Engagement ring shopping- never bought a diamond before!!

[dc20063]

I am new to the forum. I was recommended to come here from another forum- they stated it is a very knowledgeable board, so I know this is were I needed to be.
I started looking for an engagement ring for my gf, soon to be fiancée and we don't have an actual jeweler in our town so I looked first at Zales's online. I looked at many rings and the reviews (so I could see the real ring on someone's finger) and there were about 3 that sparkled and shined that I knew she'd love. They were all 1/2 ct T.W.

As I did some research I learned that most of zales' rings & the rings I looked there at were I1 or I2- very low quality! I'd prefer to have a smaller diamond that is eye clean and cut well so that it sparkles like crazy, than something larger that may be heavily flawed.

My gf has dropped some hints as to what she likes: (she isn't too picky)
Cluster rings, she likes the appearance of a larger stone
White gold
Solitaire
Halo
Split shank

Where can I find something on my modest $1200 budget? Is this even possible?
Thank you all in advance!

 

[canuk-gal]

Re: Engagement ring shopping- never bought a diamond before!

HI:

Welcome.

Of those Zales styles--please post a link to the ones you'd think she'd like. Narrows the field for us PS'ers.

cheer--Sharon

 

[dc20063]

Re: Engagement ring shopping- never bought a diamond before!

Thanks for your response!

Here are some of the looks I think she would like- as I stated earlier, I'm open to any and all suggestions for a great quality diamond and ring.

http://www.zales.com/composite-diamond-square-split-shank-ring-10k-white-gold/product.jsp?productId=24902236

http://www.zales.com/princess-cut-quad-diamond-frame-ring-10k-white-gold/product.jsp?productId=13338499

http://www.zales.com/diamond-square-cluster-frame-ring-14k-white-gold/product.jsp?productId=29669386

http://www.zales.com/diamond-cluster-split-shank-engagement-ring-14k-white-gold/product.jsp?productId=13246169&kpc=1&page=3

 

[Niel]

Re: Engagement ring shopping- never bought a diamond before!

james allen is having a 25% off sale on premade rings, 75% of this should put it right under 1200

http://www.jamesallen.com/preset-engagement-rings/royal-halo/james-allen-classic-cupcake-engagement-ring-item-36158

 

[marymm]

Re: Engagement ring shopping- never bought a diamond before!

For a solitaire/split-shank option, from Blue Nile, here's a 0.45ct H-SI1 round brilliant facing up apx 5mm and with medium blue fluorescence which will up the whiteness/brightness factor - http://www.bluenile.com/diamond-details/LD05130234 - it scores 0.9 on the HCA tool (and within the AGSO box) [https://www.pricescope.com/tools/hca]

With this split-shank solitaire setting - http://www.bluenile.com/build-your-...g-14k-white-gold_48351?elem=img&track=product

This combo comes in under budget at $1132 (the diamond is $932, and the setting is $210) - and a bit less if you pay via bank wire.

And for more sparkle, perhaps go with a diamond eternity-style wedding band?

 

[dc20063]

Re: Engagement ring shopping- never bought a diamond before!

Thanks so much!- Y'all are very helpful! I'm loving your recommendations!

 

[Niel]

Re: Engagement ring shopping- never bought a diamond before!

crazy idea. But as this stone faces up very large for the ctw, and I know she said she liked the look of a large diamond, im going to post it anyways

http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/marquise-cut/0.51-carat-i-color-si1-clarity-sku-324319

in the solitaire it would be under budget, and then for a wedding band she can wear a diamond one, or even two!

Ive purchased this but returned it as I didn't feel id be able to set it anytime soon.

 

[marymm]

Re: Engagement ring shopping- never bought a diamond before!

Here's a plain-shank halo option from James Allen - a gorgeous 0.32ct G-VS2 with strong blue fluorescence facing up 4.45mm - http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-dia...-g-color-vs2-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-389128 - should be a great performer, scoring 1.0 on the HCA (within AGSO box) and a solid 1A on the AGA Cut Class Tool [https://www.pricescope.com/tools/AGA_NAJA_Cut_Class_Grader]

in this JA setting: http://www.jamesallen.com/engagemen...-halo-engagement-ring-round-center-item-18301 - and you can see how this setting looks with diamonds of similar carat weight if you move the arrow button.

This combo is a bit above your budget, coming in at $1270 (the 15% discount on the setting takes it from $660 down to $560, and the diamond is $710) - but it looks closer to your inspiration links and should be a knock-out sparkler. JA has solid customer service and return/upgrade/buy-back policies too.

 

[napatastic]

Re: Engagement ring shopping- never bought a diamond before!

I am really new to this world too, so please take this suggestion with a grain of salt (and see what the PS pros have to say about it) but the settings you listed as ones your gf likes made me think of this ring from diamondbistro. I do not know if it would be possible to put a different diamond into the center, as it already has one, but it seemed worth mentioning. Here is the link: http://www.diamondbistro.com/category/216/Natural-Diamond-Center/listings/40791/1CT-Princess-Halo-Diamond-Ring-reduced.html

i also have no idea if it is even still available, good luck either way! You definitely came to the right place for help, the long time PS members amaze me non-stop with their ability to find the perfect setting/diamond for all of the people who ask for help, and always within budget.

