IdLikeToBuyAVal
Shiny_Rock
- Joined
- Apr 23, 2009
- Messages
- 219
This is my first post but I have been reading and absorbing a lot of information from the posts here and I''d like some expert input. My bf and I have decided it''s time to start SERIOUSLY looking for rings. We started casually looking last year and instead bought a house (which is excellent, but not wearable and "blingy")
I always thought I would want a princess cut stone but after looking at a few rings in person I think a round really suits me better. Our budget is going to be in the $4500 range (with some wiggle room either way). I''d love a larger stone 1+ carat ideally, with a great cut (ideal/excellent preferred). I don''t mind warmer tones as far as color, clarity isn''t a huge issue either as long as I can''t see the inclusions (SI1 is probably my limit). I tried on a 1.3 ct SI1 in a store but it was priced at $8,000 (WAYYY out of the budget, especially for THAT stone) so that lead to an online search and happily I found this forum
I''ve been pouring over GOG''s site and LOVE the detail & information but it seems stock is kind of limited in our price range and in the just over 1 carat size. I''ve also checked out Whiteflash and James Allen, but neither provides the detail of GOG''s site (and sometimes they don''t have actual pictures of the stones up).
As for setting, I''d like something pretty classic. I was thinking about something with a nice solitaire center and paves down the sides OR something really unique like an antique/estate ring. My only problem with antique/estate settings is that they seem to often include an old cut diamond which is okay, but the older cuts (miner''s & euro''s) just don''t appeal to me like a round brilliant. Any input/advice on settings AND stones is really appreciated.
For the wedding band I''m thinking an eternity band with alternating diamonds and sapphires (but that will most likely be purchased down the line). Thanks so much for your help in advance!

I always thought I would want a princess cut stone but after looking at a few rings in person I think a round really suits me better. Our budget is going to be in the $4500 range (with some wiggle room either way). I''d love a larger stone 1+ carat ideally, with a great cut (ideal/excellent preferred). I don''t mind warmer tones as far as color, clarity isn''t a huge issue either as long as I can''t see the inclusions (SI1 is probably my limit). I tried on a 1.3 ct SI1 in a store but it was priced at $8,000 (WAYYY out of the budget, especially for THAT stone) so that lead to an online search and happily I found this forum

I''ve been pouring over GOG''s site and LOVE the detail & information but it seems stock is kind of limited in our price range and in the just over 1 carat size. I''ve also checked out Whiteflash and James Allen, but neither provides the detail of GOG''s site (and sometimes they don''t have actual pictures of the stones up).
As for setting, I''d like something pretty classic. I was thinking about something with a nice solitaire center and paves down the sides OR something really unique like an antique/estate ring. My only problem with antique/estate settings is that they seem to often include an old cut diamond which is okay, but the older cuts (miner''s & euro''s) just don''t appeal to me like a round brilliant. Any input/advice on settings AND stones is really appreciated.
For the wedding band I''m thinking an eternity band with alternating diamonds and sapphires (but that will most likely be purchased down the line). Thanks so much for your help in advance!