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I have a 1.30 Carat Round Diamond. I have no sense of style in rings. Opinions?

Gadabout44

Gadabout44

Shiny_Rock
Premium
Joined
Jan 19, 2018
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140
Hi, I just purchased a 1.30 Carat G-VS1 diamond. It is for an engagement ring. I've narrowed it down to two choices from the JA website.

Budget: $2,000. Can go slightly higher.
1) https://www.jamesallen.com/engageme...ncess-shaped-diamond-engagement-ring-item-246

2) https://www.jamesallen.com/engageme...cess-shaped-diamond-engagement-ring-item-2105

From the information I was able to mentally note down through the years as well as the help of my girlfriend's cousin, in her own words "She loves the classic simple look. She likes the smaller stones around the band. She doesnt like the Halo style. She prefers the ring not to be fully circular with the diamond on top (I am assuming she likes a cathedral style, or a prong that highlights the diamond)." Also, I want to note that my girlfriend at one point told me she trust me "taste". Which doesnt make it any easier on me really.

With that said, I've seen the Pave settings that JA has in their inventory. I am not a fan of how the diamonds look. I think she would appreciate a channel setting. However, I've been told that Channel settings are not as popular anymore in comparison to Pave. Is this true? Anyways, open to opinions.
 
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I'd say neither of those is greatly appealing. Let me look a minute.
 
Did you decide on a JA stone or are you just looking for a nice setting from any vendor?
 
diamondseeker2006 said:
Okay, these are more attractive in the head (prongs) and shank (band). I recommend platinum. Some will have a matching wedding band that you can purchase later if you wish.

https://www.jamesallen.com/engageme...m-inspired-diamond-engagement-ring-item-41126

https://www.jamesallen.com/engageme...ite-diamond-accent-engagement-ring-item-50319

https://www.jamesallen.com/engageme...-cathedral-diamond-engagement-ring-item-50077

Nice choice on the diamond!
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Wow these are all great. I just wanted to chime in on each one. But I would like you to tell comment as well about my opinions if you dont mind.

1) I like how this looks from the top. One aspect that bothers me is that there is a circular ring under the diamond where it sits on. It seems unecessary and just removes more of the diamond

2) Overall great! I'd prefer for the setting / diamonds it to stretch down a little further.

3) Great as well, all of them are. I dont think I like how the prong is design. I believe she likes the simple straight prong without the curvy lines.

I think #2 seems to scream out louder in my opinion. But still indecisive
 
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Those V prongs are often on cheap settings I personally wouldn't choose those and that is why I posted some that have a little more elegant designs. Obviously I cannot know what your girlfriend has seen as far as settings go. Some just aren't familiar with all the styles.

The first setting has the piece connecting the prongs which add some sturdiness to the setting. The second has more of a diamond accent than full diamond shank, but I don't mind that when the wedding band is going to be diamonds.

I'll be honest and say that James Allen doesn't have a great setting collection. So unless you go with a plain solitaire without diamonds, these may be about as good as it gets. I like the first and second better than the third. The other option is to send it to David Klass to make a setting, but that will take few extra weeks.
 
I thought I ask if your girl wants to pick out the setting with you. It is such a significant purchase that perhaps both of you can do this together? The diamond you chose is a big deal and that was a hugh decision for you already! Since she'll be wearing this (and she did say she trust your taste), how about having her try on settings so she can have a feel for what it is like to wear and how it looks on her hand? I found out that while I love pave, my lifestyle isn't going to agree with pave and so I have a channel set diamond setting. I wear my jewelry everyday and I need to have a setting that I can wear daily without fear. Also, I think trying out settings together is a great idea to do together, since you'll be making many decisions together in the future! If you think she may get overwhelm with all the choices, you can go online, save a few settings which she may like. Consider Simon G, Ritani, Vatche or Sholdt.
If you want to get a setting at James Allen that's fine too, I just think she should try it on first before committing.

-C4C
 
diamondseeker2006 said:
Found a few more which cost a little more, but I think they are nicer rings. I like these much better.

https://www.jamesallen.com/engageme...ese-engagement-ring-by-jeff-cooper-item-54596

https://www.jamesallen.com/engageme...rie-engagement-ring-by-jeff-cooper-item-54628

https://www.jamesallen.com/engageme...und-engagement-ring-by-jeff-cooper-item-54608
Click to expand...

Diamondseeker these are awesome choices as well...Gadabout, Jeff Cooper designs are quite elegant and timeless. But it would be great if she can try it out first and decide which one she likes the most.

-C4C
 
Thank you to all. I understand the bridge is necessary for stability. I am leaning towards: https://www.jamesallen.com/engageme...m-inspired-diamond-engagement-ring-item-41126

It is very easy on the budget. I've already went over my initial budget with the diamond purchase and this should somewhat make up for it. By all means am I not choosing this based on the price alone, I think it looks just as great as the James Cooper edition rings DS has posted.

Also, I was considering DKJ however, the tax and shipping time would just kill me. As far as taken my GF to the jewelry shop, I really want to make this a complete surprise. I am willing to take the chance in losing $1350 or up to $2000 in the event she does not like the ring. I think it is worth the surprise
 
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I think that one is beautiful and she probably will be thrilled! That one has a pretty matching wedding band at the bottom of the page, so remember that when it's time to order wedding bands!

Please come back and show us the ring!
 
Beautiful and classic setting, I think that she will love it! Btw JA settings are returnable, so just make sure to propose within the return period. However, I do think that she would be thrilled and she seems to want you to surprise her so I doubt that she would be changing the setting :)

P.S. Ask JA for claw prongs, it’s a $50 upgrade but oh so worth it!
 
Good for you! It will all work out great!
 
