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Helping my niece research her (potential) engagement ring

TechieTechie

TechieTechie

Shiny_Rock
Joined
Nov 8, 2014
Messages
173
Hoping to get my niece to join PS, but until that happens...

I've been honored to be asked by my niece to help her research possible options for a (hopefully) engagement ring. Very excited as I love her to pieces. The 411:

-Still in school. BF is a recent graduate.
-Limited budget, not to exceed $5.5k
-Very 'edgy' (light 'goth' in my day) aesthetic. No Leon Mege needed :)
-Likes grey diamonds and a vintage look, but with as many eye-catching diamonds as possible.
-Wants round, oval, or pear-shaped center stone
-White or rose gold setting (platinum a possibility if we can get it within budget)
-Small hands (I'm pretty sure she's a US 5 ring size), but will have actual measurements soon

She loves this one, and it's near her price range, but it's not a certified diamond at all, so concerned about the bling factor. I actually think it's sorta cool (for a old codger like me!)
pointnopointstudio.com

2.04 Carat Salt and Pepper Round Diamond Engagement Ring, Bezel Halo Setting, 14k White Gold

2.04 Carat Salt and Pepper Round Diamond Engagement Ring, Bezel Halo Setting, 14k White Gold. Point No Point Studio. Salt and Pepper Conflict-Free Diamonds. Eco-Friendly Recycled Gold. Unique Diamond Rings.
pointnopointstudio.com pointnopointstudio.com

I've sent her this Leibish article to get a sense of how dark she wants to go.

Gray Diamonds: Shop Natural Loose Gray Diamond | Leibish

LEIBISH specializes in Natural Fancy Gray Diamonds & Gray Diamond Jewelry. Discover our collection of fancy color diamonds.
www.leibish.com

If she was looking for was near colorless diamonds or sapphires or emeralds, I'd know where to start to help her. But grey diamonds, I don't really know where to start other than the typical JA, BGD, IDJ and the like.
  • Have you all run across recent vendors with a lot of good quality grey stones?
  • Also, are there dark colored stones with similar properties to gray diamonds that she should consider?
Thinking if we can nab a stone in 2 carat range under $4k, then we have $1k-$1.5k for the setting and the pave stones.

Thanks, Techie

PS...hope everyone is well and safe out there!
 
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I would tell her to check out Gem Breakfast! They have a ton of stuff she may like.

Also, Emily Gill design, Anueva Jewelry, and The Northway Studio.

ETA: most salt and pepper or Galaxy diamonds as they call them won't have certs. I don't think they are about numbers, so much as do you like the inclusion pattern visually and the performance visually. I don't see most of the salt and pepper certified. It's probably not worth the cost to do it.
 
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if she likes goth also check out chelsea swank metalsmithing
 
elizat, thank you for the clarification. Good point about distinguishing if she likes salt and pepper or just gray stones. Would the salt/pepper lower the clarity scale, but not impact the cut? Trying to understand if she prioritizes the saltiness, would she be sacrificing brillance in the center stone?

Also, any idea what a good galaxy diamond should go for? $200 a carat? $500 a carat? This ring price seemed high to be, but I have no idea how to value anything other the 3 types of stones I outlined above.

bludiva and Snowdrop13, thank you for the referrals, I'll take a look.

Also, I need to confirm with her when she says vintage, what she means. When I think of Vintage, I think Art Deco, Victorian and 50s splashy cocktail rings. I wouldn't really consider a bezel setting vintage (more a 70s asthetic). But for someone in their 20s, 70s is probably vintage. Goodness, I'm old :rolleyes:
 
TechieTechie said:
Hoping to get my niece to join PS, but until that happens...

I've been honored to be asked by my niece to help her research possible options for a (hopefully) engagement ring. Very excited as I love her to pieces. The 411:

-Still in school. BF is a recent graduate.
-Limited budget, not to exceed $5.5k
-Very 'edgy' (light 'goth' in my day) aesthetic. No Leon Mege needed :)
-Likes grey diamonds and a vintage look, but with as many eye-catching diamonds as possible.
-Wants round, oval, or pear-shaped center stone
-White or rose gold setting (platinum a possibility if we can get it within budget)
-Small hands (I'm pretty sure she's a US 5 ring size), but will have actual measurements soon

She loves this one, and it's near her price range, but it's not a certified diamond at all, so concerned about the bling factor. I actually think it's sorta cool (for a old codger like me!)
pointnopointstudio.com

2.04 Carat Salt and Pepper Round Diamond Engagement Ring, Bezel Halo Setting, 14k White Gold

2.04 Carat Salt and Pepper Round Diamond Engagement Ring, Bezel Halo Setting, 14k White Gold. Point No Point Studio. Salt and Pepper Conflict-Free Diamonds. Eco-Friendly Recycled Gold. Unique Diamond Rings.
pointnopointstudio.com pointnopointstudio.com

I've sent her this Leibish article to get a sense of how dark she wants to go.

