IGI Certification Authentication.

[JMCenter]

No one really advises people to go into debt to get a ring, but if you guys have the money to take a lot of vacations and spend money on expensive shoes and cars, I am just wondering if you are setting a budget for this ring that is in keeping with your other spending? Like maybe you could skip a vacation and not buy more shoes for the next year and put that extra money towards a ring she might wear the rest of her life??? I am not opposed to paying for part on a credit card if you can pay it off in a few months by spending less on other things.

That said, Mara's stone looks great in the halo!

Hey DS, yes the current budget set has been accrued through me saving over the past six or so months by doing just as you suggested i've cut my retail therapy habit as well as car building down dramatically in an effort to save. As for the ring since this is a surprise she has had no input nor will she have any money invested into this particular piece as it is indeed a gift from me to her. In regards to using the credit card, I'm not a fan of the idea... personally I try to avoid it as much as possible for the sole reason that I don't like being in debt especially when it comes to materialistic items even if it may be short term, in addition I'm looking at what I refer to as murderer's row coming up (christmas, my fathers birthday, her fathers birthday, her older brothers birthday, my birthday, our daughters birthday, her birthday, her mothers birthday, her little brothers birthday then my mothers birthday practically every other week) so to attempt to pay for my monthly bills, in addition to paying off the new washer we needed, as well as my student loans just makes the idea of me opening another line of credit to purchase a piece of jewelry imo an unnecessary financial burden on my personal account.

In regards to Mara's stone, I agree it does indeed look good! She has an offer on the table now from one member so if that fall through hopefully she will accept mine and this engagement ring journey will take a step towards progress, until then I'll just continue to look at other prospective pieces along with diamonds in an effort to find something else to fall in love with!

 

[JMCenter]

So it looks like Mara's stone may possibly have a new home with our family and I which I'm truly excited about the idea of bringing it home.
http://www.diamondbistro.com/catego...5/Stunning-OEC-Transitional-075c-Diamond.html

I do have a question for you all that have more experience then I in this particular craft, Mara mentioned that this stone does have a smaller white natural feather that hits the table of the stone, noting that her local jewler mentioned he did not believe it to be a durability issue. Now for my question, I was wondering if this sounds about right? Of course I'm not doubting her statement (she's a very nice, warm & helpful woman) but merely looking for reassurance that this type of feathering is typically a non factor in terms of strength or durability.

I've been scouring this forum as well as some other sites trying to just find a plain black and white answer, which it seems like is impossible haha. So I guess I just wanted to pose the question to you all that have more experience then myself, do you think this could be a possible issue in the future? I understand that if knocked around especially right alongside the feather that this could pose an issue but the main thing I'm worried about is having to have my s/o have to baby the ring instead of enjoying the ring as she's too scared she may further fracture or damage the diamond.

Mara brought up the point of getting it insured, which I'm now looking into but before I get to all that I just have to know, am I over thinking this whole situation?

 

[webdiva]

Congrats - it's a gorgeous stone!

1. Yes - it's not a durability issue.
2. Yes - get it insured. Check out jeweler's mutual (perfect circle) - you'll need an appraisal but it'll be worth it!
3. Not sure where Mara lives but you could get her to send it to a 3rd party for setting/appraisal/review. IDjewelry in NY and Good Old Gold carry Gabriel & Co rings and can set them for you. They usually discount the MSRP on the rings, so definitely call them up and check!

In line with Mara's halo/jacket pic - here's a ring not posted yet from G&Co: http://www.gabrielny.com/engaged/style/ER8205W44JJ - under $900!
or http://www.gabrielny.com/engaged/style/ER9528W44JJ
or http://www.gabrielny.com/engaged/style/ER7880W44JJ

This is also stunning for $1000- http://www.gabrielny.com/engaged/style/ER7811W44JJ
Round version: http://www.gabrielny.com/engaged/style/ER7813W44JJ

If these settings are over budget, they can find you something similar within budget - they carry numerous jewelry lines. In addition, since they are both in NY state, you don't pay tax if you're not in NY - bonus!

 

[JMCenter]

Thank you! I'm really excited..

