Seriously...is there a diamond scholarship I can apply for?

[Elegant]

I mean, my guy hates the idea of buying a diamond, I have big fingers so I need bigger diamond for better finger coverage, I''ve been with him forever, and I''m on a limited budget! Anybody know of any scholarships out there for pathetic people like me?

 

[ficklefaye]

are you talking about diamond financial aid? i think all of us want that, hehe

i''m sure the people at RT can help you find an affordable diamond, unless FI completely refuses

 

[Elegant]

Nah, he doesn''t completely refuse to... yes, FINANCIAL AID!!!

 

[Gypsy]

Honey, look into ovals and pears. Lower price per carat and good with spread. In a halo. You''ll get what you need. What''s your total budget for the whole thing? And what is your color tolerance?

 

[fleur-de-lis]

Ha! That''s funny, Elegant. If you find of a diamond scholarship, let me know. I already have a very nice diamond in my engagement ring, but perhaps they also have a division for, err, graduate and post-Doc advancement?

 

[Elegant]

Date: 7/29/2009 6:33:07 PM
Author: Gypsy
Honey, look into ovals and pears. Lower price per carat and good with spread. In a halo. You''ll get what you need. What''s your total budget for the whole thing? And what is your color tolerance?

I was thinking about a pear actually. I really didn''t like them so much, but they have grown on me. I also like halos, but I don''t like too much sparkle. I''m thinking the budget is $5,000 - but bf is hinting at more? We''ll see. I like yellow and white gold and I think I am pretty tolerant of warmer stones. Pushing the limit is that GOG 1.74 "O" diamond, set in yellow gold, but I would have to see if that dark of a color bothers me.

 

[ficklefaye]

Date: 7/29/2009 6:41:28 PM
Author: Elegant

Date: 7/29/2009 6:33:07 PM
Author: Gypsy
Honey, look into ovals and pears. Lower price per carat and good with spread. In a halo. You''ll get what you need. What''s your total budget for the whole thing? And what is your color tolerance?

I was thinking about a pear actually. I really didn''t like them so much, but they have grown on me. I also like halos, but I don''t like too much sparkle. I''m thinking the budget is $5,000 - but bf is hinting at more? We''ll see. I like yellow and white gold and I think I am pretty tolerant of warmer stones. Pushing the limit is that GOG 1.74 ''O'' diamond, set in yellow gold, but I would have to see if that dark of a color bothers me.

hey, that seems like a good budget for a diamond

you''re on your way

 

[Elegant]

Date: 7/29/2009 6:40:58 PM
Author: fleur-de-lis
Ha! That's funny, Elegant. If you find of a diamond scholarship, let me know. I already have a very nice diamond in my engagement ring, but perhaps they also have a division for, err, graduate and post-Doc advancement?

EXACTLY...what should the scholarship requirements read:
Applicant should fulfill one or more of the following requirements, and actually, the more requirements fulfilled, the more we will pity you and you will more than likely win the scholarship...you obviously need guidance in your life and a chance at a semi-beautiful stone:
1. Individual dedicated to life-long learning and instilling that learning in others
2. Elementary school teacher who takes a mental beating 10 months out of the school year from wicked children and parents
3. Has been in a relationship with bf for more that 16 years (couple doesn't necessarily want to get married but wants a stone to signify the commitment they have shared for such a long period of time)
4. Has chunky fingers and the additional cash would improve finger coverage of applicant
5. Has spent the past 15 years after graduating from high school in higher education and is working on their doctorate...

Hmmm...any other suggestions?

 

[somethingshiny]

I completely get it, my w-ring is a size 9.75. Anything under 3 carats is just too small.

 

[lyra]

Have you considered the possibility of buying a 5 stone band instead, that could become your wedding band later? I say this because I currently have a 1.77RB with a size 7 finger, and it doesn''t give as much coverage as I imagined. I find myself wishing I had gone for a 5 stone .30 to .40 ct each instead. It''s bling, but it''s classic and the coverage is there. Then one day for an anniversary you could get the solitaire of your dreams, size and shape that you love. Just a thought.

 

[Elegant]

Date: 7/29/2009 7:38:58 PM
Author: lyra
Have you considered the possibility of buying a 5 stone band instead, that could become your wedding band later? I say this because I currently have a 1.77RB with a size 7 finger, and it doesn''t give as much coverage as I imagined. I find myself wishing I had gone for a 5 stone .30 to .40 ct each instead. It''s bling, but it''s classic and the coverage is there. Then one day for an anniversary you could get the solitaire of your dreams, size and shape that you love. Just a thought.

