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Ready to propose! Diamond purchase help please!

WasatchWarrior

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Hello! I am really hoping I can get some help in purchasing an engagement ring from James Allen. I've picked out the setting and a few stones but to be honest I have never proposed to anyone nor have I ever purchased a diamond before! My goal in joining this forum is to get help and make sure my selections are smart choices and that I am not about to buy a terrible stone or make an awful rookie mistake. I've done a lot of reading and visited B&M diamond stores and feel like purchasing online is the best bet. I'm just scared I'm going to make the wrong choice and get a stone that doesn't pair well with the setting I picked or has flaws that are visible to the naked eye. Thanks in advance for any assistance!

Here is the setting I've picked out:

https://www.jamesallen.com/engageme...m-diamond-filigree-engagement-ring-item-52845

Few quick notes on the setting.
1. The vintage style is key and this is my favorite I've found online or in person
2. I like that its platinum AND affordable: I worry about the small stones/filigree being vulnerable w/softer metal

Seems logical to me, but am I missing something, is this too good to be true? I was shocked I could get such a pretty setting in platinum for $1300!!

Now here is the part I really need help on; picking out the stone! Budget is $1500 to $1800 range. Want to stick with JA since they have the setting I like. Looking to be in the .5 to .7 carat range, but that is only because it seems like if I go bigger I need to increase my budget (can't do) or I sacrifice quality...maybe someone more astute could find something closer to 1 carat in my budget on JA that still addresses my main concerns: GIA certified, No flaws to the visible eye, great cut, and looks great in the chosen setting. Pretty simple right? And you would think that since JA has photos of the stone that I could do this without needing help but I just don't know what to look for as I am a total rookie when it comes to diamonds!

https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-di...h-color-si1-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-1059615
https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-di...i-color-si1-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-2205059
https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-di...-i-color-vs2-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-815293

I'm hoping to get feedback on the stones I've picked out and it would be AWESOME if someone could find other stones on JA that are either better than these for the same money or just as good for less money! :) Maybe I can actually afford a bigger stone with my budget and I don't realize it since I don't know what I am doing? :confused: Also some general feedback on the setting/stone combo...just want to make sure I'm not missing something that will make it look not as nice as I am hoping.

Sorry for the long post! I know that whatever I get she will love because she loves me but one of the reasons she loves me is I am thoughtful so I am trying to be smart about this and do the right thing!! :read:
 

ac117

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Did she pick the setting or did you? We just like to make sure it's something your intended wants and not what you THINK she may want/ Does she have a Pinterest board that you could look at or friends you could ask?

As far as the stones, I'm not sure if #1 and #3 are going to be eye clean with the crystals right on the table. I do like #2.

Here are a couple more options (keep in mind you could get $100 off with a referral code):
https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/0.72-carat-h-color-si2-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-1951555 *gets you the most size
https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/0.63-carat-i-color-vs1-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-2161767 *very pretty
https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/0.65-carat-i-color-vs2-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-2065593 (you would need an ideal scope on this one with 36 crown angle)
https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/0.64-carat-h-color-si1-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-2033560 (you would need an ideal scope on this one with 36 crown angle)
https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/0.64-carat-i-color-vvs2-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-2032423
 

LadyMCh

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Just reiterating ac117's concerns about whether she or you picked the setting... Just worried you picked this based on your intended saying she wanted something with a vintage look, and that she didn't actually say she likes this specific setting. I love the vintage look; I have a few new and repro vintage pieces. I know this setting is posted under "vintage" on JA, but I would not really say it has a vintage look or feel. What has the intended said she wants?
 

whitewave

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Maybe a J with faint fluro?
 

WasatchWarrior

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Thanks everyone for the responses! So now I'm questioning my setting a bit lol! But this is good, exactly the constructive feedback I need and am looking for! :) So she has NOT picked out the setting, nor has she told me what she would want in a setting. I'm wanting this to be a surprise which is why I am not having her pick it out, but I figure at the same time if she doesn't like it we can exchange it for something else. I talked to 1 friend and showed her the setting and she gave nothing but positive feedback.

