Need help: halo hesitation!

redfalconx · Dec 27, 2012

Hi all,

I came across PS in my quest for the right ring. It's a wonderful site. So far, I've seen two rings in person that I like. Here they are:

http://www.helzberg.com/product/1-3ct+tw+diamond+engagement+ring+1794233.do?sortby=priceAscend

http://www.robbinsbrothers.com/Engagement-Rings/Ring-With-Sidestones/Robbins-Brothers-i48760.ring

The photos online don't do justice to their beauty. I love these settings with no diamonds on the band, which doesn't seem to be all too common. I'm looking for something on the smaller side because her fingers are tiny, probably a size 4. I'm leaning towards the first one because it sparkles more, which is what matters to me the most, more so than center diamond size. What does everyone think of these two? Could I do better? Any advice?

pandabee · Dec 27, 2012

Of those two settings, I prefer the 2nd by far. What is your budget?

redfalconx · Dec 27, 2012

Thanks for the quick response!

My budget is $1,500.

JulieN · Dec 27, 2012

This will be a better choice: http://www.briangavindiamonds.com/Engagement-Rings/Solitaire/Commitment-Solitaire-Ring-14K-White-Gold-14K-White-Gold-5858W14

Laila619 · Dec 27, 2012

JulieN|1356593586|3340528 said:
This will be a better choice: http://www.briangavindiamonds.com/Engagement-Rings/Solitaire/Commitment-Solitaire-Ring-14K-White-Gold-14K-White-Gold-5858W14

Ooh, nice find! The diamonds will be much better quality than the Helzberg ring.

farmer gal · Dec 27, 2012

With a 1500 budget I would get her a nice half carat in a simple setting.

You could request idealscope images on the following diamonds:

http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/J-VS2-Ideal-Cut-Round-Diamond-1541980.asp

http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/J-VS2-Ideal-Cut-Round-Diamond-1436457.asp

http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/J-VS2-Excellent-Cut-Round-Diamond-1518161.asp

Settings:

http://www.jamesallen.com/engagement-rings/solitaire/14k-white-gold-2mm-knife-edge-solitaire-ring-17001w.html

http://www.jamesallen.com/engagement-rings/solitaire/14k-white-gold-2mm-knife-edge-solitaire-engagement-ring-six-prong-17927w14.html

That size would look really elegant on her little finger

Niel · Dec 27, 2012

I agree a .5 ct is probably a better option than a cluster ring. Unless that's what she wants of course

SB621 · Dec 27, 2012

nielseel|1356619952|3340683 said:
I agree a .5 ct is probably a better option than a cluster ring. Unless that's what she wants of course

+1

If you do a solitare it will give her options for wedding bands or stackers to give her a more blingy look.

Plus you can always halo the solitare down the road on a special anniversary.

In my honest opinion cluster rings are not good engagment rings at all.

diamondseeker2006 · Dec 27, 2012

If you want a cluster ring, I will totally agree that the one that Julie posted is superior in beauty and quality to the two you posted.

But I would prefer the half carat solitaire that could be reset into a halo later.

redfalconx · Dec 27, 2012

Thanks for the help and advice, everyone! I really appreciate it.

I think a halo setting is really what she wants. I like the Brian Gavin one posted, but I think she likes the center raised a little as well like the Helzberg and Robbins Brothers ones.

I can't believe how quickly everyone found everything to help me out. I am so grateful.

Do you think there's anything out there that matches what I'm looking for?

Niel · Dec 27, 2012

http://www.jamesallen.com/engagement-rings/pave/-18k-White-Gold-Pave-Set-Diamond-Engagement-Ring-17155w14.html
and
http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/J-VS2-Ideal-Cut-Round-Diamond-1542001.asp

They say that setting is for .5 ct + BUT if you look at one of there recently sold it sets a .44 ct so for sure ask them if they could

see
http://www.jamesallen.com/engagement-rings/sold/pave/8540/Diamond-Ring.html

redfalconx · Dec 27, 2012

Oh I like that too! Does anyone know of pictures of this setting anywhere?

Now, would it matter that the halo diamonds are color G-H and that center stone is color J? Would it look off?

