Newbie Here: Need Help - $1000 Budget Engagement Ring

[Tourmaline]

Here's an antique that might work and is close to budget.

http://antiqueengagementrings.com/shopping/shopexd.asp?id=5185

Oh my goodness, this one is LOVELY! This one gets my vote!

 

[marymm]

Halo-style ($750): http://www.ebay.com/itm/Fine-Round-...t=Diamond_Solitaire_Rings&hash=item4acfff99e7

Very pretty 0.75ct vintage solitaire ($995): http://www.rubylane.com/item/396840-5573/Glorious-Antique-14K-Gold-0

Two options slightly over budget but you could make offers:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Fine-Round-...t=Diamond_Solitaire_Rings&hash=item4ac90670ef

http://www.rubylane.com/item/682191.../Estate-Platinum-Diamond-Solitaire-Engagement

 

[ihy138]

I love this option that marymm posted:

http://www.rubylane.com/item/396840-5573/Glorious-Antique-14K-Gold-0

Great size for the price! You could try to talk the vendor down a bit on price, and perhaps reset it into an inexpensive setting of your choice if the gold setting it is in is not your style (although I hate the idea of dismantling an antique piece), and sell the setting it is currently in. This might be more work than what you're looking to do, but it's what I would do if I had your budget.

 

[matt235]

In case anybody wants to provide any more recommendations....

Here are my favorites so far

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Blue-Nile-P...-0-34ct-Round-Diamond-GIA-D-SI1-/171271671362

http://antiqueengagementrings.com/shopping/shopexd.asp?id=5185

This being my #1 favorite

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Fine-Round-...t=Diamond_Solitaire_Rings&hash=item4ac90670ef

My girlfriend would really like these types of looks.

 

[Niel]

In case anybody wants to provide any more recommendations....

Here are my favorites so far

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Blue-Nile-P...-0-34ct-Round-Diamond-GIA-D-SI1-/171271671362

http://antiqueengagementrings.com/shopping/shopexd.asp?id=5185

This being my #1 favorite

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Fine-Round-...t=Diamond_Solitaire_Rings&hash=item4ac90670ef

My girlfriend would really like these types of looks.

Dont worry i still have my eye out for you but so far my favorite is that blue nile one. You get a 10 percent discount if you use the pricescope code SCOPE10 at blue nile, and that way you could get the matching wedding band for under 500.

http://www.bluenile.com/diamond-ring-white-gold_21211?track=product&elem=image

 

[Niel]

I love this option that marymm posted:

http://www.rubylane.com/item/396840-5573/Glorious-Antique-14K-Gold-0

Great size for the price! You could try to talk the vendor down a bit on price, and perhaps reset it into an inexpensive setting of your choice if the gold setting it is in is not your style (although I hate the idea of dismantling an antique piece), and sell the setting it is currently in. This might be more work than what you're looking to do, but it's what I would do if I had your budget.

Ive been watching that too. Usually they are more open to offers with RL vendors. Offer less and get a setting,
heres an OBO one i found

http://www.ebay.com/itm/14k-white-gold-06ct-VS-F-diamond-art-deco-semi-mount-engagement-ring-3-0g-/191007614801?pt=Diamond_Solitaire_Rings&hash=item2c78f0e751

 

[Rhea]

I like the Blue Nile ring, it's very pretty! I'd probably pick that if it were me.

If you're still considering options what about these? http://www.rubylane.com/item/1037259-R831X0531/Oval-Halo-Diamond-Engagement-Ring or http://www.rubylane.com/item/1103762-9941113/Art-Deco-French-Engagement-Ring or http://www.rubylane.com/item/510967-AHx20-x2011388x20Ring/Art-Deco-1920s-44-CARATS or https://www.etsy.com/uk/listing/175117805/platinum-diamond-ring-old-european-cut?ref=shop_home_active_24

 

[LUNAJEWELS]

This E , 4 prong solitaire H&A ideal cut. 1085 with setting


http://www.briangavindiamonds.com/diamonds/diamond-details/0.333-e-vs2-round-diamond-ags-c-104063262148

 

[ihy138]

I love this option that marymm posted:

http://www.rubylane.com/item/396840-5573/Glorious-Antique-14K-Gold-0

Great size for the price! You could try to talk the vendor down a bit on price, and perhaps reset it into an inexpensive setting of your choice if the gold setting it is in is not your style (although I hate the idea of dismantling an antique piece), and sell the setting it is currently in. This might be more work than what you're looking to do, but it's what I would do if I had your budget.

