Looking for a wedding set for someone picky

[Intrigued]

Hi all, I've been on and off looking at rings and diamonds for a while now and reading this forum on and off for a little bit. You have a really great community here and I'm hoping for a little help.

I have slowly been able to push some info out of the girlfriend (she's very particular about jewelry and has been a little slow to move on this). She wants it to be perfect in her eyes since she is going to wear it forever, the main things she's looking for are the diamond being 1 carat and having a wedding band and setting that she really likes, in platinum. I'd like to see my money going toward the best possible light coming out of an eye clean stone.

Getting down to the nitty gritty, I'm hoping to spend <$5k on the engagement ring altogether, which is already way past what I was hoping to spend before I started looking at this stuff.

Anyway, I managed to convince her to go looking around at some point, and she came back with a few pictures. Below is one of a wedding band that she really loved. She found it at Michael's, though I can't find it at their online site at all.

I'm interested in any possible finds that might be similar to this, or if people can find the same one somewhere online that I couldn't. Mostly, though, I think she's going to want that exact band, so I'm thinking more about the engagement ring to match it. She liked the one in the picture a lot. I'm pretty sure I could probably end up saving a lot of money and get a better quality diamond if I bought online. How hard would it be to find another setting that matched this wedding band really well? Any other options you can think of?

Thanks so much for any help/advice you can provide, and for your time in reading through all this mess!

edit: forgot to mention, she was originally looking at cushion cuts, but at this store they were showing her princess cuts and she likes them too. I'm happy with whatever she's happy with, though I personally prefer the cushion cuts.

 

[Intrigued]

I did find this setting - http://www.goodoldgold.com/setting/V1003/,, seems like it might be similar or it might match at least?

 

[milton333]

Some thoughts - if she's very picky, why don't you buy the ring together? Just be open - here's the budget, let's see what we can find. There's no reason why the engagement ring has to be a surprise. If she's very picky, she probably wants to help buy it - ask her. Also, IMO, if she's very picky, she needs to understand what can be accomplished within the budget, and what can't.

On princess cuts and cushions, a few things. AGS is the only lab that grades princess cuts for light performance. An AGS ideal princess cut at 1 ct is out of your price range ($5k +). GIA excellent cuts at 1 ct at around G-H in color are going to be $4k-$4,500. E.g., http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/H-VS1-Ideal-Cut-Princess-Diamond-1453186.asp With a GIA cut, you'd want to request an ASET image to evaluate light performance.

One thing about princess cuts is that they face up smaller for the carat weight than rounds. That 1.05 ct princess I linked faces up around 5.6 mm. For a comparable price, you can get a .8 ct round, which faces up at 6 mm. Example: http://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-2728081.htm

Cushion cuts can be challenging to purchase, because they don't have a good formula like the HCA to evaluate light performance and aren't graded for light performance by AGS or GIA. A lot of cushions are duds. You may need to shop in person to evaluate them, or find a vendor who can provide you with ASET images to evaluate.

Getting close to 1 ct is not going to leave you with much budget for the setting. It looks like she was looking at pave settings, which start around $1,000. Here are some examples:
http://www.jamesallen.com/engagement-rings/pave/
http://www.whiteflash.com/engagement-rings/diamond-settings/legato-micro-pave-diamond-engagement-ring-1011.htm

If she's aiming for a good-performing 1 ct princess, you may have to do a more basic solitaire setting for now. (E.g., http://www.whiteflash.com/engagement-rings/solitaire/4-prong-tiffany-style-solitaire-engagement-ring-for-princess-8.htm) Or drop to a smaller diamond. You should consider asking her what her priority is.

ETA: I missed where you said she wanted platinum. A platinum pave setting is going to be 1/3 of your budget. Again, I think you need to communicate this to her and see if white gold is an option, if she's okay with a solitaire setting, if she wants a smaller diamond, etc.

 

[milton333]

This is a virtual stone, would have to be called in, but seems promising to me: http://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/princess-cut-loose-diamond-2701026.htm You could ask them to evaluate it for you.

