Please help me maximize my budget - $5k

[pendexter]

Hello most esteemed Scopers, I would greatly appreciate some help selecting a diamond for my beloved.

I'm trying to stay away from scope-creep, and have set a budget of $5k total for her diamond, setting, and band.

I have done some research, and have lurked on this site for a bit, and here are the specs that I think I want:

Carat weight: Around 1 ct
Shape: Round
Cut: Excellent/ideal
Color: I
Clarity: eye clean
I don't know about depth% and table% as I am still learning about these things...
Metal: Platinum - she really wants it, I realize that it eats into the cost of the diamond :/
Setting: french pave - also a requirement. With or without halo.

A ring that she likes is this one from Costco, however the ring is .75 ct. which is a little smaller than we would prefer.
https://m.costco.com/Round-Brillian...Diamond-Platinum-Ring-.product.100327476.html

Another Costco rings she likes is this one, although it's slightly above budget because of the halo and 1 ct. diamond:
https://m.costco.com/Cushion-Cut-1....-Diamond-Platinum-Ring.product.100287165.html

And a third that she likes, but way over budget is this one round from Tiffany's:
http://www.tiffany.com/engagement/r...ment&search_params=param+0/0/0/0/0/0/GRP10096

I think that she likes the round cut better but she's open to a cushion...

One configuration option from BlueNile would be as follows:
Riviera Pave ring in platinum - $890
https://www.bluenile.com/build-your...num_60613?elem=img&track=product&vtype=sample
Riviera Pave diamond ring in platinum (band) - $1,090 - 10% discount is $981
.9 ct ideal I SI1 diamond - $3,061
https://www.bluenile.com/build-your-own-ring/diamond-details/LD09164163

I have no attachment to that specific diamond and have no idea if it's actually a good one, it's just the first one that approximately met my stats. Although looking at it again there appears to be a scratch on it.

I am looking for good overall value, and am open to suggestions that stay within my budget for diamond/setting/band from any of the different sellers.

Also, what do you guys think about my diamond selection criteria? Is getting the best cut with I color and eye clean the best value proposition? Is there a better selection criteria that I should be looking at?

Thanks in advance!

Peter

 

[jewels2]

I am far from an expert BUT the BN diamond has the wrong table and depth per pricescope standards.

You want to look for the following:

Table 54-58
Depth 60-62.3
Crown angle: 34-35
pavillion angle: 40.6-40.9

 

[Snowdrop13]

If you like settings on BN it makes sense to get the stone there. Here are a few that look good on paper, angle wise, you might need to check with them if eye clean,

https://www.bluenile.com/uk/diamond-details/LD09272534
https://www.bluenile.com/uk/diamond-details/LD09034272
https://www.bluenile.com/uk/diamond-details/LD07636567

 

[flyingpig]

For an eye-clean 1.0c I, a reasonable budget is around 5k.
I think "0.9c I at 3k~3.5k + band + setting" =5k is doable.

The one you posted is badly cut

Use these numbers
Table 54-58, Depth less than 62.3, Crown 34-35, Pavilion 40.6-40.8

Here is an example of well cut stones. Bright reflection and clear contrast. (it may not be eye-clean. just an example)
https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-di...i-color-si1-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-3360460

 

[SimoneDi]

Hi there, welcome to PS!

Alright, it is great that you have gotten an idea of what yours significant other wants in a ring! With that said, please just forget about any of the Costco rings. Besides the overall design idea, they do not provide any value.

The rule for choosing diamond on PS is that the CUT of the diamond is the most important attribute, all else comes seconds and usually color + clarity is dictated by budget and personal preferences.

The genereal guidelines for choosing are well cut diamond is to stick to the below parameters:
Table 54-58
Depth: 60-62
Crown Angle: 34-35
Pavilion Angle: 40.6 - 40.9

Further, we usually recommend running the diamonds' numbers through the HCA tool: https://www.pricescope.com/tools/hca
Everything below 2 is a Pass and 1 is not better than 2. Everything above 2-2.5 is rejected. This is a rejection tool, not a selection tool.
Further, we usually like to examine ASET, IS and high def images to see if a stone is a good performer. That is the quick intro to diamonds.

