The conundrum of a modest earner.

[sy2pie]

Hello everyone. I have been reading this forum while in search of the perfect engagement ring for the love of my life, but this is the first time posting.

As the title says, I am a person who doesn't earn much, so I need to make sure the ring I am buying is good value.

My partner loves emeralds, white gold, and likes lab stones, and I think I have found the perfect ring for her. The design and white gold are of acceptable quality, but I am just not sure of the stone.

This is above my pay grade, but I am willing to throw everything but the kitchen sink to buy it. But I am just not convinced that £1870 is good value for a 1/8 ct emerald.

Any opinion on the matter would be appreciated.

https://www.brilliantearth.com/rings/cyorings/purchase_review/?did=1464479&sid=1152499&ucg=true

 

[kenny]

A ring expected to hold up to a lifetime of daily wear needs a hard durable stone.
Emerald is not hard and durable enough.

Sapphire is much harder, and a better choice.
Of course diamond is harder still but diamonds are evern more expensive than sapphire.

Perhaps shop for a lab-created green sapphire.

 

[lilmosun]

Given the emerald is 6mm, I believe the 1/8 ct is the total weight of the diamonds.

I don't know much about lab created emeralds, but if you are looking for the most for your $, it seems like you can do better if you shop around. Keep in mind that emeralds may be suited for daily wear depending on how careful she is.

Does she prefer lab created for their "perfection" or just leaning towards it knowing your budget is limited? Admittedly shopping for natural emeralds can be tricky as level of treatment can vary.

(You may not get much feedback on la created stones here as I think discussion of lab created stones is restricted to the fabulous fashion jewelry forum).

 

[sy2pie]

Thank you both for your reply. Both posts have some important points.

Sadly I cannot find this willow design anywhere else, and green sapphires don't seem to offer that deep green depth emerald do.

Thanks for your help and time. I'll have to keep digging.

 

[valeria101]

.

I expect the synthetic emerald to cost $100, the rest going toward the setting ... Inasmuch, the setting seems somewhat highly priced.

_

Otherwise, it seems possible to have a natural emerald in a simple setting instead (e.g. www ).

 

[sy2pie]

Really? That's very annoying. That's one hell of a mark up!

 

[valeria101]

.

I hadn't noticed that this object is close to your budget - www . Even if you would rather not go over, it is reasonable reference for what should be possible. I wonder how the smaller stone I have mentioned before, compares: it is possible that its lack of treatment makes the difference - it is quite unusual for natural emeralds.

Good luck !

 

[LJsapphire]

Shop around, have a look at auctions if you aren't averse to second hand (vintage/antique). My FI is also a modest earner, he picked up my ring (in avatar pic) for not much more than your budget. This was from an antique shop. (He bartered for a few hundred off the asking price & sizing & repair of milgrain was included).

 

[Bron357]

Yes, a real emerald is not a suitable everyday (engagement) ring. Beautiful but soft and brittle. A lab created emerald is better if you want the colour. And on eBay (for eg) you can find lab emeralds in any size, shape and green shade under $100. The ring you’re liking is massively over priced in my opinion. You can find yourself a lovely setting either through Etsy, even eBay. Seriously, check out the eBay seller “mydiamondzone”. They have a selection of ring mounts (that’s the ring with accent diamonds but no “center” stone - you buy that separately and then take both to a jeweler who will set if for you ($100-$200 usually) or even their “ready to go”. And I hope this “isn’t out of line” but moissaniteco sell lab emeralds 6mm (.75 carat equil) for $100. So 800 pounds for a lab emerald is simply outrageous in my opinion!!!!!! moissaniteco also have a huge range of ring settings as well. Hope saying this is ok. I have no association with any of these vendors but have personally bought previously from them.

 

[Nosean]

A synthetic 6mm emerald for 820 £...

You get a natural one for this amount...

