Need help on ER purchase - setting in particular

[mld2t]

Hello all! This is my first post here (well it''s my second attempt at the first post, I lost the first one due to an error!

) and part of me is happy to find all this information, but part of me is a little bummed to find out how much more I have to learn! I look forward to really understanding what I''m going buy, rather than relying on a salesman.

I have a few general question, most of which center around the setting.

In general, I''m looking for a princess cut main stone, with princess cut channel mounted side stones (not a three stone look). About a 1 ct main diamond, and .5tw of side stones. Something along these lines:
http://www.bluenile.com/princess-cut-diamond-engagement-ring_3472 (with baguettes)
http://jeffcooperdesigns.com/item.php?id=44
http://www.mervisdiamond.com/engagement-rings/semi-mounts/platinum-engagement-ring-41-ct.html (with tapered baguette)

For the metal, I was thinking 950 Ruthenium Platinum (I didn''t even know there were different types of Platinum before this site!). Seems to me it is just as scratch resistant as WG, and won''t yellow. Is this too rare of a platinum? How many jewlers use it or would it need to be custom?

I''d really like to handle and touch the ring(s) before I commit to keeping it and using it as the ER. What''s the best way to do this? I know a local jewler could bring a few in and have me look at them, but that''s only going to be from his suppliers selection. And I''ve looked through some of thier suppliers and haven''t found much (uniquesettings.com had a couple, but not much). What do you suggest?

What places online do you suggest I look for the particular style I''m looking for? I''ve looked through bluenile, a bit at WF, GOG, etc but need to do more. Any particular selections you like?

As for finding the diamond, I think I''d like to find a setting first then find the exact diamond. Does this make sense?

This is a very important decision for me, so I appreciate your help in advance! Thank you so much!

 

[D&T]

Usually its best to find the diamond first before you pick a setting since diamonds are not "one size fits all" settings are more readily available unless you find a one of a kind setting that is the only one available like an estate piece or something, unless you specifically want custom made. you could find stock settings, order them and then return to get an idea then get it custom made to fit your diamond. Especially if you are looking into fancy cuts such as princess cut diamonds, they are less readily available than say a round brillant so if you see the diamond with the right specs and price tag, I'd snatch one up then deal with the setting later. As for the alloy mix, you'd have to request the information from the vendor as to what alloy they use in platinum.