Help finding an engagement ring

[podfoot]

I have a budget of about $6k, and my girlfriend likes the vintage/ornate/milgrain look. I searched and successfully found her Pinterest page, which gave me a lot of good insight onto what she likes. She's a very chic and brand conscious girl, and I love her very much, so I want to be able to give her the most stunningly breathtaking ring possible for my budget. She posted a lot of pictures of Verragio rings, but the trouble is that those rings plus a diamond would put me way over my budget. I know her dream is to have a huge, beautiful sparkling boulder on her hand, but I'm in medical school on a limited budget (I won't have a "real" income for another 6-7 years probably). I've talked to her about my financial situation/marriage before, and she's been extremely understanding and knows that I'm on a limited budget. She told me she's perfectly fine not getting the perfect ring as long as she has me (which is great!!), but I really want to make her feel as special as I can.

I was recommended to this forum from another site, so hopefully I'm posting in the right place! Any advice, guidance, help - anything! would be great. I'm very new to this!

Thanks!

 

[UberClaire]

I love to see guys who are so invested in the ring-buying process!

Have the two of you gone ring shopping at all? It might help to get a feel for what carat sizes look best on her hand, how color sensitive the two of you are, etc. Diamond color is a huge factor in diamond cost, and if you aren't very color sensitive, you can get a bigger stone for the same price. Many vintage-style rings/stones are lower color anyway. A well-cut diamond will hide a lot of color, and you should be able to get about a 1 carat ideal-cut J color stone for around 5k. That doesn't leave a lot for a very ornate setting, so you could also go down in carat size and get a halo setting which makes the center stone look bigger.

 

[podfoot]

We haven't gone shopping together, no. We are presently in a long distance relationship, so it makes doing things like that a little tough! I'll need to examine color a little more thoroughly. From what I've gathered, "bigger is better" for her but obviously that only holds true to a point!

 

[tyty333]

I suggest looking at Gaberial Co. Settings. They have some nice settings at decent prices. Click on "Victorian" to see
their more vintage settings.

http://www.gabrielny.com/engaged/styles/engaged

This is pretty...$1890 but I think you get a discount from some of our vendors (I've heard 20% but I'm not really sure) .
http://www.gabrielny.com/engaged/style/ER8985W44JJ


Then put something like this in it.
http://www.goodoldgold.com/diamond/10619/

 

[Gypsy]

I would not go with Gabriel.
I think Beverly K is a better choice for this request.

What style does she want? A halo?

Also, Verragio rings look great online, but terrible in person frankly. So... you are better off not getting a Verragio, period.

Can you post upload some of the pictures from her webpage for us?

 

[msop04]

Also, Verragio rings look great online, but terrible in person frankly. So... you are better off not getting a Verragio, period.

I was just about to post this very thing. I thought I would love Verragio, but was totally underwhelmed at the rings IRL. Same can be said for some of the Tacori settings, but that's another thread.

 

[msop04]

I was unable to find a price on this setting, so hopefully someone will chime in... I think this is one of the most beautiful Beverly K settings I've ever seen -- ands LOTS of finger presence! I especially love the bezeled version.

http://www.beverleyk.com/engagement-rings/halo/r397-a-d-d-m.html

 

[knarffy]

Hi podfoot,

I think I can offer a girl's perspective-I just drove my boyfriend nuts with diamond research and "sparkle negotiations" for the past few months

My advice would be to optimize your budget with the best cut stone possible and as much size as possible- it will be super BLING!..(I would personally be happy with J color or up and anything eye clean- even an eye clean SI2!)

I shopped EVERYWHERE and for ideal cut diamonds I would highly recommend Brian Gavin "Signature" or Whiteflash "A cut above"!!! (I live in Houston and got to see their diamonds in person, it was AWESOME!!! When the cut is spectacular my eyes definitely went for the biggest "lower" graded stone we could afford!!) I'm sure there are other great online vendors but I personally know these two companies would offer a great product and customer service. Whiteflash offers Verragio settings online but since I am in love with Brian Gavin I also posted a link to a vintage-y style that would be beautiful (I ultimately chose a BG ring)...

http://www.whiteflash.com/engagement-rings/verragio/

http://www.briangavindiamonds.com/engagement-rings/pave-and-side-stones/halo-engagement-ring-18k-white-gold-5441w18

 

[Daisyoz]

I know her dream is to have a huge, beautiful sparkling boulder on her hand, but I'm in medical school on a limited budget (I won't have a "real" income for another 6-7 years probably). I've talked to her about my financial situation/marriage before, and she's been extremely understanding and knows that I'm on a limited budget. She told me she's perfectly fine not getting the perfect ring as long as she has me (which is great!!), but I really want to make her feel as special as I can.

