Setting vs. Carat

[PSNEW]

I am likely going to purchase this here: http://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-2977524.htm

This diamond puts me right in my budget, but I will only be able to buy a simple setting ( something like this: http://www.whiteflash.com/engagement-rings/solitaire/6-prong-tiffany-style-solitaire-engagement-ring-582.htm )

Do you think it is okay to get a really simple setting with the potential to upgrade later or should I reduce the carat size and get her a nice setting now? All opinions welcome

 

[secretagentlaura]

It's totally okay to spend the majority of your budget on the stone and just mount it in a simple setting - that strategy is recommended often on this board, and probably very useful if the recipient of the ring hasn't expressed a preference for a particular type of setting, too.

 

[PSNEW]

It's totally okay to spend the majority of your budget on the stone and just mount it in a simple setting - that strategy is recommended often on this board, and probably very useful if the recipient of the ring hasn't expressed a preference for a particular type of setting, too.

Thanks you for that - I feel quite a bit better about it now!

 

[Christina...]

It's totally okay to spend the majority of your budget on the stone and just mount it in a simple setting - that strategy is recommended often on this board, and probably very useful if the recipient of the ring hasn't expressed a preference for a particular type of setting, too.

Completely agree!

 

[ame]

I would totally sink as much as possible into the stone now, and fully intend to change the setting later. You can even mention that when you guys start looking at bands, you want her to be able to get a set/setting that isn't just contigent on working with one setting.

 

[SB621]

It's totally okay to spend the majority of your budget on the stone and just mount it in a simple setting - that strategy is recommended often on this board, and probably very useful if the recipient of the ring hasn't expressed a preference for a particular type of setting, too.

Completely agree!

+2

 

[AprilBaby]

+3

 

[PSNEW]

+4 Thanks for the input!

Tonight I am going to post the diamond + the final setting I pick for any last comments and than make the buy...soon i'll be on to the proposal. I truly want to make it amazing for her!

 

[msop04]

OP, I think you're doing the right thing by spending almost all your budget on the stone -- I'd want the largest stone possible, regardless of setting!

 

[ame]

RESERVE IT ASAP if you haven't already, unless you are looking at more than one stone.

 

[teobdl]

I am going to disagree slightly.
This is a personal preference, but I really cannot stand prongs like that and wouldn't feel comfortable giving that setting. For me, it's like wearing a great suit with cheap looking shoes. It ruins the look and distracts me away from the beauty of the stone.

There are some okay options in the $700's at WF where the prongs are not as clunky.

Alternatively, if I were you, I'd ask WF if they have switch out the head to slightly more delicate looking prongs.

 

[SB621]

I am going to disagree slightly.
This is a personal preference, but I really cannot stand prongs like that and wouldn't feel comfortable giving that setting. For me, it's like wearing a great suit with cheap looking shoes. It ruins the look and distracts me away from the beauty of the stone.

There are some okay options in the $700's at WF where the prongs are not as clunky.

Alternatively, if I were you, I'd ask WF if they have switch out the head to slightly more delicate looking prongs.

You don't need to switch out the head to request more delicate prongs. Prongs are a finishing detail. If the OP wants he can have the these prongs shaved down and turned into claw prongs which are very popular on PS.

 

[PSNEW]

I am going to disagree slightly.
This is a personal preference, but I really cannot stand prongs like that and wouldn't feel comfortable giving that setting. For me, it's like wearing a great suit with cheap looking shoes. It ruins the look and distracts me away from the beauty of the stone.

There are some okay options in the $700's at WF where the prongs are not as clunky.

Alternatively, if I were you, I'd ask WF if they have switch out the head to slightly more delicate looking prongs.

You don't need to switch out the head to request more delicate prongs. Prongs are a finishing detail. If the OP wants he can have the these prongs shaved down and turned into claw prongs which are very popular on PS.

Thanks for the suggestion - I really like this one: [URL='https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/wf-double-claw-prongs-solitaire.120039/']https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/wf-double-claw-prongs-solitaire.120039/[/URL] but I assume it would be hard to clean.

Also, should I go White Gold o(14K or 18K) or Plat?

 

[SB621]

I am going to disagree slightly.
This is a personal preference, but I really cannot stand prongs like that and wouldn't feel comfortable giving that setting. For me, it's like wearing a great suit with cheap looking shoes. It ruins the look and distracts me away from the beauty of the stone.

There are some okay options in the $700's at WF where the prongs are not as clunky.

Alternatively, if I were you, I'd ask WF if they have switch out the head to slightly more delicate looking prongs.

You don't need to switch out the head to request more delicate prongs. Prongs are a finishing detail. If the OP wants he can have the these prongs shaved down and turned into claw prongs which are very popular on PS.

Thanks for the suggestion - I really like this one: [URL='https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/wf-double-claw-prongs-solitaire.120039/']https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/wf-double-claw-prongs-solitaire.120039/[/URL] but I assume it would be hard to clean.

Also, should I go White Gold o(14K or 18K) or Plat?