 

[737liz]

so happy to see you doing research into getting her the best ring you can. I am sure she will be pleased with whatever you decid on. I don't know if she would go for a used setting, but Ebay has that exact setting but in rose gold with a natural ceylon sapphire in a size 5, with all paperwork, for half of what it is on their site. The sapphire isn't the best cut though. If you aren't in a rush, maybe it will pop up in white gold. Or you could see if they will sell you just the setting for cheap and pay for it to be rhodium plated? It will be an ongoing cost though, every year or so, like clockwork, it will need to be plated.

Another green stone to look at is garnet or tourmaline, which is still a softish stone, but around here, most jewelers are pushing tsavorite garnets hard as an alternative to emeralds. I am not sure if it is.easy to.get synthetics of them though...

 

[qubitasaurus]

I would look through maeVona, and maybe also greenlake jewelry and Seven Fingers jewelry. I am afraid none are especially cheap (greenlake believes in sustainability and has that built into its cost, Seven Fingers is genuinely high quality, tailor made, one of a kind pieces). But if they come anywhere close to the price of the brilliant earth setting, then you are really being ripped off by that option.

edited to add: http://www.maevona.com/ring-detail.html?rid=1389

 

[qubitasaurus]

please note coloured stones are cut differently to daimonds -- so if you buy setting and stone separately (then get a local bench to finish the job). Then you need to buy the stone first, and make sure the setting will accommodate it, also you need a local jeweler you can trust.

 

[sy2pie]

Wow. So much help! Thank you all so much!

Don't worry about being frank and straight with me. I want honesty. That's exactly why I came here.

Ebay was a good suggestion. Just quickly looking on there I have found rings which fit the idea I have in mind (http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/18k-White...%3Ab2977ebb1600a99b836ff3b8ffffdcba%7Ciid%3A1).

I am wary of ebay. Especially buying internationally. But the seller seems to have good reviews. This ring is half the price of the one I originally posted and it says you can change the colour and ct on request. If I can find a sapphire in deep emerald green then I am in business!

I do like the idea of buying the ring mount and stone separately as it adds a bit of time and personalisation into the gesture.

 

[737liz]

these look to be the same but off ebay.

http://mdcdiamonds.com/engagementdetails.cfm?Stock=ES1102PRWG&Country=US

https://www.etsy.com/listing/541192...h_query=vine engagement ring&ref=sr_gallery_7

Now on to finding the stone! I don't think we are allowed to talk synthetics here.

Be sure to get her ring size on a hot day, because uk jewellers tend to recommend a tight fit which is fine if her fingers don't swell in the heat or after a salty meal, but downright painful otherwise. Also remember to factor in how high a mount she wants the stone to be: I like mine set low due to my clumsiness but all my friends want their stones high and proud. And there is also the issue of vat to factor in when looking at prices. And that's it for me and my novice advice!

 

[sy2pie]

I found this beauty. It's Sapphire, and deep green. So it has the durability for an engagement ring, yet is also her style.

Some of your above were exactly right. This is essentially the same as the over priced one I posted at the start but half the price (and also not a vulnerable emerald).

As for ring sizes, I was going to measure her other rings and use that. I have a ring measuring stick to do so.

So, from my understanding. Once I get the stone, I'll know exactly what ring mount to get because I'll have the stone dimensions?

 

[PrecisionGem]

Actually an emerald is pretty hard, 7.5 to 8 on the scale. It’s heavily included emeralds that can be more fragile.

 

[kenny]

When worn daily for an entire lifetime I doubt those marquise diamonds are going to stay put.
Only two prongs at the tips?
And there are no prongs or bezel protecting the diamonds on the sides where the diamond will impact a zillion things over 60 years.
IMO the odds are unacceptably high that an impact in just the right place (or the wrong place) is going to snap off the tip of a marquise, which will of course fall out.

I realize people love delicate looking designs.
But it is heartbreaking to lose a stone from such a sentimental piece.
My mom did.

I wish designers, jewelers, and customers used more of a mechanical engineer's skeptical eye on engagement rings.

