soon to be college graduate looking for some help

[Niel]

t brilliant proposal idea taken from Disney's Tangled boat scene (our favorite movie as well as the movie we watched on our first date)?



I do understand that the ring is special and should be of high quality
but I'm just not sure where to draw the line...[/quote]


Haha sounds adorable!

OK I get it, but half your budget on the proposal seems like a lot.

Here's one that seems nice, still cheap.

http://www.ritani.com/diamonds/round-diamond-0-52-Carat-J-color-AGSL-certified/D-ZTRW10

With a setting that isn't quite the budget setting, so a little hire quality but still a fair price.


http://www.ritani.com/engagement-rings/solitaire-diamond-tulip-cathedral-engagement-ring-in-14kt-white-gold/5336

Leave you with about 500 for a special night? How much does a fairy ride cost?

 

[R_M]

haha.

Would a color J diamond in .52 have any visible colors?
Once again, I'm a total noob at rocks, so the only thing I can rely on is HD pictures, but the link seems to lack that feature.

The setting looks nice but she prefers skinny settings since she has tiny fingers.

Thanks again for all the help

 

[Niel]

J is still near colorless, and color is more apparent the larger the stone. If you don't want to spend your full 2k budget and get a stone over .5ct, you'll have to stay in that range.

Personally no I don't think it'll be too noticeable or yellow st that size, at all.

My ring is a. 84 k and if you click on the link to my threads (next to my avatar) you can see pics and me raving about how white it is even at that size.


The setting I linked you is 2.5 mm. Still thin. But if you want thinner they have that 4 prong setting for 250. It would also keep that budget down. A few hundred more than you wanted to spend, but again, there's bound to be a bottle of champagne or a fancy restaurant you could tone down to get everything you're looking for.

Oh and hey what is her finger size??

 

[R_M]

4 prong sounds good

her finger size is 5.5!

 

[teobdl]

Even if the rental boat and floating lantern is the most brilliant proposal idea taken from Disney's Tangled boat scene (our favorite movie as well as the movie we watched on our first date)?



I do understand that the ring is special and should be of high quality
but I'm just not sure where to draw the line...

Bam, you just drew the line. Your engagement ring budget is 1200. Now don't go a cent over (unless you really see the need to).

Two thoughts:
1. As you fully intend to upgrade with a presumably much higher budget, I imagine also that you may be trading in the diamond. This means that you're not only buying a diamond this time, but you're also buying into a vendor's future inventory as well as their trade up policies. For example, if you buy from James Allen, you'll have to spend at least 2X the amount for an upgrade. If you buy from Brian Gavin or Good Old Gold, only certain diamonds are eligible for upgrade and with other restrictions. Just something to think about.

2. Certain people upgrade by just changing the setting of a diamond. But because you (plural) may not keep the diamond when you upgrade the setting, you might want to think more about the entire look of diamond+setting rather than just the diamond. The convention of spending much more on the diamond than the setting really only works if your diamond is past a certain threshold price. Do you really like the setting you chose? Maybe she would much prefer a different setting that's $500 and a smaller (but still great!) rock.

Of course, many choose to put the diamond in a pendent or other type of jewelry, but these are other things to consider.

 

[Niel]

So I don't know the length of her finger of course, but this compares the original stone you were looking at with a. 52.... band I think they have it at a 2.2mm
(The website this is on doesn't have the best diamond info so I don't want to share it on the boards and give wrong info to people so I can only do a print screen)

 

[R_M]

that is a good point.

To be honest, she prefers a setting that intertwines (braided) but not so much with the diamonds on the setting like this:
http://www.vipjewelryart.com/1-05-CT-Princess-Cut-Diamond-Encrusted-Braided-Engagement-Ring.993


however, it seems that, to me at least, anything under .4 carat looks tiny.

I'm pretty satisfied with the BN or the JA option I looked at,

but the other option suggested by Niel looks pretty nice too with only a minor bump in price.

however, spending too much money on this ring is not really a smart option seeing as we will have other things to pay for later (moving, rent, bills, etc)

 

[R_M]

The ring sizes doesn't look much different at all looking at that picture

Maybe I shouldn't be purchasing a ring online?

