Less than .2ct diamond engagement ring

[A recent diamond convert]

Hi - I am about to propose to my girlfriend of 9 years. We''re not the best of savers and hence I don''t have a lot of money - certainly not enough to buy her a diamond engagement ring that''s 1 ct (which most of you here seem to own). I''ve been looking around, and found a very sweet .16 round brilliant diamond on 18K white gold. The band is slim, although my girlfriend''s fingers are a little meaty (but not too much).

Can anyone tell me (or better yet, show me) what this woud probably look like, and whether buying the .16 diamond is just not worth it because in most people''s eyes, it''s just too small.

Appreciate all the help I can get.
Thanks

 

[Jennifer5973]

Your are giving this ring as a sign of your love and commitment--therefore, it can never be "small."

I understand where you are coming from, but you must remember this is a diamond forum where people are obsessed with diamonds--not a good barometer for the real world.

The best way to answer this is to think about your girlfriend and her personlaity. Is an engagement ring important to her? Is she honest, as you are, about not being good savers and thus, not having a lot of spare change for a big diamond? If she is aware of the financial constraints, she might not want/be expexting a big eRing.

If you think she'll just be happy to be engaged, then get what you can afford, which sounds just lovely, and celebrate your love for eachother, which is far more meaningful than any diamond.

If it is a big deal to your GF, perhaps you can do a lay-away plan for a stone of bigger size ( 1/4-1/4 carat is a ncie size). Also, even for .25 and under stones, you can search here and you might find a slightly larger diamond for your budget. PAy attention to the cut because a well-cut diamond--even a .16--will sparkle while a poorly cut one will not.

Good luck.

 

[strmrdr]

I proposed with a .23ct 4mm diameter diamond and she wouldnt trade it for any of the rings on this site.
It really depends on the gal.
Some come on here whining because the 3ct diamond isnt big enough while the good ones are happy with a proposal and any ring at all.

 

[strmrdr]

Here is some pictures of my .15 h&a in my ring.


It sparkles like crazy....https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/my-new-diamond-whatcha-think.18084/

 

[Bagpuss]

My original e-ring had quite a petite diamond and I actually chose it myself. It is set in an illusion setting though which makes it look a bit bigger. I loved it then and I love it now. It still holds a special place in my heart.

I'd try and get some input from your g/friend as to what she likes and might expect in terms of an e-ring, but I'd go for what you can afford. If she loves you, she'll love it.

Here it is next to one of my bigger diamond rings (as you get older, the diamonds, like yourself, tend to get bigger

)
The bottom one is 84 points, my original ring is about 15 - 20 points.

 

[bar01]

As mentioned, this board does not represent the general public. I have read that most e-rings diamonds are much less than 1ct.

Do not worry about what other people think!!! 1ct? .5ct?, .10 ct, or no diamond at all! This ring will be from your heart and should be what you can reasonably afford to give. I think how you propose and present her the ring will mean alot too.

 

[sevens one]

----------------
On 9/29/2004 8:31:53 AM strmrdr wrote:


It really depends on the gal.
Some come on here whining because the 3ct diamond isnt big enough while the good ones are happy with a proposal and any ring at all.----------------

Harsh

 

[A recent diamond convert]

Dear Everyone,

Thanks so much for all the responses.I really appreciate it.

I've spoken with my girlfriend. Like me, she's really honest about our financial situation. She has said she doesn't need a ring, but like most girls, I know she would be thrilled by one.

So I'm going to get it. I know she'll be happy with it (maybe not thrilled as it is a small stone), but she does love me. I just hope that everyday she looks at it, she won't be reminded of how small it is.

Anyway, thanks everyone.

 

[A recent diamond convert]

Wow Bagpuss - your rings are gorgeous! All three of them

 

[Kamuelamom]

----------------
On 9/30/2004 3:20:18 AM A recent diamond convert wrote:

Wow Bagpuss - your rings are gorgeous! All three of them----------------

I like all three of them too Bagpuss. Now quit holding out and *do* post the rest of your rings when you get the chance.

 

[strmrdr]

----------------
On 9/29/2004 11:25:09 AM sevens one wrote:

----------------

On 9/29/2004 8:31:53 AM strmrdr wrote:



It really depends on the gal.

Some come on here whining because the 3ct diamond isnt big enough while the good ones are happy with a proposal and any ring at all.----------------

Harsh

----------------

Maybe but its the truth as I see it.......
There are way to many spoiled brats of both sexes these days.

 

[valeria101]

Did you see this thread ? It is just what you need, IMO.