 

[Austina]

Yikes that’s expensive. I got a 1.5ct Boyaca Colombian Emerald in 18k w/g with 2 x .15 g/h colour Si trillion diamonds for less than that

 

[Bron357]

eBay is a safe marketplace if you take care choosing your sellers. Make sure they have over 100 feedback and over 98% rating and read through the comments. Also always carefully read the description. A lot of the Indian / Chinese sellers use computer generated photos, not “actual” ring. So your ring won’t be that “perfect colour and clarity” because that’s not an “actual” ring. It is always better if you can see the “actual” ring and preferably on a finger to visualize size and scale. I have been buying on eBay over 12 years (and internationally) without trouble. The ring you like on eBay I wouldn’t recommend. Gems stay in their setting due to prongs. Avoid anything with less than 4 (unless a “v” shape prong is holding the pointy end ie marquis or pear). Those marquis emeralds are held only at each end. A bit of a bump and they will just pop out and be lost. You don’t want to risk that and for a ring worn every day - not recommended. Good luck with your searching, it will be well worth your effort.

 

[Sabrina31]

I agree that I'd worry about those diamonds on the side coming loose and breaking entirely. Just a little food for thought, my engagement ring is Gabriel and Co and I am super impressed by the quality of it, especially at the price point, so here are some similar settings that are a little less so you'd be able to get a nicer stone..
https://www.gabrielny.com/engagement-ring/ER10498W44JJ
https://www.gabrielny.com/engagement-ring/ER11747R4W44JJ
Best of luck and please post pictures when you purchase a ring, I'm also a green lover and love seeing other peoples green rings

 

[SecondRing]

I agree that I'd worry about those diamonds on the side coming loose and breaking entirely. Just a little food for thought, my engagement ring is Gabriel and Co and I am super impressed by the quality of it, especially at the price point, so here are some similar settings that are a little less so you'd be able to get a nicer stone..
https://www.gabrielny.com/engagement-ring/ER10498W44JJ
https://www.gabrielny.com/engagement-ring/ER11747R4W44JJ
Best of luck and please post pictures when you purchase a ring, I'm also a green lover and love seeing other peoples green rings

I need to take a better photo, but the setting in my avi is Gabriel & Co, and it's always seemed sturdy.

I'm impressed at how quickly Sabrina was able to find those, as I think the Eliza, especially, captures a lot of the spirit of the setting you were eyeing (to my eye, at least).

 

[SimoneDi]

What about this emerald: https://loupetroop.com/listings/loo...top-color-1-dot-11ct-muzo-mine-emerald-no-oil

And Caysie (CvB - the seller) can create the most amazing setting for it! She might be able to work with your budget!

Or you can simply purchase a setting for the size of the stone, this Gabriel&Co one has always been one if my favorites: https://www.gabrielny.com/engagement-ring/ER11747R4W44JJ

A few other finds, which are not necessarily what you are after, but maybe worth considering:
https://www.etsy.com/listing/533511...atinum-topped-natural?ref=shop_home_active_17

https://rover.ebay.com/rover/0/0/0?mpre=https://www.ebay.com/ulk/itm/152838528394

Another pretty natural emerald: http://www.multicolour.com/detail/?/details/emerald/yem123aa/&1244716636

And one more on LT: https://loupetroop.com/listings/loose-stones/emerald-1-61-carats-from-colombia

Lastly, here is what nice lab created emeralds cost: https://www.africagems.com/calibrated-chatham-emerald-round.html

 

[Bron357]

And while you aren’t considering pre loved rings, this one from eBay ($1600 or best offer) shows how a marquis shape stone needs to be secured. It has v claws at each end (which protects as well) plus 4 extra for good measure. That emerald won’t be going anywhere anytime soon! BTW that’s a high quality used ring (18k) with over 1 carat G colour VVS diamonds

 

[dkata]

What about this emerald: https://loupetroop.com/listings/loo...top-color-1-dot-11ct-muzo-mine-emerald-no-oil

And Caysie (CvB - the seller) can create the most amazing setting for it! She might be able to work with your budget!