Also, that would put me a little over my budget. I'm looking at some of the other options James Allen has, but I'm so lost here. The H&A look nice online, but I have no idea what'll sparkle to the naked eye.

SB621 · Dec 27, 2012

Ok so she wants a halo...but how does she feel about a cluster ring???? I personally LOVE halos, but I really dislike cluster rings. I would definitely ask her.

With your budget- how do you feel about buying off of the secondary market?

There are several halo and cluseters on JBEG for under $1550

http://jewelsbyericagrace.com/antique_vintage_and_reproduction_rings

SB621 · Dec 27, 2012

http://jewelsbyericagrace.com/modern_and_estate_rings

here are a few other options from Jbeg. The first sapphire halo is well within your budget- how do you feel about sapphires.

Also I really like this option. I know at $2,200 it is more then you want to spend. but you can ask if the price is flexible. Jbeg also has a great laya way plan!

http://jewelsbyericagrace.smugmug.com/Jewelry/Modern-and-Estate-Pieces/60ct-Emerald-Cut-Diamond-Ring/21134431_qRzFFQ#!i=1684093446&k=gvxxfWL

cygnet · Dec 27, 2012

I would definitely NOT get her a cluster ring unless she's expressly stated that it's what she wants.

cygnet · Dec 27, 2012

Ooh, nice find, Sarahbear! That emerald cut is beautiful.

Niel · Dec 27, 2012

redfalconx|1356629565|3340811 said:
Oh I like that too! Does anyone know of pictures of this setting anywhere?

Now, would it matter that the halo diamonds are color G-H and that center stone is color J? Would it look off?

Also, that would put me a little over my budget. I'm looking at some of the other options James Allen has, but I'm so lost here. The H&A look nice online, but I have no idea what'll sparkle to the naked eye.

I think it ended hp about 1545 didn't it? Also I think a ps discount applies to settings too. Is your budget a strict NOT OVER 1500$??

Also you wouldn't have to go hearts and arrows at that size. I just didn't have time to find you an excellent cut h stone. Definitely look though, you'll just have to make sure it has an hca score under 2 which is a calculator you can find on here under tools

SB621 · Dec 27, 2012

cygnet|1356630383|3340823 said:
Ooh, nice find, Sarahbear! That emerald cut is beautiful.

Thanks Cygnet! I have to say I LOVE this ring. Step cuts are really growing on me.

OP - JBeg does an interest free lay away plan. So you could put down at least 20% and then they give you several months to pay off the rest. Plus like I said before you can always ask them if the price is flexbile. I would really look at their options. As someone already stated unless your GF has specifically said she likes the cluster ring I would go with something else.

Christina... · Dec 27, 2012

The examples that you linked are of cluster rings, not halos, so if she has asked for a 'halo' then she may be disappointed. I really like the idea of the JA halo setting with a .5 center stone. I did see a few options there in your price range or very close. I would consider a SI1 or eye clean SI2 as well, though eye clean SI2's are harder to find. James Allen will provide you with up to three ideal scope images and their gemologist will check the stones performance and eye cleanliness for you as well. They also have an excellent 60 return period and upgrade policies should you ever decide to upgrade the center stone. Before you make a purchase though, I would make sure that she understands the difference between cluster and halo style rings.

redfalconx · Dec 27, 2012

Thanks, everyone. It looks like I have a lot of work to do today.

I'm not terribly comfortable with the secondary market idea, though some of those look beautiful.

She doesn't know this is coming, but I know her style well enough to know that cluster is not really to her liking. But the more sparkly, the better.

So I think I'll be looking at the JA diamonds to see what'll be best in that setting. If H&A don't matter, what is most important at that size? I'll use the hca tool, but I don't really know what I should be focusing on the most.

Thanks again!

SB621 · Dec 27, 2012

redfalconx|1356631747|3340838 said:
Thanks, everyone. It looks like I have a lot of work to do today.

I'm not terribly comfortable with the secondary market idea, though some of those look beautiful.

She doesn't know this is coming, but I know her style well enough to know that cluster is not really to her liking. But the more sparkly, the better.