 

[Niel]

As for your budget. I agree, you've set it, don't go over it. I'm just commenting on how the budget is allocated, but again *diamond forum* so I've got my own opinions do what feels comfortable to you, not just now but in the long run.

I also agree a setting like that would both take more than your current budget probably, and not fit a smaller stone too well.

Have you seen this though? They have examples of it with a. 5 stone as well

http://www.jamesallen.com/engagement-rings/vintage/14k-white-gold-vintage-infinity-engagement-ring-item-17858



As for online, I think its a good idea. Even if you have to get it in your hands, take it to a local jeweler and compare. I mean, all these places have nice return policies.

 

[teobdl]

And just throwing it out there, here is a Brian Gavin Signature 0.413 ct J VS2 for about $700 (maybe even under with PS + wire discount). This will be guaranteed bling--hearts and arrows, top of the top of cut. You could keep the same setting, and end up under budget.

 

[R_M]

That setting is absolutely BEAUTIFUL.

I love it. and I think she would too.

 

[R_M]

Could i get the link for the Brian Gavin Signature 0.413 ct J VS2?

 

[Niel]

Could i get the link for the Brian Gavin Signature 0.413 ct J VS2?

Yeah I can't find it lol

 

[Niel]

Here's one. Good color, almost TOO good clarity, and the idealscope (the red picture) looks fanTASTIC

http://www.highperformancediamonds.com/index.php?page=view-id-diamond-default&id=13

I dont know what this setting costs, but looks really basic, so hopefully sub200, and I bet it could be a 4 prong. Says price upon request

http://www.highperformancediamonds.com/index.php?page=store-product-detail&id=47

 

[R_M]

1200 just for the diamond?

 

[hawk25]

Wow this thread grew fast. Its nice to hear someone else doing floating lanterns like I was planning to! Ended up switching to floating water lanterns due to budget constraints, so I understand the high proposal budget... those lanterns are pricey! I was looking at ordering bulk from a factory in China and it still would've cost a lot

Here's the 0.413 J VS2 from BGD: http://www.briangavindiamonds.com/d.../0.413-j-vs2-round-diamond-ags-c-104063435097

 

[R_M]

What's with the black lines on the diamond?


and how much did the laterns end up estimating in costs?

 

[Niel]

Wow this thread grew fast. Its nice to hear someone else doing floating lanterns like I was planning to! Ended up switching to floating water lanterns due to budget constraints, so I understand the high proposal budget... those lanterns are pricey! I was looking at ordering bulk from a factory in China and it still would've cost a lot

Here's the 0.413 J VS2 from BGD: http://www.briangavindiamonds.com/d.../0.413-j-vs2-round-diamond-ags-c-104063435097

Sorry I know that stone was a lot. Just looked so good I have visions of you find a setting for like 60 bucks preloved somewhere

I'd get that BG one. You can't beat that cut, you yourself said you don't think the size difference is that noticeable. And at that size you want the best cut so its just a little fireball

I'd pop it in the cheapest setting they have if you want to stay under budget.

I'd probably out it in the Ashleigh though, that setting is super pretty! (I'd at least ask Denise whats the best price including wire and and Pricescope discounts she could do sense you are trying to get as close to 1200 out the does with that setting as possible)....

I don't see any black lines. If you mean the arrows, that's just contrast. The black in front of the camera is reflecting off of those arrow. It doesn't look like that in real life. Its a beautiful stone.

 

[hawk25]

What's with the black lines on the diamond?


and how much did the laterns end up estimating in costs?

