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Looking for an engagement ring - begging for help

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cawolf86

Rough_Rock
Joined
Jan 31, 2012
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Hey all - let me start off with saying how great it has been browsing the forums for a couple weeks. I am planning on proposing to my girlfriend of 7 years in mid-march and am looking to surprise her with a ring. She isn't big on jewelry and all she currently has is a necklace I bought her years ago and "costume" jewelry. She does not wear any rings on her fingers but from trying things on in the past she is a 4.5 - 5.5. I am planning on finding a simple band - though I do think she would like some of the settings with side stones or pave.

I even went into a couple larger stores to look at things in person. Here is my concern with buying online - the sizing of the ring and aftercare. That's really it. I am concerned the size won't be perfect but I really want to surprise her as she won't see it coming! Thoughts?

I would really appreciate your help and suggestions towards getting her the best diamond ring for what I can afford at this time. I need to keep it under $3,000 USD. :( I have been getting familiar with James Allen and Blue Nile so any suggestions from those sites would be great.

Here are some of the settings I have been considering:

http://www.jamesallen.com/engagement-ringssolitairering/item_57-8435.asp
http://www.jamesallen.com/engagement-rings/solitaire/2mm-Knife-Edge-18k-White-Gold-Solitaire-Ring.html
http://www.jamesallen.com/engagement-rings/pave/18k-White-Gold-Thin-French-Cut-Engagement-Ring.html
http://www.jamesallen.com/engagement-rings/settings-with-sidestones/-18k-White-Gold-Tapered-Baguette-Diamond-Engagement-Ring.html

I like the more delicate looking bands - she isn't one to like large or fancy designs.

The diamond is the hardest part for me. I think that the 1 carat stones look too large - I believe I am leaning towards something similar to the ones I am linking - but I am so lost. I think from what I saw in person something in the range of 3/4 carat is a good size - more or less is alright too. I want the best I can get for my money at this time that would look good in a simple, thin, 4 prong, white setting. Please help if you can I appreciate it so much. I think that cut seems to stand out the most to me which is why I have been looking at diamonds with excellent or so cut.

http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/J-VS2-Ideal-Cut-Round-Diamond-1452032.asp
http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/J-VS2-Ideal-Cut-Round-Diamond-1444596.asp
http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/J-VS2-Ideal-Cut-Round-Diamond-1408024.asp

Thanks!
 
Hi Cawolf86! :appl: Welcome to pricescope and congrats on your upcoming engagement! :appl:

I think that your on the right track, you have some great ideas and I'm sure that PSers can help you refine them. I've owned both the 2mm knife edge solitare setting as well as the petite french pave and they both were beautiful, delicate and classic!

I also think that a .75ct RB is a nice size stone on a little finger. The three stones that you posted however aren't going to have the best performance though. I think that we can come up with something better, if you'd like us to help you look. If I had to choose between the three I think that I like #2 the best. Are you flexible or is there a reason that you gravitate to J's? Some people find the slight warmth to be very appealing, some don't. Have you considered lowering the clarity and going with a higher color grade? You could drop to an SI1 or possibly even a SI2 and still have an eye clean stone.

JA was fantastic to work with, so no worries about shopping online with them. They will resize the ring for free within the first 30 days and have a lifetime warranty on their settings. However if the setting is 18kt gold or platinum then there are maitainace issues that you will have to consider, such as rhodium plating for white gold and polishing of platinum. Most people do this once a year or so, some longer, some more often and no worries, it's just part of owning and caring for a beautiful piece of jewelry.
 
this one looks promising.
http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/H-SI1-Ideal-Cut-Round-Diamond-1390221.asp

check to see if this one is eye clean
http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/G-SI2-Ideal-Cut-Round-Diamond-1421739.asp

I like this one as well if it's eye clean, it has an inclusion on the table, but I've been surprised before. It also an AGS0 so it's going to have superior light performance, which helps hide inclusions.
http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/I-SI1-Ideal-Cut-Round-Diamond-1398077.asp

Don't forget to ask for your Pricescope discount, that will help you stretch your budget as well.
 
