On a budget looking for something decent

[protivakid]

I stumbled upon this forum and read through some threads getting some good information. I would love to stay under $3,000 for this ring and would not go over $3,500. We went to Kay to look at rings and she really loved the one in this link:

http://www.kay.com/en/kaystore/engagement---wedding/diamond-engagement-ring-3-4-carat-tw-14k-two-tone-gold

From reading here is seems like the general consensus is that mall jewelry stores are crap and their diamonds are crap.

I would like some help finding out what I can get for my money that would include at least a very similar band as the one linked above.

Thanks all in advance.

 

[Niel]

What do you think of this setting? They would do it in rose gold too, assuming she wanted that metal color.
http://www.jamesallen.com/engagement-rings/halo/14k-white-gold-pave-halo-and-twisted-shank-solitaire-item-17466

 

[protivakid]

What do you think of this setting? They would do it in rose gold too, assuming she wanted that metal color.
http://www.jamesallen.com/engagement-rings/halo/14k-white-gold-pave-halo-and-twisted-shank-solitaire-item-17466

It looks close but she was very particular when we went window shopping. As similar as I can get to the one from KAY would be preferable.

Another thing I thought about doing was grabbing the band from KAY and then going someplace else to swap the diamond for something a little better and maybe bigger hopefully getting even a little credit for the existing diamond.

 

[Niel]

What do you think of this setting? They would do it in rose gold too, assuming she wanted that metal color.
http://www.jamesallen.com/engagement-rings/halo/14k-white-gold-pave-halo-and-twisted-shank-solitaire-item-17466

It looks close but she was very particular when we went window shopping. As similar as I can get to the one from KAY would be preferable.

Another thing I thought about doing was grabbing the band from KAY and then going someplace else to swap the diamond for something a little better and maybe bigger hopefully getting even a little credit for the existing diamond.

I wouldn't do that, both Kay settings and diamonds are overpriced and have less than ideal stones set in them. What about it don't you like? that its not a cushion center?

 

[E B]

Do you think this would be close enough?

https://bridal.gabrielny.com/product/ER10308T44JJ

 

[Niel]

Do you think this would be close enough?

https://bridal.gabrielny.com/product/ER10308T44JJ

Nice!
I found this one too.

https://bridal.gabrielny.com/product/ER7804W44JJ

 

[marymm]

Do you know which element(s) of the Kay ring that your GF loved best? Is the twist of the shank, or the cushion-shaped halo with round stone, or the two-tone metal (or all 3)?

Here's a couple rose gold settings from James Allen which have the twist element, and the last one has a round halo for round stone:
http://www.jamesallen.com/engagement-rings/pave/14k-white-gold-pave-twist-engagement-ring-item-41298
http://www.jamesallen.com/engagemen...-pave-shank-contemporary-solitaire-item-41268
http://www.jamesallen.com/engagemen...e-halo-and-twisted-shank-solitaire-item-41410

The 2nd setting is my personal favorite, and I'd maybe pair it with one of these H-color diamonds - they both have blue fluor which I think will help the diamond "pop" white against the rose gold:
http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-dia...-h-color-vs2-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-320133
http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-dia...t-h-color-if-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-160119
(caveat: I have not run the HCA tool on either of these - https://www.pricescope.com/tools/hca)

 

[Niel]

I found this one too.

https://bridal.gabrielny.com/product/ER7804W44JJ

This one at the size your looking at id bet would be under 1000

you could put this in it. its its rose gold, i do think a J is just fine, especially at you diamond size

http://www.goodoldgold.com/diamond/12143/

 

[Niel]

Do you think this would be close enough?

https://bridal.gabrielny.com/product/ER10308T44JJ

after looking more though, this one is probably perfect. If you consider that the Kay one has rhodium plating on the top of the pave shank parts, as well as a white basket, this one is just about spot on

the price on the page is for a 6.5 mm stone, should be cheaper for a smaller stone.

