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Found the ring, need help with the diamond!

K

kingofthestoneage

Rough_Rock
Joined
Jan 30, 2013
Messages
7
Hey everyone,

First off I just want to say this forum is great. So many people seem to contribute in such a positive and constructive way, which seems to be rare with web forums nowadays.

Anyway, I'm sorry for another one of these threads, but I would really appreciate everyone's advice. I considered "asking experts" on the JA or WF websites, but would prefer impartial opinions. I have an alright understanding of the basics, but not nearly enough to be able to make a decision I would be comfortable with.

First off, I have found the ring I KNOW my girlfriend wants. We went and looked at a bunch a while ago, and she consistently picked out the same design or something VERY close.

JA: http://www.jamesallen.com/#!/Engagement-Rings/Three-Stone-Rings/Platinum-Three-Stone-Princess-and-Pave-Set-Diamond-Engagement-Ring-item-740

Now I am looking for the best diamond to go with this amazing ring. I would prefer buying the diamond from JA as well, just because it will probably be easier to deal with one company, but am open to the other reputable vendors if there's something that would be more suitable.

My budget is $1500-$2500 MAX for the diamond. I would prefer to stay as close to the lower end of my price range as I can, but am willing to pay for that perfect match.

Thanks in advance everyone!
 
Thanks for the welcome and quick replies!

JulieN - Thanks for the suggestion, but I know she's very set on the style I posted. We toured about 7 or 8 places, and she consistently picked it over and over. Big Princess cut in the centre, two Princess cuts on the side, and then the 8-10 small diamonds down the side. I don't really want to deviate from this.

nielseel - Thanks for the suggestion, but the ring I posted initially is platinum and is $500 less than the BG ring which is $2900 in platinum. I also think I like the JA style a little better as well. The diamond sounds great, but it's kind of scary not being able to see a picture of it. I've also read in a few places that GIA grading is the only way to go (Please don't flame if this is wrong :? )
 
For your budget, you are looking at about .7-.8 cts/5x5mm. The JA setting has somewhat large sidestones, the BGD setting comes in a petite version with smaller sides. I prefer a big difference between the center and the sides, but it does depend a little on the wearer: if your intended has large fingers, the JA one would make more sense.

How about this one: http://www.gabrielny.com/engaged/style/ER5430W44JJ
The .3 tcw version is for 5x5 princesses.
Here it is in platinum, but for a larger center: http://www.gabrielny.com/engaged/style/ER4204PT4JJ
If they make the platinum version for 5x5 squares, I expect it to be a little bit cheaper than that.
If you like it, Good Old Gold carries this brand, and they get beautiful princesses.
 
kingofthestoneage|1359608348|3368262 said:
Thanks for the welcome and quick replies!

JulieN - Thanks for the suggestion, but I know she's very set on the style I posted. We toured about 7 or 8 places, and she consistently picked it over and over. Big Princess cut in the centre, two Princess cuts on the side, and then the 8-10 small diamonds down the side. I don't really want to deviate from this.

nielseel - Thanks for the suggestion, but the ring I posted initially is platinum and is $500 less than the BG ring which is $2900 in platinum. I also think I like the JA style a little better as well. The diamond sounds great, but it's kind of scary not being able to see a picture of it. I've also read in a few places that GIA grading is the only way to go (Please don't flame if this is wrong :? )
Click to expand...
The only reason it does nit have a photo is because he probably just added it. They aren't up yet. You would get all the photo info from them if you were to request or place that stone on hold. As for the setting if it has to be in platinum then your right thats more, I didn't know plat was a requirement, I usuallly wouldn't suggest it if youre on a budget that needs a bit of stretching. but of course go with plat if she has to have it. And like julie said the side stones are more petit, which would be important I think because if the side stones are too large they swollow up the center, making them look larger
 
Also AGS, along with gia, are reputable certs. Dont have any concern at all buying an ags stone! :)

Eta also with the fact itll have 3 stone and pave I really dont think shed see mich difference between wg and play. Not a lot of metal showing, you know?
 
JulieN|1359690245|3369280 said:
I just remembered this, fantastic deal, but not sure what size center it needs: http://www.pearlmansjewelers.com/jewelry-specials/closeout-jewelry/beaudry/57B1/0/
Click to expand...

