Need lots of help! 12k-15k budget, round diamond

[MikeEllington]

Ive been lurking the forums for a bit now, and im ready to make the splash!

Basically im looking for recommendations on getting a engagement ring. Ive attached the look that she loves.

round diamond, pave style with a halo around it. She really wants a halo that sits a little below it, and ive found some pictures of pretty much exactly what she likes. I know she really likes the thin bands. thinner the better

Now, im wondering what stats/grades i should be look for to get the most bang for my buck. I'm even open to looking at exact links on blue nile/etc if there are some helpful people that love to look at diamonds!

Neither of us are jewelers, so im looking for the sweet spot for value, and wow factor! After perusing the forums, im assuming i should stick to the ideal cut dimensions and percentages that i see repeated often. But which of the 4cs, should i asbolutely get at a certain grade, and which are not as important?

My budget would be about 12-15k all said and done, I would rather stick to the 12k end of the spectrum, but if the 15k level would get me more bang for the buck, i could go there.

What are some recommendations on getting a band similar to this made. How much of my budget should go to the band, and how much for the diamond. I'd like something similar, but would love something one off and a little more special than exactly like the pic.

added a few images of what i think shes looking for.

 

[kb1gra]

Do you have an idea what size diamond you'd like for that budget?

Ironically, just today I saw a ring that Wink at High Performance Diamonds did that is just like that (only better made - that setting posted is a stock setting available from one of the casting houses).

With your budget, I would probably buy this 1.25 H/VS2 CBI from him and budget around $3k for the setting, leaving you at $13k and change with a top notch ring - no performance worries with a CBI. And really excellent buyback/upgrade policies for the future.

http://highperformancediamonds.com/shop/diamonds/HPD7552/?shop=yes

I think the setting is the style he calls the "Jenna"

Plenty of other stones available in that price range, unless you're hoping to hit a certain size point.

 

[MikeEllington]

Appreciate the reply. I was hoping for something in the 1.4ct range.

"(only better made - that setting posted is a stock setting available from one of the casting houses)."
Exactly the type of info i needed and why i appreciate this forum so much. Hoping to get something like that setting i originally posted but just better and not so "Stock"

 

[Gypsy]

That actual setting is asking to have the head ripped off of it. I'd budget 4k for the setting in high quality in platinum Leaving 11k for the diamond.

Buy this: http://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-3698987.htm or this: http://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-3692937.htm or this to save some money: http://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-2890097.htm or this: http://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-3690183.htm

And ask WF to have Danov (they carry Danov and that setting is perfect for them to make) make an inspired by version of that but without the flimsy commection of the basket and shank. If Danov cannot do it WF themselves can. Stick to a shank width if 1.8mm, no less, for durability. Also ask for much more DELICATE, normal, prongs. Those are huge and they create dead zones in the halo. Not a good look.

That said, you said you think that setting is what she wants. I don't like guessing. Does she have a Pinterest account? If so please link us.

 

[Gypsy]

Danhov has this one. They can set the stone slightly above the halo for you: http://www.whiteflash.com/engagement-rings/solitaire/danhov-le112-per-lei-diamond-halo-engagement-ring-4421.htm or have them modify it for you slightly to make the halo fit under the stone a little. That's what I Would do.

 

[Gypsy]

JA is also a Danhov dealer:'
https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/1.35-carat-h-color-vs1-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-2024252 Ask for idealscope image

 

[MikeEllington]

thanks for all the help Gypsy.
Im pretty confident thats she wants something in that style. That was probably the most recent image she has sent me, but i would definitely make the changes you suggested. Currently, i know she wants a really thin band, with diamonds on it. A diamond that doesnt sit too high on the band, with a halo set somewhat below it.

She does have pinterest, but im pretty sure everything on it is set to private.

this is another one that shes sent recently:


and this one was a while back, but she worried that this one would go out of style.


Another question, would i be sacrificing alot of quality trying to get something closer to 1.5ct?

I really like this one that you posted.
http://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-3698987.htm

But wondering if i can get something closer to 1.5 without noticeable loss in quality. If not, ill probably really consider that one.

 

[Gypsy]

Okay so that is a pave collar not a halo. So it looks like either would work for her. Good to know.

 

[MikeEllington]

would you have any reservations against getting this diamond?

http://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-3718099.htm

 

[Gypsy]

No reservations at all.

 

[kb1gra]

I'd have no hesitation buying an expert selection from Whiteflash. It's an AGS0 stone and a nice size that just misses the 1.5ct mark.

If you're good with the I color, then I think it's a nice find.