Now she does have a pinterest board...it is mainly used to recipes but as my luck would have it she has a small board labeled "style" with a handful of pins. The following are the ONLY rings she has pinned which is what inspired me to pick the setting that I did. I know these are not engagement rings but I think it supports my idea that she wants a vintage style with filigree.

https://www.pinterest.com/pin/502784745870798333/
https://www.pinterest.com/pin/502784745870490279/
https://www.pinterest.com/pin/502784745869396977/
This isn't a ring obviously but its the only other piece of jewelry that I can find that she pinned, again she mainly uses pinterest for recipes
https://www.pinterest.com/pin/502784745870902696/

So based on what I saw on pinterest, and just the fact that she likes things that are unique I picked out that setting I listed above. However I am TOTALLY open to suggestions if after reviewing what I have said/posted you think I am off base with my assumptions or you just think there is a better choice.

As for the stones. Thanks for the feedback! If I go with one of the three I posted it will be #2. Thanks AC117!! I like the .7 you posted! Should I be worried that it has a strong FLUORESCENCE? I've read so many different things about that trait...some thing not to buy online if it is anything above a faint and others say it won't matter so I'm confused as to what to make of that. Also on the 2nd stone you posted AC117 it is basically the same size as my #2 just more pricey...I get that it is a higher clarity grade but you wouldn't be able to tell that with the naked eye correct or am I off base? Also I used the HCA to help in selecting the stones I listed, and just quickly looking at the first two you posted AC117 it seems like you also used the HCA...am I correct in assuming that every stone has to be ran through that and be sub 2 to even be considered correct?
 

WasatchWarrior

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WasatchWarrior|1478202705|4093358 said:
https://www.pinterest.com/pin/502784745870798333/
https://www.pinterest.com/pin/502784745870490279/
https://www.pinterest.com/pin/502784745869396977/
This isn't a ring obviously but its the only other piece of jewelry that I can find that she pinned, again she mainly uses pinterest for recipes
https://www.pinterest.com/pin/502784745870902696/

So I am not really familiar with pinterest so when you click the links above it shows several images but the specific image she pinned in each link is the first image shown in the list. Sorry if that is confusing, not sure how to post it any better.
 

LadyMCh

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Okay. Hear me out. Almost every guy comes on here and wants to do the "Disney surprise" thing. Many of us, myself included, are going to caution you to not do that. At the very least, ask her what she likes or make a date of going "pretend ring shopping" so she can try on stuff and see what she likes. If you're to a point in your relationship where marriage is a consideration, it should not be a surprise to her that you are considering it! The proposal can still be a surprise. That way, you get the best of both worlds: a ring you know she'll love and the surprise of the proposal.
The rings you posted from her pinterest are costume jewelry rings. There is a big difference between a piece of costume jewelry that you like and an engagement ring that you may have and wear everyday for the rest of your life. So many guys come on here and claim that their beloved is just the best and will love whatever they get them and that they think they know what they like. This is just not true. I'm sure your lady is a great person and loves you very much, but everyone has preferences and expectations. Seriously, if I had a dollar for every time I've seen or heard a woman say "He got me this, but I wanted that.", I would be able to buy a diamond the size of a doorknob. Here is just one example of that happening: https://loupetroop.com/listings/rings/ags-ideal-1-dot-10ct-j-slash-si1-round-in-sk-halo-setting
 

whitewave

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I personally wouldn't do strong fluro. I think you picked out a good setting for her.
 

farrahlyn

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SO, about the Pinterest thing. LOTS of us gals have "secret" pinterest boards and will use those to pin engagement rings, wedding dresses, etc. I have access to m BFF's board and when she was in a serious relationship, we discussed her likes and dislikes. my point is, ask a sister/bff if she has a secret board. Alternatively, ask a sister/bff to take her shopping and "impulsively" drag her into a jewelry store to try on rings. yes, us girls do things like that. :lol: this will help you get an idea of what she prefers in a setting AND stone shape.
 

WasatchWarrior

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Thanks whitewave! Based on how you worded that about fluro and in conjunction with what I read would it be safe to assume floor is just personal preference? Since I'm buying online I think I will just be on the safe side and not go above faint even if it means being south of .7 carats. :(

LadyMCH- I appreciate your concern, I really do, but being able to pick out a ring she loves and having it be a surprise is important to me. Its not the be all end all, but it would be ideal if I can pull it off. You're correct, the rings she pinned are just costume rings, but it is all she pinned so it's what I have to work with lol. She doesn't wear or own a ton of jewelry and what she does have is unique and seems, in my humble opinion, to be along the lines of what I picked out. If you think there is a better setting that is a vintage style with filigree in my price range then I am totally open to change the setting, but if you just want me to have her pick it out I don't think that is going to happen. Please don't take it as me being stubborn, just being honest. Now as for the link you posted that is for the $10K ring...honestly that is a bit crazy to me to spend on a person WITHOUT pretty much having them pick it out. My budget is less than a 3rd of that and it will be a cash purchase that doesn't strain me in any way plus JA has an exchange policy if I'm wrong.

