Help! My lady has fallen in love with a ring I can't afford!

[Passafire]

So I'm fairly against the idea of shopping for a ring with my girl, but I also want SOME idea of what she wants, so recently we have been stopping into your usual chain stores when we are out and about so I can get a feel for what she wants. While in Helzburg the other day, she found the "one" ring. It is quite obvious to me that anything else is going to be somewhat of a disappointment, this was truely love at first sight. Problem is... the price. I was looking to max out around $5,000 on a ring, this ring is $8500, then you tack on the "warranty" and tax, looking at double my first idea of my max budget.

This is the ring she fell in love with:

http://www.helzberg.com/product/yellow+diamond+ring+2020024.do?sortby=ourPicks

Now I have been tasked with trying to find something very similar, but closer to my budget. Yellow diamond in a halo setting is a must, and some kind of split band would also be nice, she has gravitated this way each and every time we have looked. The issue I have found is there doesn't really seem to be much of a selection in the "chain" stores in my area, in my budget, that I feel like are reasonable deals. I am a bargin hunter for sure, I have found some amazing stuff on ebay, but I honestly just don't feel comfortable buying something this important on ebay. I also feel like buying in these chain stores... I'll be paying too much for the quality of the rings.

I too love the Helzburg ring, but the diamond is SI1 clarity and their site says that the stones "may" be enhanced. Seems overpriced, probably tack on extra because it is a "limited edition" too. I feel like I should somehow be able to replicate this pretty closely, somehow, somewhere, with my budget... problem is... I am at a complete loss as to where to look.

Any help would be MUCH appreciated.

Here is 1 more I showed her a picture of that she loved too, that is well within my budget, but I couldn't pull the trigger on it, being ebay, and being an enhanced stone... but it gives you another idea of what she is loving:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/FANCY-CANARY-YELLOW-DIAMOND-RING-RADIANT-CUT-100-NATURAL-SEE-VIDEO-NOW-/271346690679?pt=Diamond_Solitaire_Rings&hash=item3f2d85ea77

 

[teobdl]

Re: Help! My lady has fallen in love with a ring I can't aff

I would work with David from Diamonds by Lauren to create something similar to this: http://www.diamondsbylauren.com/index.php/jewelry/yellow-diamond-ring-46ct-fancy-yellow-vs1-cushion-cut-diamond-double-halo-ring-r5452

He has lots of other really great styles, and a wonderful eye + lots of experience. Nice, quirky guy to talk to, too.

You can choose any of his diamonds, and then work with him to build a setting.

 

[Passafire]

Re: Help! My lady has fallen in love with a ring I can't aff

I would work with David from Diamonds by Lauren to create something similar to this: http://www.diamondsbylauren.com/index.php/jewelry/yellow-diamond-ring-46ct-fancy-yellow-vs1-cushion-cut-diamond-double-halo-ring-r5452

He has lots of other really great styles, and a wonderful eye + lots of experience. Nice, quirky guy to talk to, too.

You can choose any of his diamonds, and then work with him to build a setting.

That is a shockingly gorgeous ring for the price it was sold for. Definitely gives the impression of a larger center stone with the inner halo. Thanks for the tip!

 

[arkieb1]

Re: Help! My lady has fallen in love with a ring I can't aff

Diamonds by Lauren is a great suggestion!!! If not Lebish is another place you can buy a non enhanced yellow diamond in your budget. Please reconsider buying something that is treated or enhanced they are rarely worth the money;

http://www.fancydiamonds.net/yellow_diamonds

Mark Broumand has a range of yellow diamonds in settings that should appeal to you;

http://www.markbroumand.com/1.54ct-fancy-intense-yellow-cushion-cut-diamonad-engagement-anniversary-ring-3144-1d3953485

Places like James Allen and Engagement rings Direct, and IDJ could probably also find you a yellow diamond in your price range and make you something;

These guys have well priced yellow diamonds in stock;

http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/radiant-cut/p3/?Color=Fancy

You will need to email both of these and ask what they could put together for you for that price;

http://idjewelryonline.com/index.php

http://www.engagementringsdirect.com/

 

[Niel]

Re: Help! My lady has fallen in love with a ring I can't aff

DbL offers a slight PS discount. Probably not enough to bring this down to exactly 5000, but worth asking what they can do to get it closer to your budget if your budget is a tad flexable
http://www.diamondsbylauren.com/index.php/jewelry/loose-diamond-66ct-radiant-cut-fancy-yellow-si1-amazing-stone-r3808

 

[Niel]

Re: Help! My lady has fallen in love with a ring I can't aff

Ugh ignore this post, as soon as i think ive got if figured out im wrong Ill post again when ive figured out what im talking about lol.. Id delete it if i could

 

[E B]

Re: Help! My lady has fallen in love with a ring I can't aff

This is right at budget and pretty close to the one she loves at Helzburg:

http://www.jamesallen.com/preset-en...yellow-0.75-radiant-yellow-diamond-item-39823

 

[Niel]

Re: Help! My lady has fallen in love with a ring I can't aff

ok... lets try this one more time. sorry OP!

