Engagement ring for a poor college grad?

[philafaler]

Hello everyone,

I appreciate all the helpful advice compiled on this forum. Two weeks ago, I knew nothing about diamonds, but I've been doing a lot of research and am starting to feel comfortable with some of the terminologies. I graduated college recently and plan to propose to my long-time girlfriend. Please, help me choose a ring.

Budget: $2,500 - $3,000

What does she like? I know that she likes the classic Tiffany setting. She doesn't care about the size as much as she cares about the quality of the stone. Now, I still want to try to get something around a .5 carat, so I've been thinking about going with a G or I and VS1 or VS2.

Thank God I found you guys and found Whiteflash, or I probably would've bought something way too expensive (and tiny) at Tiffany's or something hideous from a mall store. I'm looking at a couple stones and would love to get some feedback:

http://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-3061827.htm
http://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-3009352.htm
http://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-3061797.htm

I also want to get a platinum band, and my GF preferred the 6 prong, so my instinct was to select this band:

http://www.whiteflash.com/engagement-rings/solitaire/6-prong-tiffany-style-solitaire-engagement-ring-4.htm

However, I'm starting to get nervous about that particular setting because (this is going to sound really stupid) it doesn't look exactly like the band that they currently sell at Tiffany's, and that's the one my GF said she really liked. I'm thinking perhaps I should consider either the 4 prong or this one:

http://www.whiteflash.com/engagement-rings/solitaire/contemporary-tiffany-style-solitaire-engagement-ring-1415.htm

Unfortunately, that one costs $500 more and that's a significant portion of my budget.

Any advice from the experts out there? I appreciate the help.

 

[dk168]

I am no expert, just wanted to say I prefer the second setting to the first, and believe the extra cost involved is worth it.

Good luck with your purchase!

DK

 

[philafaler]

I'm starting to agree with you! I hate to cut back on the diamond, though...

 

[baby monster]

If you ever decide to upgrade, I'd go for 14k setting and put more money into the diamond. Most of the time, settings can't be reused with a new stone unless the new head is able to be mounted onto the band Plat is for a forever setting.

 

[E B]

What are your thoughts on a preowned authentic Tiffany? This might be worth some investigating:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Tiffany-Co-...t=Diamond_Solitaire_Rings&hash=item5b01c692a4

The diamonds you selected from Whiteflash all look beautiful, and if you go with WF, I'd choose the second setting.

 

[dragonfly411]

Of the two I think you'd be happier with the first setting. The second seems boxier to me, which is not like the traditional Tiffany solitaire. It also gives you a bit more budget for a stone. Your other option would be to check with Whiteflash to see if they would be able to put a six prong head on another solitaire band that you like.

 

[E B]

Brian Gavin has a Tiffany-style setting you may like more: http://www.briangavindiamonds.com/e...assic-tiffany-style-knife-edge-platinum-5336p

With this diamond, http://www.briangavindiamonds.com/d...0.560-i-vs2-round-diamond-ags-bl-104068959008 the total would be $2851.00.

 

[marcy]

I think any of the WF diamonds would be pretty and I prefer the first setting no real reason it just appeals to me more. The BGD diamond and ring would look great too.

 

[rockhoundofficiando]

the second setting is far closer to the actual appearance of the Tiffany & co classic setting. The first is a strictly generic raised 6 prong setting-the only thing it has in common with the Tiffany setting is that it has six prongs and is platinum!

There are many Tiffany rings on Ebay, many of them appear genuine. I would not buy one unless it had the original Tiffany certification and the diamond pavillion number matched what is on the cert. You would have to ensure the sellers return policy and be able to take it to a Tiffany store for "polishing". Tiffany will not authenticate it for you per se but they will not polish it or accept it if it is not one of theirs. They will look at it immediately before taking it. They can allow you to look at the number under the microscope as well.
All a bit of an effort but with due diligence your gf could have a real Tiffany for a fraction of new....

 

[Candygrl]

I would be all over that ebay Tiffany provided that it's authentic. Great deal!

 

[move1986]

Brian Gavin has a Tiffany-style setting you may like more: http://www.briangavindiamonds.com/e...assic-tiffany-style-knife-edge-platinum-5336p

With this diamond, http://www.briangavindiamonds.com/d...0.560-i-vs2-round-diamond-ags-bl-104068959008 the total would be $2851.00.

+1

or you can choose this setting which is the same head just half round style not knife edge

http://www.briangavindiamonds.com/engagement-rings/solitaire/classic-tiffany-style-half-round-platinum-5478p

 

[Dancing Fire]

Brian Gavin has a Tiffany-style setting you may like more: http://www.briangavindiamonds.com/e...assic-tiffany-style-knife-edge-platinum-5336p

With this diamond, http://www.briangavindiamonds.com/d...0.560-i-vs2-round-diamond-ags-bl-104068959008 the total would be $2851.00.

Looks good to me!...

 

[WillyDiamond]

OP
Call Lesley at BGD, tell her your budget and your setting requirements and she will take care of you.
Best of luck.

 

[Polished]

OP
Call Lesley at BGD, tell her your budget and your setting requirements and she will take care of you.
Best of luck.

+1

There is a third alternative at BGD. Their tapered tiffany:

http://www.briangavindiamonds.com/engagement-rings/solitaire/tapered-tiffany-style-half-round-18k-white-gold-5540w18

On a finger for a better view:

[URL='https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/introducing-sparkler.158232/']https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/introducing-sparkler.158232/[/URL]

 

[lioness]

If you ever decide to upgrade, I'd go for 14k setting and put more money into the diamond. Most of the time, settings can't be reused with a new stone unless the new head is able to be mounted onto the band Plat is for a forever setting.

+1

 

[lioness]

Brian Gavin has a Tiffany-style setting you may like more: http://www.briangavindiamonds.com/e...assic-tiffany-style-knife-edge-platinum-5336p

With this diamond, http://www.briangavindiamonds.com/d...0.560-i-vs2-round-diamond-ags-bl-104068959008 the total would be $2851.00.

+1

or you can choose this setting which is the same head just half round style not knife edge

http://www.briangavindiamonds.com/engagement-rings/solitaire/classic-tiffany-style-half-round-platinum-5478p

Either of these settings in white gold. Same diamond or even put a bit more money toward the stone. I really like the I VS2 that EB found.