Naom Carver?

[SimoneDi]

You would have to compare the exact proportions of each stone. But in general, comparing a cushion of the same carat weight to a round, the cushion usually has larger finger coverage. Someone can correct me if I’m wrong here.

It’s the opposite.

 

[hobbitfancier55]

You might find this helpful to compare the dimensions on two stones:
https://www.diamdb.com/

 

[ringo865]

You could ask your fiancée-to-be hypothetically (like when a Kay commercial comes on tv) if she had a choice between having the setting that she really, really loves with a smaller stone, such that she will not be able to upgrade to a larger stone without having to redo the entire setting, or a solitaire setting (that she can change to the haloed halo down the road, say, for an anniversary) with a larger diamond.

That might help you figure out your priorities regarding allocation of the fifth C (cost).

 

[rockysalamander]

I love the DBL setting, but it is not at all the proportions of the Noah setting. Changing the center wont change that. DBL could make you a lovely setting and it is worth getting a quote from them for the setting and a diamond.

@Nurse-88 The setting is priced at $3100 CAD and the whole budget is $4k CAD. The jeweller that bailed might have been able to meet that price with a 0.7 for a few reasons, but likely because the stone he offered you was not well-cut. But you have been very clear here that the setting is driving this budget. Let's assume you can get a $2500 cad setting price (which seems lower than we've seen). . That would leave you with a $1500 CAD for the diamond.

https://www.bluenile.com/diamond-de...AMONDS&track=viewDiamondDetails&action=newTab {over budget at $2500 CAD but meets your size brief)

https://www.bluenile.com/diamond-de...AMONDS&track=viewDiamondDetails&action=newTab {strong blue needs to be screened for oilness}

But, if you only have $900 CAD, then you are looking at something under 0.50 carats. So, I think you would be wise to wait until you have quotes to search for diamonds.

I think it would also be worth reaching out to ID Jewelry in New York. They are really great to work with and find amazing options on a budget. They also sell several setting posted in your other thread that are quite similar to the Noam Carver setting. Would a flight to NYC be possible to pickup the ring?

What does your girl do for a living and hobbies? The setting she liked will need to be babied. It won't take being worn to the gym and through activities that are hand-intensive. Things like gardening and many other activities will needs to be avoided in that setting. That kind of pave (especially when not hand-craved) can be a bit of a PITA. It will also likely be hard to find a straight wedding band to match (it likely needs to also be custom and curved). Through a fully custom design, you can make it work with a flush setting, but that may be a budget issue.

Ignore everything but the shank here, this kind of pave -- bead set -- is much more durable.
https://idjewelry.com/0-81-ct-diamo...te-gold-diamond-halo-er12685r4w44jj-igcd.html

This setting has bead-set pave with a split, but it is often extended into the halo for balance. But, I wonder if anyone has examples where it does not occur in both...


One way to give your girl most of what she liked, but on a budget would be to keep the double halo and split shank, but make that shank plain. I actually prefer this look, personally as it gives visual contrast, and it would reduce the cost and increase the wearability and durability. Not everyone likes the feeling of pave between their fingers. I have finger shaped like your girl's and it drives me batty. A plain shank can still have lovely details like engraving (DK has a wonderful engraver).

 

[Nurse-88]

I love the DBL setting, but it is not at all the proportions of the Noah setting. Changing the center wont change that. DBL could make you a lovely setting and it is worth getting a quote from them for the setting and a diamond.

@Nurse-88 The setting is priced at $3100 CAD and the whole budget is $4k CAD. The jeweller that bailed might have been able to meet that price with a 0.7 for a few reasons, but likely because the stone he offered you was not well-cut. But you have been very clear here that the setting is driving this budget. Let's assume you can get a $2500 cad setting price (which seems lower than we've seen). . That would leave you with a $1500 CAD for the diamond.

https://www.bluenile.com/diamond-de...AMONDS&track=viewDiamondDetails&action=newTab {over budget at $2500 CAD but meets your size brief)

https://www.bluenile.com/diamond-de...AMONDS&track=viewDiamondDetails&action=newTab {strong blue needs to be screened for oilness}

But, if you only have $900 CAD, then you are looking at something under 0.50 carats. So, I think you would be wise to wait until you have quotes to search for diamonds.

I think it would also be worth reaching out to ID Jewelry in New York. They are really great to work with and find amazing options on a budget. They also sell several setting posted in your other thread that are quite similar to the Noam Carver setting. Would a flight to NYC be possible to pickup the ring?

