I chose the setting. Please help me choose a diamond for it

[kostomashka]

Hello everyone!

I imagine there must be many posts like this one so I apologize in advance for lack of original content

I am planning on getting engaged within the next month and I have started doing research on rings and I am just overwhelmed. I am hoping someone here will be kind enough to give me a few helpful tips.

I have found this setting: http://www.tacori.com/Engagement-Rings/HT225912#/HT225912
I found it locally on craigslist, the seller is selling it for $3000 and it's platinum. Seems like a very good deal to me. I will of course verify that it is genuine before buying.

My next step is getting the diamond for it. According to the seller this setting will accept 1.0 - 1.5 carat round stone. My overall budget is $4500, so after spending $3000 on the setting I now have about $1500 left to buy the center diamond.

My question is: with only $1500 available to spend, will I be able to afford a diamond good enough to compliment this setting well? And if so, where should I start shopping for one? There are so many online retailers for diamonds that I don't know where to turn.

Any advice and tips will be greatly appreciated. Thank you very much for your time, folks!


p.s. If you think that my idea for this setting and diamond is not worth it or not possible with my budget, I am definitely open to advice on how to spend the $4500 for something better or more attainable.

p.s.s. I am located in Albany, NY, if you happen to know of any local jewelers whom I should check out.


Alex

 

[Gypsy]

Re: I chose the setting. Please help me choose a diamond for

Yeah. I'm going to have to say that I would not spend 3000 on a setting that holds a 1 carat diamond when that only leaves you with enough money to buy a half carat diamond for it. Not a good decision.

I would suggest a more balanced approach. Or the reverse approach-- more money in the diamond and less in the setting.


I'll post some recommendations in a while. Let me see what I can find.

 

[slg47]

Re: I chose the setting. Please help me choose a diamond for

Hello everyone!

I imagine there must be many posts like this one so I apologize in advance for lack of original content

I am planning on getting engaged within the next month and I have started doing research on rings and I am just overwhelmed. I am hoping someone here will be kind enough to give me a few helpful tips.

I have found this setting: http://www.tacori.com/Engagement-Rings/HT225912#/HT225912
I found it locally on craigslist, the seller is selling it for $3000 and it's platinum. Seems like a very good deal to me. I will of course verify that it is genuine before buying.

My next step is getting the diamond for it. According to the seller this setting will accept 1.0 - 1.5 carat round stone. My overall budget is $4500, so after spending $3000 on the setting I now have about $1500 left to buy the center diamond.

My question is: with only $1500 available to spend, will I be able to afford a diamond good enough to compliment this setting well? And if so, where should I start shopping for one? There are so many online retailers for diamonds that I don't know where to turn.

no. I would start with the diamond and get a simpler setting. 1500 will not get you a diamond that will fit in that setting. I think it is best to start with the center diamond and then find the setting. And I would put most of your budget into the diamond!

Any advice and tips will be greatly appreciated. Thank you very much for your time, folks!


p.s. If you think that my idea for this setting and diamond is not worth it or not possible with my budget, I am definitely open to advice on how to spend the $4500 for something better or more attainable.

p.s.s. I am located in Albany, NY, if you happen to know of any local jewelers whom I should check out.


Alex

 

[Gypsy]

Re: I chose the setting. Please help me choose a diamond for

Here are a few recommendations. Since you were okay with a pre-owned setting and I wanted to maximize your budget many of these are pre-owned.

http://www.pearlmansjewelers.com/jewelry-specials/previously-owned-jewelry/rings/205PO1/8/ Beautiful three stone in platinum. Great finger coverage and a wonderful first impression.

http://www.pearlmansjewelers.com/jewelry-specials/previously-owned-jewelry/rings/207PO1/8/ Lovely ring. I would send it to Brian Gavin Diamonds and ask him to recut the diamond to optimize the light return and send it to AGS for certification. Then I'd put it right back into that beautiful solitaire setting. A recut will cost about 250 plus shipping. Getting it certified will cost about 300. And then you can get the whole thing appraised and insured. It will require a little bit of leg work (not much from you though... you just need to buy it and have it sent to Brian Gavin (BGD) and they'll do the work).

http://jewelsbyericagrace.smugmug.com/Jewelry/Loose-Diamonds/107-Loose-Old-European-Cut/18272664_7WZj5p#1405891895_M5RN6n6 This beautiful antique diamond would look stunning in a solitaire. It's beautiful, unique and has a sense of history. Jewels by Erica Grace has lovely settings... I'm sure they would be happy to recommend something in budget for you.

http://jewelsbyericagrace.smugmug.com/Jewelry/Modern-and-Estate-Pieces/Estate-Sapphire-Ring-Tacori/17842250_fvx3RS#1364338180_LkcStWB Here's a similar Tacori mounting but this one is for 3,500 and comes set with a BEAUTIFUL sapphire! Also platinum. Sapphire center stones are very popular right now.


