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Suggestions on similar ring style

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hockeyfankg

Rough_Rock
Joined
Dec 24, 2011
Messages
27
Hello,
I just wanted to start off by saying thank you so much to everyone that has been helping me along with this process. I have just recently started looking around at rings and your siggestions on diamonds and things to look out for, have really been helpful. I thought I would post some information on a ring with hopes that someone might have recommendations on a different brand, that might be more affordable. My girlfriend's dream ring is a Verragio venetian-5007. The ring is pretty detailed and this is what my girlfriend likes most about the setting. I am looking for a center stone (Most like;y a cushion cut but may end up with a princess) that is around 1 carat and by the time I buy the diamond and this setting...the price will start at around $7,000. Ideally, I would like to stay around a $5,000 budget and am wondering if anyone has any suggestions on other brands that are similiar to Verragio but might be a little more affordable. Also, someone suggested to me to take a picture of the ring to a custom jeweler and they could probably customize one similar, for less than verragio prices. I am just wondering if anyone has done anything like that before and what your recommendations are. Any input would be extremely helpful. Here is the link for her dream ring: http://www.verragio.com/Verragio-Engagement-Rings/Venetian-Engagement-Rings/VENETIAN-5007P-4?slide=4 Thank you for taking the time to help!
 
Hi and welcome,
You say that your gf loves this setting. Has she tried it on? Or is she saying she loves it based on photos she's seen of it?

If she's actually tried the ring on, then my suggestion is to stick with the exact setting, expensive as it is, and go with a smaller center stone to stay within your budget. Buy the real thing. But make sure she's okay with a smaller diamond (and that you are, too!).

If she's telling you she likes the setting, based on photos alone, then you could use the Verragio design as a jumping off point, and work with other companies to get something similar and less expensive. But I would strongly recommend against trying to custom-design something similar to this setting -- you'll end up spending more, in all likelihood, and the results may not be at all similar to the Verragio. Verragio has a very delicate and intricate style that is difficult to reproduce.

Do you want to buy the ring locally or are you willing to buy online?

Finally, would you (and your gf) be open to the idea of buying the diamond first, setting it in a simple solitaire setting, and then upgrading to the Verragio setting later, as finances allow?
 
She actually has tried it on and loves it but isn't opposed to a different setting. She said to use this setting as a guide to know that this is the style and what she likes. I think that I definately would rather get her something I know she likes right now, rather than a simple solitare and upgrading later on. So my two options would be to find something similar to this style or looking for a smaller center stone. Thanks for your input.
 
And suggestions on other companies I could work with to find something similar? I definately want to at least explore this option. Thanks.
 
I agree with Lula...dont try to have this intricate setting made...It will need someone who is really good at what they do and will
end up costing just as much. Or, you'll end up paying less and probably not getting what you want.

There are other split shanked halo rings but they wont be as intricate.

http://idjewelryonline.com/product_info.php?products_id=17178&cType=ER

Edit - What is her favorite part? The split shank, the halo or both? Both of these makes for a costly ring. If she could
forgo one or the other we could find more settings that would work in your budget.
 
I think the Halo is more important to her than the split shank. We looked at other rings and the Halo was the main common factor in every ring she looked at.
 
Okay, great. You've done your homework! My suggestion is to start with the stone and then work with -- preferably -- the same vendor on sourcing a setting that has the features your gf likes (delicate halo). ID jewelry (vendor that tyty linked) is a great place to start. You may want to compare prices on cushions and princess cuts. I may be wrong, but I think you can get more for your money with a princess cut. There is also a princess of hearts cut that is sold by Gold Old Gold and a Quatrix (spelling?) cut sold by Brian Gavin Diamonds -- both reputable vendors who could help you with the setting, too. If your girlfriend likes princess cuts, she may also like radiant cuts, and there is a vendor here, Diamonds by Lauren, who I would recommend if you to go that route. Diamonds by Lauren can also help you with a setting.
 
