Please help find engagement ring within our budget

taradonaldson · Dec 6, 2011

This is my first time posting!

My boyfriend and I would like to get engaged as soon as possible. We have been best friends for four years now, and started dating a year ago. However, we are both in university and have a very small budget for a ring, between $1,700 and $2,500.

We both love the style of Tacori 2565, but we know that is definitely out of the question.

We don’t care if the ring is used, and we have been watching the IDoNowIDont site, but I have read that it isn’t a good way to buy.

So my question is: Is it possible to get something similar as the Tacori ring within this budget, or should we keep saving up? (We aren’t very picky about the specs of the ring, as long as is sparklers!

Thanks for everyone taking the time to read my post!

LJL · Dec 6, 2011

http://www.eternitydiamonds.com/engagement-rings/diamond-engagement-ring/Diamond-Crossover-Ring-431.htm
That was all I could find that was close. From what I've heard, companies don't really make replicas of Tacori or if they try, they don't usually do so very well. There are reasons why Tacori can charge so much - they are making an incredibly intricate and delicate design - and from what I've seen - they stand behind their products if you purchase at a Tacori retailer.

Problem with the above setting is I believe its $1585 or something in White gold, which leaves $1000 max for the stone. That might get you something between .35-.5 carats depending on color and clarity sensitivity. You can find a lot of women on here with stones in that size range that are beautiful and sparkly - just not sure what youre expecting as far as size since Tacori rings are modeled with at least 1.5 cts, I believe. Also, dont know if I missed it but are you looking for a round stone or a princess?

Maybe someone here can give you a bit more help. This may just be a situation where its better to wait and save as Tacori brings a high price tag and Tacori-like will still be pretty expensive. Also, the people on this board tend to be pretty phenomenal at finding rings on the second-hand market so maybe someone will have luck with that.

Good luck and congrats on your decision to get engaged!

ETA: Maybe contact Eternity Diamonds and tell them about your situation. Many people have been satisfied with them choosing a stone to fit your setting and they may give you a slight discount on the stone if you buy the setting there. Be sure to tell them you are a Pricescoper so they know that you value excellent cut and then let them know your color/clarity preferences.

vintagelover229 · Dec 6, 2011

Unknown · Dec 6, 2011

The erice grace rings are soo pretty!!

Mrs.W 514 · Dec 6, 2011

I also think Erica Grace is a great place to look. There is a tacori ring for sale at the bottom of this pagehttp://jewelsbyericagrace.com/modern_and_estate_jewelry. It is out of your budget but Erica Grace does have a lay away plan.

taradonaldson · Dec 6, 2011

Thank you soooo much everyone! This helped a lot.
But I thought buying of ebay was just a bad idea, and I see some links on here that were from there?

tyty333 · Dec 6, 2011

Several people on PS have bought items from ebay... Mostly we look for

- good return policy (long period of time for evaluation and no questions asked return)
- high positive feedback count
- lots of pictures
- willing to answer questions

If you find something you like you can ask if anyone has bought anything from that seller.

I've bought from these people and was completely happy with them.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Antique-vintage-18K-white-gold-filigree-diamond-solitaire-ring-0-53-ct-/150710784512?pt=US_Fine_Rings&hash=item2317101200

marchesa6989 · Dec 6, 2011

i think when working on a budget u need to work out which is priority - setting or center diamond. for me i chose center diamond, but if you'd be happy with a smaller diamond in the middle with a more intricate setting then go for it!

i think the eternity diamonds setting posted earlier looks pretty good.

here are a couple more that are in the likeness of, but not the same as the tacori. i think you'll find that other similar settings might not be as delicate looking:
http://www.emmaparkerdiamonds.com/engagement-rings/Three-Stone-Halo-Pave-Set-Diamond-Engagement-Ring-Set/341750
now i know this one is different to the tacori, but it has the ribbon effect and more bling on the sides. plus the halo in the middle will help make the diamond look bigger
http://www.emmaparkerdiamonds.com/engagement-rings/Split-Shank-Pave-Set-Diamond-Engagement-Ring/1219139
http://www.emmaparkerdiamonds.com/engagement-rings/Split-Shank-Pave-Set-Halo-Diamond-Engagement-Ring-Set/1219168
http://www.solomonbrothers.com/jewelry_120744
http://www.solomonbrothers.com/jewelry_133811
http://www.solomonbrothers.com/jewelry_112501

this stone is 0.56 H SI2 but has twinning wisps and looks like it will be eye clean:
http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/H-SI2-Ideal-Cut-Round-Diamond-1438965.asp
at the price of $1210 with the pricescope discount, it perhaps isn't the most premium diamond but will still look great and will fall within the budget

taradonaldson · Dec 6, 2011

We have fallen in love with this band!
http://www.emmaparkerdiamonds.com/engagement-rings/Split-Shank-Pave-Set-Halo-Diamond-Engagement-Ring-Set/1219168

The only problem is that our budget is maximum $2500, so that doesn't leave much room for a diamond. We also don't want to go any lower than .5 carat in the halo setting.

