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Girls - I NEED your Help!!! Please give your advice!!!

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searchingformybaby

Rough_Rock
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Hey girls (and guys too... but I''m looking for the ladies'' advice)!

I''m looking around for an engagement ring for my girlfriend and came across this one that I liked. I hadn''t seen one quite like it yet and I wanted some female opinions (I''m trying to make this a surprise)....

Also, is this a "knife-edge" band? Is that uncomfortable?

That is a pear-shaped diamond in the center, right? It looks kind of shorter & fatter than the others I''ve seen - is this typical or strange?

Do pear-shaped diamonds not "sparkle" as much as round diamonds? I realize it depends on lots of factors and dimensions, but is a general rule?

Also, I saw a wedding band that I thought looked nice with it too... I''ll have to post it in a second since I can''t attach 2 pics at once...

Thanks ladies!!!

Alden


1BB.jpg
 
Here is the wedding band I liked too...

Really ladies, I NEED your help - I''m feeling absolutely lost with all these styles and options....

Also, has anyone dealt with this jeweler -- Dimend Scaasi (Isaac Gottesman)?


Alden

sapphire eternity band.jpg
 
You can do a search on here for Dimend Scassi, so far I''ve only heard good things about them. Nice rings, good luck!!!
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Yes, I have dealt with Isaac and I received excellent customer service. In addition, he makes fine quality settings. Are both settings from there?

Do I like that setting? Yes, I do. But round brilliants are the most sparkly and easier to pick out from the specs without physically seeing them, so my preference would be for a round center stone. It wouldn't have to have a pear center, but it is pretty either way. I love sapphires and think they are gorgeous with diamonds.

However, I'll have to tell you that I prefer diamonds in the wedding band. I would probably not get full eternity (diamonds all the way around), though, because they cannot ever be sized. I am sure they can make them half or 3/4.

No, that e-ring does not have a knife edge band.
 
Okay Laddy Kemma, you''ve confused me already!

Larger is better? Do you mean carat size? I''m looking at about a 3/4 carat center stone. Also, ladies, is this "too" small? My budget is not huge and I also know my girl doesn''t wear much to any jewelery and is a pretty laid-back, subtle kind of girl who is always using her hands as she is a nurse.

What did you mean "not like a warrior shield"? Is this one too warrior shield? Help!

Thanks!!

Alden
 
See my post right above yours. But to answer your last question, 3/4 ct. is an excellent size!
 
Hi and welcome!!!

I like both of the rings you posted separately, but I don''t think that I would like the look of them together. IMO there would be too many shapes going on, but it would be helpful to see the two together before hand to judge for yourself. I really like the sapphire sidestones, and pears are very pretty and sparkly stones. It would just depend if you know a bit about her taste in rings because people often have a real preference when it comes to the shape of the stone.

I have heard of a number of PSers using Dimend Scaasi before who were pleased with the results. You could do a search here and read a couple of those threads. I''m sure some of the people who have bought there will come along to give you more feedback.

Cheers and good luck!!!
 
Wow, you gals sure come running to a guy in need! In advance, thank you!!

Yes, both these rings are from Dimend Scassi
-engagement ring: http://dimendscaasi.com/engagement/3stone/pages/1BB.asp
-wedding band:http://dimendscaasi.com/wedding/forHer/pages/wed03A5.asp

Okay, so this band is not knife edge? So it Will be comfortable? Would it sit "flush" with this wedding band, or others?

DiamondSeeker - I was looking at this sapphire eternity band because she loves blue, has mentioned she likes sapphires, and her only piece of "real" jewelery that she owns (and picked out herself) is a sapphire ring (el-cheapo lab created, but this was her choice since she was worried about losing it - 5 years later she''s still got it and loves it). I know sapphire isn''t "typical" but is it pretty?

Also, about the center stone. I was hesitant to change it from pear to round because I haven''t seen it like that, and didn''t know if it would be as pretty... Diamond Seeker - you say you''d like it that way better? The same? Others - what would you pick?

THANKS!

Alden
 
I would suggest getting an idea of what shape of centre stone your GF likes best. Round diamonds are definitely easier to buy without seeing them in person. Fancy shapes, like the pear, really need to be seen either in person or pictures to evaluate them.

If your GF already has a sapphire piece that she adores, then I think she would love the sapphire side stone idea you posted. You also don''t have to necessarily worry about the band right away. That engagement ring style would look great with a diamond band, a sapphire band, or even a plain band. You could always leave that right now and go to pick out bands for yourself and your GF together later on.
 