Those are the arrows, don't worry it won't actually look like that IRL. It's due to the reflection of their camera lens (which is black) when they shoot macro like that. A diamond reflects whatever color is near them, so if they had a white camera lens they would appear white. IRL you'll just see sparkles, and when you actually see the arrows they won't be that pronounced (not black on white like the picture)

I got a quote from a Chinese factory for about $1.00 USD per lantern, minimum of 15 or so lanterns. Before I discovered those factories in China, it was looking to be around $3-5 per lantern from conventional online stores. I remember now that it wasn't the cost, so much as the logistics of lighting a hundred or so of them, plus it's in the legal grey area where I live to light them. The City Hall person just raised her eyebrow when I tried explaining it

 

[R_M]

the bg one being this one?

http://www.briangavindiamonds.com/diamonds/diamond-details/0.413-j-vs2-round-diamond-ags-c-104063435097

 

[Aerix]

Your proposal idea sounds so sweet! It's unfortunate that it's half the budget, but the memory, moment and surprise will be priceless when you look back. The other posters seem to be doing a good job of helping you out so far, but I just wanted to mention this Eighternity diamond I came across from JA (it's a different cut than a Hearts & Arrows):

http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/0.51-carat-j-color-si2-clarity-sku-10185

I'm not sure how much it would be after the Pricescope discount, but it's worth inquiring about if you're interested in the cut.

 

[hawk25]

Your proposal idea sounds so sweet! It's unfortunate that it's half the budget, but the memory, moment and surprise will be priceless when you look back. The other posters seem to be doing a good job of helping you out so far, but I just wanted to mention this Eighternity diamond I came across from JA (it's a different cut than a Hearts & Arrows):

http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/0.51-carat-j-color-si2-clarity-sku-10185

I'm not sure how much it would be after the Pricescope discount, but it's worth inquiring about if you're interested in the cut.

Interesting! I didn't realize JA sold Eighternity diamonds. IMO if you're wanting to stick with your original budget (completely understandable), then I think that 0.413 J VS2 is the best you're going to get.

 

[Aerix]

Your proposal idea sounds so sweet! It's unfortunate that it's half the budget, but the memory, moment and surprise will be priceless when you look back. The other posters seem to be doing a good job of helping you out so far, but I just wanted to mention this Eighternity diamond I came across from JA (it's a different cut than a Hearts & Arrows):

http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/0.51-carat-j-color-si2-clarity-sku-10185

I'm not sure how much it would be after the Pricescope discount, but it's worth inquiring about if you're interested in the cut.

Interesting! I didn't realize JA sold Eighternity diamonds. IMO if you're wanting to stick with your original budget (completely understandable), then I think that 0.413 J VS2 is the best you're going to get.

I think I read before in a few other threads, that sometimes JA has branded cuts, but doesn't advertise them as such. They could possibly be trade-ins, but occasionally I've seen other branded cuts (such as the Star129) while searching through their inventory online.

 

[Niel]

Your proposal idea sounds so sweet! It's unfortunate that it's half the budget, but the memory, moment and surprise will be priceless when you look back. The other posters seem to be doing a good job of helping you out so far, but I just wanted to mention this Eighternity diamond I came across from JA (it's a different cut than a Hearts & Arrows):

http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/0.51-carat-j-color-si2-clarity-sku-10185

I'm not sure how much it would be after the Pricescope discount, but it's worth inquiring about if you're interested in the cut.

Interesting! I didn't realize JA sold Eighternity diamonds. IMO if you're wanting to stick with your original budget (completely understandable), then I think that 0.413 J VS2 is the best you're going to get.

I think I read before in a few other threads, that sometimes JA has branded cuts, but doesn't advertise them as such. They could possibly be trade-ins, but occasionally I've seen other branded cuts (such as the Star129) while searching through their inventory online.

Yeah its pretty random. On the first page I listed a POH type stone from JA, I've also seen people get briella type cushions on there.