Thanks everyone for your help!! It is much appreciated! I think we may have to save up some more to get the ring, because I unfortunately have champagne taste

mrssalvo · Dec 6, 2011

What about an antique ring, like this one from Jewels by Erica grace? There are actually 2 on this link that are both priced around $1500..

http://www.jewelsbyericagrace.com/antique_vintage_and_reproduction_rings

and if you can save 1K more, or see if JBEG will do layaway..they have this gorgeous tacori with a sapphire...you could always swap it out for a diamond once finances allowed..

http://jewelsbyericagrace.smugmug.com/Jewelry/Modern-and-Estate-Pieces/Estate-Sapphire-Ring-Tacori/17842250_fvx3RS#1364338180_LkcStWB

marchesa6989 · Dec 6, 2011

taradonaldson|1323210100|3075592 said:
We have fallen in love with this band!
http://www.emmaparkerdiamonds.com/engagement-rings/Split-Shank-Pave-Set-Halo-Diamond-Engagement-Ring-Set/1219168

The only problem is that our budget is maximum $2500, so that doesn't leave much room for a diamond. We also don't want to go any lower than .5 carat in the halo setting.

Thanks everyone for your help!! It is much appreciated! I think we may have to save up some more to get the ring, because I unfortunately have champagne taste

yay! im glad i could help!

well why don't i have a little look at what other diamonds i can come up with in ur budget and over 0.5ct. if u search hard enough, its possible to find SI2s or even I1s that are eye clean. and since i've recently finished my final exams and am graduating soon i have plenty of time on my hands haha

taradonaldson · Dec 6, 2011

Thank you soooo much marchesa6989!

And I just found this on ebay, but it seems too good to be true :S.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/TACORI-PLATINUM-DIAMOND-ENGAGEMENT-WEDDING-RING-SET-/200481198319?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item2ead9c50ef

Let me know what you think

marchesa6989 · Dec 6, 2011

taradonaldson|1323211727|3075625 said:
Thank you soooo much marchesa6989!

And I just found this on ebay, but it seems too good to be true :S.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/TACORI-PLATINUM-DIAMOND-ENGAGEMENT-WEDDING-RING-SET-/200481198319?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item2ead9c50ef

Let me know what you think

i just had a look at the listing and the thing that concerns me is that the stone is uncertified and thus we have no idea who is grading it and what they are comparing it too. plus there's no mention of how well cut the stone is - what you'll find is that if a stone is poorly cut it may weight 0.7cts but they cut it deep and it may look like a 0.5 or 0.6ct stone. plus the conditions on the listing say that they grade is within 1 class so the G-H VS1 could be H-I VS2 since its uncertified. that being said the price for a platinum setting is great! but i don't know if this is really what you are looking for.

i found a stone on james allen for you and had a quick chat to the sales people there:
0.58 H I1 but eye clean priced at $1040 with the PS discount
http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/H-I1-Premium-Cut-Round-Diamond-1434934.asp
again it doesn't score great on the HCA calculator that people use on here, but if you're willing to consider some of these other uncertified stones etc then i think this is a good choice. and it will still be beautiful and sparkly.

another question is are you happy to go with another setting? if you go for a cheaper one then you can go for a bigger stone. just an idea! if you like halos its possible to find one that is a better price, or even a plain solitaire with a larger stone.

Mrs.W 514 · Dec 6, 2011

That Tacori set does look like a good deal. They do have a good return policy and give plenty of time to have that diamond looked at by a reputable jeweler or gemologist to make sure that the diamond is as advertised. If you love that setting then I would jump on that and just make sure to do my homework on it.

minmin001 · Dec 6, 2011

sometimes people will find a nice stone with a simple setting and upgrade the setting in the future.

