Head is spinning...Looking for engagement ring $400

[MDD213]

My woman really likes vintage style jewelry. I have been looking around for quite a while now, but I decided to buy a ring for $400ish to propose with, then let her pick out the ring she truly wants. I really want to surprise her, so I have really discussed rings with her at all. So at the $400 price point, I haven't found anything that really stands out as a good ring to propose with. I know that it will have sentimental value even if it isn't her real engagement ring, so I still want it to be something she will wear for years to come. My head is spinning at this point. Any recommendations would be great.

Here are a few that did catch my eye:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/5mm-Trillion-Blue-Topaz-Engagment-Wedding-Vintage-Antique-Ring-14K-White-Gold-/371163942627?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item566b184ee3

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Genuine-Ruby-Filigree-Engagement-Ring-14k-White-Gold-Vintage-Art-Deco-SZ-6-5-/391054558793?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item5b0cab0649

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Vintage-Antique-82ct-Diamond-14K-White-Gold-Deco-Engagement-Wedding-Ring-/201291043765?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item2edde193b5

I would really be open to something quite a bit more simple, but I haven't found anything that was simple and in my price range.

Thanks,
Mark

 

[diamondseeker2006]

This will be a challenge, but a fun one! Diamond Zone has sold a lot of pieces (antique and antique style) to PS members including myself. I think it is hard to get something really good in that price range, but here are some that I think have potential. They also have a return policy if she doesn't like it and they do sizing as they are a real jewelry store.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/ANTIQUE-VINTAGE-ART-DECO-3-STONE-ROYAL-BLUE-SAPPHIRE-DIAMOND-RING-WHITE-GOLD-/151603315769?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item234c430439

http://www.ebay.com/itm/ART-DECO-KASHMIR-BLUE-SAPPHIRE-VINTAGE-ENGRAVED-14K-ESTATE-RING-COCKTAIL-LADIES-/151602249640?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item234c32bfa8

http://www.ebay.com/itm/NATURAL-ROYAL-BLUE-SAPPHIRE-ART-DECO-DIAMOND-ENGAGEMENT-COCKTAIL-VINTAGE-RING-/400872027876?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item5d55d5b6e4

 

[Asscherhalo_lover]

This is one of our popular "preloved" sites where many members sell their own jewelry. Some options:

http://loupetroop.com/listings/ring...4k-yellow-gold-sapphire-and-diamond-ring;5283

LOVE this one from a well respected ETSY vendor https://www.etsy.com/listing/156483728/sale-25-off-pink-sapphire-engagement?ref=shop_home_active_17

 

[RockyRacoon]

This looks nice?

http://www.highperformancediamonds.com/index.php?page=store-product-detail&id=220

 

[MollyMalone]

Hi, Mark -- is her ring size 6.5? That's the size of all the rings in the eBay listings you posted, but not sure if that's a coincidence or the ring size you're hoping for to avoid the expense of resizing.

 

[Travelgal]

I love the first one diamondseeker found. It's beautiful, does not look $400 at all. I would guess at least doible. But regardless of price, it is a really pretty ring.

 

[MDD213]

Hi, Mark -- is her ring size 6.5? That's the size of all the rings in the eBay listings you posted, but not sure if that's a coincidence or the ring size you're hoping for to avoid the expense of resizing.

Yes it is 6.5. I was quite proud of my recon work there. It took a few weeks to get it figured out because I didn't want to flat out ask her, lol.

 

[diamondseeker2006]

I also like the pink sapphire ring from Julia B. Very pretty!

Diamond Zone sizing is cheap. I am sure Julia B must do sizing, too. I hope you know what size ring she wears. But a lot of people wear a different size on their ring and left ring fingers and this will soon be a right hand ring once you get the real engagement ring.

 

[MDD213]

I love the first one diamondseeker found. It's beautiful, does not look $400 at all. I would guess at least doible. But regardless of price, it is a really pretty ring.

I agree that one is really nice, much better than what I was coming up with. That is definitely under heavy consideration.

These are all great recommendations. Please keep them coming, I would like a few more to choose from. I am going to check a few of the recommended sites as well.

Thanks,
Mark

 

[tyty333]

What about an engraved band that she could maybe stack with her engagement ring later on (or just wear as a RHR). You
can have it engraved on the inside with your initials and engagement date. Anyway, lots of choices on etsy.

https://www.etsy.com/listing/213567452/hand-engraved-wedding-band?ref=sc_3&plkey=316c3ba3ac02bfed4e3ce802bc9b449ade08e110%3A213567452&ga_search_query=gold+engraved+wedding+band&ga_page=2&ga_search_type=all&ga_view_type=gallery

https://www.etsy.com/listing/220805771/vintage-14k-gold-engraved-wedding-band?ref=sr_gallery_3&ga_search_query=gold+engraved+wedding+band&ga_search_type=all&ga_view_type=gallery

https://www.etsy.com/listing/213775884/antique-18k-white-gold-wedding-band?ref=sr_gallery_10&ga_search_query=gold+engraved+wedding+band&ga_search_type=all&ga_view_type=gallery

https://www.etsy.com/listing/174010717/art-deco-wedding-band-orange-blossom?ref=sr_gallery_28&ga_search_query=gold+engraved+wedding+band&ga_search_type=all&ga_view_type=gallery

https://www.etsy.com/listing/219463219/18k-gold-hand-engraved-wedding-band-with?ref=sr_gallery_42&ga_search_query=gold+engraved+wedding+band&ga_search_type=all&ga_view_type=gallery

https://www.etsy.com/listing/219887330/engraved-wedding-band-vintage-wedding?ref=sr_gallery_3&ga_search_query=gold+engraved+wedding+band&ga_page=2&ga_search_type=all&ga_view_type=gallery

https://www.etsy.com/listing/123867279/on-sale-15-off-18k-gold-vintage-inspired?ref=related-6