 

[R_M]

Would it be possible to buy the diamond and the setting from different vendors?

for example, http://www.briangavindiamonds.com/diamonds/diamond-details/0.413-j-vs2-round-diamond-ags-c-104063435097 this with

with this: http://www.jamesallen.com/engagement-rings/vintage/14k-white-gold-vintage-infinity-engagement-ring-item-17858

 

[hawk25]

Would it be possible to buy the diamond and the setting from different vendors?

for example, http://www.briangavindiamonds.com/diamonds/diamond-details/0.413-j-vs2-round-diamond-ags-c-104063435097 this with

with this: http://www.jamesallen.com/engagement-rings/vintage/14k-white-gold-vintage-infinity-engagement-ring-item-17858

It's possible, but not generally recommended. Vendors usually charge a setting fee if it's not their diamond, and it's best to get insurance for the loose stone just in case something happens to it while setting (if you were using the same vendor, it would be their responsibility)

 

[R_M]

I see. I'll keep that in mind. thanks!

 

[Aerix]

I see. I'll keep that in mind. thanks!

If you're looking for an inexpensive 4 or 6 prong 14kt gold setting, here's one on eBay for about $120:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/14K-WHITE-G...gement_Ring_Settings&var=&hash=item7919ed5ffb

I've dealt with that seller personally a couple of times and they make decent settings. I think I've seen them recommended on the Colored Stones forum as well. There's another listing for two-tone white & yellow (if you think your fiancee prefers yellow gold) and you can message the seller if you prefer 4 prongs. I'm pretty sure Brian Gavin will set a stone in a setting you provide. I asked a few months back if they could set a new diamond I'd purchased from them into a 6-prong setting I had and they quoted me $50. Just send them an email to double-check though. Hope this helps!

 

[pomellina]

Hi!

Just commenting because my ring is a similar size to those you are looking at. Unfortunately, I do not have any high quality photographs.

My engagement ring is a 0.42 carat round Signature Ideal diamond from Blue Nile. I wear a size 5 and my ring finger is very short - less than 2 1/2". My diamond is F coloured and SI1. It is very sparkly and eye clean. Our budget was a bit higher than yours -- although as some of that went on the simple platinum setting we chose, I think yours is reasonably comparable.

(You do not need to pay the premium for the Signature Ideal range as many of the Ideal cut stones are beautiful. Just check the numbers using the HCA as a guide and ask Blue Nile to assess whether or not they are eye clean using your own definition. My Signature Ideal diamond was cheaper than some of the Ideal diamonds and, because Blue Nile state that all Signature Ideal diamonds are eye clean, it allowed us to hurry the process along a bit as I didn't need to enquire extensively about the diamond. As you can't see the diamond before you buy, give yourself plenty of time before your planned proposal to return it if you are not happy with it on arrival.)

I'm from the UK and all of my friends have rings that are a similar size to mine so we did not feel any pressure to choose a larger diamond. (At this point in our lives, we would rather put our money towards a house deposit and our wedding and, as I don't wear a lot of jewellery anyway, I wanted something I felt comfortable wearing all the time.) Our ideas of what's big and small are very much influenced by what's the norm in our areas but I do not think my ring is too small and I would recommend choosing a diamond around 0.4 ct if you can afford to do so. Yes, it is dainty compared to larger diamonds but it is noticeable and, because we choose a diamond with an ideal cut, sparkles like crazy. It serves its purpose well -- everyone knows I'm engaged and it looks gorgeous.

I would pair diamonds of this size with a thin band to accentuate its size -- mine is 2 mm, which I think suits well. A larger band may overwhelm the diamond so choose your setting wisely.

In short: do not worry about the diamond you choose being too small. Your girlfriend will love it and appreciate that you prioritised your financial stability.

 

[ooo~Shiney!]

Would it be possible to buy the diamond and the setting from different vendors?

for example, http://www.briangavindiamonds.com/diamonds/diamond-details/0.413-j-vs2-round-diamond-ags-c-104063435097 this with

with this: http://www.jamesallen.com/engagement-rings/vintage/14k-white-gold-vintage-infinity-engagement-ring-item-17858

I'm dying here......

YES, I hope so !!!
That diamond is BEAUTIFUL, right?
And the setting is just what you said she wanted.
And the price is right.
She'll love it !!!!!
(this is coming from someone who didn't get a ring until married 31 years !!!!! )