CharmyPoo · Dec 7, 2011

I know eBay can be scary but I can tell you that many people on here have got amazing deals through eBay. You just have to know what to look for and make sure you appraise your purchase and that the seller has a good return policy. Sometimes it's difficult to scarfice to meet your budget - I believe the best way is to go second hand or eBay. Once you get addicted to eBay .. you wonder why you ever pay retail. LOL.

So here goes ...

My recommended option. This setting is beautiful and at a close out price. The vendor is a well known PS vendor with a good rep so you can buy without worrying. The setting is under $1000 and leaves you with a good budget for the diamond.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/0-57CT-Round-Cut-Diamond-Setting-F-SI-18K-/180707754849?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item2a13058361

These are options from China sellers. You can see literally 100s of examples of their work on eBay. I find that their settings are very well priced and excellent value for the quality. They can custom make the setting to fit your stone size and shape. I personally have over 30 rings from them and wouldn't hesistate to recommend them. You can always get a more expensive setting later.
http://www.ebay.ca/itm/39CT-DIAMOND-ROUND-14K-WHITE-GOLD-PAVE-SEMI-MOUNT-RING-/250948145600?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item3a6dacd1c0
http://www.ebay.ca/itm/4mm-ROUND-14K-WHITE-GOLD-76ct-DIAMOND-SEMI-MOUNT-RING-/270868314621?pt=US_Fine_Rings&hash=item3f110279fd
http://www.ebay.ca/itm/5mm-ROUND-CUT-SOLID-14K-WHITE-GOLD-PAVE-41CT-DIAMOND-SEMI-MOUNT-RING-SETTING-/250803693913?pt=US_Fine_Rings&hash=item3a6510a959
http://www.ebay.ca/itm/OVAL-10x12mm-14K-WHITE-GOLD-39ct-DIAMOND-RING-SETTING-/250948577897?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item3a6db36a69
http://www.ebay.ca/itm/14K-WHITE-GOLD-39CT-DIAMOND-OVAL-SEMI-MOUNT-RING-4-97g-/250943579016?pt=US_Fine_Rings&hash=item3a6d672388
http://www.ebay.ca/itm/Oval-7x9m-Solid-14Kt-White-Gold-Semi-Mount-14Ct-Diamond-Ring-/200680956469?pt=US_Fine_Rings&hash=item2eb9846235
http://www.ebay.ca/itm/SOLID-14K-WHITE-GOLD-DIAMOND-SEMI-MOUNT-ENGAGEMENT-RING-SETTING-6-0mm-/280784628076?pt=UK_JewelleryWatches_WomensJewellery_Rings_SR&hash=item416011696c

The tacori setting. This is a super risky purchase since the buyer has no feedback and no return policy. I would be too scared to do it.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Never-used-TACORI-platinum-and-diamond-paved-engagement-ring-setting-/200683653943?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item2eb9ad8b37

Lovely vintage setting. Problem is that the sapphire is rather large and it will be difficult to replace with a diamond that size within your budget.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/VINTAGE-STYLE-14KT-WHITE-GOLD-SAPPHIRE-DIAMOND-ENGAGEMENT-DECO-RING-/280758042658?pt=US_Fine_Rings&hash=item415e7bc022

Willing to go silver? This will leave you a sizable budget for the diamond but the setting head may be too small.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/ROUND-CZ-TWISTED-SPLIT-SHANK-FANCY-ENGAGEMENT-RING-925-STERLING-SILVER-/220843278063?pt=CZ_Engagement_Rings_US&hash=item336b48feef

MissStepcut · Dec 7, 2011

taradonaldson|1323211727|3075625 said:
Thank you soooo much marchesa6989!

And I just found this on ebay, but it seems too good to be true :S.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/TACORI-PLATINUM-DIAMOND-ENGAGEMENT-WEDDING-RING-SET-/200481198319?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item2ead9c50ef

Let me know what you think

I believe other PSers have had positive experiences with OakGem. You might want to start a thread asking about that seller specifically and see what people say.

Honestly if you love this setting, even if the diamond turns out not to be the best, the price is great for the setting and you might upgrade the stone quality later. Furthermore, and I know this is PS heresy, but even less-than-awesomely cut diamonds sparkle. If you LOVE the setting and the diamond gleams for you within the return period, I would give this one a shot.

Rhea · Dec 7, 2011

taradonaldson|1323211727|3075625 said:
Thank you soooo much marchesa6989!

