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Is this a good ring?

sasilva123

Rough_Rock
Joined
Feb 26, 2017
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My boyfriend and I have been discussing marriage for a while and he has now asked me to look for an engagement ring that I would like.
I have been looking for a while now but nothing has really caught my attention until I saw a really cheap one online that I am absolutely in love with - it's £599 and it's down from £799.

What I like about it is the fact that it's not massively blingy, LOVE the curve to the center stone and the details all throughout that give it a bit of the vintage look I'm after - the little dots around.

I am confused because it seems to be really cheap and I know they can go up to the thousands! We don't have that amount of money to spend but I would like a ring I can use everyday without being worried if I would damage it or not. It's a ring I will be using - hopefully - until the day I die so not keen in buying a rubbish piece.

I would appreciate any help anyone can give me.

Here's the info of the the ring I like, not sure what info you need to see if it's good or not but here's what's on the website:

9ct white gold quarter carat pave set diamonds surrounding a star detail cluster. A statement bridal set from Perfect Fit to symbolize your love.
Birthstone April
Brand Perfect Fit
Diamond 1/4 carat
Material 9ct White Gold
Stone setting Claw
Stone shape Round
Stone style Cluster
Stone type Diamond

Thank you in advance
Sofia

8455082-1490
 
The little dots = milgrain

9kt white gold is a little concerning. I'm not sure how durable that is?

Are there any other options for the material? 14kt WG, 18kt WG, or platinum?
 
9ct w/g is common in the UK and is ok wear wise.

Does the seller give any details on the clarity and colour of the diamonds?

Have you seen it in person Sofia? My concern is, that for that price, the diamonds are probably I3 and could unfortunately look like milk bottle glass with little to no sparkle.

Do they have a return policy so if you don’t like it, you could return it for a full refund?
 
Hi Austina,

I haven't seen it person, no. I want to go to the shop to have a look but I'm worried about the price as it doesn't seem to be great quality.

In terms of the diamond, the info I posted is all that have on their website that I could spot. Here's the link, maybe you can spot something that I wouldn't even have a clue to look at? Lol

http://www.hsamuel.co.uk/webstore/d...4ct+diamond+perfect+fit+bridal+set/?cmCat=OVM
 
Honestly, to me that is too much money for a cluster ring with tiny diamonds and 9k gold, which is barely gold since it has only 37.5% gold, in the US, it is not allowed to market 9K gold as "gold". I would much better prefer a small 0.3ct or so solitaire with a nice band. It is a classic look and it is a respectable size in Europe. Or if you really want a halo style ring, we can help you find one on budget as well.
 
Hi SimoneDi,

Are you based in the UK? I am looking for something in this style and like the one I posted also from Gabriel & Co.
Any help is massively appreciated, thank you :)
 
The Gabriel one in the link is just for the setting, the centre diamond would be extra.

As it’s H Samuel, I’d be really surprised if the diamonds are better than I3 (I’m also in the UK). If you go to see it, please remember the shops lights will make it look better than it really is.

I do understand your wish to have a lovely ring, but it might be a false economy to buy something now just to have a ring, which in time you might regret.

Have you thought about looking at auctions? A couple of years ago, I got a lovely half carat diamond solitaire in 14ct w/g for a friend of mine. Also got a half carat, half eternity in 18ct w/g - both for just over £500. The solitaire was VS1 I colour.

A611D85B-BE4E-46EB-BC98-E465E98C5FA3.jpeg
 
Just wanted to note that the Gabriel ring is for the setting only, it does not include the center stone.


:o whaat! Omg you're right! Nevermind then, it would cost a lot of money then :(
 
Hi Austina,

I didn't even knew there were auctions for jewelry Lol
Maybe this sounds stupid but I would like a new ring rather than a used one. I'm a bit superstitious with stuff like that as I wouldn't want someone else's energy/story in the ring I will be using for my marriage, if that makes sense. I would like something that is only mine.

It might take me a while to find something I can afford and that has good quality :(
 
Take a look at Ivy & Rose. They are based in the US, though. However, they have a lot of affordable options with the antique look you're after.
 
Hi SimoneDi,

Are you based in the UK? I am looking for something in this style and like the one I posted also from Gabriel & Co.
Any help is massively appreciated, thank you :)

I am currently based in the US, but from Europe originally ;-)

Let us look what is available online and we will come back with suggestions. Someone mentioned Ivy Rose, I second that suggestion, but there are comparable designs available elsewhere. Do you need diamonds on shank, or can the e-ring simply have an engraved shank? Engraved only, no diamonds will help you maximize the center stone size within your budget.

For example, what do you think about something like this: https://www.bluenile.com/build-your...ing_21019?elem=img&track=product&vtype=sample ? BN have presence in the UK as well.
 
