Need some opinions - Engagement rings

[Xeon44]

Hey all,

First I would like to say I appreciate all the information this forum. I stumbled across it a few weeks ago. I have found a few options at Helzbergs on an engagement ring - I know that B&M stores aren't the fan favorite around here. It definitely doesn't help my GF put one the rings in the store and fell in love.

The first one is the big one - a Radiant star solitaire. I know it's the whole marketing thing - but this diamond seems over priced.
http://www.helzberg.com/product/1+1-4ct+diamond+engagement+ring%2C+igi+graded+1666883.do?from=Search&cx=0


The second is different from others - a pear diamond solitaire. This is a much different setting than a lot of others have - it looks fantastic.
http://www.helzberg.com/product/diamond+engagement+ring+1825852.do?from=Search&cx=0

They both have quite the price difference - and if I went for a pear diamond I would get a better quality diamond. I know I can do better.

Any comments/tips/suggestions/negotation tactics etc would be helpful. I really appreciate it.

 

[tyty333]

So please dont buy from Helzberg. What exactly is your budget? Pear stones are hard to pick. They do provide good finger
coverage though. James Allen would be a good place to look for pears. We can help you pick out a nice one if that's what your
GF likes. Which did she like better? Round or pear?

 

[Xeon44]

It's really hard to distinguish which one she liked more. In one point in time she liked the big diamond - but likes being different with the pear. I'm really liking the pear but am wondering how big a .75 carat would look on a setting like that. I really wish I could buy a really nice pear diamond and place it on that setting....

Budget really just depends to be honest - want to get something she will love for the rest of her life. In my opinion - we can buy the big diamond that isn't as unique sometime later in life.

 

[JDDN]

The first ring is over priced and the diamond is set ridiculously high. It won't be functional and she will be catching it on all kinds of things.

The second ring is a pear with a halo, but I think you can do much better. I think if she's after a pear shaped diamond in a halo, you can do a lot better than anything at Helzbergs. Here are some halo's for pear stones that are really nice. The nice folks on this forum can help you pick a beautiful pear diamond on the same site. It will be larger, better quality and less expensive than anything you buy at Helzbergs or other mall type jewelry store for that matter. It's your money!


http://www.jamesallen.com/engagement-rings/halo/14k-white-gold-pave-halo-and-shank-diamond-engagement-ring-pear-center-item-17441

http://www.jamesallen.com/engagement-rings/halo/14k-white-gold-pave-halo-diamond-engagement-ring-pear-center-item-17461

http://www.jamesallen.com/engagement-rings/halo/14k-white-gold-pave-halo-engagement-ring-pear-center-item-17519

http://www.jamesallen.com/engagement-rings/halo/14k-white-gold-pave-halo-shoulders-engagement-ring-pear-center-item-17486

http://www.jamesallen.com/engagement-rings/halo/18k-white-gold-pave-set-engagement-ring-pear-center-item-31887

 

[JDDN]

These are just some examples of pear diamonds on JA. I am not a pear diamond expert but there are some people here who can help you choose one if you decide to go this route. These plus the settings I posted can give you an idea of what you will get for your budget.


http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/pear-shaped/1.00-carat-g-color-si1-clarity-sku-425918

http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/pear-shaped/1.20-carat-h-color-vs2-clarity-sku-491603

http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/pear-shaped/1.21-carat-g-color-vs1-clarity-sku-384570

http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/pear-shaped/1.14-carat-h-color-vs1-clarity-sku-495645

 

[Xeon44]

Thank you for your reply. Greatly appreciate the input.

 

[16ocean]

"It will be larger,better quality and less expensive than anything you buy at Helzbergs or other mall type jewelry store for that matter."

+1
exactly

try on stones and rings at a store to see what shape/size your future fiancee likes and then you know what to buy from a vendor on line.

 

[MollyMalone]

If you have flexibility in your budget, this:
a 1.01 pear that GIA has graded as F in color -- so you won't see a tinge of tint at the tip or bottom bulb of this pear -- and Internally Flawless in clarity. A pre-loved pear listed in the Steals & Deals section of Wink's High Performance Diamonds web site for $4995. Listing has 2 videos; you'll see that the bow tie essentially disappears when in the usual face-up, frontal viewing position.
http://highperformancediamonds.com/...-2/1-01ct-fif-natural-pear-brilliant-diamond/

Wink would help you put it in a moderately priced setting (which doubtlessly would be superior to that Helzberg halo which has commercial grade cut melee as low as I-2 in clarity, J in color) & you would find him a pleasure to work with! So for about $2,500 less than the pricier Helzberg solitaire ring, you could have a much higher caliber version -- with noticeably more finger coverage -- of the more distinctive pear ring.

If interested, call Wink asap to put a hold on it before a lurker leaps in to snatch it.