So for a high level, I don't have many resources in family for advice on this important search. I'm somewhat traditional and would like to surprise my gf with a ring rather than ask her to help chose one. Although I do intend to ask her parents permission, I don't think it's a good idea to get there opinion on rings just because I'm worried my gf would get wind of it.
So I am somewhat lost and would love this forum's help.
Here is what I know:
I personally am not a big fan of diamonds, but I know that's what she wants. I love the idea of a blue sapphire with diamonds on either side, but because I intend to give my gf (later in life) a family heirloom ring that has a tanzanite stone with small diamonds on either side, I think I am best going with a single diamond for the e-ring.
Budget:
$30-40K, I can spend more if need be, but I have that range because my goal is to get a stunning ring, not an obnoxiously large one.
About GF:
Late 20's, very tall, pale skin, and dark hair. She has a "classy style" and typically wears suit pants, dresses or skirts to work, with a nice blouse. When we go out it's usually dresses, or more causally might be jeans. As for jewelry she often wears many pieces together, which honestly is not entirely my own taste, but for more formal settings she ops for modest matching jewelry. She often mixes both silver and gold though.
Style of the ring:
So since I plan on this being a surprise the ring has to be perfect without knowing exactly what she wants (I know that's not easy and is more luck that anything else). I plan on going simple, elegant, and getting a single high quality stone in a platinum setting. I'm thinking F or better and VS1 or better, but open to comments on that. I would most likely get a custom setting, I just prefer the idea of a one of kind e-ring.
Cut of the stone:
This is where I really need help. I like Emerald cut, cushion, radiant, and asscher, but this isn't about me so I'd like a better understanding of what is common these days.
I'm familiar with the sites: goodoldgold and bluenile, but not sure if this type of site is the best step forward. What are your thoughts on all of this?
So I am somewhat lost and would love this forum's help.
Here is what I know:
I personally am not a big fan of diamonds, but I know that's what she wants. I love the idea of a blue sapphire with diamonds on either side, but because I intend to give my gf (later in life) a family heirloom ring that has a tanzanite stone with small diamonds on either side, I think I am best going with a single diamond for the e-ring.
Budget:
$30-40K, I can spend more if need be, but I have that range because my goal is to get a stunning ring, not an obnoxiously large one.
About GF:
Late 20's, very tall, pale skin, and dark hair. She has a "classy style" and typically wears suit pants, dresses or skirts to work, with a nice blouse. When we go out it's usually dresses, or more causally might be jeans. As for jewelry she often wears many pieces together, which honestly is not entirely my own taste, but for more formal settings she ops for modest matching jewelry. She often mixes both silver and gold though.
Style of the ring:
So since I plan on this being a surprise the ring has to be perfect without knowing exactly what she wants (I know that's not easy and is more luck that anything else). I plan on going simple, elegant, and getting a single high quality stone in a platinum setting. I'm thinking F or better and VS1 or better, but open to comments on that. I would most likely get a custom setting, I just prefer the idea of a one of kind e-ring.
Cut of the stone:
This is where I really need help. I like Emerald cut, cushion, radiant, and asscher, but this isn't about me so I'd like a better understanding of what is common these days.
I'm familiar with the sites: goodoldgold and bluenile, but not sure if this type of site is the best step forward. What are your thoughts on all of this?