Hmmm...that is a thought. I haven''t really been interested in the 5 or 3 stone rings, but then again, I haven''t tried them on either. I don''t think we will ever get married, but I do like your approach to the ring situation! Thank you!

 

[elle_chris]

Date: 7/29/2009 7:38:58 PM
Author: lyra
Have you considered the possibility of buying a 5 stone band instead, that could become your wedding band later? I say this because I currently have a 1.77RB with a size 7 finger, and it doesn't give as much coverage as I imagined. I find myself wishing I had gone for a 5 stone .30 to .40 ct each instead. It's bling, but it's classic and the coverage is there. Then one day for an anniversary you could get the solitaire of your dreams, size and shape that you love. Just a thought.

I agree. I have a 5 stone with half carats but 40's would look pretty much the same. The thing gives me a ton of coverage. Ring size 7, 7 1/2.

 

[Elegant]

Date: 7/29/2009 7:29:58 PM
Author: somethingshiny
I completely get it, my w-ring is a size 9.75. Anything under 3 carats is just too small.

I think the original ER/WR that I bought 15 years ago in hopes that we would get married had 3 stones and I think the center stone is about .25 and it really isn't that bad. I just want something stunning, simple, not too flashy, and gorgeous!

I have to give a shout out to arjunajune's James Meyer Garnet bezel ring. I absolutely love that ring and was wondering if that might also be an option for me. A colored stone (I was originally thinking pink tourmaline) in a very beautiful setting like that, but with a single tiny diamond on either side of the ring...I don't know.

 

[audball]

Date: 7/29/2009 7:59:59 PM
Author: Elegant

Date: 7/29/2009 7:29:58 PM

Author: somethingshiny

I completely get it, my w-ring is a size 9.75. Anything under 3 carats is just too small.

I think the original ER/WR that I bought 15 years ago in hopes that we would get married had 3 stones and I think the center stone is about .25 and it really isn''t that bad. I just want something stunning, simple, not too flashy, and gorgeous!


I have to give a shout out to arjunajune''s James Meyer Garnet bezel ring. I absolutely love that ring and was wondering if that might also be an option for me. A colored stone (I was originally thinking pink tourmaline) in a very beautiful setting like that, but with a single tiny diamond on either side of the ring...I don''t know.

Elegant,

If you really loved AJ''s garnet in the James Meyer setting, you may love this option. It''s a ring that is already made the Jim has for sale on his site. It''s a:

(Quote from site)
"one-of-a-kind 18k yellow gold forged and fabricated ring with platinum wraps. The 2.82ct. pink-purple star sapphire measures 7.4mm by 7.8mm and comes from Ceylon. The sapphire has a 22k millegrained bezel. The 2 modern brilliant cut diamonds are each 0.04cts. and have platinum bezels. $2810"

Comes in way under budget is close to 3 carats in a pink-ish color you mentioned would offer some nice coverage in that size with the bezel and has the two small side diamonds you mentioned adding to the JM1345.

James Meyer Ring

 

[vespergirl]

You might even want to check out a marquise in a halo - really any of the elongated shapes give much better finger coverage (oval, pear). Also, consider something like a K SI2 stone.

 

[audball]

Side with small diamonds

 

[audball]

And the yummy profile

 

[somethingshiny]

Date: 7/29/2009 7:59:59 PM
Author: Elegant

Date: 7/29/2009 7:29:58 PM

Author: somethingshiny

I completely get it, my w-ring is a size 9.75. Anything under 3 carats is just too small.

I think the original ER/WR that I bought 15 years ago in hopes that we would get married had 3 stones and I think the center stone is about .25 and it really isn''t that bad. I just want something stunning, simple, not too flashy, and gorgeous!


I have to give a shout out to arjunajune''s James Meyer Garnet bezel ring. I absolutely love that ring and was wondering if that might also be an option for me. A colored stone (I was originally thinking pink tourmaline) in a very beautiful setting like that, but with a single tiny diamond on either side of the ring...I don''t know.

My ring now is a .77 cushion with a wide three-row pave band. For me, the wide band makes up for the not-so-big stone. (I got married in a .25 pear, so the .77 is a huge leap for me!)

 

[Elegant]

Date: 7/29/2009 9:17:57 PM
Author: audball

Date: 7/29/2009 7:59:59 PM
Author: Elegant

Date: 7/29/2009 7:29:58 PM
Author: somethingshiny

I completely get it, my w-ring is a size 9.75. Anything under 3 carats is just too small.