So i would contact leibish, see what they can do. They have this halo that i think would be perfect.





Its under the "design your own ring" category. Has it priced at 18k for a stone in your price range about 2300. Now youll want to put a cup in the ring, its a cup of yellow they put under the stone to make the color pop. this will cost a little extra. I would also ask them to do 14k. As im not sure how re- rhodium plating would work with a two tone ring, id go 14k white so you didnt have to worry about rhodium plating as much. They should accommodate those changes, if memory serves. Lets assume that put the setting at 2500.


they have lots of 50-60 point stones in your remaining 2500

Id start a conversation with a rep there. you can do that through their webstie

 

[tyty333]

Re: Help! My lady has fallen in love with a ring I can't aff

Stone $3650 (less with PS discount)
http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/fancy-color/yellow/radiant-cut/0.74-carat-vvs2-clarity-sku-225232

With Setting $2k
http://www.jamesallen.com/engagement-rings/halo/14k-white-gold-diamond-split-shank-double-halo-pave-engagement-ring-item-17845

Will be a tad over budget but will get you close to $5k with a beautiful ring.


Edit
This is a smaller stone that will keep you in budget (I would go for a bigger stone though if you could up your budget a tad).
http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/fancy-color/yellow/radiant-cut/0.53-carat-si2-clarity-sku-225623
Here is another stone to consider...it does have a lot of contrast in it.
http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/fancy-color/yellow/radiant-cut/0.64-carat-vs2-clarity-sku-225365

 

[2Neesers]

Re: Help! My lady has fallen in love with a ring I can't aff

This is right at budget and pretty close to the one she loves at Helzburg:

http://www.jamesallen.com/preset-en...yellow-0.75-radiant-yellow-diamond-item-39823

I just wanted to add, if you like this one at James Allen, they are offering 20% off some of their pre-set pieces right now and this is one of them! Use coupon code VALENTINE20 . I just added this one to my cart to see if it was eligible and the coupon code dropped the price from $5,030.00 to $4,024.00! James Allen also has some great financing options available if you are interested. I just purchased from them and and am very happy with their service and selection.

 

[Todd Gray]

Re: Help! My lady has fallen in love with a ring I can't aff

There are a lot of amazing vendors here on PS who are capable of making a ring similar to the ring your girlfriend fell in love with at Helzberg and it will likely be of much better diamond quality. I'm currently working with a client who purchased her original diamond from Helzberg and has been trying to upgrade the diamond for several months unsuccessfully because they seem unable or unwilling to provide her with any diamonds of higher cut quality now that she knows the difference that tighter proportions and better optical symmetry create in the life of the diamond.

Despite the fact that she's provided Helzberg with specific details pertaining to diamond cut and quality, they keep calling her in to look at diamonds that are larger, but not even close to what she's asked for... in the meantime, she's handed her original diamond over to Helzberg and can't seem to get it back, despite their claim that it is available, it's a total nightmare and if this situation is indicative of the type of customer service that people can expect when they go to upgrade their diamond, or perhaps even try to get a ring serviced, well, it's kind of tragic.

I realize that it's a bit early to be thinking about an upgrade at this point in the game when you're simply trying out how to afford the engagement ring that your girlfriend has fallen in love with, but at some point down the road this might be something which interests you and I wouldn't want anybody to have to go through this...

You might consider starting out by selecting an exceptional diamond center stone and having it set in a simple setting, and then upgrade the setting for a special anniversary. While your girlfriend might love the concept of this ring in its entirety, the odds are that she'll be quite happy just to have a beautiful diamond engagement ring on her hand! And she wouldn't want you torturing yourself trying to buy a ring which is beyond your comfort zone at this point in time.