Id ask if this is eye clean, if not, still see if that .65 ct J would be in budget. I still think the J would be fine.

http://www.goodoldgold.com/diamond/11701/

 

[marymm]

That Gabriel ring setting is so very close to the Kay ring (even prettier in my book!) - but unless you choose the matching Gabriel wedding band, you may have problems finding a wedding band that works with the ring unless you go custom.

OP, have you and your GF already discussed wedding bands? As a possible option, which would also allow you to maximize your budget, perhaps she'd be open to a cushion-shaped-halo solitaire-type setting, with the wedding band being a rose-gold diamond twist band?

 

[Niel]

That Gabriel ring setting is so very close to the Kay ring (even prettier in my book!) - but unless you choose the matching Gabriel wedding band, you may have problems finding a wedding band that works with the ring unless you go custom.

OP, have you and your GF already discussed wedding bands? As a possible option, which would also allow you to maximize your budget, perhaps she'd be open to a cushion-shaped-halo solitaire-type setting, with the wedding band being a rose-gold diamond twist band?

I think you have options. A plain rose gold band would look nice. So what if its not flush fit it would be flush enough. Or if you needed the most flush for of all like you said buy the paired G&co band.

 

[msop04]

Do you think this would be close enough?

https://bridal.gabrielny.com/product/ER10308T44JJ

after looking more though, this one is probably perfect. If you consider that the Kay one has rhodium plating on the top of the pave shank parts, as well as a white basket, this one is just about spot on

the price on the page is for a 6.5 mm stone, should be cheaper for a smaller stone.

Id ask if this is eye clean, if not, still see if that .65 ct J would be in budget. I still think the J would be fine.

http://www.goodoldgold.com/diamond/11701/

This is probably as close as you'll get without getting the Kay ring... It's extremely similar and much, much better quality! I agree that a J will be fine (even a K will look very nice, especially at that size -- so I wouldn't count out K color at all)...

 

[msop04]

That Gabriel ring setting is so very close to the Kay ring (even prettier in my book!) - but unless you choose the matching Gabriel wedding band, you may have problems finding a wedding band that works with the ring unless you go custom.

OP, have you and your GF already discussed wedding bands? As a possible option, which would also allow you to maximize your budget, perhaps she'd be open to a cushion-shaped-halo solitaire-type setting, with the wedding band being a rose-gold diamond twist band?

I think you have options. A plain rose gold band would look nice. So what if its not flush fit it would be flush enough. Or if you needed the most flush for of all like you said buy the paired G&co band.

Amen, Niel! I love a little gap -- effortlessly chic! (not to mention, it can be worn separately!)

 

[protivakid]

Do you think this would be close enough?

https://bridal.gabrielny.com/product/ER10308T44JJ

First off thank you ALL for the quick and detailed replies. This forum rocks.

Wow this is perfect! So this is a decent one? If so she will love it.

Is there a limit to the size of diamond I cold get in it if 10yrs from now I upgraded? I know with the KAY one they said .5 was pretty much it.

You guys also gave me a lot of diamond options. Keeping around my budget what one would you guys go with if the above was my setting of choice?

 

[AprilBaby]

Neil, you are amazing with finding the match! That's a gorgeous ring, prettier than Kay!

 

[Niel]

Do you think this would be close enough?

https://bridal.gabrielny.com/product/ER10308T44JJ

First off thank you ALL for the quick and detailed replies. This forum rocks.

Wow this is perfect! So this is a decent one? If so she will love it.

Is there a limit to the size of diamond I cold get in it if 10yrs from now I upgraded? I know with the KAY one they said .5 was pretty much it.

You guys also gave me a lot of diamond options. Keeping around my budget what one would you guys go with if the above was my setting of choice?

Halo settings pretty much limit yourself to what size stone will fit inside it. Its like a frame. Can only for one size picture in a frame, KWIM?

If you upgrade 10 years from now shell need a new setting. But that's OK. Her taste might change as it is,and want a different one. But, if she doesn't, its not the most expensive setting in the world, it could he remade if you get a larger setting. Then she could wear both!

