Need Your Expert Advice on Buying an Engagement Ring

[Johnny Wishbone]

Hello everyone,

I’m new here but have been looking around a bit. It seems like this is the place for expert opinion on diamond jewelry, so here goes. I’m looking to get married soon, and as luck would have it, it’s a terrible time for me to buy a high ticket item. My budget is limited right now to about $2k (USD).

My girl friend is very sweet and is willing to get married with something other than an engagement ring, so I was considering a diamond eternity ring like this one: (https://www.jamesallen.com/wedding-...'-set-diamond-eternity-ring-75-ctw-item-60788)

Then I came across a fellow who owns a shop in California who will do a ring like this one: https://www.stuller.com/products/12...yId=21345&recommendationSource=CategoryBrowsefor $1838 with 64 G+ VS accent diamonds, and a 6mmx6mm CZ (gf is ok with CZ.) This would save me from having to save enough money to buy a whole new ring in the future. I would only need to save enough to replace the CZ with a diamond. I know, I know...a CZ. But it's only temporary. I was actually thinking Moissanite, but the owner suggested CZ since I would likely get very little for the Moissy when I go to upgrade.

My question is how does the quality of this Stuller ring compare to this one (https://www.jamesallen.com/engageme...shion-outline-pave-engagement-ring-item-49998) from James Allen that I had been considering? Are there other reasons I should buy from JA? Will they sell just a setting that I could have a local jeweler put a CZ in?

Are there other options I should consider? I would love to go custom (have had two rings made in the past) but fear the price would go up substantially.

Any suggestions will be considered. Thank you in advance. A couple things to keep in mind…must be platinum (my preference) and she likes cushion cuts in halo settings.

Thanks!

 

[Bron357]

Don’t get a CZ, they wear / scratch too easily.
A Moissanite isn’t that much extra $$ and will last much better.
Another suggestion would be a coloured gemstone. You could get a natural gem in a colour she loves, Give us some idea as to what colour she likes and I’m presuming 1 carat diamond equiv or 6mm round?

 

[rockysalamander]

Among your choices, the wedding band from JA is way better and more sensible (although I'd go with a 3/4 band to make resizing possible). I have no issue with stuller settings, but I would not use a CZ.
Not because I have a fundamental problem with them, because they truly will be only pretty for a few months before the scratches look terrible.

We can find you something very nice for a $2k budget. What is her ring size?

A few right away.
https://loupetroop.com/listings/rin...rb-center-diamond-with-35-carat-setting-18kwg {probably can only change size by .5 in either directions, but this is a lot of bling for not much budget; being sold by a PS member)

https://loupetroop.com/listings/rings-natural-diamond-center/ritani-platinum-halo-engagement-ring

http://www.jewelsbygrace.com/tiffany-co-diamond-half-eternity-band {has to be a size 4.5 finger)

https://loupetroop.com/listings/rin...t-in-14k-artcarved-bernadette-6-dot-5-slash-7
https://loupetroop.com/listings/rin.../precision-cut-garnet-in-sterling-silver-halo
https://loupetroop.com/listings/rin...w-grossular-garnet-in-halo-with-diamond-sides

 

[Johnny Wishbone]

Bron357:

Yeah, good point on the Moissanite. They are much harder. I think the quote was about $230-ish higher for a Moissanite.

I briefly considered a white sapphire but they seem expensive. As for colored gemstones, I'm not sure what she likes honestly. Her birth month is July, but damned rubies are expensive too and she doesn't like them.

As for size, yeah about a carat...preferably similar to a cushion cut though, not round.

 

[rockysalamander]

Yeah, good point on the Moissanite. They are much harder. I think the quote was about $230-ish higher for a Moissanite.

I briefly considered a white sapphire but they seem expensive. As for colored gemstones, I'm not sure what she likes honestly. Her birth month is July, but damned rubies are expensive too and she doesn't like them.

As for size, yeah about a carat...preferably similar to a cushion cut though, not round.

We can't discuss manmade gems on this forum (you can ask in https://www.pricescope.com/community/forums/fabulous-fashion-jewelry.95/), but I'll just say that that small prices between CZ and a moissy means you will be getting a very poorly cut stone that will likely have a odd color.

If she won't mind daily cleaning, then a sapphire will be ok. But, they do really look sad when dirty. Just be clear to her that it is not a diamond.
https://pristinegemstonejewelry.com...-white-sapphire-6-4-mm-precision-cut-gemstone

Setting: https://pristinegemstonejewelry.com...ts-rose-gold-vintage-inspired-engagement-ring {ask for a quote with the white sapphire as they are less than the peach sapphire shown, so might come in budget}

 

[Johnny Wishbone]

Among your choices, the wedding band from JA is way better and more sensible (although I'd go with a 3/4 band to make resizing possible). I have no issue with stuller settings, but I would not use a CZ.
Not because I have a fundamental problem with them, because they truly will be only pretty for a few months before the scratches look terrible.