Mimkins,

I was looking at photos on this site, and lots of ladies seemed to have this kind of ring with their engagement ring as their wedding band (only diamonds not sapphires). Is there something different about the shape of those rings from the ones I''m looking at?

Any incredible photoshop masters able to show what it might look like together? Or change the pear center stone to a round one?

Of course I''d let my sweetie choose her own wedding band when it comes time, but I liked the set (but hell, I''m a man, what do I know about jewelery!)

Thanks!
 
Another thing to consider when picking out her ering is to make sure it sits flush with a wedding band. Some girls want that and some don''t. But something to keep in mind....
 
Date: 6/3/2006 3:28:56 PM
Author: searchingformybaby
Okay Laddy Kemma, you've confused me already!

Larger is better? Do you mean carat size? I'm looking at about a 3/4 carat center stone. Also, ladies, is this 'too' small? My budget is not huge and I also know my girl doesn't wear much to any jewelery and is a pretty laid-back, subtle kind of girl who is always using her hands as she is a nurse.

What did you mean 'not like a warrior shield'? Is this one too warrior shield? Help!

Thanks!!

Alden
sorry I wasn't clear. 3/4 is a nice size. with pears you can cheat a little and get a spreadier stone that looks bigger.

pear vary in shape -- some are a beautiful teardrop shape, some look like they have massive "shoulders". shield shape, really. the one you selected has a nice shape.

edited to add: if she is a nurse i wouldn't choose that band. i would choose a plain metal band for work.
 
If you look at Kaleigh''s avatar, you will see a gorgeous round center diamond with pear sides. I think that is a classic beautiful look. I think it would catch on things less, too, since you mentioned she is a nurse. I personally love the sapphire side stones, but I think the sapphires in the wedding band may be too much. But let me say it would be a pretty ring either way. It''s just my personal preference to have the sapphires as an accent but not the majority of the stones.
 
I think the round center will let the band sit closer to the e-ring.
 
Here ya go! (Let me add that Dimend Scaasi's setting will be nicer than the one I posted)

BNrbwithpear.jpg
 
Wow, I can''t keep up with you ladies!

Okay, more questions...

1. How can I tell if this engagement ring will sit flush with wedding bands? Could the jeweler tell me? Would it depend on if the center stone were round or pear-shaped?

2. Of course the wedding band will come later... and I''m sure she''ll have her own preferences then...

3. I''m not sure what the picture on Dimend Scaasi''s site shows... so would this setting still look okay with a 3/4 carat stone? Would the sapphires look too big compared to the center then?

4. Also when I went looking this morning and mentioned this design that I liked, a saleslady at Jared''s said sapphires weren''t strong enough to be in an engagement ring - is this true? She also said pear side stones "weren''t currently fashionable"? I think that''s how she phrased it. At that point I got up and left (she also asked me to sign up for their credit card about 2 minutes after I walked in the door). Did I look like an idiot?

Thanks!
 
The band you posted has princess cut stones. For me, I would rather see round stones in a band to go with the pear. This is just my opinion though, so you just need to see different things together to see what you like.

I jumped onto a website that you might want to check out.

/www.bluenile.com/product_details.asp?oid=2381&page=1&col=1&row=5&pos=13&set_shape=" target="_blank">

I''m not recommending this vendor one way or the other, as I have no experience or information about them, but you can click this link and there is a box under the picture of the setting where you can change the shape of the centre stone. The picture isn''t great, but you can get an idea of other shapes in a similar setting. I''m sure you could talk to Dimend Scaasi and see if they would set another shape in that setting if you find you like another shape instead. I really like the pear, but it may be prone to catching which is a concern for a nurse.

It all really comes down to personal taste, but I''m sure she will be happy when she sees sapphires and knows that you have paid attention to what she wears regularly!!!
 
1. How can I tell if this engagement ring will sit flush with wedding bands? Could the jeweler tell me? Would it depend on if the center stone were round or pear-shaped?

They try at Dimend Scaasi to make the rings be as flush as possible if you ask them. But as I said, it will be more flush if you have the round center stone.

2. Of course the wedding band will come later... and I'm sure she'll have her own preferences then...

Great..she can try some on and see what looks best!

3. I'm not sure what the picture on Dimend Scaasi's site shows... so would this setting still look okay with a 3/4 carat stone? Would the sapphires look too big compared to the center then?