What is your stone budget- we may be able to link more stones for your consideration.
 
I like the first three settings you picked out - they're very classic, and I think people who usually don't wear jewelry tend to like classic ones. I don't like the third as much because I don't like how the baguettes sit on top of the band - the baguette settings I like have at least one end down in the band to provide more of a smooth line. I also think that people who don't wear much jewelry are, oddly, the people who wear their e-rings the most constantly, so you should be sure to get a durable setting. If you think she would like the look of diamonds on the shank, you may want to consider going with channel-set princesses rather than pave, like so:
http://www.jamesallen.com/engagement-rings/channelset-rings/Thin-Channel-Set-Engagement-Ring.html

I think the stone Ravinmad posted looks very promising. Remember that at JA I think you can get 3 free ASET images of stones you choose, so try to narrow it down to your top three contenders and then ask for the ASET images.
 
I really recommend getting the best diamond you can and then getting an inexpensive solitaire setting. You can get her a diamond wedding band later to add a little sparkle to the set!
 
Have you looked at Brian Gavin at all? They also have a great selection of diamonds and some beautiful settings. Here is a link to an info sheet about ideal diamond angles just to give you a bench mark and to help in your search.
https://www.pricescope.com/wiki/diamonds/diamond-grading-chart-round/

http://www.briangavindiamonds.com/d...nd-ags-104051366014#!prettyPhoto[gallery2]/3/

http://www.briangavindiamonds.com/d...ls/0.718-g-vs2-round-diamond-ags-104055878084

http://www.briangavindiamonds.com/e...lassic-truth-solitaire-18k-white-gold-5369w18

Hope this helps! :)
 
Mrs. W 514|1328030213|3115621 said:
Have you looked at Brian Gavin at all? They also have a great selection of diamonds and some beautiful settings. Here is a link to an info sheet about ideal diamond angles just to give you a bench mark and to help in your search.
https://www.pricescope.com/wiki/diamonds/diamond-grading-chart-round/

http://www.briangavindiamonds.com/d...nd-ags-104051366014#!prettyPhoto[gallery2]/3/

http://www.briangavindiamonds.com/d...ls/0.718-g-vs2-round-diamond-ags-104055878084

http://www.briangavindiamonds.com/e...lassic-truth-solitaire-18k-white-gold-5369w18

Hope this helps! :)
Click to expand...

His budget for the ring is $3000.
 
Christina...|1328008157|3115453 said:
this one looks promising.
http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/H-SI1-Ideal-Cut-Round-Diamond-1390221.asp

check to see if this one is eye clean
http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/G-SI2-Ideal-Cut-Round-Diamond-1421739.asp

I like this one as well if it's eye clean, it has an inclusion on the table, but I've been surprised before. It also an AGS0 so it's going to have superior light performance, which helps hide inclusions.
http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/I-SI1-Ideal-Cut-Round-Diamond-1398077.asp

Don't forget to ask for your Pricescope discount, that will help you stretch your budget as well.
Click to expand...

Would love help though those diamonds don't leave me much room for a setting.
 
Amys Bling|1328023126|3115547 said:
What is your stone budget- we may be able to link more stones for your consideration.
Click to expand...

I am thinking approx 500-1000 for a setting and the remainder up to 3000 for my total budget. So about 2000-2500.
 
distracts|1328028343|3115599 said:
I like the first three settings you picked out - they're very classic, and I think people who usually don't wear jewelry tend to like classic ones. I don't like the third as much because I don't like how the baguettes sit on top of the band - the baguette settings I like have at least one end down in the band to provide more of a smooth line. I also think that people who don't wear much jewelry are, oddly, the people who wear their e-rings the most constantly, so you should be sure to get a durable setting. If you think she would like the look of diamonds on the shank, you may want to consider going with channel-set princesses rather than pave, like so:
http://www.jamesallen.com/engagement-rings/channelset-rings/Thin-Channel-Set-Engagement-Ring.html

I think the stone Ravinmad posted looks very promising. Remember that at JA I think you can get 3 free ASET images of stones you choose, so try to narrow it down to your top three contenders and then ask for the ASET images.
Click to expand...

