Find your diamond
Find your jewelry
shape
carat
color
clarity

How would you spend $2K on an engagement ring? Hmm...

Status
Not open for further replies. Please create a new topic or request for this thread to be opened.
darkeyesredshoes

darkeyesredshoes

Shiny_Rock
Joined
Apr 15, 2007
Messages
222
I didn''t think I''d be posting much on Rocky Talky anymore, but my BIL is planning to propose and has no real idea how to spend his $2K budget. He seems pretty settled on getting a round in a white gold solitaire (maybe something Tiffany-esque?) but hasn''t thought much about color, clarity, size, etc.

My SIL-to-be is petite and always put together - a New Yorker working in design. I think she''d want something classy and timeless, but I don''t think he wants to ask because it''s (hopefully) going to be a surprise.

So, where would you spend $2K on an engagement ring? I was thinking H-I, SI1 as being good benchmarks to shoot for, and that as much of the budget as possible should go into the stone. Mine is an H and BIL said "it looks good to me." I don''t think he realized how many variables there can be to consider when opening this Pandora''s box! He was all set to go to a store, pick one out, and buy one, but I''m trying to save him from getting mauled...

Your advice is greatly appreciated!

P.S. We are in NYC, so we can definitely go to ERD or another local vendor to check out stones if needed.
 
If I could do all over again.... my priority:

1- cut
2- size
3 - Color (I-K range)
4- clarity

then a simple solitaire setting... maximize my dollar for the biggest bling
31.gif
well cut of course

ETA : here is a J RB super Ideal :
http://www.whiteflash.com/hearts_arrows/Whiteflash-ACA-cut-diamond-1467068.htm

and pair it with something like... yummy!!!

http://www.whiteflash.com/Engagement-Rings/Styles/Solitaire/Hand-Over-Hand-Diamond-Solitaire_1341.htm
 
Thanks for the input! I think he really needs to go and see some stones to figure out how low in color he wants to go. I agree that clarity should be the least of his priorities. Lucky for him, she ought to have pretty small fingers, so the coverage should be decent no matter what!
 
Don''t let him go to the mall! We will give some suggestions!!!!
 
hmm, have him check out Jareds... Peerless collection as that is AGS ideal... to see the color, but have them put it in a mount... I looked at Jareds Peerless before deciding to go with whiteflash..
 
Yay! I knew I could count on Pricescopers to save him (and her) from that terrible fate! Thank you in advance!
36.gif
 
Can I assume that your BIL is also in NY, NYC? If so, give GOG a visit, since they have a shop-front in Long Island.
 
D&T - I just sent him a link to that setting to check out, great idea! Thank you so much... I''ll let him know about that ACA as well, although I don''t know what he''d think of a J until he sees it in person. I was wondering about WF''s Expert Selections as well, because there might be some good values there.
 
I would look for a second hand Tiffany & Co engagement ring.

http://cgi.ebay.com/TIFFANY-CO-PLATINUM-0-40ct-DIAMOND-SOLITAIRE-RING_W0QQitemZ220400756559QQcmdZViewItemQQptZLH_DefaultDomain_0?hash=item220400756559&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14&_trkparms=72%3A1326%7C66%3A2%7C65%3A12%7C39%3A1%7C240%3A1318%7C301%3A1%7C293%3A1%7C294%3A50

http://cgi.ebay.com/CLASSIC-PLATINUM-TIFFANY-CO-DIAMOND-ENGAGEMENT-RING_W0QQitemZ270381609321QQcmdZViewItemQQptZVintage_Fine_Jewelry?hash=item270381609321&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14&_trkparms=72%3A1326%7C66%3A2%7C65%3A12%7C39%3A1%7C240%3A1318%7C301%3A0%7C293%3A1%7C294%3A50

http://cgi.ebay.com/TIFFANY-PERETTI-PLATINUM-DIAMOND-ENGAGEMENT-RING-BAND_W0QQitemZ260375218311QQcmdZViewItemQQptZLH_DefaultDomain_0?hash=item260375218311&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14&_trkparms=72%3A1326%7C66%3A2%7C65%3A12%7C39%3A1%7C240%3A1318%7C301%3A0%7C293%3A2%7C294%3A50

http://cgi.ebay.com/Authentic-Tiffany-Co-Diamond-Engagement-Ring_W0QQitemZ260398366098QQcmdZViewItemQQptZLH_DefaultDomain_0?hash=item260398366098&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14&_trkparms=72%3A1326%7C66%3A2%7C65%3A12%7C39%3A1%7C240%3A1318%7C301%3A0%7C293%3A1%7C294%3A50
 
StoneCold - Great idea! I forgot about GOG. He might be able to see some fancy shapes there as well, just for comparison''s sake.

