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Help me find a ring on my budget!!

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currybai

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Dec 7, 2011
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After reading the other thread and all the help they been receiving, I thought I'd try the same. I want to propose to my girlfriend of 7 years on Christmas so not much time and should have done this sooner. But my budget is around 3K. She wanted this ring from zales:

http://web2neweng.theprestigediamondcollection.com/BackOffice/ImagesLibrary/DemoStore/972494146F400.jpg

I think its around 3k but the diamond is really bad quality.

I am new to buying rings and jewelry in general so any help is appreciated. Is it even possible to have a ring with 3 stones for 3K. The setting can be 14k gold. Any suggestions of what site is the best to buy from?

Thank you
 
does she want a princess cut with round side stones?
 
I guess a princess cut center stone but it doesnt have to have specific side stones cuts, round or princess would be good. Thanks!
 
i don't know much about princess cut stones so i'll leave that to the others, but here are some settings ranging in price from $855 to $1795 (i've listed them in increasing price):
http://www.eternitydiamonds.com/engagement-rings/diamond-engagement-ring/Marguerite-Diamond-Solitaire-with-Diamond-Accents-by-Eternity-%28.17-ctw.%29-137.htm
http://idjewelryonline.com/product_info.php?cPath=42_43&products_id=10038&cType=ER
http://idjewelryonline.com/product_info.php?cPath=42_43&products_id=10079&cType=ER
http://www.eternitydiamonds.com/engagement-rings/diamond-engagement-ring/Roxanne-Stylized-Diamond-Ring-by-Eternity-%28.47-ctw.%29-132.htm
http://www.eternitydiamonds.com/engagement-rings/diamond-engagement-ring/Rosalind-diamond-ring-with-diamond-accents-and-diamond-band-by-Eternity-%28.39-ctw.%29-254.htm
http://idjewelryonline.com/product_info.php?cPath=42_43&products_id=10062&cType=ER
 
I really like this setting that marchesa posted: http://idjewelryonline.com/product_info.php?cPath=42_43&products_id=10079&cType=ER If you like it, call IDJewelry ASAP and talk to Yukutiel, and let him know you are from PS and want a princess cut with great cut and your budget. I'm not sure if they can do photos of diamonds, though, which is important with fancy cuts other than rounds. It's only 18 days until Christmas!

A few other stone options:

I like this setting, but I am not sure about the 3-sided pave (makes wearing a wedding band difficult): http://www.whiteflash.com/engagement-rings/diamond-settings/imperial-diamond-engagement-ring-107.htm and it's about half the budget.

There were 9 ACA princess cuts at Whiteflash under $2k but this one is about $1,600 so would make the setting I posted possible:

http://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/princess-cut-loose-diamond-2642484.htm

If you ask me, I might ditch the sidestones and go with a setting like this: http://www.whiteflash.com/engagement-rings/diamond-settings/rounded-open-cathedral-diamond-engagement-ring-626.htm Since sidestones will take so much out of the budget, and go with a slightly heavier carat weight:

http://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/princess-cut-loose-diamond-2594755.htm

Or, only do sidestones and not diamonds on the shank, with a setting like this:

http://www.whiteflash.com/engagement-rings/three-stone/3-stone-trois-brillant-diamond-engagement-ring-1426.htm

http://www.goodoldgold.com/diamond/8117/ (this would leave about $800 for a setting, call Good Old Gold and ask if they have something similar to what your gf loves)
http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/H-VVS1-Ideal-Cut-Princess-Diamond-1421358.asp (leaves about $1k for a setting but I'm not seeing any settings on James Allen that look quite like the original one she loves)
 
I think that ring at JBEG is very pretty, but it is three .20 ct. stones. I like a diamond band with a plain wedding band, but she might rather have a solitaire diamond that was larger rather than 3 little stones.
 
i also think that the price is about average since ID jewelry have one that is 1ct total weight (compared to 0.6ct) that is brand new for $895
http://idjewelryonline.com/product_info.php?cPath=22_79&products_id=10555&cType=ER

that being said, i think what diamondseeker said is correct. you'll find most girls (myself included) prefer something larger in the middle rather than 3 the same size.

did you like any of the designs that have been listed here? if so let us know and then we can find a round diamond that will fit inside your budget.
 