Would a channel-set princess pave look alright with a round center stone?
 
Mrs. W 514|1328030213|3115621 said:
Have you looked at Brian Gavin at all? They also have a great selection of diamonds and some beautiful settings. Here is a link to an info sheet about ideal diamond angles just to give you a bench mark and to help in your search.
https://www.pricescope.com/wiki/diamonds/diamond-grading-chart-round/

http://www.briangavindiamonds.com/d...nd-ags-104051366014#!prettyPhoto[gallery2]/3/

http://www.briangavindiamonds.com/d...ls/0.718-g-vs2-round-diamond-ags-104055878084

http://www.briangavindiamonds.com/e...lassic-truth-solitaire-18k-white-gold-5369w18

Hope this helps! :)
Click to expand...

Very beautiful just a bit out of my reach at this time. :(
 
cawolf86|1328068296|3116141 said:
distracts|1328028343|3115599 said:
I like the first three settings you picked out - they're very classic, and I think people who usually don't wear jewelry tend to like classic ones. I don't like the third as much because I don't like how the baguettes sit on top of the band - the baguette settings I like have at least one end down in the band to provide more of a smooth line. I also think that people who don't wear much jewelry are, oddly, the people who wear their e-rings the most constantly, so you should be sure to get a durable setting. If you think she would like the look of diamonds on the shank, you may want to consider going with channel-set princesses rather than pave, like so:
http://www.jamesallen.com/engagement-rings/channelset-rings/Thin-Channel-Set-Engagement-Ring.html

I think the stone Ravinmad posted looks very promising. Remember that at JA I think you can get 3 free ASET images of stones you choose, so try to narrow it down to your top three contenders and then ask for the ASET images.
Click to expand...

Would a channel-set princess pave look alright with a round center stone?
Click to expand...

It would be gorgeous! However, I agree with DS, if you would like to stay in the. 75ct range, I would put the majority of your budget into the stone and have it set in a simple solitaire setting.

ETA. just realized you asked if princess cut channels would look good with a round center. Personally, I wouldn't choose princess cuts with rounds, but its a matter of preferance.

Have you considered shapes other than rounds for your center? RBs tend to carry a premium so you can often get the same ct weight in a fancy cut for less money.
 
Christina...|1328072971|3116195 said:
It would be gorgeous! However, I agree with DS, if you would like to stay in the. 75ct range, I would put the majority of your budget into the stone and have it set in a simple solitaire setting.

ETA. just realized you asked if princess cut channels would look good with a round center. Personally, I wouldn't choose princess cuts with rounds, but its a matter of preferance.

Have you considered shapes other than rounds for your center? RBs tend to carry a premium so you can often get the same ct weight in a fancy cut for less money.
Click to expand...

I think that round is the shape she would like the most - her friend recently got a princess cut stone and she didn't seem impressed by the "sharp edges" as she put it. I am open to other options but generally have been trying to learn about round brilliants.

I am not locked in the .75 ct range but just seemed a good size where I could get a decent diamond that I wouldn't consider too large or small. I think she would be happy with anything but just trying to figure out the best for my money. She just went to sleep so I am going to do some browsing on jamesallen right now and look closer at their listings.

What would you say is the biggest factor to look for when choosing a round brilliant? From what I have seen the cut and color make the biggest impression on me - but they all look great. Gives me a headache.

I really appreciate all the replies so far.
 
So I do think that a little better color than J is worth it - such as G or H - and looking at diamonds with SI1/2as opposed to VS1/2.

Is that a good trade off?

Here is my rough desire at this time. I will do some searching now and post some.

Round Brilliant

Carat - 0.7 to 0.8

Clarity - VS1 to SI2

Color - G to I

Cut - Excellent

The proportions and % still confuse me though - if I go with a diamond with a higher rating in cut can I trust it?

