Help! Hacking a Harry Winston Style Emerald Cut

[Emerald10k]

Setting things in motion to procure an engagement ring by December 2015.

Living in NYC, the social pressure is high to get an e-ring somewhat in the range of our inner circle--mostly finance type guys that are dropping 15-25k+ for 1.5-2+ carat princess, round, and cushions. I am not that guy.

My absolute maximum to spend is 10k. All-in. My gf will be happy with a piece of string, but I want the ring to show on par with our peers.

My gf's style is a size-5 Emerald cut with tapered diamond baguette side stones with platinum band i.e. Harry Winston's Classic Winston http://www.harrywinston.com/en/classic-winston%E2%84%A2-emerald-cut-engagement-ring-tapered-baguette-side-stones

1. What is the best bang for the buck?--carat, color, cut, etc.
1.1 What carat range am I looking at?
2. Can you recommend a specific jeweler who specializes in making diamonds "look" bigger and could replica the Classic Winston look?
3. If I opted for a simple Emerald solitare/no side stones, about how much would that save me?
4. If I opted for sapphire and green emerald side baquettes, how much would that save me? Is that a good look?
5. Any other advice would be most helpful.

When all is said and done, I simply want to make sure I get the most incredible ring with my budget. One that makes her happy and proud to show off amongst her friends that don big expensive rocks.

 

[Niel]

Setting things in motion to procure an engagement ring by December 2015.

Living in NYC, the social pressure is high to get an e-ring somewhat in the range of our inner circle--mostly finance type guys that are dropping 15-25k+ for 1.5-2+ carat princess, round, and cushions. I am not that guy.

My absolute maximum to spend is 10k. All-in. My gf will be happy with a piece of string, but I want the ring to show on par with our peers.

My gf's style is a size-5 Emerald cut with tapered diamond baguette side stones with platinum band i.e. Harry Winston's Classic Winston http://www.harrywinston.com/en/classic-winston%E2%84%A2-emerald-cut-engagement-ring-tapered-baguette-side-stones

1. What is the best bang for the buck?--carat, color, cut, etc.
cut is going to vary because its a fancy shape, you'll want to shop places that will get you images and asets, and judge each stone on its own. Color, probably I, maybe J, you want it to look white, I assume. Clarity, you want eye clean. Go as low as you can while still being eye clean. Carat? As large as we can find you.
1.1 What carat range am I looking at?
we will see
2. Can you recommend a specific jeweler who specializes in making diamonds "look" bigger and could replica the Classic Winston look?
this issue is two fold, were can we get the best setting for a fair price, and where can we find a good stone
3. If I opted for a simple Emerald solitare/no side stones, about how much would that save me?
depending on the settings you choose, it could save you a few K by going with a soli vs side stones
4. If I opted for sapphire and green emerald side baquettes, how much would that save me? Is that a good look?

I don't know what you're asking. This is a completely different look and will present itself with its own challenges. Does she want more than one type of ring? If so, what are all the different styles she likes? One might be more affordable than another
5. Any other advice would be most helpful.
lets see what we can find

When all is said and done, I simply want to make sure I get the most incredible ring with my budget. One that makes her happy and proud to show off amongst her friends that don big expensive rocks.

 

[Asscherhalo_lover]

You can spend a lot more on the diamond if you go with a simple solitaire for now. If you're OK with it you can always "upgrade" the setting at a later date for an anniversary or something. This was you can maximize the stone. Simple but nice solitaire in white gold shouldn't be more than 500-750 of your budget.

 

[marymm]

As a quick example of an option available within your $10K budget, here's a well-cut 1.33ct G-VS1 emerald-cut from James Allen, which could be set in this 3-stone setting (also by James Allen):

http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/emerald-cut/1.33-carat-g-color-vs1-clarity-sku-420590

http://www.jamesallen.com/engagemen...ed-baguette-diamond-engagement-ring-item-1206

If you are willing to consider estate pieces, and have some wiggle room with your budget, here's a gorgeous Harry Winston-esque option from Love Affair Diamonds (size 6 so it would have to be resized): http://www.loveaffairdiamonds.com/1...intage-inspired-lad-audrey-setting-gia-e-vs1/

Leon Mege is in NYC, you could take a look at this Emerald-cut ring in stock (size 5.75 so it would need to be resized) - if you like it, you could make an offer (NOTE: if your offer is accepted, the purchase is nonrefundable)... https://leonmege.com/index.php?opti..._id=1455&virtuemart_category_id=15&Itemid=400

 

[kb1gra]

If you can stand a K, James Allen has a dreamy 1.71 k/vs2 right now that I'm in love with.

