i cannot decide!

[doctork]

Hi,

I''m posting here behind my girlfriend''s back. Thankfully she doesn''t know about this website. I''m trying to pick out potential rings/diamonds but I have no idea what I want right now. The main thing I want to decide is budget/carat. My budget is pretty open. It''s more about what do I WANT to spend. I know she will be happy with whatever I get her, and this is something I want to do on my own. A surprise.

Can you guys offer some suggestions on how to pick a budget/carat? I just want something that looks big, but not too big ya know? I cannot exactly go looking at rings in the stores to compare sizes on hands and stuff because this is a surprise, and my girlfriend and I are extremely close and it would be odd for me to go out without her. She would be too suspicious.

Any suggestions? Thanks

 

[diamondseeker2006]

I would say that the first parameter would be what size diamonds do her sisters or best friends have? Another one would be what kind of income level you are in. We''d be happy to help you if you give us a little more info!

 

[ImpatientOne]

Do you have any ideas about what shape of stone she prefers? What type of settings? White gold, Yellow gold, or platinum?

The good folks here would love to help you out, but we need a lot more info!

 

[doctork]

Date: 1/28/2008 8:47:53 PM
Author: diamondseeker2006
I would say that the first parameter would be what size diamonds do her sisters or best friends have? Another one would be what kind of income level you are in. We''d be happy to help you if you give us a little more info!

I am 21, she is 18. We aren''t really at the same level of our friends and family. Her sister is only 16 so not married of course, and none of our friends are married. I have nothing to compare with. As for level of income it''s about 140-180k.

 

[doctork]

Date: 1/28/2008 8:50:03 PM
Author: ImpatientOne
Do you have any ideas about what shape of stone she prefers? What type of settings? White gold, Yellow gold, or platinum?


The good folks here would love to help you out, but we need a lot more info!

Hi there, thanks. She has left it up to me. I think I am leaning towards a nice princess cut, which doesn''t seem to be very popular here. Is there a reason for that? As for color, I''m undecided right now, but most likely white gold. Not sure about setting, but I know I want bands that have diamonds going around. I figured I''d start with carat weight/budget first! lol

 

[diamondseeker2006]

Okay, with your income level, my suggestion is 1.5 cts. That is a wonderful size, but it is not over the top for someone young. Since you can afford it, I would go with a relatively high color of maybe F-G and a clarity of VS1 or VS2. I would probably set it in a simple white gold setting and let her decide later if she wants to change to a more elaborate setting. But many of us prefer simple solitaires so we can wear diamond wedding bands!

I personally think that round stones have the most brilliance and are more timeless in style. I think some here feel that princess cut is trendy and may go in and out of style like other cuts such as marquise, etc.

(Oh, and if she doesn''t like the ring, I have a very pretty 22 yr. old daughter I''d like you to meet!

)

 

[JulieN]

Date: 1/28/2008 8:56:28 PM
Author: doctork


Hi there, thanks. She has left it up to me. I think I am leaning towards a nice princess cut, which doesn't seem to be very popular here. Is there a reason for that? As for color, I'm undecided right now, but most likely white gold. Not sure about setting, but I know I want bands that have diamonds going around. I figured I'd start with carat weight/budget first! lol

Princesses don't have the light performance that rounds do.

Anywhere from .75 cts-1.25 sounds reasonable to me for an 18 year old (I'm 21) unless the women in her family wear 3-10 ct rings.

 

[diamondseeker2006]

Oh, and in an ideal cut round at 1.5 cts. F-G color, VS1-2, you are talking about the $15,000-20,000 range.

(If you want diamonds in the bands, we can help you there, too. But you''ll need to know her exact ring size.)

