Thanks for the reply, it is very helpful. What do you think about this one?
I love HPD, I'd ask them to compare by eye the stone you selected to this one http://www.hpdiamonds.com/en-us/diamonddetail/HPD7636
See which is cleaner by eye. I know this is more expensive, but the inclusions on this one are around the perimeter versus within the main part of the table. Wink won't try to upsell you, so I'd trust his opinion.
For the setting, if you go with HPD, just have them make the ring. I would not let a brick&mortor touch this stone....A couple of thoughts about the setting.
1) You DO NOT want the prong tips to be little balls. You want delicate claw prongs. Really. Look at the last picture below. Much better with sharp prongs.
2) Has she specifically requested the band to have engraving/designs? If not, I would not do so. I would present the solitaire plain and give her the option on choosing the design. Engraving is really a love/hate thing.
3) Here is the side-profile. The head (white gold) make no contact with the shoulders. Too much space from the side. Not good. The ring I posted is the Vatche U-113 and below that the Scroll Solitaire. These are much better constructed and flowing rings. Wink's bench can make a setting inspired by either of these (and may be able to get the Vatche).
VATCHE U-113
SCROLL SOLITAIRE - JOSEPH SCHUBACH
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Thanks! That info helps a lot!WF and HPD stone are all super-ideals. So, the difference really comes down to the 'look' of the diamonds and what appeals to you. There are very very small differences in the appearance of the diamonds. Some here will vote for WF, some HPD. I personally vote for HPD. Both have generous upgrade policy (if she every wants a bigger or 'higher' clarity stone) and offer exceptional customer service. Both have excellent benches that will make a great ring that you will love and be made to last.
Also, for a stone of this size, I would recommend 6 prongs over 4. It keeps the stone looking round and protects the girdle of the stone. Also, specify that you want a ring that allows a flush band (that is what she showed you).
1) Don't buy her wedding band. Let her do that or at least be directly involved. She'll make that design decision after she's worn and gotten to know her ering a bit better. She may want something matching, but may also want something sparkly. Let her choose.
2) For engraving, you generally want a harder alloy. So, that means stick with 14k over 18k.
3) Buying a pre-made, pre-engraved ring will likely be the least expensive route. Either WF or HPD can help you find a good ring.
But, if you find a ring and will have it custom engraved, have them only design about 3/4 around on each side of the shank. If she ever needs the ring re-sized, they have to cut the band somewhere and in the middle of a complex pattern is a bummer. If the ring comes engraved, so be it.
Here's are some examples of engraving genres. Most of the pre-made rings will be like the yellow-gold one below. If you end up having it custom engraved, and she has a favorite flower, you might mention that to the engraver. They may be able to incorporate it (without being too literal). Adding engraving like this is usually not terribly expensive. A good engraver, like these below, create a depth and 3-d effect by the work. Often pre-made rings are less dimensional.
Video of HPD ring in the making: https://www.pricescope.com/blog/video-creation-custom-engagement-ring-high-performance-diamonds {great shank and engraving on this ring, but for your girl's inspiration, I'd stick with a more simple basket/head that allows a flush band...see last picture in this never-ending comment
The white gold ring below has a floral look, while the yellow gold band has more feather-inspiration (the top two happen to be by David Klass). The yellow gold one here is more like her inspiration and I'd love to see the incorporation of the Scroll Solitaire type basket if you go this way.
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