We can find you something very nice for a $2k budget. What is her ring size?

Thanks for the suggestions. Just to clarify, why is the eternity band more sensible? Only due to my suggestion of CZ? What if I substituted another stone?

Her size is a tiny 3.5. As for your links, I don't know if she'd be keen on pre-owned. I myself buy almost everything used or refurbished (phones, computers, cars, etc.) But she is different and I think she prefers "new" (I will try to get this confirmed.)

All good suggestions though.

 

[Johnny Wishbone]

We can't discuss manmade gems on this forum (you can ask in https://www.pricescope.com/community/forums/fabulous-fashion-jewelry.95/), but I'll just say that that small prices between CZ and a moissy means you will be getting a very poorly cut stone that will likely have a odd color.

Ahh....ok. Gotcha. Thank you for clarifying re forum rules. Interesting. The diamond industry is much like working for a union I suppose. Certain things you can and cannot do. I can relate.

Thanks for the link to the sapphires. I won't try to hoodwink her....she will know what she is getting.

 

[rockysalamander]

If you get a more durable stone, that Stuller is fine if it is made as a size 3.5. If it will need to be sized down than no.

From JA, I would look at this band. Its going to have larger diamonds and more bling than the one you selected. These are going to be much better diamonds using WF ACA melee (trust me...sparkle bomb) and the setting will be very well make. Its less than the equivalent setting over on JA.

https://www.whiteflash.com/wedding-rings/annettes-u-prong-7-stone-diamond-wedding-ring-2322.htm

 

[Johnny Wishbone]

If you get a more durable stone, that Stuller is fine if it is made as a size 3.5. If it will need to be sized down than no.

Thanks rocky. I'm curious why you say this. I'm trying to learn as much as I can about jewelry. Why would it be ok if factory sized but not ok if resizing required? For the record, I'm not sure which is the case. I only know he said it could be obtained in size 3.5.

As for the link to WhiteFlash, that's nice, but not what I had in mind. I will browse the site to find something similar. Thanks!

 

[ac117]

Does she by any chance like halos? We could find you a nice looking cushion cut to go into one of these settings-she would be surprised to get an engagement ring like this and PSers are great at maximizing budgets!

https://www.jamesallen.com/engageme...ond-engagement-ring-cushion-center-item-17449
https://www.jamesallen.com/engageme...ellis-halo-diamond-engagement-ring-item-53050
https://www.jamesallen.com/engageme...ellis-halo-diamond-engagement-ring-item-53050

Quick search for cushion: https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/cushion-cut/0.72-carat-j-color-si1-clarity-sku-3662948

 

[Johnny Wishbone]

Does she by any chance like halos? We could find you a nice looking cushion cut to go into one of these settings-she would be surprised to get an engagement ring like this and PSers are great at maximizing budgets!

Haha...does she like halos? Yep, that's her preference actually. Thanks for all of the links. I am gathering from these that perhaps I should not be so stern on platinum? I really wanted to stay with platinum (not just in color....but 950.)

I like the stone you linked to. I guess I should just save more money and buy a real diamond. We're kind of over the hill already though and wanted to not put things off.

Thank you!

 

[SimoneDi]

OP you can get her a diamond, 2k is not that little of a budget. I wouldn’t get her a man-made stone. We are also not allowed to talk about them under this forum.

You can get a great looking diamond ring within the budget if you want to. Here are some diamonds that I liked:
https://www.bluenile.com/diamond-de...AMONDS&track=viewDiamondDetails&action=newTab
https://www.bluenile.com/diamond-de...AMONDS&track=viewDiamondDetails&action=newTab

https://www.jamesallen.com/mobile/l...i-color-si1-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-4525123
Possible Setting:
https://www.jamesallen.com/mobile/e...-halo-engagement-ring-round-center-item-18301

 

[SimoneDi]

Haha...does she like halos? Yep, that's her preference actually. Thanks for all of the links. I am gathering from these that perhaps I should not be so stern on platinum? I really wanted to stay with platinum (not just in color....but 950.)

I like the stone you linked to. I guess I should just save more money and buy a real diamond. We're kind of over the hill already though and wanted to not put things off.

Thank you!

You are much better off compromising on white gold vs platinum (and white gold is more than fine!) vs presenting her with a CZ ring. The jeweler that you have been communicating with is asking much too much money for a setting only. The cushion diamond suggestion above is great and if you don’t love it, there are other diamonds, but please, please use your money wisely.

 

[Johnny Wishbone]

You are much better off compromising on white gold vs platinum (and white gold is more than fine!) vs presenting her with a CZ ring. The jeweler that you have been communicating with is asking much too much money for a setting only. The cushion diamond suggestion above is great and if you don’t love it, there are other diamonds, but please, please use your money wisely.

