Find your diamond
Find your jewelry
shape
carat
color
clarity

Help with ideas for an engagement ring for my petite gf

C

Confusedring

Rough_Rock
Joined
May 13, 2014
Messages
6
Hello! I'm looking for a ring for my gf of three years. She is a small girl, her ring size is 2 3/4th. She isn't really girly, she is a unique girl she likes morbid things and I was wondering if any of you had some suggestions on what looks best on small fingers.

She has tried on rings before and has no idea what to she likes. The only thing she knows is that see likes a small band.

I'm obviously looking just want some outside input. I would like to stay under $1500. Here's a picture of her hand xD
http://imgur.com/367rchK

Here is picture with her wearing a ring on from Zales, I don't know the details on it though
http://imgur.com/jXQkrNA

Thank you!
 
First things first. What type of stone does she want? Sense you felt the need to include "unique and morbid" in your description of her makes me think a white diamond might not be for her.

Also what shape does she like?
 
Niel|1399987495|3671633 said:
First things first. What type of stone does she want? Sense you felt the need to include "unique and morbid" in your description of her makes me think a white diamond might not be for her.

Also what shape does she like?
Click to expand...

Thank you for the response!

When we have talked about it she likes diamonds a lot, but I bet she would be open to other stones. However, diamonds are not out of the question :)

She hasn't figured out what shape she likes best, I believe she said round, oval, or square.
 
Confusedring|1399987705|3671635 said:
Niel|1399987495|3671633 said:
First things first. What type of stone does she want? Sense you felt the need to include "unique and morbid" in your description of her makes me think a white diamond might not be for her.

Also what shape does she like?
Click to expand...

Thank you for the response!

When we have talked about it she likes diamonds a lot, but I bet she would be open to other stones. However, diamonds are not out of the question :)

She hasn't figured out what shape she likes best, I believe she said round, oval, or square.
Click to expand...


Well if she likes diamonds, diamonds it is. lol. Does she want white? diamonds come in other colors. Brown, grey....
 
Niel|1399987785|3671636 said:
Confusedring|1399987705|3671635 said:
Niel|1399987495|3671633 said:
First things first. What type of stone does she want? Sense you felt the need to include "unique and morbid" in your description of her makes me think a white diamond might not be for her.

Also what shape does she like?
Click to expand...

Thank you for the response!

When we have talked about it she likes diamonds a lot, but I bet she would be open to other stones. However, diamonds are not out of the question :)

She hasn't figured out what shape she likes best, I believe she said round, oval, or square.
Click to expand...


Well if she likes, diamonds it is. lol. Does she want white? diamonds come in other colors. Brown, grey....
Click to expand...


Ahh, I never knew rings could be so complicated! :P
Even though she is a morbid gal, I think she likes the normal diamond color white.
 
ok, normal and white. 1500 isn't a huge budget but thats ok. She has small hand so really any size stone will look nice.

would you be opposed to second hand, or does she want new.

one last question, lol. Does she need diamonds in the band too, or would a solitaire work? diamonds in the band will eat up a lot of your budget
 
Niel|1399987951|3671639 said:
ok, normal and white. 1500 isn't a huge budget but thats ok. She has small hand so really any size stone will look nice.

would you be opposed to second hand, or does she want new.

one last question, lol. Does she need diamonds in the band too, or would a solitaire work? diamonds in the band will eat up a lot of your budget
Click to expand...

Yeah I wish I could afford more, but college drains the funds.
I think she prefers new, but if a ring looks nice second hand might be okay.

She has never really said, so either I bet.

Thank you for all your help
 
Don't feel bad about that budget, like i said, with her finger size anything will look amazing... ok....

I like this stone. I know its not square but...
http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/emerald-cut/0.56-carat-k-color-vvs1-clarity-sku-151109

you could put it in this setting, they charge an extra 150 to fit a fancy shape, but it would still be right about in budget. If you really want "unique" you could even set the stone sideway so its longways.

or this square. It would keep you around budget because as its a square they wouldn't charge extra to fit that setting

http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/radiant-cut/0.49-carat-g-color-si1-clarity-sku-256152
 
Small hands with short fingers: Keep the ring's shank narrow and not thick and bulky. If she wants to wear 2 rings (e-ring & wedding) on same finger, the shanks can't be too wide or else the rings will be banging into the knuckle of her pinky and she'll end up not able to wear them if that joint becomes inflamed. Standard Tiffany or a floating bezel will work nicely. Halo, too, provided the halo stands up a little off the finger and the wedding band fits flush up against it. A bezel will make any diamond look larger. Europe's engagement rings are often under .5ct but they use bezel mountings.

