Engagement ring questions...

[Kekoa82]

Thank you for reading my post, new to this and am totally flustered!

I originally wanted to buy my girlfriend an antique ring, but can't seem to find everything I want. In addition, she's well, clumsy, and I don't know if I fully trust the ring to hold up with what she'll be putting it through. I was then going to just buy a ring at a jewelry store but am having the same issue with not finding what I want. I would like to spend between 6k-8k. The diamonds quality is much more important to me than the size.

Below are the specs I'm looking for in a diamond:
Shape: Round
Carat weight: 0.75
Cut: Hearts & Arrows Ideal
Color: E
Clarity: VVS2
Certificate: AGS
Depth: 61.7%
Table: 57.0%
Polish: Ideal
Symmetry: Ideal
Girdle: Thin to slightly thick
Culet: Pointed
Fluorescence: Negligible
Measurements: 5.79*5.82*3.58
Crown Angle: 35.2
Crown %:
Pavilion Angle: 40.7
Pavilion %:

The type of style that I know she'll love is the "Edwardian" style. She'll love the detail on the sides of the ring and how it kind of puts the rock on a whimsical throne. The one that I've found that I like so far is connected to the link below.

http://bridal.gabrielny.com/style/ER6512PT3JJ

So, to the questions:
What is the most secure setting?
Is platinum the strongest?
Is Gabriel & Co. a reputable dealer?
Where can I find other Edwardian settings?
Is buying a loose diamond and having it set expensive?
How do I know the diamond will fit the setting?
How do I know if the type of diamond will look good in the setting?
I want a nicer diamond, will certain styles of settings mask the beauty?
How do I know I'm not getting ripped off?
Am I totally clueless?

Last question...
She doesn't wear rings at all right now, how do I find out her size without her knowing?

Thanks!

 

[Circe]

What you want is a bezel setting. They're very difficult to damage, and the protect the stone as well as anything can. Luckily, it's a style that was popular in the Edwardian period. If for whatever reason you do not want a bezel, I'd recommend fishtail prongs: I have them on two rings, and they're almost as secure (with the bezel-like benefit of also making the stone look a little bigger). I think the Gabriel and Co. ring you linked to could be adapted to a bezel pretty easily.

If you go with a bezel, any metal should be safe: if you go with prongs, most jewelers recommend platinum, as it's more ductile (i.e., if you smack a gold ring, a prong can snap off: on platinum, if will bend, hopefully still keeping the stone in place).

You might also want to take a look at other dealers who carry antique repro settings: Leigh Jay Nacht at www.antiqueengagementrings.com gets good reviews.

P.S. - Would you consider a modern stone with excellent light return cut to old standards? If so, check out Good Old Gold's August Vintage Rounds.

 

[NachosForTwo]

Last question...
She doesn't wear rings at all right now, how do I find out her size without her knowing?

Thanks!

Ugh, that's what I've been trying to figure out too. My girlfriend also never wears rings, and I've tried measuring her finger in her sleep but she's too light of a sleeper and always starts to wake up before I even get close. I just ordered a setting and had to ballpark it. The jeweler said just to send it back after I propose and he'll resize it for free.

If you absolutely have to find out prior to proposing, I'd enlist the help of her sister or a close friend. I decided against it because I know my girlfriend would see right through that.

 

[slg47]

So, to the questions:
What is the most secure setting?
Is platinum the strongest?

platinum and white gold are both fine. both have pros and cons.

Is Gabriel & Co. a reputable dealer?

yes but it is easier to get the diamond and setting at the same place.

Where can I find other Edwardian settings?

check out Beverley K settings

Is buying a loose diamond and having it set expensive?

shipping/mounting fees may be a few hundred. you will also want insurance during the setting process. for this reason it is easier if you get the diamond and setting at the same vendor.

How do I know the diamond will fit the setting?

check with vendor.

How do I know if the type of diamond will look good in the setting?

it will

I want a nicer diamond, will certain styles of settings mask the beauty?

no

How do I know I'm not getting ripped off?

check prices online

Am I totally clueless?

no, you are learning!

 

[Kekoa82]

Thank you guys so much for your help. I think I am convinced I need a platinum bezel, and just let her know that a cz is next if she loses her diamond, or maybe I get a vintage Heuer watch!

Luckily, she's an excellent sleeper, so a twist tie may do the trick for the sizing.

 

[rubybeth]

Thank you guys so much for your help. I think I am convinced I need a platinum bezel, and just let her know that a cz is next if she loses her diamond, or maybe I get a vintage Heuer watch!

Luckily, she's an excellent sleeper, so a twist tie may do the trick for the sizing.

Insure the ring once you get it, and insurance would cover damage or loss.