As for your suggestions thank you very much, i'll strongly look into having both gog & id jewelry setting this stone in a band of my choice. I've been at work smiling all day and when one of the guys asked me why im in "such a chipper mood" i told him I finally found the perfect diamond and he just looked at me haha...

In regards to band what i'm looking for? I know i'd like to stay south of $1000, I know I'd like some accent diamonds to accompany the center stone, I like paved & channel sets, I also like the milgrain design as well although it doesn't necessarily have to contain it. I'm going to go through some different brand catalogs for the next couple of days as well as scour ebay, craigslist, etc. These two suggestions by DS have been a couple of my favorites from the gabriel ny line..

http://www.gabrielny.com/engaged/style/ER6418W44JJ
http://www.gabrielny.com/engaged/style/ER9519W44JJ

I'd like to contact, a couple of vendors to see what they can do price wise cause as you see they are both out of my budget haha but yeah if you guys have any ideas or something in mind please feel free to share! Thanks again for all your help.

Justin

 

[Enerchi]

Still on that same theme as DS posted, but slightly less... and talking to IDJ or GOG, they may have better pricing.

$950 MSRP http://www.gabrielny.com/engaged/style/ER6695W44JJ

$940 MSRP http://www.gabrielny.com/engaged/style/ER8021W44JJ

$940 MSRP http://www.gabrielny.com/engaged/style/ER7990W44JJ

$815 MSRP http://www.gabrielny.com/engaged/style/ER7988W44JJ

$775 MSRP http://www.gabrielny.com/engaged/style/ER7818W44JJ

 

[webdiva]

Still on that same theme as DS posted, but slightly less... and talking to IDJ or GOG, they may have better pricing.

$775 MSRP http://www.gabrielny.com/engaged/style/ER7818W44JJ

This is my fave so far and will REALLY maximize the stone size! It'll be so pretty! She can add a sparkly band that you can save up for to get a similar effect to the ones you posted. A wedding band really gives most engagement rings much more presence.

Definitely call up those two very trusted vendors to see what they can do for you! I live clear across the country and bought from them! The service and products were outstanding!

 

[diamondseeker2006]

Just wanted to say thanks for your reply to my earlier post and it sounds like you are making wise financial decisions! I just saw the mention of the shoes and car stuff and it made me think...hey, wait a minute! But sorry for that diversion! (We have a series of birthdays like that, too!)

I think any of the Gabriel halo settings would be very nice! In regard to the diamond, I cannot see the feather when I look at the magnified pictures so I am assuming it is eyeclean. Did you ask that?

I still like these two halo settings the best:

http://www.gabrielny.com/engaged/style/ER6418W44JJ

http://www.gabrielny.com/engaged/style/ER9519W44JJ

Tell them you are a PS member and ask do they give a PS discount on the setting and setting fee!

 

[madelise]

I am so excited for you!

 

[JMCenter]

Still on that same theme as DS posted, but slightly less... and talking to IDJ or GOG, they may have better pricing.

$950 MSRP http://www.gabrielny.com/engaged/style/ER6695W44JJ

$940 MSRP http://www.gabrielny.com/engaged/style/ER8021W44JJ

$940 MSRP http://www.gabrielny.com/engaged/style/ER7990W44JJ

$815 MSRP http://www.gabrielny.com/engaged/style/ER7988W44JJ

$775 MSRP http://www.gabrielny.com/engaged/style/ER7818W44JJ

Thanks for the suggestions! It seems like Gabriel Ny is rather popular around here in terms of more "antique" settings? I do like a couple of the ones you posted for sure, today I'm going to check out a couple of brands and kind of make a wish list and post them up to see what you all may think, since i'm trying to keep this a secret I really can't get any female input (mostly because all the females I know, she knows & they can't hold water if their lives depended on it) so hopefully you'll be able to help me find the perfect setting!

Congrats - it's a gorgeous stone!

1. Yes - it's not a durability issue.
2. Yes - get it insured. Check out jeweler's mutual (perfect circle) - you'll need an appraisal but it'll be worth it!
3. Not sure where Mara lives but you could get her to send it to a 3rd party for setting/appraisal/review. IDjewelry in NY and Good Old Gold carry Gabriel & Co rings and can set them for you. They usually discount the MSRP on the rings, so definitely call them up and check!

