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Need Advice, So Confused on diamond to finger size ratio!

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mallettk

Rough_Rock
Joined
Apr 20, 2013
Messages
1
Hey everyone!

So I'm sooo confused when it comes to picking the right diamond. For the past few weeks I thought I knew what I was looking for which was a round diamond, on the color scale between G and D, an SI1 or an SI2 clarity, Ideal/Excellent cut, somewhere between .38 - .46 carat, and I didn't want to spend more than 1300 i think. I thought I was set...I felt pretty good until I was talking with friends not to long ago and then my world shattered. They said that I want to get the appropriate sized diamond for her finger, one not to small and not to big. So now i'm confused, some say you should get a 1 to 1.25 carat for a size 8 finger. I ran a search for those sizes (on James Allen, feel free to recommend other retailers) and they are a pretty penny. So what should I do? What size is right for a size 8 finger or do sizes even matter?Also if I may add, I do see up planning to upgrade in the future. Again i'm just about to graduate college and don't have a lot. We've been dating a while, so I think the timing is appropriate lol. Any thoughts and suggestions would be greatful!

Thanks!
 
Re: Need Advice, So Confused on diamond to finger size ratio

I have a size 8 finger in the summer it's 8.5 and I have a 1ct round. I think at times it looks small on me, but I will be upgrading hopefully next year. If I were in your situation, I'd get a 1 ct in a halo.
 
Re: Need Advice, So Confused on diamond to finger size ratio

dont worry about all that. sure the size of the finger will effect how it looks on her hand. but there is no size its "suppose" to be. There are factors like age, location, and social circle that also effect what size you rig "should" be. Really though, it should be whatever you are comfortable buying and paying for.

if you are worried about size though, just halo that baby :))


take this picture with a grain of salt because her finger i think was a 5.5, but that stone isnt even a half ct and it looks huge! to to stretch your budget and your finger coverage, i say go plain shank halo.

heres a nice budget friendly one from ja
http://www.jamesallen.com/#!/engagement-rings/halo/14k-white-gold-pave-halo-engagement-ring-round-center-item-2322
img_589.jpg


also, consider dropping down to an I( or even a J!). at that size its going to be super white, and you get more bang for your buck.


ETA that ring was made by ID Jewelry. I believe it was at or under 1500 when it was made less than a year ago. Worth giving them a call i think if you are on a tight budget.
 
Re: Need Advice, So Confused on diamond to finger size ratio

Unfortunately, I think her friends are telling you nicely that the size range you are looking at may be too small. I think you can get a larger stone and in a halo for your budget if you are willing to go second hand and lower in color. Are you willing?

Or find a vendor with an upgrade policy if you are planning to upgrade in the next year. If you are thinking upgrade n the longer term ... Like 5 years ... I might be tempted not to bother and just got second hand.
 
Re: Need Advice, So Confused on diamond to finger size ratio

There's a huge difference in price between a 0.4 and a 1+ carat stone. Can you afford a stone that large?

Normally around here we advise people to buy the best cut stone they can afford from a vendor with a 100% trade-in value and then upgrade the stone when the funds become available. Don't go into debt. This is an expression of love, and if you've talked finances with her and she understands you can't spend more than X dollars, then the size of the stone (relatively) isn't the main point here. Buy the largest ideal cut rock you can afford and trade up!
 
Re: Need Advice, So Confused on diamond to finger size ratio

If your budget is under $2000, then I would definitely go down to I color and get a halo setting. ID Jewelry is a good idea. Tell them you are a PriceScope member so they will find you a good quality diamond.
 
Re: Need Advice, So Confused on diamond to finger size ratio

I think it's wonderful that you're proposing to the love of your life, and spending as much as you can, and doing so much research. Don't feel pressure to meet a certain size or "finger size ratio". I think that's utterly bull sh*t.

If you're okay with lowering your stats in your search, or finding a preowned ring, great! But really? Having people tell you that will be too small? Jeez, they haven't heard of just congratulating you on the next big step in your life? :rolleyes:
 
Re: Need Advice, So Confused on diamond to finger size ratio

http://www.briangavindiamonds.com/diamonds/diamond-details/0.586-j-si1-round-diamond-ags-c-104063435026
5.36 x 5.40 x 3.32 $1,325 wire price .586ct J SI1
Mount it in a bezel setting or illusion head setting, and that could add enough bulk to it to bring the "apparent" diameter to 6,5mm-7mm, the diameter of a 1-1.25ct round.

If you go with a simple setting from a company like Stuller or other mass-produced setting, that will hold the cost down. An upgrade to a halo mounting could happen later. Perhaps she would be willing to pay for the remount, herself. I did that. He bought the diamond and it came in a 6-prong Tiffany-type mounting. Later, I bought a more elaborate mounting for it.
 
