Help me choose a stone...

[TyUSA]

Hi all,

I've tried to do my homework thanks to PS and want to pull the trigger on a stone, but need some guidance. I know the right proportions (I think?), but I'm just not sure if I'm headed in the right direction. I need to do this ASAP as I want to propose very very soon.
Budget: $3,000 to spend on a diamond and a ring setting
ideal cut
Vs1-Eye clean SI1
H or above
round or princess
platinum or white gold
my only requirement is that the setting be that if I go with a round stone, I want a squared edges type of band, to offset the roundness of the stone; and if a princess cut, a softer rounded band. I don't know if that is possible, but that is what I'm looking for. I'm having trouble finding a setting like that to fit within my budget. How much should I budget for the setting? Is $500 too low? I'm not seeing that I can get much for that price. So I'm thinking to try to keep the stone about 2K and the setting about 1K?

I was hoping to choose one vendor for stone and setting. I've looked at Whiteflash, Brian Gavin, Blue Nile and ERD and Good Old Gold. ERD and Good Old Gold seemed to be a little higher priced. Hmmm.

Am I on the right track?
Here are the stones I was looking at. Are these stones OK? I was hoping perhaps somebody might be kind enough to post some links to some settings that my work with my budget and preferences. I'm lost and dont know what to do. Thanks in advance.
Ty

http://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-3328805.htm
http://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-3421086.htm#
http://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/princess-cut-loose-diamond-3062357.htm

 

[JDDN]

I love the first stone you posted, the 0.625 ACA. I think unless she has specifically asked for a princess cut, it's safer to stick with a round brilliant. I'm not a fan of the 2nd stone you posted. Here's some very nice options within your budget. Some are Expert Selection and are very nice stones. They miss the ACA category by just a little bit so they are great to stretch a budget and gorgeous stones. There are some ACA's too in the list.

Here are several settings that are in budget and had less of a rounded shank. I'm loving the first one I linked and think it would look so elegant with a 0.6 ct sized diamond. I know WF has worked with customers who have been on a tight budget so mention your budget and what you're looking for and they may be a little flexible if it's a WF setting.

http://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-3400943.htm

http://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-3372511.htm

http://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-3400944.htm

http://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-3400946.htm

http://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-3059454.htm

http://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-3327383.htm

http://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-3317450.htm

http://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-3372518.htm


http://www.whiteflash.com/engagement-rings/solitaire/comfort-fit-surprise-diamond-ring-183.htm

http://www.whiteflash.com/engagement-rings/solitaire/flush-fit-cathedral-solitaire-engagement-ring-43.htm

 

[TyUSA]

Thank you for posting those links. I am a fan of this ring. I am trying to decide between platinum and white gold though. What would you recommend?
http://m.whiteflash.com/engagement-rings/solitaire/legato-sleek-line-solitaire-engagement-ring-728.htm

Also it is good to know that whiteflash will work with my budget a little.

Ty

 

[JDDN]

I love the Legato Sleek line, it's timeless and graceful. If you're on a tight budget, then you may want to go white gold. For that setting both should be plenty durable.

White gold is plated to make it whiter, so you may need to have it re-plated or dipped over the years. Platinum is not plated so you will not have to have it re-plated although over time it develops a patina. Both are very nice choices. You can also do unplated white gold which will have a creamy color.