 
I like the diamond. It's got an interesting facet pattern. Again, if your gf likes princess cuts, she *should* be okay with this type of a cushion. That's just a guess on my part, though. Are you and your gf okay with a K color diamond? You can see in the video that that stone has a soft yellow color too it. I think it's pretty; but it will not look white-white, and there will be a contrast between the center diamond and the whiter smaller stones in the setting. Again, I think it's nice to have the contrast, but, again, your and your gfs personal preferences are what matters. I like the halo, but I'm not crazy about the domed, thick band. What size fingers does your girlfriend have? Also, have you spoken to David or one of his staff members at Diamonds by Lauren? They may have other diamonds and settings that will work within your budget. Also, ask David or one of his staff members about the notation on the GIA report about the very thin girdle on this stone. The halo protects the girdle somewhat, but you'll want DBL to give you some more information about how much of the girdle is very thin.

ETA: Just saw that this diamond is an SI2 clarity -- ask David or his staff about visible inclusions in this stone. And if the feathers at the edges of the stone are near the part of the girdle that is very thin.
 
Lula|1326387208|3101274 said:
I like the diamond. It's got an interesting facet pattern. Again, if your gf likes princess cuts, she *should* be okay with this type of a cushion. That's just a guess on my part, though. Are you and your gf okay with a K color diamond? You can see in the video that that stone has a soft yellow color too it. I think it's pretty; but it will not look white-white, and there will be a contrast between the center diamond and the whiter smaller stones in the setting. Again, I think it's nice to have the contrast, but, again, your and your gfs personal preferences are what matters. I like the halo, but I'm not crazy about the domed, thick band. What size fingers does your girlfriend have? Also, have you spoken to David or one of his staff members at Diamonds by Lauren? They may have other diamonds and settings that will work within your budget. Also, ask David or one of his staff members about the notation on the GIA report about the very thin girdle on this stone. The halo protects the girdle somewhat, but you'll want DBL to give you some more information about how much of the girdle is very thin.
Click to expand...


I am so completely overwhelmed at this point. I started out with so many different things that I thought were for sure and now I feel like I don't know what's really important anymore. Now at taking a few more looks at it I don't know if she will like the soft yellow color. I just can't afford probably higher than an H color so I need to try and figure out what's best. She has a size 5.5 finger and I actually kind of like the thick domed band. It's not bad and it's not something I necessarily want to rule out. I looked through the website and this was primarily the one that caught my eye but I will call and ask for other suggestions as well. What is the girdle, if you don't mind me asking? It's just too overwhelming and I feel very over loaded like for every good thing I find there are always several negative as well.
 
hockeyfankg|1326387701|3101284 said:
Lula|1326387208|3101274 said:
I like the diamond. It's got an interesting facet pattern. Again, if your gf likes princess cuts, she *should* be okay with this type of a cushion. That's just a guess on my part, though. Are you and your gf okay with a K color diamond? You can see in the video that that stone has a soft yellow color too it. I think it's pretty; but it will not look white-white, and there will be a contrast between the center diamond and the whiter smaller stones in the setting. Again, I think it's nice to have the contrast, but, again, your and your gfs personal preferences are what matters. I like the halo, but I'm not crazy about the domed, thick band. What size fingers does your girlfriend have? Also, have you spoken to David or one of his staff members at Diamonds by Lauren? They may have other diamonds and settings that will work within your budget. Also, ask David or one of his staff members about the notation on the GIA report about the very thin girdle on this stone. The halo protects the girdle somewhat, but you'll want DBL to give you some more information about how much of the girdle is very thin.
Click to expand...


I am so completely overwhelmed at this point. I started out with so many different things that I thought were for sure and now I feel like I don't know what's really important anymore. Now at taking a few more looks at it I don't know if she will like the soft yellow color. I just can't afford probably higher than an H color so I need to try and figure out what's best. She has a size 5.5 finger and I actually kind of like the thick domed band. It's not bad and it's not something I necessarily want to rule out. I looked through the website and this was primarily the one that caught my eye but I will call and ask for other suggestions as well. What is the girdle, if you don't mind me asking? It's just too overwhelming and I feel very over loaded like for every good thing I find there are always several negative as well.
Click to expand...