 

[E B]

Re: Help! My lady has fallen in love with a ring I can't aff

This is right at budget and pretty close to the one she loves at Helzburg:

http://www.jamesallen.com/preset-en...yellow-0.75-radiant-yellow-diamond-item-39823

I just wanted to add, if you like this one at James Allen, they are offering 20% off some of their pre-set pieces right now and this is one of them! Use coupon code VALENTINE20 . I just added this one to my cart to see if it was eligible and the coupon code dropped the price from $5,030.00 to $4,024.00! James Allen also has some great financing options available if you are interested. I just purchased from them and and am very happy with their service and selection.

Nice, 2Neezers!

 

[AN0NYM0US]

Re: Help! My lady has fallen in love with a ring I can't aff

I just wanted to add that the original ring you posted OP doesn't seem to have a GIA report. You aren't even given a grade. All it says is "Yellow'. There is a big difference in both looks and price between Light Yellow and Vivid Yellow. Plus as you already said, you don't even know if it's natural or enhanced. Please stick to colored diamonds experts that provide GIA grading reports. Both Leibish and Diamonds by Lauren are very well known and reputable. Diamonds by Lauren is based in New York if that makes a difference.

Here are a couple examples around your budget...

http://www.diamondsbylauren.com/ind...ant-cut-fancy-yellow-si2-gorgeous-stone-r3665

http://www.diamondsbylauren.com/ind...ight-yellow-i1-pear-shape-beautiful-cut-r5252

Do you know what shape she likes? DBL and Leibish have quite a few loose stones in the price range. Some people buy the diamond and have it put into a simple solitaire setting and then choose the setting after the engagement together as a couple. Just some thoughts.

 

[Niel]

Re: Help! My lady has fallen in love with a ring I can't aff

I just wanted to add that the original ring you posted OP doesn't seem to have a GIA report. You aren't even given a grade. All it says is "Yellow'. There is a big difference in both looks and price between Light Yellow and Vivid Yellow. Plus as you already said, you don't even know if it's natural or enhanced. Please stick to colored diamonds experts that provide GIA grading reports. Both Leibish and Diamonds by Lauren are very well known and reputable. Diamonds by Lauren is based in New York if that makes a difference.

Here are a couple examples around your budget...

http://www.diamondsbylauren.com/ind...ant-cut-fancy-yellow-si2-gorgeous-stone-r3665

http://www.diamondsbylauren.com/ind...ight-yellow-i1-pear-shape-beautiful-cut-r5252

Do you know what shape she likes? DBL and Leibish have quite a few loose stones in the price range. Some people buy the diamond and have it put into a simple solitaire setting and then choose the setting after the engagement together as a couple. Just some thoughts.

If you search the fine print I'm pretty sure it says it has been enhanced

 

[vintagelover229]

Re: Help! My lady has fallen in love with a ring I can't aff

Here is almost the same ring from DBL (larger stone) and I know he could make something at a lower price point-also ebay has fee's/etc so if you went right to DBL it will be cheaper I'm sure.

ETA: The first few links actually are quite a bit less


http://www.ebay.com/itm/55ct-Radiant-Cut-Fancy-Yellow-VS2-GIA-Halo-Ring-R3805-Diamonds-by-Lauren-/231134356907?pt=US_Fine_Rings&hash=item35d0ae65ab


http://www.ebay.com/itm/66ct-Radiant-Cut-Fancy-Yellow-SI1-Diamond-Halo-Ring-R3808-Diamonds-by-Lauren-/231136578953?pt=US_Fine_Rings&hash=item35d0d04d89


http://www.ebay.com/itm/1-02ct-Radiant-Cut-Fancy-Light-Yellow-I1-Halo-Ring-R4083-Diamonds-by-Lauren-/231136577350?pt=Loose_Diamonds&hash=item35d0d04746


http://www.ebay.com/itm/53ct-Oval-Shape-Fancy-Yellow-VS1-18K-Halo-Diamond-Ring-R4133-Diamonds-by-Lauren-/231148912965?pt=US_Fine_Rings&hash=item35d18c8145

http://www.ebay.com/itm/79ct-Heart-Shape-Fancy-Yellow-SI2-Diamond-Halo-Ring-R4168-Diamonds-by-Lauren-/231146052914?pt=US_Fine_Rings&hash=item35d160dd32


http://www.ebay.com/itm/51ct-Radiant-Cut-Fancy-Yellow-VS1-GIA-18K-Halo-Ring-R4134-Diamonds-by-Lauren-/231149484490?pt=Loose_Diamonds&hash=item35d19539ca


