new member: need loads of advice on ering - share the knowledge please!

[mel047]

Hi everyone!

I''ve been checking out this site for a few months now and just became a member! So, here''s my story...

My bf and I have started discussing erings, but I don''t know much about it all and he knows even less. Just looking for some basic advice. Right now, I''m thinking a solitaire. Here''s a few details...

Budget: 10,000 to 15,000
Metal: Platinum
Cut: Cushion, Princess, or Asscher

I really like some of the rings by Leon and Michael B, but I''m afraid that''s out of range. We''re hoping to get a custom made ring, but I''m from a small town in WV.

Any thoughts or suggestions would be greatly appreciated!

 

[musey]

Date: 10/17/2007 3:59:45 PM
Author:mel047

Cut: Cushion, Princess, or Asscher

I really like some of the rings by Leon and Michael B, but I'm afraid that's out of range. We're hoping to get a custom made ring, but I'm from a small town in WV.

Have you seen/tried on these three cuts in person? They are quite different! Especially the princess from an asscher.

Anyway, your budget definitely allows for Leon or Michael B, but it depends on what carat weight you're going for (you didn't mention this). If you just want to put as much into the stone as possible and find a (comparatively) inexpensive setting for your honker, that's a different story

So... which is it? Setting and stone both high priority, or stone highest priority and setting secondary?


ETA: I just saw that you're thinking solitaire... last quote I heard from Leon was under $1800 for his plat. solitaire, so even he wouldn't demand a significant chunk of your budget.

 

[diamondseeker2006]

I think a cushion in a Leon setting sounds very appealing! I think you can get a Leon setting probably for less than the MB.

 

[sera]

Date: 10/17/2007 6:08:30 PM
Author: diamondseeker2006
I think a cushion in a Leon setting sounds very appealing! I think you can get a Leon setting probably for less than the MB.

ditto!

My budget is just under ten for diamond and e-ring, and I had both as high priority (I''m in the minority here and split the budget basically in half for the two). I had originally wanted an Asscher, but decided against it because of the budget- since they are cut deeper they would face up smaller. I was seriously considering a cushion until I saw the Princess of Hearts from Good Old Gold and went with that.

As was mentioned, each of these stones is different- you could view video on the Good Old Gold site to see how each type performs (well, I''m not sure if they have a video of an Asscher). Anyway, a cushion in a Leon setting would be amazing!

 

[somethingshiny]

Welcome to PS!

You should check out the tutorials if you haven''t already. And, as was mentioned, look at GOG''s videos. They''re really great for picking your FAVORITE shape. You need to try on a few styles if you haven''t, too. I''ve always loved asschers, but recently realized that a perfectly square cut is not flattering on my hand. I opted for a longer cushion. Peruse the Show Me The Ring folder, and even have your BF join you. He may have specific ideas of what he wants, too.

Check out the vendor page and go from there!

 

[mel047]

Good stuff! Thanks for the advice so far. I''m really excited to have found this site!

In response to musey, I was hoping for somewhere between 2 and 3 carats. Both setting and stone have priority for me, maybe a little more toward stone.

Haven''t gone to try rings on yet. I''m a little nervous since I know so little. Plus, I''m a med student so I don''t have all the time in the world.

Anyhow, anyone know of how to find a good custom jeweler to work with fairly locally? or is that a dumb idea?

 

[diamondseeker2006]

I think 2-3 carats might be a little unrealistic if you check diamond prices. I would never recommend going custom unless you see a ring you love that has been made by that particular jeweler. I recommend Leon Mege and Maytal Hannah for the kind of setting you want. And it is no big deal to have it done via distance. You probably need to allow $3000-5000 for a custom setting and around $10,000-12,000 for the stone. You might be looking at closer to the 1.5 range in H or I color and SI clarity.

 

[onedrop]

DS posted what I was going to say. Given your budget, 2 cts might be a little out of range if you are considering a custom setting, especially one with pave and in platinum. I did a quick check and even dropping down to H in color and SI1 clarity for a 2ct cushion was close to 13K. Maybe you can cut back a little on the carat weight to fit everything into the budget. Let us know more about your preferences so we can point you in the right direction. I also agree that you should probably see if you can look at the different shapes you are interested in before purchase. Might be difficult if you are in a small town, but a road trip to a jeweler that carries a wide range of cuts might be worth it.