 

[lioness]

Re: Engagement ring shopping- never bought a diamond before!

What about......

http://www.jewelsbygrace.com/rings/vintage-and-antique/vintage-star-diamond-ring.html#.VIsBdTHF-So

or

http://www.diamondsbylauren.com/index.php/jewelry/diamond-halo-ring-36ct-k-vs1-daussi-marquise-diamond-beautiful-halo-r3627

??

 

[tmot14]

Re: Engagement ring shopping- never bought a diamond before!

Ooh, lots of good options here! My original engagement ring was a cluster ring so I have a soft spot for them . I noticed that there are many shapes of clusters in the zales links (some were round, some were square, etc.). I understand that clusters can provide an illusion of a larger diamond, but does she have a preference other than looking "bigger"? I especially love both of the marquise diamonds linked so far, but you'd want to make sure she likes them too.

Which one are you leaning toward? Good luck with your search!

 

[dc20063]

Re: Engagement ring shopping- never bought a diamond before!

I did a little more investigating today and found out that she doesn't like marquise cuts. She wants something with finger coverage...I also like the cluster look, but I think she could do well with a solitaire or halo, with 2 very sparkly and bling-y bands to give her the finger coverage she desires.

There are so many loose diamond options on bluenile and JA, I get overwhelmed. How do I know what diamond will look whitest? What determines maximum sparkle?

I could up my budget to $1500 max.

I'm learning so much from this board and your recommendations. Thanks!

 

[farmer gal]

Re: Engagement ring shopping- never bought a diamond before!

I would call ID jewelry and tell them you are a pser. They have come up with some gorgeous rings on a budget.

http://www.idjewelry.com/


Here is an example of one the did for $1500
[URL='https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/need-help-halo-hesitation.183593/']https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/need-help-halo-hesitation.183593/[/URL]

 

[dc20063]

Re: Engagement ring shopping- never bought a diamond before!

I will check it out, I'm looking for quality & an excellent cut over size...thanks for the recommendation!

 

[farmer gal]

Re: Engagement ring shopping- never bought a diamond before!

Here would be a good option if you go for solitaire

Setting:
http://www.jamesallen.com/engagement-rings/vintage/14k-white-gold-vintage-infinity-engagement-ring-item-17858

Diamond:
http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/radiant-cut/0.49-carat-g-color-si1-clarity-sku-256152

Cost would be $1287 with coupon code

 

[dc20063]

Re: Engagement ring shopping- never bought a diamond before!

Here would be a good option if you go for solitaire

Setting:
http://www.jamesallen.com/engagement-rings/vintage/14k-white-gold-vintage-infinity-engagement-ring-item-17858

Diamond:
http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/radiant-cut/0.49-carat-g-color-si1-clarity-sku-256152

Cost would be $1287 with coupon code

This is a beautiful option. I think she would like something like this. I believe my best bet is to spend the bulk of my budget on the diamond-the setting could always be upgraded later, right?

Is it true that ovals look larger than they truly are because of the cut? I've always like the look of an oval diamond solitaire engagement ring....

 

[Niel]

Re: Engagement ring shopping- never bought a diamond before!

Here would be a good option if you go for solitaire

Setting:
http://www.jamesallen.com/engagement-rings/vintage/14k-white-gold-vintage-infinity-engagement-ring-item-17858

Diamond:
http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/radiant-cut/0.49-carat-g-color-si1-clarity-sku-256152

Cost would be $1287 with coupon code

This is a beautiful option. I think she would like something like this. I believe my best bet is to spend the bulk of my budget on the diamond-the setting could always be upgraded later, right?

Is it true that ovals look larger than they truly are because of the cut? I've always like the look of an oval diamond solitaire engagement ring....

Yes. Ovals, pears, and marquise look larger typically per CTW.

 

[Niel]

Re: Engagement ring shopping- never bought a diamond before!

http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/heart-shaped/0.57-carat-g-color-vs1-clarity-sku-373120 (its not a heart )
With this
http://www.jamesallen.com/mobile/engagement-rings/pave/14k-white-gold-petite-diamond-accent-engagement-ring-item-50124

With the 15% discount it would be 1510 (if they will do it for an oval for free, I'd ask)

 

[tina sparkle]

Re: Engagement ring shopping- never bought a diamond before!

I love the first James Allen ring that Niel posted, it is perfect.

