My e-ring quest

[flymybird]

I'm embarking on the search for an engagement ring. My gf and I had a consultation with a jeweler who helped her figure out roughly what she wanted. Now it's up to me to make the rest of the hard decisions.

Here are the parameters that I'm trying to match, in order of importance. Budget is ~ $5000...

Rose gold
Pave or halo
Unique/custom setting, something intricate, details, millgrain, custom work on the shank, petals or something, etc.
.7ct+ center diamond, round or cushion, thinking I can compromise on color due to rose gold and drop to J or even K? Otherwise, been using the Holloway tool for fun to analyze stones from WF, JA and Ritani...

Here's an example of a setting that is a nice baseline...

http://m.whiteflash.com/engagement-rings/diamond-settings/ritani-modern-diamond-engagement-ring-2251.htm

My challenges right now, not in love with any of the rose settings I've been able to find... Not sure how much custom would cost, but will ask the local jeweler if I can't find anything online.. Lastly, I'm in love with the Ritani site and they can ship a ring for me to see at a store 5 minutes from my house, which gives me a warm and fuzzy, but I know they're not the first choice for people on PS.

Think that's it in a nutshell. Looking for some general feedback from the kind people on this forum.

Thank you in advance.

 

[Niel]

If it's under a ct and in rose gold personally I'd feel comfortable with a k if size was important.

Most settings you find in any metal can be done in rose gold too.

So what I'm hearing is wevwant lots of bling, and a floral motif?

Many places as long as its not custom allow returns. So I would actually advise that route over seeing it in store. Here's why;

You want to get a good feel for the ring. Look at it more than the short stop in at the store

No sales people swaying your opinion

No jewelry store lights that can make anything sparkle.

 

[flymybird]

If it's under a ct and in rose gold personally I'd feel comfortable with a k if size was important.

Most settings you find in any metal can be done in rose gold too.

So what I'm hearing is wevwant lots of bling, and a floral motif?

Many places as long as its not custom allow returns. So I would actually advise that route over seeing it in store. Here's why;

You want to get a good feel for the ring. Look at it more than the short stop in at the store

No sales people swaying your opinion

No jewelry store lights that can make anything sparkle.

Thanks! Not so much on the "lots of bling" part, but a little bling is nice in terms of pave accents. She didn't like a solitaire setting because of how "loudly" it presents the diamond. The rings we've looked at together haven't screamed out "look at me, i'm an e-ring," plus the more skin-toned rose gold helps with it being beautiful but understated. Floral motif/accents would be appropriate, yes. How much could I expect to pay for a custom designed ring vs. one I buy online as is in terms of orders of magnitude? Can I work with a place like WF or JA to build a custom ring? I think I may have read on their website that I could, but do people have a good experience doing that or would I have to know exactly what I wanted in order to not get something I didn't like? What sites would have more unique or unusual settings in the price range of <$2000?

 

[Niel]

It depends on who you work with and what you want as to how much it will cost.
Keep in mind any place, including ritani, won't let your return it, most of the time- anyways.
I've gotten my ring custom made at James Allen before. Others have at Whiteflash. However, I am thinking you might be best working with David klass. What you'd want to do if you worked with him though is get the stone first, then ship it to him to work with.

You can find a "show me your david klass bling" (or something close) thread over in the Show Me The Bling area of this website. If you look at the more resent post you can get an idea of his work. If your looking for engraving , I think he's a great option

However, ignoring metal color, can you show me a picture of her dream ring? I'm having a hard time pinpointing exactly what she's after. You mention unique and unusual, it makes me think of the brand Maevona and the brand sholdt

 

[flymybird]

Very helpful thus far. Maevona is something I'm definitely more inspired by! Not as much sholdt. And, yes, David Klass is an interesting suggestion but a lot of what I've seen have seemed 'too much'. This one ring is something that approximates what I think she'd love: https://www.facebook.com/david.klass.jewelry/posts/772653056150834

I don't know the technical term for this, but what caught our eye with one of the rings we looked at was diamond dusted (?) shank, so that it doesn't look too "metally," but has a small sparkle of its own. Is there a term for this?