No it won't be hard to clean same as single claw prong. You just use a tooth brush or throw it in a cleaner since there is no pave.

I would do 14k if this is meant to be a temp ring. No point in putting money into a setting you plan on upgrading.

 

[doubledouble]

If she has expressed a preference for a certain style of setting, I would get her that even if it means a smaller stone. Otherwise I would definitely propose with a simple solitaire and change it up later if she wants.

 

[Christina...]

I am going to disagree slightly.
This is a personal preference, but I really cannot stand prongs like that and wouldn't feel comfortable giving that setting. For me, it's like wearing a great suit with cheap looking shoes. It ruins the look and distracts me away from the beauty of the stone.

There are some okay options in the $700's at WF where the prongs are not as clunky.

Alternatively, if I were you, I'd ask WF if they have switch out the head to slightly more delicate looking prongs.

You don't need to switch out the head to request more delicate prongs. Prongs are a finishing detail. If the OP wants he can have the these prongs shaved down and turned into claw prongs which are very popular on PS.

Thanks for the suggestion - I really like this one: [URL='https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/wf-double-claw-prongs-solitaire.120039/']https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/wf-double-claw-prongs-solitaire.120039/[/URL] but I assume it would be hard to clean.

Also, should I go White Gold o(14K or 18K) or Plat?

No it won't be hard to clean same as single claw prong. You just use a tooth brush or throw it in a cleaner since there is no pave.

I would do 14k if this is meant to be a temp ring. No point in putting money into a setting you plan on upgrading.

+1 Since this is meant to be a TEMPORARY setting. I'm thinking that she will be so appreciative of the offer to allow her to choose the setting of her choice in the future that prong style won't be a deal breaker for the short term. And as SB mentoned...for a small fee I'm sure your vendor will modify the prongs more to your/her liking.

 

[MissGotRocks]

Definitely put the money in the stone. A setting is a diamond's holder; the main part of the ring IMO is the stone!

 

[iluvdiamonds2]

Reduce carat size??? SEE MESSAGE BELOW sorry posted twice,

 

[iluvdiamonds2]

Reduce carat size??? I say go for the biggest, whitest diamond u can get, and you can always change/upgrade the setting later. That's the easy and fun part. Check out adiamor.com for some pretty settings in platinum or white gold:

This one seems a bit more finger coverage and cheaper! Just have your diamond set at a local jeweler (set in front of u):
http://www.adiamor.com/Engagement-Rings/Diamond-Accented/Trellis-Setting-for-Round-Diamond/18KWhiteGold/633

ALSO, CHECK OUT THIS DIAMOND! Same price and BIGGER, AND G COLOR!
http://www.adiamor.com/Diamonds/G-SI2-Excellent-Cut-Round-Diamond/D19866258

 

[heididdl]

Yes tthe stone is the key and this one is beautiful. and the setting is nice

 

[CharmyPoo]

How about this from poppyseed? She has nice stuff and affordable.
http://diamondbistro.com/category/220/CZ-Center-Stone/listings/36226/Final-Reduct-1ct-Claw-Prong-14k-WG-Solitaire.html

You can contact the original maker here if you want brand new.
https://plus.google.com/photos/113123929108471158858/albums/5782105720343812689?banner=pwa

Similar second hand in plat
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Platinum-6-Prong-Solitaire-Womens-Engagement-Ring-Setting-Size-6-Sizable-/301076808377?pt=US_Engagement_Ring_Settings&hash=item46199382b9

A bit more but can potentially be a forever setting.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Simon-G-18K-White-Gold-Setting-w-Pave-Diamonds-Runway-Collection-MR1439-2-300-/171222038351?pt=Diamond_Solitaire_Rings&hash=item27dda0f74f

http://www.ebay.com/itm/14K-White-Gold-Pave-Diamond-Ring-Wedding-Band-Set-/331097690410?pt=Wedding_Sets&hash=item4d16f5d12a

Offer within your budget and see if they will go for it?
http://www.ebay.com/itm/1-568-cts-Hearts-Arrows-diamond-AGS-triple-ideal-H-SI1-Michael-M-band-/171210697262?pt=Diamond_Solitaire_Rings&hash=item27dcf3ea2e

http://www.ebay.com/itm/1-023-ct-Round-JARED-PEERLESS-Diamond-Ring-GIA-AGS-H-SI1-3-IDEAL-12K-BEST-DEAL/171211830856?rt=nc&_trksid=p2047675.m1851&_trkparms=aid%3D222002%26algo%3DSIC.FIT%26ao%3D1%26asc%3D261%26meid%3D4333978659676414634%26pid%3D100005%26prg%3D1088%26rk%3D4%26rkt%3D5%26sd%3D171210697262%26

Same price but T&CO and plat (although second hand but a polish will make it good as new)
http://www.ebay.com/itm/1-07ct-Tiffany-Co-Platinum-Diamond-Ring-I-VVS1-All-Papers-14K-BEST-PRICE-/331105772871?pt=Diamond_Solitaire_Rings&hash=item4d17712547