Princess halo ering on a budget, smaller diamond

[joe5]

Hi Everybody,

I know you’ve offered advice to budget engagement ring buyers before, so I want to ask if you’d be willing to share your expertise.

I’m planning on proposing to my girlfriend in on NYE. It’s going to be an extra special moment because it’s an international relationship and we’ll finally be able to be together here in the US next year. I know that it would make her dream come true to give her a small halo (she’s shown me pictures of rings she likes, and they are always halo). I know that she doesn’t want a large diamond. I’ve set my budget maximum at $3000 (various financial reasons), but I’d feel more comfortable in the under-$2400 range. I want to get a nice ring for my budget – smaller, but quality that will look nice on her hand, with the halo. Of course, if my 4c priorities are off from what you recommend, please let me know.

1] She wants a square-shaped diamond in a halo ring. She wears a size 5.5. Based off a similar post that I read, I’m eyeing these settings (but open to square ideas):

http://www.jamesallen.com/engagement-rings/halo/14k-white-gold-pave-halo-diamond-engagement-ring-princess-center-item-17453 (not paved)

http://www.jamesallen.com/engagement-rings/halo/14k-white-gold-pave-halo-and-shank-diamond-engagement-ring-princess-center-item-17433 (paved)

2] Since the above settings cost $720/1000, that leaves me with $1700/1400 (ideal) to $2300/2000 (stretch) for a center diamond.

Shape: princess
*I love radiant too, but the setting above requires princess
Cut: must be ideal
Carat: I’m envisioning around .5 for the diamond
Color: am I overpaying if I go colorless? I do like quality when it’s an option. Colorless tends to show in the search results based on my other requirements
Clarity: SI1 to VS1?

Any Thoughts? I appreciate your time.

.5 H SI2 - Final price: $1640/1920
http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/princess-cut/0.50-carat-h-color-si2-clarity-sku-565072
1.03 LW ratio

.53 E VS2 - Final price: $2170/2450
http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/princess-cut/0.53-carat-e-color-vs2-clarity-sku-720842
1.02 LW ratio

.52 D VS1 - Final price: $2480/2760
http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/princess-cut/0.52-carat-d-color-vs1-clarity-sku-622902
1.01 LW ratio

 

[telephone89]

I personally hate to pay more for a D colour, but it is the best of your 3.

I'm going to throw a few from WF at you as well...

http://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/princess-cut-loose-diamond-3036231.htm 0.598 ct D VS1
http://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/princess-cut-loose-diamond-3520043.htm 0.55 ct F VVS2
http://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/princess-cut-loose-diamond-3588425.htm 0.548 ct E VS2
http://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/princess-cut-loose-diamond-3570264.htm 0.541 ct H SI1

JA will set a stone for you w/ their setting.

ETA - these will run you $1993 on the low end up to $2879 on the high end (incl setting from JA)

 

[apacherose]

If she is not set on princess, might I suggest you look at blue nile signature cushions? They are a more 'modern' square shape and have ideal performance. You may or may not like them, but it is worth looking, I think they are beautiful.

Also, I would suggest H VS 2 or eyeclean SI1 to eek the most size possible out of your budget. At .5-.7 carats or so an ideal cut H will be very white.

 

[joe5]

Thank you both for the links and advice. If H looks white face up, that is great. She's open to anything square, so I'll go look at some cushions too. And that .5-.7 range is where I'm looking. I really appreciate it!

 

[apacherose]

Okay, the setting you chose for a cushion is this:

http://www.jamesallen.com/engagement-rings/halo/14k-white-gold-pave-halo-diamond-engagement-ring-cushion-center-item-17449

And you could pair it with this:
http://www.bluenile.com/diamond-details/LD05819293

Make sure to get yourself the referral discount at blue nile to stay in budget.

If I were shopping for me with your specs I'd splurge on this setting, which knocks my socks off:
http://www.jamesallen.com/engagement-rings/vintage/14k-white-gold-octagon-halo-diamond-engagement-ring-item-49499

And go with this 0.51 H VS1 4.75mm signature ideal cushion; I'd actually go to 'I' no problem, but didn't find one in the $1500 range:

http://www.bluenile.com/diamond-details/LD03805828



Remember to look at the dimensions for cushions, not just the carat weight.

 

[vintagelover229]

What about this?

http://loupetroop.com/listings/rings-natural-diamond-center/1-dot-16cttw-14k-princess-cut-halo-engagement-ring;7162


or this?
http://loupetroop.com/listings/rings-natural-diamond-center/emerald-cut-engagement-ring-0-dot-88-carat-size-5-dot-5


Then you don't have to have anything done but sizing it and you get a larger stone and higher quality setting for your money.

 

[joe5]

Okay, the setting you chose for a cushion is this:

Make sure to get yourself the referral discount at blue nile to stay in budget.

If I were shopping for me with your specs I'd splurge on this setting, which knocks my socks off:
http://www.jamesallen.com/engagement-rings/vintage/14k-white-gold-octagon-halo-diamond-engagement-ring-item-49499

Remember to look at the dimensions for cushions, not just the carat weight.

Thanks! That setting is actually the original one I was looking at for James Allen. I go back and forth on it since at least half the budget would go into the setting. But it does look beautiful and I like the octagon. Very tempting. I’ll look at the blue nile diamonds.

What about this?

http://loupetroop.com/listings/rings-natural-diamond-center/1-dot-16cttw-14k-princess-cut-halo-engagement-ring;7162


or this?
http://loupetroop.com/listings/rings-natural-diamond-center/emerald-cut-engagement-ring-0-dot-88-carat-size-5-dot-5


Then you don't have to have anything done but sizing it and you get a larger stone and higher quality setting for your money.

