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I need help choosing an engagement ring..

L

LeT

Rough_Rock
Joined
Jul 19, 2013
Messages
14
Hi everyone,

I am new here and in need of some advice choosing an engagement ring for my gf, starting first with the setting. She loves flowers and roses so I think she will love this Monique Lhuillier Pave Petal setting.

http://www.bluenile.com/au/monique-pave-petal-engagement-ring-in-platinum_35361

I have some concerns though with this setting:

- How easy is it for the pave stones to come loose?
- Would the back cover reduce the brilliance/light return/fire of the centre stone?
- Would a setting like this mask some tint from the centre stone when mounted? I am thinking of G upwards but wondering if a H would look ok there.
- In your experience, how big the centre stone should at least be to look proportional with the setting, her ring size is 4.5, the band width is 3.2mm and I am thinking of 1.5 carat RB.

Your opinions are much appreciated. Thanks!

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Hard to say how easy it is for the pave to come loose as we don't really know the skill of the setter and quality of the prongwork, etc.

Looking at the pics in the gallery, a 1.5ct would look very nice. I wear a 4.75 and I'd love a stone that size!

In an ideal cut round stone, most of the light performance factors are through the top of the stone. Meaning even if it were set in a full bezel with no light coming through the pavillion it should still be a firecracker. Do NOT compromise on cut quality. And a well cut stone will look larger and whiter than one that isn't ideal.

I'm color sensitive, so I'm probably the wrong person to ask, but that said I have several G's and they are plenty white. I think an ideal cut H will look very nice. But if you stick with G and above you are pretty much guaranteed a nice white stone.

What color are the side stones BN is using in the shank? I need to go look and see if it says...

ETA: They are H color. So a G center would look very nice. An icy white D may look a little "off".
 
LeT|1374417213|3487209 said:
Hi everyone,

I am new here and in need of some advice choosing an engagement ring for my gf, starting first with the setting. She loves flowers and roses so I think she will love this Monique Lhuillier Pave Petal setting.

http://www.bluenile.com/au/monique-pave-petal-engagement-ring-in-platinum_35361

I have some concerns though with this setting:

- How easy is it for the pave stones to come loose?
- Would the back cover reduce the brilliance/light return/fire of the centre stone?
- Would a setting like this mask some tint from the centre stone when mounted? I am thinking of G upwards but wondering if a H would look ok there.
- In your experience, how big the centre stone should at least be to look proportional with the setting, her ring size is 4.5, the band width is 3.2mm and I am thinking of 1.5 carat RB.

Your opinions are much appreciated. Thanks!
Click to expand...

Hi LeT!

First of all, congratulations on your upcoming engagement! =) You mentioned she loves flowers, but do you think she'd want that motif in her engagement ring? Has she mentioned it to you before? The reason I ask is because I (like most females) love flowers too, but I don't know if I'd necessarily want that to be a design in my ering. The ring is a bit pricey if it's not what your GF has specifically requested. Just something to think about... :))

As far as masking tint... a G or H stone is not going to show any tint (as long as it's GIA or AGS certed)... All I and a lot of J color stones will face up very white. (I have a J stone and it is extremely white, however it is in a halo setting with very little side view exposed - only the girdle up is exposed). The side is where you would detect any tint.

The more a diamond is "covered up," the less light can get into the stone. But if you get an excellent cut stone, this shouldn't be a problem at all.

Your GF has a tiny finger, so you're very lucky! :D I think a 1.5ish stone will look great on her! That being said, I feel that 3.2 is too wide for a band with that size stone. I would look at widths somewhere in the range of 2-2.5 mm.

Hope this helps!!
 
...and some other views of the MM (sorry, I just love this setting!!) :love:

mmpetitetorchiere_0.jpg
 
In my opinion...
- H color would be beautifully white in that setting
- 1.5 carats is an awesome size for her hand. (So is 1.75...)
- The setting is very pretty but it would not be my first choice (admittedly, I am extremely picky). I love anything floral and would actually love to incorporate that motif into jewelry. Here are some options I think are gorgeous and sophisticated:

http://www.greenwichjewelers.com/shop/designers/van-craeynest/products/van-craeynest-dogwood-engagement-ring


http://www.stevenkirsch.com/engagement/solitaire/r0206.html


http://www.mc2jewels.com/ringdesigns/9238.html
(Or anything my them, but they are very pricey)


http://jewelsbyericagrace.smugmug.com/SignatureSettingsPortfolio/Plain-and-Pave-Solitaires/The-Sophie-with-Pave-Sol150/13220743_M4K5nn#!i=962885012&k=x3kDVRf


http://www.1stdibs.com/jewelry/rings/engagement-rings/art-deco-inspired-diamond-ring/id-j_102646/

imageuploadedbytapatalk1374425834.jpg

imageuploadedbytapatalk1374426060.jpg

imageuploadedbytapatalk1374426272.jpg

imageuploadedbytapatalk1374426325.jpg
 
The other thing about that BN Monique Lhullier ring setting is that the pink sapphires on either side are set right where the wedding band will go... there is the potential then that the the sapphire and the wedding band will be abraded where they rub up against each other.

