Help on E-Ring: 1-1.5ct Oval Halo Pave

[williams22]

Hello Everyone,
I've been reading countless threads on this site over the past few days and figured it was finally time to sign up. I'm in the process of looking for an engagement ring for my girlfriend of 2 years. In the past she has mentioned how much she loves oval halo rings, so I've been researching them as best I can. Ideally I'm looking for a Harry Winston-style oval halo pave ring, hopefully between 1 and 1.5 cts. My rough budget is about $10k at the moment, but that could be slightly flexible. Would this be enough to get a large enough center stone with a custom made setting? Any advice would be very helpful. Thank you

 

[Gypsy]

I'd budget 4,000 for the setting, which leaves 6k for the center.

I didn't see any stones worth buying on James Allen or Good Old Gold that work with your budget.

So your best bet is to chose a setting vendor (my top choices would be ERD or BGD, or Victor Canera or Steven Kirsch) and work with them to find you a nice oval.

Here's what I'd ask for:
Great light performance
H or better
Eyeclean with no-unsafe inclusions
Minimal bowtie
Large as possible

 

[WillyDiamond]

If you are budget minded, and most of us are, ERD may be a good choice. Speak to Chris about both the setting and stone and I think he can work within your budget. From viewing other posts, VC or SK will be more expensive, but beautiful stuff also. Best of luck.

 

[williams22]

How much of a difference in both quality and price should I expect between ERD, VC, and SK? Do these vendors offer any kind of financing? Will they take credit card?

What else should I be considering throughout this process? My main concern is how big to go on the center stone. I don't want to spend unnecessarily, but I want to make sure it blows her away as well.

 

[bongta029]

I'm actually on the same boat as you. Same budget and my gf wants oval micropave as well. Good luck on your research, and keep the post updated

 

[williams22]

I went with my GF to get her ring size today and she is a 5.5. Can anyone point towards images of ovals (preferably with halos) on similar sized hands? I'd like to get an idea of how each center stone size would look. Thank you

 

[WillyDiamond]

Some say that VC and SK are finer made than ERD, I think its all up to the individual. I have never seen VC or SK in person, only my wife's ring from ERD and she and I were blown away at the beauty and quality. Most people on the forum would probably agree that going with VC or Sk will be more expensive than ERD.
Yes, they take credit cards, not sure about financing. Personally, I would not go into debt for an ER. You want to blow your GF away, she may not be so excited if you went into debt for it. Best of luck.

 

[williams22]

Some say that VC and SK are finer made than ERD, I think its all up to the individual. I have never seen VC or SK in person, only my wife's ring from ERD and she and I were blown away at the beauty and quality. Most people on the forum would probably agree that going with VC or Sk will be more expensive than ERD.
Yes, they take credit cards, not sure about financing. Personally, I would not go into debt for an ER. You want to blow your GF away, she may not be so excited if you went into debt for it. Best of luck.

Would ERD be able to source the center stone as well?

 

[Niel]

Some say that VC and SK are finer made than ERD, I think its all up to the individual. I have never seen VC or SK in person, only my wife's ring from ERD and she and I were blown away at the beauty and quality. Most people on the forum would probably agree that going with VC or Sk will be more expensive than ERD.
Yes, they take credit cards, not sure about financing. Personally, I would not go into debt for an ER. You want to blow your GF away, she may not be so excited if you went into debt for it. Best of luck.

Would ERD be able to source the center stone as well?

yes

 

[tweeter8177]

Yes ERD can source your stone, just call Chris. He sourced my round diamond for me. I ended up having SK make my ring and ERD will deliver the diamond too him. I would highly consider having ERD do your halo though. They can do a CAD or hand forged and I am guessing the cost of both will be much less than SK. Don't get me wrong, SK will do a fabulous halo, but it may not be in your budget. If I decide to have a halo for a right hand ring, I most likely would go with ERD. I read a lot of Pricescope and ERD gets a ton of good reviews. Here is a thread with just ERD rings. Good luck with your search!

https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/show-me-your-erd-brilliantly-engaged-thread.192763/

 

[williams22]

Thank you for the feedback so far.