(eta: Never mind about short fingers. I just looked at the hand shot and she does not have short fingers. But I'll leave the advice posted. She has long fingers, so perhaps she'd like a fancy like oval or marquise or other elongated shape. Fancies are less per carat than rounds. But you have to work more closely with the vendor because there's no cut grade standard and they are "have to be seen" types.)

That said, any size stone will work. But the larger the stone (diamond or other) the more mass it has -- Think height or depth as well as diameter. Having small fingers does not preclude a large stone. You just have to choose the right setting that is comfortable and size it correctly so that it doesn't spin.

If the budget is limited, most on here and myself included will say put all the money into a great center stone, as large as you can afford, and get a basic solitaire setting. Then change the setting later. But some women are all about the setting, and you could put a colored stone or diamond simulant in there and they'd be perfectly happy.

There's a diamonds under 1ct thread here in Show Me The Bling section of the forum. Maybe look through there for ideas.
 
lioness|1399989890|3671656 said:
Something about the black nail polish makes me think that she would be into a vintage-style ring..... This one? It's already tiny, size 4. Once it's sized, it'll look amazing on her.

http://www.jewelsbygrace.com/rings/vintage-and-antique/vintage-star-diamond-ring.html#.U2xVnPldWSo

Needs polishing before it's shipped.
Click to expand...

thats funny, as when i look at those nails, i think MQ!

http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/marquise-cut/0.48-carat-d-color-si1-clarity-sku-310679
 
(These links I gave are larger diamonds than you're looking for, but I picked them because they demonstrate great modern cut but warmer colors. There is nothing wrong with warmer diamonds. People on here have J and lower colors for engagement rings.)

IF she likes the "warmer colors, like K - L - M - N, you could get much more diamond for the money than if you are looking at colorless and near-colorless. "I" range is where most people can start to see a hint of tint, from the profile view if not face-up.

There are people on here who say they don't like the lower colors like L and lower in a modern H&A round brilliant, but they like them in chunky-facet old cut styles like Old European Cut (OEC) and Old Mine Cut (OMC). But if she likes a very pale creamy yellow, you could look at L and M. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Kawvm0KPZNI was a Diamonds By Lauren RB, L color.

Or, give up clarity and go for something less that completely eye-clean, like a good SI2. Only you/she can decide what you can compromise on to get size that still fits the budget. Personally, I don't need a completely eyeclean stone. I've owned everything from VVS1 down to SI2 and I1 and as long as inclusions hide well, that's fine with me. A diamond ring doesn't stay completely clean when worn. So for me, it doesn't have to be completely eyeclean internally, either. I arrived at that conclusion after 20 years of wearing diamonds and deciding that SI2 and I1 are dandy because they cost me literally HALF the price of a VS1 or VS2. People notice cut, and size, and color, but clarity has to be scrutinized. So, I jettisoned clarity. L and M are my favorites of the "cape" color diamonds. They are like ivory white compared to bright white. N is definitely in the yellow range, even face-up.

eta: Wink has a huge N color diamond in modern H&A cut here: http://www.highperformancediamonds.com/index.php?page=view-id-diamond-infinity-new&id=758 Keep in mind that bigger diamonds concentrate tint more than something .75ct or less. But every N that I have seen in person does have a definitely yellow color. M can look quit silvery in some lighting and pale yellow in others. Warmer diamonds are somewhat changeable with the lighting.

Here is a K http://www.highperformancediamonds.com/index.php?page=view-id-diamond-infinity-new&id=1010
Crafted By Infinity are some of the best-cut diamonds out there. Better than Hearts On Fire, imo. So, don't compromise on cut, but you can on clarity and color, is my advice.
 
With the descriptor of your GF, I just had to link you to this ring:

https://www.etsy.com/ca/listing/120...ngagement-ring-diamond?ref=shop_home_active_3

I love the subtle way that this guy includes some really unusual elements into his rings (skulls, owls etc). I don't know much about him, beyond that his design sense is amazing. He seems to do high end custom in his fine art line, as well as a line on etsy where he keeps his costs down with uncerted smaller stones (but it looks like he will get GIA certed).

So I don't know how unique your GF might want to go for her E ring, but I thought of these rings when reading your post. Good luck!
 