It's normal to feel overwhelmed at this stage. And we are happy to help you through this by answering your questions and giving you feedback on diamonds and settings. After a few days or weeks on this site, you'll feel a lot more confident about buying a diamond! You are really doing pretty well, considering that you're just starting out. You seem to know a lot about you and your girlfriend's preferences, which is a lot more than many guys know when they are just starting to look for an engagement ring. You know her ring size, too, which is very helpful.

In answer to your question, the girdle is the horizontal "edge" of the diamond, the circumference of the stone, where the top or crown of the stone meets the bottom or pavilion of the stone. You don't want it to be too thin because the edge of the diamond could chip if the ring is accidentally knocked against something.

And remember, we'll give you our opinions on what we like, but the end selection should reflect your and your gf's preferences. So if you like the style of this setting, but are unsure about the K color, my advice is to give the folks at DBL a call to talk to them about finding a stone in an H or an I color in your budget, that would work in this setting. The vendors here are very easy to work with. They very often have access to stones that are not listed on their websites. That goes for the other vendors discussed on this website as well.
 
Hey Hockey,
I don't think the setting you just posted looks anything like the Verriagio she likes. The band is much more chunky with pave and it looks like it would be uncomfortable to wear. If anything, I would try and go with a split-shank style with a halo because that is what she was drawn to. The Verriago setting is very detailed and if she loves it, then I would suggest you go with that. I know that you also want to get a bigger stone. Perhaps choose a vendor that offers a diamond upgrade policy and also carries Verriago settings. You can start with a .75+ princess and then upgrade later?

Since you asked for comparables, one designer that also makes more detailed profiles is Gabriel & Co. Here are a few I found on the website...there are many options more than these as well:
http://bridal.gabrielny.com/style/ER7481W44JJ
http://bridal.gabrielny.com/style/ER6116W44JJ
http://bridal.gabrielny.com/style/ER7277W44JJ

I am sure more expert PSers can suggest vendors that offer other styles like the Verriagio. But, there is just something about this designer. Usually if a woman likes it, she is drawn to it for some reason other than just a "look" of a halo...halos are every where nowadays. My instinct tells me she likes something else about this ring that you may not be able to find a less expensive comparable.

Don't feel overwhelmed...you'll make a fine choice I'm sure!
 
You might also check out Beverley K, pearlmans is a PS vendor and carries the line. They do offer a PS discount so be sure to ask for a quote. Also, as is probably the case with most of the linked settings if you can buy the stone and setting in the same place you can usually get a better price than buying one from one place and one from another.

http://www.pearlmansjewelers.com/jewelry-designers/beverley-k-jewelry/rings/105PP1/

http://www.pearlmansjewelers.com/jewelry-designers/beverley-k-jewelry/rings/171PP1/

If your girlfriend is open to a pre-loved ring or antique..

this is just under 4K for the set: it's a .71 transitional cut diamond..

http://jewelsbyericagrace.smugmug.com/Jewelry/Rings-Antique-diamonds/71ct-center-Transitional-Cut/18182075_MCSP3h#!i=1398658227&k=rRLQTtr
 
I feel like we are onto something. I talked with her more and the thing she likes most is the "vintage" feel that the Verragio ring made her feel. After doing more research, there are so many other options. She will love anything that I put on her finger honestly and as long as I go with the "antique/vintage look" she will be very very happy. She just doesn't want something plain that looks like every other halo setting (like you mentioned). These are all great suggestions and I thank you all so much for taking the time to respond. The search continues but I am feeling more confident now. I don't know what I was thinking with the second ring I posted. The last few suggestions are getting closer to the route that I want to go. I really think that finding around a .75carat stone is the best starting point and will allow me to look for a higher quality and better color. 6 years later....she really will love anything I put on her finger.
 
HI Hockeyfan-

I've been lurking here awhile as my bf and I search around for rings and saw your thread. It sounds almost exactly like what we are going through so I signed up to give you my .02.

I also love halo rings, vintage styling and intricate detailing, and we are looking seriously at a Verragio ring now. I've tired on lots of rings with halos and come to some conclusions that may or may not help you.

