Help! My head is spinning!!!

[jayreneepea]

This whole ER upgrade is really starting to stress me out! It''s all I think about and even my dreams are about diamonds! Here''s the dilemma... I have about $10,000 to spend on an upgrade. Currently, I have a 1ct. pear. I really want a cushion, but for $10,000 I will only be able to get about a 1 1/2 ct since the setting I want is custom made AND I''ll more than likely go over budget. In my mind it seems crazy to spend $10,000 to only upgrade a 1/2 ct (although it will be a better diamond) and to no have exactly what I wanted (2cts) when it was all said and done. I have seen some 1 3/4 cts that look pretty small, so I can olny imagine what a 1 1/2 ct might look like. So here are the options I am considering. What would you pick if you were in the same boat.

Option 1

Keep current 1 ct pear, but have it reset in a custom halo setting, which will make it appear to be bigger. If you pick this option, would you consider having the halo made with pink diamonds, or would you stick with white?

Option 2

Find a 1 1/2 ct cushion that appears bigger (or at least true to size) and set in custom halo.

Option 3

Max out my $10,000 on getting the biggest possible cushion and set in simple inexpensive solitair and hope for upgraded setting later.

Option 4

Nix the cushion and go for a shape with more spread like maybe an oval. I think a 1 1/2 oval will look much larger than a 1 1/2 cushion -- someone set me straight if this is incorrect. And again, set in a halo.

Also, I was wondering if anyone else felt a little guilty when upgrading?? I''m also struggling with spending that money on myself for something some would consider frivolous.

Thanks!
Jayrenay

 

[Cehrabehra]

Date: 8/17/2006 1:03:31 PM
Author:jayrenay9

Also, I was wondering if anyone else felt a little guilty when upgrading?? I''m also struggling with spending that money on myself for something some would consider frivolous.

Thanks!
Jayrenay

I don''t really have answers to your questions but I love cushion outlines as well... I have the same thought about spending the money but sometimes you just gotta do it! If your current ring is sentimental to you, I''d keep it and get a 2nd ring. but I''m a sap - LOL I''d not do the pink just because if it''s a ring you wear daily, sometimes color can get in the way IMO.

 

[dani13]

I would go with option 2 or 3. I personally love cushions with halos- so if that is what you really want, then go for it. If it is not what you really want, then I would go with option 3. Invest as much money as you can into a stone you really love and the best you can get for the $$, set it in a simple wg setting, and upgrade to a different setting when you can.

Keep in mind though that if you get a custom halo setting in plat, that is going to run you a few thousand dollars, which leaves you less $$ to spend on your center. But it will look "bigger" in the end with the halo. And if size is what it is that you are going for, then that might be your best option.

 

[nevlossiel]

I''d go with option 2. Like Dani, I love cushions with halos. And that will make your diamond look MUCH larger.

One thing to think about, though: I don''t care so much about stone size; I care much more about design aesthetics. But if you are fixated on having a center stone that IS a certain size, not a center stone that LOOKS a certain size, will you be satisfied with a 1.5 ct cushion in a halo?

Oh yeah--and if you do a halo, I''d vote for keeping it white. A white halo will make that center stone look enormous.

 

[jaz464]

If you get another diamond, what will you do with the pear? Will you trade it in?

I wouldn't do pink for an e-ring. For a RHR, definitley yes. I think I would save a little longer to get a bigger diamond. Because if you get the custom setting and want to get a bigger diamond in the future, (which it sounds like you would because you already think a 1.5 carat is small) you would have to spend more money on another setting.

 

[jayreneepea]

Date: 8/17/2006 1:32:50 PM
Author: nevlossiel
I''d go with option 2. Like Dani, I love cushions with halos. And that will make your diamond look MUCH larger.

One thing to think about, though: I don''t care so much about stone size; I care much more about design aesthetics. But if you are fixated on having a center stone that IS a certain size, not a center stone that LOOKS a certain size, will you be satisfied with a 1.5 ct cushion in a halo?

Oh yeah--and if you do a halo, I''d vote for keeping it white. A white halo will make that center stone look enormous.

I don''t care so much about actual stone size, I care about how it actually looks. But I haven''t seen a cushion that looks bigger than it''s stone size yet. I saw a beautiful 1.82 yesterday for $10,800 and it''s size looked pretty appropriate.

I can''t say for sure that I will be satisfied with a 1 1/2 ct. and that concerns me.

I''d love to see pics of 1 1/2ct. cushions (or ovals) if anyone has one.