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I am currently based in the US, but from Europe originally ;-)

Let us look what is available online and we will come back with suggestions. Someone mentioned Ivy Rose, I second that suggestion, but there are comparable designs available elsewhere. Do you need diamonds on shank, or can the e-ring simply have an engraved shank? Engraved only, no diamonds will help you maximize the center stone size within your budget.


Thank you Simone.
I would prefer to have a full price - so with the stone included as I would be clueless about how to choose a diamond afterwards. I saw the Ivy Rose website (thank you lalala) as well :)

Thank you for helping me out, I really appreciate it. I'm quite sad right now to find out that the gabriel NY one doesn't include the diamond :(
I look forward to hear back from you

Sofia xxx
 

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Thank you Simone.
I would prefer to have a full price - so with the stone included as I would be clueless about how to choose a diamond afterwards. I saw the Ivy Rose website (thank you lalala) as well :)

Thank you for helping me out, I really appreciate it. I'm quite sad right now to find out that the gabriel NY one doesn't include the diamond :(
I look forward to hear back from you

Sofia xxx

I did a quick search and keeping your original budget in mind, here are some stones that I like:
https://www.bluenile.com/build-your-own-ring/diamond-details/LD09543590
https://www.bluenile.com/build-your-own-ring/diamond-details/LD08810478
https://www.bluenile.com/build-your-own-ring/diamond-details/LD09757515

There are more options, but this is a good start. I would recommend that you only concentrate on the e-ring now and think about a band later ;-)
 
Would you be open to sharing your budget? Perhaps we can help find a nice stone and setting within that?

Based on your desire for new ring, slightly antique looking, and not too blingy I was thinking perhaps about this Heirloom Petite Milgrain setting from Blue Nile (control-click to open) (edit: originally I incorrectly said James Allen, whoops! Sorry!) which is $600 USD (without stone). I know someone who has this setting, set with a stone of about .3-.5ct. It is very petite and beautiful in person, even more than the picture might lead you to believe. Just a little bit more sparkle and detail than a solitaire. I personally loved it because the small pave side detail and milgrain strongly remind me of my great-grandmother's wedding band :)
 
Unfortunately the links take me to the general website rather than the ones you had a look :(

Any tips on how I go about finding a right/good one?
 
Would you be open to sharing your budget? Perhaps we can help find a nice stone and setting within that?

Based on your desire for new ring, slightly antique looking, and not too blingy I was thinking perhaps about this Heirloom Petite Milgrain setting from Blue Nile (edit: originally I incorrectly said James Allen, whoops! Sorry!) which is $600 USD (without stone). I know someone who has this setting, set with a stone of about .3-.5ct. It is very petite and beautiful in person, even more than the picture might lead you to believe. Just a little bit more sparkle and detail than a solitaire. I personally loved it because the small pave side detail and milgrain strongly remind me of my great-grandmother's wedding band :)


Hi Elizabethess,

I believe a budget of £1500 (band + diamond) would allow me to choose a good ring? No more than that as I would be scared to lose it or being robbed :)

I can't see the ring :( I will try and find it by the name xx
 
Would you be open to sharing your budget? Perhaps we can help find a nice stone and setting within that?

Based on your desire for new ring, slightly antique looking, and not too blingy I was thinking perhaps about this Heirloom Petite Milgrain setting from Blue Nile (control-click to open) (edit: originally I incorrectly said James Allen, whoops! Sorry!) which is $600 USD (without stone). I know someone who has this setting, set with a stone of about .3-.5ct. It is very petite and beautiful in person, even more than the picture might lead you to believe. Just a little bit more sparkle and detail than a solitaire. I personally loved it because the small pave side detail and milgrain strongly remind me of my great-grandmother's wedding band :)

Just found it on the website. Not what I'm looking for as it's too simple and not much detail. Doesn't give it that vintage/victorian/classic look I'm after :(
 
Sorry, BN site is odd. Control-click if you are on a desktop, or search by name :)
 
Yep, that did it :)
 
Just found it on the website. Not what I'm looking for as it's too simple and not much detail. Doesn't give it that vintage/victorian/classic look I'm after :(

Worth a shot! :) Your budget is a bit higher than I expected, I bet the prosumers who are esp. good at picking can help you with something :)
 
Worth a shot! :) Your budget is a bit higher than I expected, I bet the prosumers who are esp. good at picking can help you with something :)

Hopefully :) thank you for trying to help though :)) xxx
 
Unfortunately the links take me to the general website rather than the ones you had a look :(

Any tips on how I go about finding a right/good one?
Copy paste, or right-click open in a new tab.