Further, you mentioned that your gf wants "French set pavè" but none of the inspiration rings are French set. I would double check on that because there are many different types of "pavè", perhaps she just wants diamonds on the shank and doesn't necessarily care about how they are set. More about the different types of pavè here: https://www.leonmege.com/pave-types-in-jewelry
Sample French set setting from BN here: https://www.bluenile.com/build-your-own-ring/french-pave-engagement-ring-platinum_44723

Also, when you say that the 5K budget is for "diamond, setting and band", are you referring to a wedding band? If so, I would strongly encourage you to remove that from this project. The budget is not large enough to stretch to a plat pavè setting (with possible halo), an appx 1ct diamond and a wedding band! She can get a plain wedding band for $100 online until you have the funds to buy an expensive one.

With that said, your best bet for a diamond is to stay around the .9ct mark - you can get an excellent cut diamond within budget that will still give you the "look" of a 1ct stone! After looking quickly - here is a stone that can be a contender https://www.bluenile.com/build-your...200747?track=viewDiamondDetails&action=newTab

I will look further on BN and through the other retailers. I am sure that others will chime in as well!

 

[tyty333]

Cushion diamonds face up smaller than round due to their depth so budget wise its probably better if you stick with round. There are halos for
round that are more cushion shape that she might like.

Some JA options...
Settings
https://www.jamesallen.com/engageme...amond-engagement-ring-round-center-item-17442 $1560
https://www.jamesallen.com/engageme...shion-outline-pave-engagement-ring-item-49998 $1960
https://www.jamesallen.com/engageme...etite-diamond-halo-engagement-ring-item-41150 I'm not big on the side view of this ring $1620

(I would probably go with halo but here are a few non-halo settings)
https://www.jamesallen.com/engageme...ound-shaped-diamond-engagement-ring-item-1982 $1560
https://www.jamesallen.com/engageme...aya-engagement-ring-by-jeff-cooper-item-54629 $1450

Stone options...combine the stones with the settings above to get close to $5k total. To stay close to $5k you'll need to go lower than 1 carat.
(you can request up to 3 idealscopes/asets from JA* stones have to be located in the NY area and not be out of country)
https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-di...i-color-si1-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-3360460 nice stone flyingpig pointed out (and biggest) $3550
https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-di...h-color-vs1-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-3233288 $3420
https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-di...i-color-vs2-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-3190179 $2670

 

[pendexter]

I have a go-to watch, knife, fountain pen, edc., and car forum. Now it looks like I have found a diamond forum! I appreciate all the responses.

I have a few talking points:

1. I can find filters for depth and table pretty easily on jamesallen and bluenile, but is there a way to filter for the crown and pavilion angles? The only place that I see it posted is on GIA reports...

2. When looking at the HCA tool, it asks for culet, and I don't see that value posted anywhere. Where can I find the culet %, and is it OK to leave it at 0 in the HCA tool?

3. I agree that less than 1 ct. is a better idea. I think we are going to try to stay at or above 0.9 ct.

4. French pave was probably an inaccurate term. She liked the ones in the examples given in the first post. What she wants is something where the diamonds in the pave go to the edges of the band. She doesn't like the ones where the diamonds sit in a channel with metal along the edges.

5. Talking to the lady, she really likes the Costco setting and doesn't like the bluenile Riviera settings because they're too boring and plain. I personally have no idea what she's talking about. Is there anyway someone can help me find a setting that looks exactly like this one that I can put a 0.9 ct. diamond in? I guess it's gonna need a halo. So budget is probably going to be $2k for the setting and $3-4k for the diamond. I'll take Simone's advice and forget about our bands for now...
https://m.costco.com/Round-Brillian...Diamond-Platinum-Ring-.product.100327476.html

Thanks again for all of your help.

Peter

 

[Snowdrop13]

I haven't seen any filters that include crown/pavilion angles.

I think James Allan might be your best bet, @tyty333 has posted some of their halo settings along with some nice stones, I'd look closely at those.