The preowned rings make me sad! But you’re right, there is some great value there. I’ll give some serious thought to the second link, it’s her size, she’d like the style, and has minimum history.

 

[Queenie60]

What about this?

http://loupetroop.com/listings/rings-natural-diamond-center/1-dot-16cttw-14k-princess-cut-halo-engagement-ring;7162


or this?
http://loupetroop.com/listings/rings-natural-diamond-center/emerald-cut-engagement-ring-0-dot-88-carat-size-5-dot-5


Then you don't have to have anything done but sizing it and you get a larger stone and higher quality setting for your money.

The second ring is a wonderful deal - never worn. Both are quite lovely and a lot for you money! Wishing you luck.

 

[joe5]

I reached out about the .88 on loupetroop, but it's already moved on.

I'm back to the drawing board. Is it best to buy the setting and stone separate? I'm still looking at nice small square shapes in the .45-.7 range..princess, radiant, cushion (the latter is growing on me a little, I think she'd like it, ultimately the ring is for her to wear).

edit: I know that some other threads mention forgoing the halo in favor of a bigger diamond. I mentioned this to her, and she's fine with a smaller diamond, she definitely wants a square in a halo. I'm actually having fun searching. Glad I started early though!

 

[Queenie60]

Hi Joe: Most definitely best to purchase stone and have it set in setting of your choice. You shouldn't go to a mall jeweler and purchase something they have in stock. The posters on this sight are so good at helping with finding a ring within your budget. I'm sure you could find a lovely small stone and have it set in a halo. Check out some of the websites such as jamesallen.com. Enchanteddiamonds.com, and ID Jewelers. They are all recommended on this pricescope site and have good reputations. I know if you sift through the stones you will eventually find what you're looking for. Good luck to you and I know that some of these experts can help you! Check out some of the options above that telephone89 proposed. She's one of the experts, I can only offer you common sense but not expertise!

 

[tyty333]

It is best to get your stone and setting at the same place. Just makes it a little easier (although not necessary).

IF I WERE YOU...for a $2400 budget this would be my choice
http://www.jamesallen.com/engagement-rings/halo/14k-white-gold-pave-halo-and-shank-diamond-engagement-ring-cushion-center-item-17429 $950
http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/cushion-cut/0.70-carat-j-color-vvs2-clarity-sku-723664 $1450 for total $2400

OR for $3000 budget
http://www.jamesallen.com/engagement-rings/vintage/14k-white-gold-octagon-halo-diamond-engagement-ring-item-49499 $1500
http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/cushion-cut/0.70-carat-j-color-vvs2-clarity-sku-723664 $1450 for total $2950

 

[tyty333]

Other possible stones to use with those 2 halo settings ($720-$1000 for the setting)
http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/emerald-cut/0.75-carat-i-color-vs2-clarity-sku-749867 $1580
http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/radiant-cut/0.70-carat-i-color-vs2-clarity-sku-736262 $1670 not really sure how good
this stone is...aset will tell
http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/princess-cut/0.71-carat-j-color-vs1-clarity-sku-748820 $1530 ask JA which is best
http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/princess-cut/0.71-carat-j-color-vs1-clarity-sku-177060 $1510 between these 2 princess
http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/cushion-cut/0.70-carat-j-color-vvs2-clarity-sku-426074 $1520

(But really my favorite stone is in my previous post...the cushion)

 

[apacherose]

Other possible stones to use with those 2 halo settings ($720-$1000 for the setting)
http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/emerald-cut/0.75-carat-i-color-vs2-clarity-sku-749867 $1580

That emerald is BEAUTIFUL- and would be a HUGE lo

A huge and elegant look on the hand with a halo- that would probably be a stunning choice. Might be one to choose for one of the 3 ASETS

http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/cushion-cut/0.70-carat-j-color-vvs2-clarity-sku-426074 $1520

I also think this cushion is beautiful and sizable and a great choice! Good finds and suggestions!!!

Getting the diamond and setting from James Allen will make things much easier and simpler.

(But really my favorite stone is in my previous post...the cushion)

 

[joe5]

It is best to get your stone and setting at the same place. Just makes it a little easier (although not necessary).

IF I WERE YOU...for a $2400 budget this would be my choice
http://www.jamesallen.com/engagement-rings/halo/14k-white-gold-pave-halo-and-shank-diamond-engagement-ring-cushion-center-item-17429 $950
http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/cushion-cut/0.70-carat-j-color-vvs2-clarity-sku-723664 $1450 for total $2400

Thank you all so much! I went with the above, i sleep well at night and am looking forward to seeing what it looks like complete. Ill come back to share a picture when it comes in. I really appreciate the help.

 

[Queenie60]

Great! Can't wait to see completed project. Tyty is an expert! I'm sure your ring will be beautiful.

 

[apacherose]

Awesome, can't wait to see it!

 

[joe5]

Hi Everybody,

This is long delayed, but I want to thank you again for the help on choosing an engagement ring. The J diamond shines up white and looks beautiful - she loves it. Big thanks to tyty and everybody else for your help. It's a beautiful ring (and she said yes!).

 

[Polished]

It looks superb - I'm glad she said "yes"! I love the budget threads. People often end up with something that looks anything but a "budget".

 

[Downsy]

Wow that's a beautiful ring at an awesome price. Congrats to you both!

 

[tyty333]

It looks lovely joe! Congratulations!

We'd love some more up close pictures when you find the time!

 

[joe5]

Back with two more pictures. I'm notoriously bad at photos, hopefully these will do

 

[SparklySoprano]

Just wanted to say that I love this ring. The size and sparkle of it all are perfect! It looks lovely on her hand. Congratulations to you both!!!

 

[lovedogs]

This ring is fantastic and such a great value! I love these types of threads, and when PS can help someone find something gorgeous on a budget