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Need help selecting halo with pave engagement ring

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Rough_Rock
Joined
Jul 18, 2012
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23
I am trying to find a low-set halo engagement ring with pave on the ring itself.

So far, I've come across these two settings:

http://www.jamesallen.com/designer-engagement-rings/meno-collection-by-danhov/ring/item_294-3771.asp
http://www.gabrielny.com/engaged/style/ER8270W44JJ

I can't figure out which one is better. I also thought of going the custom route, but I'm scared of not being able to return the ring if I take that option.

Also, I need help with finding the right diamond.

My budget is 12k max, but I would prefer to spend closer to 8k while getting the best value possible. Based on my readings, I've assumed that going the route of a smaller diamond (just under 1 carat is a better value than getting a 1 carat), but I'm not sure what else besides cut that I want to give priority or is worth extra dollars.

Any suggestions would be appreciated?

Also, if you know of any other designs like the above two settings available online, would you please link me to them?

Please note that I am in Ontario, Canada, if that matters in providing help.

Thanks so much!
 
With an 8-9k total budget I would go for as big a diamond as 6.5k would buy you in H SI (eyeclean).

I would NOT buy that Danhov setting. It has NO support in the under gallery and is the farthest thing from a durable lifestyle friendly setting as you can get. the Gabriel and Co setting is MUCH better designed.

Let's see what we can find for you for 6.5k.
 
If you're concerned about how it'll look on your hand, I would research some cheap flights to NY to see some settings in person at Good Old Gold, Engagement Rings Direct and ID Jewelry. I was able to find some local dealers for Beverly K and see rings in person, but unfortunately the selection in Canada is limited and the prices are higher.
 
Check out this place in North York ... http://www.engagediamonds.com

They will have lots of settings for you to try on. They also have AGS diamonds which aren't that easy to find in Toronto.
 
Thank you for your replies.

Gypsy - good point about the dahnov setting having no support underneath. This was my favorite but now I am reconsidering. I was able to find the gabriel setting by contacting the company and finding a local retailer.

Regarding the diamond, so in your opinion it is better to spend the money on the size and cut as long as it is eyeline with a baseline being H, SI in terms of colour and clarity?

Thank you Charmypoo for the link. I will have to check it out. Thanks.
 
Webdiva - that is a great idea. I will to have think about it but I don't mind going entirely through the web as long as there is a reasonable return policy.
 
Hey Loggedout - don't be afraid of buying from the US. I'm also in Ontario and even paying duty, it can still be less expensive than local - if cost is your main concern.

I'd decide on the style first, then research who makes that style the best. I've purchased from IDJewelryonline.com, briangavindiamonds.com and etsy (DanielM) and not a problem to communicate, approve or receive from the US! (for whatever help that may provide!!)
 
Yes. G and H SI are a sweet spot for value when you have excellent light return (which comes from the cut quality) When set and on the hand any slight tint will be masked and the light return and performance will be all that you notice and it will look very white. As for clarity SI will be fine from a vendor that has the ability to review the diamond inclusions to make sure a) nothing is visible to the naked eye (referred to as eyeclean) and b) none of the inclusions pose a risk to safety (open feathers). As long as you can't see it and it's safe with you naked eye there is no difference between an SI stone and a VVS stone (as long as you stick to GIA and AGS and have the diamond reviewed) . So while color and clarity will not be noticeable to the naked eye for rmost people with H SI (eyeclean) stones, what will be noticeable is the size of the stone, so yes, I would maximize the size while sticking to H SI GIA and AGS stones.
 