 

[pendexter]

Some JA options...
Settings
https://www.jamesallen.com/engageme...amond-engagement-ring-round-center-item-17442 $1560
https://www.jamesallen.com/engageme...shion-outline-pave-engagement-ring-item-49998 $1960
https://www.jamesallen.com/engageme...etite-diamond-halo-engagement-ring-item-41150 I'm not big on the side view of this ring $1620

I showed her these settings and she said that they were OK. Not as nice as Costco for whatever reason. She's saying that the Costco setting doesn't show any metal along the edges of the pave and halo (bezel). I guess I can see what she's saying, kind of...

I think that picking out a setting might be harder than picking out a diamond. At least with diamonds there are exact metrics. With settings it seems that it's all opinion and personal preference...

 

[SimoneDi]

I showed her these settings and she said that they were OK. Not as nice as Costco for whatever reason. She's saying that the Costco setting doesn't show any metal along the edges of the pave and halo (bezel). I guess I can see what she's saying, kind of...

I think that picking out a setting might be harder than picking out a diamond. At least with diamonds there are exact metrics. With settings it seems that it's all opinion and personal preference...

I actually disagree and think that the Costco rings have more metal and gaps between the stones also an airline (space) between the setting and the main stone, but in the end it will be her ring, she needs to be happy with it!

Ok, show her this website please: https://www.gabrielny.com/engagement-rings/halo-engagement-rings

Once she likes a setting (or 2), contact IDJ in NYC, the provide the best prices on Gabriel & Co. settings. I think that for your bride-to-be the setting is really important, so please make sure to get what she really wants. Yekutiel can also help you source any (most) of the above posted diamonds.

 

[rockysalamander]

I showed her these settings and she said that they were OK. Not as nice as Costco for whatever reason. She's saying that the Costco setting doesn't show any metal along the edges of the pave and halo (bezel). I guess I can see what she's saying, kind of...

I think that picking out a setting might be harder than picking out a diamond. At least with diamonds there are exact metrics. With settings it seems that it's all opinion and personal preference...

This is not exact, in that it is a double halo, but it might give you a big look she may like. The pave is exposed, as she liked on the Costco one.

https://www.jamesallen.com/engageme...-edge-pave-diamond-engagement-ring-item-49492

 

[stonewell]

I really like the one @rockysalamander posted. Here's one more that may come close to the Costco setting and is a single halo:

https://www.jamesallen.com/engageme...e-accented-diamond-engagement-ring-item-53075

 

[pendexter]

I really like the one @rockysalamander posted. Here's one more that may come close to the Costco setting and is a single halo:

https://www.jamesallen.com/engageme...e-accented-diamond-engagement-ring-item-53075

She really liked that one. But it's $2,250...

We went to Costco and looked at the .70 ct. halo ring that they had in stock and it looked pretty nice. In my mind, the .7 with halo looked a little more prominent than the 1.0 ct. solitaire that they had.

We are coming to a few options:

Option 1. Buy the Costco .7 halo and hope that the diamond stats are good. $3,699 plus tax = $4,013

Option 2. Buy the JA setting for $2,250 and buy a .7 ct. diamond for about $2,000 for a total of $4,250.

Option 3. Buy the JA setting for $2,250 and buy a .9 ct. diamond for about $3000-$3500 for a total of $5500

Option 4. Buy a super cheap ring for under $100, CZ or something like that, and purchase $5000 in stock as an investment in our future. Or $5000 towards something similar (start a business, downpayment on house, gold bars, etc.) that would appreciate in value and put us on a responsible fiscal path, especially since we have some major student loan debt to repay and a kid on the way (it's a boy!) and financial burden is a major cause of divorce...

We are probably going to sit on this decision for a few days and I'll definitely update this thread to let you guys know what we decide... Thanks again for all of your generous time and help.

Peter

 

[flyingpig]

Call Yukatel at IDJ and see what he can do for you.

I am not like this setting with a sub 1.0c stone. Look at the recently purchased rings.
https://www.jamesallen.com/engageme...e-accented-diamond-engagement-ring-item-53075

 

[Snowdrop13]

She really liked that one. But it's $2,250...

