Find your diamond
Find your jewelry
shape
carat
color
clarity

Looking for an engagement BAND! Help & opinions, please!

Status
Not open for further replies. Please create a new topic or request for this thread to be opened.
M

Ms. Raptor

Rough_Rock
Joined
Oct 27, 2009
Messages
22
Hello All! As of today, after months of lurking, I am a Pricescoper! Yay! Please help this newbie out! Gah! My FIRST post! I''m kind of nervous!

Here''s my situation:
My future fiance (FF?) and I are looking for an engagement BAND for moi.
I always thought when the time came to look at engagement rings, that I would want about a 1ct solitaire. Nope.
So I looked at sidestones, and pave, and different cuts/arrangements/etc.
I didn''t like anything...too big, too small, too high, not my style...and so on.
Then in one B&M, I saw the answer! A 5-stone band! I tried it on and LOVED it!
I''ve always been a little uncomfortable with my 4.75 EXTRA-LONG fingers (I refer to them as my ET hands), so I love how the 5-stone attracts horizontal attention and doesn''t acentuate the length of my fingers. And oh, the sparkle! I love the sparkle, of course! It''s everything I have wanted: simple, elegant, sparkly, easy to wear, not too high, not too big, not too small. And I love that it''s a little on the untraditional side, too!

So here''s where I need your help:
I''ve looked all over the internet for 5-stone bands that I like and have come up with quite a few options. Please help me narrow them down! I especially want something of good quality (G/SI or better, well cut) with a total carat weight of 1.25 to 1.50 for the 5 stones (.25-.30 pointers. Since my heart is set on the 5-stone, it looks like we will be coming in well under FF''s planned budget for my ring ($8k+), so that''s exciting, too! I think FF is still in a little sticker shock, though- the bands we''re looking at are all between about $3300-5500, and he still seems a little shocked that I don''t want ''more'' (aka to spend more), but I KNOW I want a 5-stone ER! Please help us find ''the one''!

Okay, so here is what I''ve been looking at...forgive me if I don''t link properly! Oh, & platinum is a MUST! I like the weight/patina!

Diamond Design Company 1.70 ctw (has pave on band)
http://store.diamonddesignco.com/1-70-pave-diamond-five-stone-platinum.html

Diamond Design Company 1.50 ctw
http://store.diamonddesignco.com/5845stone150.html

Diamond Design Company 1.25 ctw
http://store.diamonddesignco.com/5835stone125.html

James Allen 1.50 ctw
http://www.jamesallen.com/wedding-and-anniversary/womens-wedding-rings/ring/item_63-1216.asp

Winfield''s
http://www.freecz.com/images/store/Ingwer-wr3045.jpg

DimendScaasi 1.50 ctw
http://www.dimendscaasi.com/wedding/forHer/pages/1B3.asphttp://www.dimendscaasi.com/wedding/forHer/pages/1B3.asphttp://www.dimendscaasi.com/wedding/forHer/pages/1B3.asp

Debebians 1.50 ctw
http://www.debebians.com/1cerodianba.htmlhttp://www.debebians.com/1cerodianba.html


Please let me know what you think! Also, if you have any other suggestions, I would love to hear them!
I''m looking for a 5-stone, w/ RBs, G/SI or better, .25-.30 pointers, platinum, open or closed gallery, prong set, & options can include pave work, etc.

THANK YOU in advance!
 
I think this is a brilliant idea, good for you for going and finding out exactly what you want!

I''m partial to that JA myself - it looks the cleanest, somehow. Simple lines, well-proportioned prongs, the basket setting... I''m not a fan of the very first one posted, the pave in the band is just overkill.

Have you looked at trellis/w-prong/u-prong 5-stone settings? They can be more flowy/romantic, vs. the contemporary basket or bezel.
 
Ok for ease I''m going to number the options you have provided
1.gif
:

1. I don''t like the pave on the band - it''s too fussy IMHO

2. link didn''t work

3. there is something about the propostions of this setting that seems a bit off to me - does the band have a slight taper in to the 5 stones?
40.gif


4. you mentioned that you didn''t like the diamonds set too high - this may be a prblem with this setting (although on the flip side this setting will let in more light and therefore there will be more sparkle
1.gif
)

5. & 6. I think these two are the best in terms of proportions and your requirment for no being set too high. I''m no expert on the quality/workmanship of setting makers so other PSers will have to help you there.

