several questions!

[Jay8]

Hi folks -

I have been reading a bit here to gain some background, but am going to toss out my several questions all in one place, hope that''s okay (if I search long enough through threads, I will likely find all answers, I know!)

Background: I am looking to propose in June. I am working with someone I can trust (my sister, who has worked for the same jewelers for years and knows her stuff), but am doing my best to educate myself so that I can ask better questions and really understand what she is telling me throughout the process. I am going to surprise my g/f with the proposal and ring (at least, I hope it''ll be a surprise!) because I believe (gut feeling) that she would prefer that. Risky, I know, but what can I say, I''m livin'' on the edge a little. ; )

She ONLY wears yellow gold. She does not like how white gold/silver look on her. Also, she has extremely sensitive skin, and she somtimes reacts to her 14k gold rings. She''s not sure why, and I also have no idea why. Thus I am looking for 18k yellow gold in the band.

Here are my questions:

- what kind of metal should the setting be? Is 18k too soft because of the higher gold content? Do other color settings work with a yellow gold band?

- my sister lives a few hours away from me, so I want to pre-shop bands/settings online before going to see her again and poring over whatever catalogues exist. What sites do you recommend to get ideas?

- My total budget is about 5,500 - 5,750. How possible is it to find the following (knowing that I have to spend extra on 18k gold): square cut, .9 - 1.0 ct, F or G, SI1 or better, and at least well-cut (not sure I can aspire to ideal cut in my price range)? I searched on here a little bit, and it seems possible, but I am just wondering what you folks think.

Thanks in advance for your thoughts. I now need to go find a paper bag in case I start hyperventilating thinking about the fact that I really am gonna propose.

(just kidding. sort of!)

Jay

 

[JulieN]

usually the head is done in white metal, so as to not impart a yellow color to the stone. platinum is probably the preferred metal.

budget seems fine.

 

[beach]

She probably reacts to the nickel alloy in the gold and would be better off with something like platinum or 18k white gold with palladium alloy instead of nickel. 14k has more alloy and often more nickel. Look up nickel allergies on google.

 

[LaraOnline]

If she only wears yellow gold, I am CERTAIN that your e-ring should also have a yellow gold shank (that's the bit that goes around the finger and comes in contact with her skin)

The setting (the prongs or bars which hold the diamond) are usually set in 18k White gold, or in platinum.

Plat seems very much in favour in the US, partly because it does not need to be redipped regularly (although I never have had to redip any of my rings btw). Also, it is seen as stronger than WG, but it can also be more malliable, in that it takes scratches relatively easily. Personally - and I'm not in the US here - I think the issue of WG vs plat is a trivial issue for the head of the ring alone, and there would be no or very little advantage allergy wise, I wouldn't imagine, if she is only having WG in the setting, as opposed to the shank. But, by all means, plat is easily available for the head of the ring. Better safe than sorry, no doubt! White gold is more likely to have an allergy response than yellow gold, due to the alloy used.

In relation to 14k Yellow gold vs 18 k, I take it she already wears 18k yellow with no allergy problems to speak of? 18k is the standard for wedding and e-rings anyway, even in Australia, which carries very little 18k jewellery, and actually very little of anything except 9k (yes, 9k!

) for fashion jewellery. Even the notorious Aussie tightwads insist on 18k jewellery for the wedding bands, though. Have no fear, 18k gold is not too soft for regular use. It is a tad less brittle than lower carat gold (meaning it is slightly more flexible, in the same way platinum is more flexible than gold) but it will still hold its shape beautifully unless the shank is incredibly flimsy in its design. (not likely to happen as jewellery manufacturers are professionals!)

You are lucky to have your sister in the jewellery business, for no other reason than it is extremely likely that your GF and your sister have 'talked jewellery' quite a bit, if they are good friends, that is?

When it comes to browsing, why not check out the Show Me The Ring threads, and also the 'diamond Vendors' page listed under 'Resources' at the top of the page. There should be plenty of eye-candy!!

When you say 'square cut' diamond, do you mean Princess cut? There are a couple of other square-ish cuts to consider, such as radiant or even cushion... beware! You might fall deep into the magic of PS and not know which way is up!!

 

[Jay8]

thanks for the thoughts, info, and assistance!

I am definitely on the right track - - the subject of awful proposals came up (I heard a horror story just this past weekend) and we started talking about rings. I casually mentioned some things that would get her to divulge info. She''s definitely down with square stones, whew, I was right! As to princess or radiant or other formats, I was kinda thinking princess cut. Not totally sure yet. Was able to throw her off the timing scent. She basically knows I will propose, but not when - thinks it''s several months away, so this is good.

Meanwhile, I was browsing the internet and found a setting that I think she would love. Will have to see.

Will continue the reading. All other thoughts and suggestions welcome, and thanks!

 

[tyty333]

Hi,
Can you post the setting so we can all see?
Thanks

 

[Jay8]

Yep:

http://www.engagement-ring-mountings.com/classic_ring_settings_CLASSICAL_RING_SETTING_274.htm#more_pictures

(Hopefully it''s okay to post from other sites?)

 

[Jay8]

this is another possible look:

http://www.whiteflash.com/Engagement-Rings/Styles/Solitaire/-X-Prong--Diamond-Solitaire-for-Princess_982.htm#

 

[swingirl]

I like the setting from WF. I don''t think the second setting is for a square stone and quite honestly I don''t like the way the stone is set in the head. It''s very crocked and that would bother me about that vendor. I realize at this point you are just looking for ideas but it''s a good time to start noticing details.

 

[Stone Hunter]

Princess cuts are often very deep. So that means they look much smaller than a round stone of that ct weight. So make sure you know if she wants Princess. Maybe a radiant would face up larger. But the stone would look very different.

Can your sister talk to her about these details??

 

[Jay8]

Thanks for the ideas. I am not going to order online necessarily, was more looking at styles that are out there. That said, I will definitely be sure that the detail work is good - thanks for the tip in that department!

Because my sister lives a couple of hours away, unfortunately there is no way to have her doing any of my insider research as to my girlfriend''s taste. However, the last time were were in the area for a family gathering, I had already talked to my sister and asked her to take notice of the style of rings and jewelry that my girfriend had on. Based on my sister''s opinion and my g/f''s statement the other day about liking square stones (generally speaking), I think I am on the right track. Unfortunately, it would have been a huge giveaway for my sister to start talking about rings and styles. (My sister is *very* quiet!)