Engagement Ring Dilemma

[SkiRush]

Hello all, I'm new to the forum and I'm looking for help with my ring dilemma. My budget is about $5k. It would be great if I could spend less, but...

Anyway, here's the dilemma. My girlfriend picked out the following ring at Helzberg's.

http://www.helzberg.com/product/engagement+%26+wedding/helzberg+radiant+star/3-4ct+diamond+engagement+ring%2C+igi+graded+1656936.do?sortby=ourPicks


I have a few problems with it, and they are as follows:

1. The center stone is ONLY a .75 carat stone. Which, to me, is too small for the over $5000 price tag!

2. I am not buying into their "Radiant Star" claims. I think it's more of a gimmick than anything.

3. It is only set in 14 karat white gold. I think it should be 18k for that price.

4. Neither of us particularly like the sales people at any Helzberg store, they are like car salesman.


So, you might be wondering what the dilemma is. The problem is that darn setting. She loves it. I have looked in a dozen stores and even looked through catalogs in stores, and I can NOT find a setting like that. Forgive me, I did find one, but it was at a local jeweler who wanted $3000 just for the band and claimed it needed a 1.25 carat stone minimum! So, obviously that was way over my budget.

I've asked her if she would not mind a solitaire. I think she might be ok with it, but would probably like the helzberg one better (I think she really likes that one).

I just can't see paying nearly $6000 with tax for a .75 center stone. That seems nuts to me. I would rather get a 1.25 solitaire so I feel like I'm getting my money's worth.

Does anyone have suggestions on where to find a setting that is like the one from Helzberg? I don't want to buy from them because I think they are over-priced and pushy.

I feel like if I buy it from Helzberg, I might make her happy, but I will feel like I just got majorly ripped off.

Please help.

 

[D&T]

Ok... fixed your link, and for those of us who are too lazy to copy and paste your link

here it is

http://www.helzberg.com/product/engagement+%26+wedding/helzberg+radiant+star/3-4ct+diamond+engagement+ring%2C+igi+graded+1656936.do?sortby=ourPicks


There are many designer settings like this, as well as many of the PS vendor can make you this setting, so I would definitely scratch the getting it from helzberg so you can get more bang for your buck and better center stone...

let me go searching...be right back

so your GF likes the shape correct? cushion diamond. There are different variations and looks to cushions

 

[SkiRush]

Thanks for fixing the link, sorry it didn''t work when I posted it. And yes, either cushion or princess. Thanks for the help.


http://www.whiteflash.com/golden-wardrobe/Gold_Details.aspx?ItemCode=350&size=5.50#

I found the one above on Whiteflash. I never heard of whiteflash before, I just came across it while searching on this site. It''s really close, but doesn''t have the diamonds on the inside and outside of the band, just the one side.

 

[D&T]

Here is something similar... Vatche Grace setting

http://www.exceldiamonds.com/-Engagement-Rings-5/Diamond-Accent-Engagement-Rings-12/Vatche-Grace-Diamond-Ring--180-1540.html

 

[D&T]

Date: 12/2/2009 9:39:28 PM
Author: SkiRush
Thanks for fixing the link, sorry it didn''t work when I posted it. And yes, either cushion or princess. Thanks for the help.


http://www.whiteflash.com/golden-wardrobe/Gold_Details.aspx?ItemCode=350&size=5.50#

I found the one above on Whiteflash. I never heard of whiteflash before, I just came across it while searching on this site. It''s really close, but doesn''t have the diamonds on the inside and outside of the band, just the one side.

Whiteflash is very reputable, and I''m pretty sure their diamonds will be more sparkly (better cut than that of Helzberg) I have many pieces from them. Also, that setting looks like it is a setting that can be ordered by the jeweler or any jeweler from adwar.com or uniquesettings.com (also only orderable by jewelers)

Let me peak around for some more settings. It would be less expensive, if you could find a premade Adwar, Stuller or Uniquesetting cast then all the jeweler has to do is set the diamonds in the cast. Many of these type of settings that you see at Helzberg or mall or free standing jewelery store buys cast pieces.