3,800 One carat diamond in a Palladium Verragio Halo (similar to the Tacori you wanted) http://jewelsbyericagrace.smugmug.com/Jewelry/Modern-and-Estate-Pieces/102-round-Brilliant-Diamond/17172774_SKcnsx#1301925998_pXSk2G9




Other posters will be along soon to recommend new stones and settings... or other estate finds that are good deals. There are a lot of options for you.

If you like the Tacori setting you found.... would you consider a sapphire center stone? If so... here's one to consider: http://www.simplysapphires.com/html/imagesblue2006/bluerns122a-sm.html It's gorgeous and would fit your setting perfectly plus it's 20% off right now.

 

[Gypsy]

Re: I chose the setting. Please help me choose a diamond for

I wouldn't recommend YOU go on ebay and search. But there are some of us on Pricescope that have some skill with finding good ebay deals and listings... so, please don't think this is me endorsing you to search for jewelry on ebay. My recommendation is limited only to this listing: http://www.ebay.com/itm/230664060256?ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1423.l2649 This one is a good deal, and it is a ring most women would be thrilled to have.

 

[centralsquare]

Re: I chose the setting. Please help me choose a diamond for

I agree with the advice to get the stone first. I think you can get a similar setting for way less! Or, get a simple setting and upgrade over time. I'd also be worried about spending $3k for a used setting...seems very high. I'd maximize the diamond and go from there

 

[farmer gal]

Re: I chose the setting. Please help me choose a diamond for

That would not be a good idea to spend that much on a setting. That is a nice option Gypsy posted.

Here is another

Setting: http: http://www.eternitydiamonds.com/engagement-rings/diamond-engagement-ring/Diamond-Halo-Ring-394.htm

Diamond: http://www.eternitydiamonds.com/diamond_detail.php?id=585127

With the code SAVE10 at check out it comes in just under 4500

 

[Gypsy]

Re: I chose the setting. Please help me choose a diamond for

Other options:

http://www.rubylane.com/item/514555-rl-756/75-Carat-Edwardian-Style-Diamond Beautiful ring! Sizable. Gorgeous transitional center. Lovely setting.

http://www.rubylane.com/item/514555-rl-679/80-Carat-Diamond-Art-Deco Gorgeous OEC in a platinum setting.

http://www.rubylane.com/item/514555-rl-719/95-Carat-Diamond-Edwardian-Ring Old mine diamond in an 18K setting with sidestones.

http://www.rubylane.com/item/514555-rl-519/European-Cut-Diamond-Sapphire-Ring Another lovely OEC and in a white gold setting with sapphire sidestones.

 

[Gypsy]

Re: I chose the setting. Please help me choose a diamond for

I wouldn't recommend YOU go on ebay and search. But there are some of us on Pricescope that have some skill with finding good ebay deals and listings... so, please don't think this is me endorsing you to search for jewelry on ebay. My recommendation is limited only to this listing: http://www.ebay.com/itm/230664060256?ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1423.l2649 This one is a good deal, and it is a ring most women would be thrilled to have.

Keeping in mind my previous disclaimer about ebay:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/76ct-SI1-G-AGS-CERTIFIED-Diamond-Engagement-Ring-JARED-8-000-FREE-SHIPPING-/320759018367?pt=Diamond_Solitaire_with_Accents&hash=item4aaeba337f

http://www.ebay.com/itm/73-VS2-LEO-CERTIFIED-Diamond-w-GEMEX-REPORT-6-000-/320757292859?pt=Diamond_Solitaire_Rings&hash=item4aae9fdf3b

http://www.ebay.com/itm/74ct-Round-SI1-H-AGS-CERTIFIED-IDEAL-CUT-18K-Diamond-Ring-7000-FREE-SHIP-/320758423203?pt=Diamond_Solitaire_with_Accents&hash=item4aaeb11ea3

Anything SI1 clarity you should ask if the stone is eyeclean, and what the definition of eyeclean is. But these are beautiful ideal cut diamonds. If you do fancy any of them, we can find you a lovely setting for them-- if they don't come with settings already.

 

[pregcurious]

Re: I chose the setting. Please help me choose a diamond for

I agree with the posters above. Pearlman's does a good job with previously owned and estate pieces, and gives great customer service.

 

[Mayk]

Re: I chose the setting. Please help me choose a diamond for

http://www.ebay.com/itm/74ct-Round-SI1-H-AGS-CERTIFIED-IDEAL-CUT-18K-Diamond-Ring-7000-FREE-SHIP-/320758423203?pt=Diamond_Solitaire_with_Accents&hash=item4aaeb11ea3

Anything SI1 clarity you should ask if the stone is eyeclean, and what the definition of eyeclean is. But these are beautiful ideal cut diamonds. If you do fancy any of them, we can find you a lovely setting for them-- if they don't come with settings already.[/quote]


This one Gypsy found is really pretty!

