First time E-ring

[MGoldRN]

Hi all,
This is my first post on here, but I must say that I have been lurking the forums for about a week now to obtain information. The wealth of information on this site is spectacular. There are so many members who offer valuable insight regarding the purchase of a diamond. So, my situation is that I have begun the hunt for my first engagement ring. At first I was under the impression that purchasing a diamond online would be nice and easy (but the reality has set in that just about nothing in life is easy ). It then occurred to me how little I knew about diamonds, as well as how many factors there are to consider when purchasing a stone. I suppose I should give a bit of information about the type of ring I am looking for. My girlfriend's fingers are rather small/long/thin... Her ring size is approx. 4. I was always under the notion that I just HAD to have a 1ct center stone, but the more that I research, I think it would be in my best interest to stick between 0.8-1ct. I am most interested in a round cut stone, but would not be opposed to a princess cut depending on the setting. I know there is a lot of talk about "eye clean" SI1 stones that can appear to be just as brilliant as other higher clarities depending on the cut. Like many people, I am trying to receive the best "bang for the buck" diamond. Who wouldn't want a stone that is solid all around for the best price? I am less concerned with the color, as from what I have read, may not play a huge role if the diamond is cut properly. So, that leaves me searching many diamonds, using the HCA to weed out diamonds that may not be the best cut, and trying to factor in all the other C's I mentioned. I am looking for a bit of guidance here... I would like the total package of stone and setting to be approx. $4,000-5,000. I am not opposed to dishing out a bit more if the stone truly warrants it... But, on the other hand, I would like to maximize the potential of the diamond for the money. What do you folks suggest for diamonds?
Any/all info is welcome. Thanks!

 

[Gypsy]

Okay so we need more information before we can help you.

Here's what we need:

First, What type of setting does your lady want? Because we need to budget for that FIRST. Also what metal did she want?

Second, I assume you want a round. But you don't state that anywhere. Please let me know if you want a round or some other shape. Also, is this the shape SHE picked? Or is it your pick?

Third, do you have any inspiration pictures of the setting/ring that she wants? Those are always very helpful. Snooping on Pinterest on her account if she has one is a the best way to do this, if you aren't shopping together.

If you get us that information, then we can help you by suggesting stones and we'll let you know if your budget needs adjustment at all.

 

[MGoldRN]

Thanks for the reply, as mentioned above, I am most interested in a round stone. However, I would not be opposed to a princess cut if the setting complimented it. For example, my gf has shown me pictures of round stones in various halo style settings. I do think the halo style is nice, but would not be opposed to a round with micro pave and perhaps some engraving. I also like the idea of a princess stone with pave style band alternating with sapphires. There is some debate on whether sapphires take away from the main stone, but I think it's unique. The metal of the setting would be 14 or 18k white gold. I am least interested in platinum or yellow gold. I wonder if a halo style would be better if I decide to lean toward the smaller center stone. I think the larger center stone best stands out alone with a pave setting. On a side note, should I consider a cushion cut?

 

[Gypsy]

Please don't take this the wrong way, but what your lady thinks is most important thing here. This is something she is going to wear for the rest of her life. And I want to make sure that her preferences are taken into account, first and foremost.

So I realize that you have formed a number of opinions, and of course you should like the ring too. But what would be most helpful is to understand what her preferences are.

If she likes halos then I think getting her one is a great idea. But you will need to bump up your budget a bit as it is important with pave to get very good quality.

Has she only shown you rounds and princesses? Or has she also liked say.... cushions and ovals as well?

As for sapphires? What is her opinion on them.

You say that she has shown you pictures, can you share them with us? That would be very helpful.

 

[MGoldRN]

I do respect your input regarding her opinion and preference on the ring... But, being that it will be a total surprise, I have yet to have her tell me an exact style. When speaking generally about sapphires, her general idea is that she likes the appearance of the stone. She has never specifically stated what type of diamond cut would interest her the most. The pictures that she had shown me of halo style rings looked pretty much like many others I have seen... A center diamond surrounded by smaller stones with the same size stones extending approximately half way down the band. I had first considered a cushion cut as it may be the best of both worlds with a round and princess.. but after reading more, I may have been turned off a bit by that cut. I am not opposed to suggestions... A cushion may be a nice compromise between the two.