http://www.ebay.com/itm/53ct-Fancy-Intense-Yellow-VS1-Radiant-Cut-Halo-Ring-R5155-Diamonds-by-Lauren-/231136577336?pt=Loose_Diamonds&hash=item35d0d04738

http://www.ebay.com/itm/38ct-Fancy-Brownish-Yellow-SI2-GIA-Double-Halo-Ring-R4826-Diamonds-by-Lauren-/231067747754?pt=US_Fine_Rings&hash=item35ccb605aa


http://www.ebay.com/itm/1-03-Deep-Brown-Orangy-Yellow-Cushion-Diamond-Ring-GIA-R3338-Diamonds-by-Lauren-/231146052897?pt=Diamond_Solitaire_Rings&hash=item35d160dd21

http://www.ebay.com/itm/38ct-Fancy-Yellow-SI2-Cushion-Cut-GIA-Double-Halo-Ring-R5465-Diamonds-by-Lauren-/231151078358?pt=Diamond_Solitaire_Rings&hash=item35d1ad8bd6

 

[Andelain]

Re: Help! My lady has fallen in love with a ring I can't aff

Tood Gray is right about Helzberg's CS. I can tell you from my own experiences that you want to run, not walk away from them. They're overpriced for what they have, their so-called warranties aren't worth the paper they're written on. And the diamonds are graded by off-brand labs to give them better numbers.

 

[Passafire]

Re: Help! My lady has fallen in love with a ring I can't aff

Thank you all SOO much for the suggestions, all of these sites you guys recommended are EXACTLY what I needed. That JamesAllen one with the yellow gold paving... at 20% off, might be too good to pass up. It's even a split band! ... only the clarity isn't even listed?

 

[partgypsy]

Re: Help! My lady has fallen in love with a ring I can't aff

This is right at budget and pretty close to the one she loves at Helzburg:

http://www.jamesallen.com/preset-en...yellow-0.75-radiant-yellow-diamond-item-39823

I just wanted to add, if you like this one at James Allen, they are offering 20% off some of their pre-set pieces right now and this is one of them! Use coupon code VALENTINE20 . I just added this one to my cart to see if it was eligible and the coupon code dropped the price from $5,030.00 to $4,024.00! James Allen also has some great financing options available if you are interested. I just purchased from them and and am very happy with their service and selection.

Nice, 2Neezers!

Nice looking ring. I like how they have white stones on the white metal, and yellow diamonds on the yellow metal sides.

 

[doubledouble]

Re: Help! My lady has fallen in love with a ring I can't aff

Thank you all SOO much for the suggestions, all of these sites you guys recommended are EXACTLY what I needed. That JamesAllen one with the yellow gold paving... at 20% off, might be too good to pass up. It's even a split band! ... only the clarity isn't even listed?

I would call or use their live chat option to ask about the center stone on that ring

 

[Passafire]

Re: Help! My lady has fallen in love with a ring I can't aff

Thank you all SOO much for the suggestions, all of these sites you guys recommended are EXACTLY what I needed. That JamesAllen one with the yellow gold paving... at 20% off, might be too good to pass up. It's even a split band! ... only the clarity isn't even listed?

I would call or use their live chat option to ask about the center stone on that ring

I just did... chat operator told me "I can't tell you the clarity, all of our premade jewelry is not graded...yeah, no thanks.

 

[ChristineRose]

Re: Help! My lady has fallen in love with a ring I can't aff

Here's a very similar semi-mount:

http://www.infinitygemsanddiamonds.com/14k-split-shank-double-halo-diamond-semi-mount-ring-1-19-ct-tw.php

You should be able to find a jeweler who can get you something similar. That would leave about $2,000 for the diamond and about $500 for the jeweler's markup and fees. Leibish has plenty of nice yellows in the .6 carat range for around 2K.

You can also look at simpler settings and spend more on the center stone, but if you really want to maximize the stone size cultured yellows are cheaper. This may or may not appeal to you are her though, so be careful before you go that route.

