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Cobblestone

Rough_Rock
Joined
Nov 24, 2017
Messages
34
Hi Pricescope!

Today, I received a somewhat difficult task: to build a small diamond ring for my mother's birthday for a budget of ~$500.
I realize that this means it will likely be a fairly small solitaire (~1/3-1/2 ct). It will be set in yellow gold, and my father is flexible on shape, and would be happy with an asscher, emerald, radiant, cushion, oval, or round. Also open to old cuts. Knowing what I know about diamonds, I'm prioritizing cut, and then carat/face up size, above clarity or color for a small diamond (especially in yellow gold). It does need to be GIA/AGS certified (unless an old cut).

Help me find the most beautiful diamond I can and maximize this budget! I'm hoping that the flexibility with clarity/color/shape will help get a quality rock closer to the 1/2 ct size. Also open to premade solitaire or 3-stone rings in yellow gold and a simple, classic style.
 
OP, are you partial to a white diamond, or would you be okay with a warmer one? As far as the setting, I'd bezel that puppy for the added size.

I'm not sure you'd be able to do a diamond AND a setting for the $500 budget. Would you consider buying the diamond now and the setting at a later date when you can save a bit?

If that's not an option, then I'd recommend eBay... I'm no good at finding deals, @Niel is a wizard. ;)
 
msop04 said:
OP, are you partial to a white diamond, or would you be okay with a warmer one? As far as the setting, I'd bezel that puppy for the added size.

I'm not sure you'd be able to do a diamond AND a setting for the $500 budget. Would you consider buying the diamond now and the setting at a later date when you can save a bit?

If that's not an option, then I'd recommend eBay... I'm no good at finding deals, @Niel is a wizard. ;-)
Click to expand...

I'm definitely ok with a warmer one. My own engagement ring is a 1.6ct M brian gavin M in rose gold.
The budget may have a little wiggle room. If I can find a small diamond for about ~400, I can make the setting happen. I've seen a few settings that would fit the bill for ~300
 
muchshiny said:
I'm definitely ok with a warmer one. My own engagement ring is a 1.6ct M brian gavin M in rose gold.
The budget may have a little wiggle room. If I can find a small diamond for about ~400, I can make the setting happen. I've seen a few settings that would fit the bill for ~300
Click to expand...

Great! I'll see what I can find!
 
It needs to come with a gia report? That’s going to be the hardest thing.
 
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Here are a few from a reputable vendor. These are not GIA graded, so assume the color and clarity are estimates and may be 1-2 lower. Nevertheless, I think they have a good eye.
https://www.ebay.com/itm/1-2CT-ROUN...TE-COCKTAIL-/173160300775?hash=item28512880e7
https://www.ebay.com/itm/VINTAGE-OL...RING-FLORAL-/173158481485?hash=item28510cbe4d
https://www.ebay.com/itm/1-CARAT-RO...ITE-GOLD-CT-/152907417765?hash=item2399fe08a5 {will give you a big look for the budget}
http://vi.vipr.ebaydesc.com/ws/eBay...descgauge=1&cspheader=1&oneClk=1&secureDesc=0
 
Thanks for all the suggestions! Just to clarify, it doesn't have to be 1/2ct, .30 is ok, just want to maximize the face up size as much as possible within the budget.

Thoughts on these emeralds and ovals at Blue Nile?

Screen Shot 2018-02-16 at 11.14.00 AM.png
 
Sorry, I'm at work and haven't had a chance to respond... if any of these have been posted, just disregard...

I thought these two may be a good option, since they'll face up larger and a bezel setting would really accentuate the shape of a fancy...

https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/marquise-cut/0.28-carat-i-color-vvs1-clarity-sku-3879218
$370 (a very BIG LOOK, would be cool set E/W) 6.56 x 3.39 mm

https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/oval-cut/0.25-carat-g-color-vvs2-clarity-sku-4392151
$430 (I really like this oval... super white!) 5.32 x 3.63 mm
 
 
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