Looking for help with e-ring shopping; possible overthinking

[Evangelion]

I'm brand new to the forums as far as a user, but I've been doing my best to read a lot of the posts on this forum that fit my situation. I'm like a a couple of the posts that I've seen here: looking for a diamond and band in the budget of $3K-4K. Was thinking of something in the 0.6 to 0.75ct range which I believe is in that price range, and I'm unsure of the band. She loves the silver color, but that leaves me with the three options of white gold, palladium, and platinum. Would love platinum due to what I've read about how well it wears but...it's also pricey! I think VS1-2 H-I is in that range...but I know it goes deeper than that when you get into things like AGS0 and folks who grade with the HCA.

I know a lot of folks on here ask for things like pinterest pictures (she doesn't have an acct) and if she's been shopping with me (nope). Being honest, she's a very unselfish mom to a beautiful little girl that just makes enough to get by and when she has the money, she does her best to give her daughter the best things she can. She wears bracelets...nothing fancy or expensive (the kind you can make yourself) unless you count the Pandora bracelet I gave her. Even with that bracelet, it's hard for her to shop because I'm getting the charms and she already feels that I do so much for her. I could never do enough for her...I love her so much and would do anything in the world for her...which is why I want the best ring for her that I can afford but...it also may be why I am probably overthinking it. =(

As she says, she's a simple person, doesn't have a lot of fancy clothes or jewelry or expensive things around the house, and I think a simple ring will already sweep her off her feet...especially if it is as stunning as I think is possible with great advice from here. Ring finger is a size 7, and she is taller (5'8") so not short and petite...I've seen the occasional mention of coverage on the finger. I know I probably can't afford something that has a great deal of "fire" (that occasional reflection of rainbow-y glimmer is just awesome) and brightness, but I'd like to have as close to that as I could that is eye-clean and close to colorless. May need a setting that is comfortable, as she types all day while taking client calls and I've seen "comfort fit" rings but I don't know how "legit" those are. A simple solitaire and maybe a round or princess cut...and I know round costs more due to using more of the raw diamond...but I've seen posts about certain cuts not "facing up" as well...although I'm not quite sure what that means. I know it's the view from the top but how that compares from one cut to another I don't know.

I've seen posts from folks like Gypsy which...intimidate me because I wish I could know that much about diamonds. I've already typed a book, so you can probably tell how much I've been thinking about this. Hopefully you all don't mind helping a guy out with giving her the best engagement ring I can.

 

[Magpie4426]

Re: Looking for help with e-ring shopping; possible overthin

Welcome to PS! This is a big decision, so I'm sure lots of us can sympathise with a bit of over-thinking

From the sounds of your lady, I think a classic solitaire would suit her.

You can't go wrong with these stones from Whiteflash

http://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-2953785.htm
http://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-2978555.htm

I like this setting for a solitaire:

http://www.whiteflash.com/engagement-rings/solitaire/4-prong-tiffany-style-solitaire-engagement-ring-587.htm

 

[Evangelion]

Re: Looking for help with e-ring shopping; possible overthin

I've seen that some of the recommended vendors have in-house that I think are AGS0, yet not "above the rest" like the Whiteflash "A Cut Above" line. Not sure how drastic or minimal a difference there is between them. I never thought 0.8ct was in my price range, but I guess that's because I've always considered with a platinum setting. VS1 I is right about what I expected. I appreciate the suggestion!

How well will white gold hold up over time? Obviously we're talking many many years here, not just a few lol...this is not practice for her or I. I've read over time, a white gold ring will lose mineral content, while a platinum ring does not. How much content is lost...I have no idea...just what I've read. That setting is beautiful and simple. I think the platinum is even within my budget, but I'd be willing to go white gold based on the opinions I get here.

She also loves pink. Far and away her favorite color. But also a sentimental color...her mom is a cancer survivor...and she holds her aunt's memory dear to her who did not win the fight. Charms for her necklace or bracelet with pink are always winners but I don't know how well they would hold up next to diamonds. A friend of mine who just got married had a Blue Nile ring with their blue stones, and I've seen some of the reading here where there are different shades of pink...the brighter the more expensive. I think that'd probably just over-complicate the decision and the ring but...any advise with that?

Thank you all for reading and for any and all advice! I already feel a lot better (and relieved) having posted and knowing I have a LOT of experts here to back this decision.