If you love the look of the Danhov, you can get a quote for one of these, but they will may be out of budget.

http://www.engagementringsdirect.com/ada-a-classic-micropave-halo-diamond-engagement-ring-bpid-81-15.html

http://www.engagementringsdirect.com/emily-micro-pave-halo-engagement-ring-bpid-239-15.html

And these (which are more likely to be in budget) Pearlmans Jewelers can give you a quote. Ask for Julien and tell him Pricescope sent you:

http://www.beverleyk.com/semi-mounts/r1192-a.html

I'm a huge fan of this setting and I know it's very affordable. But your lady would have to like antique/vintage styles: www.beverleyk.com/semi-mounts/8wr397-a-d-d-m.html

http://www.beverleyk.com/semi-mounts/8wr352-d-d-m.html

http://www.beverleyk.com/semi-mounts/8wr1186-a-6-5rd-d-d-m.html

And these:

http://www.gabrielny.com/engaged/style/ER6301W83JJ (Probably closest to what you want, keep in mind PS vendors will typically discount that MSRP by 20%)

http://www.gabrielny.com/engaged/style/ER7278W44JJ

http://www.gabrielny.com/engaged/style/ER7482W44JJ


I really do like the original Gabriel Setting you posted though. It's got a nice profile and a lovely head on look as well. It's a very balanced setting .
 
Gypsy|1343233754|3239762 said:
http://www.gabrielny.com/engaged/style/ER6301W83JJ (Probably closest to what you want, keep in mind PS vendors will typically discount that MSRP by 20%)

http://www.gabrielny.com/engaged/style/ER7278W44JJ

http://www.gabrielny.com/engaged/style/ER7482W44JJ


I really do like the original Gabriel Setting you posted though. It's got a nice profile and a lovely head on look as well. It's a very balanced setting .

Thanks for linking me to some alternatives. I really appreciate it. What do you mean by the PS vendor discount? Can I buy the Gabriel setting through one of these vendors?
 
Dear Loggedout,

I am in the same boat as you! Boyfriend is ready to propose and since I am an avid pricescoper and he knows how picky I am (LOL) he would like me to pick out my engagement ring. Big decision to make via internet but it seems to have been so successful for so many people. So much to choose from and some many great diamond styles. I didn't even think about the savings on sales tax, which at 13% in Ontario makes a HUGE difference (looking at having ours sent to a US address). Little scared to do it via the internet but will continue doing more research. Talked to jewellers in Toronto and we are looking at about 8K for a 1ct excellent cut brilliant G SI1. Add over $1K in taxes and then you still need a setting and wedding Band. It adds up a little fast!

For veteran Pricescopers, are there some featured sponsers that sell the gabrielny settings? There is one that makes me drool just a little bit! I have been looking at the Eternity diamond website at centre stones but haven't settled on anything.
 
IDJewelry and GOG sell the Gabriel K line. Both are favorite PS vendors.
 
Eureka, I've found the setting....and I know she will like it, because I found it with her at the jewelry store, lol.

It's this setting scott kay luminaire collection M1657 http://www.safianrudolph.com/ProductDetails.asp?ProductCode=M1657R310WW

The local jewelry store was selling it to me in 14k gold for 3235 before taxes, and with a 1 ct., very good cut, F colour, VS-1 diamond for 12450 including taxes (so basically the diamond for $7800 before taxes/$8800 after taxes). Hesitant to make the purchase without researching what I could get online and what if any better diamond options there were...I come here to ask where to find pricescope dealers selling this brand, and what diamond options I have for 7k.

Thanks!
 
Call Pearlmans Jewelers and ask for Julian .http://www.pearlmansjewelers.com/ Tell him PS sent you. Ask him for a quote and go from there. They are great at sourcing diamonds and can provide you with everything that you need. Plus they are one of the best vendors PS has to offer.
 
loggedout|1343407804|3241407 said:
Eureka, I've found the setting....and I know she will like it, because I found it with her at the jewelry store, lol.

It's this setting scott kay luminaire collection M1657 http://www.safianrudolph.com/ProductDetails.asp?ProductCode=M1657R310WW

The local jewelry store was selling it to me in 14k gold for 3235 before taxes, and with a 1 ct., very good cut, F colour, VS-1 diamond for 12450 including taxes (so basically the diamond for $7800 before taxes/$8800 after taxes). Hesitant to make the purchase without researching what I could get online and what if any better diamond options there were...I come here to ask where to find pricescope dealers selling this brand, and what diamond options I have for 7k.

