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Engagement Ring Questionnaire - input please experts

floyd13

Rough_Rock
Joined
Jul 9, 2012
Messages
30
I've been reading this site for advice buying an engagement ring. I found this questionnaire and decided to fill it out to get help from the community. Appreciate any suggestions and tips, especially when it comes t settings which seem harder to judge objectively especially when it comes to buying online.

1. What is your budget?
Unlimited
2. How old are you guys?
Early 30s
3. What do she do for a living/working toward doing for a living.
Management consultant, travels most weeks
4. How does she dress? Does she dress up a lot, or is she a jeans and T-shirts girl? Grundge? Tailored Ann Taylor tastes?
Weekdays: conservative business clothes, working at home: yoga pants & hoodie, weekend out: second hand stores dresses, J-crew, Bcgb
5. Does she prefer white metals or yellow/pinks ones
Both, I like white she's fine with it
6. How is her house decorated? Does she love antique store trolling? Does she love everything Pottery Barn? Is she ultra modern with lots of metal and leather?
Simple/minimalist, vintage market stuff and restoration hardware
7. Is she clumsy? Is she very put together?
Both!
8. Does she love handbags and have a stable of them to choose from? Are they mostly practical (neutral colors: brown, black, beige) or are there a lot of colors in there? Blue, purple, red?
Professional, practical, computer/travel friendly, one at a time until they need replacing
9. What metro area are you in or near? Or are you in the country? Tell me where you live and what it's like there (if it's not obvious, like NYC).
Chicago
10. Do you guys have pets? Want them? What kind?
None but we both want dogs, cats and kids
11. Is she a brand name girl? Does she love things with brand names? If so why? Is it the dependability of brand name quality that appeals to her or is it the bragging rights? Or is she more understated and while she appreciates quality brand names don't do it for her?
She buys on price and quality, second hand / TJ Maxx, she goes for brands she knows to save time
12. Okay now, describe her to us in your own words? I've never met her, bring her to life me. What qualities does she have that you love? What is her sense of humor like? Just... tell us about her.
Laid back, smart, geeky, fun, quirky and kind
13. Has she expressed an interest in any particular style of ring (halo, Legacy, solitaire, three stone) or shape of stone (round, marquise, pear, princess, emerald, radiant.)?
No halos. After visiting the big stores the best we liked was Cartier 1895. I like larger she likes smaller - at first she preferred half-carat but I thought it was too small so she compromised and is ok as long as it's under 1ct. At first she really wanted an antique ring or stone but now she's more flexible.
14. What is her existing jewelry like? A lot of variety, or are there a few select pieces of similar design? What does she wear regularly?
She doesn't wear any except for a diamond RHR she wears to work. She has some gold heirloom pieces in the safe and has talked about getting some jade.

Cartier has its advantages. How would that compare to having a ring made from a PS jeweler and getting a diamond ike this 1.5 HCA.
http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/E-VS1-Excellent-Cut-Round-Diamond-1514544.asp
 
I'm sure others will chime in, but based on what you've told us, I really think your girlfriend would prefer either an antique stone or a modern vintage cut stone rather than a modern round brilliant. i know, that takes you out of the safety of crunching HCAs and puts you in the realm of the subjective, but I suspect she'd appreciate it if you's make that leap. GOG's August Vintage cuts are a safe way to go in old style cuts; true old cuts are less charted territory but I'm sure the old cut aficionados here could help you find a wonderful true vintage stone.
 
VRBeauty said:
I'm sure others will chime in, but based on what you've told us, I really think your girlfriend would prefer either an antique stone or a modern vintage cut stone rather than a modern round brilliant. i know, that takes you out of the safety of crunching HCAs and puts you in the realm of the subjective, but I suspect she'd appreciate it if you's make that leap. GOG's August Vintage cuts are a safe way to go in old style cuts; true old cuts are less charted territory but I'm sure the old cut aficionados here could help you find a wonderful true vintage stone.

It feels much 'safer' to number crunch for modern round brilliants, especially when I want to get it 100% right for her to wear for the rest of her life. I can get her vintage/antique rings in the future as a gift - she's got 9 other fingers!