7. same issue as no 4. above, the setting is also more ''dainty'' than the others (you might actully prefer this - i''m not sure).
 
Ms Raptor,
I just finished shopping for my 5-stone ring, so I am in an excellent position to give you advice. The bottom line is contact Bob at Whiteflash about getting you EXACTLY what you want, spec., price, and all. Trust me, you will be getting the best diamond ring for your money. I took a quick look at all your listed options, and I can''t see anything that can match Whiteflash''s.

Let me explain how I have arrived at my conclusion. To me, cut is very, very important. Regardless of style of the ring or color/clarity/size of the diamonds, a top cut diamond ring will command attention, from way across the back of the room, and it will keep singing to you with its incessant sparkles, strong flashes, bright and crisp appearance, and rainbow fire. Therefore, you want the ability to select your own diamonds that are placed in your 5-stone ring. Most of the listed vendors do not offer this option, and you are at the mercy of their blind picking. These vendors are interested in matching color. clarity, and size, but do not worry much about the optical performance. Although they claim they are putting in their signature line ideal cut diamonds, there is no guarantee that these chosen diamonds will yield top optical performance. Remember, a GIA excellent cut or AGS excellent cut grade can have a range of performace. With Whiteflash''s ACA (A Cut Above), you know for sure you have a well defined range of guaranteed top cut, high light performance stones. Of course, you still have to look at the AGS spec and idealscope (available for inspection) to confirm. The important point here is that you have the ability to pick and choose.

Another reason I went with Whiteflash and highly recommend you do so is Whiteflash''s flexibilty and willingness to work with you to get what you want. If you want to have a certain setting, they will either source it for you or custom make it for you for a reasonable (affordable) price while maintaining high quality (materials and workmanship). If you do not want ACA diamonds, they have many other selections such as their expert selection and other more affordable diamonds including their virtual stone inventory. If cost is important to you, Whiteflash will work hard to find something in your price range. I had a budget, and Whiteflash spent many hard working hours finding and getting what I wanted. Their customer service is unbelievably superb.

I may sound biased, but I know I am not. I purchased a 3-stone ring (ACA cut center stone) from Whiteflash a few months ago. Although I am very happy with my purchase and love my ACA cut (have to agree it is one iof the best possible cut around) diamond ring, I tried to be open-minded and shopped from other vendors before concluding to go with Whiteflash. My conclusion is a result of excellence in every category: quality (top cut diamonds and platinum ring), price (most reasonable), flexibility (WF put up with my back-and-forth considerations of ring setting choices and diamond selections - got my dream setting that I did not anticipate and toyed with idea of near ACA quality diamonds from the virtual inventory), and customer service (WF always make me feel they value my opinions and respect my needs as a customer. Also great communication).

Seek out Whiteflash, and let us know wahtever you decide. I shall have a reveal when my 5-stone ring is completed. Good luck to you in finding your dream ring.
 
yssie-
yes, i''ve looked at other setting styles, but i just keep drifting back to shared prong/basket! they seem timeless and classic to me, i guess. i like all the other styles, too, but i guess as far as settings go, i''m not that adventurous, lol!

bleeblue-
1. i kinda feel the same way about the pave...it''s pretty, but i might get tired of it.
2. http://store.diamonddesignco.com/5845stone150.html
hopefully that link works!
3. not sure!
4. this was the first one i found that i liked! i don''t think it''s TOO high, i just remember trying on some solitaires & thinking WHOA! they seemed to portrude a full cm off my finger!
6. i like how the setting on this one curves to the finger

thanks guys! i''m really appreciating other ppl''s points of view on this issue!
 
What do you think about this style?

5-stone Nightingale Sally.jpg
 
Personally, I don''t like the basket look one.
 
FancyDiamond-
I think the BGD 5-stone is BEAUTIFUL, but the U-prong makes me nervous! Am I just being silly? Being able to see the whole side profile of the diamonds makes me feel like they aren''t quite secure... I''m sure I''m just being silly, right?

I should also probably add that I intend to wear the ring w/ a plain platinum wedding band, so it will not be a stand-alone ring. I plan to wear this combo daily for a wide variety of activities (everything from running to grocery shopping to relaxing).

I will definitely contact WhiteFlash about what they can do! I''ve heard too many good things about them on this forum to not investigate! You must be SO excited! I can''t wait for you to post pics of your ring!

geckodani-
I''ve tried on the Memoire at a B&M! Very pretty! My only prob w/ it was that the platinum where the setting meets the shank is kind of thick & presses into neighboring fingers.
emsad.gif
I would probably get used to it, but it definitely felt a little weird.

thx for the link, canuk-gal!
 
