HELP! Thoughts on upgrade!!

[Christina...]

DH and I have decided to upgrade my center stone and setting. I thought that I wanted a 1.75-2ct center, and found these at jbEG.


http://jewelsbyericagrace.smugmug.com/Jewelry/Loose-Diamonds/155ct-Loose-Antique-Cut/19181072_nGc6pZ#!i=1495069680&k=tRgTwjs

http://jewelsbyericagrace.smugmug.com/Jewelry/Loose-Diamonds/224ct-Antique-Cushion-Cut/20826208_tDvbmh#!i=1653276027&k=gTx2NfZ

Erica has been wonderful and sent us a comparison video of the two stones, and I fell in love with the shape and faceting of the 2.24. However, my dream ring is to add half moons and baguettes or maybe some frenchies. I'm thinking that I may be overwhelmed with the overall size of the ring if I go this large. Erica suggested that I set it as a solitaire and perhaps add the side stones in the future when DSS sets in.

My current e-ring is 1.01 square step cut in a pave setting. I think I"m over the solitaire thing, and really prefer a setting with side stones, and if this is going to be my forever ring I think that I want to recieve it finished, and not be thinking about new setting ideas a year from now.

The other issue is that IRL my circle of friends think that a 1ct is large, not to say that I couldn't or shouldn't wear exactly what I want, but I have heard PSer say that they have regretted going large and have down sized their stones because they felt umcomfortable wearing them in their circles.

DH has mentioned that he would also like to see me have a traditional RB 1.5ct with a more ornate WB and I've been thinking more and more about this option too. I do think that every girl should have a RB in her jewelry collection. He thinks that this is the best option and then add a fabulous RHR in the future.

So I guess I'm wondering what you fabulous PSers would do.

I don't know how to do a poll so this will have work...

(A) Go with the 2.24 with sidestones...this is your forever ring!

(B) Go with the 2.24 set as a solitaire and add sidestones when DSS sets in

(C) GO with a RB with a gorgeous wedding band and a fabulous RHR in the future

(D) none of the above

(E) I have a better idea and this is what it is....

I completely trust and appreciate your opinions! Thanks in advance!!

 

[slg47]

DH and I have decided to upgrade my center stone and setting. I thought that I wanted a 1.75-2ct center, and found these at jbEG.


http://jewelsbyericagrace.smugmug.com/Jewelry/Loose-Diamonds/155ct-Loose-Antique-Cut/19181072_nGc6pZ#!i=1495069680&k=tRgTwjs

http://jewelsbyericagrace.smugmug.com/Jewelry/Loose-Diamonds/224ct-Antique-Cushion-Cut/20826208_tDvbmh#!i=1653276027&k=gTx2NfZ

Erica has been wonderful and sent us a comparison video of the two stones, and I fell in love with the shape and faceting of the 2.24. However, my dream ring is to add half moons and baguettes or maybe some frenchies. I'm thinking that I may be overwhelmed with the overall size of the ring if I go this large. Erica suggested that I set it as a solitaire and perhaps add the side stones in the future when DSS sets in.

My current e-ring is 1.01 square step cut in a pave setting. I think I"m over the solitaire thing, and really prefer a setting with side stones, and if this is going to be my forever ring I think that I want to recieve it finished, and not be thinking about new setting ideas a year from now.

The other issue is that IRL my circle of friends think that a 1ct is large, not to say that I couldn't or shouldn't wear exactly what I want, but I have heard PSer say that they have regretted going large and have down sized their stones because they felt umcomfortable wearing them in their circles.

DH has mentioned that he would also like to see me have a traditional RB 1.5ct with a more ornate WB and I've been thinking more and more about this option too. I do think that every girl should have a RB in her jewelry collection. He thinks that this is the best option and then add a fabulous RHR in the future.

So I guess I'm wondering what you fabulous PSers would do.

I don't know how to do a poll so this will have work...

(A) Go with the 2.24 with sidestones...this is your forever ring!