The AVR's are pretty sweet, would they look good in a solitaire? Most folks here go for vintage style settings.
 
Of course it would look stunning as a solitaire.
 
Yeah, my thought when I read this was to get an AVR and put it in a classic solitaire. Sleek, simple, but with an antique flair.
 
Agree with the AVR or AVC Hopefully gypsy will respond. She created the quiz and she's pretty amazing at what she comes up with :appl:
 
JulieN|1347216211|3264787 said:
There is a antique style cushion in a 4 prong solitaire about 3/4 down the page, the BT style: http://www.mwmjewelry.com/

Bingo!

floyd, you've described your GF as quirky, and someone who appreciates vintage and prefers quality over quantity or the "status symbol." Modern round brilliants can be beautiful and stunning, and we can certainly help you find a spectacular MRB within your specified size range. But... even with the perfect, hand-selected MRB, it would be like you had gone to Macy's or Nordstrom's for the engagement ring. Beautiful, but not what your GF would have done if you had given her a budget and set her free to find her own ring. A true or modern antique cut stone would be like finding her a diamond in a Paris flea market. Getting it set in a hand-made setting like this would be like finding the stone in a Paris flea market and getting finding a small shop off a Paris alley where a 70-year old, third-generation jeweler would create the setting just for you. (If you're reading, Mark - no offense. This is an analogy! :wink2: ). Which do you think your GF would prefer?
 
I agree with the others and think that vintage is the way to go. I can totally picture her with a great antique piece with lots of personality. There is something very romantic about an old diamond. I love what VRBeauty posted, I drifted away to a paris cafe for a few minutes. :love: Hands down, go vintage, make it more about the perfect ring for her than about the size of the center stone.

Gotta love Gypsy! :appl:
 
Sounds like an AVR would be a perfect choice for you, antique-looking stone for her, modern precision cutting for you. Put it in an vintage-ey hand-made solitaire and you'll have a perfect ring.
 
I also think an AVR sounds like something she'd like, but I think they look better with more antique style settings rather than prong solitaires (This is just the opinion of a vintage lover though. I don't like prong solitaires in general, except sometimes with modern cuts, and then it has to be 6 prong). If you go solitaire, I'd find a fishtail setting for it to increase the vintage vibe.
 
Verses a stab in the dark, you might just try to ask what type of style of rings that she likes or ask her friend.

I doubt many of the questions you answered will be of help..... you could be way off track with all of these different kinds of questions.

I know that what kind of dog do I like and what kind of clothes do I wear, and even how old am, what kind of job do I have, am I clumsey, has nothing to do with my taste in jewelry.
 
I think quality is something she will appreciate and also the fact that you buy better quality at a good price rather than overpaying. However, I would go for a larger diamond than a .80 E VS1 unless you think a very high color stone is important to her. I think G color is a good place to be for those who appreciate high color but want a little more size. I am confused about the budget, though. You said unlimited but showed us a .80 stone! Give us a real number of what you want to spend and we can give you some suggestions!

I personally think a custom repro of the Cartier solitaire by Victor Canera would be an excellent choice for her either with a top quality round brilliant or an AVR. You can then let her choose a diamond wedding band which could be more sleek or antique style based on her preferences.

http://www.victorcanera.com/jewelry/engagement-rings/the-trueste-solitaire.html
 
This diamond:
http://www.goodoldgold.com/diamond/9575/ (check to make sure it's eye clean)

With this setting:
http://www.greenwichjewelers.com/store/category/rings/engagement/products/beverley-k-four-prong-round-diamond-engagement-ring#

Good Old Gold carries Bev K, so it's one-stop shopping. I have no idea what your budget it, but she really wants a diamond under 1 ct. I think that's totally fine and GOG offers an excellent upgrade policy so she can rest assured for years and years that if she changes her mind, she can get a different / larger stone in the future.

Since I don't know your budget, and GOG doesn't have many AVRs under 1 ct, I suggested the .84. But, if you want to spend more, this one looks fantastic:
http://www.goodoldgold.com/diamond/9487/

I may also like to add that if it were me, I would want this stone:
http://www.goodoldgold.com/diamond/9574/

I think it's a good value, but it's a K, and we generally don't recommend lower colors for e-rings, although for vintage stones, it may be OK.