Thanks!

If I were in your situation, I would get the best looking/coverage ring within budget (balance between diamond size/cut and nice setting) for now with a vendor with good upgrade policy and in the future when you have real income of a health professional, you could upgrade her ring to a huge diamond on an anniversary occasion. If I were your girlfriend, I would be happy getting a Verragio (if I were really dreaming of it) with a smallish diamond knowing your budget. The fact that you really know which setting she likes will make her feel special (just make really sure you know which setting she loves, halo? Solitaire? Three stone? What shape diamond princess or round ect).

You could get a diamond like this:

http://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-3035794.htm
Or this http://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-3034536.htm
Into a setting like this:
http://www.whiteflash.com/engagement-rings/diamond-settings/verragio-bead-set-halo-diamond-engagement-ring-1843.htm

The ideal cut and halo will hide the tint of the I colour.

Just my personal thought. But you have come to the right place. PSers will help ypu find something amazing! Good luck!

 

[Sparklelu]

I suggest looking at Gaberial Co. Settings. They have some nice settings at decent prices. Click on "Victorian" to see
their more vintage settings.

http://www.gabrielny.com/engaged/styles/engaged

This is pretty...$1890 but I think you get a discount from some of our vendors (I've heard 20% but I'm not really sure) .
http://www.gabrielny.com/engaged/style/ER8985W44JJ


Then put something like this in it.
http://www.goodoldgold.com/diamond/10619/

I can attest to the Gabriel rings and I have to say I LOVE the $1890.00 one!! Also GOG did give a break on the price when I got my stone and setting from them.

 

[podfoot]

Thanks everyone for the replies! She isn't really a fan of the halo look I guess, and posted mostly about a three stone, or a solitaire, but they all seem to have some milgrain/pave/something extra going on. I don't think she likes just a plain solitaire on a simple ring.

For the people who were disillusioned with the Verragios, is it because they were too busy, or the quality was lacking, or what exactly? She honestly seems really interested in those types of rings (which metalwork/extra diamonds). I appreciate the rings other people are posting!!

 

[podfoot]

I just randomed upon "Parade Design" http://www.paradedesign.com/

Does anyone have experience with this company? It looks Verragio-esque insomuch that their rings are very detailed and ornate. Also, seem much less expensive.

 

[msop04]

Thanks everyone for the replies! She isn't really a fan of the halo look I guess, and posted mostly about a three stone, or a solitaire, but they all seem to have some milgrain/pave/something extra going on. I don't think she likes just a plain solitaire on a simple ring.

For the people who were disillusioned with the Verragios, is it because they were too busy, or the quality was lacking, or what exactly? She honestly seems really interested in those types of rings (which metalwork/extra diamonds). I appreciate the rings other people are posting!!

I was pretty obsessed with two settings by Verragio. I had downloaded every single Google image of them that I could find. So, when I finally got a chance to go somewhere that carried them, I was so pumped!! When I saw the actual rings (not just the ones I loved), I was so disappointed. To me, they didn't even look the same as in the images -- not at all. I can't even explain it... it's not that they were too busy but almost the complete opposite. I was hoping to see all the elements that stood out in the photos, but they just didn't look like the same "expensive, luxurious" rings that all the ads and images show them to be.

This is only my opinion, but I feel there is something to it, as others have had the same experience. I'm not saying they aren't well-made or anything like that (they just didn't look well-made), so I'm not bashing the brand, I promise. All I'm saying is that she should really see their pieces before getting her heart set on them. I think you both would be very surprised -- and not in a good way. IMO, Verragio is extremely overpriced for the actual product.

For what you spend on a Verragio setting, you could have a master jeweler like Steven Kirsch or Victor Canera make a gorgeous setting that is first class. For less money, you could have a vendor like ERD make you a ring that has all the elements she likes.

 

[msop04]

I just randomed upon "Parade Design" http://www.paradedesign.com/

Does anyone have experience with this company? It looks Verragio-esque insomuch that their rings are very detailed and ornate. Also, seem much less expensive.