What does your girl do for a living and hobbies? The setting she liked will need to be babied. It won't take being worn to the gym and through activities that are hand-intensive. Things like gardening and many other activities will needs to be avoided in that setting. That kind of pave (especially when not hand-craved) can be a bit of a PITA. It will also likely be hard to find a straight wedding band to match (it likely needs to also be custom and curved). Through a fully custom design, you can make it work with a flush setting, but that may be a budget issue.

Ignore everything but the shank here, this kind of pave -- bead set -- is much more durable.
https://idjewelry.com/0-81-ct-diamo...te-gold-diamond-halo-er12685r4w44jj-igcd.html

This setting has bead-set pave with a split, but it is often extended into the halo for balance. But, I wonder if anyone has examples where it does not occur in both...


One way to give your girl most of what she liked, but on a budget would be to keep the double halo and split shank, but make that shank plain. I actually prefer this look, personally as it gives visual contrast, and it would reduce the cost and increase the wearability and durability. Not everyone likes the feeling of pave between their fingers. I have finger shaped like your girl's and it drives me batty. A plain shank can still have lovely details like engraving (DK has a wonderful engraver).

Thank you for your suggestions. I will look into those options!

My girl is a registered nurse & works on a busy medical unit!

 

[rockysalamander]

Thank you for your suggestions. I will look into those options!

My girl is a registered nurse & works on a busy medical unit!

In that case, she is very likely not allowed to wear a ring.

If she is allowed to wear a ring, I would strongly suggest a simple bezel. Its a huge pain to take gloves on and off over rings with prongs if you need to move fast (vs. can take your time like in other medical specialties). Nitrile is more brittle than latex. Every time I'm in hurry, I slice open the gloves if my ring is on. Also, it can be socially awkward if she's in a public hospital setting to have a flashy ring. You know her work environment and if that's an issue.

So....I have an out of the box idea. What if her real Ering was a simple bezel. But, you had a wrap made to the Noam Carver style that could be worn when she was off work? This won't save you any money on the setting, but it give her full flexibility. I think it would be lovely to have her help you design the enhancer after the "yes"...its fun to work together and she'll get exactly what she wants. Since you'd need to go custom for the enhancer, it would fit seamlessly with her ring.

Terrible examples below....

 

[sledge]

Several years back I dated an RN. She was the head honcho nurse of a Level 1 trauma center ER. The girl had serious medical skills and I hope she continued her journey to be a trauma surgeon.

Anyhow, her dream ring was a 2ct stone on a simple and elegant band by Vatche. She wanted to couple it with a plain wedding band so she could have her bling on her off time and something simple and of quality when on duty.

 

[Nurse-88]

In that case, she is very likely not allowed to wear a ring.

If she is allowed to wear a ring, I would strongly suggest a simple bezel. Its a huge pain to take gloves on and off over rings with prongs if you need to move fast (vs. can take your time like in other medical specialties). Nitrile is more brittle than latex. Every time I'm in hurry, I slice open the gloves if my ring is on. Also, it can be socially awkward if she's in a public hospital setting to have a flashy ring. You know her work environment and if that's an issue.

So....I have an out of the box idea. What if her real Ering was a simple bezel. But, you had a wrap made to the Noam Carver style that could be worn when she was off work? This won't save you any money on the setting, but it give her full flexibility. I think it would be lovely to have her help you design the enhancer after the "yes"...its fun to work together and she'll get exactly what she wants. Since you'd need to go custom for the enhancer, it would fit seamlessly with her ring.

Terrible examples below....

Technically she’s not allowed to wear the ring according to policy, but many of the nurses do anyway. I’m in the field as well.

I’ve already expressed my discomfort with her wearing the ring in the hospital setting. I’ve worked with many nurses who’ve lost stones at work. The constant on/off of gloves, hand washing, and the overall physical demand of the job I’m sure takes a toll on a ring.

 

[diamondseeker2006]

A pave halo ring would be the absolute worst choice for a nurse or anyone who has to use gloves or wash hands a lot. I think a plain wedding band would be all I would consider wearing to work. I do think you two need to discuss the reality of the situation. And does she realize that the setting she wants means a very small diamond center?

 

[Octo2005]

I agree with @ringo865 suggestion, to ask her what is her priority. She might prefer the bigger stone with a simple setting since you can always change the setting down the road.

