Help Wanted for Engagement Ring Build - 8k Budget

[1967Eleanor]

Hey PS --

I recently started a thread in another section about my finished engagement ring build. I wish I would've come to pricescope first. Here's what she wants:

Victor Canera Emilya type setting
Round diamond with halo

Like this:


Help me do this right. Budget $8,000

 

[Gypsy]

Oh boy.

That's going to be an issue. That exact setting is 5k. So... not going to happen unless you have an heirloom stone you are using as the center stone.

What size stone were you hoping for. And what compromises are you willing to make.

Also she wants a round? Or is that flexible?

 

[Sophie2788]

Well the victor setting is about 5 K

This is a nice cushion halo design
http://www.whiteflash.com/engagement-rings/diamond-settings/ritani-french-set-cushion-halo-diamond-band-engagement-ring-3377.htm

And some stone options

http://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-2972977.htm

http://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-3045724.htm

http://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-2772511.htm

http://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-3019436.htm

http://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-3034520.htm

I'm partial to the last stone (I Vs1)

I'm sure some others will chime in with other suggestions if not I'll post some more options later from different websites

 

[1967Eleanor]

Thanks for the prompt replies.

It has to be round. I like that Ritani setting, but would prefer the halo to be round as well. I am willing to compromise on the setting to put more into the diamond. I would like it to be over 1c.

 

[Gypsy]

Suggestions.
http://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-3142195.htm Stone.
Custom platinum setting in CAD from WF. They can do it for the price (just under 4k). And they do nice custom work. Send them the link to the Victor setting and additional pictures from PS.

What this gives you:
1. 6mm spread on the center stone. It will look very much like a one carat center when set.
2. Ideal light performance plus hearts and arrows.
3. WF's upgrade policy.
4. A very high quality custom setting.
5. H color which when set in a halo will look amazing. No real compromise there.
6. Eyeclean VS2 clarity. No compromise at all there.
7. One stop shopping at a vendor.

What it doesn't give you:
1. A full carat for the center

Additional compromises that can be made to get you a full carat.
1. We can drop to I or J color. You have to decide what you want to emphasize, size or color. You can't have both with that setting.
2. We can easily go to eyeclean SI clarity.
3. We can go for a stone with fluorescence IF we can find one. This is a great option if you are comfortable with it.
5. We can go for a GIA Ex cut instead of a hearts and arrows super ideal. Please read this: [URL='https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/likelihood-of-finding-a-signature-super-ideal-diamond.174235/']https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/likelihood-of-finding-a-signature-super-ideal-diamond.174235/[/URL]
6. You can go with white gold instead of platinum. I don't recommend this if you can avoid it. But if you want more than a carat without any of these sacrifices you can do it. Again, I don't recommend it. Platinum is the best metal for a pave setting.
7. You can shop at different vendors for the setting and the stone. This would mean getting private insurance for the stone prior to setting. A good option if you can do this.

Our job is to educate. But it's your budget.

Tell us what you want to do.

 

[Gypsy]

If you have to hit a carat:
http://www.b2cjewels.com/dd-5126299-1.10-carat-Round-diamond-J-color-VS2-Clarity.aspx?sku=5126299&utm_source=pricescope.com&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=pricescope.com It's a compromise.

And then you can work with ERD for a custom 18kt setting that matches that Victor setting.

I think this is a better option than the Ritani, I feel. IF she loves that Victor setting. Because while there are a lot of halos out there. ANY person who loves that Victor setting and knows ANYTHING about jewelry will NOT be happy with the Ritani setting in it's place. They aren't in the same league. An ERD custom setting though, will be very close.

 

[Sophie2788]

If you have to hit a carat:
http://www.b2cjewels.com/dd-5126299-1.10-carat-Round-diamond-J-color-VS2-Clarity.aspx?sku=5126299&utm_source=pricescope.com&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=pricescope.com It's a compromise.

And then you can work with ERD for a custom 18kt setting that matches that Victor setting.

I think this is a better option than the Ritani, I feel. IF she loves that Victor setting. Because while there are a lot of halos out there. ANY person who loves that Victor setting and knows ANYTHING about jewelry will NOT be happy with the Ritani setting in it's place. They aren't in the same league. An ERD custom setting though, will be very close.

....

 

[Acinom]

I second the suggestion of contacting ERD if she loves the VC version.
Will you be able to return the diamond and/or setting though?