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Halo Ring + Stone on a $5,000 Budget

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MikeThisIs

Rough_Rock
Joined
Oct 26, 2014
Messages
61
I'm looking for a Halo Style ring and stone with a budget of around $5,000, give or take (preferably take! ha ha).

From reading through the forums, I've narrowed down the Halo ring to one of the following (unless anyone can make any suggestions?)

https://www.ritani.com/engagement-rings/french-set-halo-diamond-band-engagement-ring-in-14kt-white-gold/6115
http://www.jamesallen.com/engagement-rings/halo/18k-white-gold-hand-made-pave-halo-engagement-ring-round-center-item-18457

Are there any other vendors that I should consider for a Halo?

I haven't yet decided whether to get 14k, 18k or platinum to be honest, I suppose it depends on the total cost. Perhaps I'm better off sacrificing the ring cost and focus more on the diamond?

In terms of the stone, I'm looking at getting as best I can for the $3,000 or so I will have. Based on this, I've narrowed to anything within the following boundaries, which I think are reasonable for the price mentioned (Please tell me if unrealistic, or I am focusing on the wrong things).

Carat - 0.6 - 0.8
Colour - No lower than H
Cut - Ideal - Excellent
Clarity - No lower than SI1

The bigger carat I can fit into those specifications, the better I think.

A few diamond I have seen that are currently available and look good to me are:

http://www.briangavindiamonds.com/diamonds/diamond-details/0.655-g-si1-round-diamond-ags-c-104070868002#!prettyPhoto[gallery2]/3/

http://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-3236249.htm

http://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-3114524.htm

Would appreciate any feedback on my own suggestions above, but would also love to hear any of your suggestions!
 
I like both of the Whiteflash stones. The BGD is a little small.

I think I like the expert selection stone the best. It's a clarity grade better and looks very clean directly under the table. Furthermore, the ACA stone has additional clouds not shown in the AGS certificate...and it already has a ton of things going on in the inclusion mapping. I have owned both the ES and ACA. Both are gorgeous.

My recommendation is to put them on hold and have one of the gemologists tell you in the morning which they prefer. They will be honest with you and steer you in the right direction.

To save yourself some trouble AND cost, see if you like a halo from them. They are currently custom building me a setting and are great to work with. If you buy from them, it'll save you some cost in a setting fee.

Best of luck!!
 
Thanks for your feedback, really appreciate it!

I've had a look at the settings on Whiteflash and to be honest, haven't seen any that stand out to me. Unless the photo's just aren't doing them justice. However, if they custom design as you said, perhaps I will try and speak with them! Thanks for the tip.

If there are any similarly designed Halo's around that will be cheaper, but still great quality, that would be even better as I could put more towards the stone, however from reading on these forums I haven't come across too many others.
 
here are the stones i like from James allen. Id ask for idealscope images, if they are eye clean, and if they have any pricescope or "referral discount" that can be applied to them


(big fan of this one)
http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/0.73-carat-g-color-si1-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-301481

if eyeclean
http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/0.71-carat-h-color-si1-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-375725

http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/0.73-carat-g-color-vs2-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-371093



also had you considered any of these newer halos Ja has? less money but still lovely

http://www.jamesallen.com/engagement-rings/halo/14k-white-gold-cushion-outline-pave-engagement-ring-item-49493

http://www.jamesallen.com/engagement-rings/halo/14k-white-goldsplit-shank-round-brilliant-diamond-halo-engagement-ring-item-49478

http://www.jamesallen.com/engagement-rings/halo/14k-white-gold-cushion-basket-diamond-engagement-ring-item-50131
 
MikeThisIs|1414376314|3773127 said:
Thanks for your feedback, really appreciate it!

I've had a look at the settings on Whiteflash and to be honest, haven't seen any that stand out to me. Unless the photo's just aren't doing them justice. However, if they custom design as you said, perhaps I will try and speak with them! Thanks for the tip.

If there are any similarly designed Halo's around that will be cheaper, but still great quality, that would be even better as I could put more towards the stone, however from reading on these forums I haven't come across too many others.
Click to expand...


P.S. I LOVE that first ritani halo. Whiteflash is a ritani dealer! They should be able to get that exact halo? It's from the bella-vita line. This may be the same one from WF except for a cushion? I don't know the details.

http://www.whiteflash.com/engagement-rings/diamond-settings/ritani-french-set-cushion-halo-diamond-band-engagement-ring-3377.htm
 
canvasback|1414376876|3773132 said:
MikeThisIs|1414376314|3773127 said:
Thanks for your feedback, really appreciate it!

I've had a look at the settings on Whiteflash and to be honest, haven't seen any that stand out to me. Unless the photo's just aren't doing them justice. However, if they custom design as you said, perhaps I will try and speak with them! Thanks for the tip.