There were a few Niwaka rings talked about o PS, and the most models proposed by this Japanese brother of Tiffany's are at most a quarter carat. Not that you need get one - but the source of inspiration is very good.

And then, there are These You can always ask a jeweler to make one, and something close should not be a fortune

 

[Kamuelamom]

----------------
On 9/30/2004 8:23:21 AM strmrdr wrote:

----------------
On 9/29/2004 11:25:09 AM sevens one wrote:

----------------

On 9/29/2004 8:31:53 AM strmrdr wrote:



It really depends on the gal.

Some come on here whining because the 3ct diamond isnt big enough while the good ones are happy with a proposal and any ring at all.----------------

Harsh

----------------

Maybe but its the truth as I see it.......
There are way to many spoiled brats of both sexes these days.
----------------

strmrdr you looking for your fight today?

 

[Kamuelamom]

Diamond convert, I'm happy that you decided to go ahead. A commitment to marriage isn't about a ring, or the size of it. The ring is merely a symbol of the commitment. It is by no means a requirement. Some folks tend to get hung up on that part and forget what marriage is really about in the first place, so I applaud you for seeing your way through this.

I accepted a proposal without a ring because my DH (then fiance) couldn't afford it. I'm going on my 15th anniversary and only recently received a wedding set from him. It was worth the wait and I believe that I appreciate it so much more because of that. My DH and my kids are my real jewels anyway.

Some folks get the honker stone, expensive setting and their marriage commitment lasts 6 months.

It's all about the heart. All the best to you.

 

[strmrdr]

----------------
On 9/30/2004 5:07:52 PM Kamuelamom wrote:

----------------



strmrdr you looking for your fight today?

----------------

Who me??????
I never fight with anyone.
Im innocent I swear :}

 

[Bagpuss]

Thank you so much, diamond convert and Kmom !

Please post a pic of the ring when you get it. We love diamonds, no matter what their size, but we must have pictures.

 

[Hest88]

I know she's going to love whatever you gave her.

I once knew an executive who still wore her e-ring, when many in her circle had upgraded many times over. Her diamond was very small. Probably .25 or so. However, I always found it so sweet knowing that she could look down at her ring and know immediately how far they'd come together.

Oh, and you know, if you do want to get her something bigger, you can get a colored stone like a ruby or sapphire--just like European royalty!

 

[Kamuelamom]

Hi Hest88! Long time no see!!!!!!!!!!

 

[A recent diamond convert]

----------------
On 9/30/2004 5:19:23 PM Kamuelamom wrote:

Diamond convert, I'm happy that you decided to go ahead. A commitment to marriage isn't about a ring, or the size of it. The ring is merely a symbol of the commitment. It is by no means a requirement. Some folks tend to get hung up on that part and forget what marriage is really about in the first place, so I applaud you for seeing your way through this.

I accepted a proposal without a ring because my DH (then fiance) couldn't afford it. I'm going on my 15th anniversary and only recently received a wedding set from him. It was worth the wait and I believe that I appreciate it so much more because of that. My DH and my kids are my real jewels anyway.

Some folks get the honker stone, expensive setting and their marriage commitment lasts 6 months.

It's all about the heart. All the best to you.----------------

Thanks so much Kamuelamom. Your words and wisdom go a long way to making me feel good about what I can afford, and about what's important in our relationship.

Thanks so much

 

[Kamuelamom]

You're welcome, Diamond convert. Sounds like your sweetie is marrying you for all the right reasons.

All the best. Let me know how things go and like Bagpuss said earlier, pictures are a must.

 

[JCJD]

----------------
On 9/30/2004 5:19:23 PM Kamuelamom wrote:

Diamond convert, I'm happy that you decided to go ahead. A commitment to marriage isn't about a ring, or the size of it. The ring is merely a symbol of the commitment. It is by no means a requirement. Some folks tend to get hung up on that part and forget what marriage is really about in the first place, so I applaud you for seeing your way through this.


I accepted a proposal without a ring because my DH (then fiance) couldn't afford it. I'm going on my 15th anniversary and only recently received a wedding set from him. It was worth the wait and I believe that I appreciate it so much more because of that. My DH and my kids are my real jewels anyway.

Some folks get the honker stone, expensive setting and their marriage commitment lasts 6 months.


It's all about the heart. All the best to you.----------------

Say it again sister!!! Marriage is the most important thing in this situation, not the size or even presence of a diamond ring. Good luck with the proposal, convert!!

 

[Sparkler]

.