 

[EvangelineG]

Re: Looking for help with e-ring shopping; possible overthin

If you go on ebay or to somewhere else where you can browse antique rings (rubylane and lang antiques come to mind) you can see white gold pieces that have been worn and around for 50+ years. You seem to typically see some slight thinning of the shanks and wearing away of engraved details after a lifetime of daily wear. From the reading I've done on here platinum is a top choice if you are getting pave on your ring, otherwise the choice between platinum and white gold has to do with personal taste. I opted for unplated 14k white gold alloyed with palladium for my ring, and I think it is gorgeous. I have no durability concerns, since I don't have pave, and I prefer the look to platinum. On your budget with a simple solitaire setting I would absolutely choose wg, and put the extra money into the centre stone.

Also there are lots of cool ways to incorporate some pink, although pink diamonds are likely out of budget. Pink sapphire accent stones or surprise stones might be a nice touch. Or you could do a pink sapphire wedding band to be worn with her solitaire like this one:
http://m.briangavindiamonds.com/wed...arquise-and-round-band-14k-white-gold-5467w14

Good luck!

 

[TC1987]

Re: Looking for help with e-ring shopping; possible overthin

Thread of diamonds under 1ct:
[URL='https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/under-1ct-diamonds.25028/']https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/under-1ct-diamonds.25028/[/URL]

If you want finger coverage, consider a full bezel setting.


Tiffany & Co .45 Carat Bezel Set Diamond Engagement Ring Platinum Tiffany Bezet Round -- pic is one that I found on the Internet. Many casting houses offer something similar.

 

[Evangelion]

Re: Looking for help with e-ring shopping; possible overthin

It really just looks like finger coverage is a personal preference, based on the person wearing. After looking at that thread, having a .7-.8 solitaire looks just fine. Just a preference on whether you want your finger showing underneath the diamond. Some very beautiful rings on that thread by the way...you all have done some amazing advising on here!

From that thread and just what I'm seeing online, do most people prefer a princess cut with a pave setting, vs. by itself?

http://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/princess-cut-loose-diamond-3081030.htm

I could either do that alone at what they're saying is a much higher quality of diamond, or bring it back down to an expert selection at what was suggested in the first reply and afford that pave setting in platinum.

Also really appreciate the link to the eternity band. They look awesome...I'm going to note that down for when we hit say...10 years or so...or have our first kid together like what I've read.

 

[Candygrl]

Re: Looking for help with e-ring shopping; possible overthin

From the way you describe her, I think a round solitaire is your best bet. She doesn't scream princess cut by the way you describe her. I think a round in a Tiffany style six prong would be fitting for her.

 

[Sophie2788]

Re: Looking for help with e-ring shopping; possible overthin

I just got a .64 H VS2 expert selection from whiteflash in the simple 6 prong solitaire, I'm also a mum who does everything for my kids and expects nothing back, also a really simple girl! I love my ring it's perfect! I opted to get the thinner shank (2.3mm tapering to 1.9mm) I paid just under $2500 exc my import duties & exchange rate. So if your based in the US or even not you can definitely go larger in your specs & price range here is my ring for refferance.

 

[Lookinagain]

Re: Looking for help with e-ring shopping; possible overthin

Look at Emerald Cuts. Elegant simplicity. Sounds like that might suit her as well.
Something in a setting like this is very stunnig, yet still simple.

http://herkimerdiamondrings.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/L1270327.jpg

 

[E B]

Re: Looking for help with e-ring shopping; possible overthin

If you're okay with preowned, this one may be a great option if it can be sized to a 7. Be sure to watch the video.

http://www.jewelsbygrace.com/rings/...amond-brian-gavin-solitaire.html#.U9ZLiIm9LCQ

 

[Evangelion]

Re: Looking for help with e-ring shopping; possible overthin

That seems like a great deal. Unfortunately, I can't see a lot from work right now...web surfing is restricted on a government computer. Fortunately I can get here! I have a lot of excited co-workers though who are quite enjoying this post and what's coming from it!

http://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-3109240.htm

Keeps it at least above 0.7ct and VS1, still an I and it's from their ACA selection. It's hard for me to determine the difference with their Idealscope pictures though...I would need you all to school me on that...I need to educate myself a lot more to get to where you all are!