Has anyone had any success buying loose diamonds on eBay? Is something like this worth considering?

http://www.ebay.com/itm/1-68-Carat-...6249805?pt=Loose_Diamonds&hash=item5af4ed4fcd

 

[Gypsy]

Thank you for the feedback so far.

Has anyone had any success buying loose diamonds on eBay? Is something like this worth considering?

http://www.ebay.com/itm/1-68-Carat-...6249805?pt=Loose_Diamonds&hash=item5af4ed4fcd

No. Don't buy from ebay. Don't buy EGL.

You need to do a lot more research before you buy.

Also, I don't recommend putting anything on a credit card or financing unless you can pay of the ENTIRE balance before interest hits. It's a bad idea.
Even if it means a much smaller ring for your lady, don't incur interest on a diamond ring.

 

[williams22]

Thank you for the feedback so far.

Has anyone had any success buying loose diamonds on eBay? Is something like this worth considering?

http://www.ebay.com/itm/1-68-Carat-...6249805?pt=Loose_Diamonds&hash=item5af4ed4fcd

No. Don't buy from ebay. Don't buy EGL.

You need to do a lot more research before you buy.

Also, I don't recommend putting anything on a credit card or financing unless you can pay of the ENTIRE balance before interest hits. It's a bad idea.
Even if it means a much smaller ring for your lady, don't incur interest on a diamond ring.

Let me clarify the financing comment...I would only be doing it if 0% is available. I will not be incurring any interest for this purchase, but would rather keep my money working through investments for a longer time if that option is available.

What makes you say no to eBay/EGL? All the reviews seem positive from what I can see, but obviously I'm hesitant.

On a different note, does anyone have thoughts on this diamond? http://diamondbistro.com/category/2...t-H-SI1-Oval-and-Maytal-Hannah-Plat-ring.html

 

[williams22]

I'm interested in this diamond in addition to the one above as well http://www.brilliance.com/diamonds/...eal-cut-egl-certified-loose-diamond-D12784177

Any thoughts on either of these?

 

[JulieN]

You need to slow down and learn more. Or hand the reins over to a vendor (someone know knows what he's doing.) Why is that 1.37 so cheap? EGL International. Their reports are not accurate. Avoid EGL Intl.

ForteKitty's ring is very nice, she only has good stuff. On the other hand, a significant chunk of the cost is in the setting which you won't use.

 

[braga123]

Thank you for the feedback so far.

Has anyone had any success buying loose diamonds on eBay? Is something like this worth considering?

http://www.ebay.com/itm/1-68-Carat-...6249805?pt=Loose_Diamonds&hash=item5af4ed4fcd

No. Don't buy from ebay. Don't buy EGL.

You need to do a lot more research before you buy.

Also, I don't recommend putting anything on a credit card or financing unless you can pay of the ENTIRE balance before interest hits. It's a bad idea.
Even if it means a much smaller ring for your lady, don't incur interest on a diamond ring.

Let me clarify the financing comment...I would only be doing it if 0% is available. I will not be incurring any interest for this purchase, but would rather keep my money working through investments for a longer time if that option is available.

What makes you say no to eBay/EGL? All the reviews seem positive from what I can see, but obviously I'm hesitant.

On a different note, does anyone have thoughts on this diamond? http://diamondbistro.com/category/2...t-H-SI1-Oval-and-Maytal-Hannah-Plat-ring.html

Go to Preloved forum and ask the seller questions directly. I know that she has great taste in diamonds, that's for sure!

 

[williams22]

You need to slow down and learn more. Or hand the reins over to a vendor (someone know knows what he's doing.) Why is that 1.37 so cheap? EGL International. Their reports are not accurate. Avoid EGL Intl.

ForteKitty's ring is very nice, she only has good stuff. On the other hand, a significant chunk of the cost is in the setting which you won't use.

I am trying very hard to learn more, hence my reason for posting here. Should all stones with EGL grading simply be avoided? Is it that unreliable?

I am definitely interested in the stone from ForteKitty, we she has said she is willing to sell seperately. I'm simply trying to find comparable stones to get an idea of price.

ForteKitty has offered to hand deliver the stone to either MH or VC for me to have the setting made. I realize it may be unusual to spend as much or more on the setting than the stone, but I think this may give me the best overall value. Any thoughts?

