. It was done right the first time. Before I had the setting made, I had taken the diamond from Brian Gavin into Shane Co. to have it set in one of their settings I already had. Before I could tell them the value of the diamond, the sales associate gave an estimate of the diamond's replacement at over three times the amount I paid for it. I just wanted to share my experience.

Powerful words, thank you. I feel I will lean away from shane co due to some of the stories and opinions i have read on this forum. The convince of having a store near where she can go drop it off for repairs and cleaning I think is great, but like you said, would it be always done to a satisfactory level?

I think i will also change my timeline for my proposal since I want to start researching anew again given these vendors that you all have listed.

Based on the two in this thread, Whiteflash and BrianGavin diamonds, who is better for quality, customer service, and price?

And should I look elsewhere online? One thing that i noticed about these two sites is the fact I can get a LOT of information regarding the diamonds they sell including plots, gem certs, and different scope views. are there any other sites that offer that level of detail?

 

[RockyRacoon]

As one who finally broke ties with Shane Co. last year after close to ten years of dealing with them, PLEASE don't let their warranty influence you. Please purchase jewelry insurance and listen to the advise given by others here to you. That warranty kept me going back, not being able to get things taken care of satisfactorily, and never having peace of mind until I said enough. I finally purchased a Brian Gavin diamond and eventually had a local jeweler who does manufacturing make a platinum solitaire setting. It was done right the first time. Before I had the setting made, I had taken the diamond from Brian Gavin into Shane Co. to have it set in one of their settings I already had. Before I could tell them the value of the diamond, the sales associate gave an estimate of the diamond's replacement at over three times the amount I paid for it. I just wanted to share my experience.

Powerful words, thank you. I feel I will lean away from shane co due to some of the stories and opinions i have read on this forum. The convince of having a store near where she can go drop it off for repairs and cleaning I think is great, but like you said, would it be always done to a satisfactory level?

I think i will also change my timeline for my proposal since I want to start researching anew again given these vendors that you all have listed.

Based on the two in this thread, Whiteflash and BrianGavin diamonds, who is better for quality, customer service, and price?

And should I look elsewhere online? One thing that i noticed about these two sites is the fact I can get a LOT of information regarding the diamonds they sell including plots, gem certs, and different scope views. are there any other sites that offer that level of detail?

Two other vendors to add to the fold are High Performance Diamonds and Good Old Gold.

Depending on which vendor has the setting you prefer, any of these vendors (along with Whiteflash and Brian Gavin) will provide you with the details you need to make an informed decision.

Smart move to take your time - reach out to these folks and see what they can do for you!

 

[Niel]

The stones will be lovely from either.... Base your choice off which place can most accurately create a setting like the one she liked.

I just think the sale at BG, plus the fact the setting is so similar to your inspiration setting, I'd go that route. Its pretty much the size you wanted to get to as well, and what, with the sale its 6510? Or something

 

[momma2boys]

Hello! I will just chime in here. At one point I switched out my wedding set and we purchased a set from Shane Co. At the time, I didn't want to spend too much money to make the change. Well, let me tell you - the craftsmanship and overall quality were just average. At first I didn't want to admit that to myself, BUT I did realize it and am so glad that I did...and I still so grateful that my husband supported me throughout the process. I will say that I had excellent customer service throughout my journey with them, but that by no means was enough to make me want to keep those rings. Anyway, I respect what you're trying to do here and if you can convince your SO to opt for a better quality set - GO FOR IT. You both will be so pleased in the end.

Good luck and keep us posted!!

 

[dave2521]

I actually think i found a pretty nice diamond at shaneco... can you please review it and tell me what you think..

Brilliant Round Diamond
Carat Weight: 0.74
Color: H Clarity: VS2
Cut: Shane Classic
AGS Cert - http://www.agslab.com/pdf_sync_reports/1040371660069-PDQDFK.PDF
.9HCA

$3825

 

[dave2521]

Sorry here is the correct link for the cert

Http://www.agslab.com/pdf_sync_reports/1040371660069-PDQDFK.PDF

 

[pfunk]

I actually think i found a pretty nice diamond at shaneco... can you please review it and tell me what you think..

Brilliant Round Diamond
Carat Weight: 0.74
Color: H Clarity: VS2
Cut: Shane Classic
AGS Cert - http://www.agslab.com/pdf_sync_reports/1040371660069-PDQDFK.PDF
.9HCA

$3825

Yeah, that is a nice stone and likely one of the best you will find from them. Price is a little higher than online, but not terrible. Here is something similar online, though it doesnt have the AGS grading.
https://enchanteddiamonds.com/diamonds/view/R75-LCVY36

 

[dave2521]

After looking last night and showing her some of the settings i found at enchanted diamonds, whiteflash and brian gavin, she still likes the shanco one the best... and again I do not feel there is anything wrong with it, considering the diamond i found on there website last night I think it is a great diamond.

My biggest concern is that she mentioned to me last night when i was showing her settings online is that she would feel so bad if she didnt like a ring bought online because she cant see it in person first, and she wouldnt want to return it.

who knew this part would be stressful

Im leaning toward the shaneco one at this point only because of the fact she has seen it in person and loved it, and i think i found a pretty nice diamond there.