There's no specific ring that would be "the one" that I was ever shown because I'm pretty sure she's not that particular. Whatever it will be I"m sure she will love it. Now I'm just having some fun trying to see what is the prettiest thing I can find to match my criteria.

 

[Niel]

Very helpful thus far. Maevona is something I'm definitely more inspired by! Not as much sholdt. And, yes, David Klass is an interesting suggestion but a lot of what I've seen have seemed 'too much'. This one ring is something that approximates what I think she'd love: https://www.facebook.com/david.klass.jewelry/posts/772653056150834

I don't know the technical term for this, but what caught our eye with one of the rings we looked at was diamond dusted (?) shank, so that it doesn't look too "metally," but has a small sparkle of its own. Is there a term for this?

There's no specific ring that would be "the one" that I was ever shown because I'm pretty sure she's not that particular. Whatever it will be I"m sure she will love it. Now I'm just having some fun trying to see what is the prettiest thing I can find to match my criteria.

hmm ok.. the more you show me the harder it is for me to imagine what youre looking for. Lol!

But, when you say dusted with diamonds in the shank, it makes me think of pave. now there are different types of pave, the last two you posted have diamonds in the shank that are bright set or bead set . With the metal ribbon on either side of the row of diamonds. Is this the look youre after?

 

[flymybird]

The more I look at that ring I looked the more I love it and think if I had a replica of it in rose it would be perfect.

 

[Niel]

The more I look at that ring I looked the more I love it and think if I had a replica of it in rose it would be perfect.

Which? The David klass one?

 

[Niel]

If it is, what do you think about this? It's not got diamonds in the shank, that's true, but remember, she'll also be wearing a wedding band with this. So if she pairs a diamond wedding band with this, it'll get the same look, without looking too homogeneous AND it'll save some money on the setting so you can put moore toward the stone.

http://www.brilliantearth.com/Fleur-Diamond-Ring-(1/4-ct.-tw..)-Rose-Gold-BE1HR909-1153132/

 

[flymybird]

Yes, I was referring to the David Klass ring I linked to. I think it's got every attribute I've tried to find: pave shank, diamond encrusted prongs (i was incorrectly referring to the prongs as the "shank" in a previous post, dummy me), and an eye catching ornamental design of the prongs (is there another way to refer to the area where the center diamond is held except "the prongs?")

Niel, I just know she wasn't very fond of a blank shank, so we didn't even look at solitaire rings. Basically to me it looks a lot less ornate because the shank is there simply to accentuate the diamond. We talked about it and would rather have something that would be more akin to an everyday piece of beautiful jewelry that wouldn't be unconditionally thought of as an engagement ring. OK I am not at all sure if what I'm saying makes any sense outside of my brain. Sorry.

 

[flymybird]

This is a little more enticing to me, from Brilliant Earth

http://www.brilliantearth.com/Calla-Diamond-Ring-Rose-Gold-BE1M0291-1153353/

 

[Niel]

Yes, I was referring to the David Klass ring I linked to. I think it's got every attribute I've tried to find: pave shank, diamond encrusted prongs (i was incorrectly referring to the prongs as the "shank" in a previous post, dummy me), and an eye catching ornamental design of the prongs (is there another way to refer to the area where the center diamond is held except "the prongs?")

Niel, I just know she wasn't very fond of a blank shank, so we didn't even look at solitaire rings. Basically to me it looks a lot less ornate because the shank is there simply to accentuate the diamond. We talked about it and would rather have something that would be more akin to an everyday piece of beautiful jewelry that wouldn't be unconditionally thought of as an engagement ring. OK I am not at all sure if what I'm saying makes any sense outside of my brain. Sorry.

Yes, the area with the prongs is also called the basket.

And that last like you showed I'm really starting to get a sense eof what you're after. I really like that one actually, but let me think if there's any other place that might have something similar for less $$

 

[flymybird]

Yes, I was referring to the David Klass ring I linked to. I think it's got every attribute I've tried to find: pave shank, diamond encrusted prongs (i was incorrectly referring to the prongs as the "shank" in a previous post, dummy me), and an eye catching ornamental design of the prongs (is there another way to refer to the area where the center diamond is held except "the prongs?")