They will make the side stones be the proper size for the center. They custom make the setting in her ring size at Dimend Scaasi.

4. Also when I went looking this morning and mentioned this design that I liked, a saleslady at Jared's said sapphires weren't strong enough to be in an engagement ring - is this true? She also said pear side stones "weren't currently fashionable"? I think that's how she phrased it. At that point I got up and left (she also asked me to sign up for their credit card about 2 minutes after I walked in the door). Did I look like an idiot?

You were not the one that was an idiot. Just forget that visit altogether. You will be getting a fine quality ring at DS. (The photo I posted was from Blue Nile, but I do not think it looks nearly as nice and will not be custom made. So I would not be tempted if the price is lower there. You'll get what you pay for.)
 
The saleslady knows squat. She just wanted you to buy something to make a commision. Sapphires are fine in e-rings. Look at Lady Di''s. They have been in e-rings for centuries. Here is a shot of mine with a round center and pear sides. The center in this is 1.5 with .5 side stones. I don''t like the look of the e-ring with sapphire bands though. It gets too busy and distracts from the e-ring IMO. I really would caution you on geting a ring without her input though. There are many threads on this dangerous practice. Good luck.

dibaqec.jpg
 
WTNLVR, is that your actual ring or is it Photoshopped? It is drop dead gorgeous..I just wondered if it is a real ring and if so where did it come from???!!!
 
Date: 6/3/2006 3:54:57 PM
Author: searchingformybaby
Wow, I can''t keep up with you ladies!

Okay, more questions...

1. How can I tell if this engagement ring will sit flush with wedding bands? Could the jeweler tell me? Would it depend on if the center stone were round or pear-shaped?

2. Of course the wedding band will come later... and I''m sure she''ll have her own preferences then...

3. I''m not sure what the picture on Dimend Scaasi''s site shows... so would this setting still look okay with a 3/4 carat stone? Would the sapphires look too big compared to the center then?

4. Also when I went looking this morning and mentioned this design that I liked, a saleslady at Jared''s said sapphires weren''t strong enough to be in an engagement ring - is this true? She also said pear side stones ''weren''t currently fashionable''? I think that''s how she phrased it. At that point I got up and left (she also asked me to sign up for their credit card about 2 minutes after I walked in the door). Did I look like an idiot?

Thanks!
1. have the jeweler set the head where the stones go a touch higher so the wedding band will sit flush with the engagement ring.
3. 3/4 carat purdy and just fine. 1 carat better, but depends on budget.
4. jared''s lady has her head up her ahem. sapphires have a mohs hardness of 9, next to diamond which has a hardness of 10. pears side stones very stylish.

while it is true-ish that pear center stones aren''t very popular right now, they have their following and they are cheaper than the rounds because they are out of fashion. if you want a pear get a pear.
 
While sapphires are not as hard as diamonds, they are still quite sturdy and they are fine for an e-ring. The ring may have to be cleaned differently (i.e. no steamining) but I don''t know about that. Either way, I wouldn''t let that stop you. Personally, I love the ring with pears.

Also, I agree that you don''t have to worry about the w-band right now. Let her help with that. If she wants it flush she can get a band that has a soft curve in it to fit into the e-ring.
 
Okay Now I feel silly Mimkins... when I looked at the wedding band I saw blue... not blue Aschers or any specfic shape. Now I see what you mean. Thanks for being patient with me...

We''ve spoken about getting married, house, kids, family dogs, etc... but all in abstract terms, never with a real time frame or rings involved. So she really doesn''t see "it" all coming. Am I being silly trying to make this a surprise? Maybe it''s the old-fashioned part of me that wants to be traditional, but it would make me so happy to make it special for her. Somehow it seems like having her help pick the ring would decrease the huge smile and surprise factor. Am I wrong?

I was reading a bunch of threads on the board here and noticed that some think 4 prong settings isn''t safe enough to hold a diamond in place?

This setting has only 5 prongs around the pear diamond -- if I asked to have it be a round center, could it be okay with 4 prongs (I think it looks nicer that way -- 6 prongs looks busy??) Would the pear sides help keep the stone in place?

Very glad I found you ladies to help me out... honestly, how is a man "supposed" to go about such the daunting and hugely important task of making his lovely lady happy beyond her wildest dreams? Okay, maybe I''m worrying about this too much... Maybe not....
 