Another thing I want to add is there are so many different vintage settings out there. Beverley K, Gabriel & Co, Leigh Jay Nacht,
 
Okay so here's what I get:

Practical, smart, unfussy, an enjoys VALUE, and doesn't mind pre-owned (in fact prefers it, since it says value to her). She doesn't like the limelight, is confident, and doesn't need to have THINGS to make her feel good about herself.

Ask her if a vintage or antique (preowned) piece would be something she would be okay with.

I'm guessing she would LOVE something like the Cartier-- but second hand if you can find it.

I also agree that she might ADORE a lovely vintage piece, as long as it wasn't too fancy or cluttery.

I don't know about the AVR. I'm sensing that she loves pre-owned for the value, not necessarily because she inherently prefers vintage styles. But I think in the right sleek setting, she might adore one. And we can help you find the perfect setting (in fact Dimend Scassi has the Alexandra setting that I think she'll like, and they are in Chicago and for Pricescopers they will set outside stones in their settings. I'll dig up a picture for you.)

Do you know if she prefers rounds? Or has she expressed an interest in Emerald Cuts or other shapes?
 
DiamondBrokersofFlorida|1347282355|3265132 said:
I know that what kind of dog do I like and what kind of clothes do I wear, and even how old am, what kind of job do I have, am I clumsey, has nothing to do with my taste in jewelry.


To clarify. The dog and the job question aren't to find out "taste" they are to find out lifestyle and what is most suited for it. What I look for specifically is this:

1. Pets: If she's into rescue, works heavily with animals, or has a ton of pets on a ranch then something without too much pave is probably going to be a more practical than a split shank double halo.

2. Job: What I'm looking for is: Nurse/surgeon (nothing with pave, OR something with pave she would need to wear on her necklace) means washing hands, gloves and generally something that is not going to harbor bacteria and need a lot of special care. Veterinarian/horse trainer/professional athlete. Same thing. Also there are some jobs where having big bling is not really a good idea-- public policy positions working with Veterans affairs/HUD housing... that kind of stuff.

3. Age: it matters in terms of flexibility... a younger couple might be okay with something that is smaller and that they need to upgrade. And they might not have a strong preference as to what the ring is, as long as there is a ring. Whereas someone in their 40's with two previous marriages under their belt might have a STRONG preference for something-- a style or a size or a brand. They may be less flexible because they've had longer to understand what their personal taste is. And that's a consideration.


The questionaire isn't a perfect tool, and no one (especially me) claims that it is. The goal of some of the questions isn't "taste" but is, rather, to find out where in life the person is, what special considerations due to lifestyle their bling might need (nurse/surgeon thing), if any, and how flexibile they might be.
 
Propose with a temperarily set stone. Let her pick out the setting.
 
Loads of great responses thanks. You guys seem pretty spot on interpreting the questionnaire!

JulieN said:
There is a antique style cushion in a 4 prong solitaire about 3/4 down the page, the BT style: http://www.mwmjewelry.com/
This is great, nice and rounded. Main difference to Cartier is more pointed (taper??) near the diamond and less of a band-look. Also I prefer round. Another similar I found http://www.diamondsbylauren.com/ind...brilliant-diamond-classic-solitaire-gia-r4303

VRBeauty said:
... even with the perfect, hand-selected MRB, it would be like you had gone to Macy's or Nordstrom's for the engagement ring. Beautiful, but not what your GF would have done if you had given her a budget and set her free to find her own ring. A true or modern antique cut stone would be like finding her a diamond in a Paris flea market. Getting it set in a hand-made setting like this would be like finding the stone in a Paris flea market and getting finding a small shop off a Paris alley where a 70-year old, third-generation jeweler would create the setting just for you. (If you're reading, Mark - no offense. This is an analogy! :wink2: ). Which do you think your GF would prefer?
I think she's more about the package deal for old cut/setting since she'd value it being 80yrs old etc. That wouldn't be the case with a new setting. Even though she shops at Macy's and Nordstrom I hear what your saying about generic diamonds.