Niel, I just know she wasn't very fond of a blank shank, so we didn't even look at solitaire rings. Basically to me it looks a lot less ornate because the shank is there simply to accentuate the diamond. We talked about it and would rather have something that would be more akin to an everyday piece of beautiful jewelry that wouldn't be unconditionally thought of as an engagement ring. OK I am not at all sure if what I'm saying makes any sense outside of my brain. Sorry.

Yes, the area with the prongs is also called the basket.

And that last like you showed I'm really starting to get a sense eof what you're after. I really like that one actually, but let me think if there's any other place that might have something similar for less $$

Thank you for your help! I'm clearly way better off now than I was this morning!

 

[Niel]

what do you think of this?
I have no idea the price, but based on websites that sell their other things, id suspect its arond 2k

http://www.maevona.com/product/MVA13_DAN_PAV

 

[lilysweet]

That is so pretty! I also saw this on their website. http://www.maevona.com/product/MVA60_IRI_DIA I haven't seen these rings before. Leave it to you Niel to find such beautiful options!

 

[flymybird]

Not bad suggestions; I do like the MaeVona rings. It looks like I even have a distributor around where I live, so I can maybe even check them out in person.

I think you've already helped me a lot, I feel like I am definitely moving in the right direction. I will also go backand look at the hundreds of settings I've ignored because they weren't in rose gold if you're saying that they could make one in RG all the same.

Thanks!

 

[lknvrb4]

This is a little more enticing to me, from Brilliant Earth

http://www.brilliantearth.com/Calla-Diamond-Ring-Rose-Gold-BE1M0291-1153353/

I really like this one, even better than the David Klass one, this is different and unique.

 

[Niel]

Not bad suggestions; I do like the MaeVona rings. It looks like I even have a distributor around where I live, so I can maybe even check them out in person.

I think you've already helped me a lot, I feel like I am definitely moving in the right direction. I will also go backand look at the hundreds of settings I've ignored because they weren't in rose gold if you're saying that they could make one in RG all the same.

Thanks!

That's awesome there's a place nearby that sells them. It's always nice to be able to see something before you buy it. If they aren't competitive on diamond pricing, you might be able to just buy a stone and have it set by them. You'd want to make sure the stone was insured, but other than that its a fairly easy process.

I agree though I do like that brilliant earth one too

 

[flymybird]

This is a little more enticing to me, from Brilliant Earth

http://www.brilliantearth.com/Calla-Diamond-Ring-Rose-Gold-BE1M0291-1153353/

I really like this one, even better than the David Klass one, this is different and unique.

WIth this diamond? This is too easy..

http://www.brilliantearth.com/rings/cyorings/view_diamond/1317770/?sid=1153353

 

[Niel]

This is a little more enticing to me, from Brilliant Earth

http://www.brilliantearth.com/Calla-Diamond-Ring-Rose-Gold-BE1M0291-1153353/

I really like this one, even better than the David Klass one, this is different and unique.

WIth this diamond? This is too easy..

http://www.brilliantearth.com/rings/cyorings/view_diamond/1317770/?sid=1153353

Can you post the gia cert# (on the top left of the cert) it won't load for me and I'd like to look at the numbers

 

[flymybird]

This is a little more enticing to me, from Brilliant Earth

http://www.brilliantearth.com/Calla-Diamond-Ring-Rose-Gold-BE1M0291-1153353/

I really like this one, even better than the David Klass one, this is different and unique.