Ive been watching that too. Usually they are more open to offers with RL vendors. Offer less and get a setting,
heres an OBO one i found

http://www.ebay.com/itm/14k-white-gold-06ct-VS-F-diamond-art-deco-semi-mount-engagement-ring-3-0g-/191007614801?pt=Diamond_Solitaire_Rings&hash=item2c78f0e751

Nice find! Every Ruby Lane purchase I have made, they have been willing to decrease the price for an immediate sale. Very flexible over there!

 

[Niel]

I love this option that marymm posted:

http://www.rubylane.com/item/396840-5573/Glorious-Antique-14K-Gold-0

Great size for the price! You could try to talk the vendor down a bit on price, and perhaps reset it into an inexpensive setting of your choice if the gold setting it is in is not your style (although I hate the idea of dismantling an antique piece), and sell the setting it is currently in. This might be more work than what you're looking to do, but it's what I would do if I had your budget.

Ive been watching that too. Usually they are more open to offers with RL vendors. Offer less and get a setting,
heres an OBO one i found

http://www.ebay.com/itm/14k-white-gold-06ct-VS-F-diamond-art-deco-semi-mount-engagement-ring-3-0g-/191007614801?pt=Diamond_Solitaire_Rings&hash=item2c78f0e751

Nice find! Every Ruby Lane purchase I have made, they have been willing to decrease the price for an immediate sale. Very flexible over there!

^ i have notice that as well.

might be too vintage but its a e ring and w band!
http://www.beladora.com/store/62807_vintage_wedding_ring_set_in_platinum

 

[matt235]

The Blue Nile one posted above is really growing on me. Unless I find something else that blows me away, that might be a winner. The price is right, too.

Considering the seller has 100% feedback rating with over 500 items sold and the ring comes with a GIA report, seems pretty legit. Also a 14 day money back return policy. Do you guys think that listing looks like a safe bet?

Also, the ring size is 5.5. I would need to have it resized to 6.5. Would I ask the seller if they provide that service or purchase as-is and take it somewhere local to have that done?

 

[Niel]

I would feel comfortable purchasing from that seller, personally. It has strong fluor. That isn't a problem. But ask the seller if it has any negative fluor effect. Also when you get it look at it in direct sunlight just to make sure it doesn't get milky. That's rare but still something to look out for. I suspect they may not size it but no harm in asking. If not just call around to jewelers in your neighborhood. Good to shop around as in my neighborhood prices varied from 35-60 bucks. But it won't need to be size too much so that's nice.

That stone is a 60/60 stone so the stone will face up nice for the CTW. Plus the d + fluor will make it look shockingly white. That'll make it very noticeable for the size.

 

[Mayk]

Did you see this one. Same buyer as the blue Nile.

Also GIA Excellent Cut

http://www.ebay.com/itm/0-50-tcw-Round-GIA-F-SI1-3X-18K-White-Gold-Helzberg-Masterpiece-Diamond-Ring-/331158542420

 

[marymm]

The Blue Nile one posted above is really growing on me. Unless I find something else that blows me away, that might be a winner. The price is right, too.

Considering the seller has 100% feedback rating with over 500 items sold and the ring comes with a GIA report, seems pretty legit. Also a 14 day money back return policy. Do you guys think that listing looks like a safe bet?

Also, the ring size is 5.5. I would need to have it resized to 6.5. Would I ask the seller if they provide that service or purchase as-is and take it somewhere local to have that done?

OP - if you are referring to this BN ring (http://www.ebay.com/itm/Blue-Nile-P...-0-34ct-Round-Diamond-GIA-D-SI1-/171271671362), though the pics look nice and the GIA report is better than no report or an EGL report, the diamond is not likely to be well-cut.

I ran the numbers using the HCA tool - https://www.pricescope.com/tools/hca - and the BN stone got a total score of 4.0 "Good - only if price is your main criterion" The HCA tool is particularly useful when considering diamonds you cannot view in-hand and without additional images such as IdealScope/Aset/Sarin, etc., - scores below 2.0 (Excellent) means you have eliminated known poor performers - and while diamonds with scores between 2.0 and 3.0 are sometimes worth additional inspection, generally diamonds with scores over 3.0 are not considered good performers.