Christina... said:
I agree with the others and think that vintage is the way to go. I can totally picture her with a great antique piece with lots of personality. There is something very romantic about an old diamond. Gotta love Gypsy! :appl:
I was thinking a new ring is an heirloom for our future together. Does that sound lame? I don't want to give her someone else's ring for this occasion. I'll happily get her other vintage stuff or she would buy it herself. Maybe I'd change my mind if I found something awesome.

DiamondBrokersofFlorida said:
Verses a stab in the dark, you might just try to ask what type of style of rings that she likes or ask her friend. I doubt many of the questions you answered will be of help..... you could be way off track with all of these different kinds of questions. I know that what kind of dog do I like and what kind of clothes do I wear, and even how old am, what kind of job do I have, am I clumsey, has nothing to do with my taste in jewelry.
Not so much Florida, I think we've done plenty of shopping/research together and the questions helped think about practicality and taste in a helpful way. I talked to her because she's the one who's going to wear it, even though I'm getting it for her and she takes my taste into account too, like me wanting the best "C's" vs she's a bargain hunter - this isn't something I want to skimp on.

diamondseeker2006 said:
I think quality is something she will appreciate and also the fact that you buy better quality at a good price rather than overpaying. However, I would go for a larger diamond than a .80 E VS1 unless you think a very high color stone is important to her. I think G color is a good place to be for those who appreciate high color but want a little more size. I am confused about the budget, though. You said unlimited but showed us a .80 stone! Give us a real number of what you want to spend and we can give you some suggestions!
I personally think a custom repro of the Cartier solitaire by Victor Canera would be an excellent choice for her either with a top quality round brilliant or an AVR. You can then let her choose a diamond wedding band which could be more sleek or antique style based on her preferences. http://www.victorcanera.com/jewelry/engagement-rings/the-trueste-solitaire.html
Thanks Diamondseeker I like that quite well, not so much the pointy prongs. Regardless of budget she's insisting on smaller, maybe because of her small fingers. She really liked the 0.5 carat at Cartier - I liked over 1 carat but we compromised. The 'real number' really is whatever she wants.
mandasand said:
This diamond:
http://www.goodoldgold.com/diamond/9575/ (check to make sure it's eye clean)
With this setting:
http://www.greenwichjewelers.com/store/category/rings/engagement/products/beverley-k-four-prong-round-diamond-engagement-ring#
Good Old Gold carries Bev K, so it's one-stop shopping. I have no idea what your budget it, but she really wants a diamond under 1 ct. I think that's totally fine and GOG offers an excellent upgrade policy so she can rest assured for years and years that if she changes her mind, she can get a different / larger stone in the future.
Since I don't know your budget, and GOG doesn't have many AVRs under 1 ct, I suggested the .84. But, if you want to spend more, this one looks fantastic:
http://www.goodoldgold.com/diamond/9487/
I may also like to add that if it were me, I would want this stone:
http://www.goodoldgold.com/diamond/9574/
I think it's a good value, but it's a K, and we generally don't recommend lower colors for e-rings, although for vintage stones, it may be OK.
Another thing I want to add is there are so many different vintage settings out there. Beverley K, Gabriel & Co, Leigh Jay Nacht,
Ok this is really good stuff. There's no middle-ground with the GOG stock in the size she wants, most options have one "C" working against them. I don't know about SI2 or K though - but I can never see any color or flaws in the photos on pricescope.
I like the BEverly but she's not a paving fan.