Gray Diamonds: Shop Natural Loose Gray Diamond | Leibish

LEIBISH specializes in Natural Fancy Gray Diamonds & Gray Diamond Jewelry. Discover our collection of fancy color diamonds.
www.leibish.com

If she was looking for was near colorless diamonds or sapphires or emeralds, I'd know where to start to help her. But grey diamonds, I don't really know where to start other than the typical JA, BGD, IDJ and the like.
  • Have you all run across recent vendors with a lot of good quality grey stones?
  • Also, are there dark colored stones with similar properties to gray diamonds that she should consider?
Thinking if we can nab a stone in 2 carat range under $4k, then we have $1k-$1.5k for the setting and the pave stones.

Thanks, Techie

PS...hope everyone is well and safe out there!
Click to expand...

seriously go to Yekutal as IDJewlery email him tell him your budget and he will find you the most amazing stones in your nieces price range $5000 on stone and $500 on setting you will get a beautiful 1 carat stone that is gorgous
 
I am very close to my nieces too so this thread hits home for me.
You said something in your OP, light goth, that made me think of a former coworkers ER that I love. It was in white gold and the center stone was a black stone. Let me see if I can find a picture. It’s beautiful and looks great on her. Funnily enough she’s not goth. She’s pretty traditional in her style of dress, but that’s the beauty with her ER. It’s still classic, yet cool and different. I like it.

Sorry if a black stone was already mentioned.
 
heididdl said:
seriously go to Yekutal as IDJewlery email him tell him your budget and he will find you the most amazing stones in your nieces price range $5000 on stone and $500 on setting you will get a beautiful 1 carat stone that is gorgous
Click to expand...

Heididdl, I wouldn't think IDJ would dabble in something like a salt and pepper. Have you worked with him on non-traditional stones?


diamondsR4eVR said:
I am very close to my nieces too so this thread hits home for me.
You said something in your OP, light goth, that made me think of a former coworkers ER that I love. It was in white gold and the center stone was a black stone. Let me see if I can find a picture. It’s beautiful and looks great on her. Funnily enough she’s not goth. She’s pretty traditional in her style of dress, but that’s the beauty with her ER. It’s still classic, yet cool and different. I like it.

Sorry if a black stone was already mentioned.
Click to expand...

No, I was thinking of a black or grey stone too. I am worried about all the inclusions in a salt and pepper and the strength of the stone. So, please bring on any and all suggestions.
 
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SimoneDi said:
OP if she likes grey stones, would she consider a spinel? There are more out there, but here is a lovely example:
www.finewatergems.com

0.98 ct Gray Spinel

0.98 ct Gray Spinel
www.finewatergems.com

She can still set it in a more traditional or “edgy” halo style setting.
Click to expand...

Good lord, that is beautiful. Not my style, but stunning nonetheless. I need to read up on Spinels, know nothing about them. Thank you.
 
I was also thinking there’s a host on QVC and I’ve always admired her black stone. You can look at her IG page to get a better look.
That’s where I grabbed this picture:
61872ABA-C2FF-4319-B5A0-DD57E795F79C.jpeg
 
TechieTechie said:
elizat, thank you for the clarification. Good point about distinguishing if she likes salt and pepper or just gray stones. Would the salt/pepper lower the clarity scale, but not impact the cut? Trying to understand if she prioritizes the saltiness, would she be sacrificing brillance in the center stone?

Also, any idea what a good galaxy diamond should go for? $200 a carat? $500 a carat? This ring price seemed high to be, but I have no idea how to value anything other the 3 types of stones I outlined above.

bludiva and Snowdrop13, thank you for the referrals, I'll take a look.

Also, I need to confirm with her when she says vintage, what she means. When I think of Vintage, I think Art Deco, Victorian and 50s splashy cocktail rings. I wouldn't really consider a bezel setting vintage (more a 70s asthetic). But for someone in their 20s, 70s is probably vintage. Goodness, I'm old :rolleyes:
Click to expand...

So the salt and pepper stones have inclusions that if they are surface reaching, you could end up with damage. A lot of people like them. Not for me but they are popular. I think you do sacrifice traditional brilliance. But, most of the folks that like that don't want traditional brilliance. They are ok with semi opaque or opaque. No idea on reasonable price per carat. It seems all over the map.

Spinel would have more traditional sparkle. Grey ones can be very pretty. But if she likes salt and pepper, she may not like that look. It would be pretty durable as well.
 
You might want to ask the question on the Colored Stones page. A grey spinel might be a nice option or possibly a not-too-dark sapphire, maybe from Montana. Some center stones would have a color change in different types of light, which could be fun!

Congratulations on the happy news in your family!
 
MissyBeaucoup said:
You might want to ask the question on the Colored Stones page. A grey spinel might be a nice option or possibly a not-too-dark sapphire, maybe from Montana. Some center stones would have a color change in different types of light, which could be fun!

Congratulations on the happy news in your family!
Click to expand...

Thanks MissyB. I debated between the main forum and Colored Stones, but given I had no idea where we would end up, figured I would start here. Interesting idea about the sapphire, will look into this.