 

[Nurse-88]

A pave halo ring would be the absolute worst choice for a nurse or anyone who has to use gloves or wash hands a lot. I think a plain wedding band would be all I would consider wearing to work. I do think you two need to discuss the reality of the situation. And does she realize that the setting she wants means a very small diamond center?

She isn’t planning to wear any engagement ring to work. As far as wedding bands, we plan on purchasing Enso bands for work. She will have a traditional band to match her e-ring though. Just won’t be worn to work.

 

[Nurse-88]

She tried on a few rings today which only reinforced the fact that I need to look for a double halo, split shank.

She tried on a double halo with a single shank, a single halo with a single shank, and a double halo with a shank that splits very slightly. She didn’t like the way any of them looked on her finger and the double halo, split shank won out.

On the plus side, she tried on the following ring at Michael Hill (of course way overpriced and I wouldn’t purchase it there), but, the centre stone is .5ct. She loved it. She tried it on with a bigger stone and she found it too bulky, too much bling, so that helps budget wise!

Check out the photos:
https://www.michaelhill.ca/sir-mich...-of-diamonds-in-14kt-white-gold-12420438.html

 

[diamondseeker2006]

Okay, great, you know 100% what she likes and you are fine with a half carat or slightly larger! Now have any of the settings posted already met the style requirements?

 

[diamondseeker2006]

How about this? This is a nice brand.

https://www.barmakian.com/products/coast-diamond-engagement-ring-dsmtr25788

 

[kindred]

Going down to a diamond in the .40 to .49 range might help the budget a lot without changing the look much or even at all.

 

[sledge]

I think I found your setting. Fair price to boot @ $1,815 USD.

https://www.gabrielny.com/engagement-ring/ER14917R2W44JJ

 

[sledge]

Couple the Gabriel setting with this WF super ideal. Get the dream package --- her dream setting plus super ideal diamond that is a guaranteed performer.

0.648ct H SI1, $2,280 USD (w/ band puts you slightly over budget @ $4,095 USD)
https://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-3400947.htm

If you don't mind dropping down to an I color, we can boost the clarity a smidge and hit exactly on your budget target.

0.640ct I VS2, $2,071 USD (w/ band puts you right on budget @ $3,886 USD)
https://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-3970259.htm

 

[MollyMalone]

If brand-new isn't important, there's this 18K white gold Henri Daussi double-halo, split-shank ring with total ct weight of 1.21 for $2999 USD or $3926 CAD at today's exchange rate. Size 6.5 so although the splits of the shank are paved, it would be fine to gently re-size to a 7. The center stone is a .61 ct, H VS1 Daussi cushion (because it's a Daussi cut, the cushion is somewhat shallower, which means you get more "spread" than from another cushion of the same ct weight, altho' light performance may suffer); I've purchased some pieces from this vendor through the years & wouldn't hesitate to buy from them again; 30-day, no questions asked return policy -- provided you haven't had them resize the ring before shipping.
https://www.ebay.com/itm/Henri-Daus...-White-Gold-ADTS-Cushion-1-21ctw/372364890596

P.S. Have you upped your budget above $4500 CAD & I didn't notice that? The reason I ask is 'cause Sledge said the last option he just posted for you was right on budget at $3886 USD; that's almost $5100 CAD. A larger budget would expand the possibilities : - )

 

[Nurse-88]

I think I found your setting. Fair price to boot @ $1,815 USD.

https://www.gabrielny.com/engagement-ring/ER14917R2W44JJ

That is beautiful! I’m just trying to figure out how to purchase it here in Canada. It’s showing as $2642 CAD. Maybe accounting for duties?

 

[Nurse-88]

https://www.peoplesjewellers.com/ve...k-engagement-ring-14k-white-gold/p/V-18700369

Just for giggles, she also liked that ring. Thoughts?

 

[MollyMalone]

https://www.peoplesjewellers.com/ve...k-engagement-ring-14k-white-gold/p/V-18700369

Just for giggles, she also liked that ring. Thoughts?

Were you able to see how the ring looked in lighting other than the super flattering lights in a jewelry store? The couple of Vera Wang rings I viewed with my godson, when he was looking for an e-ring, kinda "died" outside the jewelry showroom & the finishing-polishing of the cast metal wasn't nicely done.

