Overwhelmed...basic setting to start, or...???

[mintve]

I am at a crossroads because I am overwhelmed by the selection of settings and the endless possibilities of designing my own. I have a few settings I like (including the vatche x prong and another x-prong w/ teen tiny channel set stones on the shank), but then I think of how all the ones I like elements of and how I can design my own.

So, my question is, how common is it to get a basic or solitaire setting to have for awhile, then upgrade in a few years once you have your ideal setting finalized?

And if you take this avenue, would you recommend white gold or platinum?

 

[Sparkalicious]

What kind of time frame are you dealing with? If you are rushed, I would recommend a plain setting, white gold (less expensive) to start and then maybe search for the "perfect" setting with your significant other.

If you have some time ... maybe just purchase the diamond and spend some time figuring out what you like best and determining the style you are going for and then make a decision at a more leisurely pace.

Just my thoughts. After all, this is a very emotional process and with tons of information and options thrown into the mix it can become quite complicated and confusing.

 

[lyra]

I am living with a temporary 14K white gold solitaire setting. It''s versatile--if you want to wear different looks in wedding bands it goes with anything, and it''s very inexpensive. All your budget can go into the diamond. I have found over the past few months that I actually prefer white gold to platinum, so my permanent setting will also be WG. I like the shiny polished look. Go for it!

 

[DiamanteBlu]

I think that having the stone in a simple setting initially is a good idea. You can then have it reset for a 1st anniversary or something, if you like.

Something else to be said for a simple setting for your diamond - you can do some more complex bands to change the whole look at will [diamonds, other stones, simple band, etc.].

ETA: I would just go with white gold to start.

 

[mintve]

well, i do have some time. I am jut a planner and like to have everything set. plus my FF wants to surprise me. so, he could pick out the entire ring ( am doubting this) or give me a stand in ring until we have the perfect one (by stand in, I mean a CZ or one from a gumball machine kind of ring or a random setting from a B&M that we can return). He already said he thinks he wants me to help pick out the stone (after we are engaged). But, i do not want him running to a B&M to buy a setting that we can''t return. I am in the process of trying to convicne him that buying online is OK. I would like to narrow it down to several stones and let him pick, if that is the avenue we take.

So, here is my basic order of attack

1. convicne FF to buy online and not in a B&M
2. let him know that if he surpirses me w/ a real stone a simple setting is best??? (I think b/c i don''t know the exact time frame nor do I know my most ideal setting)
3. if he surpirses me w/ a stand in ring (which could still be a few months), I still have time to settle on a setting and we can choose a stone together...

there are a lot of uncertain variables b/c of desrired element of surprise and this is hard since I am a planner....

 

[Sparkalicious]

Date: 11/30/2007 1:13:56 PM
Author: mintve
there are a lot of uncertain variables b/c of desrired element of surprise and this is hard since I am a planner....

I can completely relate! I never wanted to be involved in the purchase of my engagement ring, however, once we started researching it together ... to help him get an idea of what I liked, I found I became obsessed and turned into a monster. I wanted to ensure that we weren''t getting ripped off re: diamond price & quality and started educating myself. This was a big mistake ... The whole surprise thing, for the most part, has gone out the window. Oh well, I guess you can''t have your cake and eat it too ... as much as I try.

At least I know, as will you, that when you do become engaged, you will have a diamond that you is beyond compare, as far as you are concerned.

 

[milton333]

I would absolutely put the money into the stone and do a simple setting for now. You might do a multi-stone or eternity wedding band with it, to get more "bling" for the immediate future. Lots of people re-set their e-ring diamond for a milestone anniversary, 5, 10, etc. Especially if you are buying the diamond online, you may not have an "upgrade" policy - though some PS vendors do, check to be sure. If you ever decide to upgrade the diamond, if you can''t trade it in, you''re back to square one with having to buy a larger diamond out of pocket, and will probably have to buy a different setting, too. If you get the diamond you want, you can keep changing its setting a lot easier.

 

[wen104]

I agree go basic until you have the money to get what you want. I still have the basic catherdal look. My husband just bought me to sapphire and diamond 7 stone rings to go with it but they are so not practical with 3 young kids so they are going back. I love them but later in life I will have more time for the fancy bling but we are going to get now just a 1/2 ct - 1 ct channel set eternity band instead. Less maintenance and won''t get caught on my kids cloths! Good luck and hey don''t make this harder then it is.

 

[enfianced]

My fiance and I were also overwhelmed when choosing my ER and so we chose a basic solitare asscher for now in white gold. However, we''ve already decided to reset in Plat and possibly add side stones when we order the band. So, for me, it took me having a solitare first to know what I really liked. Solitares are beautiful and classic, so you certainly won''t be missing out with a beautiful solitare setting and you can always add more! I think it''s a little silly to think what you get now will be what you always have, esp for PSers.

 

[mintve]

I am really starting to lean toward the solitaire route. It will answer so many obstacles we are facing...especially since my FF wants to surprise me...this may jsut be the perfect solution.

I have to think about the WG/ Platinum...

I saw a few settings on WF that Ilike (the trellis x-prong and the tiffany knife edge). What price limit do you think is "TOO MUCH" for a basic solitaire setting? Would you cap it ant $500, $1000? $1500????