A lot of the halos I have seen or tried on have some sort of "platform" type mount that makes them sit rather high up and looked "perched", which is a look I don't care for at all but you don't see it too much unless you are looking at the side view of a ring. The ring you have posted is similar to the one I like in that it has a low profile, which as you and your girlfriend go through your ring journey, may be something to look at as you ask yourselves questions about what you see. What exactly do you like or dislike about a particular ring?

Also, I may be in the minority on this personality wise, but I'll just throw this out there as it may be something to ask your own girlfriend about, is that I am more interested in a a very nice setting that we will both enjoy for a long time, and then finding something for the center in our budget than I am in a diamond. Another way you might economize (perhaps in the short term) is with a colored stone for the center that keeps the opening the size it comes with an eye towards upgrading later. Sapphires are lovely, and they come in many colors.

As we homed in on Verragio, I asked about stone sizes when we were considering diamond for the center, and was assured that we didn't have to do a large center stone, the setting could be made to accommodate a smaller diamond so they do have some leeway in them, I believe it's something like .25 either direction (at least on the settings that fit a round brilliant stone.

Good luck on your journey!
 
A few other options for settings from Eternity Diamonds, all with the antique look and interesting profile. You can order replica rings to try on at home for many of their rings, and people who've bought have liked the results:

http://www.eternitydiamonds.com/eng...ent-ring/Diamond-Halo-Ring-(.78-ctw.)-381.htm
http://www.eternitydiamonds.com/eng...Halo-Ring-With-Scroll-Work-(.34-ctw.)-313.htm
http://www.eternitydiamonds.com/eng...-Pave-Princess-Cut-Halo-Crescent-Ring-429.htm

A .75 G VS2 ACA princess from Whiteflash for a bit above $3k: http://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/princess-cut-loose-diamond-2668207.htm
 
I, too, love Verragio, but this is a very expensive setting. And, from when I was window shopping for Verragio, one thing that may burst the bubble here - as I recall, there's a "floor" on center stone size for these. With your budget, you may not be able to get a diamond large enough to fit in this setting. The more intricate and expensive settings are typically marketed to closer to 1 ct and up. On square cuts, keep in mind that they face up smaller than rounds of the same carat weight. Settings are sold based upon the mm diameter of the stone, and I'm not sure what the minimum diameter for this Verragio setting would be, or how that translates into ct weight for a square cut. I just want to point out that, even if you wanted to spend this much on a setting, it may not work with the diamond that you could afford with the rest of your budget. I'd inquire about that the minimum diameter of the stone that would work with this setting, because that may be the answer and you may have to work with something else.

In addition to what has been posted above, I like this setting: http://bridal.gabrielny.com/style/ER7255W44JJ
I would ask if this could work with a square stone: http://www.pearlmansjewelers.com/jewelry-designers/beverley-k-jewelry/rings/105PP1/

I would look at these diamonds:
http://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/princess-cut-loose-diamond-2668207.htm
http://www.briangavindiamonds.com/Diamonds/diamond-details/0.733-H-VS1-princess-Diamond-AGS-104047876015
Have you considered a radiant? http://www.briangavindiamonds.com/Diamonds/diamond-details/0.940-F-VS2-Radiant-Diamond-GIA-31821357
 
@milton: I don't know about how the square settings work, but the Verragio I am currently looking at is a round brilliant center with a cushion shaped halo (I have always loved a round inside square-ish look) and that was one of the first things I confirmed with the Verragio ring when I got interested in it. They said they could adjust the style all the way down to .5 carat if I wanted for a diamond. Again, I don't know at all how the square setting works that the OP is looking at, but it only takes a few minutes for the jeweler to make a phone call...

I surely agree it is some cash to throw down, since the setting is much more complicated than a plain solitaire band, but I also tried on a bunch that were much more $$$ and not nearly as intricately framed (keeping in mind I don't have a whole lot of experience with this sort of thing).

You might also make note when you look at the profile of the rings you like right now how it will sit with a band (if you are considering a band to accompany the ring). Many of the halos can bow out underneath and so you'd need a curved wedding band and that's a matter of personal taste. The Gabriel one posted (very pretty!) will take a straight band and sit flush with the ring, which is nice. It's a single shank instead of a split one like the Verragio and not all that much less $$ really. The Verragio looks like it will also fit a straight band, though it will may lay at a slight angle because of the split shank.