I have to admit, doing a non traditional search is kinda fun...certainly learning more about the gem world than if she wanted a plain old H&A round :lol-2:
 
marymm said:
I've always admired Love Affair Diamond's 2.05ct Black Rose-Cut Diamond ring set in Sholdt 18kt YG with rose-cut diamond halo, well within budget at $3,495 - https://www.etsy.com/listing/753206...amond-in-sholdt?ref=shop_home_active_13&frs=1
Click to expand...

Thanks for the link, I don't think she wants yellow gold, but I completely forgot about LAD as a vendor. Need to keep them on the radar. I love this setting
www.etsy.com

Platinum and Diamond Halo Semimount for 10mm Center - Etsy

This Engagement Rings item by LoveAffairDiamonds has 23 favorites from Etsy shoppers. Ships from Steilacoom, WA. Listed on May 5, 2024
www.etsy.com www.etsy.com
 
This may be a good fit - a beautiful mix of traditional (sapphires and diamonds) with edgy (rose cut and peppered sapphire)
Bluerosecut.jpg
 
@molecule That peppered effect is really cool! Inclusions can be so beautiful! Often they do affect the bounce of light, but it may be worth it. Something about that whole design seems celestial to me.
 
If it is a pre-made ring and not the preferred metal color, you can always rhodium-dip; just ask for a triple dip and it will likely last for decades.
 
Did you see this;

3.11 fancy gray diamond. Setting ideas?!

It’s been a tough Monday but this was certainly a nice pick me up! 3.11 GIA fancy gray diamond. Bought from JA who rated it “ideal” cut. Would love ideas and inspirations for pendant/brooch designs! It’s a bit too big for a ring for me and I already have my daily wear bracelets.. Will take...
www.pricescope.com

I agree with the others see if you can persuade them to go with a non salt & pepper I'm not sure how hardy over a long period of time they would actually be and a lot of them are exceedingly overpriced for what they are.

I'd go for a grey spinel any day of the week or a well cut, eye clean grey diamond, over a Salt and Pepper diamond and you could get a pretty awe inspiring halo with the rest of their budget if they did select a grey spinel.

This faces blue rather than grey but something like it would be nicer IMHO than a Salt and Pepper;

1.38ct M SI1 Radiant Cut Diamond Ring

This is a great 1.38ct M SI1 Radiant Cut Diamond Ring. We set this in our super popular pink halo setting - a light Pink Lemonade.
www.diamondsbylauren.com
 
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OMG I would go for a grey spinel too. I love them.
 
Do you all remember that fancy white diamond set in black metal with all the cutlets on the melee pointing out? David Klass did it and it came up for sale (I guess either thtime engagement didn’t go through or she didn’t like it??).

It is probably out of budget, but was definitely unique and goth looking. Also, if it’s still for sale, the seller might take an offer.

I don’t remember if it was on diamond bistro or loupe troop.

I think it might be way out of budget though....
 
Hah, just talked to her and classic diamonds are now also in the mix. This is gonna be fun. Going to have her start with settings (see what she likes), then we'll figure out the center stone options.
 
whitewave said:
Do you all remember that fancy white diamond set in black metal with all the cutlets on the melee pointing out? David Klass did it and it came up for sale (I guess either thtime engagement didn’t go through or she didn’t like it??).

It is probably out of budget, but was definitely unique and goth looking. Also, if it’s still for sale, the seller might take an offer.

I don’t remember if it was on diamond bistro or loupe troop.

I think it might be way out of budget though....
Click to expand...

It’s this one, but it must be out of budget. I checked loupe troop and couldn’t find the listing. I may have seen it on EBay.

 
Gary has this 2.5 carat violet/grey spinel for $495. That leaves a bunch of budget for diamonds and the ring.



www.finewatergems.com

2.50 ct Burmese Violet/Gray Spinel

2.50 ct Burmese Violet/Gray Spinel
www.finewatergems.com

78676F20-FD17-4B4B-A3BA-56EA84178D34.png7F289E87-BE57-4533-8E57-93688E5FDB42.png
 
Also, get her to look through Diamonds by Lauren.

David has lots of interesting pieces.

Fancy Colored Diamond Jewelry

Featuring Yellow, Pink, Colorless, Champagne, Blue, Green Diamonds. Custom made rings, stud earrings, Canary Necklaces, from New York City
www.diamondsbylauren.com
 
whitewave said:
Gary has this 2.5 carat violet/grey spinel for $495. That leaves a bunch of budget for diamonds and the ring.

I saw that, and it's STUNNING. But I don't think she wanted an emerald cut. Will pass along, though.
Click to expand...

whitewave said:
Also, get her to look through Diamonds by Lauren.

David has lots of interesting pieces.
Click to expand...

Agreed, it's on the list of sites.
 
whitewave said:
Do you all remember that fancy white diamond set in black metal with all the cutlets on the melee pointing out? David Klass did it and it came up for sale (I guess either thtime engagement didn’t go through or she didn’t like it??).

It is probably out of budget, but was definitely unique and goth looking. Also, if it’s still for sale, the seller might take an offer.

I don’t remember if it was on diamond bistro or loupe troop.

I think it might be way out of budget though....
Click to expand...

i remember that! i think it sold. it was something like 5k. there was another one i saw somewhere recently, a huge salt and pepper pear that was pretty but can't remember where and can't find it.
 
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