Engagement Ring: What Should I Look For?

[anikom15]

Hi All, I'm thinking of buying an engagement ring. I've decided my budget is up to $3400 for setting and stone, excluding wedding band.

I need help on what I should expect to get and what I should be looking for. I've spent a lot of time researching the metrics of diamond grading, 4Cs and how the diamond looks in certain conditions. I've decided that a yellow-gold diamond solitaire is what I'm going to settle on, but there are a few questions:

What's the difference between 14k and 18k gold, practically? I'm leaning towards 18k, but am open to 14k.

What's a respectable carat size? Is 0.5 c too small?

With 18k/14k gold, what is the lowest color grade that would be acceptable? From what I've read, it sounds like J.

I'm feeling adamant about sticking to VS2+ and avoiding SI. Am I selling SI short here?

What cuts would be considered fitting for an early 20th Century style? It seems like round is the best overall cut, but they are the most expensive. Marquis, Cushion, Radiant, and Asscher catch my eye. Are these good cuts? Which would be the best alternative to round? Any other cuts I should consider?

Please share examples of diamonds/rings that would be good at this price point. I know this is a lot, so much respect to the experts willing to take on these questions!

 

[tyty333]

Is this stone for you or your GF?

 

[anikom15]

Not for me....

 

[Jujeh]

It's always risky business picking out an engagement ring for someone else. I know it's traditional but she has to wear it for the rest of her life (hopefully). Things like shape are so personal. I love marquise but many hate it. Keep in mind that shape also affects size. A 0.5 ct asscher will look minuscule whereas a 0.5ct marquise has decent coverage.

I definitely think eye clean SI diamonds are worth looking at (why pay more for clarity differences you can only see under a loupe), but again, your partner may disagree. In many cultures, people proudly show off their rings saying "It's a VVS!!" and an SI would be an insult. So again, ymmv.

Color is also very personal. I like tinted diamonds but I wouldn't want one for my engagement ring. The lowest I would go is I, just to be safe. Many people disagree on both sides (many people insist on D while others are perfectly happy with K or lower). Also, cut makes a huge difference. Certain cuts show off color more.

Size, again ... can you predict? Personal. For me, 0.5 ct round solitaires are pretty small. Even 1 ct solitaires are too small for me. I'd prefer a cluster ring in that size range. But that's just me. 0.5ct actually average or slightly above average for many countries.

14k vs 18k ... I prefer 14k because I have a lot of 14k and even 10k jewelry. The colors match better. Supposedly it's a bit stronger. But really, it's a tiny difference and again, cultural factors exist. Some people see anything below 18k as an insult.

I hope this helps a bit? I know my entire post sums up to "it's all personal" but it may give you things to think about.

 

[Swirl68]

What cuts would be considered fitting for an early 20th Century style?

You said you had decided on a yellow gold solitaire setting. But are you wanting it to be in a particular early 20th century style setting? What did you have in mind? (Because that could possibly eat away a good chunk of your budget.)

 

[cokitty]

Given the desire for the early 20th century style you might look for an estate piece.
$2650 https://www.1stdibs.com/jewelry/rin...3-stone-diamond-engagement-ring/id-j_7076032/

$2850 https://www.1stdibs.com/jewelry/rin...latinum-diamond-engagement-ring/id-j_7064082/

$3040 https://www.1stdibs.com/jewelry/rin...atgold-platinum-125-carat-total/id-j_7083001/

$2000 https://www.1stdibs.com/jewelry/rin...iamond-platinum-engagement-ring/id-j_7070762/

$3250 https://www.1stdibs.com/jewelry/rin...ean-cut-diamond-engagement-ring/id-j_7062162/

$2100https://www.1stdibs.com/jewelry/rings/three-stone-rings/victorian-antique-three-diamond-filigree-low-profile-vintage-engagement-ring/id-j_7203311/

$3250 https://www.1stdibs.com/jewelry/rin...latinum-diamond-engagement-ring/id-j_7193231/

$1450
https://www.1stdibs.com/jewelry/rin...silver-top-3-stone-diamond-ring/id-j_7079691/

$2160 https://www.1stdibs.com/jewelry/rin...ist-engagement-ring-circa-1930s/id-j_7161122/

 

[OoohShiny]

Has the intended recipient expressed any desire or preference towards a particular shape/size/style/metal?