I have seen a lot of Parade rings and they looked okay...

 

[msop04]

OP, can you post a photo or link to the Verragio ring she likes?

 

[E B]

If Verragio is what she wants, you can definitely swing it. What about this combo?

http://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-3056391.htm?source=pricescope

http://www.whiteflash.com/engagemen...g-split-claw-diamond-engagement-ring-2216.htm

Total = $5,878.76

 

[msop04]

If Verragio is what she wants, you can definitely swing it. What about this combo?

http://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-3056391.htm?source=pricescope

http://www.whiteflash.com/engagemen...g-split-claw-diamond-engagement-ring-2216.htm

Total = $5,878.76

I just found OP's thread in another forum... this is the setting he posted. It runs between $3750 - $4150... that doesn't leave much for a stone.



OP, let me know if this isn't the correct setting she wants.

 

[VRBeauty]

I'll just disclose my bias right up front - Veraggio settings are generally far too ornate for my taste. From a functional perspective I'd be concerned about them because most look like they'd be very difficult to re-size. If you're looking for a "forever" setting, or at least one that will work for the first decade or so and maybe through a pregnancy - a setting with a simpler shank might be a better choice.

 

[Gypsy]

I was unable to find a price on this setting, so hopefully someone will chime in... I think this is one of the most beautiful Beverly K settings I've ever seen -- ands LOTS of finger presence! I especially love the bezeled version.

http://www.beverleyk.com/engagement-rings/halo/r397-a-d-d-m.html

That one is very affordable. In the 1400 range max.

 

[Gypsy]

If Verragio is what she wants, you can definitely swing it. What about this combo?

http://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-3056391.htm?source=pricescope

http://www.whiteflash.com/engagemen...g-split-claw-diamond-engagement-ring-2216.htm

Total = $5,878.76

I just found OP's thread in another forum... this is the setting he posted. It runs between $3750 - $4150... that doesn't leave much for a stone.



OP, let me know if this isn't the correct setting she wants.

WELL, if that's what she wants then...

PICK ONE OF THESE: http://www.gabrielny.com/engaged/styles?collection=Victorian&style=3+Stone&per_page=72

 

[msop04]

I was unable to find a price on this setting, so hopefully someone will chime in... I think this is one of the most beautiful Beverly K settings I've ever seen -- ands LOTS of finger presence! I especially love the bezeled version.

http://www.beverleyk.com/engagement-rings/halo/r397-a-d-d-m.html

That one is very affordable. In the 1400 range max.

Gypsy, I love this setting, but the OP said his FF didn't care for halos...

 

[E B]

I searched and successfully found her Pinterest page, which gave me a lot of good insight onto what she likes. She's a very chic and brand conscious girl, and I love her very much, so I want to be able to give her the most stunningly breathtaking ring possible for my budget.

I'd personally stick with the Verragio if this is the case and if her Pinterest page is loaded with their designs.

There are two three-stone designs at or under $2500 and you could still afford a nice .80 center. Were either of these on her page?

http://www.since1910.com/verragio-d128-three-stone-diamond-engagement-ring
http://www.since1910.com/verragio-d124r-three-stone-diamond-engagement-ring

 

[Niel]

any chance this could fit her finger?

Ritani is a very nice brand if thats what shes interested in, you could millgrain it to add some antique feel, and the setting hold an asscher cut, which is an antique cut.

http://diamondbistro.com/category/246/Semi-Mounts/listings/37099/Ritani-Classic-Endless-Love-Plat-Semi-mount.html

 

[msop04]

any chance this could fit her finger?

Ritani is a very nice brand if thats what shes interested in, you could millgrain it to add some antique feel, and the setting hold an asscher cut, which is an antique cut.

http://diamondbistro.com/category/246/Semi-Mounts/listings/37099/Ritani-Classic-Endless-Love-Plat-Semi-mount.html

This ring would look great with milgrain!

(@Niel: ...God knows I love my milgrain)

 

[Niel]

any chance this could fit her finger?

Ritani is a very nice brand if thats what shes interested in, you could millgrain it to add some antique feel, and the setting hold an asscher cut, which is an antique cut.

http://diamondbistro.com/category/246/Semi-Mounts/listings/37099/Ritani-Classic-Endless-Love-Plat-Semi-mount.html

This ring would look great with milgrain!

