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First Time ERing Buyer, with $3700 budget needs help.

Ragebytw

Rough_Rock
Joined
Sep 28, 2011
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Im a first time buyer with a tight budget. Im pulling my hair out trying to find the best deal on a Halo Setting and a Diamond.

Heres what Im looking for....

The biggest eyeclean diamond for my buck. Dont want anything yellow, but cant afford a D.

Currently Im looking at this Diamond
and was hoping for an opinion or Two...:)

http://www2.gia.edu/reportcheck/index.cfm?fuseaction=home.showReportVerification&reportno=14009164&weight=0.78

Its a Round, SI2. .78 I Diamond for $2198.

This will go with the simple and elegant Halo setting I found on the Solomon Brothers Website, Heres the photo.

Its 14k White Gold with a total weight of .41 cts. My GF loves Halo settings with a thin Diamond covered band.



Its going for $1095... Heres the link
http://www.solomonbrothers.com//Jewelry_130319

That brings me to $3300 which is below my budget... I dont mind spending an extra 400 bucks to get a bigger or better diamond and would also be open to getting a Princess Cut Diamond on a different although similar setting and getting a bit more bang for my buck.

Any Help would be much appreciated. Im looking for a Halo Setting with a thin diamond covered band, and as much diamond as possible as long as its white and eye clean. My Max budget is $3700

Please Help! The brick and morter stores are starting to wear me down and I dont know enough about buying sight unseen to trust my own judgement

130319.jpg
 

Gypsy

Super_Ideal_Rock
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How to you feel about pre-owned?
 

slg47

Ideal_Rock
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http://goodoldgold.com/diamond/8517/
this diamond is also I, SI2 but comes with more images so we know it is well cut.

GOG carries their own halo settings as well as Beverley K which makes some affordable halo settings. I believe you can order Beverley K settings without the engraving if you prefer (ask GOG).

http://www.pearlmansjewelers.com/jewelry-designers/beverley-k-jewelry/rings/100PP1/ (not sure if price is current...but this is an example)

I would put that stone on hold if you are interested so someone doesn't snatch it up while you are deciding!
 

Gypsy

Super_Ideal_Rock
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Does it have to be round. And Oval would let you get much more carat weight and size for your money. So no need for a halo.

Other options.

This is a re-sell site that's very popular with members because unlike ebay there are no fees.


Some really good deals to be had...

http://diamondbistro.com/category/216/Natural-Diamond-Center/listings/23358/051ct-G-SI1-Platinum-Diamond-Ring-Sz-5.html This one could be reset into a halo.

And this is a PS vendor with a great reputation who sells estate pieces.
http://www.pearlmansjewelers.com/jewelry-specials/estate-jewelry/rings/205PO1/0/ I adore this one.


ETA: I should read more carefully.
 

Gypsy

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slg47|1317343957|3029251 said:
http://goodoldgold.com/diamond/8517/
this diamond is also I, SI2 but comes with more images so we know it is well cut.

GOG carries their own halo settings as well as Beverley K which makes some affordable halo settings. I believe you can order Beverley K settings without the engraving if you prefer (ask GOG).

http://www.pearlmansjewelers.com/jewelry-designers/beverley-k-jewelry/rings/100PP1/ (not sure if price is current...but this is an example)

I would put that stone on hold if you are interested so someone doesn't snatch it up while you are deciding!

Beautiful choice slg!
 

Gypsy

Super_Ideal_Rock
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http://goodoldgold.com/diamond/5612/ And just in case you do want a D with high clarity in your budget... here's an example of one.

You can put that diamond in one of the Eternity Diamond Halos and be at budget with a D VS1 stone.
 

slg47

Ideal_Rock
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the diamond you posted looks pretty good but it is always safer to buy with images. can they evaluate whether or not it is eye-clean? also i would be interested to know to what extent the brillianteering is affecting the diamond...
 

Gypsy

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I would also call Eternity Diamonds and see if they can suggest a diamond for you. They have some lovely halo settings that are very affordable. This is my favorite: http://www.eternitydiamonds.com/engagement-rings/diamond-engagement-ring/Evangeline-Round-Bezel-Set-Diamond-by-Eternity-%28.39-ctw.%29-155.htm and this one is just bling tastic: http://www.eternitydiamonds.com/engagement-rings/diamond-engagement-ring/Diamond-Halo-Ring-394.htm

I like eternity diamonds setting prices and they will send out a CZ copy of the settings they have (I think they will still do that!) so you can see what it will look like in person.
 

Ragebytw

Rough_Rock
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Sep 28, 2011
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Thanks For all the help. Check this setting out and let me know what yall think .

http://www.eternitydiamonds.com/engagement-rings/diamond-engagement-ring/Monique-Princess-Cut-Diamond-with-Diamond-Frame-and-Band-by-Eternity-(.43-ctw..)-154.htm

also this princess cut for 2270

Carat weight: 0.74
Cut: Excellent
Color: F
Clarity: VS1
Price per carat: $3068
Depth %: 71.3
Table %: 69
Symmetry: V. Good
Polish: Good
Girdle: Slightly Thick to Thick
Culet: None
Fluorescence: None
Measurements: 4.88x4.87x3.48




What do you think? and thanks for the help... I think these may be the pair that make my engagement ring...
 

slg47

Ideal_Rock
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I would not buy a princess cut without images unless it is an AGS0.
 