 

[Gypsy]

Re: I chose the setting. Please help me choose a diamond for

I wouldn't recommend YOU go on ebay and search. But there are some of us on Pricescope that have some skill with finding good ebay deals and listings... so, please don't think this is me endorsing you to search for jewelry on ebay. My recommendation is limited only to this listing: http://www.ebay.com/itm/230664060256?ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1423.l2649 This one is a good deal, and it is a ring most women would be thrilled to have.

Keeping in mind my previous disclaimer about ebay:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/76ct-SI1-G-AGS-CERTIFIED-Diamond-Engagement-Ring-JARED-8-000-FREE-SHIPPING-/320759018367?pt=Diamond_Solitaire_with_Accents&hash=item4aaeba337f

http://www.ebay.com/itm/73-VS2-LEO-CERTIFIED-Diamond-w-GEMEX-REPORT-6-000-/320757292859?pt=Diamond_Solitaire_Rings&hash=item4aae9fdf3b

http://www.ebay.com/itm/74ct-Round-SI1-H-AGS-CERTIFIED-IDEAL-CUT-18K-Diamond-Ring-7000-FREE-SHIP-/320758423203?pt=Diamond_Solitaire_with_Accents&hash=item4aaeb11ea3

Anything SI1 clarity you should ask if the stone is eyeclean, and what the definition of eyeclean is. But these are beautiful ideal cut diamonds. If you do fancy any of them, we can find you a lovely setting for them-- if they don't come with settings already.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/71ct-Round-SI1-H-AGS-CERTIFIED-Loose-Diamond-HOF-6-000-FREE-SHIPPING-/220848955559?pt=Diamond_Solitaire_with_Accents&hash=item336b9fa0a7 and if it's eyeclean it would look great in this setting: http://www.ebay.com/itm/Tacori-Platinum-18K-Diamond-Engagement-Ring-Mounting-/160651774460?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item25679789fc Tacori platinum.

 

[kostomashka]

Re: I chose the setting. Please help me choose a diamond for

Wow thank you all so much for the helpful tips and suggestions of alternatives. I'm at work right now, I just quickly glanced through them and I really like several of them. I will make a more detailed post tonight narrowing down some of the items that have been suggested thus far and perhaps you can help me pick something from there.

Again, thank you all for your help


Alex

 

[Cluless]

Re: I chose the setting. Please help me choose a diamond for

If that's the setting that she really want's and doesn't mind upgrading the diamond latter I found this old mine 1 carat at good old gold for a very good price that would fit your budget

http://shop.goodoldgold.com/index.cfm/a/catalog.prodshow/vid/47844/catid/179

If your not decided on a setting I would go with this one ( he wants 2500 for the setting alone) with same stone from good old gold


Also check out the web site they have some nice rings in your price range including a simon G set for less than 4000

http://www.billleboeufjewellers.com/category/estate_pieces/rings/

 

[Gypsy]

Re: I chose the setting. Please help me choose a diamond for

Hmmm... I'd want more and better pics of that GOG old mine.

I would NOT want that setting. It's a repair nightmare waiting to happen. Everytime you bang it somewhere you risk hitting melee. I would not want a setting with that much vertical pave in the head.

I'm not sure I'd buy a ring in Canada if I lived in the US.

 

[tyty333]

Re: I chose the setting. Please help me choose a diamond for

http://www.ebay.com/itm/74ct-Round-SI1-H-AGS-CERTIFIED-IDEAL-CUT-18K-Diamond-Ring-7000-FREE-SHIP-/320758423203?pt=Diamond_Solitaire_with_Accents&hash=item4aaeb11ea3

Anything SI1 clarity you should ask if the stone is eyeclean, and what the definition of eyeclean is. But these are beautiful ideal cut diamonds. If you do fancy any of them, we can find you a lovely setting for them-- if they don't come with settings already.

I agree...this ring is lovely...great find Gypsy! *I* even really like the setting on this one!

edit ...I was referring to this ring that Gypsy found.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/74ct-Round-SI1-H-AGS-CERTIFIED-IDEAL-CUT-18K-Diamond-Ring-7000-FREE-SHIP-/320758423203?pt=Diamond_Solitaire_with_Accents&hash=item4aaeb11ea3

 

[kostomashka]

Re: I chose the setting. Please help me choose a diamond for

Last night I spoke to my lady about the styles she likes and I narrowed down some options. I will post back in a few days with some examples. Again, thank you all so much for your advice and suggestions. I am gonna pass on the Tacori setting and take a more balanced route like you all recommended.

Alex