(B) Go with the 2.24 set as a solitaire and add sidestones when DSS sets in

(C) GO with a RB with a gorgeous wedding band and a fabulous RHR in the future

(D) none of the above

(E) I have a better idea and this is what it is....

I completely trust and appreciate your opinions! Thanks in advance!!

OK...you prefer a setting with side stones. So I would get a setting with side stones. Maybe a RB with side stones so that you have the RB that your DH wants you to have? What about a RB with pear side stones (or rounds)?

I wouldn't get a ring with the thought of resetting in the future...that just sounds like a lot of $$ and if you know what you want...I would just get the finished ring.

 

[ame]

Id get exactly what you want. DSS WILL set in eventually, and if not, then PERFECT!

 

[diamondseeker2006]

I understand exactly what you are saying about your friends. I am one who was upgrading from 1 carat awhile back who went with a 1.6 and has felt weird about that at times. So I do urge you to think about that part carefully. Most of us don't have PSer's all around us in real life where 1.5-2.0 ct+ stones are common.

I love the 2.24, but I'd personally love seeing that stone set something like Yenny's antique oval and worn as a right hand ring. I am not so sure I see that one with sidestones. In fact, I do hope to have an old cut or AVC for a second e-ring or RHR someday. But, for daily wear, I find something more simple and classic to work better for me, and that is why I am sticking with an ideal cut round brilliant for that worn with diamond wedding bands. I am switching stones and am only going down to 1.5, but that is my maximum comfort level in my real world. It already stands out, and I just wouldn't feel comfortable wearing a stone any larger. As it is, there are times that I will wear a diamond band without the e-ring. I know I am at my max so I definitely do not ever have DSS even though I LOVE seeing all the large stones on here. So the choice for me in my own life is (C).

 

[backwardsandinheels]

How about a pic of your hand as is, and mention finger size again. It'll be easier to picture those mm increments based on how your hand looks IRL.

 

[Christina...]

This is a pic of my current ering. Thanks backwardsandinheels! I forgot to mention that I wear a size 8, 7.5 in the winter, so I don't have those long elegant fingers that so many PSers have! And a 1 ct does look smaller on me than say my bestie who tries my ring on and suddenly it looks huge!

 

[yennyfire]

I don't care for the look of the 1.55. The 2.24 is lovely, but if you're worried that it will look too large as a 3 stone, what about this stone, also from JBEG? I also "downgraded" in size because I felt that my ring (a 3 stone with a 3.5 ct center) was too much for me. Go try on some fake 3 stone rings at the mall and see what size you think you'll be comfortable with and then remember that putting side stones with it will really add finger coverage, so even if the single diamond seems small, it may not be with the addition of sides. HTH and can't wait to see what you end up with!

http://jewelsbyericagrace.smugmug.com/Jewelry/Loose-Diamonds/196ct-Loose-Old-European-Cut/20930461_PfJ8tF#!i=1662614169&k=HW4KKpR

 

[Christina...]

I understand exactly what you are saying about your friends. I am one who was upgrading from 1 carat awhile back who went with a 1.6 and has felt weird about that at times. So I do urge you to think about that part carefully. Most of us don't have PSer's all around us in real life where 1.5-2.0 ct+ stones are common.

I love the 2.24, but I'd personally love seeing that stone set something like Yenny's antique oval and worn as a right hand ring. I am not so sure I see that one with sidestones. In fact, I do hope to have an old cut or AVC for a second e-ring or RHR someday. But, for daily wear, I find something more simple and classic to work better for me, and that is why I am sticking with an ideal cut round brilliant for that worn with diamond wedding bands. I am switching stones and am only going down to 1.5, but that is my maximum comfort level in my real world. It already stands out, and I just wouldn't feel comfortable wearing a stone any larger. As it is, there are times that I will wear a diamond band without the e-ring. I know I am at my max so I definitely do not ever have DSS even though I LOVE seeing all the large stones on here. So the choice for me in my own life is (C).