Gadabout44 said:
Thank you to all. I understand the bridge is necessary for stability. I am leaning towards: https://www.jamesallen.com/engageme...m-inspired-diamond-engagement-ring-item-41126

It is very easy on the budget. I've already went over my initial budget with the diamond purchase and this should somewhat make up for it. By all means am I not choosing this based on the price alone, I think it looks just as great as the James Cooper edition rings DS has posted.

Also, I was considering DKJ however, the tax and shipping time would just kill me. As far as taken my GF to the jewelry shop, I really want to make this a complete surprise. I am willing to take the chance in losing $1350 or up to $2000 in the event she does not like the ring. I think it is worth the surprise
Click to expand...

I really like this setting...there is a milgrained version that I'll post however, sounds like the one above might be more your girlfriends styles...traditional vs
the more antique feel of the milgrained...
https://www.jamesallen.com/engageme...r-milgrain-diamond-engagement-ring-item-49486
 
As Simone suggested. I should consider a Claw prong upgrade for this

https://www.jamesallen.com/engageme...m-inspired-diamond-engagement-ring-item-41126

I did search on JA's inventory on how claw prongs look. It does look more sleek, but I am not sure if the style would go with the actual ring. I asked for photos of how it would look, but none available. What is everyones thoughts on this?

Here is how a JA claw prong looks https://www.jamesallen.com/engageme...ire-basket-engagement-ring-cushion-item-59569
 
I still.prefer the claw prongs. JA settings are returnable if not custom, last I checked. Just be clear if going with the claw prongs makes this custom. If so, are you ok with it not being retunable if your gf prefers a different setting.
 
rockysalamander said:
I still.prefer the claw prongs. JA settings are returnable if not custom, last I checked. Just be clear if going with the claw prongs makes this custom. If so, are you ok with it not being retunable if your gf prefers a different setting.
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I do not think I'd want to lose the return policy so I went ahead and search for a pave or channel set ring with claw prongs. Unfortunately I only found one, and its a double claw which isnt as nice as a single. Anyways, whats your opinion on this?

https://www.jamesallen.com/engageme...rong-pave-set-diamond-engagement-ring-item-18
 
Gadabout44 said:
I do not think I'd want to lose the return policy so I went ahead and search for a pave or channel set ring with claw prongs. Unfortunately I only found one, and its a double claw which isnt as nice as a single. Anyways, whats your opinion on this?

https://www.jamesallen.com/engageme...rong-pave-set-diamond-engagement-ring-item-18
Click to expand...

Claw prongs will look better, what you are looking at is double claw which is different. Ask if the claw modification will affect the ring’s return policy and go from there.
 
Gadabout44 said:
I do not think I'd want to lose the return policy so I went ahead and search for a pave or channel set ring with claw prongs. Unfortunately I only found one, and its a double claw which isnt as nice as a single. Anyways, whats your opinion on this?

https://www.jamesallen.com/engageme...rong-pave-set-diamond-engagement-ring-item-18
Click to expand...

Even though it says "Claw prongs" in the title I dont consider those claw prongs. Look at the rings they have made up in that setting and they
do not look like claws.

I agree with the-mother-thing...ask if claw prongs are custom? Ask if you only lose the $50 dollars that the claw prongs cost if you return it.

Edit...real claw prongs just look so much more custom. Not everyone can do them. I have claw prongs on
my setting from JA and I love them...I dont think I could ever go back to other types of prongs.
 
I like the look of double claws, personally :)
 
So I just chatted with JA. The person whom I chatted with said that they would have to get back to me in a few days. They are asking the design team whether or not the claw prong on the ring would require drastic customizing. If it does not, then I should still have the ability to return the setting if it does not work out. However, they do feel that because of the taper design, having the prongs changed to claws might require heavy customization which would make the ring a customized one
 
Gadabout44 said:
So I just chatted with JA. The person whom I chatted with said that they would have to get back to me in a few days. They are asking the design team whether or not the claw prong on the ring would require drastic customizing. If it does not, then I should still have the ability to return the setting if it does not work out. However, they do feel that because of the taper design, having the prongs changed to claws might require heavy customization which would make the ring a customized one
Click to expand...

We are only talking about the prongs on the center diamond, not all prongs. This, by no means, should be considered “heavy customization”. But honestly OP, if you are worried about the return possibility and/or turnaround time, just go with the standard prongs. The ring will still be beautiful!
 
I agree with @SimoneDi. Once she has the ring, removing a bit of material to make the prongs pointy is still possible by a competent bench. If that's what she wants, we may be able to help you find a local option for that minor change.
 
rockysalamander said:
I agree with @SimoneDi. Once she has the ring, removing a bit of material to make the prongs pointy is still possible by a competent bench. If that's what she wants, we may be able to help you find a local option for that minor change.
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Definitely sounds like a good option. I suppose its not necessarily a bad idea to buy the ring as is now. I live in the San Francisco area so it shouldnt be too hard I assume
 
I’m quite surprised that having the center set with claw prongs may cross over to it being “customized” and not returnable. I have ordered several rings from JA - have always requested claw prongs and never encountered this. So, I suspect the CSR misunderstood what you’re asking for.
 
Gadabout44 said:
Definitely sounds like a good option. I suppose its not necessarily a bad idea to buy the ring as is now. I live in the San Francisco area so it shouldnt be too hard I assume
Click to expand...

OP, if the slightest customization will cause you any worries, there is no point in doing it. You can ask another rep once more to confirm and go from there. For what is worth, I have also seen JAs standard prongs and although I am a huge fan of claw, their standard are also ok and not bulky. The average consumer rarely pays attention to prongs so your fiancé-to-be will be happy either way!
 
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