If there are any similarly designed Halo's around that will be cheaper, but still great quality, that would be even better as I could put more towards the stone, however from reading on these forums I haven't come across too many others.
Click to expand...


P.S. I LOVE that first ritani halo. Whiteflash is a ritani dealer! They should be able to get that exact halo? It's from the bella-vita line. This may be the same one from WF except for a cushion? I don't know the details.

http://www.whiteflash.com/engagement-rings/diamond-settings/ritani-french-set-cushion-halo-diamond-band-engagement-ring-3377.htm
Click to expand...


yes being a ritani dealer, they can get any ritani setting
 
Niel|1414376981|3773136 said:
canvasback|1414376876|3773132 said:
MikeThisIs|1414376314|3773127 said:
Thanks for your feedback, really appreciate it!

I've had a look at the settings on Whiteflash and to be honest, haven't seen any that stand out to me. Unless the photo's just aren't doing them justice. However, if they custom design as you said, perhaps I will try and speak with them! Thanks for the tip.

If there are any similarly designed Halo's around that will be cheaper, but still great quality, that would be even better as I could put more towards the stone, however from reading on these forums I haven't come across too many others.
Click to expand...


P.S. I LOVE that first ritani halo. Whiteflash is a ritani dealer! They should be able to get that exact halo? It's from the bella-vita line. This may be the same one from WF except for a cushion? I don't know the details.

http://www.whiteflash.com/engagement-rings/diamond-settings/ritani-french-set-cushion-halo-diamond-band-engagement-ring-3377.htm
Click to expand...


yes being a ritani dealer, they can get any ritani setting
Click to expand...

Thanks! :clap:
 
Thanks everyone :)

I've checked with Whiteflash and they can definitely get the Ritani Ring I was looking at in at the same cost as on the Ritani website. so that is definitely my first preference at this stage.

Assuming I went with the 14K White Gold, that would leave me with up to $2,800 to play with for the diamond.
 
MikeThisIs|1414377808|3773144 said:
Thanks everyone :)

I've checked with Whiteflash and they can definitely get the Ritani Ring I was looking at in at the same cost as on the Ritani website. so that is definitely my first preference at this stage.

Assuming I went with the 14K White Gold, that would leave me with up to $2,800 to play with for the diamond.
Click to expand...

wait, how much is it? I thought the ring you posted was 1700 ish....
 
Niel|1414378147|3773148 said:
MikeThisIs|1414377808|3773144 said:
Thanks everyone :)

I've checked with Whiteflash and they can definitely get the Ritani Ring I was looking at in at the same cost as on the Ritani website. so that is definitely my first preference at this stage.

Assuming I went with the 14K White Gold, that would leave me with up to $2,800 to play with for the diamond.
Click to expand...

wait, how much is it? I thought the ring you posted was 1700 ish....
Click to expand...

Wait, good point, it was like 1770ish. OP, are you budgeting a wedding band in that price too?
 
Ahh sorry, I'm working in Australian Dollars!! Forgot to mention that, ha ha. If it's worthwhile going a little over budget then I will certainly consider it

I've placed the stone you recommended with James Allan on hold and am awaiting an idealscope. (http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/0.73-carat-g-color-si1-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-301481)

These are the two Whiteflash options I'm also considering (one that I initially posted and one that Niel kindly suggested).

http://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-3114524.htm
http://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-3063796.htm
 
You are allowed two more idealscoped stones from JA for free, if it interests you.

I much prefer the first stone from WF for these reasons:

It is an AGS000 and thus has been tested for light performance.
It's idealscope and ASET look better.
I like the contrast look that you see in the arrows from the actual photo of the diamond.
 
Just to play Devils advocate, I really suggest finding a less expensive setting as an alternate that you like, and see what you come up with diamond wise with the extra 800-1000 dollars. Right now you are planning on spending a large percentage of your budget on your setting. I would find an alternate setting and diamond before you make a final choice.
 
I think you're probably right. I'll keep searching and see what I can come up with! I really like that style, basically a 'Tiffany Embrace' style. And of course by 'I', I mean I know she likes that style!
 
MikeThisIs|1414381813|3773171 said:
I think you're probably right. I'll keep searching and see what I can come up with! I really like that style, basically a 'Tiffany Embrace' style. And of course by 'I', I mean I know she likes that style!
Click to expand...

I totally understand that, and I agree, its a great style! However, I think of the setting as a way to display your diamond. You want the setting to compliment your diamond, not overpower or out-sparkle it. So, I would find diamond that is the quality you want, with the finger coverage you want (whats her ring size?). There are so many places to find a setting within your budget that will do the diamond justice and I'm sure your girlfriend will not complain. It seems like many times brand names like ritani can be overpriced and there are sooooo many places to find halo settings.
 