I was hoping that you would offer your thoughts! I saw that you were uncomfortable with your larger stone and could totally relate. I live in a small rural part of Maine and big bling just isn't a priority here. Not that people here don't have and enjoy really nice quality things, just most are willing to skimp on their jewelry box for other things, so I guess it's a matter of choice.

I get the impression that most of my friends and family don't understand why I would consider upgrading. When it's brought up, they don't really have an opinion (at least to me). So, I'm guessing that they don't really approve, though I couldn't say for sure. It's a tough place to be, because I'm certainly not trying to stand out or out do anyone, I just want what I want right?! And I suppose it really shouldn't matter, but as you have found out first hand....it does. I don't want to spend thousands of dollars on an upgrade that I'll be too uncomfortable to wear.



I've found a 1.25 RB with a 7mm spread, if I added half moons how much would the diameter increase? It seems that most sidestones with this ct weight center are approximately .30 how does that translate to mm? I'll try to find a pic for an example.

Thanks for the input everyone!!!

 

[Christina...]

This is similar to what I was thinking, just trade the cushion for a RB. I like the proportions. I don't think that I want a tradition 3 stone, so the sidestones would have to accentuate the center.

http://artofplatinum.com/vault/index.php?page=shop.product_details&flypage=flypage.tpl&product_id=1393&category_id=4&option=com_virtuemart&Itemid=1

 

[Dreamer_D]

I think you should buy a fun ring in the same rough proportions and wear it around and see how you feel about the size?

I felt my 1.7ct RB was a little large for my social circle. Or, to be more precise, that I had spent too much money on a diamond for my social circle I sold it. My Aurora band is my daily staple now, and though it gets a lot more attention than my RB, somehow I dont feel as self-conscious or guilty about it. Before you bite, think about what you really want to accomplish with this upgrade -- what is the feeling you hope to have when wearing your diamond? Do you want attention or would it bother you? Do you want big blingy sparkle? Hone in on that. Because, for example, for *me* I was upgradign to acheive a *big bling* sparkle look, which I realized now is better accomplished with a multi stone ring, not a big solitaire. So figure out what look you are after and go from there.

 

[Christina...]

I don't care for the look of the 1.55. The 2.24 is lovely, but if you're worried that it will look too large as a 3 stone, what about this stone, also from JBEG? I also "downgraded" in size because I felt that my ring (a 3 stone with a 3.5 ct center) was too much for me. Go try on some fake 3 stone rings at the mall and see what size you think you'll be comfortable with and then remember that putting side stones with it will really add finger coverage, so even if the single diamond seems small, it may not be with the addition of sides. HTH and can't wait to see what you end up with!

http://jewelsbyericagrace.smugmug.com/Jewelry/Loose-Diamonds/196ct-Loose-Old-European-Cut/20930461_PfJ8tF#!i=1662614169&k=HW4KKpR

THIS was my very first thought, when DH and I decided to upgrade!

http://jewelsbyericagrace.smugmug.com/JbEGSignatureSettingsandSpecia/Halos/The-Bella-Halo-Featuring-a-9mm/16713089_WPwSgd#!i=1282709088&k=3gNWrmp

I had no idea how similar it was to yours until just now. I love your ring and adore this setting. Unfortunately hubby didn't share my excitement when I suggested it as a setting for my ering. I think it will make a fantastic RHR in the future though!

 

[diamondseeker2006]

The 5 stone with half moons and baguettes is a beautiful, classic setting and would give you nice finger coverage. I think I favor it a little more with a cushion than a round, but it could definitely work with a round if the stones were all the right proportions. But a ring like that is also harder to match with a wedding band, so think about that, too.

I think 7mm just starts showing a difference over a carat. If you can get up to 1.35 cts., 7.2mm, it almost looks like 1.5. I did try on a 1.25 the other day and Tiffany's and it just wasn't enough difference over a carat, in my opinion.