Re: Need Advice, So Confused on diamond to finger size ratio

madelise|1366506645|3431333 said:
I think it's wonderful that you're proposing to the love of your life, and spending as much as you can, and doing so much research. Don't feel pressure to meet a certain size or "finger size ratio". I think that's utterly bull sh*t.

If you're okay with lowering your stats in your search, or finding a preowned ring, great! But really? Having people tell you that will be too small? Jeez, they haven't heard of just congratulating you on the next big step in your life? :rolleyes:
Click to expand...

:appl: :appl: :appl: :appl: :appl: :appl: :appl: :appl:

Absolutely brilliant! And I completely agree :twirl:

All the best on your up-coming engagement mallettk!! Exciting times ahead, indeed :appl:
 
Re: Need Advice, So Confused on diamond to finger size ratio

I just wanted to add that I am certain you can get something beautiful she will love at any budget. but your talking about thousands of dollars difference between a .4 and 1.25 ct stone. Was 1300 your hard budget or has that been revised?
 
Re: Need Advice, So Confused on diamond to finger size ratio

PSers don't kill me for saying this: but maybe look at moissanite. It is a lab made diamond that are quite pretty and sparkly, you can get a nice size with that budget, or an asha atone...you can always sell it to upgrade later on. Just suggesting alternatives.
 
Re: Need Advice, So Confused on diamond to finger size ratio

Sandeek|1366508282|3431359 said:
PSers don't kill me for saying this: but maybe look at moissanite. It is a lab made diamond that are quite pretty and sparkly, you can get a nice size with that budget, or an asha atone...you can always sell it to upgrade later on. Just suggesting alternatives.
Click to expand...
Moissanite is not a lab made diamond. Also we are not allowed to discuss that on this forum. If you wanted to look into actual lab made diamonds, there is a thread about it on here. really its the only area to discuss them, but they might be worth looking into, in that thread. But they are actual diamonds. Not the same thing as moissanite.
 
Re: Need Advice, So Confused on diamond to finger size ratio

I know this may be heresy, but if you are concerned about the size of the stone, you may want to think outside the box totally. I will admit that I am shallow -- I love BIG stones. When my husband I got married, we had very little money to spend on a diamond. Instead he got me a beautiful (big) oval amethyst set with little baby diamonds, at a fraction of the cost of a small 1/4 - 1/3 diamond. I love that ring with all my heart and I wear it with my wedding band everyday. We have been married just over 20 years, and this year my sweet husband got me the diamond of my dreams. However, I only wear it on my right hand, because it will never take the place of my 'real' engagement ring.
 
Re: Need Advice, So Confused on diamond to finger size ratio

Lilly_Rowan|1366509205|3431370 said:
I know this may be heresy, but if you are concerned about the size of the stone, you may want to think outside the box totally.
Click to expand...

Bingo.
My vote: eternity band!
-Easily wearable
-Bands are super-blingy
-Big "presence" on the finger
-Unique (and it has the bonus of making it impossible to compare to someone else's centerstone)
-She can wear it forever - no need to retire it or upgrade it if five years from now she gets a honker solitaire...
-There's a huge range of styles for all budgets
 
Re: Need Advice, So Confused on diamond to finger size ratio

Niel|1366509838|3431380 said:
The only issue with going coloredd stone is that you'd have to know how she feels about them. I think second hand is a good idea. Does she need a round? Or could it be another shape?

I've been watching this one,might be good, bit some old cut experts would have to look at it, I am not one.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/14K-Gold-VINTAGE-DIAMOND-SOLITAIRE-RING-0-72-crt-Diamond-Size-7-3-4-/400402379568
Click to expand...

Ohh nice find! The stone looks lovely, the price sounds fair, and the setting is almost the perfect size - and it's a basic style that any jeweller could polish up to good as new... there's a 14day return policy...

But the <100% feedback concerns me, as does the fact that the feedback is private? Not sure what to make of the toolhaus feedback http://toolhaus.org/cgi-bin/negs?User=jantjeprecies&Dirn=Received+by&ref=home
 
Re: Need Advice, So Confused on diamond to finger size ratio

IMO there is not set size diamond to finger size ratio. I think it is all a personal preference and that you can find something nice in your budget. Just buy the ring that appeals to you and that you think she will like. Congratulations.
 
Re: Need Advice, So Confused on diamond to finger size ratio

You should get between .75-1.00 and add a halo for more finger coverage. If you're on a tight budget buy your stone now & save up for the setting.
 
Re: Need Advice, So Confused on diamond to finger size ratio

I don't know about your girlfriend, but most woman have an idea in their mind of what ring they will be wearing (even if you have upgrade in your mind). Either her family, friends or hints she has dropped should lead you in a direction. If you have no clue maybe you should. I like surprises but when I got engaged 27 years ago I really wanted something in the 1 carat range. Thinking that her fingers are a size 8 there would be alot of metal and not so much diamond with a .4 diamond.