ETA: Hockeyfan- I just found your other thread about the diamond and setting and got confused. Your link here clearly brings up a Verragio with a setting for a princess cut stone shown, but you said the jeweler said it was for a round or cushion and have to be made for a princess for more $$$...? Seems to me that if the pic is there on the site, with stye number listed, and the price is listed (as it is on the Verragio site) then, that is the basic price for that style setting (which isn't that far over the pretty Gabriel ring in the
long run)...am I correct? Or did I entirely misunderstand your reference?
 
bastetcat|1326422998|3101770 said:
@milton: I don't know about how the square settings work, but the Verragio I am currently looking at is a round brilliant center with a cushion shaped halo (I have always loved a round inside square-ish look) and that was one of the first things I confirmed with the Verragio ring when I got interested in it. They said they could adjust the style all the way down to .5 carat if I wanted for a diamond. Again, I don't know at all how the square setting works that the OP is looking at, but it only takes a few minutes for the jeweler to make a phone call...
Click to expand...

Right, and that's what I'm recommending. Square cuts face up a lot smaller than rounds. For example, the 3/4 ct princess I linked to above measures 5 mm diameter. A round with the same diameter would be less than a 1/2 ct. And if you spend $3k on the setting, you're not going to be able to afford a 3/4 ct stone, you're looking smaller than that (the 3/4 was offered on the assumption that OP would consider a less expensive setting). From what I recall, you can't go smaller than 1/2 ct with Verragio settings, and I was looking at round stones. Like I said, that alone may be a deal-breaker with this setting, because a square stone that will fit the budget with this setting may be too small to actually work with the setting.

A couple other things to keep in mind with the setting and putting it above the center diamond in terms of price/priority:

1 - Halos are super trendy right now. There's a risk that a halo will someday date the setting as surely as the "enhancer" ring sets that suggest "1984." I'd just want a balance between stone and setting, knowing that it's possible that this may not be a timeless style and a reset may be desired in the future.

2 - There's not a ton of pave on the Verragio setting, but there are a good number of small melee diamonds. With any ring that is worn a lot (potentially 24/7), there's a risk of damage, and small diamonds can and do fall out. You should expect to have some maintenance and repair costs over the lifetime of this setting. Depending on how much/how often this maintenance occurs, it may make the wearer consider a different setting.

3 - It's probably a mistake to think that you're buying a lifetime setting. It's very common to reset an engagement ring over the course of a marriage, which is, ideally, 30, 40, 50 years. Tastes change. People with plain settings want to try out something more elaborate. People with intricate settings want to try a solitaire. Your tastes at 50 are different from your taste at 25. I got engaged 20 years ago, and am considering my second reset.
 
@milton- I forgot about that! Thanks for clarifying. :) Does it have to be princess cut hockeyfan? Cushions are nice too and I think those will fit in to some of the other settings that take a round.

You give much good advice also milton...all the things you say are all things to consider (for my own consideration as well as the OP). I do know about the upkeep issue with the melee stones but I hate solitaries and love halos and that has never changed for me over the years. All good questions to ask and ponder.
 
One thing that I like about some jewelers (ShaneCo is one that comes to mind) is that you can specify in advance what the budget is, and they're supposed to only show you things within that budget. Because once you've tried on a $3,000 setting, you don't want a $900 one, kwim? The difference in quality is obvious. There's also the "brand" and status of the pricier setting. IMO, that's why it's dangerous to just wander into a jeweler and start trying things on without a firm idea about your budget, because you can get your heart set on something that is not possible within the budget. Once you've driven a Ferrari, it's going to be hard to buy a Ford Fiesta.

To the OP, let me suggest this. Your GF has tried on settings. Has she seen an ideal cut diamond in the carat weight that you could get with a cheaper setting, and compared it to an ideal diamond in the setting you'd get with the Verragio? I think you're looking at 0.5 - 0.6 ct in an ideal cut princess if you go with the Verragio, to stay within your $5k budget. You'd be looking at 0.75 - 0.8 in an ideal cut princess if you went with, say, a Gabriel & Co. setting in the $1,700 range suggested above.