These are loose stones and not on a hand, but in the video you can see a 1.58 (7.46mm), 1.63 (7.6mm), 1.29 (6.95mm), and 1.35 (7.2mm) if it would help to have some size perspective:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uwiM3COzjFM&list=UUEV7slr-i-VduBBnfv9MxhA&index=1&feature=plcp

 

[Christina...]

I think you should buy a fun ring in the same rough proportions and wear it around and see how you feel about the size?

I felt my 1.7ct RB was a little large for my social circle. Or, to be more precise, that I had spent too much money on a diamond for my social circle I sold it. My Aurora band is my daily staple now, and though it gets a lot more attention than my RB, somehow I dont feel as self-conscious or guilty about it. Before you bite, think about what you really want to accomplish with this upgrade -- what is the feeling you hope to have when wearing your diamond? Do you want attention or would it bother you? Do you want big blingy sparkle? Hone in on that. Because, for example, for *me* I was upgradign to acheive a *big bling* sparkle look, which I realized now is better accomplished with a multi stone ring, not a big solitaire. So figure out what look you are after and go from there.

I want more finger coverage. It doesn't have to be super huge, just more than I have now. I love my diamond and I knew when I bought it that it was going to face up smaller than other cuts, but since I was going from a .55 pear to a 1ct, it felt like my new stone was huge.....for about a year. I DO want it to be substantial though, but I guess substantial is very subjective.

I have a 1.5ct cheapy that I've worn around the house weekend and I do like how it looks when I catch it out of the corner of my eye, but I when I put my 1ct beside it, I wonder if I'm going to see a few thousand dollar difference. I'm having trouble uploading a comparison pic from my phone, but essentially I'd be going from a 5.76x5.44 to a 7-7.4mm, and I'm assuming that will be a fairly noticable upgrade, especially with sidestones which I'm guessimating will be approx 3mm each...sooo...about a 13mm spread and about 7.5mm more than what I'm currently wearing.

 

[diamondseeker2006]

How many mm is the cz? Because a 1.5 should be 7.4mm and that looks a lot larger than 7mm. A 1.3 is about 7mm.

 

[armywife13]

That 2.24 is AMAZING! So, I would say option A or B. personally I would go ahead and get it put in your dream setting....no DSS in your future

 

[diamondseeker2006]

Here is a good picture for you of a 1.0, 1.2, 1.5, and 2.0:

 

[Christina...]

The 5 stone with half moons and baguettes is a beautiful, classic setting and would give you nice finger coverage. I think I favor it a little more with a cushion than a round, but it could definitely work with a round if the stones were all the right proportions. But a ring like that is also harder to match with a wedding band, so think about that, too.

I think 7mm just starts showing a difference over a carat. If you can get up to 1.35 cts., 7.2mm, it almost looks like 1.5. I did try on a 1.25 the other day and Tiffany's and it just wasn't enough difference over a carat, in my opinion.

These are loose stones and not on a hand, but in the video you can see a 1.58 (7.46mm), 1.63 (7.6mm), 1.29 (6.95mm), and 1.35 (7.2mm) if it would help to have some size perspective:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uwiM3COzjFM&list=UUEV7slr-i-VduBBnfv9MxhA&index=1&feature=plcp

Wow, I'm really surprised by how big a difference there is between the 1.29 and 1.58! I could go 1.5 but I would have to drop down in color. My diamond is an I and I was cautioned that stepcuts tend to hold body color more so than brilliant cuts (?). I only see white when I look at my stone face up, although when I view it from the side I can see some warmth, but it doesn't bother me. I really like the lower colors KLM in older cuts, in fact that is exactly what I was looking for when I asked Erica for guideance. I'm not sure though in a RB. The J's and K's that I see in SMTB look white to me, so perhaps I'm not as color sensitive as others. What are your thoughts?