I also ran the AGA/NAJA Cut Class Tool - https://www.pricescope.com/tools/AGA_NAJA_Cut_Class_Grader - and this stone received a total grade of 1B - which is better than many diamonds out in mall diamond shops - but coupled with the HCA score of 4.0 this stone may not have the performance you might hope for.

If you are happy with a classic solitaire, I'd go with that BGD diamond linked on the 1st page (http://www.briangavindiamonds.com/d.../0.333-e-vs2-round-diamond-ags-c-104063262148) and ask for their basic 4-prong solitaire setting - and this diamond ring will definitely out-perform the BN ring you are looking at.

 

[Niel]

Brand new form BN

http://www.bluenile.com/petite-milgrain-diamond-engagement-ring-14k-white-gold_42042


http://www.bluenile.com/diamond-search?pt=setform&track=DiamondSearchRD#diamonds_pid=LD03811610

thats 1350, then theres the 10% off

 

[Niel]

The Blue Nile one posted above is really growing on me. Unless I find something else that blows me away, that might be a winner. The price is right, too.

Considering the seller has 100% feedback rating with over 500 items sold and the ring comes with a GIA report, seems pretty legit. Also a 14 day money back return policy. Do you guys think that listing looks like a safe bet?

Also, the ring size is 5.5. I would need to have it resized to 6.5. Would I ask the seller if they provide that service or purchase as-is and take it somewhere local to have that done?

OP - if you are referring to this BN ring (http://www.ebay.com/itm/Blue-Nile-P...-0-34ct-Round-Diamond-GIA-D-SI1-/171271671362), though the pics look nice and the GIA report is better than no report or an EGL report, the diamond is not likely to be well-cut.

I ran the numbers using the HCA tool - https://www.pricescope.com/tools/hca - and the BN stone got a total score of 4.0 "Good - only if price is your main criterion" The HCA tool is particularly useful when considering diamonds you cannot view in-hand and without additional images such as IdealScope/Aset/Sarin, etc., - scores below 2.0 (Excellent) means you have eliminated known poor performers - and while diamonds with scores between 2.0 and 3.0 are sometimes worth additional inspection, generally diamonds with scores over 3.0 are not considered good performers.

I also ran the AGA/NAJA Cut Class Tool - https://www.pricescope.com/tools/AGA_NAJA_Cut_Class_Grader - and this stone received a total grade of 1B - which is better than many diamonds out in mall diamond shops - but coupled with the HCA score of 4.0 this stone may not have the performance you might hope for.

If you are happy with a classic solitaire, I'd go with that BGD diamond linked on the 1st page (http://www.briangavindiamonds.com/d.../0.333-e-vs2-round-diamond-ags-c-104063262148) and ask for their basic 4-prong solitaire setting - and this diamond ring will definitely out-perform the BN ring you are looking at.

Honestly, I know its not an "ideal" cut. But its not a dog, it is a gia EX, nice color, better than a lot of cuts on eBay, looks eye clean, at the size that it is, that's as much as I'd be hoping for a stone around that size. ...im not the OP but if this was my budget I'd take the chance and get it home to see in person.

 

[allowingtoo]

From the same seller as the Blue Nile
http://www.ebay.com/itm/1-00-cttw-18K-White-Gold-Helzberg-Masterpiece-Ring-Set-GIA-3X-G-VS2-5-000-/331148971428?pt=Wedding_Sets&hash=item4d1a044da4

"WILLING TO SPLIT THE SET - PLEASE INQUIRE!"

Wonder how much just the Halo ring would be without the ring guard?

 

[Niel]

From the same seller as the Blue Nile
http://www.ebay.com/itm/1-00-cttw-18K-White-Gold-Helzberg-Masterpiece-Ring-Set-GIA-3X-G-VS2-5-000-/331148971428?pt=Wedding_Sets&hash=item4d1a044da4

"WILLING TO SPLIT THE SET - PLEASE INQUIRE!"

Wonder how much just the Halo ring would be without the ring guard?

I suspect they wouldn't consider going down 1k just for the halo BUT I'd definitely ask that looks like it ticks a lot of your boxes.