 

[jaz464]

If you are having second thoughts about the size before you even get it, I would not go that small. Because after wearing it for awhile, it will look even smaller and then you will really be in trouble

 

[jayreneepea]

Date: 8/17/2006 1:39:05 PM
Author: jazmine
If you get another diamond, what will you do with the pear? Will you trade it in?

I wouldn''t do pink for an e-ring. For a RHR, definitley yes. I think I would save a little longer to get a bigger diamond. Because if you get the custom setting and want to get a bigger diamond in the future, (which it sounds like you would because you already think a 1.5 carat is small) you would have to spend more money on another setting.

I plan to reset the pear into a RHR, something simple.

My fear about waiting and not taking what I can get now is that we are about to start a huge remodel project on our home. Plus, DH just bought a new car, the kids are in private school and we have to start thinking about private high schools, the kids need braces, my daughter is a competitive gymnast -- the list goes on and on. Plus this all started because I am turning 40 on September 27. So, it almost seems like now and never -- or really, really later.

 

[jaz464]

Well, you could trade the pear in and get a little more $$.

 

[jayreneepea]

Date: 8/17/2006 1:54:19 PM
Author: jazmine
Well, you could trade the pear in and get a little more $$.

Will any jeweler take the trade in or do you have to go to the original jeweler?

 

[dani13]

Date: 8/17/2006 1:46:23 PM
Author: jayrenay9

Date: 8/17/2006 1:32:50 PM
Author: nevlossiel
I''d go with option 2. Like Dani, I love cushions with halos. And that will make your diamond look MUCH larger.

One thing to think about, though: I don''t care so much about stone size; I care much more about design aesthetics. But if you are fixated on having a center stone that IS a certain size, not a center stone that LOOKS a certain size, will you be satisfied with a 1.5 ct cushion in a halo?

Oh yeah--and if you do a halo, I''d vote for keeping it white. A white halo will make that center stone look enormous.

I don''t care so much about actual stone size, I care about how it actually looks. But I haven''t seen a cushion that looks bigger than it''s stone size yet. I saw a beautiful 1.82 yesterday for $10,800 and it''s size looked pretty appropriate.

I can''t say for sure that I will be satisfied with a 1 1/2 ct. and that concerns me.

I''d love to see pics of 1 1/2ct. cushions (or ovals) if anyone has one.

Jayrenay9-

Here are a few examples of 2 cushions- one is 1.5 cts and the other is 1.7 cts, both with halos. I LOVE both of these rings. And I have to say, they both look pretty substantial in size.

https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/my-cushion-cut-micropave-ring-by-mark-turnowski.38944/=

https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/cushion-cut-mircropave-ring-by-mark-turnowski.36661/=

 

[woobug02]

Oh my I am feeling for you! Almost two years ago I started on an upgrade mission and because I didn''t go for what I really wanted I ended up going thru 4 different rings before I was happy

My advice to you is get the most bang for your buck but get the stone shape and setting you want right in the beginning. Due to the same guilt issues I ended up settling and then remaking, recreating and then starting completely over. In the end I spent WAY more than I would have if I would have just went in and purchased what I want. I absoultely love my setting now but ended up with actually 3 rings not just one....hehehehe!!! However, I drove my husband nuts and in the end he wasn''t sure what I ended up with not to mention my family and friends that I was losing my mind... So here is the thing!!! GO FOR IT GIRL!!! An upgrade is an upgrade. Find the biggest stone you can and put it in the setting you LOVE!!! Don''t change shapes (been there, done that)...errrrr Get the shape and setting you want!!!! Good Luck. PS I love colored stones in a wedding set. Be who you are and make your upgrade all about you WOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO

 

[Stone Hunter]

We're living through similar things. I've been asking myself the same questions you've asked. Every time I get overwhelmed I remind myself that this should be fun. And I have felt a little guilty about my new obsession. But if I don't do this now braces and college will take the money.

Right now I have a small oval, which looks large for its size!

Do you WANT a different shape or a BIGGER stone?? I think pears look big for their size, so that comparison is causing you grief.

From your OP it sounds like you really want a cushion AND want the stone to look bigger. If that's the case I'd choose #3 Spend it all on the stone. An oval would look big for it's size but if you really want a cushion you'll always be unhappy.

HTH

Edited to add:

Just read the other posts and I see that your thinking about braces and school too! I say that this is the time to go for it!!! I dare you to find a fabulous upgrade!