They also have a 1.5 h/vs2 that would be exactly $100 over budget in the 14k Harry Winston style setting. If that stone is eligible for the PS discount you would come in just under budget. The K is well within budget.

 

[Niel]

As a quick example of an option available within your $10K budget, here's a well-cut 1.33ct G-VS1 emerald-cut from James Allen, which could be set in this 3-stone setting (also by James Allen):

http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/emerald-cut/1.33-carat-g-color-vs1-clarity-sku-420590

http://www.jamesallen.com/engagemen...ed-baguette-diamond-engagement-ring-item-1206

If you are willing to consider estate pieces, and have some wiggle room with your budget, here's a gorgeous Harry Winston-esque option from Love Affair Diamonds (size 6 so it would have to be resized): http://www.loveaffairdiamonds.com/1...intage-inspired-lad-audrey-setting-gia-e-vs1/

Leon Mege is in NYC, you could take a look at this Emerald-cut ring in stock (size 5.75 so it would need to be resized) - if you like it, you could make an offer (NOTE: if your offer is accepted, the purchase is nonrefundable)... https://leonmege.com/index.php?opti..._id=1455&virtuemart_category_id=15&Itemid=400

The Leon is a great idea if: she is someone who really cares about quality settings, like HW

AND if you can see it in person. Sense an offer acceptance makes it non refundable, its important you like it. It isn't unheard of he take 75% on offers, so him taking 10k is totally possible

 

[Asscherhalo_lover]

Since you're in NYC you could probably make an appointment to see the Leon in person. I have no doubt it would be stunning and as high quality if not better than HW.

 

[Mayk]

I own a K but it's not for everyone. Mine is a very nicely cut K with high clarity and it faces up very white for a K. You can look in "Knowledge" and see some of the guidelines for Emerald Cuts. https://www.pricescope.com/wiki/diamonds/emerald-cut-diamond

 

[MollyMalone]

Dittoing the suggestion that you visit Leon Mege (he's in the Diamond District) to see that size 5.75 ring in person & discuss a lower price and resizing. It's an exquisite, hand-forged setting and, frankly, more luxe-looking than the Classic Winston. But although the diamond should be eye-clean, you can't tell from LM's glamour shot whether the VS2 inclusions in that stone might bug you.

If that doesn't pan out or if you'd like to look around more before making a decision on the LM ring, I recommend that you visit ID Jewelry, a PS sponsor who is also in the Diamond District They have a number of emerald/step cut diamonds -- with GIA lab reports -- already in-house. By seeing various stones "up close and personal", you'll get a better idea of:
* the variety of faceting patterns; unlike round brilliant diamonds, the cut designs vary quite a bit & some doubtlessly will be more pleasing to your eye, with better "performance", than others
* to what extent color and clarity turn out to matter to you, what compromise(s) on those 2 C's you would consider making in order to purchase a larger stone

Brilliantly Engaged, Diamonds by Lauren, and Eternity by Yoni are 3 other diamond dealers & PS sponsors in the Diamond District who welcome visits, by appointment, from retail customers -- and whose "benches" would do well by you in creating a mounting at a not-outrageous price. (I'm less certain of ID Jewelry for this particular kind of mounting; the one shown on their web site leaves me cold, but a nicer custom-made one is not outside the realm of possibility)

Do call any of these 4 places ahead of time to let them know what you are looking for (I can't tell from their web sites how many emerald diamonds the latter 3 I listed have at hand), and ask them to also show you sample rings or at least photos of similar ones they themselves have produced. And let them know you found them through PriceScope.

P.S. Kudos on thinking ahead! It really isn't too early to be planning on presenting an engagement ring at Christmas time