She has beautiful long slender fingers so I feel like an elongated cut like marquise, oval, pear, or emerald would look best on her. I always buy used since it usually means about two or three times as much diamond for your buck. Here are some used possibilities. Some may require reshanking to get down to her size, and that tends to cost about $100 in gold.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Emerald-Cut-Natural-Diamond-E-G-L-Certified-53CT-F-Color-VVS2-Clarity-14K-Set-/221438799761?pt=Diamond_Solitaire_Rings&hash=item338ec7ef91

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Tiffanys-diamond-ring-/251525674220?pt=Diamond_Solitaire_Rings&hash=item3a901934ec

http://www.ebay.com/itm/90-point-Marquise-Cut-Diamond-Engagement-Ring-14K-Yellow-Gold-/261478711835?pt=Diamond_Solitaire_Rings&hash=item3ce158821b

http://www.ebay.com/itm/14K-White-Gold-1-CT-3-Stone-OVAL-DIAMOND-Engagement-Ring-Sz-4-Was-1850-/111348889052?pt=Diamond_Solitaire_Rings&hash=item19ece935dc

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Solitaire-engagement-ring-Oval-/121340365239?pt=Diamond_Solitaire_Rings&hash=item1c407309b7

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Marquise-Diamond-Engagement-Wedding-Rings-/301181418614?pt=Diamond_Solitaire_Rings&hash=item461fcfbc76

http://www.ebay.com/itm/14K-YELLOW-GOLD-1-00-CT-MARQUISE-DIAMOND-SOLITAIRE-ENGAGEMENT-RING-Signed-LSC-/111352513192?pt=Diamond_Solitaire_Rings&hash=item19ed2082a8
 
You have to be careful with a second hand ring in this scenario. You're going to have to find one near here size, because you're not going to be able to size a size 6 ring down to a 2.5, its going to throw its shape off. So you'd have to get one close too its shape if you want to size it.

If you wanted to just get a new sitting, if you don't get the setting and the stone from the same place, you'll incur often a setting fee, and when the budget is 1500, thats something i wouldn't pay.
 
Thank you so much everyone!! You all are amazing
 
Can you talk to her Mother? Your Mother/grandmother? Is that possible? They might have a diamond and/or diamond ring laying around. I know if my son in law had come to me before he bought that cloudy mall engagement ring I would have gladly given him a diamond and he could have spent his money for a ring setting instead. Sigh.

Then there's that kind of cool factor of "this was my mother's/grandmother's ring" and later when you can afford to upgrade it will make a great right hand ring. Of course I'm hoping that it's not a SI3 diamond :)
 
Niel|1400001745|3671793 said:
You have to be careful with a second hand ring in this scenario. You're going to have to find one near here size, because you're not going to be able to size a size 6 ring down to a 2.5, its going to throw its shape off. So you'd have to get one close too its shape if you want to size it.

If you wanted to just get a new sitting, if you don't get the setting and the stone from the same place, you'll incur often a setting fee, and when the budget is 1500, thats something i wouldn't pay.
Click to expand...

After reading all the posts I like Niel's first selection of the Emerald Cut. She likes morbid now but this ring is forever. the Emerald cut is beautiiful and NOT RB which is the more common cut. Simple setting as Niel selected or just plain since her fingers are so small. You can do more trendy for bands like two black diamond pave bands which are very inexpensive.
 
Niel|1399989190|3671650 said:
Don't feel bad about that budget, like i said, with her finger size anything will look amazing... ok....

I like this stone. I know its not square but...
http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/emerald-cut/0.56-carat-k-color-vvs1-clarity-sku-151109

you could put it in this setting, they charge an extra 150 to fit a fancy shape, but it would still be right about in budget. If you really want "unique" you could even set the stone sideway so its longways.

or this square. It would keep you around budget because as its a square they wouldn't charge extra to fit that setting

http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/radiant-cut/0.49-carat-g-color-si1-clarity-sku-256152
Click to expand...


Sorry this stone and band
 
Niel|1399989190|3671650 said:
Don't feel bad about that budget, like i said, with her finger size anything will look amazing... ok....