Thanks Simone. I suppose you're right on the white gold compromise vs CZ. I hate CZ don't get me wrong...I just was trying to stretch into a real engagement ring vs an eternity band. But I like your suggestions too, and am going to go check them out some more right now.

 

[SimoneDi]

There are beautiful (and real) engagement rings on any budget. Please don’t feel that your budget is not sufficient!

Here is my friend’s engagement ring, whose ring size is also 3.5 and her e-ring cost a little bit more above your budget. Her center stone is 0.5ct setting by Gabriel & Co.

 

[Johnny Wishbone]

A beautiful ring. Thanks. This gives me a better idea of carat size in relation to finger.

 

[rockysalamander]

The setting from stuller you posted has diamonds on she shank. Rings such as that (pave) should only be sized down half a size. Even, then you risk losing diamonds. To resize down,k they have to cut the bottom of the shank, pull the two sides together, solder/laser weld, then re-round the ring. All that is not great for prongs holding the diamonds. The Stuller ring is made as small as a 6, at least in stock. So, they have to resize to a 3.5. Terrible idea. If the shank is metal with no diamonds, there is more flexibility, but not everything will size well.

While I love platinum, I would let it go. I agree with SimoneDi...get her something nice now in your budget. I would avoid any setting with diamonds on the shank for the above reason. Unless it is special order, most rings are not made at 3.5.

From Stuller: https://www.stuller.com/products/bu...tionSource=CategoryBrowse3C#/mounting-options

I'm with SimoneDi. Lets find you something that is in budget.

Diamond: Notice that at the same prince a round is larger in size as measured by mm. Rounds also hide body color better. So, I've posted some cushions, but i'd suggest a round.
https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/cushion-cut/0.55-carat-i-color-si1-clarity-sku-3345659 {$1050, 4.66 mm}
https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/cushion-cut/0.54-carat-h-color-vs1-clarity-sku-4389087 ($1190 4.66 mm, AGS cert with excellent light performance)
https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/cushion-cut/0.53-carat-h-color-si1-clarity-sku-4475698 {$900, 4.62 mm; need an ASET}
https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-di...j-color-vs2-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-4499327 {round, 5.08 mm, $1150)
https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-di...j-color-vs1-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-3768611 {$1150, 5.10, really pretty)
https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-di...i-color-vs1-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-3757817 {4.98 mm, $1090)

Cushion Setting:
https://www.jamesallen.com/engageme...ond-engagement-ring-cushion-center-item-17449 ($1240 PT, $870 WG)

All combos under $2020.00

 

[ringo865]

Yes a round stone in a cushion halo will maximize size and look for your money. Congratulations!!

 

[ac117]

@Johnny Wishbone You are getting some great advice here from simone and rocky! $2k is a very nice budget and you could definitely knock her socks with any of the above combinations! I'll never forget this thread where PSers came together to find this OP a gorgeous halo ring for the same budget you have and she had a size 8.5 finger!!! The setting is one of the ones I suggested and is definitely doable with a cushion outline instead (pics of the completed ring starting on page 5) https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/diamond-halo-ring-for-2000-or-under.216809/

 

[SimoneDi]

My other suggestion would be to contact IDJ, they are really good about working on budget. Also, my friend’s setting ended up costing much less because of her tiny ring size and it was custom order fit to stone.

Here are some Gabriel&Co settings that may be worth considering:
https://www.gabrielny.com/engagement-ring/ER7818W44JJ
https://www.gabrielny.com/engagement-ring/ER7819W44JJ
https://www.gabrielny.com/engagement-ring/ER11713R3W44JJ
https://www.gabrielny.com/engagement-ring/ER10838W44JJ

Don’t look at the advertised prices, just ask IDJ for a quote. They also have acces to lovely stones and can even source some of the stones that we have recommended above.

 

[JDDN]

Hi there! Can I suggest one of these? They are so sweet and actually really beautiful as e-rings in my opinion. When you get a larger budget she could wear the ring as a right hand ring . These are all genuine gemstones, and either 14 kt white gold, yellow gold or rose gold.

 

[Austina]

To give you some idea of perspective, this is a half carat diamond on my huge paws, (6.75] so on your g/f, it’ll look a really good size. It’s actually a ring I got at auction for a friend who has tiny fingers. Stick a halo round it, and it’ll look great.

 

[Johnny Wishbone]

The setting from stuller you posted has diamonds on she shank. Rings such as that (pave) should only be sized down half a size. Even, then you risk losing diamonds. To resize down,k they have to cut the bottom of the shank, pull the two sides together, solder/laser weld, then re-round the ring. All that is not great for prongs holding the diamonds. The Stuller ring is made as small as a 6, at least in stock. So, they have to resize to a 3.5. Terrible idea. If the shank is metal with no diamonds, there is more flexibility, but not everything will size well.