Thanks!

I would rather have an excellent/ideal cut than a very good cut diamond. Is it even certified by a reputable lab like GIA?
 
I like the JA F.
 
Did you check out http://www.engagediamonds.com yet?

I dropped by today (it is beside a spa I go to) and was reminded of their amazing customer service and high quality custom cad work. I am very picky with my settings and their work passes my test :P
 
CharmyPoo|1343537583|3242378 said:
Did you check out http://www.engagediamonds.com yet?

I dropped by today (it is beside a spa I go to) and was reminded of their amazing customer service and high quality custom cad work. I am very picky with my settings and their work passes my test :P
CharmyPoo said:
You can get the setting pretty cheap on eBay. Ship to usaddressinc just across the boarder if you don't want to ship to Canada.

No I haven't. I will have to check it out this week.

Nice find on the ebay links! I never thought of that. My only questions are if I were to purchase the diamond and setting separately, where do I go to get it set? I also wanted the diamond set a little lower than it is typically depicted, is that possible if I were to purchase the diamond and setting from different vendors? Where would I go? The local jeweler said he could do it if I purchased from him but does it have to be ordered that way?

Thanks!
 
loggedout|1343552936|3242398 said:
CharmyPoo|1343537583|3242378 said:
No I haven't. I will have to check it out this week.

Nice find on the ebay links! I never thought of that. My only questions are if I were to purchase the diamond and setting separately, where do I go to get it set? I also wanted the diamond set a little lower than it is typically depicted, is that possible if I were to purchase the diamond and setting from different vendors? Where would I go? The local jeweler said he could do it if I purchased from him but does it have to be ordered that way?

Thanks!

That ebay seller is actually in Chiago - I travel weekly between Chicago and Toronto - I would be open to checking it out for you depending on where their retail shop is.

I buy a lot of colored gemstones and settings seperately. I get them set at PH Designs (149 Church Street at Queen St, East side on the second floor - 416.367.2870). They do a fanastic job but usually deals with wholesalers versus customers - they charge around $50 to set the stone in the setting. I usually show them a picture of how I like my prongs (I like them sharp and thin) and they can replicate.

How low a diamond is set is actually dependent on how low the setting can take the size of a diamond. You can ask them to set it as low as possible but it is dependent on the actual setting.
 
Wow, thanks for the offer Charmypoo, but it's the wrong size and says it not resizable. I found another vendor on ebay that is located in NY state. Maybe I can check it out and buy it directly:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/320951176137?ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1423.l2648

Another question about the diamond is how much does the colour matter? I am reading that for round diamonds you can get away with H-J. So would a I colour be okay? I am concerned about the halo setting and pave diamonds being of E colour, is that a valid concern?
 
loggedout|1343665275|3242961 said:
Wow, thanks for the offer Charmypoo, but it's the wrong size and says it not resizable. I found another vendor on ebay that is located in NY state. Maybe I can check it out and buy it directly:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/320951176137?ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1423.l2648

Another question about the diamond is how much does the colour matter? I am reading that for round diamonds you can get away with H-J. So would a I colour be okay? I am concerned about the halo setting and pave diamonds being of E colour, is that a valid concern?


I'd find out if Pearlmans will match that price for you. I'd rather you buy from the best vendor we know carries that line, and that would be Pearlmans. Just give them a call, ask for Julian and see if he can get close to that price for you. Tell him PS sent you.

As for I color. Generally we tell people to stay within 2 color grades of the melee with halos. If Scott Kay uses F/G then you are looking at H-I as the limit. If you can afford it, I would personally go with an H, because it is the safer of the two, but if there is a great I, I don't see why you should rule it out.
 
Thanks I just did that and it looks like I can get a better price!
 
Pearlmans, you mean?
 
Yes, I contacted Pearlmans.
 
Good, they'll take great care of you! They are one of my (and anyone who has worked with them) favorite vendors for a reason. I never have any doubts that they will take care of the folks we send over to them. They are a first class operation, start to finish.
 
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