Gypsy

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Ragebytw|1317353508|3029384 said:
Thanks For all the help. Check this setting out and let me know what yall think .

http://www.eternitydiamonds.com/engagement-rings/diamond-engagement-ring/Monique-Princess-Cut-Diamond-with-Diamond-Frame-and-Band-by-Eternity-(.43-ctw...)-154.htm

also this princess cut for 2270

Carat weight: 0.74
Cut: Excellent
Color: F
Clarity: VS1
Price per carat: $3068
Depth %: 71.3
Table %: 69
Symmetry: V. Good
Polish: Good
Girdle: Slightly Thick to Thick
Culet: None
Fluorescence: None
Measurements: 4.88x4.87x3.48




What do you think? and thanks for the help... I think these may be the pair that make my engagement ring...

I wouldn't do a princess at all. They are cut deep and face up really small for their carat weight.

I'd stick to spready shapes. Ovals and rounds.
 

minmin001

Ideal_Rock
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Mar 21, 2011
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you need to make up your mind of what shape to get first before we can help you search...
 

Gypsy

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SHE wants a halo.

Does she have a shape she wants?
 

Ragebytw

Rough_Rock
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The lovely lady I've been shopping for has fallen for two types of shapes... Rounds and Princess. She doesn't seem to like the cushion cut and to be honest neither of us have seen an oval engagement ring.

She ooohs and awes over two types of ring. Both halo settings with a dainty diamond covered band in either princess or round. The ring I posted at the very top of this thread is one she really liked and she also liked what looked like an identical square shaped setting with princess diamond. She seems to have no preference...( That I know of..;-) to shape, so I'm just searching for the biggest and nicest cut diamond in my price range within a halo setting.

We've seen all kinds of halo settings with dainty diamond couvered bands, and almost all of them
Were received quite well.

I'll stick to a round for now, unless any large and nicely cut princess diamonds show up.

I personally love the suggestion one of the posters on this thread sent to look at Beverly K settings. They are stunning. Do they look as nice in person? Do you know of a site other then Pearlmans with these rings and prices?

Thanks again for all the help. I'll stick to a round diamond. Any help would be much appreciated
 

Gypsy

Super_Ideal_Rock
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GOG carries Beverly K, but in my experience GOG seems to be higher priced for Pearlmans. They are NICER in person. I have two local retailers of them and have tried on maybe 20 of their pieces and I've always loved them.

Perhaps you can go on the Beverly K website and see if there is anywhere near you that carries them?

As for shapes... can you show her this one?

It's one of our member's rings-- her name is Hudson Hawk and her oval is lovely and the setting is just what it sounds like your lady wants.

It might be worthwhile to see if she likes it. If you can't show it to her, does she have an mother, sister, aunt, cousin, best friend that can ask her what she thinks without her knowing what it is for?

file.jpg

file.jpg
 

Ragebytw

Rough_Rock
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Very Beautiful Ring. I will have to find some way to show her without giving anything away.

In keeping with the round shape, one of the consultants at one of the vendors we are discussing has suggested an OEC Round for a Beverly K setting.... Says it will keep me on budget. What do you think of this suggestion? I know little about OEC's but maybe it would look nice in the antique setting?

Will also look around for Beverly K vendors locally. But I live in Canada and for some reason the exact same rings and stones are literally double the price. I had someone at a brick and mortar local store try to sell me a Thin Band, Solitare Setting in 18k white gold for $5800
No stone just the setting... Real basic setting... Its kinda crazy over here... Not that I was interested in the solitare setting, but that was crazy!
 

Gypsy

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Ragebytw|1317438224|3030320 said:
Very Beautiful Ring. I will have to find some way to show her without giving anything away.

In keeping with the round shape, one of the consultants at one of the vendors we are discussing has suggested an OEC Round for a Beverly K setting.... Says it will keep me on budget. What do you think of this suggestion? I know little about OEC's but maybe it would look nice in the antique setting?

Will also look around for Beverly K vendors locally. But I live in Canada and for some reason the exact same rings and stones are literally double the price. I had someone at a brick and mortar local store try to sell me a Thin Band, Solitare Setting in 18k white gold for $5800
No stone just the setting... Real basic setting... Its kinda crazy over here... Not that I was interested in the solitare setting, but that was crazy!


OMG! DO THIS. DO THIS! I'm totally on board with a gorgeous OEC or even a Transitional in a Beverly K. BUT make sure they give you LOTS of pics of the OEC... from the top down and from the side and the bottom and post them here and we'll help you assess.