Alden, I don't worry about you because you have very good taste. Are you sure she usually wears silver or white gold? That is very important! Four prongs are totally fine on a round...that is personal preference. Ask Isaac which he prefers for that setting.

I think this would be a nice surprise!
 
I think a 3/4 carat would look great in this setting, no matter what shape you choose.

Sapphires are used in lots of engagement settings. Pricess Diana had a sapphire for her engagement ring. Personally, I think sapphires are beautiful and classic, and if your GF likes to wear them, then that makes them even better!!!

You had every right to leave that store when they wouldn''t show you what you were looking for. You deserve to shop somewhere that wants to help you find what YOU want and have you leave happy.
 
my very opinionated opinion:

i like the first ring posted with a plain metal band, set high enough that the wedding band sits flush. no goofy curves, just a plain gold or platinum band.

if it were me, i would prefer a slightly larger pear as center stone or a 1 carat marquise in that stunning setting.

does she like white gold or yellow gold?
 
I love this setting with the round diamond personally.
I do not wear alot of jewelry myself, i think it would look classier for her if she does not wear alot of jewelry!!
But it is your decision, you know her best.
As for being a nurse, I would recommend a plain band as she probably will not wear her ering to work.
 
Ladies, I warn you... if you keep answering my questions (and lightening fast at that), I''ll just keep asking more!

DiamondSeeker - I''m pretty sure about the white gold or platinum (not sure which as of yet - thoughts?) She has some simple necklaces and bracelets that have a kind of "Native American" feeling to them - lots of turqoise in them - and they''re all silver. She has a simple necklace from her grandmother that is yellow gold and she never wears (she said she doesn''t really like the look of the yellow).

Thanks Mimkins, Jazmine, Laddy Kemma, WTNLVR, DiamondSeeker for the reassurance about the SalesLady... It just made me feel awful that I thought I''d found something perfect and she ripped it apart : (

WTNLVR: I think your ring is beautiful. This assures me that a round center stone would be perfect. Yours is much bigger than I can afford right now (not something a guy like to admit at all) but maybe sometime down the road we can "upgrade" the stone -- that is the term, right?

LadyKemma - I''m not a huge fan of the marquise shape (really long and skinny one, right)? And I think it would get in her way during the day - would it rip latex gloves as she puts them on probably 100x a day? Thanks for the personal opinion though, much appreciated!

Also, lots of the rings I''ve seen displayed here have all sorts of "extra" diamonds on them on the sides. Is this "expected" I thought it was over the top, but is that normal? Would the simpler 3 stone ring like this one look plain in comparison? I don''t want to disappoint her, but she''s a pretty simple kind of gal herself (and I love her all the more because of it). I wouldn''t want to pick the wrong thing though!

Thank you all!

 
First... you are off to a great start.

You've found pricescope. You've found Dimend Scaasi. That's HUGE. So you are doing exactly what you should be doing so you can take a deep breath and pat yourself on the back.

I would be comfortable telling you to ask Isaac advise you about what type of setting would be secure enough for your purchase.

On the subject of diamond shapes and surprises...

It REALLY depends on her personality. Between the two of you who is the planner, the one who wants all the I's dotted and T's crossed? Who is the one who notices the most details about people and places... because if that' her... then I would involve her in the process.

I have heard of men proposing with fake rings as placeholders. Proposing with nice CZ's and a note. It works for them... they get the surprise aspect and the romantic proposal (although with a CZ I would do a private proposal) AND the woman picks her own ring. I've heard of mother's helping pick thier daughter's rings... sisters, best friends...

There are all sorts of ways to approach this. But it all starts with her.

If she isn't the type who is fussy about her clothes and appearance and is more sentimental about her things (will keep wearing the ratty old robe her dad gave her instead of buying new cause it's special) you might just be fine going with what you think is best.

Personally I like ovals and pears because you get a LOT of bang for the buck...they aren't in favor right now so they are less expensive than rounds and you get a LOT of spread on these so your diamond looks HUGE when really... the carat weight is low for the size.

As for sapphires... yeah, that lady was a moron. But you figured that out and walked away. Overall I'd say you've shown a good amount of common sense and good instincts to go with that. So I think you need to give yourself some credit... think about your lady and her personality... and trust yourself and your instincts.

I think you are going to do very well.
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ETA: abot three stones and bling (pave, etc)... three stones are VERY classic and elegant and no... they do NOT look plain. They look amazing. You have nice taste.
 
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