She's fallen in love with a setting, but has she had a chance to fall in love with a diamond? I upgraded from a 0.5 ct RB from my original engagement ring to a 0.82 RB, and it's a noticeable size difference. Seeing that difference may make her reconsider how much she wants to spend on the setting.

Also, has she definitely seen the difference between a round and square cut? With a $3,300 budget for stone (assuming an intricate but cheaper than Verragio setting), you could get a .71 ideal round that would face up around 5.7 mm. For the same budget, you can get an ideal cut princess in approximately the same carat weight (about .74ish), but it will face up at just barely 5 mm. Is that 0.7 mm a noticeable difference in size? Yes. I went from a .5 ct round at about 5.1 mm to to a .82 at 6 mm, and it's very noticeably larger to me.

I absolutely believe in being as open, honest, and adult about all of this as possible. This is a piece of jewelry that she'll wear for a very long time, and there are cultural expectations and hopes and dreams about it. But it isn't delivered by a fairy, and given that almost everyone has budget constraints, there will be compromises to make. I think it's worth bringing her onboard in having input into where the compromises should be made.
 
I agree with Milton about using a vendor like ShaneCo because they have an awesome upgrade policy. I've used it before, so I know!! I also wanted to sell a bunch of jewlery and they helped me transfer the warranty to the new owner. So, the company is really great. I've been looking at ShaneCo settings and I also LOVE the vintage look, like Hockey's GF. I had 3 settings I liked in my "shopping cart" when I went there that are all vintage. The only difference with the settings I picked out is that the profile is less fancy than verriago, but that is OK with me because I don't want anything that sits too high. The settings at SC are affordable enough so I can get a decent size stone, like a .75. I have very small fingers and I used to have a 1 ct with my ex and I thought the stone was too big for my finger (I know, I'm crazy).

Out of all the designers and settings I've looked at, I love Gabriel & Co, but my favorite setting is 2x the cost of the SC setting I picked out. I would rather put that extra money towards a quality center stone when the settings are SO close in style.

So, how is the setting hunt coming along??
 
"In addition to what has been posted above, I like this setting: http://bridal.gabrielny.com/style/ER7255W44JJ
I would ask if this could work with a square stone: http://www.pearlmansjewelers.com/jewelry-designers/beverley-k-jewelry/rings/105PP1/""""


I have decided against the Verragio setting. There are so many questions and great opinions here and I don't even know where to begin. To whomever saw my other post about the Verragio setting, while the picture on Verragio's website shows a princess cut, you are correct in quoting me when I said the setting is base priced for a round or cushion cut. Branford Jewelers, in my area, told me that that setting is intended for a cushion or round cut and a princess cut would be an additional cost. I was thrown off by that as well, since the website picture clearly shows a princess cut. Maybe this jeweler misinformed me...but that's what I was told. Since I have decided against it I am not going to investigate further but it was an interesting fact.

The most important thing to my girlfriend is that the setting look "antique" as she would describe it and I think all of the small detailing work is what makes her feel like its antique looking. She just doesn't want something simple and common looking. You are completely correct in saying that the Halo settings are very popular right now and so that might be contradicting to wanting something different. If I decide to go with the spilt shank/halo route then I am 90% sure I will go with this setting you suggested http://bridal.gabrielny.com/style/ER7255W44JJ I think it is a great price and beautiful and would allow me to spend more money on a nicer center stone.

Something completely different that I have strongly been considering as well is buying from an antique/estate store. I want your opinions on this. I found a few rings that are "edwardian" style and have a lot of detail and just seem so unique and different. No halo, no split shank....but lots of detail and very interesting and beautiful. The main reservation with this is the lack of return policy and no certification for the antique cushion cut stones. The rings I am finding are so fascinatingly beautiful that I really feel like they capture the unique style that my girlfriend wants.

Milton-is there a way to send you a private message directly?