I can then go platinum on this as was recommended above...I like the simple look with the 4 prongs...unless there's a reason you all think the diamond needs 6?

http://www.whiteflash.com/engagement-rings/solitaire/4-prong-tiffany-style-solitaire-engagement-ring-1024.htm

With wire transfer, that puts it at $3222 + $674 = $3896 before taxes. I do like their lifetime upgrade policy too. I can get the fancy metal, and get the great diamond and maybe someday like on an anniversary or something, I can always do an upgrade on the diamond to something even bigger or more striking. Thoughts?

I like how much information they give the purchaser up front, the fact I can build the beautiful ring completely through them, they have a great reputation with you all...I feel like I'm getting somewhere...which is awesome!

 

[TC1987]

Re: Looking for help with e-ring shopping; possible overthin

I prefer 6 prongs because:
1. If you bend one of the prongs on a 4 prong, the diamond can slide out. I'm hard on rings. I have bent prongs on Tiffany-type heads before. If you go 4-prong, the prongs have to be pretty sturdy. And I think that massive prongs on that size of diamond won't look nice, but it works well on larger ones like 7.5mm & up.
2. 6 prongs make the diamond look round, 4 prongs look more square. 6 prongs correctly proportioned won't overpower the stone, either.

Something like these will be very wearable, will be very secure, and will not have sharp edges that can scratch kids.
http://www.stuller.com/products/69826/?groupId=114076
http://www.stuller.com/products/140172l/?groupId=7516 -- Vintage look from '40s/'50s that is 7mm outer diameter. Looks big and is simple and very easy to wear plus stands up to daily abuse.
The bezel type is good for that, too. (Just throwing some alternative ideas into the mix, because I am hard on rings. LOL And I like mine to be very comfortable and stable on my hand.)

That ring you linked, 4 prong Tiffany type: I found that prongs weren't sturdy on those typical mass-produced heads, and also the bottom of the head has pointy edges that rubbed my skin. I have thin dry skin. Ring has to be smooth, for me. Had the same problem with that style, regardless of whether it had 4 or 6 prongs. A peg head type solitaire is better. Stuller Solstice is very comfortable, but probably too much metal.mass for that type of diamond.

 

[E B]

Re: Looking for help with e-ring shopping; possible overthin

That's a great combo, Evangelion.

 

[E B]

Re: Looking for help with e-ring shopping; possible overthin

What about something like this. It'd be a little over budget in platinum, but you may be able to include her favorite color.

Setting: http://www.briangavindiamonds.com/engagement-rings/solitaire/ashleigh-platinum-5853p#more See the little surprise diamond at bottom of the head? I'd see if BGD could do pink sapphires instead.

With this diamond: http://www.briangavindiamonds.com/d.../0.708-h-si1-round-diamond-ags-c-104071853007, if you pay by wire and there'd be no additional charge for the sapphires, it'd be $4135.

 

[Evangelion]

Re: Looking for help with e-ring shopping; possible overthin

That Ashleigh ring is actually a pretty awesome idea. I looked to make sure they do upgrades and they do. I noticed not everyone deals with colored stones, but they seem to. The pink sapphires in that ring would add that touch of personalization that I know she'd appreciate and love.

I'm hoping it wouldn't look bad? It's her favorite color, but it's hard to know what it'd look like in person without a picture...just using the imagination here. Seems awesome in my brain but lol...maybe not to others. I hope they'd be able to do something like that. I will try to give them a call after work just to ask about the setting.

Going to an SI2 though, would I need to start getting concerned about them being eye clean? Their website says they provide certainty that anything SI1 or SI2 is verified to be eye clean...vs. going VS1 or VS2 like what was suggested on Whiteflash. Then again, Whiteflash doesn't do the colored stones (I don't think).

Do you mind looking at these three?

Cheaper

http://www.briangavindiamonds.com/diamonds/diamond-details/0.722-i-vs2-round-diamond-ags-104070945022

Not as cheap, due to being VS1 I'm guessing...

http://www.briangavindiamonds.com/diamonds/diamond-details/0.712-i-vs1-round-diamond-ags-104070945020

Which means I must be missing something, because this one is bigger and cheaper?

http://www.briangavindiamonds.com/diamonds/diamond-details/0.758-i-vs1-round-diamond-ags-c-104071853031

 

[E B]

Re: Looking for help with e-ring shopping; possible overthin

That Ashleigh ring is actually a pretty awesome idea. I looked to make sure they do upgrades and they do. I noticed not everyone deals with colored stones, but they seem to. The pink sapphires in that ring would add that touch of personalization that I know she'd appreciate and love.