Oh, gosh, yes!!! :appl: That is in different class altogether if she likes a little vintage flavor and has a ring size not too far off that. I am betting that ring takes a 1 ct. stone. I am surprised that I didn't buy it so I'd have a center stone with every shape! :lol:

But regardless, I am with Julie in that it isn't the greatest idea to spend $2600 on a setting and then only $1500 on the center stone. If your total budget is $4000 or 4500, then I'd be looking for a less expensive setting. And this one at Pearlman's is the bargain of a lifetime for a very expensive brand ring! The only problem is that you'd have to confirm the size of the center stone, and I do not think it is under a carat. So you could ask Pearlmans if they had any stones that were reasonable that would fit because they probably do get trade-ins and that kind of thing. It can be sized, but I wouldn't consider buying it if it had to be drastically sized up or down.
 
diamondseeker2006|1359692016|3369303 said:
JulieN|1359690245|3369280 said:
I just remembered this, fantastic deal, but not sure what size center it needs: http://www.pearlmansjewelers.com/jewelry-specials/closeout-jewelry/beaudry/57B1/0/
Click to expand...

Oh, gosh, yes!!! :appl: That is in different class altogether if she likes a little vintage flavor and has a ring size not too far off that. I am betting that ring takes a 1 ct. stone. I am surprised that I didn't buy it so I'd have a center stone with every shape! :lol:

But regardless, I am with Julie in that it isn't the greatest idea to spend $2600 on a setting and then only $1500 on the center stone. If your total budget is $4000 or 4500, then I'd be looking for a less expensive setting. And this one at Pearlman's is the bargain of a lifetime for a very expensive brand ring! The only problem is that you'd have to confirm the size of the center stone, and I do not think it is under a carat. So you could ask Pearlmans if they had any stones that were reasonable that would fit because they probably do get trade-ins and that kind of thing.
Click to expand...
Based of that original setting and he saying he cpuld go 2500 for the stone max soinds like his budget is around 5k all together. Can you get a 1ct I or so princess if that is a 1 ct setting??

Dont let that ring get passed up is such better quality and actually cheaper! Too good!
 
There are some 1 ct. I SI princess stones around$4k on James Allen. But of course, I am guessing because I didn't ask about that particular ring. But the two rounds are about a carat center, so I am betting that one is. But it could be 1.25 or so, and that would put it out of the question. But she may be wanting a shiny modern setting and may not like this, but it is a dream ring for someone who likes the style!
 
Thanks for all of the suggestions and ideas guys! Appreciate all of the help so far. Based on diamondseeker's advice, I am going to keep looking for a ring very similar in design to what I originally posted, but a little less expensive so I can get a bigger rock =)

That looks like a really nice ring Julie, but I don't think she would like the classic/vintage look to it. If it didn't have that I would have jumped all over it.

And as for the setting, it doesn't need to be platinum, just preferred.
 
KOTSA, (i like the name BTW)

With your budget and your girlfriend's wants you are going to have to make some concessions. One way to do that would be to buy the biggest stone can get at this time and then upgrade the setting at a later date. Im not going to suggest that. If she really loves that entire "look" then she will probably be disappointed if she just got a solitaire. But, its a suggestion that many think is best is some cases so you should still consider it.
The other concession to consider, and one i would suggest, is to go down to 18k or 14k gold. Platinum is at a premium and for the amount of diamonds on the of that ring, she isnt going to see a big difference in color. You will, however, see a difference in price.
Brian gavin is having a 10% discount on there princesses this week for valentines or something, (just go to the BG homepage and they have a "code" to enter when you buy it)
(pictures now)
http://www.briangavindiamonds.com/diamonds/diamond-details/0.791-g-si1-princess-diamond-ags-104062403012
http://www.briangavindiamonds.com/engagement-rings/three-stone/princess-dinah-3-stone-petite-18k-white-gold-5691w18
 
I would call ID jewelry and tell them you are from pricescope and what you are looking for and see what they can come up with for you. They produce beautiful rings on a budget.
 
Thanks so much everybody for all of your suggestions! So many options...glad I don't have to do this all the time :cheeky:

EDIT: Sorry guys, I totally forgot I actually have a picture of her favourite ring! Oops. It's a $2200 Costco ring, so I was looking for something almost identical but better quality with a bigger centre since I can afford to spend more.

https://www.dropbox.com/s/z5xjk3ab1agpivc/Photo 2012-04-09 1 23 57 PM.jpg
 
Hey guys, still actively looking and exploring my options here. Ready to make a purchase very soon! Just hoping someone knows of some other similar settings to the last one I posted. Thanks!
 
Amazing find on that JA diamond Julie, THANKS SO MUCH! I pulled the trigger and went with that combination, it just seemed perfect.

And thanks everyone else for your help, very much appreciated!
 
Please come back with a pick when you have it. Congrats :wavey:
 
Hey guys, just wanted to say thank you AGAIN! I proposed this past weekend and she said yes! It all went really well, and I probably couldn't have picked out this perfect ring without your help (especially you JulieN :tongue: )

Here's a pic:

img_1586.jpg
 
Congratulations!!! :appl: stunning!!
 
Wow that's really beautiful! I bet she's too excited!!!
 
That's really pretty, congratulations.
 
great job, it looks lovely!
 
Beautiful! :appl: Great job, KOTSA and JulieN!
 
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