 

[webdiva]

Thank you guys so much for your help. I think I am convinced I need a platinum bezel, and just let her know that a cz is next if she loses her diamond, or maybe I get a vintage Heuer watch!

Luckily, she's an excellent sleeper, so a twist tie may do the trick for the sizing.

Hi Kekoa. Congrats on your impending engagement! You've come to the right place!

1. You don't need platinum - you just need a bezel. You can save some money on that.

2. Both Gabriel & co and Beverley K (http://www.beverleyk.com/semi-mounts.html) are excellent high quality, reasonably priced options. What city are you in - you can go look at them in person before making a decision.

Here is a great bezel set option - however, it's art deco not edwardian : http://www.beverleyk.com/semi-mounts/8wr389-a-d-d-m.html - Here it is with a stone: http://www.wannabuyawatch.com/indpages/32906.html - this is a traditional round and not antique. I saw this ring in person and it is STUNNING - the diamond is an EGL but so beautiful and sparkly - approx 6.5 mm across. They also had it plated in pink gold for an extra antique touch.

3. Is your gf picky - do you think she may enjoy picking out a ring and prefer getting a temp engagement ring with the promise of picking out her permanent ring together? There's a separate thread on this where most ladies weighed in that they wish their fiance had done this. The mall has some great silver and cz options for under $50.

Good luck!

 

[yssie]

Luckily, she's an excellent sleeper, so a twist tie may do the trick for the sizing.

No!!! If you must size her in her sleep at least use something like this -
http://www.amazon.com/RING-SIZER-Professional-JEWELERS-QUALITY/dp/B000SKRV9A/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1334086446&sr=8-1 but I would *strongly* recommend getting her properly sized for the "forever setting". I like the idea of the temp by far though, especially for a fussier setting - there's just more stuff for her to have preferences on!

Unless very high clarity is important to you, you can drop all the way to VS2 and pocket the savings and not note a whit of difference in the stone.

 

[diamondseeker2006]

I think Gabriel and Co. settings are very nice, and I think as long as you have the ring insured, you do not have to get the stone set in a bezel. I actually cannot think of a single person I have ever known in real life that has a bezel setting, so it is just not necessary as long as the ring is insured!

I will second the idea of looking at Good Old Gold's August Vintage Rounds if you are considering an antique setting. They carry Beverley K and Gabriel. Bev K has some gorgeous settings, too, and is probably one step up in price/quality, but both are great!

 

[Kekoa82]

I think Gabriel and Co. settings are very nice, and I think as long as you have the ring insured, you do not have to get the stone set in a bezel. I actually cannot think of a single person I have ever known in real life that has a bezel setting, so it is just not necessary as long as the ring is insured!

I will second the idea of looking at Good Old Gold's August Vintage Rounds if you are considering an antique setting. They carry Beverley K and Gabriel. Bev K has some gorgeous settings, too, and is probably one step up in price/quality, but both are great!

The August Vintage Rounds are very pretty, may be out of my price range unfortunately. I've read a lot of people recommending Good Old Gold and think I'm going to try and go through them. Their site also has setting links to Beverly K and Gabriel & Co. Can I order a complete ring from Good Old Gold with a Gabriel setting, or would I still be doing it separately?

 

[Statefan42]

I think Gabriel and Co. settings are very nice, and I think as long as you have the ring insured, you do not have to get the stone set in a bezel. I actually cannot think of a single person I have ever known in real life that has a bezel setting, so it is just not necessary as long as the ring is insured!

I will second the idea of looking at Good Old Gold's August Vintage Rounds if you are considering an antique setting. They carry Beverley K and Gabriel. Bev K has some gorgeous settings, too, and is probably one step up in price/quality, but both are great!

The August Vintage Rounds are very pretty, may be out of my price range unfortunately. I've read a lot of people recommending Good Old Gold and think I'm going to try and go through them. Their site also has setting links to Beverly K and Gabriel & Co. Can I order a complete ring from Good Old Gold with a Gabriel setting, or would I still be doing it separately?

You can buy the finished project from Good Old Gold. They will set the diamond you select in the setting you select. It is much easier to get everything from one place instead of having to deal with shipping a loose diamond or setting to the other vendor and worrying about insurance and all that.

 

[webdiva]

Ok - so the ring you posted is $2k tops with the discount. That leaves you $4k at the bottom end of your budget to $6k at the top of your budget for an August Vintage Round - which ARE in your budget if you're looking at .75ct ranges.