[Edit] btw, I was working with your firstly stated budget of about £600. I can look for larger stones within the new £1500 budget. But what did you think about the proposed vintagey setting? Here is another one with diamonds: https://www.bluenile.com/build-your...old_20305?elem=img&track=product&vtype=sample
 
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Hi @sasilva123 :wavey:

Firstly, the UK ring is cheap because the metal is low quality. However, in its defence - most white gold jewelry is rhodium plated, so the color will be the same as 10kt, 14kt or 18kt - so I would have no concerns about a 9kt white gold ring. However, since it has so little gold in it, it will definitely keep the price down.

It's mostly cheap, however, because of the diamonds. I'm guessing that the center stone is 5pts, the surrounding stones are 2.5pts and the stones in the band are only half a point each. And I'm guessing that they're all very, very included.

Here are a few quick suggestions - my preference being the third one:

https://www.catbirdnyc.com/wedding-engagement/engagement-rings/marie-diamond-ring.html

https://www.hkjewellery.co.uk/ring-9168-simon-wanted-a-platinum-ring-with-lots-of-sparkle

This one is WAY less than half your budget and can be made, new, in any color metal. It doesn't have diamonds down the sides, but the stones in the cluster are FAR better quality and larger, also. A much nicer ring. https://www.etsy.com/listing/128017779/rosados-box-daisy-14kt-rose-gold-without?ga_order=most_relevant&ga_search_type=all&ga_view_type=gallery&ga_search_query=diamond cluster rings&ref=sr_gallery_4

A cluster style ring is a typically vintage style, so if you were prepared to go vintage or antique, your options then go off the charts, and your budget would be plenty for a nice cluster. I have to say, as someone with an ongoing passion for cluster jewelry, I love that third one. And for myself, I'd be putting my money into the cluster stones (making them better quality and perhaps a little larger!), not into lots of fiddly detail down the band, which will just distract the eye in the end and add nothing to the ring's overall appearance.

I'll look forward to following this journey with you - clusters are definitely my thing!

20171115_203707_resized.jpg

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Don’t forget Sofia, if you order from abroad, you’ll have the VAT to pay when it arrives.
 
I think that £1500 is quite a respectable budget for a cluster ring. I very much like @mrs-b's choice....it's very delicate looking and good for everyday.

If you are looking for a more antique feel, would you be open to rose cut diamonds? or maybe OMC and OEC? I think it would add to that antique feel even if you pick a more modern cluster ring.
 
you have a really great budget! Building a ring is not difficult, there are lots here who can help. I think in your case we should find a setting you like first. thoughts on these?

https://www.jamesallen.com/engageme...d-diamond-filigree-engagement-ring-item-52620

(hold down ctrl when clicking on blue nile links and i apologize, i think several of these may have been linked already)
https://www.bluenile.com/build-your-own-ring/product_63046?elem=title&track=product
https://www.bluenile.com/build-your...ing_21019?elem=img&track=product&vtype=sample
https://www.bluenile.com/build-your...old_21017?elem=img&track=product&vtype=sample
https://www.bluenile.com/build-your...old_41946?elem=img&track=product&vtype=sample
https://www.bluenile.com/build-your...14k-white-gold_20305?elem=title&track=product

Or i think if you gave IDJewelry a call, they could get you a really nice ring and i believe at probably THE best price. Let Yekutiel know you're looking for Pricescope quality and you can always come back here with his recommendation(s) if you want another set of eyes on the stone. Some of the vintage Gabriel settings i like:

https://idjewelry.com/14k-white-gol...t-engagement-ring-setting-er11721r4w44jj.html
https://idjewelry.com/14k-white-gol...t-engagement-ring-setting-er11750r4w44jj.html
https://idjewelry.com/14k-white-gol...ight-engagement-ring-setting-er3951w44jj.html
https://idjewelry.com/14k-white-gol...t-engagement-ring-setting-er11827r4w44jj.html
https://idjewelry.com/14k-white-gol...ight-engagement-ring-setting-er8594w44jj.html
 
What do you like about the original ring? The setting or the cluster? Or the combination of both?
 
I think Blue Nile in the UK is a good bet, your budget will be much reduced by buying overseas as VAT is 20% on top, plus there may be other costs for currency conversion or postage.

How about something like this?

https://www.bluenile.com/uk/build-y...apered-milgrain-diamond-engagement-ring_55313

(Open the links in a new tab and you can see them directly).

You could then have at least a 0.4ct diamond, like this,

https://www.bluenile.com/uk/build-your-own-ring/diamond-details/LD09731523

Much better value than the first one posted and likely to be nicer than most people’s here! (I’m in the UK too).

Otherwise you could try Etsy, there are lots of nice sellers with vintage style rings, although most will be pre-loved.
 

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