Farrahlyn- good thinking! I did already look into if a secret pinterest account exists but unless its a secret to her sister then she doesn't have one lol. As for having a friend take her ring shopping I promise that isn't something her and her friends would ever do so that would ruin the surprise. Plus if you start doing things like that then you might as well just let her pick it out, which is fine and works for a lot of people, but if its going to be a surprise then make it surprise! :)
 

whitewave

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The first I linked you to is a HCA of 1.8 (excellent)

The second has HCA of 1.4

Strong fluro can make a diamond look milky
 

E B

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What kind of jewelry does she wear, and what color metal? I ask because the jewelry she pinned is all yellow gold, and I didn't really get the halo vibe from her other pins (she seems to lean more modern/organic-vintage?), but you obviously know her best.
 

ac117

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whitewave|1478206826|4093383 said:
Strong fluro can make a diamond look milky

OP, there is a very small percentage of diamonds with SBF and VSBF that actually appear milky. A hazy appearance is sometimes attributed to the SBF/VSBF in conjunction with certain clarity characteristics. We also recommend asking vendors to inspect the stone to make sure this is not the case.

I personally have a 3.24 diamond with SBF that is NOT milky and it is gorgeous. A lot of members here have stones with fluorescence. I would not dismiss a stone because of it and the statement above is very general. There are several articles and opinions on here from the trade that could help you make this decision. I believe one trade member said that in his many years of being in the jewelry business, he had only seen one diamond that was, in fact, milky because of its fluorescence.

ETA: I personally wouldn't suggest a J color as an engagement ring stone unless the wearer has seen lower color stones and is fine with the warmth you can definitely detect.
 

LadyMCh

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WasatchWarrior|1478206532|4093381 said:
Thanks whitewave! Based on how you worded that about fluro and in conjunction with what I read would it be safe to assume floor is just personal preference? Since I'm buying online I think I will just be on the safe side and not go above faint even if it means being south of .7 carats. :(

LadyMCH- I appreciate your concern, I really do, but being able to pick out a ring she loves and having it be a surprise is important to me. Its not the be all end all, but it would be ideal if I can pull it off. You're correct, the rings she pinned are just costume rings, but it is all she pinned so it's what I have to work with lol. She doesn't wear or own a ton of jewelry and what she does have is unique and seems, in my humble opinion, to be along the lines of what I picked out. If you think there is a better setting that is a vintage style with filigree in my price range then I am totally open to change the setting, but if you just want me to have her pick it out I don't think that is going to happen. Please don't take it as me being stubborn, just being honest. Now as for the link you posted that is for the $10K ring...honestly that is a bit crazy to me to spend on a person WITHOUT pretty much having them pick it out. My budget is less than a 3rd of that and it will be a cash purchase that doesn't strain me in any way plus JA has an exchange policy if I'm wrong.

Farrahlyn- good thinking! I did already look into if a secret pinterest account exists but unless its a secret to her sister then she doesn't have one lol. As for having a friend take her ring shopping I promise that isn't something her and her friends would ever do so that would ruin the surprise. Plus if you start doing things like that then you might as well just let her pick it out, which is fine and works for a lot of people, but if its going to be a surprise then make it surprise! :)


To each their own, but I don't understand relying on an exchange policy if you can just get it right the first time. If you are going to rely on the exchange policy, make sure you propose within the exchange window and that she is honest with you about if she likes the ring. She may be too afraid of hurting your feelings to tell you if she doesn't. As for the link I posted, that's just one example. It happens at every price point. $10k may not be much to them; finances and expenditures are relative. As for the setting you picked, I would not call that filigree. I will look and see if I can find anything in your price range, but high quality, delicately detailed settings, like filigree, are hard to find at that price point. I would agree that E B that, according to her pins, those have a more floral and organic look than a vintage look. Did you consider this one? https://www.jamesallen.com/engagement-rings/vintage/14k-white-gold-vintage-inspired-floral-bouquet-item-58573
Or this one? which is a pretty popular vintage-style setting look: https://www.jamesallen.com/engagement-rings/vintage/14k-white-gold-antique-bezel-and-pave-set-engagement-ring-item-17425
Not technically filigree, but it has cut-out scrollwork. And pave set down each side. It's a small, vintage twist on a pretty classic look: https://www.jamesallen.com/engagement-rings/vintage/14k-white-gold-pave-scroll-diamond-engagement-ring-item-55439

Good luck!
 