i think whiteflash is great and they do offer great settings and stones, but they are more expensive. since you are working on a budget it may be worthwhile going for a cheaper setting"
http://www.b2cjewels.com/Diamond-Accent-Settings/Common-Prong-Set-Diamond-Ring-14K-White-Gold-%281-5-cttw%29-6026-1.aspx
http://www.b2cjewels.com/Diamond-Accent-Settings/Common-Prong-Set-Round-Diamond-Ring-14K-White-Gold-%281-10-cttw%29-6030-1.aspx
http://www.b2cjewels.com/Diamond-Accent-Settings/Prong-Set-Round-Diamond-Ring-14K-White-Gold%281-5-cttw%29-6002-1.aspx
http://www.b2cjewels.com/Diamond-Accent-Settings/Prong-Set-Round-Diamond-Ring-14K-White-Gold-%281-6-cttw%29-6008-1.aspx
http://www.b2cjewels.com/Diamond-Accent-Settings/18K-White-Gold-Prong-Set-Diamond-Ring%281-4-cttw.%29-5215-1.aspx

to see what those look like with a princess stone, just select the princess shaped diamond under the main picture.

my ring journey was a long process, but i ended up getting my setting from b2c despite their initial poor customer service. and for the money saved it was more than worth it as that extra $500 went straight into my stone.

if you want to buy a princess diamond elsewhere, the vendor can always send the setting straight to the jeweler who has the stone who should be able to set it to you (most often for free). in this case the $1000 you're saving on the setting will bring the size of the stone to around 0.8cts. and who doesn't like a bigger diamond :wink2:

i don't know if this one is eye clean and you'll probably have to call them:
http://b2cjewels.com/dd-2567738-0.84-carat-Princess-diamond-H-color-VS2-clarity.aspx

and the whiteflash one the picture on there is a stock picture of the diamond so you'd also have to call them and ask more questions
 
Does she mind pre-owned? This is a pretty nice one.

http://www.billleboeufjewellers.com/category/estate_pieces/rings/


November 12, 2011
19 karat custom made princess cut ring
Very contemporary and popular style ring. It looks like something from Simon G, Tacori or Scott Kay but in fact it was made by local goldsmith Michael Smiley. The 19 karat white gold setting weighs 4.6 grams and contains a 0.62 carat VS1-G princess cut diamond and 26 small round brilliant cut diamonds totaling approximately 0.25 carat also of very high quality. The ring has been made to a high standard and is in like new condition. Estate priced at $2590.00.

e6437-300x225.jpg
 
marchesa6989|1323296258|3076457 said:
i think whiteflash is great and they do offer great settings and stones, but they are more expensive. since you are working on a budget it may be worthwhile going for a cheaper setting"
http://www.b2cjewels.com/Diamond-Accent-Settings/Common-Prong-Set-Diamond-Ring-14K-White-Gold-%281-5-cttw%29-6026-1.aspx
http://www.b2cjewels.com/Diamond-Accent-Settings/Common-Prong-Set-Round-Diamond-Ring-14K-White-Gold-%281-10-cttw%29-6030-1.aspx
http://www.b2cjewels.com/Diamond-Accent-Settings/Prong-Set-Round-Diamond-Ring-14K-White-Gold%281-5-cttw%29-6002-1.aspx
http://www.b2cjewels.com/Diamond-Accent-Settings/Prong-Set-Round-Diamond-Ring-14K-White-Gold-%281-6-cttw%29-6008-1.aspx
http://www.b2cjewels.com/Diamond-Accent-Settings/18K-White-Gold-Prong-Set-Diamond-Ring%281-4-cttw.%29-5215-1.aspx

to see what those look like with a princess stone, just select the princess shaped diamond under the main picture.

my ring journey was a long process, but i ended up getting my setting from b2c despite their initial poor customer service. and for the money saved it was more than worth it as that extra $500 went straight into my stone.

if you want to buy a princess diamond elsewhere, the vendor can always send the setting straight to the jeweler who has the stone who should be able to set it to you (most often for free). in this case the $1000 you're saving on the setting will bring the size of the stone to around 0.8cts. and who doesn't like a bigger diamond :wink2:

i don't know if this one is eye clean and you'll probably have to call them:
http://b2cjewels.com/dd-2567738-0.84-carat-Princess-diamond-H-color-VS2-clarity.aspx

and the whiteflash one the picture on there is a stock picture of the diamond so you'd also have to call them and ask more questions
Click to expand...


Those settings look pretty plain to me which I do like but I know my girlfriend won't like. But I will keep looking through b2c since their prices are better.

I am currently talking to a rep at tradeshop who offered this diamond, do you think it's a good price?
http://search.tradeshop.com/cgi-bin/u/1001/v.cgi?stock=14358669&_s=1001&_p=thepasswd&_c=&_fs=1&prestock=
 
This is a very nice ring, is that website reputable?