 

[Niel]

These stones sit a tad high but makes the stones look huge. Pair it with a diamond band and that's very blingy even without diamonds in the e ring band. Also cheaper to size sense you're sizing down and its close to her size.

http://m.ebay.com/itm/121053890523?nav=SEARCH

 

[mrs-b]

3) Another option is this line of rings from James Allen, they are preset and have a nice halo. It's not a look for everyone, you either love it or hate it, because it is sort of an illusion look:

http://www.jamesallen.com/preset-engagement-rings/royal-halo/james-allen-classic-cupcake-engagement-ring-item-36157

This ring looks rather nice... I like the band a lot.

+2 I have also recommended these to people with this budget.

I'd like to buy one of these myself - just for fun. What a great ring!

Matt - reconsider this option. It will look sizable on her hand, is nice quality and a good, sleek, contemporary setting. And it will twinkle like the very dickens.

 

[LUNAJEWELS]

Beautiful, gia E halo.. a bit above budget contact seller though
Sz6

http://m.ebay.com/itm/281289801831?nav=SEARCH

 

[mrs-b]

These stones sit a tad high but makes the stones look huge. Pair it with a diamond band and that's very blingy even without diamonds in the e ring band. Also cheaper to size sense you're sizing down and its close to her size.

http://m.ebay.com/itm/121053890523?nav=SEARCH

I agree re this ring. It would be my pick. Matt, you first posted that you were considering a 1ct stone in a halo. From there to a .34ct stone is a HUGE drop in size. On a size 6 1/2 finger, just be aware, it's going to look very small - especially given what you were first considering.

I agree with Niel on the ring posted above. That ring will be far more substantial and obvious on her finger. I DON'T think 'size is everything'. But I DO think that if you were originally looking at something of a 1ct size in a halo, you're now a loooong way away from that, and may be disappointed.

 

[msop04]

OP - if you are referring to this BN ring (http://www.ebay.com/itm/Blue-Nile-P...-0-34ct-Round-Diamond-GIA-D-SI1-/171271671362), though the pics look nice and the GIA report is better than no report or an EGL report, the diamond is not likely to be well-cut.

I ran the numbers using the HCA tool - https://www.pricescope.com/tools/hca - and the BN stone got a total score of 4.0 "Good - only if price is your main criterion" The HCA tool is particularly useful when considering diamonds you cannot view in-hand and without additional images such as IdealScope/Aset/Sarin, etc., - scores below 2.0 (Excellent) means you have eliminated known poor performers - and while diamonds with scores between 2.0 and 3.0 are sometimes worth additional inspection, generally diamonds with scores over 3.0 are not considered good performers.

I also ran the AGA/NAJA Cut Class Tool - https://www.pricescope.com/tools/AGA_NAJA_Cut_Class_Grader - and this stone received a total grade of 1B - which is better than many diamonds out in mall diamond shops - but coupled with the HCA score of 4.0 this stone may not have the performance you might hope for.

If you are happy with a classic solitaire, I'd go with that BGD diamond linked on the 1st page (http://www.briangavindiamonds.com/d.../0.333-e-vs2-round-diamond-ags-c-104063262148) and ask for their basic 4-prong solitaire setting - and this diamond ring will definitely out-perform the BN ring you are looking at.

Honestly, I know its not an "ideal" cut. But its not a dog, it is a gia EX, nice color, better than a lot of cuts on eBay, looks eye clean, at the size that it is, that's as much as I'd be hoping for a stone around that size. ...im not the OP but if this was my budget I'd take the chance and get it home to see in person.

This exactly... OP's got a budget of $1K -- and most people don't even own a GIA EX, so although not "perfect cut," it should be very nice...

 

[matt235]

I agree re this ring. It would be my pick. Matt, you first posted that you were considering a 1ct stone in a halo. From there to a .34ct stone is a HUGE drop in size. On a size 6 1/2 finger, just be aware, it's going to look very small - especially given what you were first considering.

I agree with Niel on the ring posted above. That ring will be far more substantial and obvious on her finger. I DON'T think 'size is everything'. But I DO think that if you were originally looking at something of a 1ct size in a halo, you're now a loooong way away from that, and may be disappointed.

Just logged on. Wanted to point out that I was never considering a 1 ct diamond. I only posted that halo in my original post showing that she liked the style of that, how the band swirls around. Sorry if that was unclear.

What i've been looking at is mostly .3 to .5 ct for the main diamond.

 

[mrs-b]

I agree re this ring. It would be my pick. Matt, you first posted that you were considering a 1ct stone in a halo. From there to a .34ct stone is a HUGE drop in size. On a size 6 1/2 finger, just be aware, it's going to look very small - especially given what you were first considering.