 

[Niel]

Re: Engagement ring shopping- never bought a diamond before!

http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/heart-shaped/0.57-carat-g-color-vs1-clarity-sku-373120 (its not a heart )
With this
http://www.jamesallen.com/mobile/engagement-rings/pave/14k-white-gold-petite-diamond-accent-engagement-ring-item-50124

With the 15% discount it would be 1510 (if they will do it for an oval for free, I'd ask)

Or if you could swing the extra 60 bucks I looove this
http://www.jamesallen.com/engagement-rings/halo/14k-white-gold-pave-halo-diamond-engagement-ring-oval-center-item-17457

But I get you already bumped your budget, so if you didn't want to that's understandable

 

[dc20063]

Re: Engagement ring shopping- never bought a diamond before!

http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/heart-shaped/0.57-carat-g-color-vs1-clarity-sku-373120 (its not a heart )
With this
http://www.jamesallen.com/mobile/engagement-rings/pave/14k-white-gold-petite-diamond-accent-engagement-ring-item-50124

With the 15% discount it would be 1510 (if they will do it for an oval for free, I'd ask)

Or if you could swing the extra 60 bucks I looove this
http://www.jamesallen.com/engagement-rings/halo/14k-white-gold-pave-halo-diamond-engagement-ring-oval-center-item-17457

But I get you already bumped your budget, so if you didn't want to that's understandable

I ADORE these ovals that you have recommended. I will definitely be purchasing an oval diamond for her engagement ring.

 

[farmer gal]

Re: Engagement ring shopping- never bought a diamond before!

I would call JA and put that oval on hold; things tend to get snapped up around here

 

[dc20063]

Re: Engagement ring shopping- never bought a diamond before!

I would call JA and put that oval on hold; things tend to get snapped up around here

Wow...didn't know they would hold items. How does their hold work?

 

[Niel]

Re: Engagement ring shopping- never bought a diamond before!

I would call JA and put that oval on hold; things tend to get snapped up around here

Wow...didn't know they would hold items. How does their hold work?

Just click on the chat now function and ask a rep to hold it. You can also ask them if they could do that one setting for an oval, if you prefer that one over others.

 

[tmot14]

Re: Engagement ring shopping- never bought a diamond before!

I'm glad you asked her and ruled out marquise. If she wants a larger stone, it's also good to buy from someone with a great upgrade policy in case you decide to trade in toward a larger one later on.

 

[dc20063]

Re: Engagement ring shopping- never bought a diamond before!

UPDATE:
Now that I've decided on a diamond, (oval from JA) I just have to find the right setting for this oval stone. Not too low, but not too high, with a 3mm-4mm band width. She has 5.5 size fingers and she doesn't like the appearance of thin or ultra-thin bands on her finger. I don't think any diamonds on the band are necessary since I plan on getting her diamond eternity bands for her added sparkle.

 

[Niel]

Re: Engagement ring shopping- never bought a diamond before!

UPDATE:
Now that I've decided on a diamond, (oval from JA) I just have to find the right setting for this oval stone. Not too low, but not too high, with a 3mm-4mm band width. She has 5.5 size fingers and she doesn't like the appearance of thin or ultra-thin bands on her finger. I don't think any diamonds on the band are necessary since I plan on getting her diamond eternity bands for her added sparkle.

Awesome. Alright. Let me look at their solitiares.

 

[Niel]

Re: Engagement ring shopping- never bought a diamond before!

This isn't 3mm but with her finger size and the size of the stone, I think this would be a flattering setting. Simple, low profile( check the other stones theyve set around a half ct in this )

http://www.jamesallen.com/engagement-rings/solitaire/18k-white-gold-2.2mm-wire-basket-solitaire-ring-item-22607

 

[RetroTreeGal]

Re: Engagement ring shopping- never bought a diamond before!

Oh yay an oval, how fun and unique! Good choice.
My recommendation for your budget (which is similar to mine was a year ago- i applaud you!) is to find a solitaire that will sit flush with future companion eternity bands. That way you don't have to have custom bands made, which can be more expensive. Ooh, and then she can rock an awesome stack look! A great option for finger coverage.
The halo Niel posted would work for a straight band: http://www.jamesallen.com/engagement-rings/halo/14k-white-gold-pave-halo-diamond-engagement-ring-oval-center-item-17457
But this one would NOT: http://www.jamesallen.com/engagement-rings/solitaire/18k-white-gold-2.2mm-wire-basket-solitaire-ring-item-22607
Just something to think about

 

[Niel]

Re: Engagement ring shopping- never bought a diamond before!

Oh yay an oval, how fun and unique! Good choice.
My recommendation for your budget (which is similar to mine was a year ago- i applaud you!) is to find a solitaire that will sit flush with future companion eternity bands. That way you don't have to have custom bands made, which can be more expensive. Ooh, and then she can rock an awesome stack look! A great option for finger coverage.
The halo Niel posted would work for a straight band: http://www.jamesallen.com/engagement-rings/halo/14k-white-gold-pave-halo-diamond-engagement-ring-oval-center-item-17457
But this one would NOT: http://www.jamesallen.com/engagement-rings/solitaire/18k-white-gold-2.2mm-wire-basket-solitaire-ring-item-22607
Just something to think about

Just to be devils advocate... you don't have to have custom rings, and you don't HAVE to have flush fit. The fact the stone isn't too big means the gap would be minute.

just from a personal perspective, I like when they aren't exactly flush fit...
but that's one gals opinion.