 

[RockyRacoon]

Re: Help! My lady has fallen in love with a ring I can't aff

Here are a few nice options:

Double Halo - 0.26 Carat, Fancy Vivid Yellow, Round, VVS2
http://www.fancydiamonds.net/view_diamonds/16885.htm

Single Halo - 0.71 Carat, Fancy Yellow, Round, VS2
http://www.fancydiamonds.net/view_diamonds/13370.htm

Single Halo - 0.71 Carat, Fancy Intense Yellow, Cushion, VS2
http://www.fancydiamonds.net/view_diamonds/9517.htm


My favorite, but a little more expensive:

Double Halo - 0.73 Carat, Fancy Intense Yellow, Cushion, VS2
http://www.fancydiamonds.net/view_diamonds/16111.htm

 

[Boatluvr]

Re: Help! My lady has fallen in love with a ring I can't aff

This one is pretty close - it even has the two tone gold, but not the split shank. Still, it's a lot closer to your original budget, especially with the sale http://www.jamesallen.com/preset-engagement-rings/designer-fancy-color-rings/18k-white-and-yellow-0.82-radiant-yellow-diamond-item-39854

 

[VRBeauty]

Re: Help! My lady has fallen in love with a ring I can't aff

Thank you all SOO much for the suggestions, all of these sites you guys recommended are EXACTLY what I needed. That JamesAllen one with the yellow gold paving... at 20% off, might be too good to pass up. It's even a split band! ... only the clarity isn't even listed?

I would call or use their live chat option to ask about the center stone on that ring

I just did... chat operator told me "I can't tell you the clarity, all of our premade jewelry is not graded...yeah, no thanks.

Don't give up so easily, especially when this ring is so close to what you're looking for! Ask if they have it in-house, and if so, whether one of their diamond experts can examine it and chat with you about it.

 

[Niel]

Re: Help! My lady has fallen in love with a ring I can't aff

ok... lets try this one more time. sorry OP!

So i would contact leibish, see what they can do. They have this halo that i think would be perfect.





Its under the "design your own ring" category. Has it priced at 18k for a stone in your price range about 2300. Now youll want to put a cup in the ring, its a cup of yellow they put under the stone to make the color pop. this will cost a little extra. I would also ask them to do 14k. As im not sure how re- rhodium plating would work with a two tone ring, id go 14k white so you didnt have to worry about rhodium plating as much. They should accommodate those changes, if memory serves. Lets assume that put the setting at 2500.


they have lots of 50-60 point stones in your remaining 2500

Id start a conversation with a rep there. you can do that through their webstie

It's an oval but nice size and not too deep which can be an issue with fancy colors. Double halos are I think most flattering I ovals

http://www.fancydiamonds.net/view_diamonds/15008.htm

 

[kenny]

Re: Help! My lady has fallen in love with a ring I can't aff

Just tell her you can't afford it.

Since you two are planning to get married now would be a good time to work through this.

 

[vintagelover229]

Re: Help! My lady has fallen in love with a ring I can't aff

Just tell her you can't afford it.

Since you two are planning to get married now would be a good time to work through this.

While I agree with this (that you should tell her you can't afford that one) I think we can get him something nicer in budget


YAY!!! KENNY IS BACK!!!!!!!!

 

[Maisie]

Re: Help! My lady has fallen in love with a ring I can't aff

DbL offers a slight PS discount. Probably not enough to bring this down to exactly 5000, but worth asking what they can do to get it closer to your budget if your budget is a tad flexable
http://www.diamondsbylauren.com/index.php/jewelry/loose-diamond-66ct-radiant-cut-fancy-yellow-si1-amazing-stone-r3808

I would definitely recommend you contact David at Diamonds by Lauren. If he can work out a way to get you a beautiful ring he will. He is a nice guy and will try and work with your budget.

 

[E B]

Re: Help! My lady has fallen in love with a ring I can't aff

Thank you all SOO much for the suggestions, all of these sites you guys recommended are EXACTLY what I needed. That JamesAllen one with the yellow gold paving... at 20% off, might be too good to pass up. It's even a split band! ... only the clarity isn't even listed?

I would call or use their live chat option to ask about the center stone on that ring

I just did... chat operator told me "I can't tell you the clarity, all of our premade jewelry is not graded...yeah, no thanks.

Don't give up so easily, especially when this ring is so close to what you're looking for! Ask if they have it in-house, and if so, whether one of their diamond experts can examine it and chat with you about it.

I agree! It didn't look like it had any glaring clarity issues from the video so I think it's definitely worth an in-house look if they've got it.

 

[heididdl]

Re: Help! My lady has fallen in love with a ring I can't aff

You've been given some great suggestions of stones, settings and rings. DO NOT BUY FROM A CHAIN STORE it will bite you in the ____ in the end.

NEgotiate with a PS vendor with your budget and I am sure that you will come up with a fabulous ring.. Also the first ebay ring was quality enhanced a no-no and I truly believe there was too much going on in the Helzbeg setting.