Help finding a ring

[dealmaster99]

So I am beginning the process of finding an engagement ring. I have no knowledge about this. I've done a bit of reading.
Basically my budget is about $8-10K. Doesn't mean I need to spend the entire $10K though. I just want a really good ring for around this budget.
What I know right now is I need a princess cut with a three stone setting with small diamonds running on the side of the band. The band should be white gold or platinum. I'm looking for around 1 carat. With all this in mind, i want a diamond with the best cut and clarity for the budget. I've been looking at bluenile and jimmy allen.
Can anyone point me in the right direction on which retailer i should lean towards? (doesn't have to be the two i mentioned)

thanks in advance

 

[yssie]

Okay, let's say we optimistically budget 2k for the setting in wg

WF has a couple of custom setting jobs posted, you might find out how much something like that would be -
http://www.whiteflash.com/gallery/three-stone-engagement-rings/custom-3-stone-princess-diamond-engagement-ring-10503.htm
https://www.pricescope.com/gallery/princess/custom-platinum-3-stone-diamond-engagement-ring-whiteflash-16580

1.00 H SI1 WF ACA $5.5k http://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/princess-cut-loose-diamond-2677741.htm
0.51 H VS2 WF ACA $1.4k http://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/princess-cut-loose-diamond-2668205.htm
0.51 H VS2 WF ACA $1.4k http://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/princess-cut-loose-diamond-2668213.htm

Total of $10.3k

I don't think 2k will be enough for the setting though - I think 2.5, 3k is more realistic, esp. if you're looking at custom design. You could either go down in colour or size on the center, or have your vendor choose non-graded melee sides - definitely something to consider, especially if you want smaller sidestones.


Wonder if JA can do this one w/ princesses easily and cost effectively? $2.6k http://www.jamesallen.com/design-your-three-stone-ring/three-stone-engagement-ring-setting.html

If so request ASETs for these:
1.03 H VS1 $4.3k http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/H-VS1-Premium-Cut-Princess-Diamond-1378071.asp
1.01 H VS1 $4.4k http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/H-VS1-Premium-Cut-Princess-Diamond-1378071.asp

And I would just ask JA for sidestone recs. A possibly promising pair -
0.51 H VS1 $900 http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/H-VS1-Ideal-Cut-Princess-Diamond-1349198.asp
0.51 H VS1 $900 http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/H-VS1-Premium-Cut-Princess-Diamond-1361030.asp

Total ~$9k

 

[farmer gal]

Settings
Lighter carat weight
http://www.jamesallen.com/design-your-three-stone-ring/18k-White-Gold-3-Stone-Pave-Set-Diamond-Engagement-Ring.html

More carat weight
http://www.jamesallen.com/engagement-rings/settings-with-sidestones/18kt-White-Gold-3-Stone-Pave-Set-Engagement-Ring.html

JA will look at three diamonds for you to tell them which one preforms the best. I would also request asset images which will help you see light leakage.

Diamonds

http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/F-VS2-Ideal-Cut-Princess-Diamond-1392269.asp

http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/F-VVS2-Good-Cut-Princess-Diamond-1238651.asp

http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/G-VVS2-Good-Cut-Princess-Diamond-858965.asp

I picked diamonds that were a bit heavier than a carat, because princess cuts do face up smaller, and if you have it in your budget I would try to go a little bit heavier. If you got the most expensive diamond and ring I listed it would bring you to 9655.00. If you are interested I would call and place the diamonds on hold so nobody else gets them

 

[Amys Bling]

I think Yssie and Farmer made great suggestions. Good luck with your search!!

 

[dealmaster99]

Thanks guys
totally forgot that I would also need to get the 2nd and 3rd stone lol.
I guess that changes things a little bit.
your suggestions are really good though.

looks like u guys linked whiteflash and james allen.
Is there any reason to go for one site over the other? I've read the bluenile is reputable but they don't have pictures of the stone you are getting. Since I am in Canada, how are the duty and taxes handled. And is it safe to order from these online retailers?

 

[centralsquare]

I think that some vendors offer settings with the sidestones already (or at least they are included in the price). Check out James Allen may, I believe. In terms of vendors, you can find a list of PS vendors if you hover over "Resources" above...click on Featured Sponsor.

 

[farmer gal]

The settings from james allen already have the sidestones included in the price, you only need to pick the centerstone.