Are you fixed on buying from Blue Nile? If not, are you willing to buy from one of the online diamond vendors which are PS recommended? If yes, perhaps you could provide your total budget and PS members could suggest some diamonds and floral-type settings for your consideration?
 
marymm|1374426934|3487277 said:
The other thing about that BN Monique Lhullier ring setting is that the pink sapphires on either side are set right where the wedding band will go... there is the potential then that the the sapphire and the wedding band will be abraded where they rub up against each other.

Are you fixed on buying from Blue Nile? If not, are you willing to buy from one of the online diamond vendors which are PS recommended? If yes, perhaps you could provide your total budget and PS members could suggest some diamonds and floral-type settings for your consideration?
Click to expand...

Good observation, marymm!! This would definitely be a problem for me... and it's paying for something you really can't appreciate once you add a band (not to mention risk of damage)...
 
msop04|1374420232|3487238 said:
As far as masking tint... a G or H stone is not going to show any tint (as long as it's GIA or AGS certed)... All I and a lot of J color stones will face up very white. (I have a J stone and it is extremely white, however it is in a halo setting with very little side view exposed - only the girdle up is exposed). The side is where you would detect any tint.
Click to expand...

OP - just want to offer my two cents on the I/J color option: generally the PS wisdom is that tint or warmth starts to be visible at I color and certainly at J color... while there may be some exceptions (i.e., a "high" I color which appears closer to an H color, or an I or J with strong or very strong fluorescence which can offset tint in some lighting), please know that an ideal-cut GIA or AGS I or J color diamond will show some tint even from the top - on its own, it can look white enough, but if it were to be next an a G or higher stone, even face-up the difference would be noticeable. This is not to say that ideal-cut I or J color diamonds are not beautiful, or should not be considered, or that you can't find an I or J that is white enough for you - just wanted to let you know if you are unsure of your and/or your GF's preferred color range, the conventional PS advice is to go with G/H-VS2/SI1 (eyeclean of course).
 
marymm|1374427582|3487282 said:
OP - just want to offer my two cents on the I/J color option: generally the PS wisdom is that tint or warmth starts to be visible at I color and certainly at J color... while there may be some exceptions (i.e., a "high" I color which appears closer to an H color, or an I or J with strong or very strong fluorescence which can offset tint in some lighting), please know that an ideal-cut GIA or AGS I or J color diamond will show some tint even from the top - on its own, it can look white enough, but if it were to be next an a G or higher stone, even face-up the difference would be noticeable. This is not to say that ideal-cut I or J color diamonds are not beautiful, or should not be considered, or that you can't find an I or J that is white enough for you - just wanted to let you know if you are unsure of your and/or your GF's preferred color range, the conventional PS advice is to go with G/H-VS2/SI1 (eyeclean of course).
Click to expand...

Maybe I'm not as color sensitive?? My halo melee are G and H in color, and I can't detect a difference at all. Strangely, my stone is absolutely white from face up. I can, however, see tint from the side. ::)

But, you are right... if OP is wanting a setting where the side may be seen, he should stick to H and better -- especially since he doesn't know if his GF is color sensitive. :D
 
Thank you all so much for your very detailed advices and much appreciated suggestions.

@ecf: Great advice regarding the D colour. Thanks!

@msop04: yes, I am concerned as well about the 3.2mm width, that is the biggtest minus in this setting for me. If I go with a bigger size stone to offset the width I feel the whole ring will be too big for her hand. The Mark Morell ring you posted is gogeours. Certainly something I would keep in mind. She hasnt requested anything specifically. I know she likes a setting with some diamonds and a bit of design and comfortable to wear, not just a plain band. I just thought she might like this. But like you said, it is a bit pricey so I need to make sure it s right :)

@Rosebloom: thanks for the suggested designs. I like the third one best!

@marymm: i think there are two little "stoppers" on either sides of the stone to stop the wedding band to rub against it. I thought the two sapphires added hidden charm to the ring. I find myself liking rings with 'surprised' stone. I guess they kind of reflect how I see our relationship. We were good friends for many years before life happened and brought us together and after knowing her all these years as a friend, having her as a partner is a special thing to me that I didnt see before.

I am not fixed on Blue Nile yet but i find at the moment it seems easiest to buy from them though I find their ring settings are a little limited. I live in Australia and not sure how easy it is to communicate with other vendors. My brother bought his engagement ring through Blue Nile last year and has some good experience. My budget is about 20-25k. I am open to suggestions from PS ers :). Thanks much!
 
LeT|1374443757|3487387 said:
My budget is about 20-25k...
Click to expand...

