Engagement Ring Questionnaire - input please experts

[floyd13]

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.

You know what value's all about. I think she'd enjoy the ring less if she knew I spent $15k on the diamond and she wants 6mm. She thought the Cartier was overpriced.

It the one above good value, like something you'd choose if you wanted that size? Since .95 is so close to a carat should I look at any of the others? This one looks good to me for some reason http://www.goodoldgold.com/diamond/8849/

I want to go see some Vatshe, will take a look at the one you recommend as well as the Cartier styles. They seem like a good brand. One reason I think guys like Cartier is they don't have so many choices!

 

[mandasand]

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.

I would not go for this one http://www.goodoldgold.com/diamond/6967/ because it's clarity enhanced. I also would not go for the 1.02 you posted because it's an "N" color...that would not be colorless or near colorless.

Actually, GOG will give you value opinions. They won't push you to pick the most expensive stone, but will guide you based on your preferences. For example, I was looking at August Vintage Cushions and it was between a .66 and a .92. They recommended the .66 because it was eye clean and the other was not, even though the larger stone was significantly more expensive. They value customer service.

Anyway, you need to narrow your preferences. Size, clarity, color and then find the stone(s) that fit those parameters and then we can recommend which one. Come up with 2 or 3 choices of stones. These would be my picks:
http://www.goodoldgold.com/diamond/9575/ (ask if it's eye clean)
http://www.goodoldgold.com/diamond/9343/

 

[VRBeauty]

It the one above good value, like something you'd choose if you wanted that size? Since .95 is so close to a carat should I look at any of the others? This one looks good to me for some reason http://www.goodoldgold.com/diamond/8849/

The one specific thing your girlfriend asked for is that the stone be less than 1 carat. I really think you should honor that.

 

[floyd13]

It the one above good value, like something you'd choose if you wanted that size? Since .95 is so close to a carat should I look at any of the others? This one looks good to me for some reason http://www.goodoldgold.com/diamond/8849/

The one specific thing your girlfriend asked for is that the stone be less than 1 carat. I really think you should honor that.

I decided not to go bigger, I do want to honor her request since she already upped her max size for me. 6mm will be just right for her little hand.

 

[floyd13]

GOG got back to me. More AVRs are coming in that may work timing wise. And they were honest about options available just like you all said, not pushy at all. Still no rush but it's fun to think about. The trade in policy means no need to worry if something better comes along we can just switch/upgrade whenever.

I'm probably going to do the temp setting, it'll be fun to shop for and take our time.

 

[floyd13]

Just a question, is there a name for the circular part that goes around the diamond? That was what she liked about the Cartier and there are others like it. Can you guys explain what it's called and if you think it's doable for temp?

 

[floyd13]

This one has it too but it's square not circular, do you know if it's called the same. Is it called a cathedral? This one is so nice and inexpensive.

It's different to the V-type prongs in Tiffany that she dislikes (both 4 or 6 prong).

 

[Gypsy]

It's just a bar in the head of the setting. Some have it, some don't. It's a design detail and a structural one.

If you know what she likes... why don't you get her a nice platinum setting in that style for her straight out? I just don't see someone who dislikes wasting money being happy about just getting rid of a 400 temp.

But here is the temp I would chose with that bar she likes:

http://www.adwar.com/products/styles/22555L/view You can see the profile view if you put your mouse on the big picture at the top and hovering till it comes up. I wouldn't pay for more than 14k for a temp. It also allows for a flush fit wedding band (which the ones you posted above do not cause they have the second circle, the donut below).

GOG can get it in for you and finish it (polish it up and set the stone). They don't do the nicest prongs so make sure you tell them to do VERY DELICATE prongs shaped into claws.

 

[floyd13]

It's just a bar in the head of the setting. Some have it, some don't. It's a design detail and a structural one.

If you know what she likes... why don't you get her a nice platinum setting in that style for her straight out? I just don't see someone who dislikes wasting money being happy about just getting rid of a 400 temp.