 

[diamondseeker2006]

Date: 1/28/2008 9:07:45 PM
Author: JulieN

Date: 1/28/2008 8:56:28 PM
Author: doctork


Hi there, thanks. She has left it up to me. I think I am leaning towards a nice princess cut, which doesn't seem to be very popular here. Is there a reason for that? As for color, I'm undecided right now, but most likely white gold. Not sure about setting, but I know I want bands that have diamonds going around. I figured I'd start with carat weight/budget first! lol

Princesses don't have the light performance that rounds do.

Anywhere from .75 cts-1.25 sounds reasonable to me for an 18 year old (I'm 21) unless the women in her family wear 3-10 ct rings.

Julie, I'd normally agree with this if age was the only factor, but his income level is going to put them in a social circle with some larger diamonds even if some of the women are initially older than she is.

 

[ImpatientOne]

Date: 1/28/2008 9:10:02 PM
Author: diamondseeker2006

Date: 1/28/2008 9:07:45 PM
Author: JulieN

Date: 1/28/2008 8:56:28 PM
Author: doctork


Hi there, thanks. She has left it up to me. I think I am leaning towards a nice princess cut, which doesn''t seem to be very popular here. Is there a reason for that? As for color, I''m undecided right now, but most likely white gold. Not sure about setting, but I know I want bands that have diamonds going around. I figured I''d start with carat weight/budget first! lol

Princesses don''t have the light performance that rounds do.

Anywhere from .75 cts-1.25 sounds reasonable to me for an 18 year old (I''m 21) unless the women in her family wear 3-10 ct rings.

Julie, I''d normally agree with this if age was the only factor, but his income level is going to put them in a social circle with some larger diamonds even if some of the women are initially older than she is.

Yup, I agree! I think something in the 1.5 ct range would be more appropriate.

 

[doctork]

Date: 1/28/2008 9:10:02 PM
Author: diamondseeker2006

Date: 1/28/2008 9:07:45 PM

Author: JulieN

Date: 1/28/2008 8:56:28 PM

Author: doctork



Hi there, thanks. She has left it up to me. I think I am leaning towards a nice princess cut, which doesn''t seem to be very popular here. Is there a reason for that? As for color, I''m undecided right now, but most likely white gold. Not sure about setting, but I know I want bands that have diamonds going around. I figured I''d start with carat weight/budget first! lol

Princesses don''t have the light performance that rounds do.


Anywhere from .75 cts-1.25 sounds reasonable to me for an 18 year old (I''m 21) unless the women in her family wear 3-10 ct rings.

Julie, I''d normally agree with this if age was the only factor, but his income level is going to put them in a social circle with some larger diamonds even if some of the women are initially older than she is.

Yeah, our social circle tends to be people much older, with similar style incomes. A lot of our friends are multi-millionaires as well, which I don''t wanna want to compete with, lol. I was thinking somewhere around 1.75-2.25 would be a good weight.

Great input so far, thanks a lot!

To answer someone else''s question, her ring size is a 7.

 

[kcoursolle]

Do you have any idea what she likes? I would tailor the ring to what she likes? What is her current jewelry like? Is it big, small, modern, antique? I like DS suggestion on 1.5 carats. It''s a large size that will still be large to her over time, but not insanely large for a young person like your girlfriend. Most people do tend to prefer rounds here because of the superior light performance (sparkle). Rounds just sparkle more...but that doesn''t mean that they are right for everyone.

 

[doctork]

By the way, is there anywhere I can view pictures of different carat diamond rings, on hands. So I can compare what the diamonds look like on an average sized hand.

 

[diamondseeker2006]

If you decide you are open to rounds, we''d be glad to give you some suggestions! If you want a more square stone, I''d suggest a cushion over a princess.

 

[kcoursolle]

Date: 1/28/2008 10:22:18 PM
Author: doctork
By the way, is there anywhere I can view pictures of different carat diamond rings, on hands. So I can compare what the diamonds look like on an average sized hand.

