teach me the basics

[pepperell]

obvious first time posting...

So I''ve made the step and decided to buy a ring. I have a rough idea what she would like (Emerald Cut) and how much I want to spend (~$15k). I''ve looked several different designs and have decided something elegant and simple would best match her taste.

1. What is the best way to go about buying a ring? I assume the initial step would be buying a loose stone. As I''m sure everyone does, I''d like to get the best quality and biggest stone I can. I''m willing to sacrifice on size etc to have a beautiful diamond. I''m fairly comfortable shopping online for this but how to I protect myself when I make the purchase. I''ve read some of the threads about ECs, is there anything in particular I should look out for with these rocks?

2. Once I have the stone, where is the best place to get it set (ie online or local shop)? I think I may have someone who could make a ring to my design but I''m not sure if I''d need to use her if it were for something simple. How willing are the big name jewelers (Tiffany''s, Cartier) to mount stones you bring them? How much of a premium do they charge for this?



These are some of the rings I liked so far, but I''m thinking they should be even simpler. Any input you have would be much appreciated.

......OR.....

 

[movie zombie]

the rings you posted are gorgeous. you might also check out the "show me the ring" forum for other ec setting ideas.

peace, movie zombie

 

[icekid]

1. many people "protect" themselves when buying stones online by having them appraised. then you can be sure that you get what you are paying for. i don''t know much about ECs personally, but as with all fancies, you really need to see the stone to know if it''s a keeper.

2. you can get your setting online, in a local store- whatever you''re comfortable with. also, tiffany and cartier will not put outside stones in their settings as far as i know.

here''s a similar ring to the one you posted from artofplatinum.com. he (leon mege) does AMAZING custom work. i am planning a similar setting to this one, but with a cushion cut diamond.

 

[Regular Guy]

Pepperell,

The tutorial here should be your first stop. You may find these shopping suggestions helpful.

As you may see elsewhere on this board, I can''t really help you too much on the setting part, question #2. There is ostensibly a measure of safety by having your diamond seller also provide you your setting; whether that person is local or not, there is convenience in having it set locally. From reading here as confirmation, I don''t think you''ll have success with those big names to do the job.

With best wishes,