Just A Boy, standing in front of a forum,asking them to help

[craigs]

I'd love everyone's input as this is something I struggle with and it was suggested I come to RockyTalky instead of show me the bling.

My girlfriend who I love and want to marry advised me that she would like a halo cushion cut engagement ring. That's all the guidance I got. lol. That's fine because I like doing the research but I am now at a crossroads.

I love Tiffany's. I adore Tiffany's. I'd sprinkle it in my coffee as sugar if I could. I particularly love the Tiffany Soleste ring. The double halo one. I reached out to a Tiffany's associate and I was told a .48 I/VS1 would run about $7200. That seems like a lot of money for less than a carat. I wouldn't even hit a carat with all the side stones. It just seems like a lot of money for what I'm spending.

So I'd like possible options. I've heard Victor Canera, I've looked at Blue Nile, James Allen, Jared's, and so and so on.

I simply want a halo or a double halo with good finger coverage. I'd like at least a carat for the center stone.

Where should I go? I'm in Houston too if any locals know a good jeweler around here. My budget is about $7000.



HELP!

 

[Niel]

Re: Just A Guy, Standing In Front of a Forum, Asking for HEL

THIS! That is, if you want a soleste replica. There are a lot of ways to go with this, but this was what i was thinking when you said soleste. and if you wanted that look id go this route

http://www.jamesallen.com/engagement-rings/designer-engagement-rings/18k-white-gold-pave-double-halo-engagement-ring-with-pave-split-shank-design-item-41308

http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/cushion-cut/0.90-carat-h-color-vs1-clarity-sku-319977

setting is really lovely and quite similar. Close to a ct without paying for the 1 ct mark, nice color clarity, and if you ask for a PS discount and pay by wire you should get close to the price of the soleste

 

[MonkeysInk]

Re: Just A Boy, standing in front of a forum,asking them to

Since you are in Houston, go to Whiteflash or Brian Gavin - you're lucky enough to have two PS favorites in town.

 

[Gypsy]

Re: Just A Boy, standing in front of a forum,asking them to

OK. So I typed out a post that completely disappeared.

Here's the truth. BGD and WF to get a quality double halo is going to cost you nearly 5k. And your lady did not ask for a double halo. So frankly, I get that you are taking initiative with the whole Soliste idea. But I think you need to nip that in the bud. You do not have the budget to get a decent size stone in a quality double halo that will stand up to every day wear. Cheaping out on a double halo is a recipe for disaster.

So, forget the double halo.

Focus on what she asked for. A cushion in a halo. A quality single halo can easily run 4,500. Fortunately there are two options for great quality halos in your budget.

So this is what I'd do:

Option one:
This setting: http://www.engagementringsdirect.com/grace-classic-micro-pave-halo-enagement-ring-bpid-58-18.html in platinum or this one (depending on price, it's not listed on this one): http://www.engagementringsdirect.com/31-838-fy-14e-bpid-1157-18.html
Stone: Ask ERD to find you a 80 point or larger stone I Si1 or better, fantastic cut and performance, and eyeclean for 4k.

Option 2:
Same setting as above: http://www.engagementringsdirect.com/grace-classic-micro-pave-halo-enagement-ring-bpid-58-18.html
This stone, from GOG: http://www.goodoldgold.com/diamond/11725/ And have GOG sent a full SARIN to ERD, have ERD make the halo and send to GOG to set stone in.

Options three:
Same stone as above. http://www.goodoldgold.com/diamond/11725/
This setting from GOG: http://www.beverleyk.com/engagement-rings/halo/rtj005-a-d-d-m.html OR, you can ask GOG for a custom quote for a HW style halo (they have made them).

 

[Lizabeth]

Re: Just A Boy, standing in front of a forum,asking them to

Gypsy, how much is the option #3 Beverly setting from GOG?

 

[Gypsy]

Re: Just A Boy, standing in front of a forum,asking them to

Gypsy, how much is the option #3 Beverly setting from GOG?

I couldn't find a price for that exact one. But the round version was under 3k. So I was hopeful.

 

[msop04]

Re: Just A Guy, Standing In Front of a Forum, Asking for HEL

THIS! That is, if you want a soleste replica. There are a lot of ways to go with this, but this was what i was thinking when you said soleste. and if you wanted that look id go this route

http://www.jamesallen.com/engagement-rings/designer-engagement-rings/18k-white-gold-pave-double-halo-engagement-ring-with-pave-split-shank-design-item-41308

http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/cushion-cut/0.90-carat-h-color-vs1-clarity-sku-319977

setting is really lovely and quite similar. Close to a ct without paying for the 1 ct mark, nice color clarity, and if you ask for a PS discount and pay by wire you should get close to the price of the soleste

OP, if you desire to give your FF a style that is pretty much identical to the Tiffany Soleste and you know she'd love it, Niel's suggestion above is about as good as it gets. This is an affordable setting that is very well made, and it checks off all the boxes. This exact setting has been showcased in other threads several times for different shaped stones, and each one looks incredibly well made -- especially considering how budget friendly it is

Also, that is one of the best cushion cuts I've seen on JA. It has already been recommended to different PS members in other threads. If it's still available, I'd put it on hold ASAP before it gets snatched up!

There have been several other good suggestions so far, but if it's the Soleste look you want, I don't know how this pairing could possibly be upstaged!

Best of luck to you, OP!

 

[arkieb1]

Re: Just A Boy, standing in front of a forum,asking them to

I agree with Gypsy, get a larger centre diamond for the price rather than a smaller one in a double halo. The double halos look great in theory and sitting in the showcases, but I went into Tiffany's and tried one on and honestly I didn't like it at all, the single halo with a larger centre diamond is much much more elegant looking. The double halo looks more like a dress ring. Unless she specifically said she wants a double halo and nothing else or has a heap of photos of double halos pinned somewhere then I'd be going for the single halo.