Sure, search the "show me the ring thread" and you can see hundreds of e-rings on different people''s hands. An average sized hand is probably about a size 6. Here''s the thread: https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/the-forum-engagement-ring-folder-eye-candy.5429/page-112

 

[Circe]

There''s a variety of threads in the SMTR section, most of them being titled with some variation on "Show Me Your ..." 2 carat+, 3 carat+, etc. If you search for "Show Me Your" in quotations and add the number of carats separately, you should be able to find the threads.

And, for what it''s worth, I think 1.5 to 2 carats will look gorgeous on her at 18, 28, 38, and onwards.

 

[diamondseeker2006]

Date: 1/28/2008 10:22:18 PM
Author: doctork
By the way, is there anywhere I can view pictures of different carat diamond rings, on hands. So I can compare what the diamonds look like on an average sized hand.

Okay, I think these are 1.0, 1.2, 1.5, and 2.0 cts.

 

[vslover]

In a size 7 and with your income level, I''d suggest a 2 carat stone...I think that would look lovely. Also, since rounds tends to look bigger than princesses of the same weight/size, I''d go round. IMO it''s a timeless look and very classic.

 

[Tacori E-ring]

If you like princess cut diamonds, get a princess. Rounds are beautiful and VERY popular on here but they aren''t the *only* choice out there. Also Asschers are beautiful if it is the "square" shape that you love. I agree knowing if she likes modern or antique jewelry would help otherwise I would set it in a PLT solitaire (Leon maybe?!? of MWM''s sunburst) and call it a day. You have an abnormally large income for your age but I would spend what you are comfortable with. It is easier to come up with a budget first and then decide on size.

 

[Missrocks]

Taking everything into consideration I vote for 2ct to 2.25ct. That size will make a statement, but not so much as make her feel uncomfortable.

And I personally enjoy both rounds and cushions.

 

[JandJ]

just throwin in my opinion for fun!

i think it would be great if you found a wonderful center stone and set it in a solitare.... that way, if your girl wanted something more elaborate, you can have it reset at minimal cost... but you *still* have the beautiful rock to blow her away with!!

and personally, with your budget, i''d stick to around the 1.5 range, but would still go up to 2.0 ct., but of course, it''s all personal preference... im (relatively) young and so is my fi... but we both make very good money and want for nothing... that being said, i have stood firm on not wanting to spend more than $9000 on a diamond (although he wants to spend more) because i would like to buy a house in the next year and i can''t imagine more than that on my finger!

bottom line, figure out budget, find the stone, (allowing for some setting allowance) and IMHO, set it in a solitare, and then after you surprise her with is let her set it in the setting of her dreams!!!





congrats! you are such an involved bf in this process, you are head and shoulders above many of them out there! she will be one pleased ff, im sure!!

 

[cara]

Does her taste tend to run a little more modern, edgy? Then I think a princess would be lovely. Yes a round is technically more brilliant but there are some pretty nice sparklin' ideal princesses available now to an educated buyer. Put it in a nice v-prong head with a pave band and it would be fabulouso.

Since you have the budget for it, check out Mark Morrel to see if his style appeals to you. He did an awesome princess setting that I can't seem to locate just now on here. (Can anyone find this 3 ct princess with channel set side stones that MWM set a few years ago? Its not exactly what the OP wants, but its more just for Mark's aesthetic style with princesses.) Also look at the Michael B princess setting, which looks lovely with a princess stone.

I vote 2 ct or so. Assuming she can/wants to pull it off stylistically and would be OK with the occasional bit of attention from the ring. There is no way to span all the social cirles out there with one diamond size, but this would be a respectable rock that she can age with for a while, without being celebrity sized. If she is a little more subtle in her style and would prefer not to receive such attention, go closer to 1.5 but there are people that will gush and fuss over anything > 0.5 ct so its difficult to avoid all attention with a diamond engagement ring at her age.

