Setting and Diamond Balance

[AU_1989]

I have a friend in the diamond trading business. He is going to get me a great deal on a diamond and setting. We have different opinions in terms of what to buy, but in the end it is my decison. However, I wanted to gain some advice from some experienced people out there.

His advice was to get a simple and classy solitaire setting for a much lower price which would then give him room in the budget I gave him for a "spectacular" rock. He gave this advice after I started talking with him about some of the settings I was liking that retailed for around 4-8k.

I really think it is important to have a pretty setting to accent the diamond. I know my girlfriend likes for the ring to look good from the wearers view. A side facing angle as well as from above. I would really like to balance the two. Maybe come down on size and color a little bit to afford a nicer setting. What is your opinion?

Also, if you like the nicer settings, are there any you recommend? What is your opinions on:

Twists
Intertwining twists
Halo
Pave
Engravings..... or whatever other settings you know of.

 

[tmot14]

Yikes--I'd think buying a diamond from a friend is generally a very bad idea. I'll let others with more experience speak to that, but chances are he will not be able to get you a better deal than you could get for yourself. Please make sure you do your research before going through with this plan.

The setting vs. diamond issue all depends on your girlfriend's taste. Does she like halos, engraving, pave, twists, etc.?

 

[mdmc]

I just made this choice. I think it depends on if you like solitaires or not. I happen to love them. I also knew it would be to my advantage money wise to buy the biggest stone I cold afford now then reset it later if I want. I still have it n the solitaire setting. I love it. If on the other hand the setting is what makes the ring for you find the setting you like then a smaller diamond (if need be) in your budget. That is personal preference.

 

[telephone89]

I think 8k on a setting is way too much, but that is personal preference. I think for that to be 'worth' it, you'd have to be spending significantly more on the center diamond. You want a nice setting for the diamond, but you don't want the setting to overpower your diamond either!

 

[heididdl]

I just made this choice. I think it depends on if you like solitaires or not. I happen to love them. I also knew it would be to my advantage money wise to buy the biggest stone I cold afford now then reset it later if I want. I still have it n the solitaire setting. I love it. If on the other hand the setting is what makes the ring for you find the setting you like then a smaller diamond (if need be) in your budget. That is personal preference.

My preference also after being married for 28 years wish I had invested in the stone and not the setting . You can always find money for reset.

 

[AVCadmirer]

If I was to spend that kind of money on a setting, (which I have) I would certainly only be going with very high end, reputable designers. People such as Victor Canera which I personally recommend, a few others such as SK, LM and a couple more that have done beautiful hand forged work for many on this forum. But I do agree with others that I would prefer to invest in a beautiful cut diamond that significantly out ways the cost of the setting. There are a lot of gorgeous setting that are much more affordable which can be purchased from vendors such as BGD, WF, GOG,BE just to name a few.
Good luck and just remember friendship and jewellery is not the best mix....I have read it time and time again on here