CharmyPoo - I was thinking that too, but there''s nothing on Signed Pieces right now. It''s too bad, because she definitely likes T&Co... Thanks!
 
Date: 4/28/2009 5:24:20 PM
Author: darkeyesredshoes
D&T - I just sent him a link to that setting to check out, great idea! Thank you so much... I''ll let him know about that ACA as well, although I don''t know what he''d think of a J until he sees it in person. I was wondering about WF''s Expert Selections as well, because there might be some good values there.
Click to expand...
hooray!!
36.gif
there are also I color ACA I just looked for the biggest bling for the bucks
2.gif
but I really think he''ll be blown away with the sparkles
30.gif
and she too! I thought I wanted an H-I then I jumped to a J now I own a K ACA... I"m just going down the alphabet ...
 
That was my budget. Depending on her style, might an eternity band work for her? If I had to do it over again I don''t think I''d have bought a half carat engagement ring. It just doesn''t look how I want it to. Eternity, 3 stones, and 5 stones look great paired with a wedding band.

plat, 1 carat, for right at $2,000
 
D&T - I get that notion the more I read Pricescope! I''d be tempted, but I''m sticking with my H for the long haul. I might be tempted to get some K bezel earrings some day, though!

Addy - I sent your link along to him - I totally agree. I keep envisioning a solitaire around .80 or so, but it''s probably unrealistic. If his budget is firm, your suggestion would be beautiful and so blingy! Very tasteful, too. I''ll let you know what he says...
 
how bout three stone? would he/she be interested in that? that''s some good finger coverage for say .3 each? almost a carat total
 
I''d get a nice pear in a very simple setting.

http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/G-SI2-Ideal-Cut-Pear-Diamond-1169020.asp

http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/G-SI2-Ideal-Cut-Pear-Diamond-1169021.asp

http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/H-SI1-Ideal-Cut-Pear-Diamond-1218001.asp

http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/G-SI1-Ideal-Cut-Pear-Diamond-1232807.asp


I''d call and ask them to pull these, have James himself tell you which one is the nicest brightest stone with the least bow tie and then put it into one of these settings:

http://www.jamesallen.com/engagement-rings/settings-with-sidestones/ring/item_58-869.asp

http://www.jamesallen.com/engagement-rings/settings-with-sidestones/2-2mm-0-54ctw-Common-Prong-Ring.html

http://www.jamesallen.com/engagement-rings/settings-with-sidestones/basket-set-Engagement-Ring.html

Of course a lovely round would look nice as well.
 
D&T - I love the three-stone idea, but I''d have to figure out how in-budget it would realistically be. The price for the setting is half the budget alone...

Gypsy - Thank you for taking the time to find all those stones! I''m definitely sending them along to him. Curious, though, as to why you''d recommend a pear over a round or a different fancy shape. Does it have to do with style or spread? BTW, your wedding photos looked amazing!
 
Pear looks bigger and more unique.
 
I know that this isn''t exactly what you were asking, but it''s my personal opinion that for a budget on the more modest side, setting is KEY.

I would personally get an antique/vintage/estate piece with a budget like $2k, unless it''s known that the wearer is a huge fan of solitaires.
 
Let us know what his thoughts are... three stone yah/nah? or solitaire,, and I''ll come up with more ideas
31.gif
 
Date: 4/28/2009 6:54:53 PM
Author: musey
I know that this isn't exactly what you were asking, but it's my personal opinion that for a budget on the more modest side, setting is KEY.

I would personally get an antique/vintage/estate piece with a budget like $2k, unless it's known that the wearer is a huge fan of solitaires.
Click to expand...
We talked about it a bunch in this thread:
https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/best-bang-for-buck-1k-for-a-ring.102339/

The setting just makes such a difference in visual impact.
 
Date: 4/28/2009 6:54:53 PM
Author: musey
I know that this isn''t exactly what you were asking, but it''s my personal opinion that for a budget on the more modest side, setting is KEY.

I would personally get an antique/vintage/estate piece with a budget like $2k, unless it''s known that the wearer is a huge fan of solitaires.
Click to expand...

I really agree with this. Especially since she is in the design field, something more unique seems in order.

I love Gypsy''s pear idea or Musey''s suggestion of an estate piece.
 
THANK YOU Darkredshoes!