 

[ootthibo]

If you go to bluenile.com you can see a list of all the diamonds people just bought....most are under a carat.

I am one of those girls who would like a big ring but with the right man I would love anything! AND...you can always upgrade at you 10-20 year anniversary.

 

[Mara]

If you are worried about size, you can always get a setting that maximizes the stone, such as a bezel. You can always get this later too....or get a diamond set bezel later if she wants to keep the original stone. Lots of ways to make stones look bigger.




Or a someone else noted, a colored stone would be lovely too. Engagement rings don't HAVE to have diamonds.




The ring is a symbol of the promise to marry....so regardless of size, it will always mean that!




Oh and as for saving...you will have a good exercise in it while you plan the wedding. I'm not a big saver either, thank goodness my then-fiance was, we saved for a year and a half while we planned our wedding. Guess we all have to grow up some time!!




Good luck.

 

[MrsFrk]

Congratulations on your impending engagement! I was married with no diamond at all, just a gold band. We had no money for diamonds then. We do now, and I have bling now, but my true jewel is my wonderful husband (sappier than all get out, I know, but true!) There are bigger diamonds in your future, but you will look upon your original ring with great warmth and memories.

One of my friends has a gorgeous e-ring, it has a small (.20) carat diamond set flush into a wide band, with some detailing along the edges. It looks kind of like a Cartier Tank ring. It is really a gorgeous piece, she receives many comments on its beauty.

 

[Nicrez]

Someone once told me that if you had to lose your engagement ring forever or your fiance, your ring SHOULD be totally expendable, NOT the fiance.

If I was to lose my e-ring forever, I would gladly, if it meant I would always have my fiance, but never vice versa. It's JUST A RING! and there is always time for other jewelery and luxury items in the future if it's really essential.

As for rings, perhaps a nice ring with a crossover bezel to make it look more substantial for her "meaty" finger?

Here's a site that lists some good ideas for the budget-conscious person:

http://www.stretcher.com/stories/03/03dec15b.cfm

Good luck and all the best for your upcoming engagement!!!!

 

[heart prongs]

Have you looked at any antique rings, either at local jewelry stores or online at faycullen.com? Old stones are really beautiful and some are very affordable. While shopping oneday, I saw a gorgeous .37 VVS2 illusion set ring in white gold w/ small sidestones for less than 1K. Illusion set really does maximize the stone and sidestones definitely help to balance a lorger finger...whatever you give her, she'll love...happy pre-engagement!!! klr

 

[Stargazer]

It''s your love that matters, and whats in your heart.
Diamonds are gorgeous -but not necessary.

It''s great to hear some grounded real life stuff, sometimes its easy to get carried away with the sparkle.

Congratulations, and have a wonderful future together.

 

[Julian]

On 9/29/2004 11:259 AM sevens one wrote:
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
On 9/29/2004 8:31:53 AM strmrdr wrote:
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

It really depends on the gal.

Some come on here whining because the 3ct diamond isnt big enough while the good ones are happy with a proposal and any ring at all.
----------------

Harsh
------------------

The "good ones" never get shrinkage syndrome, then? Wow, most of Pricescope must be "bad ones!"

 

[velouriaL]

Okay, here''s my 2 cts... I KNOW your name is "a recent diamond convert" so I assume that that probably means that you''re into diamonds, but let me just say, as lover of all gemstones, that you might want to take a look at some other options than petite diamonds.

Because you''re girl isn''t the materialistic type (not to say that all diamond and jewelry lovers are materialist, ''cause lord knows that ain''t the case!), she might also be the nontraditional e-ring type! Maybe you can look into other colored stones-- like sapphires, rubies, or, for even more bang for your buck, spinels, garnets, tourmalines and chyrsoberyls! If you wanted a colorless gem, you can go with a white sapphire, which are VERY inexpensive and look, expecially to those who aren''t diamond-lovers, like less sparkly diamonds.

You can get a beautiful engagement ring, at size at looks a bit more flattering on her "slightly meaty" (I''m a girl with, ugh, slightly meaty fingers myself!) fingers. Just an idea...<

Here are some non-diamond ideas:
These could easily be set in a simple yellow or white gold for about $300 or less.

Crysoberyl, 1.68 cts, $50 from ajsgem.com

Spinel, 1.86 cts, $85, gemwow.com

That really is just the beginning... Those two can be had, set nicely, for less than $400. If you''re willing to spend a bit more, the possibilities are endless!

If you do decide to go with a pretty little diamond, I think your gf will be THRILLED! It will be a beautiful ring and and beautiful moment. Congratulations and good luck!