While I love platinum, I would let it go. I agree with SimoneDi...get her something nice now in your budget. I would avoid any setting with diamonds on the shank for the above reason. Unless it is special order, most rings are not made at 3.5.

I'm with SimoneDi. Lets find you something that is in budget.

Diamond: Notice that at the same prince a round is larger in size as measured by mm. Rounds also hide body color better. So, I've posted some cushions, but i'd suggest a round.

Thanks rocky for the detailed explanation. I was aware of how sizing is done, but not aware that the little stones were that susceptible to falling out.

As for the diamond, the cushion cut was a recent idea of hers. At first I was looking at rounds. Honestly I think it's the shape of the halo she likes to be more squarish anyway. I am surprised that the round looks larger at the same price, though in general I think you get a heavier cushion for the same money. Thanks for your suggestions!

 

[Johnny Wishbone]

@Johnny Wishbone You are getting some great advice here from simone and rocky! $2k is a very nice budget and you could definitely knock her socks with any of the above combinations! I'll never forget this thread where PSers came together to find this OP a gorgeous halo ring for the same budget you have and she had a size 8.5 finger!!! The setting is one of the ones I suggested and is definitely doable with a cushion outline instead (pics of the completed ring starting on page 5) https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/diamond-halo-ring-for-2000-or-under.216809/

Thanks for that link. I will check it out. I agree re the advice. Exactly what I was hoping for. Thanks everyone.

 

[Johnny Wishbone]

To give you some idea of perspective, this is a half carat diamond on my huge paws, (6.75] so on your g/f, it’ll look a really good size. It’s actually a ring I got at auction for a friend who has tiny fingers. Stick a halo round it, and it’ll look great.

Thanks for this. Very helpful! Beautiful ring.

 

[Johnny Wishbone]

Hi there! Can I suggest one of these? They are so sweet and actually really beautiful as e-rings in my opinion. When you get a larger budget she could wear the ring as a right hand ring . These are all genuine gemstones, and either 14 kt white gold, yellow gold or rose gold.

I wish these were clickable links. I will search for them and check them out. Thanks!

 

[Johnny Wishbone]

My other suggestion would be to contact IDJ, they are really good about working on budget. Also, my friend’s setting ended up costing much less because of her tiny ring size and it was custom order fit to stone.

Here are some Gabriel&Co settings that may be worth considering:
https://www.gabrielny.com/engagement-ring/ER7818W44JJ
https://www.gabrielny.com/engagement-ring/ER7819W44JJ
https://www.gabrielny.com/engagement-ring/ER11713R3W44JJ
https://www.gabrielny.com/engagement-ring/ER10838W44JJ

Don’t look at the advertised prices, just ask IDJ for a quote. They also have acces to lovely stones and can even source some of the stones that we have recommended above.

Hi Simone...thanks for the links. I am not familiar with IDJ....the links you posted are to Gabriel but you are suggesting to look for these at IDJ? I will go check out their site. I do like a couple of the Gabriel links you posted. Thank you!

 

[Johnny Wishbone]

One other question related to a comment above from ringo865. What is meant by choosing a cushion halo for a round stone? When I see cushion in the name of a setting I assume it is meant to hold a cushion diamond. Is this not the case? Also, when I go to settings and sort for round diamond, many of the squarish settings go away (though not all of them.)

Thanks

 

[rockysalamander]

Basic band sizing.

Now, imagine that there are diamonds on the perimeter. Each diamond is held by prongs (or beads) that have a notch called a "seat" to hold the girdle. The beginning of this video is a nice picture of how it works (I borrowed a screenshot).

. As that band is being pull together at the bottom, you are pulling the prongs away from the diamonds on the band and the diamond is being pulled out of that seat. Once they are finished with the resizing, they will try to tighten the prongs to put the little diamonds back in the seat, but if the sizing was large enough, that can never get back pro properly in the seat.

 

[ac117]

Hi Simone...thanks for the links. I am not familiar with IDJ....the links you posted are to Gabriel but you are suggesting to look for these at IDJ? I will go check out their site. I do like a couple of the Gabriel links you posted. Thank you!

ID Jewelry is PS recommended vendor - I've bought from them many times! Ask for Yekutiel - he knows what PSers want and is really great at maximizing budgets. They have access to the Gabriel&Co settings that simondi linked (or any other that you find) and would also be a one stop shop in terms of stones (ask for light return images) and settings. They do beautiful prong and finish work, too.

I do agree a round would be slightly larger (dimension wise) for roughly the same price and have better performance and you could put it in a cushion halo for the shape she likes!