If the Gabriel NY semi-mount seems appealing, that's another reason to contact ID Jewelry in the NYC Diamond District that I think was recommended to you in your previous thread. IDJ is an authorized Gabriel NY retailer & has been known to give good prices on that brand; plus, they have a solid reputation here on PS for sourcing better-than-mall-quality diamonds for very fair prices.

 

[diamondseeker2006]

My only qualm is that the Gabriel ring has to have super tiny pave because it says the total weight of the diamonds in that setting is .36 cts.

Do you know what the total weight on your inspiration ring is? I found it..it's .48 ctw.

The Gabriel might have a lower total weight just because it will have a smaller halo for a 5mm stone.

But I agree with Molly that ID Jewelry is a good source for Gabriel and they might have their own double halo that would even be less.

 

[ccuheartnurse]

That's great you were able to zero in on exactly what she wants! Many Canadian stores carry Gabriel. I think their website should have a listing of vendors.

I never wore my e-ring to work. It wasn't worth the hassle of worrying about it. I'd say if she's off & there's some kind of pot luck, inservice or something she can attend, she obviously should wear it. LOL After I got married, I wore a plain, simple gold band.

If you do buy something & have it shipped, it's easy. I think Fed Ex might be the easier company to deal with in this case. I bought something I wasn't able to go to Buffalo to pick up & the vendor shipped Fed. Ex. I got a call from Fed Ex about paying the GST, paid by CC over the phone, they confirmed payment & the guy showed up that afternoon. Super easy.

But being so close to the border, might be a nice day trip.

Let's start finding you a stone!

 

[Nurse-88]

That's great you were able to zero in on exactly what she wants! Many Canadian stores carry Gabriel. I think their website should have a listing of vendors.

I never wore my e-ring to work. It wasn't worth the hassle of worrying about it. I'd say if she's off & there's some kind of pot luck, inservice or something she can attend, she obviously should wear it. LOL After I got married, I wore a plain, simple gold band.

If you do buy something & have it shipped, it's easy. I think Fed Ex might be the easier company to deal with in this case. I bought something I wasn't able to go to Buffalo to pick up & the vendor shipped Fed. Ex. I got a call from Fed Ex about paying the GST, paid by CC over the phone, they confirmed payment & the guy showed up that afternoon. Super easy.

But being so close to the border, might be a nice day trip.

Let's start finding you a stone!

If I purchase and bring my own stone into wherever I purchase the setting, how much would it typically cost to have it set?

 

[sledge]

P.S. Have you upped your budget above $4500 CAD & I didn't notice that? The reason I ask is 'cause Sledge said the last option he just posted for you was right on budget at $3886 USD; that's almost $5100 CAD. A larger budget would expand the possibilities : - )

Look at posts #9, 12 & 16.

Short version = $5,000 CAD, or roughly $3,850 USD at the current exchange rate

That is beautiful! I’m just trying to figure out how to purchase it here in Canada. It’s showing as $2642 CAD. Maybe accounting for duties?

Hmmm, that is odd. I'm thinking that is a street price, meaning import duties are included. However, depending which stone you choose, it may make more sense to purchase the stone & setting together.

https://www.peoplesjewellers.com/ve...k-engagement-ring-14k-white-gold/p/V-18700369

Just for giggles, she also liked that ring. Thoughts?

What exactly does she like about this particular ring? The split is closer together as opposed to the Michael Hill version. Also, the side profile is different. FWIW I like how the Michael Hill side spans across the entire width, but I prefer the sapphire instead of the rose gold & pink. Of course, with so much bling going on at the split shank and double halos, I really think plain would look best.

Michael Hill:

Vera Wang:

Compared to the Gabriel version I found, I think the top view looks similar, but not identical. Almost like they were married a little, lol.

Gabriel & Co

What we are lacking is a SIDE VIEW of the Gabriel & Co. I cannot find one right off the bat. I found another Gabriel halo ring and because of the lower price point I think the side profile will be similar to this one below.

Again this is an example, and not the side profile of the exact ring above -- just my guess what it may look like. If indeed, this is what it looks like, I actually prefer the look as I think the diamonds, etc on the side is just over the top a little and think the plain WG adds some contrast & visual interest. Sometimes simple is more. Also, when you put a wedding band next to it, you won't have to worry about diamonds scratching up against the wedding band.

My only qualm is that the Gabriel ring has to have super tiny pave because it says the total weight of the diamonds in that setting is .36 cts.