Some other etsy options...you would probably have to have them resized.

https://www.etsy.com/listing/206613410/vintage-ruby-diamond-and-18k-gold?ref=sr_gallery_25&ga_search_query=engagement+ring+in+vintage+-silver&ga_order=most_relevant&ga_min=0&ga_max=500&ga_page=2&ga_search_type=all&ga_view_type=gallery

https://www.etsy.com/listing/219223929/art-deco-vintage-antique-diamond?ref=sc_3&plkey=92fabefd91b6b93e85d770038079bd1e4e9bc8b2%3A219223929&ga_search_query=engagement+ring+in+vintage+-silver&ga_order=most_relevant&ga_min=0&ga_max=500&ga_page=4&ga_search_type=all&ga_view_type=gallery

https://www.etsy.com/listing/199232559/vintage-14k-solid-yellow-gold-genuine?ref=sr_gallery_32&ga_search_query=engagement+ring+in+vintage+-silver&ga_order=most_relevant&ga_min=0&ga_max=500&ga_page=4&ga_search_type=all&ga_view_type=gallery

https://www.etsy.com/listing/208713265/on-sale-cluster-038-carat-flower-halo?ref=sr_gallery_8&ga_search_query=engagement+ring+in+vintage+-silver&ga_order=most_relevant&ga_min=0&ga_max=500&ga_page=7&ga_search_type=all&ga_view_type=gallery

https://www.etsy.com/listing/222728183/green-stone-gold-ring-14k-gold-faceted?ref=sr_gallery_40&ga_search_query=engagement+ring+in+vintage+-silver&ga_order=most_relevant&ga_min=0&ga_max=500&ga_page=9&ga_search_type=all&ga_view_type=gallery

https://www.etsy.com/listing/212765922/10k-rose-gold-natural-round?ref=sr_gallery_3&ga_search_query=engagement+ring+in+vintage+-silver&ga_order=most_relevant&ga_min=0&ga_max=500&ga_page=10&ga_search_type=all&ga_view_type=gallery

 

[EvangelineG]

Yvonne Raley has lots of pretty well-made gemstone rings at that price point that would make nice eventual right hand rings.

https://www.etsy.com/ca/shop/yvonneraley?section_id=6697094&page=1

 

[Niel]

This has been for sale forever. Offer 400

http://www.rubylane.com/item/501985-012ringx2018kx20Artx20Decox20diamond/Art-Deco-18k-White-Gold-Diamond

 

[eirwen]

a few more from etsy..

I love this .. art deco lab created sapphire ring
https://www.etsy.com/listing/222616665/stunning-art-deco-sapphire-cabochon?ref=sr_gallery_21&ga_search_query=antique+engagement+ring&ga_order=most_relevant&ga_max=450&ga_page=3&ga_search_type=all&ga_view_type=gallery

what about a gorgeous 3 stone opal ring?
http://www.laurelleantiquejewellery.co.uk/products/FABULOUS-OPAL-TRILOGY-3-STONE-GOLD-RING.html

a sweet pearl ring
https://www.etsy.com/listing/215075873/vintage-18k-gold-ring-antique-engagement?ref=sr_gallery_2&ga_search_query=antique+engagement+ring&ga_order=most_relevant&ga_max=450&ga_search_type=all&ga_view_type=gallery

ruby?
https://www.etsy.com/listing/217647736/antique-vintage-135ct-21k-ruby-diamond?ref=sr_gallery_29&ga_search_query=antique+engagement+ring&ga_order=most_relevant&ga_max=450&ga_page=12&ga_search_type=all&ga_view_type=gallery

topaz
https://www.etsy.com/listing/217837961/antique-art-deco-engagement-ring-old?ref=sr_gallery_30&ga_search_query=antique+engagement+ring&ga_order=most_relevant&ga_max=450&ga_page=6&ga_search_type=all&ga_view_type=gallery

pink sapphire
https://www.etsy.com/listing/205194050/pink-sapphire-ring-diamond-halo-sapphire?ref=sr_gallery_18&ga_search_query=antique+engagement+ring&ga_order=most_relevant&ga_max=450&ga_page=13&ga_search_type=all&ga_view_type=gallery

 

[eirwen]

This looks gorgeous but over your budget of $400 (at $600) - maybe there's a potential to custom the design with different stones to come in on budget?

https://www.etsy.com/listing/202024553/champagne-diamond-and-morganite?ref=shop_home_active_9

 

[ccuheartnurse]

Wow..these are some awesome suggestions I really like the 1st ring that diamondseeker2006 suggested.

How about a loose stone to mount? I like the facet pattern on this oval & will face up a nice size because of the shape. I'm sure someone can come up with a setting for you.

https://www.etsy.com/listing/167281879/precision-cut-ceylon-peachy-pink-spinel?ref=shop_home_active_14

Edited to add: There is always an option for a sterling silver mounting too if you come across a loose stone you like.

 

[MDD213]

Wow, this is great. There are quite a few great options, thanks everybody!!! This is really amazing. I have it narrowed down to 4 that I really like. I am going to get some input from a few close friends and choose one. I will let you guys know which one get.

 

[Niel]

What are your top 4?