 

[jewelz617]

This Whiteflash offering is extremely similar and the price leaves plenty of room to purchase a nice center.

http://www.whiteflash.com/Engagement-Rings/Styles/Diamond-Settings/Isabella-Diamond-Engagement-Ring_1346.htm

*Argh, someone beat me to the punch!

Seriously though, it's gorgeous and affordable and so similar to the setting she loves

 

[jewelz617]

Ritani settings are very sought after as well...

http://www.solomonbrothers.com/JewelryDetail.aspx?style=1CUZ1708MRP-650&sku=86155-1&AspxAutoDetectCookieSupport=1

This one includes stone:
http://www.itshot.com/detail.aspx?Product_ID=005918

Sometimes ebay makes me wary, but this looks like a pretty reputable dealer:
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=290261514040&rvr_id=&crlp=1_263602_263622&UA=WXF%3F&GUID=ed7dfec21230a0e20577aa07fd55bd1e&itemid=290261514040&ff4=263602_263622

 

[D&T]

here is another jeweler that is reputable on here and other boards as well.
http://www.knoxjewelers.biz/products/classic-cushion-halo

 

[outatouch0]

Date: 12/2/2009 9:14:09 PM
Author:SkiRush
Hello all, I''m new to the forum and I''m looking for help with my ring dilemma. My budget is about $5k. It would be great if I could spend less, but...

Anyway, here''s the dilemma. My girlfriend picked out the following ring at Helzberg''s.

http://www.helzberg.com/product/engagement+%26+wedding/helzberg+radiant+star/3-4ct+diamond+engagement+ring%2C+igi+graded+1656936.do?sortby=ourPicks


I have a few problems with it, and they are as follows:

1. The center stone is ONLY a .75 carat stone. Which, to me, is too small for the over $5000 price tag!
Maybe, maybe not, depends upon the stone. A LOT MORE goes into it than the ct weight. Your instincts are 99% likely to be correct (considering it is a maul B&M) but not neccessarily for the correct reasons.
2. I am not buying into their ''Radiant Star'' claims. I think it''s more of a gimmick than anything.
Just a trademark name or proprietary cut.
3. It is only set in 14 karat white gold. I think it should be 18k for that price.
Not neccessarily, it looks to be an intricate setting which is likely the reason for the higer cost.
4. Neither of us particularly like the sales people at any Helzberg store, they are like car salesman.
Sounds like the best argument to keep shopping

So, you might be wondering what the dilemma is. The problem is that darn setting. She loves it. I have looked in a dozen stores and even looked through catalogs in stores, and I can NOT find a setting like that. Forgive me, I did find one, but it was at a local jeweler who wanted $3000 just for the band and claimed it needed a 1.25 carat stone minimum! So, obviously that was way over my budget.

I''ve asked her if she would not mind a solitaire. I think she might be ok with it, but would probably like the helzberg one better (I think she really likes that one).
A happy woman is a GOOD THING

I just can''t see paying nearly $6000 with tax for a .75 center stone. That seems nuts to me. I would rather get a 1.25 solitaire so I feel like I''m getting my money''s worth.
I understand completely BUT keep in mind you are also paying for the SETTING/RING which can be a substantial portion of the cost depending upon what one chooses. Plus 6K might not be quite enough for a well cut 1.25.
Does anyone have suggestions on where to find a setting that is like the one from Helzberg? I don''t want to buy from them because I think they are over-priced and pushy.
You have got a lot of good suggestions here. I would guess having it custom made from scratch might even cost more.
I feel like if I buy it from Helzberg, I might make her happy, but I will feel like I just got majorly ripped off.
That''s about the size of it.
Please help.
Since the two of you are looking together for a ring I would encourage you to become educated consumers together as well. Sit down together and work you way through the PS Knowledge Section and keep participating in the forums. I believe the two of you can come together to find an ER that you BOTH WILL ADORE.

 

[Lorelei]

Nice post OAT!

 

[outatouch0]

Thanks for the encouragement - lets me know I''ve learnt me a few things here

 

[LGK]

The reason most of the similar settings you''re finding to that one don''t have the three sided pave, is that the Helzberg ring is in itself "inspired by" the Tiffany Legacy. The Legacy doesn''t have three sided pave on the regular one, hence why most of the other settings don''t.