WasatchWarrior

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LadyMCh|1478207763|4093394 said:
To each their own, but I don't understand relying on an exchange policy if you can just get it right the first time. If you are going to rely on the exchange policy, make sure you propose within the exchange window and that she is honest with you about if she likes the ring. She may be too afraid of hurting your feelings to tell you if she doesn't. As for the link I posted, that's just one example. It happens at every price point. $10k may not be much to them; finances and expenditures are relative. As for the setting you picked, I would not call that filigree. I will look and see if I can find anything in your price range, but high quality, delicately detailed settings, like filigree, are hard to find at that price point. I would agree that E B that, according to her pins, those have a more floral and organic look than a vintage look. Did you consider this one? https://www.jamesallen.com/engagement-rings/vintage/14k-white-gold-vintage-inspired-floral-bouquet-item-58573
Or this one? which is a pretty popular vintage-style setting look: https://www.jamesallen.com/engagement-rings/vintage/14k-white-gold-antique-bezel-and-pave-set-engagement-ring-item-17425
Not technically filigree, but it has cut-out scrollwork. And pave set down each side. It's a small, vintage twist on a pretty classic look: https://www.jamesallen.com/engagement-rings/vintage/14k-white-gold-pave-scroll-diamond-engagement-ring-item-55439

Good luck!

I agree everything is relative as far as budget goes and maybe $10K isn't a lot for them but in reading their post it sounds like they are stuck without the ability to buy a new ring until they sell the old one which made me think the was too much money to spend without taking to the other person. If my intended doesn't like this ring and or we miss the exchange window I could pay cash for another in that price point while I figure out how to sell the other. My budget is set at the amount of cash I am able to save in a single month. I understand though that not everyone view their finance like I do. Everyone is different and there isn't a right or wrong way, just trying to explain why I feel comfortable shooting for the dream scenario of having it be a surprise, having her love it and if I make a mistake it doesn't screw us.

I believe I have seen the first two settings that you posted. I must have missed the 3rd because I don't remember seeing that one. Of course I have looked at so many over the past few weeks I might be going crazy lol. I like the first one, and I remember ultimately eliminating it because I thought the one I picked was more unique and pretty. Open to options though, sounds like you prefer that one over the one I picked or just trying to get close to the style of rings found on her pinterest? Appreciate the suggestions!
 

dazzlerazzle

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I would absolutely NOT want a modern round brilliant stone in a vintage setting. Most people will want an older cut stone if they prefer vintage jewelry. Plus, Old European Cuts have an extra special elements seeing as how they're pretty rare out in the average populace.

If MY boyfriend had your budget and was getting me that setting, I would absolutely want this stone:

http://www.jewelsbygrace.com/loose-diamonds/under-1-ct/57-old-european-cut-gia-h-vs2#.WBuypNUrK70

I know this stone's been in her inventory for a minute, so there may be room for negotiation..?
 

WasatchWarrior

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ac117|1478207364|4093389 said:
whitewave|1478206826|4093383 said:
Strong fluro can make a diamond look milky

OP, there is a very small percentage of diamonds with SBF and VSBF that actually appear milky. A hazy appearance is sometimes attributed to the SBF/VSBF in conjunction with certain clarity characteristics. We also recommend asking vendors to inspect the stone to make sure this is not the case.

I personally have a 3.24 diamond with SBF that is NOT milky and it is gorgeous. A lot of members here have stones with fluorescence. I would not dismiss a stone because of it and the statement above is very general. There are several articles and opinions on here from the trade that could help you make this decision. I believe one trade member said that in his many years of being in the jewelry business, he had only seen one diamond that was, in fact, milky because of its fluorescence.

ETA: I personally wouldn't suggest a J color as an engagement ring stone unless the wearer has seen lower color stones and is fine with the warmth you can definitely detect.

Thanks AC117! That is excellent info!!! Okay so don't worry about the SBF and make sure the vendor inspects. Got it. Also make sure your color is above a J then? I know whitewave posted some in that color but the ones you and I posted are above that so I think we're good then? AC117: I like the first stone you posted. The larger one. Is there going to be a noticeable difference in quality to the naked eye compared to the 2nd one you posted or the 2nd one I posted? Both are smaller but have higher grades....yet if you can't tell with the naked eye then I don't see a reason not to spring for the bigger stone. Am I missing anything? Also tell me more about the $100 discount you first mentioned, how do I get that?
 