If she has to have a pave setting in platinum, this is the most budget-friendly that I've found: http://www.jamesallen.com/engagement-rings/pave/White-Gold-2-1mm-French-Cut-Pave-Engagement-Ring.html I'm just not seeing many good options for princesses on the JA website at the moment in your price range. If you got this, you could have it shipped to where you get the diamond from, for setting purposes.

 

[slg47]

If she likes a modern cushion...here is one within budget that might allow you room to get a very simple pave setting

http://goodoldgold.com/diamond/8996/

ETA another option is to get a solitaire engagement ring and a pave wedding band.

but if she is picky...I suggest talking to her.

 

[Amys Bling]

If she likes a modern cushion...here is one within budget that might allow you room to get a very simple pave setting

http://goodoldgold.com/diamond/8996/

ETA another option is to get a solitaire engagement ring and a pave wedding band.

but if she is picky...I suggest talking to her.

great find- I think I actually linked that diamond for another poster's thread, lol.

But, yes, getting a quality 1ct cushion or princess with a pave setting for 5,000 is going to be tough....

I am linking some stones, but you will really need to get ASET images to determine how well they are really cut. Also, some of the I colored cushions on JamesAllen look tinted- so I am not sure how color sensitive your GF is, but I think H or better in a cushion is safer.

http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/E-SI1-Ideal-Cut-Cushion-Diamond-1298890.asp

http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/H-VS1-Ideal-Cut-Cushion-Diamond-1281433.asp

http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/H-VS2-Ideal-Cut-Cushion-Diamond-1280486.asp

http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/I-SI1-Ideal-Cut-Cushion-Diamond-1332786.asp

http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/I-VS1-Ideal-Cut-Cushion-Diamond-1295005.asp

setting options- keep in mind, platmium is more expensive than 18K or 14K whitegold

http://www.jamesallen.com/engagement-rings/pave/Platinum-Double-Claw-Prong-Surprise-Ring.html

http://www.jamesallen.com/engagemen...ld-2-1mm-French-Cut-Pave-Engagement-Ring.html

 

[diamondseeker2006]

$5000 is a LOT of money, but sadly diamonds have greatly increased in price and as others have said, you are probably not going to be able to get a good quality 1 carat stone with a pave setting. Some people choose to put all the money into the stone and start out with a simple inexpensive setting. Then later, the setting can be changed. I really think she is going to have to be in on the fact that she needs to adjust her expectations and decide whether she desires that total look with pave with a stone under a carat, or go with the best diamond you can find for $5000 with a simple setting for now. Just be sure she also understands that a 1 carat cushion or princess is around the size of a .80 round diamond as someone else has also said. She definitely needs to understand all this so she won't be disappointed with the end result.

Also, I wouldn't worry about the wedding band yet. After she has the e-ring, then she can go try on bands with it. She might end up finding something she likes even better. Or you may end up choosing a setting that has a matching band, which often looks best.

 

[Intrigued]

Oh I will definitely be involving her in this whole process, I'm just looking for some outside input so I can come back to her with some options.

The platinum band we're putting down as a "need" due to her working as a lifeguard and the havoc that can wreak on white gold. I think the pave setting was mostly because she liked that wedding band so much, and wanted something that paired well with it. I'll try to get a better idea how she feels on that.

If I got a setting somewhere else I could have them ship to the diamond dealer for actually setting it? What does that cost?

milton, when you say a 1ct ideal would be $5k+ are you saying $5k might be doable, or that these are well over $5k? I'll be finding out about my bonus for the year in the next month or two, so that may end up changing this a bit.

How fast do these inventories turn over?

I'm overwhelmed at how much great input I'm getting here so fast. Thanks so much everyone!

 

[slg47]

Oh I will definitely be involving her in this whole process, I'm just looking for some outside input so I can come back to her with some options.