As for why a pear? Well you said she was in NY and into design. That says two things to me: unique and big. Pears have very nice spread and aren't in the common run and are cheaper per carat than rounds (so I was able to go up in color to G-H), add them to a setting with some lovely pave or special touches, I think it will stand out and look very striking. An oval would also be lovely (for the same reasons), but I did a quick search and found nothing that was worth a second glance. PLUS if at some point she does want a larger stone, pears make amazing solitare pendants so she'd have a lovely use for the very sentimental diamond.


I love love love ebree's selection and have to say... snap that puppy up immediately if you like it. YUM! And with a halo that puppy is going to shine!

Musey's suggestion is also wonderful.

OH and I picked James Allen because they have an office available by appointments only in NY if you call and ask them to, they will bring in the stones you are interested in for viewing. ERD is also great because Mark has a good eye. GOG is my favorite of the vendors there, but he can be slightly higher priced than the other two-- though DEFINITELY worth a call to see what they can do for you.
 
So many wise suggestions. BIL can''t check it all out and weigh in until after SIL-to-be is asleep, so I can''t let you know any more specifics until after I hear from him. I just want to thank all of you so much for offering your thoughts!

Musey - I totally agree, and am wondering what FSIL must think about all of this. I was steering him toward Pricescope vendors so that he''d know he''s getting the best stone for his money, and then upgrade the setting later. Are there any antique/vintage/estate vendors that come highly recommended? Being in NYC, I should know more places to look, but I''m not well-versed in anything but ERD. And thanks for linking me to that thread - I don''t lurk in RT enough!

D&T - I will definitely let you know when I hear from him!

EBree - If I didn''t already have my own engagement ring, I''d want that one for sure! Plus, it''s a cushion! I sent the link to him. Gorgeous.

Inanna - Thank you! I think you''re on the right track, and I''m in total agreement.

Gypsy - You''re welcome! I should start a post with my own wedding photos, since everybody was so helpful with the planning! I really like the pears you picked out - I''d never have thought of them myself - and I''ll let you know what he thinks about that option. They are definitely stylish and cover more finger! I''d also forgotten about JA''s being in NY. BIL is in the right place to look for diamonds! Thank you for all your help!
 
A new yorker working in design can means hundreds of things. From Bauhaus (think straight minimal lines) to Vintage and everything in between. What does she design?

I really think your brother in law needs to get a better idea of what she likes. I wouldn''t even begin to guess.

I love modern and wouldn''t want anything vintage. If my husband had no idea and he got me a vintage piece because that was the most elaborate design his budget afforded, i wouldn''t be thrilled. In fact, I would have been been much happier with a solitare regardless of the size.

Same goes for color. Again as a designer (i''m assuming the usual as in clothes, furniture,etc and not a graphic designer) she may very well be sensitive to the different nuances in color. I think your idea to stick to an H is excellent.

Have him take her to a few stores on the pretense of helping a guy friend of his choose a ring. She what she''s drawn too before he plunks down 2k based on what we say.
 
Hi Redshoes, let us know what he thinks. This isn''t something he should rush, ultimately. And if he can do what elle suggests, he should. Going to a jeweler with a lot of different shaped stones would be really good. So she can try on square, round, pear, marquise, ovals... all of the above. And he can see what styles she is drawn to.
 
elle_chris, you bring up some really good points, and my husband agrees. He works with FSIL; they both do graphic design at the same classic upscale fashion company, not to put too fine a point on it. I''m going to talk to BIL about what he''s been envisioning (although so far, he doesn''t seem to have any concrete ideas about it apart from liking my ring but not wanting the same exact thing) and try and see if he''s married to the whole surprise proposal thing or if he can get an idea of what she''d like to have the most. If he wants, my husband can do a little recon (they eat lunch together every day) or she and I can have a girls'' day and talk about it ourselves. If it were me, I''d want some input - when it WAS me, I had input galore! Ridiculous quantities of input!

For the record, the only jewelry I''ve ever seen her wear is what BIL has bought for her: the T&Co sterling silver link bracelet and Elsa Peretti pendant. So, very tasteful and white metals is what I know.

I will get back to all of you after I''ve talked to BIL again. I''ll get more information about what he likes and - hopefully! - he''ll find out her opinions about this, too. After all, she''s going to be the one wearing it!

Thanks so much! I''ll keep you posted...
 
Status
Not open for further replies. Please create a new topic or request for this thread to be opened.
GET 3 FREE HCA RESULTS JOIN THE FORUM. ASK FOR HELP
Jewelry Blog
PriceScope-Concierge-Ad
Find prime cuts.
Top