 

[braga123]

Personally, I think going preowned is a great idea. As to the setting cost, that is up to you. ERD seems to offer a better value and many have chimed in about how great their work is. Going the preowned and ERD route seems like a great value, even better than financing with 0 percent. You should do a search for ERD on this site and you will be able to see a lot of examples of their work.

 

[williams22]

I think I'm leaning towards using either VC or MH at this point, but I will definitely get a quote from ERD as well. Any tips on designing a halo pave?

 

[Acinom]

Some eyecandy: the 1.5 oval halo by Victor Canera for PSer Nymphetamine. Size of the ring is 5.5: [URL='https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/my-1-5-ct-oval-micro-pave-by-victor-canera.195088/']https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/my-1-5-ct-oval-micro-pave-by-victor-canera.195088/[/URL]

Victor sourced the stone for her.
I can really recommend working with Victor!! He made a beautiful ring for me and it is perfect (not a halo ring though). ERD has a very good reputation here as well.

 

[williams22]

Some eyecandy: the 1.5 oval halo by Victor Canera for PSer Nymphetamine. Size of the ring is 5.5: [URL='https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/my-1-5-ct-oval-micro-pave-by-victor-canera.195088/']https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/my-1-5-ct-oval-micro-pave-by-victor-canera.195088/[/URL]

Victor sourced the stone for her.
I can really recommend working with Victor!! He made a beautiful ring for me and it is perfect (not a halo ring though). ERD has a very good reputation here as well.

This is definitely very similar to what I am thinking!

Any suggestions on the finer points I should pay attention when designing the setting? I think I would like it to be cathedral style, single row micropave, and no pave around the donut. Any other suggestions?

 

[Gypsy]

I have thought about buying Forte Kitty's oval myself. I think that one is a good stone and if the price is right, I'd go for it. I still wouldn't use ebay, they are useless. You can talk to Fortekitty yourself and she'll help you. She's got an impeccable eye and that ring is one of her nicest.

 

[Gypsy]

You need to slow down and learn more. Or hand the reins over to a vendor (someone know knows what he's doing.) Why is that 1.37 so cheap? EGL International. Their reports are not accurate. Avoid EGL Intl.

I am trying very hard to learn more, hence my reason for posting here. Should all stones with EGL grading simply be avoided? Is it that unreliable?

Yes.

As for learning more. Instead of posting, use the site for research. Use the search function to research old threads (there are a ton) on EGL. Also there is a knowledge tab at the top, use that.

All of your questions are good ones. They are also ones that you can mine this site for information on.

As for ebay. I hunt on ebay. I've been a 'prosumer' on here for years and have spent countless hours with stones in person and online.

I've had great transactions. And I've had poor ones. And I am careful, experienced and knowledgable. It is not something we recommend for anyone that is a newbie.

Ebay is like a double black diamond. And you aren't ready for the bunny slopes alone yet. All you would end up doing is wind up in a body cast if you tried ebay. And that's not condescension, that's fact. So stay off ebay.

 

[Niel]

I would seriously consider that oval from Fortekitty. Especially if she'll come down by sellin you the stone alone, and will deliver it to VC.

I know you had said something about the concept of the setting being as much or more than the center stone. ... Consider the entire look you're getting for that price an I thin it's fair.

 

[williams22]

You need to slow down and learn more. Or hand the reins over to a vendor (someone know knows what he's doing.) Why is that 1.37 so cheap? EGL International. Their reports are not accurate. Avoid EGL Intl.

I am trying very hard to learn more, hence my reason for posting here. Should all stones with EGL grading simply be avoided? Is it that unreliable?

Yes.

As for learning more. Instead of posting, use the site for research. Use the search function to research old threads (there are a ton) on EGL. Also there is a knowledge tab at the top, use that.

All of your questions are good ones. They are also ones that you can mine this site for information on.

As for ebay. I hunt on ebay. I've been a 'prosumer' on here for years and have spent countless hours with stones in person and online.

I've had great transactions. And I've had poor ones. And I am careful, experienced and knowledgable. It is not something we recommend for anyone that is a newbie.