I agree with Niel on the ring posted above. That ring will be far more substantial and obvious on her finger. I DON'T think 'size is everything'. But I DO think that if you were originally looking at something of a 1ct size in a halo, you're now a loooong way away from that, and may be disappointed.

Just logged on. Wanted to point out that I was never considering a 1 ct diamond. I only posted that halo in my original post showing that she liked the style of that, how the band swirls around. Sorry if that was unclear.

What i've been looking at is mostly .3 to .5 ct for the main diamond.

And that's my favorite engagement ring size. My favorite ring on PS is a half carat solitaire. I can't even explain why I love it so much - I just do.

Having said that, though, you might want to find out why your fiancee-to-be likes halos. It may well be that she likes the substantial nature of them. If that's the case, you might want to keep that in mind as you make your ring plans.

 

[matt235]

After talking more with the girlfriend, I'm still leaning towards this Blue Nile one.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Blue-Nile-P...-0-34ct-Round-Diamond-GIA-D-SI1-/171271671362

It would be nice to get a larger diamond, but it's difficult to get the biggest and best with a $1000 budget.

I considered purchasing the best diamond I could and having it set on an inexpensive basic ring, but she would rather I sacrifice some on the diamond and have the mounting with some additional small stones.

I know she would really like the look of the ring posted above, and I feel the quality of the diamond will exceed our expectations.

I'm really considering picking it up and at least checking it out in person.

We've been together for over 6 years now and I've always had a good eye for what she would like. I have a good feeling about this ring.

 

[Niel]

After talking more with the girlfriend, I'm still leaning towards this Blue Nile one.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Blue-Nile-P...-0-34ct-Round-Diamond-GIA-D-SI1-/171271671362

It would be nice to get a larger diamond, but it's difficult to get the biggest and best with a $1000 budget.

I considered purchasing the best diamond I could and having it set on an inexpensive basic ring, but she would rather I sacrifice some on the diamond and have the mounting with some additional small stones.

I know she would really like the look of the ring posted above, and I feel the quality of the diamond will exceed our expectations.

I'm really considering picking it up and at least checking it out in person.

I think its a good idea to check it out in person, the chance of it being lovely i think its pretty high, and i think it would really work with your budget and your desires. If you're content with going into this with the chance that its not for you and you have to pay to return it id do it. Still ask about the fluor and the sizing though. Also make sure that GIA report comes with the purchase.

 

[matt235]

I think its a good idea to check it out in person, the chance of it being lovely i think its pretty high, and i think it would really work with your budget and your desires. If you're content with going into this with the chance that its not for you and you have to pay to return it id do it. Still ask about the fluor and the sizing though. Also make sure that GIA report comes with the purchase.

Just sent the seller a message asking him these questions

 

[Dreamer_D]

After talking more with the girlfriend, I'm still leaning towards this Blue Nile one.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Blue-Nile-P...-0-34ct-Round-Diamond-GIA-D-SI1-/171271671362

It would be nice to get a larger diamond, but it's difficult to get the biggest and best with a $1000 budget.

I considered purchasing the best diamond I could and having it set on an inexpensive basic ring, but she would rather I sacrifice some on the diamond and have the mounting with some additional small stones.

I know she would really like the look of the ring posted above, and I feel the quality of the diamond will exceed our expectations.

I'm really considering picking it up and at least checking it out in person.

We've been together for over 6 years now and I've always had a good eye for what she would like. I have a good feeling about this ring.

I am not sure this is the best value for you. First, you do not NEED a D color diamond, so the savings on a second hand D stone are not really savings because you are still paying more than you could for a second hand piece. I am also not sure you should resize that style of mount. Also, the head on that mount is not very nice. I think for under $1000 you would get close to the same with another vendor, like ID Jewelry, who carries high quality stick mounts and you would not have the risk of ebay.

 

[Dreamer_D]

I think its a good idea to check it out in person, the chance of it being lovely i think its pretty high, and i think it would really work with your budget and your desires. If you're content with going into this with the chance that its not for you and you have to pay to return it id do it. Still ask about the fluor and the sizing though. Also make sure that GIA report comes with the purchase.

Just sent the seller a message asking him these questions

Call Blue Nile and ask them if you buy the petite pave can it be resized later on. Their word will be more valid. Don't trust 95% of what ebay sellers tell you