.74 I SI2 - $3100 - http://www.goodoldgold.com/diamond/8246/
.8 I SI2 - $3255 - http://www.goodoldgold.com/diamond/9272/
.93 J SI1 - $5115 - http://www.goodoldgold.com/diamond/9167/
1.04 K SI2 - $5616 - http://www.goodoldgold.com/diamond/9002/

Edited : I see your specs show E color VVS2 - which honestly, you're paying for stuff you can't see - so you can drop down in color and clarity to get the best bang for your buck. Have you seen colors and clarity in person? Rounds can be bought in lower colors and face up white, especially ones with great optics. If you're uncertain, have GOG ship you the stone to review prior to setting and send it back for setting (which I did). Most antique rings's diamonds are MUCH lower in color than these.

 

[Kekoa82]

Thanks for the input. I didn't really understand the whole reasoning to purchase an August Vintage stone so I ended up calling Good Old Gold and Marie educated me on the allure of them. I'm looking for a "vintagey" look, and a August Vintage with some warmth will really give it the uniqueness I'm looking for.
To conclude, I think I am going with an Edwardian style setting (probably the one I posted earlier) in white gold, with an August Vintage diamond. Putting a bezel on it is still up in the air...

Thanks to all for your help!

I will post a picture of it when I receive it!

 

[jskatt21]

Thank you guys so much for your help. I think I am convinced I need a platinum bezel, and just let her know that a cz is next if she loses her diamond, or maybe I get a vintage Heuer watch!

Luckily, she's an excellent sleeper, so a twist tie may do the trick for the sizing.

Hi Kekoa. Congrats on your impending engagement! You've come to the right place!

1. You don't need platinum - you just need a bezel. You can save some money on that.

2. Both Gabriel & co and Beverley K (http://www.beverleyk.com/semi-mounts.html) are excellent high quality, reasonably priced options. What city are you in - you can go look at them in person before making a decision.

Here is a great bezel set option - however, it's art deco not edwardian : http://www.beverleyk.com/semi-mounts/8wr389-a-d-d-m.html - Here it is with a stone: http://www.wannabuyawatch.com/indpages/32906.html - this is a traditional round and not antique. I saw this ring in person and it is STUNNING - the diamond is an EGL but so beautiful and sparkly - approx 6.5 mm across. They also had it plated in pink gold for an extra antique touch.

3. Is your gf picky - do you think she may enjoy picking out a ring and prefer getting a temp engagement ring with the promise of picking out her permanent ring together? There's a separate thread on this where most ladies weighed in that they wish their fiance had done this. The mall has some great silver and cz options for under $50.

Good luck!

I really like the sound of the thread you mention about ladies wishing their fiance would get a temp ring? Can you share more about this? Also, what rings are you talking about for silver and cz for $50. I think the surprise in the proposal is the key, not the ring, on top of that, the surprise that we would get her the ring she is looking for is great in it's self.

 

[Deactivated member 42515]

Sorry, I've been eyeing the .93 J SI1 and it's now on hold. In case u wanted that one, I am just previewing the diamond to see if the AVR is what I want, so I will be sending it back within the month.

 

[Gypsy]

[URL='https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/this-question-is-for-the-ladies-out-there.174037/']https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/this-question-is-for-the-ladies-out-there.174037/[/URL] If you go this route, propose in the return window for the diamond and buy the cheapest setting that will hold the diamond you can. Or just propose with the diamond unset, in a ring holder, and go from there.

 

[bunnycat]

Sorry, I've been eyeing the .93 J SI1 and it's now on hold. In case u wanted that one, I am just previewing the diamond to see if the AVR is what I want, so I will be sending it back within the month.

That one is such a very pretty stone. We had that one in to look at a few weeks ago, and it was so close, but the other stone we had just ended up going a little better with my setting than the AVR.

 

[webdiva]

Thanks for the input. I didn't really understand the whole reasoning to purchase an August Vintage stone so I ended up calling Good Old Gold and Marie educated me on the allure of them. I'm looking for a "vintagey" look, and a August Vintage with some warmth will really give it the uniqueness I'm looking for.
To conclude, I think I am going with an Edwardian style setting (probably the one I posted earlier) in white gold, with an August Vintage diamond. Putting a bezel on it is still up in the air...

Thanks to all for your help!

I will post a picture of it when I receive it!

Yay! Glad that helped, that's what this forum is all about!

 

[Gypsy]

Well, I wanted to offer you a setting option. Jewels by Erica Grace made this setting for their customer and it's perfect I think for your lady. It's got a bezel to protect it from clumsy moves and engraving and an antique.

They are still doing custom settings until May and they are lovely.

 

[Kekoa82]

https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/this-question-is-for-the-ladies-out-there.174037/ If you go this route, propose in the return window for the diamond and buy the cheapest setting that will hold the diamond you can. Or just propose with the diamond unset, in a ring holder, and go from there.