And I just found this on ebay, but it seems too good to be true :S.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/TACORI-PLATINUM-DIAMOND-ENGAGEMENT-WEDDING-RING-SET-/200481198319?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item2ead9c50ef

Let me know what you think

I've bought from there before. I like their stuff! The setting is nice, but the diamond probably isn't to PS standards. It depends on how big of a deal that is to you. The setting alone would be worth much more than that in a retail store and you can always upgrade or change out the diamond later.

I also like the halo option with the sapphire at JbEG.

taradonaldson · Dec 7, 2011

I can't believe all the help I am getting! Thanks so much guys!!

All this is such great advice!

But I must admit that I am stuck on that Tacori ring set from ebay. So it is probably a good idea for me to think about it for a bit before I make any rash decisions. And maybe make another post to see what everyone opinions are as well.

I'll also get my boyfriend to call and ask a couple questions on the ring to make sure it is for real. And honestly, as long as the diamond sparkles, I will love it!

Mayk · Dec 7, 2011

taradonaldson|1323210100|3075592 said:
We have fallen in love with this band!
http://www.emmaparkerdiamonds.com/engagement-rings/Split-Shank-Pave-Set-Halo-Diamond-Engagement-Ring-Set/1219168

The only problem is that our budget is maximum $2500, so that doesn't leave much room for a diamond. We also don't want to go any lower than .5 carat in the halo setting.

Thanks everyone for your help!! It is much appreciated! I think we may have to save up some more to get the ring, because I unfortunately have champagne taste

Call Tim at Emma Parker... he will do his best to work with you... Check out their customer Service... it's pretty awesome.. He made my ring and I couldn't be happier with the service.. In fact.. he is working on another project for me right now...

MrsDrP · Dec 7, 2011

If you really love a Tacori e-ring and it's the ring of your dreams, don't give up on it! Keep looking for a used one and I bet you'll be able to find a really good deal! It may take you a little longer to find one, but they are out there....you just have to look! The reason I know this is because....

My ex gave me a Tacori e-ring when he proposed and we broke things off a few months later. This ring was stunning (picture attached)! Anyways, he paid around $8,000 for the diamond and $6,000 for the platinum setting, for a total of about $16,000 after taxes and everything.

The diamond was GIA cert 1.4ct, E color, VVS1 and cut PERFECT!!! It was one of the most beautiful princess cut diamonds I have ever seen still to this day. Getting to my point----he sold the ring online (I think on craigslist) for $6,000!!!! He wanted to get rid of it so badly that he sold it for $10,000 less than what he paid for it. It makes me sick to think about it sometimes, but I know there is some lucky girl out there who is enjoying that ring and paid like 1/3 the retail value for it.

I know that $6,000 is out of your budget, but the point I am trying to make is that there are a few people out there who desperately want to get rid of e-rings so badly that they will take a loss like that just to get it off their hands! So keep looking....and the ladies on this forum are great at finding good deals like that! Someone might have paid $7,000 for a petite Tacori e-ring with a smaller diamond and are willing to part with it for $3000!

If your heart is set on a Tacori and you really really love it, don't compromise on something else. Good things come to those who wait....And I know you may not want to wait a few months longer to get engaged, but once you have that stunning Tacori on your finger you will realize that it was all worth it and you will be so glad that you waited!!!

If it's possible for you to afford a Tacori setting at this time, would you consider buying the setting and having a diamond alternative in it like white saphire or moissanite? That way you will have an amazing setting with a diamond-looking stone in it, and you can always get the diamond later on when you can afford it! Or vise versa....buy a beautiful diamond now, have it set in a cheap WG solitaire, then get your Tacori setting later!

If you are looking online at Tacori settings, make sure that they come with the original blue blox (attached) and the little certificate of authenticity card. Thoes boxes are REALLY hard to get a hold of. Tacori doesn't give them or sell them to anyone. You MUST purchase a genuine Tacori ring to get the box. If someone is selling a Tacori without these things...that's a red flag. The box is REALLY cool, and it's unlikely for someone to just throw it away.

Goodluck on your search and don't give up! And congrats on your engagement of course!

motownmama · Dec 7, 2011

The Tacori is cool looking, but I don't think it can be sized, FYI. If that IS your size, buy it and check it out.