(@Niel: ...God knows I love my milgrain)

HA!

I wonder if this would fit.... or im sure Gypsy could find a good great one. Sure they face up smaller, but i dont know if she wants to be able to say its "1.14 cts! " ( i know id like that )

http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/asscher-cut/1.14-carat-h-color-vs1-clarity-sku-255756

 

[msop04]

any chance this could fit her finger?

Ritani is a very nice brand if thats what shes interested in, you could millgrain it to add some antique feel, and the setting hold an asscher cut, which is an antique cut.

http://diamondbistro.com/category/246/Semi-Mounts/listings/37099/Ritani-Classic-Endless-Love-Plat-Semi-mount.html

This ring would look great with milgrain!

(@Niel: ...God knows I love my milgrain)

HA!

I wonder if this would fit.... or im sure Gypsy could find a good great one. Sure they face up smaller, but i dont know if she wants to be able to say its "1.14 cts! " ( i know id like that )

http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/asscher-cut/1.14-carat-h-color-vs1-clarity-sku-255756

Oooohhhh.... Aaaaahhhhh... I bet it would fit -- and look amazing! I hope the OP sees this!

 

[podfoot]

Sorry I didn't reply sooner everyone! I had four tests this week - crazy times. Thanks to the poster who linked that picture - that's the ring she posted on her Pinterest page labelled "The Ring".


I haven't had a chance to check those links out, but i definitely will right now! Thanks again everyone!!

I actually went to a jeweler here in town yesterday to look at verragio settings, and I expected them to look better. I think they just looked shinier online. They didn't have that specific setting (apparently verragio doesn't make that setting anymore... ). I liked the metalwork of the Verragios more than I liked any Tacoris or Michael M rings (yes, even in person!). However, some of the other rings had diamonds on the metal work which made them shinier, which I liked. However, I didn't like the their metal work as much. The only way I can describe it is, "bulky". Their metalwork was thick and didn't give me the "beautiful" look I was looking for. I had the store order in this setting to check it out in person later this week.

The image we found in the catalog or whatever was completely white gold, and didn't have the rose gold accents. I'm thinking those lateral diamonds will give me the sparkle I'm looking for.

Thanks again everyone! I'll scope those links out right now!!!

 

[podfoot]

any chance this could fit her finger?

Ritani is a very nice brand if thats what shes interested in, you could millgrain it to add some antique feel, and the setting hold an asscher cut, which is an antique cut.

http://diamondbistro.com/category/246/Semi-Mounts/listings/37099/Ritani-Classic-Endless-Love-Plat-Semi-mount.html

She's a 7.5, so unfortunately, no. Thanks though!

 

[podfoot]

For what you spend on a Verragio setting, you could have a master jeweler like Steven Kirsch or Victor Canera make a gorgeous setting that is first class. For less money, you could have a vendor like ERD make you a ring that has all the elements she likes.

I know it varies wildly, but for a ring that's like the Verragio posted below with the Verragio-esque metalwork in the band with extra diamonds, what would a price point be for something like that making it custom? I think the rose gold ring embedded in this thread is what she really wants, but I've heard those concerns about the Verragio being overpriced and underwhelming in other places, furthermore, the rose gold is no longer in production. I know you can't say, "replicate this ring exactly" because there would be copyright, but what is the going price?

Also:
Thanks for the Gabriel Co link! I like the way those look, but they just aren't quite capturing the spirit that I've come to admire with the Verragios (and presumably my GF has too). The Verragios' filigree/milgrain/metalwork (I'm just the layman, here I don't know the terms!) is just more ornate and intricate in the band that I haven't seen successfully duplicated elsewhere. Don't get me wrong, I'm not stuck on Verragio, but until I can find a brand that can duplicate that finely ornate appearance, that seems to be where I have to head....

 

[Daisyoz]

The setting you order looks similar to this one. It is pricey and doesnt leave much budget for a diamond. However, it will have good finger coverage for size 7.5 and looks impressive and if it s what you both really like then it s worth it.
http://www.whiteflash.com/engagement-rings/three-stone/verragio-twisted-shank-3-stone-engagement-ring-1817.htm

One option is to email Whiteflash with your budget and preferred setting and see if they can find you a diamond to fit your budget and fit the ring.