Thanks again everyone for your input and time. I feel like I have learned more in the past 24hr than I ever would have expected.
 
There's no PM on here, and we're not supposed to share personal contact info. But, though it seems overwhelming, it seems like you're making some progress.

What I'm hearing is that she's interested in vintage style. Edwardian is a great look, I am also a big fan.

Are we still looking for princess cuts or cushions? Or open to rounds?

Actual antique rings, or antique reproduction settings?

On cushions - it can be challenging to buy a beautiful cushion. With both rounds and princess cuts, AGS grades for light performance, so you can find an ideal cut pretty easily. With rounds, there's the HCA tool on this site to advise re: light performance. Some cushions are real duds, and there's not an easy formula for evaluating them. It's harder to buy them virtually. I guess what I'm trying to say is this: it's easier to shop for rounds and princess cuts, and of those, rounds face up larger for the carat weight. So is she dead-set on a square cut? Does it have to be a cushion? Or are we looking for different/unique/vintage setting with some room to play with the center stone?

As for actual antiques - you would not typically find them graded/certified. However, if you are buying from a reputable vendor, you should have a good return policy, or specifically negotiate the right to have the ring (and stone) independently appraised before committing to purchase. There have been cases where an estimate on color has come back very, very, very wrong. Something to think about.

So, actual antiques, here are some ideas:
http://jewelsbyericagrace.smugmug.com/Jewelry/Rings-Antique-diamonds/98ct-Old-European-Cut-Diamond/17508265_s9dqXZ#!i=1335809847&k=jVkW7n7 It's listed about halfway down this page for $4,425 http://www.jewelsbyericagrace.com/antique_vintage_and_reproduction_rings
There's an antique cushion on there, but it's a very low color (definite yellow tint), and you'd want to be sure that your GF is okay with that for an e-ring.

The first ring on this page is a bit over budget at $5,850 (though there may be room to negotiate), and it's a round, but an antique diamond: http://www.jewelsbyericagrace.com/antique_vintage_and_reproduction_rings_page_2

If you're definitely looking for an intact vintage/antique, we can suggest more options, but those are a couple of ideas.

Now, if you're just looking for an antique-style setting, and halo and split shank aren't required, here are some affordable options:
http://antiqueengagementrings.com/shopping/shopexd.asp?id=1183
http://antiqueengagementrings.com/shopping/shopexd.asp?id=2362
http://antiqueengagementrings.com/shopping/shopexd.asp?id=2358 (here are some other pictures of this setting with an old price: http://antiqueengagementrings.com/shopping/shopquestion.asp?id=371 - I really like this setting, halo-ey but unique)
http://antiqueengagementrings.com/shopping/shopexd.asp?id=169
http://antiqueengagementrings.com/shopping/shopexd.asp?id=2356 (This is for a round stone, but gives it a squared-off shape)
http://antiqueengagementrings.com/shopping/shopexd.asp?id=3333
http://antiqueengagementrings.com/shopping/shopexd.asp?id=3068

With the antiqueengagementrings.com website, while they all refer to a round center stone, someone on here worked with them to set a marquise-shaped stone into one of these settings, so they can do semi-custom. [URL='https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/1-ct-marquise-e-ring.169834/']https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/1-ct-marquise-e-ring.169834/[/URL]


Here's my own personal bias - for an engagement ring, I would prefer to have an antique style setting coupled with a modern stone that is fully cert'd. I'd just prefer to ensure great light performance, high color, and good clarity. It's simply a lot more work to try to sift through antique stores and try to find something great. Antique repro + certified ideal cut stone is a fast and easy way to ensure that you have a beautiful ring. Not that it's the only way, but it's kind of the lazy way.

So, where are you at in this process? Are you looking for intact vintage/antique rings? Or do you want to go the way of the antique repro setting plus a modern stone? Do any of the antique repro settings above look intriguing to you (one of those is in the PS thread linked above re: the marquise stone)?

If so, maybe the next step is to figure out if we're looking for a square stone or a round one. If square, maybe contact LJN at antiqueengagementrings.com to see if you could get a square stone to work in one of these, and what the dimensions would be. Fair enough?