WasatchWarrior

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dazzlerazzle|1478210649|4093416 said:
I would absolutely NOT want a modern round brilliant stone in a vintage setting. Most people will want an older cut stone if they prefer vintage jewelry. Plus, Old European Cuts have an extra special elements seeing as how they're pretty rare out in the average populace.

If MY boyfriend had your budget and was getting me that setting, I would absolutely want this stone:

http://www.jewelsbygrace.com/loose-diamonds/under-1-ct/57-old-european-cut-gia-h-vs2#.WBuypNUrK70

I know this stone's been in her inventory for a minute, so there may be room for negotiation..?


That is a pretty stone. I'm confused though because it looks like a round stone just like the ones posted from JA. Is there a difference other than the year in which it was cut? Sorry if the answer is obvious, I'm still learning. :)
 

LadyMCh

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It is a round stone. It's an old European cut, which is a type of antique round cut (like the one in my avatar). The stones on James Allen's website are modern round brilliants (MRBs). There are multiple types of round cuts. The difference is that the faceting pattern and proportions are totally different. OECs have been coming back in vogue lately as many people are drawn to their chunky flashes and vintage, romantic feel.
 

whitewave

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Any chance of you doing a solitare and putting nearly all the money in the diamond? Is your intended a small person? A .60 diamond on me would look teeny tiny.
 

WasatchWarrior

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Awesome info on the OECs. I had no idea but now that I look closer at your avatar I TOTALLY see what you're saying. I think that is gorgeous and something that I would consider. My concern is that I don't think my dollar will go as far on that and might be able to get the same type of return policy if I purchased an OEC.

I think I haven't done a good job of explaining myself, sorry for that. She doesn't wear a lot of jewelry and I don't see her as the type of person that will be so specific in what she wants that she will want to pick out her own ring. In knowing her and her personality I truly think she will love the fact that I put so much work into getting something special and surprising her. I could be wrong but I have the peace of mind of the return policy. Here is what I know, from things she has said she wants a white metal in an engagement ring and she doesn't want a simple solitaire. Those are the only specific things she has said about engagement rings and she said them in casual conversation during the time we have been together. Next I have her Pinterest account. She pins a million things but it's all food related and only a handful of pins had anything to do with fashion and only a fraction of those were jewlery with the rest being clothing. 2 years ago I gave her a a pearl bracelet for xmas and she LOVED it and to this day says her favorite part is that the clasp on the bracelet is decorative and not plain but rather pretty and unique. This tells me she is going to want a unique and pretty setting. I think vintage STYLE but maybe I'm wrong.

Sorry for the long post, but what I am trying to figure out if everyone just thinks the setting I've chosen is not very attractive and if that is totally the case then I will gladly switch to another setting but if it's just about letting her pick and not the setting I've chosen then that doesn't help my situation. Lady- I really liked the 1st setting you posted, like I said earlier I almost chose that over the one I posted above. Are there other settings that you think might work for what I've described? And is it safe to assume that you find the one you posted to be more attractive just overall? If so why?
 

whitewave

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I really Iike the setting! Its really pretty.
 

ac117

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Most people start to notice tint at 'I' so I think that is the safest, lowest color you should go. Some are more color sensitive than others and prefer higher colors so less warmth is detected. There is no right or wrong answer but if you don't know what your gf's preferences are and you are going with a wg/platinum setting, I wouldn't risk a lower color.

The difference in size between the stones is about .3mm and that would be noticeable. I've had that stone on my list for a while since I was considering it for a stud but haven't been able to find a suitable partner. I would ask JA about the fluorescence, if the stone is eye clean (which it looks to be but confirm at what angle/distance), and ask if they could provide an ideal scope. I personally prefer paying for what you can see....if I had to choose btw 2 stones all things equal except one was an H SI and another was an I VS, I would choose the H any day bc I prefer mrb's to be whiter (but I love oec's in warmer colors).

For the referral code, all you need are two email addresses ;-)
I think this setting is very pretty and you could ask them to add milgrain (I think they do that for free) for a bit of vintage flare. See recent purchases below the setting and there are a couple of examples with milgrain and two with .70ct stones
https://www.jamesallen.com/engagement-rings/pave/platinum-inspired-diamond-engagement-ring-item-41126

I think an oec is also a good choice but a completely different avenue. Would you consider a completely antique ring?
 