Still like this one Ravinmad posted :)
http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/H-SI2-Ideal-Cut-Round-Diamond-1342587.asp

Are the inclusions on this one too messy?
http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/H-SI2-Ideal-Cut-Round-Diamond-1442537.asp

Is J really noticeably yellow?
http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/J-SI1-Ideal-Cut-Round-Diamond-1451875.asp

Is going down a step in cut a poor choice?
http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/I-SI2-Good-Cut-Round-Diamond-1438940.asp
http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/H-SI2-Good-Cut-Round-Diamond-1457555.asp

Last one for this - I am so sorry! A little smaller but better color, cut, and it's VS2. Thoughts? Faint florescence?
http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/I-VS2-Premium-Cut-Round-Diamond-1444607.asp


Another from WF:
http://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-2747693.htm
Thanks
 
Last thought for the night! :)

I see the solitaire settings are much more inexpensive on blue nile - any reason for that?

Any good diamonds from them around what we have been looking at?
 
cawolf86|1328079117|3116229 said:
So I do think that a little better color than J is worth it - such as G or H - and looking at diamonds with SI1/2as opposed to VS1/2.

Is that a good trade off?

Here is my rough desire at this time. I will do some searching now and post some.

Round Brilliant

Carat - 0.7 to 0.8

Clarity - VS1 to SI2

Color - G to I

Cut - Excellent

The proportions and % still confuse me though - if I go with a diamond with a higher rating in cut can I trust it?

Still like this one Ravinmad posted :)
http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/H-SI2-Ideal-Cut-Round-Diamond-1342587.asp

Are the inclusions on this one too messy?
http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/H-SI2-Ideal-Cut-Round-Diamond-1442537.asp

Is J really noticeably yellow?
http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/J-SI1-Ideal-Cut-Round-Diamond-1451875.asp

Is going down a step in cut a poor choice?
http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/I-SI2-Good-Cut-Round-Diamond-1438940.asp
http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/H-SI2-Good-Cut-Round-Diamond-1457555.asp

Last one for this - I am so sorry! A little smaller but better color, cut, and it's VS2. Thoughts? Faint florescence?
http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/I-VS2-Premium-Cut-Round-Diamond-1444607.asp


Another from WF:
http://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-2747693.htm
Thanks
Click to expand...

sorry I only have a minute before I have to dash out the door, but I'll try to answer some of your questions. The diamond the ravinmad posted looks pretty in the picture, but it's going to be a poor performer it only has an HCA of 3.8, and you should stay below a 2.0 to get optimal performance from the stone. When it comes to trying to find an eye clean SI2, I would try to stay away from inclusions that are on the table and anything that is black. white inclusions, feathers, wisps, etc especially ones that can be hidden under a prong are a fantastic bargain and a great value.

Cut is the most important aspect of the diamond, a great cut is going to improve the color of the diamond as well as help hide inclusions, it's also what gives the stone its fantastic light performance. When you sacrafice cut you end up with a lifeless dark diamond.

flourescence is your friend. medium to strong blue flouresence can help make a diamond look more white, it can make a J look like an I or possibly and H. There are exceptions though, in some stones, maybe more often in colorless stones, it can make the diamond look milky or oily, this does not happen often, but it's always good to get an opinion from a gemologist.

as to blue nile the only difficult thing is that you don't actually get to see the stone you are purchasing so you have to rely on numbers and someone else opinion. You can purchase a stone from JA and have a local jeweler set it for you. some vendors won't sell just a setting others will. some will set your stone for you if you didn't purchase it from them. JA will set a stone in your setting so if BN will sell the setting you could ship it to JA to be set, which is what I would do. I'll try to select some more stones for you later. sorry so quick, hope I got everything. :P
 
Tulips choicess are excellent and within ur budget. A well cut stone will look bigger than a larger poorly cut stone. I agree with tulip and think this stone and setting will be stunning and classic. BGD has a great reputation and does incredible work. I think you and your SO will be very happy. :appl:
 
Christina...|1328103873|3116303 said:
Tulips choicess are excellent and within ur budget. A well cut stone will look bigger than a larger poorly cut stone. I agree with tulip and think this stone and setting will be stunning and classic. BGD has a great reputation and does incredible work. I think you and your SO will be very happy. :appl:
Click to expand...