Or you can simply purchase a setting for the size of the stone, this Gabriel&Co one has always been one if my favorites: https://www.gabrielny.com/engagement-ring/ER11747R4W44JJ

A few other finds, which are not necessarily what you are after, but maybe worth considering:
https://www.etsy.com/listing/533511...atinum-topped-natural?ref=shop_home_active_17

https://rover.ebay.com/rover/0/0/0?mpre=https://www.ebay.com/ulk/itm/152838528394

Another pretty natural emerald: http://www.multicolour.com/detail/?/details/emerald/yem123aa/&1244716636

And one more on LT: https://loupetroop.com/listings/loose-stones/emerald-1-61-carats-from-colombia

Lastly, here is what nice lab created emeralds cost: https://www.africagems.com/calibrated-chatham-emerald-round.html

Usually I don’t like emeralds, but that pear cut from Multicolor is just beautiful. I would rather buy that, than a synthetic. And the owner of Multicolor is very nice. I have contacted him once with a budget, and he suggested me the best possible stone within my budget. Maybe just contact him!

 

[sy2pie]

Wow. So many great ideas.

I am concerned about the strength of an emerald. I have been looking for a deep green sapphire, but sadly it limits my choices.

If I can find a good ring mount for the emerald would that makeup for the lack of durability with an emerald?

I can see now how much of a rip off my first idea was! https://www.brilliantearth.com/rings/cyorings/purchase_review/?did=1464479&sid=1152499&ucg=true. That is £820 for a 6mm emerald!

Yet you can get one from the links you've just shown me for £315!!! It really pays to shop around!

You guys are all incredible!

 

[sy2pie]

The willow ring mount is lovely. I wish I could buy it without the incredibly expensive emerald and add it myself! It would save me hundreds!
https://www.brilliantearth.com/rings/cyorings/purchase_review/?did=1464479&sid=1152499&ucg=true

 

[SimoneDi]

The willow ring mount is lovely. I wish I could buy it without the incredibly expensive emerald and add it myself! It would save me hundreds!
https://www.brilliantearth.com/rings/cyorings/purchase_review/?did=1464479&sid=1152499&ucg=true

Brilliant Earth are not particularly famous with their craftsmanship, so I would have an open mind when it comes to the setting.

How about something like this: http://www.maevona.com/ring-detail.html?rid=1389

You can also look around on the site, Maevona has multiple similar designs. However, I would advice that you find a stone first and then worry about the setting.

When cared for properly, an emeral should be able to last a lifetime, however, I am not sure how careful your fiancé will be with her hands. I know people who have chipped diamonds, so in theory any stone can break, but yes, emerald are slightly softer.

Here is another pretty emerald: https://www.etsy.com/listing/548711...ntreated-oval-emerald?ref=shop_home_active_94

Sapphires just don’t come in the same green shades, but here are some for reference:
https://www.finewatergems.com/store/p23/1.17_ct_Blue-green_Ceylon_Sapphire.html

https://www.finewatergems.com/store/p245/1.40_ct_Unheated_Green_Sapphire.html

Also something interesting is a blue- green spinel: https://www.finewatergems.com/store/p249/0.97_ct_Burmese_Spinel.html

Spinels are never treated for color and extremely durable.

 

[sy2pie]

That alternative ring mount is perfect. I trust the diamonds and gems chosen to go with it on the site would fit as its from the same place?

 

[Sabrina31]

Sy are you asking about the gabriel Eliza mount? When you order it you can order the head to accommodate the type of stone you choose, so
Step 1 pick stone
Step 2 pick setting
Step 3 have jeweler set it
Also are you interested in green sapphire? My center stone is green sapphire and I adore it. It makes me think of growing up in the Northern California redwoods. Amd i would love to help you locate a green sapphire if thats an interest