Gypsy said:
Okay so here's what I get:
Practical, smart, unfussy, an enjoys VALUE, and doesn't mind pre-owned (in fact prefers it, since it says value to her). She doesn't like the limelight, is confident, and doesn't need to have THINGS to make her feel good about herself. Ask her if a vintage or antique (preowned) piece would be something she would be okay with. I'm guessing she would LOVE something like the Cartier-- but second hand if you can find it. I also agree that she might ADORE a lovely vintage piece, as long as it wasn't too fancy or cluttery.
I don't know about the AVR. I'm sensing that she loves pre-owned for the value, not necessarily because she inherently prefers vintage styles. But I think in the right sleek setting, she might adore one. And we can help you find the perfect setting (in fact Dimend Scassi has the Alexandra setting that I think she'll like, and they are in Chicago and for Pricescopers they will set outside stones in their settings. I'll dig up a picture for you.)
Do you know if she prefers rounds? Or has she expressed an interest in Emerald Cuts or other shapes?
You got her! Value is really important to her. She even tried talking me into a 5k budget. We both avoid being the center of attention. She loves vintage for sure but she knows I'm not as much of a fan for a vintage e-ring. She likes used items more than me. Id be ok with an older diamond and a new setting. You are right about the cluttery - she even said that herself and she doesn't want to have to think about wearing it.
She prefers vintage, not for value but in general and never liked the splintered look of RB as much as other cuts. We both like round best for the e-ring, traditional I guess.
The plain solitares thread is a great one, they need more of those since you think they look alike once you get close they're all different. Alessandra is less rounded than the others, she doesn't want any knife edge or square I know. Also looks pointed towards the diamond. The roundedness of Mark Morell is probably ahead. MrsSalvo's is great (no source!!) assume that's custom hand made? I did more searches since then and found this awesome one http://www.engagementringsdirect.com/cartier-inspired-pcid-17.html

GirlyGirl said:
Propose with a temperarily set stone. Let her pick out the setting.
Considering this if we do the AVR.
 
Big thanks for the help overall, especially since no one liked the RB idea or Cartier.
 
What is your maximum budget?

20k? 200k?
 
Okay so you want new, because you want to start a new heirloom together. I think that's an amazing sentiment and I think she would love this sentiment.

Not loving the splintery look of a Round Brilliant, but wanting a round makes an AVR the best choice in my opinion. I think you absolutely should go with that.

I think this is a fabulous setting. http://www.goodoldgold.com/setting/V1008/ The gorgeous shank has a nice weight and solidity to it. It's very unique the style that reminds me of a flower, without any overt flowery-ness ( I have no clue if this makes any sense). It would compliment an AVR, in my opinion.

If you can afford it, I would probably want this one: http://www.goodoldgold.com/diamond/9343/

BUT, since you seem to be willing to look at true vintage, for the right piece, I thought I would point this one out. http://jewelsbyericagrace.smugmug.com/Jewelry/Rings-Antique-Vintage/Antique-Tiffany/22248634_Mx2ThV#!i=1803392107&k=Jj3Rw5j $7,400. It's an authentic Tiffany antique ring. The center is .94 carats, which would be fine with her, and is only just shy of your desire for a full carat. It's been regularly serviced by Tiffany and is in great condition. And it's beautiful. Extremely rare. One of those 1 in a million finds. If it is 'uncluttered' enough for her it might suit her to a T. So... just wanted to suggest it as an option.
 
Fife|1347334801|3265763 said:
What is your maximum budget?

20k? 200k?

Appreciate I haven't been that helpful here. If I were to set a budget it would be closer to $20 than $200 since it's a single ring under 1 carat. Saying that though, I don't want to spend needlessly and I know my gf really cares about value. I'm not saying I want to get a steal of a deal but she'd enjoy the ring less if she thought I overpaid.
 
Gypsy|1347335528|3265770 said:
Okay so you want new, because you want to start a new heirloom together. I think that's an amazing sentiment and I think she would love this sentiment.

Not loving the splintery look of a Round Brilliant, but wanting a round makes an AVR the best choice in my opinion. I think you absolutely should go with that.

I think this is a fabulous setting. http://www.goodoldgold.com/setting/V1008/ The gorgeous shank has a nice weight and solidity to it. It's very unique the style that reminds me of a flower, without any overt flowery-ness ( I have no clue if this makes any sense). It would compliment an AVR, in my opinion.

If you can afford it, I would probably want this one: http://www.goodoldgold.com/diamond/9343/

BUT, since you seem to be willing to look at true vintage, for the right piece, I thought I would point this one out. http://jewelsbyericagrace.smugmug.com/Jewelry/Rings-Antique-Vintage/Antique-Tiffany/22248634_Mx2ThV#!i=1803392107&k=Jj3Rw5j $7,400. It's an authentic Tiffany antique ring. The center is .94 carats, which would be fine with her, and is only just shy of your desire for a full carat. It's been regularly serviced by Tiffany and is in great condition. And it's beautiful. Extremely rare. One of those 1 in a million finds. If it is 'uncluttered' enough for her it might suit her to a T. So... just wanted to suggest it as an option.