I think the original ER/WR that I bought 15 years ago in hopes that we would get married had 3 stones and I think the center stone is about .25 and it really isn''t that bad. I just want something stunning, simple, not too flashy, and gorgeous!

I have to give a shout out to arjunajune''s James Meyer Garnet bezel ring. I absolutely love that ring and was wondering if that might also be an option for me. A colored stone (I was originally thinking pink tourmaline) in a very beautiful setting like that, but with a single tiny diamond on either side of the ring...I don''t know.

Elegant,
If you really loved AJ''s garnet in the James Meyer setting, you may love this option. It''s a ring that is already made the Jim has for sale on his site. It''s a:
(Quote from site)
''one-of-a-kind 18k yellow gold forged and fabricated ring with platinum wraps. The 2.82ct. pink-purple star sapphire measures 7.4mm by 7.8mm and comes from Ceylon. The sapphire has a 22k millegrained bezel. The 2 modern brilliant cut diamonds are each 0.04cts. and have platinum bezels. $2810''

Comes in way under budget is close to 3 carats in a pink-ish color you mentioned would offer some nice coverage in that size with the bezel and has the two small side diamonds you mentioned adding to the JM1345.
James Meyer Ring

OMG - that is beautiful, very pretty color sapphire, and with diamonds. I was thinking I wanted the diamonds on the shank of the ring where the white gold sections are at - I want to stick a tiny diamond on either side. This is way under budget and is doable...thank you!

Does anybody know how much the 1345 setting is by itself?

 

[Elegant]

Date: 7/29/2009 9:18:11 PM
Author: vespergirl
You might even want to check out a marquise in a halo - really any of the elongated shapes give much better finger coverage (oval, pear). Also, consider something like a K SI2 stone.

You know, I was looking at marquise''s too. I used to hate them - the really skinny and sharp ones. I like them chubby!

Thanks!

 

[Elegant]

Date: 7/29/2009 9:18:51 PM
Author: audball
And the yummy profile

That is gorgeous!!!

 

[onvacation]

Only one that I can think of.. There''s this great website called PS that gives out 1k for dedicated members who do lotsa community service. Check it out.

It''ll take some time, but you know what they say: well begun''s half done!

 

[Elegant]

Date: 7/29/2009 10:56:59 PM
Author: onvacation
Only one that I can think of.. There''s this great website called PS that gives out 1k for dedicated members who do lotsa community service. Check it out.

It''ll take some time, but you know what they say: well begun''s half done!

Oh, I am completely aware of that 1k...I am far from getting it, that''s for sure...not to be a downer or anything, but I can handle the truth. They won''t give it to someone who hasn''t purchased anything from any of the vendors and doesn''t have much experience...I wish I knew the criteria because I would be all over that! I try to contribute as much as I can, but I still feel invisible here sometimes.

 

[swimmer]

Elegant, you totally qualify for the colored stone stimulus plan.
Get thee to Colored Stones!

 

[jmtomaui]

Date: 7/29/2009 11:36:39 PM
Author: Elegant

Date: 7/29/2009 10:56:59 PM
Author: onvacation
Only one that I can think of.. There''s this great website called PS that gives out 1k for dedicated members who do lotsa community service. Check it out.

It''ll take some time, but you know what they say: well begun''s half done!

Oh, I am completely aware of that 1k...I am far from getting it, that''s for sure...not to be a downer or anything, but I can handle the truth. They won''t give it to someone who hasn''t purchased anything from any of the vendors and doesn''t have much experience...I wish I knew the criteria because I would be all over that! I try to contribute as much as I can, but I still feel invisible here sometimes.

The $1,000 is not a "for sure" gift from PS. When a poster reaches 10,000 posts, the administrators look at the person, and their contributions, and if they have made a significantly positive impact to the board, they may offer a thank you gift to that poster. When I say "positive" it is not that they posted 10,000 "Oh how pretty" posts but that they took the time to share the knowledge that they have gained with regard to diamonds, colored stones, etc. They helped new members increase their knowledge base. Helped others find stones with educated, constructive comments delivered in a kind manner that encourages all members to learn rather than discourages them.

This is in no way related to their personal purchases. For all I know, some may have never purchased a diamond (although I doubt it) let alone from a known vendor. But they love diamonds enough to go beyond the ordinary to learn about diamonds, the science, the math, the art, the beauty and they share that knowledge with anyone that cares enough to ask.