 

[crown1]

Date: 1/28/2008 10:19:22 PM
Author: doctork

Date: 1/28/2008 9:10:02 PM

Author: diamondseeker2006

Date: 1/28/2008 9:07:45 PM


Author: JulieN

Date: 1/28/2008 8:56:28 PM


Author: doctork




Hi there, thanks. She has left it up to me. I think I am leaning towards a nice princess cut, which doesn''t seem to be very popular here. Is there a reason for that? As for color, I''m undecided right now, but most likely white gold. Not sure about setting, but I know I want bands that have diamonds going around. I figured I''d start with carat weight/budget first! lol

Princesses don''t have the light performance that rounds do.



Anywhere from .75 cts-1.25 sounds reasonable to me for an 18 year old (I''m 21) unless the women in her family wear 3-10 ct rings.

Julie, I''d normally agree with this if age was the only factor, but his income level is going to put them in a social circle with some larger diamonds even if some of the women are initially older than she is.

Yeah, our social circle tends to be people much older, with similar style incomes. A lot of our friends are multi-millionaires as well, which I don''t wanna want to compete with, lol. I was thinking somewhere around 1.75-2.25 would be a good weight.


Great input so far, thanks a lot!


To answer someone else''s question, her ring size is a 7.

i think you have suggested a good size range. i prefer a round or cushion over a princess. one thing to consider if you go with the princess is that the mounting protects the corners. there are some great looking princesses out there if that is what you want. i look forward to seeing what you find.

 

[doctork]

Wow, great replies so far! I really appreciate it. Sorry I''m a little slow responding. We work in the same home office, so it''s hard for me to get privacy on the computer.

To answer some questions...I am open to other cuts, but I personally really like the look of a princess cut. Our tastes are very modern. She likes to dress up, wear nice clothes, etc. Thanks to the poster who posted the picture, and the links to the pic thread.

I''m short on time right now, so when I get some time I''ll go through each reply more thoroughly and respond.

By the way, right now the budget in my head for the final ring is maybe around 20-25k. Any more input would be awesome!

 

[ydiamonds]

Shane Co, at www.shaneco.com, loose diamond search function lets you see how various size diamonds look on a particular setting. You can play around different shapes too. Many of the other websites like Adiamor, Abazias, and Bluenile let you see how different shape center stones look in their settings.

 

[Italiahaircolor]

Hi Doctork...

I am with ya on the princess cut...I have one and love it dearly. I think it is a cool, modern, and distinctive shape...

I think setting your budget is a good first step. I would consider staying within the 1.5ct weight range...you''ll easily be able to afford a very good stone--nice color, nice clarity, nice cut, and also a lovely setting to match.

Congratulations!

 

[IAmFeralCat]

I think your biggest challenge might be picking a shape for her. I find that when it comes to princess cut''s most people have a pretty strong opinion,..usually a love it or hate it thing.

I was an art major so I tend to think in terms of "curvilinear vs. angular". I like soft shapes, and curves. Princess cuts are a bit harsh and angular for me, personally. But its just a preference thing.

 

[diamondseeker2006]

I''d recommend taking a look at square hearts and arrows stones and some of the other modified squares at Good Old Gold. You could get a Ritani setting and a square hearts and arrows stone and have the look of a Tiffany Novo, which is gorgeous!!!! If you''re going square, they tend to face up a little smaller than a round, so you''d be fine with 2 carats with one of those.

www.goodoldgold.com

 

[cara]

This is the MWM princess setting I was thinking of. Its serious bling but just an example of his style and how it might work with a princess:

AOE''s ring

 

[doctork]

Date: 1/30/2008 8:47:26 PM
Author: cara
This is the MWM princess setting I was thinking of. Its serious bling but just an example of his style and how it might work with a princess:


AOE's ring

Cara,

Thanks...that ring is really nice! I like the modern look of it, though it may be a little bulky for my tastes. I've thought about having it custom designed, but I assume that adds a lot to the price. Am I correct?

edit; after seeing the final pictures, i take that back. that ring is beautiful. did i miss the cost breakdown?