The platinum band we're putting down as a "need" due to her working as a lifeguard and the havoc that can wreak on white gold. I think the pave setting was mostly because she liked that wedding band so much, and wanted something that paired well with it. I'll try to get a better idea how she feels on that.

yeah...a plain engagement ring actually looks GREAT with a pave wedding band! so I would definitely check with her (especially since you say she is picky)

If I got a setting somewhere else I could have them ship to the diamond dealer for actually setting it? What does that cost?

you will be out shipping charges and mounting fees which can add up to several hundred dollars...I would try to get the setting and stone at the same place if at all possible.

milton, when you say a 1ct ideal would be $5k+ are you saying $5k might be doable, or that these are well over $5k? I'll be finding out about my bonus for the year in the next month or two, so that may end up changing this a bit.

How fast do these inventories turn over?

I'm overwhelmed at how much great input I'm getting here so fast. Thanks so much everyone!

5k MIGHT be doable with a plain setting. Talk to her and see what her priorities are as far as carat size/ring style/etc

 

[diamondseeker2006]

Well, while you are talking to her, explain that pave rings really have to be babied. You wouldn't do anything like house or yardwork with them on, or working out, even cooking. I definitely would not wear it to work as a lifeguard, other than maybe the first time to show her friends. But you are correct that platinum is the better choice if she does wear the ring on occasion when swimming in a pool. It sounds like she would benefit from having a second, plain wedding band that can be worn alone when doing things that might be hazardous to her pave ring(s). I personally do like a plain band for the engagement ring and a diamond band for the wedding ring.

 

[Cluless]

Would she consider pre-owned? If so there is this one which is very similar to the picture you posted and the set is in your budget. It says it's 18k but because of the alloy used there is no replating needed.

18 karat 1.00 carat canadian diamond set

This ring is made from a secret proprietary gold alloy containing 75% pure gold and palladium combined to give a super white colour with out the need for rhodium plating. The ring is Canadian made using Canadian gold and contains a 1.00 carat Canadian diamond of I1-G quality with an average to good cut. This ring comes complete with it’s matching wedding ring. Bead set throughout the settings are 71 tiny full cut diamonds of good quality. This set is hardly worn and is in great condition. The edge of the diamond has been laser engraved with a unique identification number and maple leaf . The set comes with a “Glacier Fire” certificate and booklet dated late 2008. The estate price for the complete set is $4500.

http://www.billleboeufjewellers.com/category/estate_pieces/rings/

 

[slg47]

Would she consider pre-owned? If so there is this one which is very similar to the picture you posted and the set is in your budget. It says it's 18k but because of the alloy used there is no replating needed.

18 karat 1.00 carat canadian diamond set

This ring is made from a secret proprietary gold alloy containing 75% pure gold and palladium combined to give a super white colour with out the need for rhodium plating. The ring is Canadian made using Canadian gold and contains a 1.00 carat Canadian diamond of I1-G quality with an average to good cut. This ring comes complete with it’s matching wedding ring. Bead set throughout the settings are 71 tiny full cut diamonds of good quality. This set is hardly worn and is in great condition. The edge of the diamond has been laser engraved with a unique identification number and maple leaf . The set comes with a “Glacier Fire” certificate and booklet dated late 2008. The estate price for the complete set is $4500.

http://www.billleboeufjewellers.com/category/estate_pieces/rings/

I1 and average to good cut?!??!?!

 

[milton333]

If I got a setting somewhere else I could have them ship to the diamond dealer for actually setting it? What does that cost?

milton, when you say a 1ct ideal would be $5k+ are you saying $5k might be doable, or that these are well over $5k? I'll be finding out about my bonus for the year in the next month or two, so that may end up changing this a bit.

How fast do these inventories turn over?

I'm overwhelmed at how much great input I'm getting here so fast. Thanks so much everyone!

Shipping the setting to the vendor that has the diamond - it may just be the cost of shipping. ETA: I recently shipped a diamond registered insured mail, and it cost me $20. I would not assume it will cost you hundreds if you're in the continental U.S.

The diamond is the pricey part of the equation, so if you have the setting vendor set the diamond, they typically charge a setting fee, which is variable, but about $100 depending on the complexity of the setting. With what you're looking at in terms of setting, should be cheap and easy. The diamond vendor has insurance for dealing with the stone, and may set it for free or for a similarly low fee, and you can avoid the cost of having to ensure the diamond in transit to the setting vendor.

