Starting my ring search

[Cards9]

Hello everyone. I am planning to propose to my girlfriend during our vacation in early March. I have just recently started looking for the ring and since I have little knowledge about diamonds or settings other than the 4c's I've read, I was hoping some experts here could assist.
She is a traditionalist and has dropped a few hints about rings such as no "peekaboo" diamonds, no halo settings, and does not like the look of the pave diamonds that are enclosed on the band.
I have around 10K in savings specifically for the ring. I am looking to keep it under 15K. I am also leaning towards ordering online as I've heard you can get the most for your money that way.

So a couple questions:
- Am I right to be looking online?
- If so, what are the best places to look for the diamond and the setting? I've looked at Blue Nile predominantly.
- http://www.bluenile.com/monique-lhuillier-half-moon-engagement-ring-platinum_44075 is the setting I like thus far. Any comments?
- I was thinking of a 1.3 - 1.8 ct diamond. Ideal cut, H-F color, and VS1 to VVS1. Do you guys agree this is good ranges?
- What other attributes should I be looking at?

Thanks in advance for your help.

 

[Niel]

Yes buying online is a good idea.

Your clarity is a bit high. Vvs is overkill. And you're missing out on great stones if you automatically exclude vs2 or even si1. Lots of si1 stones are eye clean, meaning no inclusions you can see just from normal viewing. This is for rounds. You are shopping for rounds, yes?

Would she be happy just with a solitaire then, sense she very particular? That would be good as it would leave a lot left for the stone.

 

[Cards9]

Thanks for the quick response. I will definitely expand my clarity requirements. I don't think she would like a solitaire, but what I am looking for is something elegant but not too busy.

 

[Niel]

ok, makes sense. I was just worried as you said she is traditional, seems a three stone AND pave has a lot going on.

Your budget is good for what your looking for. But your ctw and budget is ranging. Are you content spending 15k? or would you rather stay as close to 10k as possible? open to 12k ish?

 

[sparkle45]

I'm confused... you say she doesn't want pave in the band? But the setting you linked to has pave in the band...? And I (and just about everyone) will agree that you should include eye clean SI's (eye clean depends on what SORT of inclusions the diamond has. One SI1 can have twinning wisps that are invisible without a loupe and another can have a black crystal right smack in the middle that is pretty visible)

 

[Niel]

Heres just the one idea... You have lots and lots of options with your budget and realistic expectations.

now this stone is a branded stone. Top cut. Very sparkly. H and eye clean. SOOO close to 1.3 ct that you wouldnt be able to tell, but the cheapest stone they have in your color range that hits the 1.3 ct mark is like 2k more.

http://www.briangavindiamonds.com/diamonds/diamond-details/1.274-h-si1-round-diamond-active-104064812018#!prettyPhoto[gallery2]/0/
and if you like a three stone and the look of it with pave, id split it up. have a three stone e ring and then have the wedding band with pave. That way, sense she says she is particular on her pave,she can pick it out. Plus, not throwing everything on one ring.

http://www.briangavindiamonds.com/engagement-rings/three-stone/grace-3-stone-pears-platinum-5557p

Heres a nice one from Whiteflash.

http://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-3034512.htm
But i dont like their three stones as much, and they are a bit more expensive.

 

[Cards9]

I'm confused... you say she doesn't want pave in the band? But the setting you linked to has pave in the band...? And I (and just about everyone) will agree that you should include eye clean SI's (eye clean depends on what SORT of inclusions the diamond has. One SI1 can have twinning wisps that are invisible without a loupe and another can have a black crystal right smack in the middle that is pretty visible)

I knew my comment was going to be confusing regarding the pave. She didn't like the look of the smaller diamonds on the band if they are "enclosed" in the band. I cant really explain it. but for example, she I wouldn't get this http://www.25karats.com/news/wp-content/uploads/2009/06/16212_new.jpg or http://www.bestbride101.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/ritani_classic_solitaire_engagement_ring_micro_pave_princess_cut_marshall_pierce_company_chicago_1pcz1966.png . both of those are what I mean by enclosed. I will definitely include the SI1

 

[Cards9]

Heres just the one idea... You have lots and lots of options with your budget and realistic expectations.

now this stone is a branded stone. Top cut. Very sparkly. H and eye clean. SOOO close to 1.3 ct that you wouldnt be able to tell, but the cheapest stone they have in your color range that hits the 1.3 ct mark is like 2k more.

http://www.briangavindiamonds.com/diamonds/diamond-details/1.274-h-si1-round-diamond-active-104064812018#!prettyPhoto[gallery2]/0/
and if you like a three stone and the look of it with pave, id split it up. have a three stone e ring and then have the wedding band with pave. That way, sense she says she is particular on her pave,she can pick it out. Plus, not throwing everything on one ring.

http://www.briangavindiamonds.com/engagement-rings/three-stone/grace-3-stone-pears-platinum-5557p

Heres a nice one from Whiteflash.

http://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-3034512.htm
But i dont like their three stones as much, and they are a bit more expensive.

That last diamond is amazing. thank you

 

[Niel]

that WF is also a branded cut that would be definitely a winner.

They have lots of lovely settings that you could get and stay in budget. You know your girlfriend better than any of us, but id just caution if she likes traditional and doesnt like some of those things you listed, i might pick three stone OR pave.