Or is it a total surprise?

 

[tyty333]

Has your GF shown interest in any other cut besides round?

Size-wise...what is the typical size in your area? What size do her friends wear? Sisters? Sister-in-laws? Of course, what fits in your budget will be
a factor. I do think you can get more than a .5 in your budget as long as the setting is not too expensive.

Here is an Old European Cut (OEC) stone in your budget. It is a .8 but due to the deeper depths of OECs faces up like a .75 round brilliant. So are you
looking for something like this or are you looking for a newer round brilliant (or some other shape).

https://www.jewelsbygrace.com/0-86ct-old-european-cut-gia-k-si2

This is a pretty setting that gives a nod to old world charm. Several Pricescoper's have it and its one of my favorites.
https://www.stuller.com/products/build/122004/3630089/?groupId=113775#/mounting-options

For an oval (not saying you should get one but I'm just pointing out stones)...maybe something like this
https://www.bluenile.com/diamond-de...NDS&track=viewDiamondDetails&catalogView=true

Simple 14k setting (comes in 18k yellow gold also)
https://www.bluenile.com/build-your...ngagement-ring-14k-gold_70934?diamondShape=OV

Here is a relative size difference between a .75 round brilliant and the .9 oval posted above on a size 6 finger.


You really need to try to narrow it down to what shape of stone you think she would enjoy wearing.
It will be much easier once that gets narrowed down.

 

[distracts]

If you are worried about size, I might get an oval or marquise as they look big for their size compared to rounds.

Example:
https://www.augustvintageinc.net/collections/opulence/products/0-86ct-i-vs2-elyque-oval-1269656

Asschers will look very small for their weight compared to other cuts. Cushions and radiants will look next-smallest.

BUT what you should look for depends on what the person wearing it will like. Ask her. If you are insistent about not asking her, then look at what her friends' engagement rings are like - if they are all different shapes, then a different shape may be good, but if they are all rounds in solitaires, then that's probably what you should get. If some of them have gemstones rather than diamonds, you may need to ask her which she wants.

 

[sledge]

To answer your question about golds, it breaks down like this:

• 24k = 100% gold
• 18k = 75% gold
• 14k = 58.3% gold
• 10k = 41.3% gold

The higher the gold content, the more precious metal and consequently the higher the price. Also, the higher the gold content the softer the metal. Lastly more gold content will change the shade of yellow/gold of the ring.

Most believe 24k is too soft. Many think 18k is a good balance and gives a more rich yellow color that some prefer. However, 14k is probably more main stream, a little cheaper and more of a diluted yellowish color.

I might add that in addition to the gold content the individual alloys may be slightly different and consequently alter the yellow shades a little. So you might see small color differences from vendor A 14k to vendor B 14k.

However, before you decide on yellow or white you really need to understand what your girl likes. Most people my age and younger prefer white metals rather that be white gold, platinum or an alternative metal. It seems older or very traditional folks like yellow gold.

Obviously there is no right or wrong answer. But if you are buying as a surprise I'd make sure yellow or white is what they prefer. Also, there may be allergies to consider, in which case platinum becomes a great choice.

In regards to the stone and setting style, you seem all over the place and some of the ideas you have are very unique. Unique isn't bad as long as the person you are buying from shares your same vision. Many girls like round in a solitaire setting. My girl was the odd ball and didn't but many of the unique shapes and style she didn't like either. It was a real challenge to find the right design for her. I share this with you as she will wear this forever, or at least until you upgrade it. You want to buy her something that she will love everytime she looks at it.

In regards to color and clarity, the smaller the stone the more you can "cheat" it. Reason is simple....smaller stone is a smaller body to show color or imperfections. I'd think an eye clean SI1 is more than sufficient in an H/I color.

It will help prioritize your budget to get the most bang for the buck. Just don't even think about cheating on cut. The sparkle is what makes it a good choice.