Nice to hear you get my e-ring inspiration. I knew we'd be compromising a bit if we got the Cartier - she liked the look but it deliver on value or uniqueness. She'd love the AVR, she has GOG videos in her internet history. Of the online vendors GOG has a great BBB rating and lifetime policies making it worth the premium. The new stone appeals more than vintage with girdle issues in a Cartier style setting plus they're not as bright.

The Vatch is really nice and a bit different too. She really wants a basket style setting like Cartier, which also makes me rule out the Tiffany unfortunately. Also she's less into the 'brand'. I'm considering the Mark Morrell from previous link. Also some more here https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/solitaire-what-design-do-you-have.48358/.

The AVR is probably is the best option for quality. It's a slight compromise on value and size. Her max size is 6mm (we tried a 0.78 at Cartier and she said please don't go bigger). Her ideal was half a carat but she's willing to go bigger for me. For value it seems like we're buying more than we need - like with this http://www.goodoldgold.com/diamond/7042/ which is smaller.

What do you think of these two AVRs? If I bought one of these diamonds I could always upgrade to one the same size/color higher clarity. I don't like the idea of putting off my plans because of the store's inventory. These are the right size, have good color but only SI2 clarity:
http://www.goodoldgold.com/diamond/9575/
http://www.goodoldgold.com/diamond/6967/

Oh and also, what you said about public policy jobs is very astute!
 
Love your gal and her sentiments. I think she'd apprecate a quality piece of jewelry that has a quiet simplicity and elegance.

I love Mark Morrell for the setting. I'd combine it with a Crafted by Infinity diamond. I have a .7 ct F VS1 Crafted by Infinity set into a pendant, and it is incredibly eye-catching. Then I'd go to all the "Meet the Cutter" events whenver Paul Slegers comes to town. http://www.craftedbyinfinity.com/index.php?page=meet-the-cutter

Given your budget, I'd go for a nice colorless stone. This 1.03 ct D VS2 http://www.highperformancediamonds.com/index.php?page=view-id-diamond-infinity&id=902

Yes, you can go down to a G or H and get more stone for the money, but she's not looking for more stone. Personally, I love looking through the side of my diamond and never seeing a hint of tint.

Have fun shopping, and best wishes on your upcoming engagement. :wavey:
 
I would not go with the last AVR you linked...it's clarity enhanced and since you aren't after a "bargain," I would rule that out.

I understand your concern with the SI2...it may not be eye clean, so you'll have to ask and they will probably do a video for you too.

It's awesome that you have an unlimited budget, but personally I don't see value in spending $15k on a diamond under a carat. If you haven't already, call GOG and explain what your ideas are and have them make some recommendations.
 
E B|1347356445|3265828 said:
Gypsy|1347335528|3265770 said:
If you can afford it, I would probably want this one: http://www.goodoldgold.com/diamond/9343/

This one's pricey, but beautiful.

I really think tht this one is going to be your best bet.

Let me tell you why. It's under a carat, which is what she asked you for. You WILL NOT see any difference between this and a D. And VS2 is perfect clarity. Not too much, not too little. And you do not and really should not spend more than 10k on a diamond less than a carat.

I would put this in a hat with a bunch of D IF's and you WILL NOT, I guarantee you, be able to figure out which one this is.
 
mandasand|1347422819|3266584 said:
I would not go with the last AVR you linked...it's clarity enhanced and since you aren't after a "bargain," I would rule that out.

I understand your concern with the SI2...it may not be eye clean, so you'll have to ask and they will probably do a video for you too.

It's awesome that you have an unlimited budget, but personally I don't see value in spending $15k on a diamond under a carat. If you haven't already, call GOG and explain what your ideas are and have them make some recommendations.

Do you really think it's a bargain? That would probably be her pick since she' set on a 3/4 carat size. She'd enjoy the ring less if I overpay. Watching the video makes me want to consider all colors. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1eXdKWg4ZQ8

I want GOG help but value opinions on this forum don't get a commission if you know what I mean. I contacted them already and will wait to see what they say.
 
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