On how much over $5k for an AGS ideal princess - part of this depends, per a prior poster, on her comfort level with color. Princess cuts may show a bit more color than a similar color grade round stone. She should look at 1 ct I colored princesses and see how she feels about them. Some people are super color sensitive, but most mall diamonds are in the I-J-K range and it's fair to say that most people don't notice a bothersome tint at I (maybe J), but you'd want to check with her.

Here are some 1ct-ish AGS ideal princesses, for purposes of budgeting (ask for the Pricescope discount):
http://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/princess-cut-loose-diamond-2677741.htm ($5,290 with wire and PS discount)
http://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/princess-cut-loose-diamond-2733362.htm ($5,407)
http://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/princess-cut-loose-diamond-2733363.htm ($4,827 - I color)
http://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/princess-cut-loose-diamond-2668214.htm ($4,699, .908 ct)
http://www.briangavindiamonds.com/Diamonds/diamond-details/0.901-G-VS2-princess-Diamond-AGS-104046707017 ($5,222 .901 ct)

Some that you'd want to ask for an ASET to evaluate light performance, these are not AGS ideals, and there can be a big range in GIA's "excellent" cut grade. IMO, I like to see excellent symmetry in a princess cut, I just think the lack of symmetry is apparent when looking at the faceting patterns in this stone, but excellent symmetry is less common with GIA excellent cut princesses (though that Whiteflash one I linked above has it). This may not bother you or her in person, though.
http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/F-VS2-Ideal-Cut-Princess-Diamond-1453184.asp ($5,240 PS discount)
http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/F-VS2-Ideal-Cut-Princess-Diamond-1453167.asp ($5,170)
http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/G-VS2-Ideal-Cut-Princess-Diamond-1245050.asp ($5,140)

You have a very healthy budget, but diamond prices have gone up quite a bit. I hope the info above helps. In terms of buying now, IMO inventory is still a bit low from the winter holidays, and now we're edging into the Valentine's day season. If you might wait to buy, you might see more options in your price range.

 

[milton333]

You mentioned platinum for the setting, what about palladium? It does not require plating.
http://www.eternitydiamonds.com/engagement-rings/diamond-engagement-ring/Audrey-Princess-Cut-Diamond-with-Bezel-Set-Diamond-Band-%28.16-ctw.%29-128.htm $635 in palladium
http://www.eternitydiamonds.com/engagement-rings/diamond-engagement-ring/Thin-Pave-Princess-Cut-Ring-433.htm $685
http://www.eternitydiamonds.com/engagement-rings/diamond-engagement-ring/Thin-Pave-Ring-423.htm $855 in palladium (though this may be too delicate for 24/7 wear). This style comes with a matching wedding band:
http://www.eternitydiamonds.com/engagement-rings/diamond-engagement-ring/Thin-Pave-Ring-With-Matching-Band-476.htm
http://www.eternitydiamonds.com/engagement-rings/diamond-engagement-ring/Thin-Pave-Princess-Cut-Ring-With-Matching-Band-478.htm (again, call for pricing)

ETA: If she likes the look of diamonds on the band, but has an active lifestyle and doesn't want to baby the ring, channel set diamonds may be a better choice, more secure so as to minimize the risk of losing the smaller diamonds from the band.

http://www.eternitydiamonds.com/engagement-rings/diamond-engagement-ring/Quinn-Channel-Set-Diamond-Engagement-Ring-by-Eternity-%28.25-ctw.%29-159.htm $995 in palladium
http://www.eternitydiamonds.com/engagement-rings/diamond-engagement-ring/Sage-Channel-Set-Engagement-Ring-%28.50-ctw.%29-260.htm $1135
http://www.eternitydiamonds.com/engagement-rings/diamond-engagement-ring/Channel-Set-Diamond-Ring-332.htm $895

 

[berry731]

Hey- I found this ring online I think it is very pretty and unique. It is a preowned ring in a Simon G setting with a .73 carat princess cut diamond GIA certified G color VS1 clarity Very Good cut for only $2200!


Certification Type:
GIA
Certificate #:
2111434319