Budget is the other issue. I guess I would prefer an ideal cut .4 than a not so ideal very included 1.25...so sorry if this isn't much help. I just really would hope you would find some input from the people who share your love for her. (ask a sibling/or best friend we have all told them what we want
 
Re: Need Advice, So Confused on diamond to finger size ratio

mallettk,

Get the most beautiful ring you can find that's within your budget and don't feel guilty about not meeting some friends' so-called "standards."

I wear a size 8 and my regular ering is a 2+ ct. oval but me weekend/travel ring is a vintage platinum ring with a 1/3 ct. diamond.

You will be able to be something that is very nice for your budget, especially if vintage/antique/preloved are options. Three-, four-, or five-stone rings, eternities, and other styles that have been mentioned here are also good possibilities.

Just don't let other people "guilt" you into spending more than you can afford.

There are some people here with amazing skills at finding beautiful bargains. Let us know what you are looking for and your top budget and someone will find you something beautiful.

Your girlfriend is a lucky lady. You are doing your research to get her something nice instead of running to the mall and getting the first thing you see that fits your budget.

liz
 
Re: Need Advice, So Confused on diamond to finger size ratio

congratulations on finding the love of your life! that is a huge achievement and though buying a ring usually causes some degree of stress, please remember this is a HAPPY occasion and your intended will hopefully love whatever you get her.

that being said ...

1. YOU know your fiancee best. is she the type of person who cares what others think or is she a "i do things my way"-kinda gal? does she like the luxuries in life or is she terribly modest? is she picky about things in general and would she be color sensitive? be honest with yourself ... this will guide your purchase.

2. for many (but certainly not all) girls, assuming you have no idea what she wants, you will be "safest" getting a ring that is the middle-of-the-road for her peer/social group. if few of her friends are already engaged, this clearly doesn't help.

3. good for you for thinking ahead about an upgrade. in my mind, that means you MUST buy from a vendor that provides a 100% upgrade policy. these policies differ among vendors; some require you to pay at least twice as much as your original purchase so check this out carefully. also, for some vendors, some diamonds qualify for upgrade and others do not. make sure you know what you are getting.

4. the upgrade value ONLY applies to the value of the ring, not the setting. halo settings are usually pretty price-y and with your budget, i imagine the setting would be at least half the value of the ring. so if it were me, i would get the simplest, cheapest setting possible and put as much money into the actual diamond that i could. i say this because it sounds like you are intending to get an upgrade sooner rather than later.

5. if i were you (unless your girlfriend is highly color sensitive), i would drop down in color to the I or even J range. eye-clean clarity at SI is fine. get the best excellent cut diamond you can find with these parameters.

6. these "friends" you talked to -- were they guys or her CLOSE girlfriends? if they were her close girlfriends, they may be trying (nicely) to tell you that she cares about size. i would listen to them. there is no reason to have such a high color diamond if size matters more. and it is true, a 0.5 carat diamond looks much bigger on a size 4 finger than a size 8. just a fact!

good luck, and best wishes for a healthy and happy marriage.


ETA: well researched, pre-loved may be a very good option for you if you have time.
 
Re: Need Advice, So Confused on diamond to finger size ratio

I would second the motion to not spend over your budget. Don't let friends and relatives talk you into something you are not comfortable doing. Also second the motion about a halo setting. As timing would have it, just did that for my wife, and it really makes the diamond look bigger than it actually is. Bet of luck.
 
Re: Need Advice, So Confused on diamond to finger size ratio

madelise|1366506645|3431333 said:
I think it's wonderful that you're proposing to the love of your life, and spending as much as you can, and doing so much research. Don't feel pressure to meet a certain size or "finger size ratio". I think that's utterly bull sh*t.

If you're okay with lowering your stats in your search, or finding a preowned ring, great! But really? Having people tell you that will be too small? Jeez, they haven't heard of just congratulating you on the next big step in your life? :rolleyes:
Click to expand...

:appl: :appl:
 
Re: Need Advice, So Confused on diamond to finger size ratio

i don't think any of us is suggesting that he spend over his budget but trying to feel out what the love of his lives expectations are . I have at least 4 friends off the top of my head that do NOT wear the ring that they were given not because of size but it isn't their style. Which is why I was asking if she had ever mentioned to him or her friends her style. the fact that you are doing all this research is amazing. My husband gave me a hand me down ring ( pear shape not my favorite) that we reset after we got engaged. Then when we could afford it we did a laterkal change to a shape and style that I was more comfortable with.

So kudos for doing the research, she is a lucky guy just wanted to help to be sure that she gets the ideal style , shape and size with in a budget that you both feel comfortable in.......
 