But here is the temp I would chose with that bar she likes:

http://www.adwar.com/products/styles/22555L/view You can see the profile view if you put your mouse on the big picture at the top and hovering till it comes up. I wouldn't pay for more than 14k for a temp. It also allows for a flush fit wedding band (which the ones you posted above do not cause they have the second circle, the donut below).

GOG can get it in for you and finish it (polish it up and set the stone). They don't do the nicest prongs so make sure you tell them to do VERY DELICATE prongs shaped into claws.

You should do this for a living, seriously. Amazing that you have all this info on hand to help out guys like me. Did you get a temp setting for your e-ring?

This is beautiful and great value under $400, I would even consider getting it in 18k or platinum. A temp setting may end up on pre-loved ps but for us I'd measure it's value in other ways.
Temp pros:
-test for how the style and stone size would look and feel day to day
-flexibility to change her mind (we are talking about a woman here)
-lets us take the diamond with us to shop for settings, getting a better idea how an OEC would look
-less risk we'd spend $2500 on a custom ring and not get it just right (first time ring buyer here!)
-we can have fun shopping together with zero time pressure
-more buying power if we get all w-bands and e-ring all at once
All that for a few hundred bucks not bad.

Is claw shape better? Cartier doesn't do it like that, I'm claw-neutral.

Thanks again Gypsy!!

 

[Gypsy]

I'm not sure it's 400. I haven't priced that one out and metal prices change so much and the vendor's bench and how they calculate their time changes it all too. But get the quote from GOG, if it ends up being too high tell them you want something like this only cheaper-- would stuller or some other company like Unique Settings have something like it for less?

It IS beautiful and classic and if it does turn into a permanent setting, at least you know it is something she likes.

I did have a temp setting. But when mine was bought gold was MUCH cheaper. My temp cost a grand total of $150 and it was a tank from Unique Settings (costs like 550 for the same setting now!). It took me 4 years to figure out what I wanted in a permanent setting. But we don't have kids or anything and I know that for a lot of people temps turn into permanent settings when kids and other things bump the financial priorities.

It sounds like you've given the temp thing a lot of thought, which is great. Please know that resale on any setting (even platinum) is going to be minimal. In 14k you might recoup 150, in platinum 350. So don't depend on resale for the decision. And that's if someone really likes it....

I had my temp set with a lovely custom cut gemstone when I reset, since I was attached to it. My DH proposed with that setting to me. That made it very special. So that's another option... and it's nice cause then you get TWO rings!

Finally prongs, get the claw prongs. Harry Winston does it and it's a very nice touch. If you are ambivalent... go for it and trust me on that.

Thank you for the kind comments!

If you need anymore help, we're always happy to give it. All we ask for in return (other than basic courtesy) is pictures of the final product so we can celebrate with you in a small way.

 

[Enerchi]

I'm in total agreement about claw/pigeon prongs. The "pointy ones" you see on the work of Leon Mege (check out theartofplatinum.com and be prepared to drool!)

Even on a temp setting, which as Gypsy says, could remain longer than expected, getting the prongs tweaked slightly to be more pointy, really packs a punch on a simpler setting. Never underestimate the power of the prong!!

 

[floyd13]

Made the choice. I'm going against my poll results with the setting, I think it was too influenced by plat/18k price discussions. Turns out the 18k white gold is very reasonable. Diamond and setting attached, wish me luck.

 

[Gypsy]

It's going to be very beautiful.

I would give GOG two more directions.

First, to please make sure to get the best polish/finish out of that metal as possible. Tell them you really want it to be a mirror finish and to look as 'fluid' as possible.

Second, the claw prongs. Tell them you want prongs to look delicate and to be finished into claws.

CONGRATULATIONS!

 

[VRBeauty]

It's going to be beautiful, and I'm sure she'll love it. Congratulations!

 

[chel180]

lovely choices. take gypsys advice on requests to GOG.