So I think I'll be looking at the JA diamonds to see what'll be best in that setting. If H&A don't matter, what is most important at that size? I'll use the hca tool, but I don't really know what I should be focusing on the most.

Thanks again!

Since you don't seem comfortable with the secondary market (total shame as it is GREAT value) I would say just give us your requirements and let us give you options. We know your budget...which I'm guessing is firm? What shapes does your lady like? Are we still trying to do a halo?

I'm glad you realized that a cluster ring is really not a gret idea for an ering. A RHR I doubt so many of us would have said much against it but for an ering you should really go classic.

- So what shape?
- I'm assuming we are doing white gold?
-Solitare? I love this and then you can add a halo later on if you like.

diamondseeker2006 · Dec 27, 2012

We can pull up stones for you. How much are you allowing for the diamond now?

And this setting? I love it!

http://www.jamesallen.com/engagement-rings/pave/-18k-White-Gold-Pave-Set-Diamond-Engagement-Ring-17155w14.html

diamondseeker2006 · Dec 27, 2012

http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/I-SI1-Ideal-Cut-Round-Diamond-1543876.asp ($955 with pricescope/wire discount)

this one is possible, too (one of our members looks for high crown angles like this one)

http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/I-SI1-Excellent-Cut-Round-Diamond-1542939.asp ($936)

redfalconx · Dec 27, 2012

I swear this is the most stressful thing I've ever done. You all are helping me out so much! It eases some of my stress. Thank you!

So to answer some of the questions:

Round shape.
Size of diamond matters much less than brilliance, fire, sparkle, etc. (I don't really know the terminology. Sorry!)
White gold.
Halo.
Budget is $1,500. I'd really like to stay under that.

I really like the JA setting: http://www.jamesallen.com/engagement-rings/pave/-18k-White-Gold-Pave-Set-Diamond-Engagement-Ring-17155w14.html

It seems simple and elegant. Exactly what she likes.

I like the idea of something under .5 ct because her fingers are tiny, and I don't want it seeming big on her. That said, I don't really know how big it'll be until I put it on her, I guess.

diamondseeker2006 · Dec 27, 2012

I just listed stones for you above that will put it around $1600. You do not need to worry about .5 being too large, I promise. This is a very tiny halo.

This one is $778, but I would go for the .5 for the small extra amount:

http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/I-VS2-Excellent-Cut-Round-Diamond-1536395.asp

redfalconx · Dec 27, 2012

Wait, is it too tiny of a halo??

What about this one? http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/F-SI1-Excellent-Cut-Round-Diamond-1522298.asp

diamondseeker2006 · Dec 27, 2012

redfalconx|1356634921|3340876 said:
Wait, is it too tiny of a halo??

What about this one? http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/F-SI1-Excellent-Cut-Round-Diamond-1522298.asp

I think that is a lovely halo. But I think this stone is too small. The halo is for .5 and up. There are a couple of stones around .45 set in it, but I would not go much below 5mm for it to look right.

diamondseeker2006 · Dec 27, 2012

This one is $798 and as small as I would consider:

http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/H-VS2-Excellent-Cut-Round-Diamond-1536601.asp

And I do like H color and VS2 clarity over I SI1.

This is what it would look like:

http://www.jamesallen.com/engagement-rings/sold/pave/8540/Diamond-Ring.html

redfalconx · Dec 27, 2012

diamondseeker2006|1356635336|3340884 said:
This one is $798 and as small as I would consider:

http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/H-VS2-Excellent-Cut-Round-Diamond-1536601.asp

And I do like H color and VS2 clarity over I SI1.

This is what it would look like:

http://www.jamesallen.com/engagement-rings/sold/pave/8540/Diamond-Ring.html

That's a beautiful stone. Does everyone agree that's the best diamond I can get within my budget? (a diamond under $850)

Thanks so much!

Or should I really splurge and go for this one? http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/I-SI1-Excellent-Cut-Round-Diamond-1542939.asp

Niel · Dec 27, 2012

is it you who reserved that?
I say yes to the I

Need help: halo hesitation!

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