WasatchWarrior

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ac117|1478221937|4093474 said:
Most people start to notice tint at 'I' so I think that is the safest, lowest color you should go. Some are more color sensitive than others and prefer higher colors so less warmth is detected. There is no right or wrong answer but if you don't know what your gf's preferences are and you are going with a wg/platinum setting, I wouldn't risk a lower color.

The difference in size between the stones is about .3mm and that would be noticeable. I've had that stone on my list for a while since I was considering it for a stud but haven't been able to find a suitable partner. I would ask JA about the fluorescence, if the stone is eye clean (which it looks to be but confirm at what angle/distance), and ask if they could provide an ideal scope. I personally prefer paying for what you can see....if I had to choose btw 2 stones all things equal except one was an H SI and another was an I VS, I would choose the H any day bc I prefer mrb's to be whiter (but I love oec's in warmer colors).

For the referral code, all you need are two email addresses ;-)
I think this setting is very pretty and you could ask them to add milgrain (I think they do that for free) for a bit of vintage flare. See recent purchases below the setting and there are a couple of examples with milgrain and two with .70ct stones
https://www.jamesallen.com/engagement-rings/pave/platinum-inspired-diamond-engagement-ring-item-41126

I think an oec is also a good choice but a completely different avenue. Would you consider a completely antique ring?

Okay let me make sure I got this straight...the physical difference between the .72 you posted and the .62 I posted is .3mm and since that is noticeable and the quality difference (with the information we currently have) appear to be unnoticeable you would go with the larger stone then correct? If that is the case then I follow your logic, and i think I will spring for the .72. Please let me know if I am missing something. And what you're saying about going up in color vs going up in clarity makes perfect sense.

As for the a completely antique ring...yes I would consider that, I would be a little hesitant but for the right ring I think I could totally consider that. I actually looked at a little boutique jeweler here in town and while the rings were stunning they only had 4 in my price range and I didn't find one that really spoke to me. They were all nearly 100 years old which I thought was too cool, but the lack of selection really took that off the table. I haven't looked at any antique rings online though, never really occurred to me honestly. One thing I noticed though with the few rings I saw in person is that the ones in my price range looked pretty beat up...they had rings that were a lot more expensive and even older and they didn't look worn at all...makes sense given a more expensive item would probably have received more care over the decades. But that was my concerns with an antique in my price range.
 

ac117

Ideal_Rock
Premium
Joined
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Messages
4,057
WasatchWarrior|1478224217|4093492 said:
Okay let me make sure I got this straight...the physical difference between the .72 you posted and the .62 I posted is .3mm and since that is noticeable and the quality difference (with the information we currently have) appear to be unnoticeable you would go with the larger stone then correct? If that is the case then I follow your logic, and i think I will spring for the .72. Please let me know if I am missing something. And what you're saying about going up in color vs going up in clarity makes perfect sense.

As for the a completely antique ring...yes I would consider that, I would be a little hesitant but for the right ring I think I could totally consider that. I actually looked at a little boutique jeweler here in town and while the rings were stunning they only had 4 in my price range and I didn't find one that really spoke to me. They were all nearly 100 years old which I thought was too cool, but the lack of selection really took that off the table. I haven't looked at any antique rings online though, never really occurred to me honestly. One thing I noticed though with the few rings I saw in person is that the ones in my price range looked pretty beat up...they had rings that were a lot more expensive and even older and they didn't look worn at all...makes sense given a more expensive item would probably have received more care over the decades. But that was my concerns with an antique in my price range.

Correct, I would go for the.72 but ONLY after inspection. JA also has free shipping and free returns so you're not losing anything.

I'm glad you are open to antique options. I'm sure people will give you some suggestions and I'll be back in the morning and will also have a look for you! :) in the meantime, I would ask JA to put the .72 on hold if you're really interested bc lurkers snatch up stones all the time.
 

whitewave

Super_Ideal_Rock
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Messages
12,331
What is your time frame? Are you ready to buy now? About when will you pop question?
 

whitewave

Super_Ideal_Rock
Premium
Joined
Feb 29, 2012
Messages
12,331
1) I absolutely get from her pinterest that she wants a halo. (Its only 3 rings though)

2) she also likes earthy motifs

3) she doesnt want a solid shank


I think you picked out the perfect setting for her. However, it is always best to somehow sneakily try to get her to state what she wants, either to you or a friend.
 
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