 

[Gypsy]

Ok. Does she have a pinterest account?

Does she have a sister, best friend, cousin, or mother you are close to and on good terms with?

 

[Gypsy]

Also, I have a questionnaire I use for exactly the "surprise" scenario. If you can fill it out, it will help us help you better.

1. What is your budget? (I know you said 4-5k with some flexibility but if a halo is on the table I need to know how much 'flexibility' you have in mind).

2. How old are you guys?

3. What do she do for a living/working toward doing for a living.

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?

5. Does she prefer white metals or yellow/pinks ones

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?

7. Is she clumsy? Is she very put together?

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?

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).

10. Do you guys have pets? Want them? What kind?

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?

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.

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.)?

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?

 

[Gypsy]

Please post the answers to the questions above. In the meantime, here's an option for you based on your original request for a round diamond with her preference for a halo:

http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/0.80-carat-g-color-si1-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-347563 Right around 6mm. Get idealscope.
and
http://www.jamesallen.com/engagement-rings/halo/18k-white-gold-hand-made-pave-halo-engagement-ring-round-center-item-22654 Good quality halo (this is the halo on JA I recommend for an engagement ring, so that it stands up to wear and tear).

 

[Gypsy]

If she has shown you pictures of rounds with halos. Then that makes me think that's what she likes.

Unless she has specifically said she wants a princess I don't recommend you get one. People have love it or hate it reactions to them. And they face up very small for their carat weight. And even face up smaller than cushions for the weight. If you want to consider squares, cushions are the safest.

This is a very nice stone. You would call and put it on hold and ask for the gemologist to examine it to make sure it is not over-blue. I would not recommend the settings at b2c. We've had people keep the diamonds and return the setting. And the diamond quality is very very low. http://www.b2cjewels.com/dd-4578628-0.91-carat-Cushion-diamond-H-color-VS1-clarity.aspx 2,500 is a good price for this stone.

I would send it to ERD to have them set it in this setting: http://www.engagementringsdirect.com/grace-classic-micro-pave-halo-enagement-ring-bpid-58-18.html

 

[MGoldRN]

Hi Gypsy, after considering some of the points in your post, I have decided to stick with a round or princess cut. I plan to choose a halo style setting because I have an idea that she will enjoy that one the most. In regard to your questionnaire:

1. What is your budget? (I know you said 4-5k with some flexibility but if a halo is on the table I need to know how much 'flexibility' you have in mind).
I would ideally like to be around 5k... $5,500 would be stretching a bit.

2. How old are you guys?
I am 25 and she is 24.

3. What do she do for a living/working toward doing for a living.
We are both Registered Nurses. I work in critical care, she works in inpatient behavioral health.

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?
We do not usually "dress up" too often. I would say her usual attire outside of scrubs is jeans and designer shirts.

5. Does she prefer white metals or yellow/pinks ones
Her preference is white metals. She does not like the color pink.

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?
We live together in an apartment, the décor is mostly contemporary/modern.

7. Is she clumsy? Is she very put together?
Extremely put together, most nurses tend to be OCD

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?
She does have a few designer bags, but does not flaunt them. Her favorite color is purple. She does own a nice coach watch that I purchased for her.

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).
We live in Connecticut, mostly rural area, but not too far from urban areas.

10. Do you guys have pets? Want them? What kind?
No pets... Might consider a dog if we get a house.

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?
No she is not materialistic at all.. I'm sure she will appreciate any stone that I provide to her.

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.
My girlfriend is one of the most patient, compassionate, and self-sufficient person that I know. Her quirky personality matches up perfectly with my own quirks. We are both neat-freaks, so living together is often a breeze. Being nurses, you tend to develop quite a unique sense of humor, but it keeps the conversations interesting. She is a self-starter, self-motivated, and extremely brilliant. Aside from being my future wife, I am happy to call her my best friend.

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.)?
While we never specifically discussed ring styles, she has shown me pictures of halo style settings. Everything else would be guess work on my part. I am close with her mother, so she may be able to provide some insight.

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 routinely wears a white gold journey diamond necklace that I bought for her. Aside from her coach watch, she wears non-designer earrings that are far from flashy.

Thanks for taking the time to listen to my needs and provide an opinion. You seem extremely knowledgeable and have a passion for educating others.