I really like the cushion in the LM setting too, I initailly wanted to go with an antique cushion, I adore the chunky faceting. But I also worried about about matching sidestones to the cushions faceting pattern, and also about having to go up to a 2 ct to get the same face up size as a RB (and the cost of doing so). I'm not sure that I'm up to the challenge of sifting through hundreds and hundreds of cushions online to find THE ONE. The AVCs look beautiful but the more that I look at them the less I like the cross in the center, same for the AVR's. and the little circle thing they have going on.

Here's a pic I finally got uploaded of my ring and the 1.5 to give an idea of size difference on my finger. It's not a great pic, but I think it gives a idea...

ETA after reading this, I thought that I should clarify, although I like the lower colors in old cuts, I wouldn't want to drop below a J or maybe a K in a modern cut...

 

[backwardsandinheels]

You had me at Bella Halo! Love that one, and your 5 stone idea is lovely. Leon and claw prongs? Your choices are all beautiful and doable, pick your main stone first though. If you don't have some sort of mental fence at 2 ct exactly, it sounds to me like 1.75-2 is your sweet spot if it is cut well and not too low of a color if you don't go with an old cut. Just under 2 would cost less, and probably be big enough that you don't have to upgrade again.

I want what I want too, sooo know what you mean. Also, you can't go by what other people think. If the people around you know you are a passionate gem lover and not just trying to impress anybody, they'll be happy for you even if they don't understand you.

 

[SparklyOEC]

I agree with Armywife, I think option A or B. If this is your forever ring, please think very carefully about what you want to do. I'm in a similar situation in that I'm purchasing the 1.79 OEC from JBEG, but rather than rush into a setting, I'm taking my time for 2 reasons: 1) I need to save for a setting I want; and 2) I like ALOT of settings. ha ha What's different for me: I don't care what my circle of friends think - I'm gonna rock it. ha ha Back to you, I love, love the 2.24 and think it would look gorgeous in any of the settings you mention, but especially one like Yenny's. I think my concern for you is that if you try to get what other people like (even the most important person in your life - your DH), then you may not get what you want and you'll regret it later (not trying to offend, just offering another perspective). Are you going to be happy with 1.5 RB without thinking "I could've gotten the 2.24 cushion"?

 

[Christina...]

diamondseeker2006 I'm thinking that the cz is 7.4mm or very close. I downloaded a sizing chart from Blue Nile and it seems to fit nicely inside the 1.5. Do you have thoughts on going with a lower color grade with a RB? I've also heard that setting a lower colored stone in rose or yellow gold will make your center look whiter, but I was reading through a thread the other day that said the opposite...

armywife soooo very tempting!!!

backwardsandinheels I guess I don't want to stand out, but I don't want to blend in either. I love your username btw!

 

[Christina...]

I agree with Armywife, I think option A or B. If this is your forever ring, please think very carefully about what you want to do. I'm in a similar situation in that I'm purchasing the 1.79 OEC from JBEG, but rather than rush into a setting, I'm taking my time for 2 reasons: 1) I need to save for a setting I want; and 2) I like ALOT of settings. ha ha What's different for me: I don't care what my circle of friends think - I'm gonna rock it. ha ha Back to you, I love, love the 2.24 and think it would look gorgeous in any of the settings you mention, but especially one like Yenny's. I think my concern for you is that if you try to get what other people like (even the most important person in your life - your DH), then you may not get what you want and you'll regret it later (not trying to offend, just offering another perspective). Are you going to be happy with 1.5 RB without thinking "I could've gotten the 2.24 cushion"?

I would be in the same boat as you if I decide to go with the 2.24 with sidestones. We can pull it off it I set it as a solitaire, but if I go with a custom setting, I'll (A) have to wait and save more, or finance , or (B) sell my current diamond . We do have a trade up policy at JA, but I'm not exactly sure how it works. I know that if I go into a 1.5 or larger that I will qualify for the trade, but I'm not sure how it works when they give a 60 return period and I decide I hate my stone, do I get the stone I traded and the cash difference back, or do they just cut a check for the entire amount? I think that I would be really really sad if I thought I loved a stone, traded mine, got the stone and hated it and was then out my original diamond which I really do love. I will definitely have to ask about that.

