Looking for some recommendations RB with halo setting

[bassfan]

Hi pricescopers

Another semi-overwhelmed ring buying guy here. I've been perusing the forums for a couple months learning as much as I could...similar story to others I've read. The lady is giving her input, she's in the loop but I'm taking the lead. We've visited a couple stores just browsing. Basically I'm looking for some help picking out a stone and also confirmation that I'm not missing something or doing something dumb. I don't have much trust in local jewelers so would rather buy online at one of the reputable shops mentioned here. There's a thread similar to mine a couple pages down, I'm keeping an eye on there for knowledge as well.

• Overall budget for stone, ring, and wedding band can go up to $7k but I would like to keep it at or around $6k ideally. I'm thinking that gives around $4-5k for the stone.
• She likes a dainty diamond filled setting(I've seen the term micro paved used often) with a small halo.
• Round Brilliant stone - hopefully between .8-1 carat in size. She's knows little of diamonds or their quality. Her one qualification is that it’s sparkly (highly technical term), she’s had some friend’s rings that are more than others. I’m hoping/guessing that buying a quality stone based on intelligent posters suggestions will solve that. We don't need a diamond with the highest marks, willing to sacrifice some specs to maximize value.
• Not looking at white flash simply for tax savings (i'm in TX)

Here's my top choice so far for the setting, hows that look?
http://www.jamesallen.com/engagement-rings/halo/14k-white-gold-petite-diamond-halo-engagement-ring-item-41066

I would love to get some stone ideas and get the party started. Even after reading for hours, I don't think I can even throw out any options that I think are good value and know why. I promise to post pics after its all said and done!

thanks!

 

[Gypsy]

Setting is budget friendly and is the style it sounds like she wants. But if you look at the 'real' pictures of it with an 80 point stone you will see that it's a setting that looks best, proportionately with a larger stone.

This is the pave halo I recommend you get. http://www.jamesallen.com/engagement-rings/halo/18k-white-gold-hand-made-pave-halo-engagement-ring-round-center-item-22654 and it is 25% off right now.


I would hold off on the wedding band for a while personally. Let her try on different bands with the ring and pick what she likes. Also she may need a different sized wedding band once she wears the two together.

I'd ask JA RIGHT NOW if they can honor the 25% off they are having off settings while you wait for the idealscope images on these three stones:

http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/0.81-carat-i-color-vs1-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-384622 #2
http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/0.81-carat-i-color-vvs2-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-301754 #3 choice
http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/0.80-carat-f-color-si1-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-369093 I have a preference for this one. #1 choice

If one of those doesn't work out, then use this as your third.
http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/0.80-carat-f-color-si1-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-322870 #4 choice

 

[bassfan]

Well they said that the setting has to have the diamond selected and the order finalized to make the sale price. That's probably a bit quick to pull the trigger. Ah well.

I filled out the request form on Brilliantly Engaged earlier as well, so we will see what they have to say.

Can you describe to me a bit more your take on the differences between the setting I linked to and the one you did? Is it the halo size or height that makes the smaller stone look better?

thanks again

 

[Gypsy]

Well they said that the setting has to have the diamond selected and the order finalized to make the sale price. That's probably a bit quick to pull the trigger. Ah well.

I filled out the request form on Brilliantly Engaged earlier as well, so we will see what they have to say.

Can you describe to me a bit more your take on the differences between the setting I linked to and the one you did? Is it the halo size or height that makes the smaller stone look better?

thanks again

Just look at the pictures posted of the setting with stones at the same carat weight (80-85 points).

As for the same price. Honestly... you can go ahead and get that F today and save the 25% on the setting. It would be worth it. It's a very low risk diamond. Just ask them to get an idealscope for you AFTER purchase.

http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/0.80-carat-f-color-si1-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-369093

Why? They have a 60 day return policy. No risk transaction.

 

[bassfan]

well the lady i was chatting with said she talked to someone and I can purchase the setting today and they will hold it until I decide on a stone. Decisions decisions...

 

[bassfan]

is the 25% off sale pretty good? Does it happen often? Or do they adjust prices to account for the sale?

 

[bassfan]

well too late, i'm now the owner of the setting you recommended.

 

[Gypsy]

well too late, i'm now the owner of the setting you recommended.

No, it's a great once a year sale. Trust me, GREAT deal, we're all very excited about it and trying to scrounge up our own pennies to buy stuff while it's going on. They didn't raise their prices at all, just to lower them.

I'm so happy to hear that they are giving you the 25% off the setting. As for the stone, did you put those three on hold?

 

[bassfan]

Good to hear.

I did put the three on hold and I will post the IS images when I get them. Here we go!

 

[bassfan]

Hey Gypsy, quick question for you. The 369093 stone has a line (feather inclusion?) that seems pretty visible. In the 360 view, if the point (whatever that is called) is facing down, the line is toward you. Is that something to be worried about? It is definitely the best color grade, but that's about all I can gather.

thanks

 

[bassfan]

Hi folks.

I purchased this setting based on Gypsy's recommendation...

http://www.jamesallen.com/engagement-rings/halo/18k-white-gold-hand-made-pave-halo-engagement-ring-round-center-item-22654

So now the stone. I got the IS images back. Here are the recommended stones with their images and gemologist report from JA. What say the intelligent people on which I should choose? 384622 appears to me to be the most symmetric to my eye. They all appear to be the same red but what do I know. 369093 (the priciest) is the only outlier with a couple "fainter" arrows/star points (whatever they are called). That was Gypsy's pick before. Does that change now? I was leaning toward that one based on her recommendation and color alone. Price isn't a huge factor between these but I want to be buying $690 more diamond if I pick that F color one.


Diamond 369093 ($4,120) stands out amount the three having excellent brilliance, fire and sparkle! It has a lot of life to it and faces up white at a true F color. The SI1 inclusion, a feather, could be covered by a prong.



Diamond 384622 ($3,430) is right up there with 369093 also having excellent brilliance and ideal fire and sparkle! It does have some warmth being an I color and it is eye-clean.



Diamond 301754 ($3,480) is another excellent choice with very good brilliance, fire and sparkle! It is a true I color and eye-clean.




thanks all for guiding me along, it is hugely appreciated!!!!