I'm hoping it wouldn't look bad? It's her favorite color, but it's hard to know what it'd look like in person without a picture...just using the imagination here. Seems awesome in my brain but lol...maybe not to others. I hope they'd be able to do something like that. I will try to give them a call after work just to ask about the setting.

It's going to be more subtle in real life than in the (very magnified) photos. I'll try to find others, but here's an example (not the same setting, but she had surprise sapphires put in. Scroll down to the very bottom for a better picture.)

https://www.pricescope.com/communit...ted-pics-and-acknowledgements-included.34326/

Going to an SI2 though, would I need to start getting concerned about them being eye clean? Their website says they provide certainty that anything SI1 or SI2 is verified to be eye clean...vs. going VS1 or VS2 like what was suggested on Whiteflash. Then again, Whiteflash doesn't do the colored stones (I don't think).

Do you mind looking at these three?

Cheaper

http://www.briangavindiamonds.com/diamonds/diamond-details/0.722-i-vs2-round-diamond-ags-104070945022

Not as cheap, due to being VS1 I'm guessing...

http://www.briangavindiamonds.com/diamonds/diamond-details/0.712-i-vs1-round-diamond-ags-104070945020

Which means I must be missing something, because this one is bigger and cheaper?

http://www.briangavindiamonds.com/diamonds/diamond-details/0.758-i-vs1-round-diamond-ags-c-104071853031

Those will all be beautiful. The H I posted is the cheapest of all, but the I, VS2 is just a few more bucks if you're more comfortable with that clarity. The H, SI1 looked eye-clean to me but BGD can confirm.

 

[Evangelion]

Re: Looking for help with e-ring shopping; possible overthin

So E B, I went with it! It just felt right...and I'm hoping to the community here it was right. Worked with Denise at Brian Gavin...here's the order!

Your Brian Gavin Signature Super Ideal cut Hearts & Arrows diamond:

http://www.briangavindiamonds.com/d.../0.758-i-vs1-round-diamond-ags-c-104071853031

The price includes: AGS Certificate, laser inscription on the girdle, lifetime upgrades, complimentary FedEx shipping/insurance within the US and no sales tax outside of Texas.

Your Setting:

http://www.briangavindiamonds.com/engagement-rings/solitaire/ashleigh-platinum-5853p

The price includes: Custom Ring, 2 x A Pink Sapphires, setting all stones, sizing, elegant ring box, Glamour Images, lifetime warranty, complimentary FedEx shipping/insurance within the US and no sales tax outside of Texas.

After modifying the ring, then discounts, came out to $4146.10. I'm happy with the price...$3K with all that above...I'd of had to cut corners somewhere...could've got a non-signature diamond I guess but I didn't want to feel like I was cutting corners with her. Pink sapphires was still a clutch idea...I really hope they look great in the ring! Anyways...sanity check anyone?

 

[E B]

Re: Looking for help with e-ring shopping; possible overthin

It's going to blow her away. Stunning diamond, and the setting with those symbolic pink sapphires- every time she catches a glimpse of those, she's going to remember just how much thought you put into this ring. You did great.

Please let us know how she likes it!

 

[Sophie2788]

Re: Looking for help with e-ring shopping; possible overthin

Really beautiful choice!
I had a hard time deciding between BGD & whiteflash and for me I like WF upgrade policy better as I'm a serial mind changer lol!
She is going to love it please post pictures when you get it! Another fun thing maybe to get a lovely pink & white sapphire wedding band ! I actually have a picture from one I'm looking at getting through whiteflash

 

[Evangelion]

Re: Looking for help with e-ring shopping; possible overthin

I really prefer the upgrade path at Whiteflash too, as it is just based on purchase price and not that plus needing to upgrade two categories. Should she ever want to upgrade it, which I can't see her doing because that's just not her but you never know...then carat will be an easy selection and color...at the very least.

That band is really awesome! Luckily this is the surprise that I had to do on my own, and the band I can actually bring her on here with me and we can do this again together.