ETA: On the settings I linked above, many are platinum, but I believe can also be done in white gold, which would further reduce the cost of the setting. You should ask about this.
 
Antique reproduction rings is the wording I was looking for. We have decided to search for rings together. Ultimately, I will make the final decision but I really want her to be a part of the process because afterall, she is the one that will be wearing it. I really like this setting as well http://antiqueengagementrings.com/shopping/shopquestion.asp?id=371 and think it is a great option to order that and get a certied ideal cut stone, like you mentioned. To be honest, there is one particular ring (that she found) that we both like a lot. While I do want input on it, I actually have decided I don't want to post it on here because I am afraid I will get TOO many opinions and don't want to take away from the fact that I like it a lot. I think it's important to have another opinion but there is something about this ring that is special and I don't want it to get over judged. It's the perfect carat size, style and the price is more than reasonable. It has an old european center stone j-k vs-1 clarity. I really wanted to stay at at least I color but there is something about this ring that I just really like. I know it is going to have some yellow tint to it but I am trying to decide if it will really matter if we both love the setting so much. The antique shop is going out of business in 4 weeks and so the ring is 60% off and final sale. It's kind of a hard decision...

At this point I am going to go with either cushion or round cut in an antique reproduction and if I go with the Gabrial Halo ring a princess. The more I look at that split shank halo setting though the more I feel like it looks like every other ring I see my friends getting these days.
 
maybe this is a sign that I found a ring that I am afraid to show because I don't want it to get over-criticized and make me like it less. It's the first one I have come across that I don't want to get too many opinions on. Maybe that's a mistake though too... The J-K color is just a toss up and like you said it could be seriously graded wrong since it doesnt have certification with it
 
Well, here's the thing - we usually give advice to guys who are surprising a GF with a diamond, and want to pick a ring she'll probably like. But if your GF has seen the ring and is happy with it, ultimately the point is that the owner of the ring be happy with it. Has she seen it in different lighting environments? Can you take it over by a window, maybe just inside the door of the establishment, to get some non-jewelers lighting? If you both love it, that's what counts.
 
I've only see pictures online. I am in Connecticut and the ring currently lives in Texas. I requested that they send me more candid photos though (near a window etc) so I can see some that don't look that professionally staged. That's the problem...i'd have to order it so I have no idea what it really looks like and if she really is going to love it in person. It would be a gamble...
 
In my honest opinion, I'd get one of the LJN settings I posted above and would not bother with long-distance antique/vintage ring shopping. That's just my opinion, and obviously feel free to disregard it.

If I were going for a full antique look, I'd see if you could do this setting http://antiqueengagementrings.com/shopping/shopexd.asp?id=1183 in white gold with this antique style cushion http://www.goodoldgold.com/diamond/8725/.. ETA: If you set this east-west with the longer side of the cushion across the finger in line with the band, it should be able to fit in that setting, but obviously you'd want to ask LJN if the dimensions would work. There's a bankwire discount with GOG, maybe a PS discount as well.

If I wanted an antique style setting but was okay with a modern looking cut, I'd go with this setting in white gold http://antiqueengagementrings.com/shopping/shopexd.asp?id=2358 and one of these diamonds:
http://www.briangavindiamonds.com/diamonds/diamond-details/0.733-H-SI1-Round-Diamond-AGS-104055878093
http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/G-SI1-Ideal-Cut-Round-Diamond-1452929.asp (ask if it's eye clean)
http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/H-VS2-Ideal-Cut-Round-Diamond-1444664.asp
http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/G-SI1-Ideal-Cut-Round-Diamond-1452377.asp
http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/H-SI1-Ideal-Cut-Round-Diamond-1452373.asp (maybe - contact JA to see if it's eye clean)
http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/H-VS2-Ideal-Cut-Round-Diamond-1450839.asp
http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/G-SI1-Premium-Cut-Round-Diamond-1452379.asp (make sure that the flourescence here is faint blue)
http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/H-VS2-Ideal-Cut-Round-Diamond-1393028.asp

I'd' have the diamond shipped to the jeweler making the setting.
 
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