What size were you hoping to get? I was posting good old gold stones because good old gold carries that brand, and you could get it all done at a one stop shop. If they don't have any stones you like there, they can pull more for you. I think you could manage to get a .65 at least, but we need to know first how much gog charges for that setting, its probably less than listed on the G&co website, but how much we don't know. Email them say you were hoping for that setting for a .5-.7 ct and see what the price is based off that size. I think they base it off finger size too.

 

[Niel]

Neil, you are amazing with finding the match! That's a gorgeous ring, prettier than Kay!

E b found it I just posted the pics lol.

But I agree completely its the same elements of the Kay one but more refined.

 

[msop04]

Do you think this would be close enough?

https://bridal.gabrielny.com/product/ER10308T44JJ

First off thank you ALL for the quick and detailed replies. This forum rocks.

Wow this is perfect! So this is a decent one? If so she will love it.

Is there a limit to the size of diamond I cold get in it if 10yrs from now I upgraded? I know with the KAY one they said .5 was pretty much it.

You guys also gave me a lot of diamond options. Keeping around my budget what one would you guys go with if the above was my setting of choice?

There will be a limit to the size of diamond that will fit (as the head/prongs are integrated), but that is true of almost any nice setting. This is why you pick the diamond first, then find a setting that will accommodate it, and not vice versa.

If you want to upgrade to a diamond larger than the orginal, then you will most likely need another setting appropriate for whatever size stone to which you choose when that time comes.

 

[protivakid]

Do you think this would be close enough?

https://bridal.gabrielny.com/product/ER10308T44JJ

First off thank you ALL for the quick and detailed replies. This forum rocks.

Wow this is perfect! So this is a decent one? If so she will love it.

Is there a limit to the size of diamond I cold get in it if 10yrs from now I upgraded? I know with the KAY one they said .5 was pretty much it.

You guys also gave me a lot of diamond options. Keeping around my budget what one would you guys go with if the above was my setting of choice?

Halo settings pretty much limit yourself to what size stone will fit inside it. Its like a frame. Can only for one size picture in a frame, KWIM?

If you upgrade 10 years from now shell need a new setting. But that's OK. Her taste might change as it is,and want a different one. But, if she doesn't, its not the most expensive setting in the world, it could he remade if you get a larger setting. Then she could wear both!

What size were you hoping to get? I was posting good old gold stones because good old gold carries that brand, and you could get it all done at a one stop shop. If they don't have any stones you like there, they can pull more for you. I think you could manage to get a .65 at least, but we need to know first how much gog charges for that setting, its probably less than listed on the G&co website, but how much we don't know. Email them say you were hoping for that setting for a .5-.7 ct and see what the price is based off that size. I think they base it off finger size too.

I would love to buy all at one place if you guys can help me. Looking at the band it says "Head Size Range: 0.50-1.00". Does this mean .5-1 carat

When I used the "Find a Retailer" the below two came up. If you guys have a site that sells this band and good diamonds please share the link.

Marshall's Of Milford, Inc
191 Mechanic Street ,
Unit 8,
Bellingham, MA, 02019

Springfield Dia Exch
883 Sumner Ave,
Springfield, MA, 01108

As far as diamond size the max I could ever go down the road would probably be 1 carat but for now I just want to get the best diamond I can given my budget. With the band roughly $1.5 grand that would leave me with a max of $2 grand for the diamond alone.

Please if you have them share some links of this band with a good diamond from the same retailer

 

[Gypsy]

Please contact Good Old Gold: http://www.goodoldgold.com/ They carry Gabriel, have excellent diamonds, and fantastic customer service.

 

[Niel]

This company
http://goodoldgold.com

Sells that setting. They will put your stone in that setting and ship it to you as a finished ring.

They will usually price the settings a little bit cheaper than listen on the site. The one on the site is for a 1 ct stone, you will not be buying a stone that large, so yours may be cheaper. Email them and ask them how much it would cost for that setting with a .5- .7 ct stone. Also they will need her ring size
If it is at all cheaper for a smaller stone, i would ask if this is eye clean

http://www.goodoldgold.com/diamond/11701/

or ask them to source you some other diamonds.