Thanks for your help & suggestions, I really appreciate the input!

Just wanted to say thanks for your reply to my earlier post and it sounds like you are making wise financial decisions! I just saw the mention of the shoes and car stuff and it made me think...hey, wait a minute! But sorry for that diversion! (We have a series of birthdays like that, too!)

I think any of the Gabriel halo settings would be very nice! In regard to the diamond, I cannot see the feather when I look at the magnified pictures so I am assuming it is eyeclean. Did you ask that?

I still like these two halo settings the best:

http://www.gabrielny.com/engaged/style/ER6418W44JJ

http://www.gabrielny.com/engaged/style/ER9519W44JJ

Tell them you are a PS member and ask do they give a PS discount on the setting and setting fee!

Oh but of course, thanks for all your participation within this thread because of yourself, madelise amongst others i've been more at ease with this process then i've ever been, so again thank you all! As for the birthdays I'm glad someone else feels mine and my wallet's pain haha I swear after November It's all downhill for my pocket book till about June haha.

In regards to those two settings those are still two of my favorites, I may have to save up a little longer and see if I can reach for one of those and have it set by one of the vendors.

I am so excited for you!

Thanks for all your help!

As for the diamond Mara did send me a couple of detailed shots one which showed the angle in which the feather is viewable, under 10x magnification. The other shot she provided was a crop shot she did of an existing photo which helped magnify the diamond an show that it is indeed eyeclean.

Feather:
http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8180/7937444564_ebb52fc60f.jpg

Headshot:
http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8439/7937444346_a5fffd5164.jpg

I've decided I'd like to propose on thanksgiving the 22nd marks our anniversary and I think it will be nice since both families will get together and we can share this memory with all of our loved ones! That being said, I definitely need to get the ball rolling to ensure everything in regards to this ring gets ironed out!

 

[Enerchi]

Beautiful stone Mara has there! Did you finalize that sale? if so, do you have a local store that could call in a few of the Gabriel NY settings for you to try the stone 'on', in them? Now I've totally forgotten where you live! Would be awesome if it was NYC, then you could go directly to IDJ or GOG and view the diamond in situ, so to speak.

 

[JMCenter]

Beautiful stone Mara has there! Did you finalize that sale? if so, do you have a local store that could call in a few of the Gabriel NY settings for you to try the stone 'on', in them? Now I've totally forgotten where you live! Would be awesome if it was NYC, then you could go directly to IDJ or GOG and view the diamond in situ, so to speak.

that'd be awesome to actually see how the diamond looks in each setting, it'd definitely help with this decision making as well! I reside in washington (state) about 30 minutes outside of Seattle, I never thought of possibly going to check out settings with the diamond in hand, maybe if I can find or if any of you from the area, may know a reputable b&m jeweler to check out I'd definitely be interested to go this route as far as setting shopping goes.

I'M OVERWHELMED WITH CHOICES haha.

 

[JMCenter]

So after roughly a week of searching I've narrowed my setting choices down to roughly 10 (i know, what kind of narrowing is that) but I swear it's so hard as a lot of them are beautiful in their own ways. Which is why I want to reach out to you all for some guidance and your personal opinions on which ones you think would look best for my recently purchased diamond. I've reached out to ID Jewelers in NY and have been talking to Luann, I'm still waiting on her to give me final prices on each setting with the cost of them setting the stone as well so as of right now the prices could have a small drop but regardless of that which one (or two..or three.. or ten if you're like me haha) do you think is the best? (so to say.)