WIth this diamond? This is too easy..

http://www.brilliantearth.com/rings/cyorings/view_diamond/1317770/?sid=1153353

Can you post the gia cert# (on the top left of the cert) it won't load for me and I'd like to look at the numbers

1179455207

http://www.gia.edu/cs/Satellite?pagename=GST%2FDispatcher&childpagename=GIA%2FPage%2FReportCheck&c=Page&cid=1355954554547&reportno=1179455207

 

[flymybird]

Here's another one I'm considering:

http://www.bluenile.com/diamond-details/LD05481647

http://www.gia.edu/cs/Satellite?pagename=GST%2FDispatcher&childpagename=GIA%2FPage%2FReportCheck&c=Page&cid=1355954554547&reportno=5193189070

 

[Niel]

Here's another one I'm considering:

http://www.bluenile.com/diamond-details/LD05481647

http://www.gia.edu/cs/Satellite?pagename=GST%2FDispatcher&childpagename=GIA%2FPage%2FReportCheck&c=Page&cid=1355954554547&reportno=5193189070

(BlueNile tempts me with 10% off Visa discount and no sales tax... )

Sadly, unlike most places, blue Nile typically charges more to change the metal type to something other than listed.

 

[flymybird]

Here's another one I'm considering:

http://www.bluenile.com/diamond-details/LD05481647

http://www.gia.edu/cs/Satellite?pagename=GST%2FDispatcher&childpagename=GIA%2FPage%2FReportCheck&c=Page&cid=1355954554547&reportno=5193189070

(BlueNile tempts me with 10% off Visa discount and no sales tax... )

Sadly, unlike most places, blue Nile typically charges more to change the metal type to something other than listed.

Oops I just edited my previous post. I just saw that the 10% Visa discount doesn't apply to loose stones or "build your own"...

But the stone, on paper, sounds nice. Could I get just the setting from BE, diamond from BN, and have a local jeweler put them together? What did you think of the two potential stones I listed above, just so that I know if I'm in the right territory

 

[Niel]

This is a little more enticing to me, from Brilliant Earth

http://www.brilliantearth.com/Calla-Diamond-Ring-Rose-Gold-BE1M0291-1153353/

I really like this one, even better than the David Klass one, this is different and unique.

WIth this diamond? This is too easy..

http://www.brilliantearth.com/rings/cyorings/view_diamond/1317770/?sid=1153353

Can you post the gia cert# (on the top left of the cert) it won't load for me and I'd like to look at the numbers

1179455207

http://www.gia.edu/cs/Satellite?pagename=GST%2FDispatcher&childpagename=GIA%2FPage%2FReportCheck&c=Page&cid=1355954554547&reportno=1179455207

Funny, its a nice choice, and also seems like the only one available in your price range and size over .8cts

 

[Niel]

Here's another one I'm considering:

http://www.bluenile.com/diamond-details/LD05481647

http://www.gia.edu/cs/Satellite?pagename=GST%2FDispatcher&childpagename=GIA%2FPage%2FReportCheck&c=Page&cid=1355954554547&reportno=5193189070

(BlueNile tempts me with 10% off Visa discount and no sales tax... )

Sadly, unlike most places, blue Nile typically charges more to change the metal type to something other than listed.

Oops I just edited my previous post. I just saw that the 10% Visa discount doesn't apply to loose stones or "build your own"...

But the stone, on paper, sounds nice. Could I get just the setting from BE, diamond from BN, and have a local jeweler put them together? What did you think of the two potential stones I listed above, just so that I know if I'm in the right territory

No. Brilliant earth will only sell full rings, not just settings.

You could buy a stone from BN and have your local jewelry set it in that Maevona, possibly. But no BE won't sell their settings by themselves.

 

[flymybird]

This is a little more enticing to me, from Brilliant Earth

http://www.brilliantearth.com/Calla-Diamond-Ring-Rose-Gold-BE1M0291-1153353/

I really like this one, even better than the David Klass one, this is different and unique.

WIth this diamond? This is too easy..

http://www.brilliantearth.com/rings/cyorings/view_diamond/1317770/?sid=1153353

Can you post the gia cert# (on the top left of the cert) it won't load for me and I'd like to look at the numbers

1179455207

http://www.gia.edu/cs/Satellite?pagename=GST%2FDispatcher&childpagename=GIA%2FPage%2FReportCheck&c=Page&cid=1355954554547&reportno=1179455207

Funny, its a nice choice, and also seems like the only one available in your price range and size over .8cts

Well it looks like i've mastered two things: searching and the HCA tool.