I know! This one is the 'creme de la creme' and in his budget! I hope he considers it!!!
 
WhiteFlash is running 14% off their settings throw in $25 off for first time buying with them and then the pricescope discount ...that may open a few more options. It helped my purchase and they are great to work with...

http://www.whiteflash.com/diamond-engagement-rings/
 
tulip928|1328099573|3116275 said:
This is only slightly smaller than you wanted, but it is a beautiful diamond and a better way to spend your hard earned money. It will shine on her petite hand! There is an upgrade policy on the signature diamonds, also - something to consider.

http://www.briangavindiamonds.com/Diamonds/diamond-details/0.641-G-VS2-round-Diamond-AGS-104054189017

http://www.briangavindiamonds.com/engagement-rings/solitaire/six-prong-solitaire-14k-white-gold-5351w14
Click to expand...

That looks amazing.....

It looks perfect to my untrained eyes as far as all the pictures and ASET/Idealscope images I have browsed. Wow. I guess going for a signature diamond has that advantage. How do the 0.62 or 0.624 ct signature diamonds compare with that one? It seems like a steep jump for 0.3mm across the top. Is it noticeable?

I am probably going to go with this one as of now - I have a plan to try and lock down her ring size I will find out in a couple days.

Thanks!
 
If she has a ring that fits her finger, you can borrow it and take it to any jeweler to find out the size.
 
Lotus99|1328135958|3116740 said:
If she has a ring that fits her finger, you can borrow it and take it to any jeweler to find out the size.
Click to expand...

She does not own any rings that go on her ring fingers :(
 
Christina...|1328103873|3116303 said:
Tulips choicess are excellent and within ur budget. A well cut stone will look bigger than a larger poorly cut stone. I agree with tulip and think this stone and setting will be stunning and classic. BGD has a great reputation and does incredible work. I think you and your SO will be very happy. :appl:
Click to expand...

Just to compare a couple similar choices from james allen - thoughts on these?

http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/H-VS2-Ideal-Cut-Round-Diamond-1452902.asp
http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/H-VS2-Ideal-Cut-Round-Diamond-1452904.asp
 
Christina...|1328096709|3116263 said:
sorry I only have a minute before I have to dash out the door, but I'll try to answer some of your questions. The diamond the ravinmad posted looks pretty in the picture, but it's going to be a poor performer it only has an HCA of 3.8, and you should stay below a 2.0 to get optimal performance from the stone. When it comes to trying to find an eye clean SI2, I would try to stay away from inclusions that are on the table and anything that is black. white inclusions, feathers, wisps, etc especially ones that can be hidden under a prong are a fantastic bargain and a great value.

Cut is the most important aspect of the diamond, a great cut is going to improve the color of the diamond as well as help hide inclusions, it's also what gives the stone its fantastic light performance. When you sacrafice cut you end up with a lifeless dark diamond.

flourescence is your friend. medium to strong blue flouresence can help make a diamond look more white, it can make a J look like an I or possibly and H. There are exceptions though, in some stones, maybe more often in colorless stones, it can make the diamond look milky or oily, this does not happen often, but it's always good to get an opinion from a gemologist.

as to blue nile the only difficult thing is that you don't actually get to see the stone you are purchasing so you have to rely on numbers and someone else opinion. You can purchase a stone from JA and have a local jeweler set it for you. some vendors won't sell just a setting others will. some will set your stone for you if you didn't purchase it from them. JA will set a stone in your setting so if BN will sell the setting you could ship it to JA to be set, which is what I would do. I'll try to select some more stones for you later. sorry so quick, hope I got everything. :P
Click to expand...

Thanks for taking this time to reply :)
 
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