Ebay is like a double black diamond. And you aren't ready for the bunny slopes alone yet. All you would end up doing is wind up in a body cast if you tried ebay. And that's not condescension, that's fact. So stay off ebay.

Trust me I've been reading everything I can possibly find, but I thought asking questions may be helpful as well. Many of the rings I see posted don't speak much about the details that were ironed out during the process. I'm always a fan of more information and more options, so I want to make sure I'm aware of everything available to me when it comes to designing the setting.

I will avoid eBay. I had a feeling there was a reason for the pricing, but without asking the (dumb) question it's tough to tell what is the cause.

 

[williams22]

I would seriously consider that oval from Fortekitty. Especially if she'll come down by sellin you the stone alone, and will deliver it to VC.

I know you had said something about the concept of the setting being as much or more than the center stone. ... Consider the entire look you're getting for that price an I thin it's fair.

I have decided to go forward with the stone from ForteKitty.

At this point I'm just trying to determine what vendor to use. I received a quote from VC today and am hoping to hear from MH and ERD soon as well. Anyone else I should consider? From what I've read I'm hesitant to deal with LM or SK.

So far some of the details I'm interested in are the following:
- Single row pave halo
- Cathedral setting
- No pave on the donut
- Single claw prongs
- No airline

Some questions:
- Are single cut melee diamonds worth the extra $$?
- Any thoughts on a gallery like this? http://www.allurez.com/index.php?fi...aign=product&gclid=CNX8gKbd_LsCFc2Tfgod0A8A9w

 

[Gypsy]

Steven is great. I used him for my halo re-do. Here's my thread. [URL='https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/my-steven-kirsch-halo-re-set-is-here.158813/']https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/my-steven-kirsch-halo-re-set-is-here.158813/[/URL]

He's not warm and cuddly, but he's professional and provides excellent customer service.

I would recommend him and have to my close friends, who have used him happily as well. But you have to go with who you feel comfortable with.

Maytal Hannah is another vendor recommended on here.

I personally wouldn't go with single cuts on an oval halo. Not worth the extra money.

The gallery you linked to is nice. It's similar to the Tiffany Legacy gallery. I'm not a fan of pave on the gallery wires personally, it's just more stones to lose, IMO.

I would ask for a ring that allows a band to sit with a minimum gap (small donut or no donut).

 

[williams22]

Steven is great. I used him for my halo re-do. Here's my thread. [URL='https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/my-steven-kirsch-halo-re-set-is-here.158813/']https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/my-steven-kirsch-halo-re-set-is-here.158813/[/URL]

He's not warm and cuddly, but he's professional and provides excellent customer service.

I would recommend him and have to my close friends, who have used him happily as well. But you have to go with who you feel comfortable with.

Maytal Hannah is another vendor recommended on here.

I personally wouldn't go with single cuts on an oval halo. Not worth the extra money.

The gallery you linked to is nice. It's similar to the Tiffany Legacy gallery. I'm not a fan of pave on the gallery wires personally, it's just more stones to lose, IMO.

I would ask for a ring that allows a band to sit with a minimum gap (small donut or no donut).

Is the minimal gap a comfort thing? I would imagine the setting would still be plenty sturdy without a donut if I'm going with cathedral style, correct?

One other small detail I just came across and thought was very unique was the secret stones found here: https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/2-04-mrb-in-vc-emilya-halo.193131/
Is this popular? I can't seem to find many other examples of it, just thought it's a nice unique touch.

 

[Acinom]

The minimal gap is if you want a wedding band to sit flush with the e-ring. Some rather prefer a gap as the want the look of 2 separate rings. So I would look at lots of pictures here on PS.

For a modern stone I would not bother with single cuts.

The secret birthstones are a very nice and personal detail! If you love it, go for it

 

[Gypsy]

Most ladies want to wear a wedding ring next to their engagement ring. A small donut, or no donut allows that to look right.

If you look at my thread I posted above you'll see that I have no donut, but my wires give my cathedral setting plenty of support. You need the gallery wires though, with or without a donut.

Secret birthstones are nice. I wouldn't pay much for it though. 100 bucks max. More, not worth it to me. Maybe in the wedding bands, but not in the engagement ring.