Loose diamond or ready made ring?

[Snowflake814]

I lost my engagement & wedding rings a while ago. I've saved some money and I want to get a good diamond, but really I cannot afford that much -- .25 - .50. Is it better to go for a loose diamond and buy the setting separate or should I just by the entire ring? I'm looking for an e-ring first. Thanks so much.

 

[JulieN]

I would prefer to pick a loose stone.

 

[tyty333]

Pick the stone of your choice then put it in the ring of your choice.

(for picky people its usually hard to find both those together)

 

[LGK]

Honestly in your shoes I'd strongly consider shopping 2nd hand for a complete ring- pawnshops, ebay, local antique stores etc. For very tight budgets IMO you can get a great ring that way; especially as far as the setting is concerned... settings are *ridiculously* expensive new. My sister, my best friend, and my sister-in-law (and me, when I got married 9 years ago) all had pretty much exactly $500 to spend each, and that's what we all did- got complete vintage rings from brick & mortar antique stores. All of us ended up with really beautiful rings, probably ranging around .20 ct-.60 cts, but with gorgeous filigree settings. (My BFF was the one who scored with the yummy .60 ct, it's a lovely stone too). Even w/o a huge diamond those usually are show-stoppers.

If you like more contemporary stuff I'd troll pawnshops... it may take some footwork but it's *fun* work, lol, and I do think you can get great deals second hand.

Just a thought!

 

[Venice]

Honestly in your shoes I'd strongly consider shopping 2nd hand for a complete ring- pawnshops, ebay, local antique stores etc. For very tight budgets IMO you can get a great ring that way; especially as far as the setting is concerned... settings are *ridiculously* expensive new. My sister, my best friend, and my sister-in-law (and me, when I got married 9 years ago) all had pretty much exactly $500 to spend each, and that's what we all did- got complete vintage rings from brick & mortar antique stores. All of us ended up with really beautiful rings, probably ranging around .20 ct-.60 cts, but with gorgeous filigree settings. (My BFF was the one who scored with the yummy .60 ct, it's a lovely stone too). Even w/o a huge diamond those usually are show-stoppers.

If you like more contemporary stuff I'd troll pawnshops... it may take some footwork but it's *fun* work, lol, and I do think you can get great deals second hand.

Just a thought!

I would buy the stone separately or go LittleGreyKitten's route.

 

[ibdrinken]

Thats what im doing right now. I just purchased the stone from excel and buying the setting later on when I have the money..