Help! I can''t decide!

[lucylu123]

Hello there...I have been a lurker here for a while, but my boyfriend and I are now ready to take the financial plunge, and I want to make sure I am making a good decision!

I originally wanted a solitaire, and my boyfriend and I are both more drawn to the princess. I know it is smaller for ct size, and that the cut is harder to judge, but it just feels more right to both of us. After going to some stores to get a feel for what I like on my hand, I was surprised to find that I was very drawn to this ring at Zales.

http://www.zales.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2250943

That being said, I have NO intention of purchasing something from a store in the mall. I realize they are low quality and high price.

While trying to reconstruct that ring, I came up with a setting and stone from JA (the .30 ct common prong) and a .84 ct princess. I am trying to stay under $3000. I have to have platinum due to a nickel allergy. (my ears get swollen and itchy with cheap earrings...but nickel free earrings are fine) My only hesitation is that I am just star struck with all of the sparkle, as I am not sure that all the bling fits my personality! I''m a simpler girl and always thought a solitaire would be my choice!

What do you think of this pair?

http://www.jamesallen.com/engagement-rings/settings-with-sidestones/ring/item_57-2803_design.asp?module=setting

http://www.jamesallen.com/engagement-rings/solitaire-rings/?module=diamond&item=1276826

 

[Bella_mezzo]

I'd get this:
1http://www.goodoldgold.com/diamond.php?d=9205&shape=128&ctMin=.7&ctMax=1&clarity=127&color=124&priceMax=2400&resultsColumns=268435471&singleResult=1

or this

https://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/princess-cut-loose-diamond-312235.htm )(but be sure you are ok with J color in real life)

in the setting you picked, or one of these settings.
https://www.whiteflash.com/engagement-rings/rounded-open-cathedral-engagement-ring_1352.htm (WF might be able to work with you if you get stone and setting from them to keep you in budget)

http://www.adiamor.com/R-1405-R2853-1.htm

or check ID jewelry online for less expensive (but still gorgeous!) settings.

 

[yssie]

Palladium is hypoallergenic and a whole lot cheaper than plat. - would let you put more into the stone

 

[lucylu123]

Thanks for the feedback!

I love that diamond from GOG! I love the palladium idea as well...any idea who carries settings that come in palladium?

 

[lovemybling]

Most of the settings that they linked for you you choose the metal you want when you order. you can even see the cost right on the page. look down on the right.

White Flash ring

 

[diamondenvy]

For a suggestion, I like these ones:
http://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/princess-cut-loose-diamond-2296758.htm

http://www.whiteflash.com/engagement-rings/rounded-open-cathedral-engagement-ring_1352.htm

I''ve worked with Traci at wf and she is WONDERFUL. If you are interested I would call her, tell her what you want and let her work with you.

 

[lucylu123]

Thanks everyone! I have spoken to Traci briefly...and that would be great if I could work something out w/ them, as I know they have a great reputation.

I am hoping to be able to get the setting and the stone from the same place for the sake of ease. I am a medical student w/ very little free time...so the easier the better!

While the WF cathedral is similar, I''m not a huge fan of the rounded part. I prefer the look of the cathedral where the top part is more inverted. I''m not sure if that is getting too picky, but its difficult to choose something just from looking online w/o trying it on!