Re: Need Advice, So Confused on diamond to finger size ratio

I don't know about your girlfriend, but most woman have an idea in their mind of what ring they will be wearing (even if you have upgrade in your mind). Either her family, friends or hints she has dropped should lead you in a direction. If you have no clue maybe you should. I like surprises but when I got engaged 27 years ago I really wanted something in the 1 carat range. Thinking that her fingers are a size 8 there would be alot of metal and not so much diamond with a .4 diamond.
Click to expand...


I grew up with the idea of a 4 ct emerald cut.... :lol: if she has higher expectations than the budget consider either her chipping in, changing to maybe a colored stone, or getting more realistic expectations. with that said. I dont know her expectations. she probably knows your budget so i dont think shes expecting more than you're looking at. And im sure shell love whatever you get, so again, dont worry so much about what a ring is "suppose" to be, just go with what you can and im sure shell be over the mood :D

for what its worth i still think going second hand is a great option. maybe leave it in the setting it comes in and halo it for a wedding present or first anniversary if she needs more finger coverage.

or , maybe you an find a three stone in your budget? who knows, I think we'd all be happy to help you find something on your budget if we knew what she liked and what exactly your budget is
 
Re: Need Advice, So Confused on diamond to finger size ratio

Yssie|1366509727|3431377 said:
Lilly_Rowan|1366509205|3431370 said:
I know this may be heresy, but if you are concerned about the size of the stone, you may want to think outside the box totally.
Click to expand...

Bingo.
My vote: eternity band!
-Easily wearable
-Bands are super-blingy
-Big "presence" on the finger
-Unique (and it has the bonus of making it impossible to compare to someone else's centerstone)
-She can wear it forever - no need to retire it or upgrade it if five years from now she gets a honker solitaire...
-There's a huge range of styles for all budgets
Click to expand...


i second this idea and i have size 8 fingers. i would much rather get a blingy eternity band than an ering under 0.5 carat. i would contact id jewelery as well.
 
Re: Need Advice, So Confused on diamond to finger size ratio

I would get a larger stone on ebay. The .72c above is a gorgeous cut OEC...here are some more i found;

This emerald is just gorgeous and the setting is amazing. Many are going to antique rings with a history ....very romantic:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/190823690303?ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1423.l2649

Here's a nice 1 c diamond:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/1-CT-Round-Diamond-Solitaire-Engagement-Ring-Solid-14K-White-Gold-6-Prong-/251263439535?_trksid=p2047675.m1850&_trkparms=aid%3D222002%26algo%3DSIC.FIT%26ao%3D1%26asc%3D11%26meid%3D7134575861641818843%26pid%3D100011%26prg%3D1005%26rk%3D2%26sd%3D390563403376%26

I think if you keep looking you will find a larger stone that is "used" and you can reset it in a nice setting of her choice.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/GIA-CERTIFIED-18K-WHITE-GOLD-70CT-SI1-D-OVAL-DIAMOND-SOLITAIRE-PENDANT-/230964181462?pt=US_Fine_Necklaces_Pendants&hash=item35c689b9d6

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Antique-Art-Deco-Diamond-Engagement-Solitaire-Ring-50CT-SZ-6-25-UK-M-18K-Mount-/181125005413?pt=Diamond_Solitaire_Rings&hash=item2a2be44065

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Estate-1-ct-VS1-H-Old-European-Cut-DIAMOND-Halo-Engagement-Ring-10K-WG-New-/380626758168?pt=Diamond_Solitaire_Rings&hash=item589f1f6a18

http://www.ebay.com/itm/ANTIQUE-14CT-WHITE-GOLD-1-06CT-CERTIFIED-OLD-CUT-VS-DIAMOND-SOLITAIRE-RING-/370784573009?pt=UK_Jewellery_Watches_FineJewellery_CA&hash=item56547b9651
 
Re: Need Advice, So Confused on diamond to finger size ratio

If you plan on upgrading at some point I would buy the biggest diamond with your budget from a vendor that does have an upgrade policy. If you buy a ring from ebay or somewhere else second hand you will never get your money spent back on it. Best of luck finding what your are looking for!
 
Re: Need Advice, So Confused on diamond to finger size ratio

You could also look at colors below J, like K / L / M. L and M are a very nice pale yellow. But in a modern ideal H&A cut, they face up very white. I like the L/M color range better than J/K, actually. L/M is like candlelight ivory. Crafted by Infinity cuts a lot of lower color and lower clarity stones, but you pay a premium for their branded cut. Diamonds by Lauren gets a lot of interesting lower color diamonds, too. The lower colors in deep + chunky-facet makes like Good Old Gold's AVC and AVR will have a stronger color than the H&A makes do.
 
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