Do you know what the total weight on your inspiration ring is? I found it..it's .48 ctw.

The Gabriel might have a lower total weight just because it will have a smaller halo for a 5mm stone.

If OP buys a 0.60+ carat stone he may need to push up to the 0.75ct model of the exact ring. Side stone carat weight increases to 0.40ctw but is still less than the inspiration.

Link for 0.75ct:
https://www.gabrielny.com/engagement-ring/ER14917R3W44JJ

That's great you were able to zero in on exactly what she wants! Many Canadian stores carry Gabriel. I think their website should have a listing of vendors.

But being so close to the border, might be a nice day trip.

Let's start finding you a stone!

Depending where the OP buys the stone, he may not even need to ship to a Canadian store. If possible, I would try to find somewhere that will source the Gabriel setting and diamond of his choice and set all together so it's a one-stop shop for him and less hassle/expense.

ID Jewelry is located in NYC and does Gabriel. They don't have the super ideal stones I linked earlier, but have been known to find high quality stones for limited budgets. I haven't worked with them personally but others seem to love Yuekitel.

If I purchase and bring my own stone into wherever I purchase the setting, how much would it typically cost to have it set?

It will vary jeweler to jeweler. This is a conversation you need to have prior to committing to do this. Not everyone may have access or work on Gabriel & Co pieces. But what I've seen from other trusted vendors is about $100-200 USD will get an outside stone set in an e-ring setting they carry or custom make for you.

Speaking of custom --- have you reached out to David Klass (DK) in LA to see if he can make this for you? He may come in cheaper and will work with outside stones and not charge a separate setting fee. Plus you will have the ability to change design aspects if you aren't finding the EXACT ring you want to give her.

I used DK and bought a BGD super ideal. It was my first time doing custom but it saved me a few bucks and was absolutely the right choice for my girl, as she wanted something different and I wanted to give her that but with superb quality without breaking the piggy bank.

 

[Nurse-88]

I think I’ve secured a setting. I was able to find the Naom Carver setting, locally here just north of Toronto for an amazing price!

I have a very busy next few days, between working 12 hour shifts and our anniversary tomorrow (celebrating Monday) so I’m probably going to take a break from the ring. It’s consumed my days the last week or so! Lol!

I’m also waiting on a credit card to come in that will snag me some sweet rewards if I throw this purchase on it, so I’ll start the mission back up once I get it in the mail.

Until then!

 

[sledge]

Congrats on the upcoming anniversary and also on finding the setting!

How much will you have left for a diamond, and are you planning to buy local or are you open to other avenues?

If local, let us help you. It's been my experience many (but not all) local guys price gouge and push stones with poor cut quality on customers. Even duds look great under jewelry store lighting.

Hope to hear from you soon.

 

[Nurse-88]

Congrats on the upcoming anniversary and also on finding the setting!

How much will you have left for a diamond, and are you planning to buy local or are you open to other avenues?

If local, let us help you. It's been my experience many (but not all) local guys price gouge and push stones with poor cut quality on customers. Even duds look great under jewelry store lighting.

Hope to hear from you soon.

The setting is going to be about $2260 Canadian.

This means I can probably go back up to .7ct for the centre stone. She tried this ring on months ago and it was set with 1ct, and she didn’t find it too bulky like the Michael Hill with a larger than .5ct stone.

I’d like to come in under budget, ideally.

I’d also prefer local. Seems like far too much hassle to order from the US, go pick it up, come up with another story at the border, paying HST, etc.

Blue Nile has a Canadian website!

 

[MollyMalone]

* * * I’d also prefer local. Seems like far too much hassle to order from the US, go pick it up, come up with another story at the border, paying HST, etc.
Blue Nile has a Canadian website!

I'm confused. You'll pay HST regardless of where you buy it. And unless things have changed very recently, there will be no duty/import tariff assessed on a loose diamond sent to you from the US.

ETA: USA Certed Diamonds is a longtime PS sponsor who is in Canada.
https://www.pricescope.com/dealer/usa_certed_diamonds
Although the website looks to date back to the early 1980's,
http://www.usacerteddiamonds.com/introindex.html
think Canadian PS customers have been happy with their experiences with this vendor.

 

[diamondseeker2006]

That's great you found the setting she loved! So they are going to order it for you once you decide on the center stone size?

Or did you buy their sample setting? If so, is it the right ring size? And what size is the center CZ? Because you'll need a diamond very close to that size?