http://www.gabrielny.com/engaged/style/ER7296W44JJ

http://www.gabrielny.com/engaged/style/ER7444W44JJ

http://www.gabrielny.com/engaged/style/ER6671W44JJ

http://www.gabrielny.com/engaged/style/ER4080PT4JJ

http://www.gabrielny.com/engaged/style/ER7815W44JJ

http://www.gabrielny.com/engaged/style/ER6418W44JJ

http://www.gabrielny.com/engaged/style/ER9519W44JJ

http://www.ebay.com/itm/0-23CT-Diamond-Setting-F-SI-14K-0088-w-/180916884660?pt=US_Engagement_Ring_Settings&hash=item2a1f7c94b4

http://www.ebay.com/itm/0-21CT-Gabriel-Co-Diamond-Setting-F-SI-14K-/150689393997?pt=US_Engagement_Ring_Settings&hash=item2315c9ad4d

http://www.ebay.com/itm/0-55CT-Round-Cut-Diamond-Setting-F-SI-14K-/180895771873?pt=US_Engagement_Ring_Settings&hash=item2a1e3a6ce1

Welcome to my life

 

[diamondseeker2006]

First of all, I think the stone needs a halo. That will mask the color from the side of the stone. Not to mention it will make it look a lot larger! I think the solitaires will be a mistake with the diamond you bought.

This is the best one for an antique stone, in my opinion:

http://www.gabrielny.com/engaged/style/ER9519W44JJ

The contemporary halo is okay, just not as much character as the one above.

 

[JMCenter]

First of all, I think the stone needs a halo. That will mask the color from the side of the stone. Not to mention it will make it look a lot larger! I think the solitaires will be a mistake with the diamond you bought.

This is the best one for an antique stone, in my opinion:

http://www.gabrielny.com/engaged/style/ER9519W44JJ

The contemporary halo is okay, just not as much character as the one above.

my first 'angel'! haha hope all is well with you DS!

In regards to the setting helping to mask the color of the diamond, I was sharing the same exact concern but wasn't sure if some of these settings may let me get away with the more 'yellower' in appearance center stone. The more I sit at my desk and think of it the halo setting as you and a majority of my PS peers thinks to be the more fitting aesthatic wise as it allows the table of the diamond to showoff (which seems more white in person) yet those surrounding it will attempt to hide the color difference which would be exposed otherwise in a different setting (i.e. solitaire)

Now that I sit here and think about it as well as watch youtube videos, most importantly this one provied by GOG
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YJk6ZzdFMew

it all just "clicked" in my head haha.

I do have a quick question about the contemporary/antique settings, is the difference between the two primarily the milgrain design which the antique bands tend to encompass? or is there something more to it that I'm just not catching? I'm googling now trying to educate myself but any assistance in attempting to understand the difference between the two is greatly appreciated (as always!)

Thanks again DS for the reply!

 

[madelise]

I wrote a reply to you yesterday, and PS must have been hungry cus it ate it up!!

I went through all the options you listed, and I agree with DS's choice. I love the milgraining, and prefer an homage to the stone's old age rather than a more modern look.

 

[JMCenter]

I wrote a reply to you yesterday, and PS must have been hungry cus it ate it up!!

I went through all the options you listed, and I agree with DS's choice. I love the milgraining, and prefer an homage to the stone's old age rather than a more modern look.

Hey madlise!

I like that particular setting as well, I'm still waiting for Luann of ID Jewelry to get back to me. I'm also checking out ebay as well as googling other vendors that may carry the gabriel & co. line to compare prices, if anyone else can think of any other ps/reputable vendors feel free to suggest them please!

 

[webdiva]

I wrote a reply to you yesterday, and PS must have been hungry cus it ate it up!!

I went through all the options you listed, and I agree with DS's choice. I love the milgraining, and prefer an homage to the stone's old age rather than a more modern look.

Hey madlise!

I like that particular setting as well, I'm still waiting for Luann of ID Jewelry to get back to me. I'm also checking out ebay as well as googling other vendors that may carry the gabriel & co. line to compare prices, if anyone else can think of any other ps/reputable vendors feel free to suggest them please!

Both IDJ and Good Old Gold carry Gabriel & Co. Call Luann if you don't get a response within a few days - my spam filter ate her email!

 

[JMCenter]

I wrote a reply to you yesterday, and PS must have been hungry cus it ate it up!!

I went through all the options you listed, and I agree with DS's choice. I love the milgraining, and prefer an homage to the stone's old age rather than a more modern look.

Hey madlise!