Date: 10/27/2009 10:18:45 PM
Author: Ms. Raptor
FancyDiamond-
I think the BGD 5-stone is BEAUTIFUL, but the U-prong makes me nervous! Am I just being silly? Being able to see the whole side profile of the diamonds makes me feel like they aren''t quite secure... I''m sure I''m just being silly, right?

I should also probably add that I intend to wear the ring w/ a plain platinum wedding band, so it will not be a stand-alone ring. I plan to wear this combo daily for a wide variety of activities (everything from running to grocery shopping to relaxing).

I will definitely contact WhiteFlash about what they can do! I''ve heard too many good things about them on this forum to not investigate! You must be SO excited! I can''t wait for you to post pics of your ring!
Click to expand...
You have a good point about the exposed girdle of the U-prong design. I am getting this setting myself, and I''ll let you know about my expereince. Like you, I plan to wear this ring as an everyday ring, although I shall be notdoing rough activities with it on. The design is fairly popular in this forum, and quite a few PS ladies have this ring. Perhaps they can chime in and tell us their experience.

Either way, I still want this setting and do not mind the risk.
 
Of the choices you picked I like the JA the best, however, if I had the money I would get a Brian Gavin piece!
30.gif
30.gif
30.gif
 
I have a 5 stone for my wedding/engagement ring, it''s antique so obviously I didn''t ''build it'' myself. If I was having a 5 stone custom made, I''d go for the BGD Nightingale, it''s a stunning ring.
 
So many BGD reccomendations! I checked out the BGD website to see more pics of the Nightingale and ended up finidng a custom 5-stone piece w/ a basket setting. Maybe I'm not a girdle girl?

Anyway, here's a pic of the BGD basket:

[Link to blog removed by Moderator] See forum policies

and her are more 5-stone examples if any of you guys are curious!:

[Link to blog removed by Moderator] See forum policies
 
Date: 10/27/2009 11:56:26 PM
Author: EBree
Here are a couple more you might like well under budget:

Facets Platinum Shared Prong Five Stone 1.32 ctw (F-G color, VVS-VS clarity)

Facets Platinum Raphael Five Stone, 1.33 ctw (F-G color, VVS-VS clarity)
Click to expand...
I ordered the first ring and it just wasnt for me...the setting is very low (which some folks like) but it just didnt
seem like it showed off the diamonds to their best ability. Here is a picture of the facets ring and the ring I ended
up getting. The lower setting is the facets ring (you can see the stones actually look smaller but they are the
same size as the ring I kept). These 5 stones were approx .81 ctw. The one I have has a closed basket which I like
because it seems to be a cleaner line but its all personal preference. If I had the choice I would probably go with
someone that would allow me (and help me) pick out the individual stones. That way you know exactly what you
are getting. I think many of the PS vendors could/would do this with you...BGD, Good old Gold, James Allen,
Diamond Scassi, Whiteflash, Pearlmans just to mention a few. All these vendors are listed up under the Resource
menu. I think a five stone is an excellent idea!
smller3932.jpg


The one I kept with the closed basket...actually here is my link if you need to see more detail...
https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/got-my-5-stone-with-pics.113094/
smller3961.jpg
 
I like the u prong myself... I can''t imagine those rings would continue to be made by reputable jewelers if there was something to be nervous about :)
 
Date: 10/28/2009 8:40:59 AM
Author: Ms. Raptor
So many BGD reccomendations! I checked out the BGD website to see more pics of the Nightingale and ended up finidng a custom 5-stone piece w/ a basket setting. Maybe I'm not a girdle girl?
Click to expand...
If you're not a girdle girl, you're just not! No worries!
5.gif


I have studs from BGD, and they do fantastic work!

Jillian has a 3 stone trellis from them - I bet they could adapt it to a 5 stone if you like. https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/my-dream-20th-anniversary-ring-by-brian-gavin.127692/

Or if the basket is the one you love - go for it!

ETA: The Trellis is also on the blog.
 
Status
Not open for further replies. Please create a new topic or request for this thread to be opened.
GET 3 FREE HCA RESULTS JOIN THE FORUM. ASK FOR HELP
Jewelry Blog
PriceScope-Concierge-Ad
Find prime cuts.
Top