Now we're talkin'!!! :naughty:

I will continue to look... I'm so glad you like some of the settings that were posted - I'm certain you'll find the PS members very helpful in your search. There are some real experts on this site! =)
 
I have this setting (minus the colored stones on the sides) and I really like it - has a very graceful organic feel to it. If you like the colored stones on the side this is one that was posted a while back (I'm sorry I don't recall the poster's name). It's the Julia setting from Jewels by Erica Grace -

jbeg_julia_r.jpg

jbeg_julia_u.jpg

jbeg_julia_v.jpg

jbeg_julia_x.jpg
 
msop04|1374445458|3487395 said:
I found these on JA:

http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-dia...-h-color-vs1-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-217023 - love this stone!!
Click to expand...

I like this one two. Thanks msop! I am also contemplating G colour if the setting is around 1.5-2k :).

By the way, how is Whiteflash as an diamond online seller? I dont know anyone here in Australia that bought from them yet. How do they compare to Bluenile? I see they store lots of good designer ring setting that I like better than Bluenile. Any experience purchasing from them? Thanks!
 
ecf8503|1374452345|3487445 said:
I have this setting (minus the colored stones on the sides) and I really like it - has a very graceful organic feel to it. If you like the colored stones on the side this is one that was posted a while back (I'm sorry I don't recall the poster's name). It's the Julia setting from Jewels by Erica Grace -
Click to expand...

What a graceful setting! Thanks for posting it up!
 
LeT|1374482550|3487574 said:
msop04|1374445458|3487395 said:
I found these on JA:

http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-dia...-h-color-vs1-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-217023 - love this stone!!
Click to expand...

I like this one two. Thanks msop! I am also contemplating G colour if the setting is around 1.5-2k :).

By the way, how is Whiteflash as an diamond online seller? I dont know anyone here in Australia that bought from them yet. How do they compare to Bluenile? I see they store lots of good designer ring setting that I like better than Bluenile. Any experience purchasing from them? Thanks!
Click to expand...

You get a lot of information from WHiteflash regarding the stones performance if you are looking in their A Cut ABove or Expert Selection line (their in house stones). BN, in general, doesn't give performance information and so what people can tell you about the performance will be by the numbers and a little limited with BN. And WF stones are one of the best of the best in cut. I know if it were me, and I were shipping to a place that would make returning something I didn't like or didn't perform well problematic, I'd probably go with one of the 'sure bets" and buy from a place where as much performance information was available up front.

http://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-2949880.htm
 
Tha ks bastecat. I had a good look at the WF website the last few days. I think I will go with them
Thanks for your very helpful advice!
 
So I made initial contact with Whiteflash and the initial response I found was not very enthusiastic.

I clicked on chat online and got a response from Lisa, who answered all of my questions promptly and sufficiently. I specified the specs of the diamond I am looking for with some specific weight (as my GF is Asian and she prefers to have a stone with weight ending with number 6 or 8 which are considered lucky). Lisa said ACA diamonds in the range of 1.3-1.5 and 1.5-1.69 are very rare. I then said I understand that and can wait for a bit for the right stone to come up although i did specify a date in November when I would definitely want to have the ring by. She said ok. We ended our chat there.

Lisa then sent a standard email to my email provided in the chat with general greetings to Whiteflash and let her know if she can help ect. I then sent an email back detailing again what I said above in the chat and gave her 8 weight numbers that we would like to have if possible so she could notify me when any becomes available. She said again they are rare and added 'if they do come up they move very fast'. I found this very strange given that s that why I contacted them to notify me immediately of the availability so I could BUY. Also I did specify my budget of 20-5k which is I think is quite healthy with a definite date to buy by. Her emails are also like closed conversations. No asking or providing additional information about my alternative choices or how long I can wait or how often their stock comes in ect. I also emailed back to ask some more questions about the length of time required to set n ship the ring since the time a diamond is picked and asked for some more photos of a setting I like and I have not got an answer for more than a day. I find the response very lackluster. If I was looking to buy a car at the dealer and got a response like that it probably put me off.

Is this a normal response I should expect from Whiteflash? Should I ask for another sale rep? Thanks for reading this long post!
 
ecf8503|1374452345|3487445 said:
I have this setting (minus the colored stones on the sides) and I really like it - has a very graceful organic feel to it. If you like the colored stones on the side this is one that was posted a while back (I'm sorry I don't recall the poster's name). It's the Julia setting from Jewels by Erica Grace -
Click to expand...

This is my previous engagement ring, and I do miss it often (not the relationship though!). It is gorgeous and much more delicate in real life, I think the width of mine was less than 2.0mm and it was set with a 2ct modern cushion. A lot of PSers commented before I received it that it looked very regal, which is a great description for it. It is a custom job, but I think in platinum with the customization, it was around $2500, but that was over 2 years ago and I'm not sure where gold prices are now. It was originally designed for a round stone, so if you're set on an RB, it would be fine. The setting REALLY makes the diamond pop and show its off well, and my stone looked a lot bigger than it did in its previous setting. I also can't recommend JbEG highly enough, they are the best best best to work with

I'm glad that you're open to other vendors, have you considered higher end designers like Victor Canera or Leon Mege? I feel like you have a very healthy budget and could go down that route if you had something specific in mind for her, especially with her preference with numbers (like putting in 6-8 side stones, etc)
 
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