I like that particular setting as well, I'm still waiting for Luann of ID Jewelry to get back to me. I'm also checking out ebay as well as googling other vendors that may carry the gabriel & co. line to compare prices, if anyone else can think of any other ps/reputable vendors feel free to suggest them please!

Both IDJ and Good Old Gold carry Gabriel & Co. Call Luann if you don't get a response within a few days - my spam filter ate her email!

yeah I figured I'd give her a call tomorrow afternoon and see, one thing that may have caused a slow down in communication is I originally requested a price quote with all of the settings I originally posted prior to placing them in this thread, in an effort to eliminate settings due to budget restrictions.

I just contacted GOG earlier this afternoon so hopefully I'll hear from them soon enough.

The Diamond should be here Friday, i'm excited

 

[JMCenter]

Well i've got some good news to deliver, I recently sold a couple of auto parts laying around the garage and ended up scrounging a little extra cash which means my budget for a setting has increased to 1600

now even though a setting has been somewhat chosen, i'm still going to continue to look around for another week, just in an effort to "weigh my options." I ventured over to the elizabeta jewelry e-store today to check out their beverley k. collection, the prices seem fair and i couldn't really find any negative reviews on the brand nor the vendor so I figured, It'd give me the green light to ask for everyones opinion, i know, i know "Justin, you've found the perfect setting! Stop with the suggestions!" haha I guess at the end of the day I just don't want to have buyers remorse so in an effort to avoid that I just scour the net as much as possible, anyways here they are and of course feel free to give your honest input!

http://www.elizabetajewelry.com/products/beverley-k-diamond-engagement-ring-semi-mount-center-stone-not-included-number-9412-slash-60

http://www.elizabetajewelry.com/products/beverley-k-diamond-engagement-ring-semi-mount-center-stone-not-included-number-170-slash-40-1

also noticed this these on the gabriel co. site

http://www.gabrielny.com/engaged/style/ER4156W44JJ
http://www.gabrielny.com/engaged/style/ER7524W44JJ
http://www.gabrielny.com/engaged/style/ER6531W44JJ
http://www.gabrielny.com/engaged/style/ER6529W44JJ
http://www.gabrielny.com/engaged/style/ER6431W44JJ

as always your help is appreciated ladies! and thanks for helping me out through this process

 

[JMCenter]

also spotted this one...
http://mdcdiamonds.com/engagementdetails.cfm?Stock=ES756&Country=US

and this one thanks to the bc jewels 10% off banner while creating this post:
http://www.b2cjewels.com/Pre-set-engagement-rings/Milgrained-Halo-Knife-Edge-Diamond-Ring-14K-White-Gold-(3-4-cttw)-8032.aspx

 

[madelise]

Yay for the $ bump!

http://www.elizabetajewelry.com/pro...enter-stone-not-included-number-9412-slash-60

I can't tell if there's milgraining? But I feel it's a bit of a popular-modern look, which I don't think will show off this stone at all it's glory. I also prefer split shanks to split higher up, closer to the center stone rather than so far down.

http://www.elizabetajewelry.com/pro...nter-stone-not-included-number-170-slash-40-1

looks overwhelming for the center stone, nix!

http://www.gabrielny.com/engaged/style/ER4156W44JJ

I laik. I was actually going to suggest this one the last go-around, but it was out of budget.

http://www.gabrielny.com/engaged/style/ER7524W44JJ

This is kind of "meh" to me now. Everything on Pinterest looks like this. It seems like a lottttt of girls are now getting simple halo settings like that.

http://www.gabrielny.com/engaged/style/ER6431W44JJ
This looks exactly the same as the ER4156??? What's the difference

http://mdcdiamonds.com/engagementdetails.cfm?Stock=ES756&Country=US
I don't have a preference for a halo AND a bezel. It might create an extra visual width, but that's up to you. It doesn't scream beautiful to me. The shank looks chunky and overwhelming.

Did you manage to get in contact with Luann from IDJ? I've spoken to Yekutiel before, and he's admitted that they aren't exactly the best at answering emails, and prefers phone calls. Give them a call But call GOG, too. See who can offer you what works best, with any possible discounts + do they charge to set stones that aren't theres? Make sure you don't email them a list of so many settings again. I think that might overwhelm the vendor, and makes them feel like you aren't too serious since you might just be comparing prices everywhere rather than really loving a particular setting or two. Narrow down your choices. Then ask.