 

[ephemery1]

Hi Jay,

I went through a similar search for my e-ring a few months ago. I''d originally wanted a cushion, but opened my search to ovals for a variety of reasons... one of which was really wanting a larger spread. Our budget was lower than yours but I knew I wanted at least 1.5ct, and a lower L/W ratio (1.35 or below)... and ended up with a beautiful stone for $7200. I''m attaching a recent pic, but here is the link for my original thread with lots more pix: https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/my-new-oval-e-ring-picture-heavy.46482/

Specs:
1.51ct, F, SI1, 8.58mm x 6.40mm, Ring Size 5.25

If it helps at all, I''m VERY happy with my oval

... I absolutely love the soft, rounder shape... even cushions can look a little too "squared off" for my liking when set in 4-prongs.

 

[jaz464]

Does the original jewler do trade ups? Otherwise you could find a local jewler who may take it as a trade and then you would pay the difference.

 

[jayreneepea]

Date: 8/17/2006 2:05:38 PM
Author: woobug02
Oh my I am feeling for you! Almost two years ago I started on an upgrade mission and because I didn''t go for what I really wanted I ended up going thru 4 different rings before I was happy

My advice to you is get the most bang for your buck but get the stone shape and setting you want right in the beginning. Due to the same guilt issues I ended up settling and then remaking, recreating and then starting completely over. In the end I spent WAY more than I would have if I would have just went in and purchased what I want. I absoultely love my setting now but ended up with actually 3 rings not just one....hehehehe!!! However, I drove my husband nuts and in the end he wasn''t sure what I ended up with not to mention my family and friends that I was losing my mind... So here is the thing!!! GO FOR IT GIRL!!! An upgrade is an upgrade. Find the biggest stone you can and put it in the setting you LOVE!!! Don''t change shapes (been there, done that)...errrrr Get the shape and setting you want!!!! Good Luck. PS I love colored stones in a wedding set. Be who you are and make your upgrade all about you WOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO

Thanks Woo, your story was very inspiring and insightful! I''m glad you finally found what you were looking for. I definitely don''t want to settle and have any resentment. But, I''m afraid if I don''t get something I will have restentment anyway.

 

[jayreneepea]

Date: 8/17/2006 2:46:19 PM
Author: Stone Hunter
We''re living through similar things. I''ve been asking myself the same questions you''ve asked. Every time I get overwhelmed I remind myself that this should be fun. And I have felt a little guilty about my new obsession. But if I don''t do this now braces and college will take the money.

Right now I have a small oval, which looks large for its size!

Do you WANT a different shape or a BIGGER stone?? I think pears look big for their size, so that comparison is causing you grief.

From your OP it sounds like you really want a cushion AND want the stone to look bigger. If that''s the case I''d choose #3 Spend it all on the stone. An oval would look big for it''s size but if you really want a cushion you''ll always be unhappy.

HTH

Edited to add:

Just read the other posts and I see that your thinking about braces and school too! I say that this is the time to go for it!!! I dare you to find a fabulous upgrade!

Ah yes, this should be fun!

Yes, I do like cushions, but I don''t feel I have to have one -- but yes it''s my first choice. I''ve always liked ovals though.

I think you''re right about the pears looking larger. I''ve had many people over the years that thought mine was larger. And I think cushions very often look smaller. That is why I had the thought to look into an oval.

I like a good dare you know -- I think you have given me a new drive!!!

 

[woobug02]

WOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO I am so excited for you WOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO can''t wait to see what you get.

 

[jayreneepea]

Jazmine, yes, I think the original jewel would do an upgrade. I'm having reservations about them now that I know a bit more than I did 12 years ago. I went the other day and she offered me a 2.08 J SI2 uncertified in the current mounting (which I loved) for 13,900. What a rip off! And she made it seem like she was giving me such a great deal because I am a repeat customer and my mom buys all her jewelry there.

Explains why I can't find my original certificate though!

I thought I misplaced it or something.

 

[sanfranciscoellen]

I would put every penny into the stone...whatever stone shape or size...so .option #3. It is much easier to justify a new setting a few years down the road than an upgraded stone, in my opinion. I''d get the best stone you can with a simple white gold setting, and make sure that it is from a vendor with an upgrade policy...just in case....

 

[sanfranciscoellen]

Date: 8/17/2006 4:21:54 PM
Author: jayrenay9
Jazmine, yes, I think the original jewel would do an upgrade. I''m having reservations about them now that I know a bit more than I did 12 years ago. I went the other day and she offered me a 2.08 J SI2 uncertified in the current mounting (which I loved) for 13,900. What a rip off! And she made it seem like she was giving me such a great deal because I am a repeat customer and my mom buys all her jewelry there.


Explains why I can''t find my original certificate though!

I thought I misplaced it or something.