I also saw this ring on their site:

http://www.billleboeufjewellers.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/e6452.1-300x225.jpg
http://www.billleboeufjewellers.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/e6452-300x225.jpg
"This ring is made from a secret proprietary gold alloy containing 75% pure gold and palladium combined to give a super white colour with out the need for rhodium plating. The ring is Canadian made using Canadian gold and contains a 1.00 carat Canadian diamond of I1-G quality with an average to good cut. This ring comes complete with it’s matching wedding ring. Bead set throughout the settings are 71 tiny full cut diamonds of good quality. This set is hardly worn and is in great condition. The edge of the diamond has been laser engraved with a unique identification number and maple leaf . The set comes with a “Glacier Fire” certificate and booklet dated late 2008. The estate price for the complete set is $4500.00"

What do you think?
 
That ring you posted is very nice. I never delt with them personally other than ask about some items on their site, get very prompt responses and they are very nice. Vintagelover here has delt with them and vouches for them, hopefuly she can chime in here.
 
currybai|1323295542|3076446 said:
What do you guys think about:

http://www.whiteflash.com/engagement-rings/diamond-settings/alegria-pave-diamond-engagement-ring-by-vatche-1651.htm

with this diamond:
http://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/princess-cut-loose-diamond-2715111.htm

Please advise, the price is right around what I want to pay. Am I getting a fair price?
Click to expand...



LOVE THAT SETTING!!!!!! :love: I'm no stone expert so someone else will have to help in that department.. but that setting is beautiful!
 
currybai|1323310431|3076655 said:
This is a very nice ring, is that website reputable?


I also saw this ring on their site:

http://www.billleboeufjewellers.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/e6452.1-300x225.jpg
http://www.billleboeufjewellers.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/e6452-300x225.jpg
"This ring is made from a secret proprietary gold alloy containing 75% pure gold and palladium combined to give a super white colour with out the need for rhodium plating. The ring is Canadian made using Canadian gold and contains a 1.00 carat Canadian diamond of I1-G quality with an average to good cut. This ring comes complete with it’s matching wedding ring. Bead set throughout the settings are 71 tiny full cut diamonds of good quality. This set is hardly worn and is in great condition. The edge of the diamond has been laser engraved with a unique identification number and maple leaf . The set comes with a “Glacier Fire” certificate and booklet dated late 2008. The estate price for the complete set is $4500.00"

What do you think?
Click to expand...

Hello currybai :wavey:

I've worked with Paul's store (Bill was his father who has since retired) and he puts up with all my craziness on a regular basis :) I even email him about good deals I find just to verify that they are what I think they are-even though he won't get any of the profit! :o

They have a LOVELY estate section at very reasonable prices. In fact-one of the bands they've listed is actually one of my old rings and it's a very high quality piece and they were very generous on buying it-and the resale price.

You really can't go wrong using Paul and his staff. If your in the area or not-just tell him that a PSer who knows him sent him his way (he would take care of you before without that info but just mention it to him and he'll know who you are talking about and know that you are posting on PS) and he'll understand the type of *standards* that he's searching for.

I do want to be clear about something though-PS standards are HIGH. I mean-some times to the point of insanity high (nothing wrong with that-everyone has a right to be the way they chose to be and do what they please with their money) but just keep in mind that most *regular/normal* women/people won't know the difference in stones that are beautiful and well cut to the ones that were 100% ideal cut with everything perfect. Rings come in all shapes and sizes and there are MANY beautiful ones without certifications that some PSer's wouldn't ever touch. My ring isn't certificated-is cut slightly shallow so it faces up larger and has a larger spread-and it's almost ideal and my band and e-ring don't 100% match bc they are from 2 different vintage sets. I LOVE my ring-it's far more beautiful than most pieces I've seen IRL and much larger (not that the size matters-I've seen STUNNING rings that are very dainty and feminine as well).


Back to the topic at hand though-you really can't go wrong with Paul and his staff. I've had them work on a few pieces for me-including sizing/tightening prongs/modifying earrings and also have sold/traded pieces with him and gotten a very fair value.

I love pre-loved pieces since I get more bang for my buck. I love my bling but I don't love the retail prices. So if I buy vintage/estate I get more pieces to love vs buying all new and only have one. Besides-I love the history and the quality you can find in some vintage pieces. But you do have to be careful-some pieces need some work bc they are older and you can run into a lot of $ in repairs that way. However if you are getting one from Paul you don't have to worry about that. All the pieces are worked on (if needed) prior to being put out on display for sale.

I can't seem to post a link from the old band I had but it's the 18k diamond anniversary ring right underneath the ruby/diamond band. The price is 675.00.

I can't wait to see what you decide. The simon G piece you posted is beautiful. Simon G makes a quality product too! :appl:
 
Alright guys,


I think I made a choice.

I want this setting:

http://www.whiteflash.com/engagement-rings/diamond-settings/alegria-pave-diamond-engagement-ring-by-vatche-1651.htm

But I need to find a diamond now. Does anyone know what carat size that is in the default pic?