MrsDrP · Dec 7, 2011

OP, what ring size are you? I'm determined to find you a Tacori setting at a reasonable price

taradonaldson · Dec 7, 2011

Omg thank you!! I'm a size 5.

piggies · Dec 7, 2011

There's a handful of platiunum Tacori settings on Overstock. You could always buy the setting now and swap out the CZ when you are able to... but keep in mind you'll have to buy a stone that fits the setting.
http://www.overstock.com/Jewelry-Watches/Wedding-Rings/Tacori,/brand,/2361/cat.html

MrsDrP · Dec 7, 2011

I didn't have any luck finding any used ones in your size (most of them were around 6.5), and it can be difficult to size a Tacori unless you send it to them in California.

This isn't the Tacori 2565, it's a hand engraved Tacori 10937 with a princess cut at Solomon Bros for $1480.
http://www.solomonbrothers.com/Jewelry_10937PRW_72400-2

I really love this one!!! This is a really pretty Tacori solitaire with a little bit of that crescent silhouette that I adore! It's $1750
http://www.since1910.com/engagement/tacori/tacori-pave-diamond-engagement-ring-2584-ps1201.aspx

This is another Emma Parker one that looks almost just like the Tacori 2565, and it's only $1198! That leaves you almost $1500 for a diamond!
http://www.emmaparkerdiamonds.com/engagement-rings/Antique-BypassCriss-Cross-Engagement-Ring-Setting/1413614

This one is a Sylvie and looks like the 2565 with an added halo...so pretty! Not sure on the price, you'd have to find someone in your area who carries them
http://www.sylviecollection.com/detail/round-brilliant-diamond-engagement-ring_492.html

Like piggies said, Overstock has some pretty settings with CZs in them, but they are all a size 6.5 (they are display rings that used to be in jewelry stores - still genuine Tacori settings though! And if you can find someone who can size it without compromising the engraving or the pave work - go for it!). But I know from experience that it's difficult to size rings like that. The e-ring I picked out came in a stock 6.5, and I am a 4.5. They said they couldn't size it because of the pave work in the band, so the company who made the ring had to make me a new one using a mold that was a size 4.5. Perhaps you could send it to Tacori to be resized? I know that Henri Daussi offered me free life time sizing on my ring as long as I send it to them in NYC to do the job. Tacori might do the same thing. If not, maybe they will do it for a reasonable fee.

I'll keep my eyes open for you!

I really hope that you are able to find what you are looking for and get exactly what you want. This is such a special time in every girls life! Congrats again

funshine · Dec 7, 2011

The set you've seen on ebay is a beautiful platinum Tacori setting plus a matching platinum band, even if the diamond is a grade or 2 lower in either colour or clarity it will still be a beautiful and probably eyeclean diamond. Its 5.25 and your a size 5 so its only a tiny bit bigger nothing a few sizing beads couldnt fix! and these could be removed in the future allowing you to grow into it

You've also just posted it on an open forum which will increase the number of viewingsit'll get. If I were you I'd snap it up quick before someone else does. The seller is a good one over 14000 sales and 99.8% positive feedback is pretty amazing i would definately trust them, your pretty protected through ebay anyway. Youve got nothing to lose if you dont like it you can send it back. Good luck

and congratulations, I've got an engagement on its way also an ebay purchase, although its stuck in customs clearance at the moment......Very exciting and as for ebay I love it and dont make a purchase without checking there first!

MissStepcut · Dec 7, 2011

funshine|1323297401|3076474 said:
The set you've seen on ebay is a beautiful platinum Tacori setting plus a matching platinum band, even if the diamond is a grade or 2 lower in either colour or clarity it will still be a beautiful and probably eyeclean diamond. Its 5.25 and your a size 5 so its only a tiny bit bigger nothing a few sizing beads couldnt fix! and these could be removed in the future allowing you to grow into it
You've also just posted it on an open forum which will increase the number of viewingsit'll get. If I were you I'd snap it up quick before someone else does. The seller is a good one over 14000 sales and 99.8% positive feedback is pretty amazing i would definately trust them, your pretty protected through ebay anyway. Youve got nothing to lose if you dont like it you can send it back. Good luck and congratulations, I've got an engagement on its way also an ebay purchase, although its stuck in customs clearance at the moment......Very exciting and as for ebay I love it and dont make a purchase without checking there first!

Plus a lot of people need to go up a 1/4 size for a set, and this is a thicker set, as far as these things go.

taradonaldson · Dec 8, 2011

Thanks so much MrsDrP!! I will definitely take these into consideration!!!

And also, Funshine, do you know how much you will have to pay in customs, because I live in Canada and I will probably have to pay duties once I receive it.

CharmyPoo · Dec 8, 2011

Where in Canada are you?

Please help find engagement ring within our budget

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