We went to Costco and looked at the .70 ct. halo ring that they had in stock and it looked pretty nice. In my mind, the .7 with halo looked a little more prominent than the 1.0 ct. solitaire that they had.

We are coming to a few options:

Option 1. Buy the Costco .7 halo and hope that the diamond stats are good. $3,699 plus tax = $4,013

Option 2. Buy the JA setting for $2,250 and buy a .7 ct. diamond for about $2,000 for a total of $4,250.

Option 3. Buy the JA setting for $2,250 and buy a .9 ct. diamond for about $3000-$3500 for a total of $5500

Option 4. Buy a super cheap ring for under $100, CZ or something like that, and purchase $5000 in stock as an investment in our future. Or $5000 towards something similar (start a business, downpayment on house, gold bars, etc.) that would appreciate in value and put us on a responsible fiscal path, especially since we have some major student loan debt to repay and a kid on the way (it's a boy!) and financial burden is a major cause of divorce...

We are probably going to sit on this decision for a few days and I'll definitely update this thread to let you guys know what we decide... Thanks again for all of your generous time and help.

Peter

Now that you've added more info about your situation I think you're being very sensible. Have a good think about it.

Another possible option might be to wait, then buy a diamond band for a wedding ring. You could probably get a nice one for $1000......

 

[arkieb1]

A lot of the diamonds from Costco are badly cut and the thing is the quality of the cut greatly impacts on the fire and sparkle of the stone. So if we are talking investments (diamonds are generally not good investments) then something that is well cut is going to retain it's value far more than something that isn't, face up bigger because it has better edge to edge brightness and generally look better on the hand as well.

And if you want something sustainable follow the preloved forums of Loupetroop and DiamondBistro and look for a preloved ie discounted diamond and put it in a setting that she likes. Unless they are well known members from here or vendors from here, always get the stone checked with an independent appraiser.

But I second if you do want a diamond, on a budget IJD is probably a great place to start.

 

[Austina]

I think you're being really sensible thinking about delaying buying the ring until you're more financially settled, kids are expensive !

 

[SimoneDi]

Please don't put 5K in just one stock, depending on where the markets go that 5K can become 3k, or 2k, or even zero. However, I do think that you and (hopefully) your significant other are being responsible and thinking about other options that will allow you to be more financially independent now, considering that you have other obligations. Congratulations on your soon to be binge of joy! And babies are expensive! Another thing you can do is buy a small solitaire on budget and later upgrade the setting and perhaps even the stone. Whatever you decide to do, please just don't buy form Costco! I much better support the CZ idea vs throwing so much money for a subpar diamond that will be completely unupgradable in the future!

 

[SimoneDi]

How about something like this from pre-loved: https://loupetroop.com/listings/rings/ritani-18k-white-gold-halo-three-stone-1-dot-07-ctw

Another one - different shape, but very pretty nonetheless https://loupetroop.com/listings/rings-natural-diamond-center/pink-pear-halo

Another stone - not ideal cut, but not a bad one either, perhaps you can even make an offer: https://loupetroop.com/listings/loose-stones/dot-84-j-vs-2-round-diamond-stone-only

 

[EllieTO]

Option 4. Buy a super cheap ring for under $100, CZ or something like that, and purchase $5000 in stock as an investment in our future. Or $5000 towards something similar (start a business, downpayment on house, gold bars, etc.) that would appreciate in value and put us on a responsible fiscal path, especially since we have some major student loan debt to repay and a kid on the way (it's a boy!) and financial burden is a major cause of divorce...

We are probably going to sit on this decision for a few days and I'll definitely update this thread to let you guys know what we decide... Thanks again for all of your generous time and help.

Peter

I'm just going to give you a few things to think about regarding Option 4. I think it would be sensible to forego the ring and save the money if you're in a financial bind AND it's not very important to her. If you have to borrow the money and go further into debt for the ring, then don't do it. On the other hand, if she enjoys jewellery and is excited about having a diamond engagement ring, then I would do your best to get something pretty now. I often thought along the same lines of "a diamond is just a marketing gimmick, the money can be better used elsewhere, it's a waste of money etc" but honestly having a beautiful ring on my finger every day just makes me happy. I'm sure not all ladies are like that, but I myself look at my rings constantly throughout the day and for that it's worth it to me. Not everyone is like that. So I think you and her together should judge whether it will bring a similar value to her, or if you're just doing it because it's the thing to do and everyone does it.

