Help me pick out an engagement ring!

[triga22]

Hello everyone, I have been lurking here for a few months, but its almost time to bite the bullet and purchase an engagement ring.The engagement is set about 4 months away, however I would like to purchase a diamond ring within the next month, preferably before prices rise. Lets start off with some back story:

My girlfriend and I have changed our minds about what diamond style, and setting style we both like, but we have come to a conclusion on both, a round diamond(.7 carat or so), in a white gold pave setting. My budget is $4,000 MAX, but I would prefer to be around 3500. I am emphasizing cut and clarity ( so long as the diamond is eye clean and you cannot see black spots/ mars with the naked eye).

Here are some of my concerns, rhodium plating, prong re tightening, center stone falling out, and buying online. We have both went to shaneco and solomon brothers, and each offer some form of a "warranty". Is it worth it? I am concerned with having the center stone fall out, or needing to get the ring rhodium plated often. Online seems great, most people on here have great experiences with the vendors, but what if something tragic happens to the ring? Many online retailers don't cover for your lifetime. Maybe I am a worried freak lol

Here are a few diamonds and settings that I think she would enjoy. She would like something that is around 2mm thick so "her hands don't look big".

Settings:
http://www.whiteflash.com/engagement-rings/diamond-settings/petite-open-cathedral-diamond-engagement-ring-1539.htm
http://www.jamesallen.com/engagement-rings/pave/james-allen-exclusive-engagement-ring-item-49519
Diamonds:
http://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-3186636.htm
?
I am a novice when it comes to diamonds, so I would appreciate your input!

Thank YOU!

 

[Gypsy]

Warranties are a gimmick and worthless. Someone, I'm sure will be along to explain that.
All you need is a good local bench, a good original vendor, and jewelry insurance (which you need in any case).

I think the WF setting and stone are great and very budget friendly choices. And the center stone is over 5.5mm so that's a nice size.

 

[msop04]

Hello everyone, I have been lurking here for a few months, but its almost time to bite the bullet and purchase an engagement ring.The engagement is set about 4 months away, however I would like to purchase a diamond ring within the next month, preferably before prices rise. Lets start off with some back story:

My girlfriend and I have changed our minds about what diamond style, and setting style we both like, but we have come to a conclusion on both, a round diamond(.7 carat or so), in a white gold pave setting. My budget is $4,000 MAX, but I would prefer to be around 3500. I am emphasizing cut and clarity ( so long as the diamond is eye clean and you cannot see black spots/ mars with the naked eye).

Here are some of my concerns, rhodium plating, prong re tightening, center stone falling out, and buying online. We have both went to shaneco and solomon brothers, and each offer some form of a "warranty". Is it worth it? I am concerned with having the center stone fall out, or needing to get the ring rhodium plated often. Online seems great, most people on here have great experiences with the vendors, but what if something tragic happens to the ring? Many online retailers don't cover for your lifetime. Maybe I am a worried freak lol

Here are a few diamonds and settings that I think she would enjoy. She would like something that is around 2mm thick so "her hands don't look big".

Settings:
http://www.whiteflash.com/engagement-rings/diamond-settings/petite-open-cathedral-diamond-engagement-ring-1539.htm
http://www.jamesallen.com/engagement-rings/pave/james-allen-exclusive-engagement-ring-item-49519
Diamonds:
http://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-3186636.htm
?
I am a novice when it comes to diamonds, so I would appreciate your input!

Thank YOU!

I agree with Gypsy about the WF choices... However, I would advise against 18K WG if you're concerned about rhodium plating. I would go with 14K or X1 white (never needs to be plated). Since 18K has more gold content than 14K, it is more "yellow" under the rhodium. As the rhodium wears away, it will look dingier and show more quickly than 14K WG. I have 18K WG, but if I were to do it again, I would get X1, as not to have to plate it.

 

[Gypsy]

Good point. Ask WF to get the X1 metal.

 

[triga22]

Thanks for the replies! I am open to more diamond selections and setting selections as well. When I did my search on WF that is one of few in my budget, so maybe there are more options elsewhere.I will ask them about the x1. THANKS AGAIN

 

[triga22]

I spoke with Sheerah over the phone and she was a tremendous help. She said that they will be receiving more inventory in the next few weeks, but from their current inventory she recommended these 3 diamonds to me. I prefer the middle one. what do you think?
http://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/compare.aspx?idnos=3157633,3186636,3063799