Elegant, I''m not suggesting that your posts have not been helpful and positive to all. I''m just trying to give a little insight into what I think has been done in the past.

Admin, if I have this wrong, or am out of line with trying to explain your generous gifts, please do feel free to delete my response. Thanks!

 

[Burberrygirl]

Check out this link if you want an idea for a warm oval diamond with lots of finger coverage. I don't really know what your style is, but a lot of vintage rings have double halos which = lots of coverage. I wear a 9.5 ring so I feel your pain. I know you like tourmalines too, and they have a couple pretty ones on Fay Cullen:

example

example 2

Here is another oval diamond, this time with sapphires (you could always recreate this without the sapphires):

http://faycullen.com/rings/800/f529r1ds.html

Doesn't that look huge for 1.28 cts?

Those are just a few ideas, good luck!

 

[Lilac]

I think if you decide to go with diamonds, an eternity band or 7-stone band could be AMAZING with that budget!

 

[audball]

Date: 7/29/2009 10:27:59 PM
Author: Elegant

Date: 7/29/2009 9:17:57 PM

Author: audball

Date: 7/29/2009 7:59:59 PM

Author: Elegant

Date: 7/29/2009 7:29:58 PM

Author: somethingshiny


I completely get it, my w-ring is a size 9.75. Anything under 3 carats is just too small.

I think the original ER/WR that I bought 15 years ago in hopes that we would get married had 3 stones and I think the center stone is about .25 and it really isn''t that bad. I just want something stunning, simple, not too flashy, and gorgeous!


I have to give a shout out to arjunajune''s James Meyer Garnet bezel ring. I absolutely love that ring and was wondering if that might also be an option for me. A colored stone (I was originally thinking pink tourmaline) in a very beautiful setting like that, but with a single tiny diamond on either side of the ring...I don''t know.

Elegant,

If you really loved AJ''s garnet in the James Meyer setting, you may love this option. It''s a ring that is already made the Jim has for sale on his site. It''s a:

(Quote from site)

''one-of-a-kind 18k yellow gold forged and fabricated ring with platinum wraps. The 2.82ct. pink-purple star sapphire measures 7.4mm by 7.8mm and comes from Ceylon. The sapphire has a 22k millegrained bezel. The 2 modern brilliant cut diamonds are each 0.04cts. and have platinum bezels. $2810''


Comes in way under budget is close to 3 carats in a pink-ish color you mentioned would offer some nice coverage in that size with the bezel and has the two small side diamonds you mentioned adding to the JM1345.

James Meyer Ring

OMG - that is beautiful, very pretty color sapphire, and with diamonds. I was thinking I wanted the diamonds on the shank of the ring where the white gold sections are at - I want to stick a tiny diamond on either side. This is way under budget and is doable...thank you!


Does anybody know how much the 1345 setting is by itself?

I called Jim for a quote awhile back because this is my DREAM setting (the 1345) for the future when I get around to getting engaged/married. I wanted an idea of what it was going to cost so that I could best discuss with FF the budget for stone vs. setting, etc. He didn''t say that information was private so I don''t mind sharing my experience, however, if you''re interested the current pricing would be best asked of him. He is very nice!!

He quoted me 18k gold (white plated or unplated, yellow, rose, etc) with platinum wraps and bezel $1200, all platinum $1800.

Good luck!

 

[Gypsy]

http://www.highperformancediamonds.com/index.php?page=view-id-diamond-infinity&id=628 I''d stick this one into a James Meyer Bezel, with unplated white gold. Would be truly stunning.

 

[Gypsy]

Alternately... ask Jon if he can find something like this but with no bowtie... Look Ma, I'm 9 x 6 (hello finger coverage) and I'm only 3K!

http://www.goodoldgold.com/diamond/4909/ Then I'd just do a simple tapered baguette setting in white gold and be done with it.


This one has promise from JA:

http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/H-VS2-Ideal-Cut-Pear-Diamond-1232167.asp 8 x 6



And any of these settings would be lovely with in.

http://www.jamesallen.com/engagement-rings/settings-with-sidestones/ring/item_58-1908.asp

http://www.jamesallen.com/engagement-rings/settings-with-sidestones/ring/item_58-869.asp

http://www.jamesallen.com/engagement-rings/settings-with-sidestones/White-Gold-Engagement-Ring.html


If you want a white diamond I'd go with the pear.

If you can handle some warmth... I'd go with that Infinity in a James Meyer.