I'm also petrified of going all custom. I'm one of those people that have a difficult time trying to imagine what the final product will look like. I guess I'm more an off the rack girl. There are sooooo many gorgeous rings here, but I think this time I really want to somehow make it my own, KWIM? Not that there is anything original about a RB with halfmoons and baguettes (which DH just informed me he doesn't like ) but I'd like to somehow make it a bit different with metal or prongs or or or....IDK something, but everytime I try to invision it in my unartistic mind....I can't.

Congrats on your new stone!! I can't wait to see what you decide to do with it. Any thoughts so far??

 

[Christina...]

Oh WOW! I just saw this on the preloved forum! Gypsys OEC!

[URL='https://www.pricescope.com/forum/preloved-ps-jewels/gorgeous-1-25-carat-old-european-cut-oec-for-sale-t170636.html']https://www.pricescope.com/forum/preloved-ps-jewels/gorgeous-1-25-carat-old-european-cut-oec-for-sale-t170636.html[/URL]

THIS set in the Bella halo would be TDF! It's a bit smaller in diameter than I was considering, but I could sleep happy at night knowing that this was waiting for me in the morning!

 

[diamondseeker2006]

diamondseeker2006 I'm thinking that the cz is 7.4mm or very close. I downloaded a sizing chart from Blue Nile and it seems to fit nicely inside the 1.5. Do you have thoughts on going with a lower color grade with a RB? I've also heard that setting a lower colored stone in rose or yellow gold will make your center look whiter, but I was reading through a thread the other day that said the opposite...

With antique stones, I can handle lower color because so often they were lower color so it looks more acceptable. But I would not go to K in a modern rb. I can easily see the tint from the side in J color, but they look good face up. I think I color is a great compromise between whiteness and price. I think with the setting you are interested in, it would look best in platinum.

 

[diamondseeker2006]

Oh WOW! I just saw this on the preloved forum! Gypsys OEC!

[URL='https://www.pricescope.com/forum/preloved-ps-jewels/gorgeous-1-25-carat-old-european-cut-oec-for-sale-t170636.html']https://www.pricescope.com/forum/preloved-ps-jewels/gorgeous-1-25-carat-old-european-cut-oec-for-sale-t170636.html[/URL]

THIS set in the Bella halo would be TDF! It's a bit smaller in diameter than I was considering, but I could sleep happy at night knowing that this was waiting for me in the morning!

It is very pretty! At 6.7mm, it is just a little more than a carat in diameter, so I don't think it will work for your upgrade idea, though!

And just one more comment. I don't really care what other people think. I trust that the people who care about me really don't care what jewelry I wear. But I am not one who wants to stand out. I don't care to have the most expensive car or designer label everything. It's just not who I am. I do love jewelry and I will just buy more small pieces than a few large pieces. I dress casually almost all the time so I'd look silly wearing some huge blingy pave ring! But more power to those who do! You are the only one who can decide what will be comfortable for YOU along with the budget!

 

[Christina...]

diamondseeker2006 I'm thinking that the cz is 7.4mm or very close. I downloaded a sizing chart from Blue Nile and it seems to fit nicely inside the 1.5. Do you have thoughts on going with a lower color grade with a RB? I've also heard that setting a lower colored stone in rose or yellow gold will make your center look whiter, but I was reading through a thread the other day that said the opposite...

With antique stones, I can handle lower color because so often they were lower color so it looks more acceptable. But I would not go to K in a modern rb. I can easily see the tint from the side in J color, but they look good face up. I think I color is a great compromise between whiteness and price. I think with the setting you are interested in, it would look best in platinum.