Have you received the diamond yet?

 

[madelise]

Have you also looked into Beverley K? http://www.beverleyk.com/ From my understanding, they're also pretty decently priced. GOG carries their line.

 

[madelise]

and so does Pearlmans.

 

[JMCenter]

Yay for the $ bump!

http://www.gabrielny.com/engaged/style/ER4156W44JJ

I laik. I was actually going to suggest this one the last go-around, but it was out of budget.

Did you manage to get in contact with Luann from IDJ? I've spoken to Yekutiel before, and he's admitted that they aren't exactly the best at answering emails, and prefers phone calls. Give them a call But call GOG, too. See who can offer you what works best, with any possible discounts + do they charge to set stones that aren't theres? Make sure you don't email them a list of so many settings again. I think that might overwhelm the vendor, and makes them feel like you aren't too serious since you might just be comparing prices everywhere rather than really loving a particular setting or two. Narrow down your choices. Then ask.

Have you received the diamond yet?

I like that one quite a bit! it has a bit more "flair" too it which I think she'd like, especially when matched with the wedding band. My only concern is when the diamond is mounted, since there's a little yellowing towards the end I'm wondering if it may be exposed and throw the ring off when looking at it from different angles?

I haven't heard back from Luann @ ID yet, I think as you mentioned she may have been overwhelmed with my rather large request. I thought about calling but between my daughter & s/o I really had no time to sit down and actually hold a conversation but may be today? As for the diamond, we had a small hiccup in the paypal transaction but all has been smoothed out and the diamond will be here today

In regards to the Beverly catalog, I've gone through the pearlman's selection as well as the makers catalog and nothing really caught my eye, maybe it's because I've become somewhat biased to the two gabriel settings that have been picked? haha As of now it's' between the setting which we just discussed and the original one provided by DS:

This is the best one for an antique stone, in my opinion:

http://www.gabrielny.com/engaged/style/ER9519W44JJ

Once again thank you madelise for all your input, I truly appreciate it!!!

 

[JMCenter]

Just got done talking to Luann, looks like the price on both gabriel settings previously mentioned is the exact same ($1250 including the cost of the stone being set) which seems fair. So I guess it boils down to preference, I believe they both are beautiful settings in their own way I appreciate the subtle beauty of the setting DS chose. I also appreciate the style & flair offered by the latest setting mentioned by the latest gabriel setting up for discussion.

ah man, decisions, decisions.

 

[NonieMarie]

I like the setting where the wb sits flush with the er. That way if she wants to wear just the band she can. Having a wb that has a curve limits your options plus it will constantly spin. You can buy a plain wedding band to start and then add stackers for special occasions.

 

[JMCenter]

I just realized I never shared the near final product (still no bands) with this wonderful community, i've yet to pop the question and have been attempting keep this whole situation very quiet so sorry for the cell phone pictures (i plan on doing a photoshoot in the near future) until then here "she" is...

I'm extremely satisfied with the outcome, I was little nervous about the oec's color but I found it's only noticeable underneath certain lights & of course certain angles.. In the sun it looks beautiful I'm looking forward to taking photos with my camera in an effort to capture the fire the center stone can throw.

big thanks to diamondseeker, madelise & webdiva amongst the rest of the community that helped me make a decision on such a life changing purchase as well as Mara for providing me with the stone & the wonderful staff at good old gold, definitely appreciate everyone..

now to plan out this proposal

 

[madelise]

yay! I'm so excited for you!!

Any plans yet? I was just looking through my younger cousin's Facebook, and seeing all the homecoming dance "proposals" by high school students. Those kids are so romantic and creative! You should definitely look through YT for proposal ideas, from actual proposals or even from prom/homecoming proposals.

You'll knock her socks off.!

 

[armywife13]

It is absolutely beautiful!!!!

 

[NonieMarie]

You did a great job it is beautiful. She will be very impressed that you "made" this ring just for her. She is one lucky girl and I'm looking forward to your post of the engagement and hand pics.