Perhaps you could find some killer stones on PS and take the specs to her...say that if she will call one in at the same price she''ll keep your business....

 

[Stone Hunter]

Ephemery''s Oval is just STUNNING! That''s my ring size. Maybe she''d consider letting me try it on someday.

It is beautiful. But I think I''d like a cushion...

Jayrenay -- Sounds like you''ve accepted my challenge. It will keep me motivated too.

 

[ephemery1]

Date: 8/17/2006 5:45:09 PM
Author: Stone Hunter
Ephemery's Oval is just STUNNING! That's my ring size. Maybe she'd consider letting me try it on someday.

It is beautiful. But I think I'd like a cushion...

Jayrenay -- Sounds like you've accepted my challenge. It will keep me motivated too.

Thanks, Stone Hunter!!!

You would be more than welcome to try out my ring... most of my friends have slightly larger ring sizes so I've never seen it on anybody else's ring finger! I occasionally get asked if it's a cushion, actually... I think the lower L/W ratio makes people wonder if it's something other than an oval. It was definitely the perfect combination of shape and spread for me!

 

[jayreneepea]

Date: 8/17/2006 3:00:27 PM
Author: ephemery1
Hi Jay,

I went through a similar search for my e-ring a few months ago. I''d originally wanted a cushion, but opened my search to ovals for a variety of reasons... one of which was really wanting a larger spread. Our budget was lower than yours but I knew I wanted at least 1.5ct, and a lower L/W ratio (1.35 or below)... and ended up with a beautiful stone for $7200. I''m attaching a recent pic, but here is the link for my original thread with lots more pix: https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/my-new-oval-e-ring-picture-heavy.46482/

Specs:
1.51ct, F, SI1, 8.58mm x 6.40mm, Ring Size 5.25

If it helps at all, I''m VERY happy with my oval

... I absolutely love the soft, rounder shape... even cushions can look a little too ''squared off'' for my liking when set in 4-prongs.

How did I miss this post with the picture

Thanks for the pic!! I love your oval! I''ve been wanting one for years -- until I came across the cushions. I think in a halo they could look very similar since I prefer cushions that aren''t square. I''m definitely keeping my options open!

 

[kcoursolle]

Only you can decide this for sure, but I think this is what I might do. If you are having reservations about the size, I wouldn''t buy the 1.5 and put it in anything. The halo idea is great, but it would be difficult to change the stone in a halo setting if DSS sets in. I think I would buy the biggest best most perfect diamond right now and put it in a $150 boring tiffany setting. You''ll hate the setting, but this will give you motivation to save up for the perfect setting in a year or so after the big diamond purchase. This will also give you time to stare at your diamond and envision what the perfect setting will look like.

 

[Stone Hunter]

Date: 8/17/2006 6:37:57 PM
Author: ephemery1

Date: 8/17/2006 5:45:09 PM
Author: Stone Hunter
Ephemery''s Oval is just STUNNING! That''s my ring size. Maybe she''d consider letting me try it on someday.

It is beautiful. But I think I''d like a cushion...

Jayrenay -- Sounds like you''ve accepted my challenge. It will keep me motivated too.

Thanks, Stone Hunter!!!

You would be more than welcome to try out my ring... most of my friends have slightly larger ring sizes so I''ve never seen it on anybody else''s ring finger! I occasionally get asked if it''s a cushion, actually... I think the lower L/W ratio makes people wonder if it''s something other than an oval. It was definitely the perfect combination of shape and spread for me!

While my ring size is the same it looks like you have more length from knuckle to knuckle. Your stone is 8.5mm long that''s mighty fine and looks great on your hand. But I''d be so pleased to give you an idea of what it looks like on your hand.

Both the stone and the setting looks mighty fine. Your photos don''t even show a bow tie!

 

[jayreneepea]

Good news

I said something about the ring tonight and dh said "don''t worry honey, we''ll get you a ring even if it costs $15,000." I think my budget just got bumped up!!!!!!

I''m a very happy camper right now. Unfortunately, we can''t go together to look at diamonds until 8/26 which is a very long time away for me to be thinking and stressing about this, but I''ll do it!

 

[Diamond*Dana]

Decisions, decisions...
I love the idea of resetting your pear in a custom halo setting, and I would definitely consider pink diamonds

!
But,
it sounds like you really want a cushion so I think that a 1.5 in a custom halo would be a great choice for you.
I have upgraded my wedding set, but I did not trade in my original engagement diamond (a .62 pear). My hubby picked that out all by himself and I could never part with it for sentimental reasons. I plan on having it set in a pendant or a RHR...we''ll see

!