Regarding keeping costs down, I would definitely consider buying a preloved diamond at least, or possibly the setting too. You will get much better value for your money. There were some great options posted above. In fact, I've been eyeing that same pear halo as a right-hand ring for myself. The three-stone halo Ritani one posted is beautiful too. The members here will help you until you find the right one.

 

[ac117]

Another compromise would be cutting your budget in half, getting a beautiful ~.75ct stone in a solitaire setting and upgrading the setting to an anniversary down the line once you're more comfortable financially.

But another vote for contacting Yekutiel at IDJ-he's great at maximizing budgets!

 

[msop04]

Please don't buy an engagement ring from Costco!

Here's another vote for IDJ -- Yekutiel can find unicorns!

 

[tyty333]

How about something like this from pre-loved: https://loupetroop.com/listings/rings/ritani-18k-white-gold-halo-three-stone-1-dot-07-ctw

Another one - different shape, but very pretty nonetheless https://loupetroop.com/listings/rings-natural-diamond-center/pink-pear-halo

Another stone - not ideal cut, but not a bad one either, perhaps you can even make an offer: https://loupetroop.com/listings/loose-stones/dot-84-j-vs-2-round-diamond-stone-only

Love these options...go middle of the road. Spend half the amount and put the other half towards savings or paying down loans. Love that you are trying
to be fiscally responsible! Congrats on your new baby boy!!!

 

[stonewell]

Ditto on not buying an ER from Costco... I've seen their quality standards go down in recent years.

I'm for option 4 - don't go into further debt while you're servicing what you describe as "major student loan debt" and have a bundle of joy on the way (congratulations, btw!!). That's a lot of life events and adding more money stress on top of everything isn't worth it, imho

If you both do decide it's important to get a diamond ring now, IDJ are a fantastic choice. They are excellent at maximizing whatever budget you set.

 

[Niel]

Would she take a shape other than round? Ive seen some Preloved rings that can get you 1.2-1.5 cts for 5 k

 

[MissyBeaucoup]

My husband and I paid off our student loans first. I know not everyone would choose this, but we were allergic to being in debt. 23 years of marriage later, we are still together and debt-free, and have no regrets. I am not sure this would be fair to your bride (if she would feel embarrassed about not having a ring like her friends). Maybe you could get a very pretty band with diamonds? I would view it as putting the baby's security first. Whatever you choose, you are very blessed with love and loyalty and a little boy on the way. Congratulations!

 

[rockysalamander]

With all you have going on, I would share others suggesting to be frugal and pay down debt. But, I can also see wanting to make your gal happy. So, I share the buy pre-owned and something that has sentiment...maybe not your final goal (size, style, etc.).

I really like the LT Ritani @SimoneDi posted, its one of my favorite three-stone halo settings. It will give a lot of look.

If she really wants a single halo, here's one from a PS recommended seller (look at the video to see the old cut diamond in all her glory). Size 6, fully sizable. http://www.jewelsbygrace.com/1-19ctw-old-european-cut-diamond-halo-ring-by-a-jaffe

Another old cut. https://www.etsy.com/listing/526227...tage-old-european-cut?ref=shop_home_active_41

 

[Niel]

I feel like someone needs this. Hopefully it will fit the bill for you. Its used and doesn't come with a gia cert so some may be turned off but those are well cut and white stones. And if you don't like it it's returnable (much of eBay isn't) that setting alone would cost over what they are asking. It's a hell of a lot of finger coverage, and those bezels will be safe for baby.
Look at this on eBay http://www.ebay.com/itm/263166885789

 

[MollyMalone]

peter, what is your SO's ring size? I'm asking 'cause not every preloved or sample ring could be resized to fit her finger regardless of her size.

 

[scarsmum]

Maybe look at making an offer on this one - or at least have a look at it
https://www.idonowidont.com/diamond...103-ct-cushion-center-diamond-engagement-ring