What you're saying makes sense. Just a matter of finding one that looks as nice for less. I quite like the Bluenile options as well.

http://www.bluenile.com/au/build-your-own-ring/halo-diamond-engagement-ring-18k-white-gold_33362?elem=img&track=product
http://www.bluenile.com/au/build-your-own-ring/floating-halo-diamond-engagement-ring-platinum_47674?elem=img&track=product#details-section

They would both end up being at least a few hundred cheaper. Alternatively, platinum would also be affordable as the platinum version of that ring is cheaper than the 14K Ritani. Not sure about build quality however, although there are plenty of good reviews for Blue Nile it seems.

If anyone could point to any other nice Halo rings floating around (pun intended!) that would be greatly appreciated.
 
OP
Did you speak or communicate with Chris at ERD, their halo's are beautiful, can work within your budget and source the center stone for you. Best of luck.
 
Thank you WIllyDiamond, I hadn't looked there before. I have sent them an enquiry through the website.
 
So I spoke with ERD (Brilliantly Engaged). They have sent me back a beautiful design that they can do based on the Tiffany Embrace. However I've gone back asking if they could source a better stone than the one they have suggested, even if it meant dropped the carat down to 0.70 - 0.75 with at least 5.80mm.

I've attached their suggestion and photo's below which would hit the top end of my budget. So I would have to go above budget after factoring in local GST costs on arrival.

sth3.jpg

sth1.jpg

sth5.jpg
 

Attachments

Glad to hear you contacted ERD (Brilliantly Engaged).
I also looked at the Tiffany Embrace for design style for my wife. I am not good at evaluating CAD's but that one he sent you does not look like the Tiffany Embrace. Here is my post:
[URL='https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/wifes-upgraded-halo-er.188318/']https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/wifes-upgraded-halo-er.188318/[/URL]
My pictures really stink, but there are 2 from ERD, I think they look more like the Tiffany Embrace, if that is what you want.
Of course the 2 other choices for settings would be VC or SK, but I think those options will take you over your budget, perhaps way over budget.
I could not find it, but checkout the post by Momhappy, I have the same ring as her, her center stone a little bigger, and see if this is what you want or the CAD they sent you. Again I am very bad at analyzing CAD's.

Edit: I found Momhappy's post:
[URL='https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/my-halo-is-here-and-im-in-love.187360/']https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/my-halo-is-here-and-im-in-love.187360/[/URL]
 
I'm back again!

I have found the following diamond on Blue Nile - http://www.bluenile.com/au/diamond-details/LD05079524

Just wondering if anyone could share their thoughts on this stone? I understand BN don't provide the idealscope or real images which is a concern, however it comes out excellent in all fields on the HCA (see attached) and is GIA certified.

I've placed on hold for 48 hours. It comes to under $3000 AUD, probably just over with the import taxes.

_24034.jpg
 

Attachments

Costco has some great deals on diamond rings. Also they have great return policy... scratch that... they have an outstanding return policy. I think Costco is the best premade rings out right now... everything from low end to high end stuff. If I was in the market for a diamond ring this is the 1st place I would look and it would be the benchmark by which all other products are judged. They are hard to beat.

rings
http://www.costco.com/rings.html?refine=30108%2b65

engagement rings specifically
http://www.costco.com/engagement.html?refine=30440%2b65

Quite a few halos to choose from in this price range. imo dont just limit yourself to "engagement" rings. The more general ring category has quite a few that can be engagement rings too.
 
Here is an actual close up of the diamond I just mentioned from Blue Nile.

ld05079524.jpg
 
Nice stone. Can you please post the numbers?
 
Hi Gypsy, please see my last post (about 3 above this post). I attached the GIA certificate and link to the diamond with blue Nile. Thank you for taking a look!

Attached a screenshot below also :)

screenshot_2014-11-11-17-47-16.png
 
Interesting stone.

It's a 60/60 style stone. https://www.pricescope.com/wiki/diamonds/60-60-proportioned-diamond

Normally we prefer crown angles over 34 in round brilliants with good HCA scores. I make an allowance to 33.5 for 60/60 stones with good pavilion angles (because so many of them have low crowns).

That said, at 59 deep that stone is facing up HUGE for it's weight. Most 70 pointers do NOT face up at 5.8. That's what you would see in a 77 point stone.

This stone is going to STRONGLY favor white light over colored light in its performance. And isn't going to have as much fire as a stone with a higher crown.

BUT, it will be a nice bright stone with a great deal of size for the weight. So for me... that's all win. And the picture does not show any leakage, so it is likely going to Idealscope out well (provided you can get one).

Would I buy it? Absolutely.

Would everyone? No. It's a definitely balancing act.
 
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