BTW, as a vendor Pearlmans is GREAT. I've bought from them three times and it's been a pleasure each time.
 

tyty333

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Here are examples of OEC stones. We tend to love them here on PS because we like old stones. They do have a different look
though. Usually bigger facets but less of them. Results in bigger flashes of sparkle but less of them. I think an OEC in a
Bev K would be lovely...just try to make sure your GF is good with it.

http://www.oldworlddiamonds.com/view.php?SHAPE=EU

edit - this looks like it could be a lovely stone and would leave about $1700 for a lower end Bev K
http://www.oldworlddiamonds.com/detail.php?ID=448&SHAPE=EU

This one is more. Would need to make sure it is eye-clean
http://www.oldworlddiamonds.com/detail.php?ID=1319&SHAPE=EU

Bev K
http://www.pearlmansjewelers.com/jewelry-designers/beverley-k-jewelry/rings/100PP1/35/
 

slg47

Ideal_Rock
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I think OECs are beautiful but I am not your GF! If you are concerned I think a modern round is the way to go.
 

diamondseeker2006

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I agree with round no matter what, from what you have said. For me personally, I can't think of many things better than an OEC in a Beverley K setting, though!
 

Ragebytw

Rough_Rock
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My GF took a look at both the Oval Ring that You posted above and the antique looking Beverly K Ring and loved them both. She went nuts over both of them.

The Beverly K ring is this one. http://www.pearlmansjewelers.com/jewelry-designers/beverley-k-jewelry/rings/100PP1/35/

Thank you to whoever posted that. Spoke with A vendor who will get me a quote on that ring and a .83 Si 1 J colour OEC diamond.

I'm looking forward to prices and picks on Monday.

As far as the oval goes, just as a plan B for now I found this combo.

Diamond!

http://www.eternitydiamonds.com/diamond_detail.php?id=594241&combo=combo

Ring!


http://www.eternitydiamonds.com/diamond_detail.php?id=594241&combo=combo

What do you think? We are getting closer to finding the right pair and I'm really excited to be almost there. Thanks guys
 

Gypsy

Super_Ideal_Rock
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Ovals have to be bought with the eyes. So just ask Eternity to find you a GREAT performing stone without a prominent bowtie in your budget and post pics.

As for the OEC... again, need pics. Looks like you are NEARLY THERE! Great job! :appl:
 

Ragebytw

Rough_Rock
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All of the OEC Stones look wonderful. I'll try and find a brick and mortar that carries one so that I can see one in person. Are these types of diamonds too deep thou? Like the princess diamonds? Where the diameter is smaller then the carat weight would indicate because of depth?
 

Ragebytw

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Bowtie? What's that mean?
 

Gypsy

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Ragebytw|1317527043|3030972 said:
All of the OEC Stones look wonderful. I'll try and find a brick and mortar that carries one so that I can see one in person. Are these types of diamonds too deep thou? Like the princess diamonds? Where the diameter is smaller then the carat weight would indicate because of depth?

Old cuts are all over the place. Some are cut really deep, others are cut super shallow. It just depends on how the angles work together. If you want to see some old cuts go to the highest end antique or vintage jewelry store in your area. But no... if you have an old cut with 70% depth... most times (there are exceptions to this and I own one but they are extremely rare) they are dogs. Your best bet is to stick to something in the 59-62-63 % depth.
 

Gypsy

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Ragebytw

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I found a RB S1 J colour .75 excellent Gia graded stone to go with the Beverly K ring.
Do you guys think that's too yellow?

And what do you guys know of Prime Jewelers? It's an online vendor based in new York. Cheaper Beverly K setting. I'm talking to their rep because the one at Pearlmans hasn't responded to my emails.

I' also found an H s2 with medium flo, .71 excellent Gia. But don't know if I want to buy an s2 sight unseen. also .75 seems to be a sweet spot. What do u guys think?
 

vintagelover229

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www.goodoldgold.com also carries Beverly K setings and has AMAZING stones.

I know you were looking at OEC/Rounds but have you considered a cushion shape? BTW keep in mind lurkers take stones often so if you like this stone I'd call GOG and put it on hold

http://www.goodoldgold.com/diamond/8580/
I'm only linking to the pearlmans site so you can see the setting, Jonathan at GOG can get it for you as well and do the whole thing in one shot. Stone, setting everything.


Same setting that your GF loves but for a cushion.
http://www.pearlmansjewelers.com/jewelry-designers/beverley-k-jewelry/rings/116PP1/


Here is a video done by GOG with a Bev K setting with a J RB stone
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C0AH11dYcN4


I can't comment on that particular jeweler you asked about because I've never heard of them. however Jonathan is on Long Island and just a simple search will show you how many pleased customers he has ::)
And AVC in a halo setting
http://www.youtube.com/user/DiamondInfoMan#p/search/1/GMB6pJ_Tv0o


ETA: I just saw she doesn't like cushions. You should show her these videos because these aren't like MOST cushions. In fact, they are amazing cushions and will blow any cushion she's seen in person out of the water.

Here is a good video to show her
http://www.youtube.com/user/DiamondInfoMan#p/search/3/uKea62CfxEM


Here is a J colored AVC in a tacori halo setting
http://www.youtube.com/user/DiamondInfoMan#p/search/7/XwsMqUcz9S8
 
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