 

[Niel]

Re: Just A Boy, standing in front of a forum,asking them to

I agree with Gypsy, get a larger centre diamond for the price rather than a smaller one in a double halo. The double halos look great in theory and sitting in the showcases, but I went into Tiffany's and tried one on and honestly I didn't like it at all, the single halo with a larger centre diamond is much much more elegant looking. The double halo looks more like a dress ring. Unless she specifically said she wants a double halo and nothing else or has a heap of photos of double halos pinned somewhere then I'd be going for the single halo.

The stone from JA and gog are pretty much the same CTW so I wouldn't spend more just to go with gog and get a different setting than he had his heart set on.

Also he said in his other thread he in fact did want to walk the line between cocktail and engagement. So he must know his girlfriends style enough to know she's into that.

Someone recently bought the bless expensive version of a double halo from JA and it looked amazing at around the one ct mark. I think if he got around the one ct mark it would look lovely and blingy.

 

[angeline]

Re: Just A Boy, standing in front of a forum,asking them to

Okay, I'm no help, but I just had to say I spluttered when I read the title of this thread.. hilarious

 

[Niel]

Re: Just A Boy, standing in front of a forum,asking them to

OK. So I typed out a post that completely disappeared.

Here's the truth. BGD and WF to get a quality double halo is going to cost you nearly 5k. And your lady did not ask for a double halo. So frankly, I get that you are taking initiative with the whole Soliste idea. But I think you need to nip that in the bud. You do not have the budget to get a decent size stone in a quality double halo that will stand up to every day wear. Cheaping out on a double halo is a recipe for disaster.

I wouldn't want to go with WF or GOG for this type of ring either. He could end up overpaying and it still not looking delicate.

But that James Allen setting is not cheaping out. I get that some people find some of there designs less high end. Which makes sense. But that's a nice well made halo for a very reasonable price.

Plus its returnable WORSE CASE SCENARIO. you cant return a good old gold ring or an ERD ring. (If I'm not mistake about erd)

 

[vintagelover229]

Re: Just A Boy, standing in front of a forum,asking them to

What about this?
http://www.jewelsbygrace.com/rings/vintage-inspired/1-12ct-est-old-mine-cut-halo-ring.html#.U4XiWygjS9Y

 

[vintagelover229]

Re: Just A Boy, standing in front of a forum,asking them to

another
http://www.diamondsbylauren.com/index.php/jewelry/halo-diamond-ring-100-fvs2-cushion-platinum-old-fashioned-sparkle-gia-r4031

another
http://www.diamondsbylauren.com/index.php/jewelry/loose-diamond-112-cushion-brilliant-diamond-jvs2-nicely-cut-r3531

I like the JBG one best but you know your girl

 

[arkieb1]

Re: Just A Boy, standing in front of a forum,asking them to

I agree with Gypsy, get a larger centre diamond for the price rather than a smaller one in a double halo. The double halos look great in theory and sitting in the showcases, but I went into Tiffany's and tried one on and honestly I didn't like it at all, the single halo with a larger centre diamond is much much more elegant looking. The double halo looks more like a dress ring. Unless she specifically said she wants a double halo and nothing else or has a heap of photos of double halos pinned somewhere then I'd be going for the single halo.

The stone from JA and gog are pretty much the same CTW so I wouldn't spend more just to go with gog and get a different setting than he had his heart set on.

Also he said in his other thread he in fact did want to walk the line between cocktail and engagement. So he must know his girlfriends style enough to know she's into that.

Someone recently bought the bless expensive version of a double halo from JA and it looked amazing at around the one ct mark. I think if he got around the one ct mark it would look lovely and blingy.

O.K no problem if that is style she will like then that's perfect. I agree they look great in pictures, they look great in theory BUT in practise they don't look great on everyone. I do agree that the double halo will give more finger coverage if that is what you are after. I prefer the simple elegant look personally but I like size and lots of bling as well.

 

[MonkeysInk]

Re: Just A Boy, standing in front of a forum,asking them to

I should have typed a longer post earlier, but I was holding a wiggly toddler and posting from my phone. I was suggesting going to BGD/WF thinking that would allow the OP to see some really great stones in person. So many of us go look at local jewelers that have less than desirable stones in their inventory - I just thought for a newbie (or heck, for myself, and I've been around a while!) that it would be enlightening to be able to see in person the things we talk about here.

And I love Niel's suggestion if you're going for the Soleste look - that's a pretty setting!

 

[vintagelover229]

Re: Just A Boy, standing in front of a forum,asking them to

So I realize this is a bit over budget but it has a cocktail yet e-ring feel to it and is different...but yet a cushion halo ring

http://loupetroop.com/listings/rings-natural-diamond-center/5-stone-acc-diamond-ring-with-pink-diamond-halo

 

[Gypsy]

Re: Just A Guy, Standing In Front of a Forum, Asking for HEL

THIS! That is, if you want a soleste replica. There are a lot of ways to go with this, but this was what i was thinking when you said soleste. and if you wanted that look id go this route

http://www.jamesallen.com/engagement-rings/designer-engagement-rings/18k-white-gold-pave-double-halo-engagement-ring-with-pave-split-shank-design-item-41308

http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/cushion-cut/0.90-carat-h-color-vs1-clarity-sku-319977

setting is really lovely and quite similar. Close to a ct without paying for the 1 ct mark, nice color clarity, and if you ask for a PS discount and pay by wire you should get close to the price of the soleste

Put this stone on hold and get an ASET of it. It has great potential.

As for the setting...I wouldn't do it. But as Neil said, you are looking for a certain look, plus it's fully returnable.