I think my sweet spot is HI VS2 SI1. It sounds like a great time to buy platinum as well. :appl I've played around with the idea of mixing metals WG with RG but each time I've seen the combination its been with antique reproduction settings. I still like the idea even if I have to tweak the setting style a bit. DH isn't liking the baguettes or the halo anyway.

 

[armywife13]

diamondseeker2006 I'm thinking that the cz is 7.4mm or very close. I downloaded a sizing chart from Blue Nile and it seems to fit nicely inside the 1.5. Do you have thoughts on going with a lower color grade with a RB? I've also heard that setting a lower colored stone in rose or yellow gold will make your center look whiter, but I was reading through a thread the other day that said the opposite...

armywife soooo very tempting!!!

backwardsandinheels I guess I don't want to stand out, but I don't want to blend in either. I love your username btw!

I think you can totally pull off the three stone or five stone with the cushion-coming from someone with a 8.25 size finger. Plus I think it would be gorgeous!

But regardless of what I think, you need to pick what you love. This is your upgrade and dream ring. If it is the 3/5 stone with the 2.24, then go for it, be proud and rock it! If it is a larger RB, go for it!

SparklyOEC and I are both in the same boat, we are upgrading and throwing the majority of the $ into the diamond and saving for the setting. I figure, it is going to be my dream ring and my last upgrade, so I want the diamond I love and am willing to wait and save for the setting. The end result will be worth the wait!

 

[Christina...]

Oh WOW! I just saw this on the preloved forum! Gypsys OEC!

[URL='https://www.pricescope.com/forum/preloved-ps-jewels/gorgeous-1-25-carat-old-european-cut-oec-for-sale-t170636.html']https://www.pricescope.com/forum/preloved-ps-jewels/gorgeous-1-25-carat-old-european-cut-oec-for-sale-t170636.html[/URL]

THIS set in the Bella halo would be TDF! It's a bit smaller in diameter than I was considering, but I could sleep happy at night knowing that this was waiting for me in the morning!

It is very pretty! At 6.7mm, it is just a little more than a carat in diameter, so I don't think it will work for your upgrade idea, though!

And just one more comment. I don't really care what other people think. I trust that the people who care about me really don't care what jewelry I wear. But I am not one who wants to stand out. I don't care to have the most expensive car or designer label everything. It's just not who I am. I do love jewelry and I will just buy more small pieces than a few large pieces. I dress casually almost all the time so I'd look silly wearing some huge blingy pave ring! But more power to those who do! You are the only one who can decide what will be comfortable for YOU along with the budget!

Ditto. I'm basically a jeans and tee-shirt girl, and a stay at home mom, so I don't really have a 'place' to wear a super blinged out ring. I think it would be great, but is it practical for me? Not really. I suppose I really shouldn't place the blame on my cirlce of friends and family either, because I'm certain that my upgrade would have zero impact on them. I love looking at the super huge bling here, but it's just not practical for my lifestyle. I do love jewelry though and I'm unapologetic about it! And I'm happy with a nice wedding set, a pair of studs and an everyday pendant, that's about the extent of my jewlery box! But looking at all the huge bling here remains one of my favorite past times!!!

 

[janetjoan64]

You could always go with an I color stone with med fluorescence like I did. It really faces up so white and was less expensive than an H color

 

[diamondseeker2006]

I am exactly the same way, Christina! This is a very fun hobby, but I really wear mostly the same basic things on a daily basis, so my collection also is relatively small but with classic pieces that I hope will never go out of style!

 

[diamondseeker2006]

You could always go with an I color stone with med fluorescence like I did. It really faces up so white and was less expensive than an H color

I was with her and it is true! the key with I color is that you have to see it. Because when I was with janetjoan, her first I was tinted yellow on the side. She had them call in another I color with med blue fluorescence. It looked as white as the H stone next to it and it had no yellow tint at all! I am sure the fluoro helped it, but also it might have been a high I color. So the bottom line with I color is that some are great and others are more tinted. The trick is to have some to choose from.