I like this stone. I know its not square but...
http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/emerald-cut/0.56-carat-k-color-vvs1-clarity-sku-151109

you could put it in this setting, they charge an extra 150 to fit a fancy shape, but it would still be right about in budget. If you really want "unique" you could even set the stone sideway so its longways.

or this square. It would keep you around budget because as its a square they wouldn't charge extra to fit that setting

http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/radiant-cut/0.49-carat-g-color-si1-clarity-sku-256152
Click to expand...

after looking i still support this one. James allen, if you ask for a pricescope discount, will discount your stone a little, if they do, that would put that pairing juuust about 1550 (estimating). its a nice price for new ring, will look big on her hands, and as its an elongated shape, it'll flatter her hand if you do it the normal north/south way. And if you asked them to mill grain the setting )i think that makes this ring look more attractive) they do that for free. And sense you think she would prefer new....

whatever you pick though you've got to come back and show us

written before HD posted.

also i already got an asset for that stone as i was looking into tat for a pendent _17973.jpg
 
Niel|1400006519|3671859 said:
Niel|1399989190|3671650 said:
Don't feel bad about that budget, like i said, with her finger size anything will look amazing... ok....

I like this stone. I know its not square but...
http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/emerald-cut/0.56-carat-k-color-vvs1-clarity-sku-151109

you could put it in this setting, they charge an extra 150 to fit a fancy shape, but it would still be right about in budget. If you really want "unique" you could even set the stone sideway so its longways.

or this square. It would keep you around budget because as its a square they wouldn't charge extra to fit that setting

http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/radiant-cut/0.49-carat-g-color-si1-clarity-sku-256152
Click to expand...

after looking i still support this one. James allen, if you ask for a pricescope discount, will discount your stone a little, if they do, that would put that pairing juuust about 1550 (estimating). its a nice price for new ring, will look big on her hands, and as its an elongated shape, it'll flatter her hand if you do it the normal north/south way. And if you asked them to mill grain the setting )i think that makes this ring look more attractive) they do that for free. And sense you think she would prefer new....

whatever you pick though you've got to come back and show us

written before HD posted.

also i already got an asset for that stone as i was looking into tat for a pendent _17973.jpg
Click to expand...


A winner Niel :appl: :appl: :appl: :appl:
 
heididdl|1400006231|3671855 said:
Niel|1400001745|3671793 said:
You have to be careful with a second hand ring in this scenario. You're going to have to find one near here size, because you're not going to be able to size a size 6 ring down to a 2.5, its going to throw its shape off. So you'd have to get one close too its shape if you want to size it.

If you wanted to just get a new sitting, if you don't get the setting and the stone from the same place, you'll incur often a setting fee, and when the budget is 1500, thats something i wouldn't pay.
Click to expand...

After reading all the posts I like Niel's first selection of the Emerald Cut. She likes morbid now but this ring is forever. the Emerald cut is beautiiful and NOT RB which is the more common cut. Simple setting as Niel selected or just plain since her fingers are so small. You can do more trendy for bands like two black diamond pave bands which are very inexpensive.
Click to expand...

To your point, along with black diamond ones, they make like, bone wedding bands, I've seen. That would be fun to mix in something like that. Either forever with gold or temp with like a silver stacker.
 
I don't know how long you have to make the decision, but since you have been shopping with her she clearly knows this is an ongoing activity. Since she knows, I would ask her to build a Pinterest board of rings she thinks are pretty. Then you can see what she tends to trend towards. You could even post a couple of those as examples here maybe to give people a bit of an idea of what she likes.

Also, I would make sure to read the return policy just in case if you make it a surprise. You want to be sure to propose within that time period just in case she finds that it doesn't work for her fingers. Of course, if you buy a stone and then have it set, you may not be able to return it at all so maybe it is worth continuing to include her.

Congratulations and good luck! You have lots of great options. :)
 
Just a suggestion, if she likes morbid, why not incorporate that into the setting? I have seen some amazing oxidized white gold rings with white diamonds. They just make the diamond POP!!

http://www.gallery-of-jewels.com/ri...k-rhodium-true-romance-solitaire#.U3MAFfldW5I

Ok, so the following Singlestone settings will cost an arm and a leg, but just suggestions for inspriration if you decide to go with something more unconventional with a custom piece.

http://www.singlestone.com/index.php?page=collections&catID=3&startRow=28

http://www.singlestone.com/index.php?page=collections&catID=3&pID=1725&startRow=27

http://www.singlestone.com/index.php?page=collections&catID=3&pID=1777&startRow=23
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
GET 3 FREE HCA RESULTS JOIN THE FORUM. ASK FOR HELP
Jewelry Blog
PriceScope-Concierge-Ad
Find prime cuts.
Top