I actually thought about this but I just don't think she would want that. It's a great idea, but in my opinion, the adventure of knowing your (hopefully soon to be) fiancé and finding something that represents her, is what it's all about. She trusts me enough to find something she'll love. Not trying to downplay the idea of a temp, but that may just not work for us.

 

[webdiva]

https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/this-question-is-for-the-ladies-out-there.174037/ If you go this route, propose in the return window for the diamond and buy the cheapest setting that will hold the diamond you can. Or just propose with the diamond unset, in a ring holder, and go from there.

I actually thought about this but I just don't think she would want that. It's a great idea, but in my opinion, the adventure of knowing your (hopefully soon to be) fiancé and finding something that represents her, is what it's all about. She trusts me enough to find something she'll love. Not trying to downplay the idea of a temp, but that may just not work for us.

If that's what your gf has explicitly told you, that's cool. But if not, here's a whole thread on the female perspective:
[URL='https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/this-question-is-for-the-ladies-out-there.174037/']https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/this-question-is-for-the-ladies-out-there.174037/[/URL]

 

[motownmama]

I often find myself an outlier on this, but I'd say to choose the ring ahead of the proposal - I think you would both treasure the proposal that way. My engagement was a complete surprise and I loved it.

 

[Kekoa82]

https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/this-question-is-for-the-ladies-out-there.174037/ If you go this route, propose in the return window for the diamond and buy the cheapest setting that will hold the diamond you can. Or just propose with the diamond unset, in a ring holder, and go from there.

I actually thought about this but I just don't think she would want that. It's a great idea, but in my opinion, the adventure of knowing your (hopefully soon to be) fiancé and finding something that represents her, is what it's all about. She trusts me enough to find something she'll love. Not trying to downplay the idea of a temp, but that may just not work for us.

If that's what your gf has explicitly told you, that's cool. But if not, here's a whole thread on the female perspective:
[URL='https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/this-question-is-for-the-ladies-out-there.174037/']https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/this-question-is-for-the-ladies-out-there.174037/[/URL]

Yeah, I definitely read that prior to my original post. My girlfriend is not an emotional person, at all. She said the sweetest things I've done, that made her emotional, was build her a dining table when she was working overseas for a few months. It was a pocket door salvaged from a mansion on the Mississippi, about 200 years old. It had two different colors of turquoise in it, her favorite color. We've been looking for a new house and one of her requirements is that the dining room fits this rather large table, though I think it can be left behind.
I know a ring is different but I know she loves my design aesthetic. I talked to some of her friends about it a year ago or so and they said that I should pick one because they know I'll pick something she'll love.

 

[Kekoa82]

I ended up going with a better quality diamond, that was more expensive than I originally wanted to spend, but oh well.

What do you guys think?

http://www.goodoldgold.com/diamond/8241/

I'm going with the original Gabriel setting in platinum too, white gold was not too much of a price difference.

Thanks for all the help.

Cheers!

 

[webdiva]

I ended up going with a better quality diamond, that was more expensive than I originally wanted to spend, but oh well.

What do you guys think?

http://www.goodoldgold.com/diamond/8241/

I'm going with the original Gabriel setting in platinum too, white gold was not too much of a price difference.

Thanks for all the help.

Cheers!

Congrats! It's a beautiful diamond! And IF is pretty rare!

I'm sure it'll be gorgeous in the setting - please do come back and post the pictures!

 

[Kekoa82]

Question.

Will ordering an August Vintage have a positive or negative affect on the value of the ring?

 

[onedrop]

Question.

Will ordering an August Vintage have a positive or negative affect on the value of the ring?

Beautiful stone you chose!! The positive effect will be that your GF will love it! As for negatives, I don't see any. It's a well cut stone, that will perform beautifully. What else would you want?

 

[webdiva]

Question.

Will ordering an August Vintage have a positive or negative affect on the value of the ring?

Honestly, diamonds depreciate worse than a new car driven off the dealer lot... So the benefit is going with GOG and their guarantee. You either sell back the diamond and take a minimal 25% hit, consign it back or upgrade it if she wants a bigger one in the future. Win win in the diamond world, my friend.

 

[Kekoa82]

Question.

Will ordering an August Vintage have a positive or negative affect on the value of the ring?

Beautiful stone you chose!! The positive effect will be that your GF will love it! As for negatives, I don't see any. It's a well cut stone, that will perform beautifully. What else would you want?

I think i just need to be reassured! Big purchase for me, spending about a thousand more than I intended to on the diamond. Oh well, it's just money and in theory, you only buy an engagement ring once.

Thanks!

 

[onedrop]

You did a great job, so I hope you are reassured. I understand how you feel, it's a big purchase and you just want to make sure that you made a good decision. But again, you don't need to worry, going with GOG for an August Vintage was a very good decision in my opinion.