I can go up to 4-5k but be nice if it was closer to 3k ish lol/


thanks for all the information!!!

edit:

i was thinking this diamond:

http://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/princess-cut-loose-diamond-2327039.htm

Basically I get the pricescope wire price, plus a 12% discount on the setting bringing the total to about 4k.

What do you guys think!!??
 
upping, please advise!!! thank you
 
slg47|1323397308|3077557 said:
that diamond is beautiful :) I lik the setting too but you could save by going with a non-branded setting

(for example)
http://www.whiteflash.com/engagement-rings/diamond-settings/legato-sleek-line-pave-diamond-engagement-ring-422.htm
Click to expand...


omg thank you, its almost the same and so much cheaper!!! any advice on the diamond itself?

I was thinking of pairing it with this:

http://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/princess-cut-loose-diamond-2668198.htm

Is .7 ct enough? The surface area on this is really good i think

also how is the price on this?
 
i would go for this one:
http://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/princess-cut-loose-diamond-2668200.htm
its a bit bigger for <$30 more!

if you want to go towards the top of your budget i would look into these ones, since there is a significant size jump (and who doesn't like bigger ;)) )
http://www.goodoldgold.com/diamond/8925/
http://www.briangavindiamonds.com/diamonds/diamond-details/1.010-h-vs1-princess-diamond-gia-33748591
http://www.briangavindiamonds.com/diamonds/diamond-details/1.030-h-vs1-princess-diamond-gia-32949848

the last 2 you'll have to call and ask them whether they have ideal performance and are eye clean. but they are VS1 so i assume they are.

you can ask them to find a setting similar to the one you like, and they can probably do it for cheaper.
 
currybai|1323404973|3077622 said:
slg47|1323397308|3077557 said:
that diamond is beautiful :) I lik the setting too but you could save by going with a non-branded setting

(for example)
http://www.whiteflash.com/engagement-rings/diamond-settings/legato-sleek-line-pave-diamond-engagement-ring-422.htm
Click to expand...


omg thank you, its almost the same and so much cheaper!!! any advice on the diamond itself?

I was thinking of pairing it with this:

http://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/princess-cut-loose-diamond-2668198.htm

Is .7 ct enough? The surface area on this is really good i think

also how is the price on this?
Click to expand...
Nice choice. Princess cuts seem to show color a little more than rounds. A G would be lovely. Not sure you'd see the difference in size with the H. But call WF and ask their opinion of these two stones side by side. Also, what is her ring size?
 
swingirl|1323427032|3077732 said:
currybai|1323404973|3077622 said:
slg47|1323397308|3077557 said:
that diamond is beautiful :) I lik the setting too but you could save by going with a non-branded setting

(for example)
http://www.whiteflash.com/engagement-rings/diamond-settings/legato-sleek-line-pave-diamond-engagement-ring-422.htm
Click to expand...


omg thank you, its almost the same and so much cheaper!!! any advice on the diamond itself?

I was thinking of pairing it with this:

http://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/princess-cut-loose-diamond-2668198.htm

Is .7 ct enough? The surface area on this is really good i think

also how is the price on this?
Click to expand...
Nice choice. Princess cuts seem to show color a little more than rounds. A G would be lovely. Not sure you'd see the difference in size with the H. But call WF and ask their opinion of these two stones side by side. Also, what is her ring size?
Click to expand...


Her ring size is 5.75.
 
marchesa6989|1323421323|3077718 said:
i would go for this one:
http://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/princess-cut-loose-diamond-2668200.htm
its a bit bigger for <$30 more!

if you want to go towards the top of your budget i would look into these ones, since there is a significant size jump (and who doesn't like bigger ;)) )
http://www.goodoldgold.com/diamond/8925/
http://www.briangavindiamonds.com/diamonds/diamond-details/1.010-h-vs1-princess-diamond-gia-33748591
http://www.briangavindiamonds.com/diamonds/diamond-details/1.030-h-vs1-princess-diamond-gia-32949848

the last 2 you'll have to call and ask them whether they have ideal performance and are eye clean. but they are VS1 so i assume they are.

you can ask them to find a setting similar to the one you like, and they can probably do it for cheaper.
Click to expand...


Those diamonds are certainly bigger and beautiful but a little out of my price range. But the one for $30 more seems like a more logical choice. Thanks!
 
no worries! sorry...i thought i saw somewhere you could go up to 4-5k. but the 0.745 H VS1 is a great choice! i'm sure she'll be very happy =)
 
it looks great! please post pictures when you get the finished ring :)
 
I want to thank everyone here for helping me through this process. It definitely made my life a lot easier. I will post pics when I get it, in about 2 weeks probably. ! Can't wait. Also I had a great experience with the sales rep at Whiteflash, very nice and courteous people.
 
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