The perfect ring on a modest budget. Help please!

[SouthernCharm]

I have been looking at diamonds, reading articles, and browsing this forum for months now. I am still no closer to trusting my judgment on a purchase so I'm turning to Pricescope for help.

My girlfriend deserves the very best, and even though I am nowhere near able to afford the best, I'd love to wow her if I can. She's given me numerous ideas, so I have plenty to go on, there are just so many variables in buying a diamond. I know the trusted vendors, and catch myself looking multiple times daily but never any closer to pulling the trigger.

She's a simple girl who understands that I can't provide her with a rock, but I still want her to love the ring. So with that, I'd like to offer as much info as I can and let the forum help with my decision.

Budget: $3000-3500
Stone choice: Cushion (extremely preferable), Round, Princess. In regards to the cushion cut, I have no idea about faceting patterns and that is probably my biggest holdup.
Size: I'm hoping with the budget for somewhere around .75
Color: She likes whiter, but in reality she just wants it to sparkle and dazzle.
Cut, clarity, symmetry: The best I can afford
Fluorescence: I don't believe she has a preference, but I have read that fluorescence can make a slightly darker stone shine whiter and if that works then I'm for it!

Setting: She loves the halo look, which works for me since with a smaller size center stone it would appear larger. She does not like the floating halo, and wants the halo to be snug around the stone (no gaps). She is ok with the mismatch(round stone, cushion halo). She does not like bezels, and does not like the stones on the band to have a border. I guess she likes the pave style better? I also know she would like no halo if the stone was large enough(unlikely, I know), and I know she would like a simple halo with just a plain band if it was stunning enough. I understand halo settings can be more expensive, and as long as the setting has stones on the band I believe she would love it. And if that were the case, perhaps I could afford a larger stone. I would also like a setting where finding a matching band wouldn't be such a challenge.

Thank you all who choose to provide assistance. She and I will be eternally grateful! Images of the final product will most definitely be provided.

Sample images taken from her pinterest account

 

[Gypsy]

Cushions and princesses face up small for their carat weight. You are better off in your budget getting a round and putting it in a cushion shaped halo.

Let's see what we can find for you.

 

[texaskj]

SouthernCharm, I'm going to let the experts around here give you their suggestions, but just wanted to let you know, you've come to the right place and your budget is nothing to sneeze at. These folks can really sniff out the best stones for the best prices. Good luck!

 

[SouthernCharm]

Gypsy, I have read about the face up size issue and am open to any suggestions, thank you!

And texas, that's what I was hoping to hear! I've seen numerous people get help and have tried to just sit back and learn, but I'm now ready for help myself.

 

[tyty333]

I'm giving you some JA choices with cushions.
You can do this with a cushion...
http://www.jamesallen.com/engagement-rings/halo/14k-white-gold-pave-halo-and-shank-diamond-engagement-ring-cushion-center-item-17429

And here are some cushions that would be worth taking a look at...
http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/cushion-cut/0.71-carat-g-color-vs2-clarity-sku-319982
http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/cushion-cut/0.70-carat-d-color-vs2-clarity-sku-304157

If you were to go round like Gypsy said here are some options...
http://www.jamesallen.com/engagement-rings/halo/14k-white-gold-pave-halo-and-twisted-shank-solitaire-item-17466
http://www.jamesallen.com/engagement-rings/halo/14k-white-gold-pave-halo-and-shank-diamond-engagement-ring-round-center-item-17445

Stones...
http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/0.71-carat-j-color-vs2-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-314742
http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/0.77-carat-i-color-si1-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-297766 you would have to
check on how eye-clean this one is

Here is also a double halo for $1300 (not sure how she would feel about that). They can do cushion or round in it.
http://www.jamesallen.com/engagement-rings/halo/14k-white-gold-split-shank-double-halo-pave-engagement-ring-item-17877

 

[Niel]

how about this (the stone is a little under 2500)

http://goodoldgold.com/diamond/12221/
and find a see if GOG has a gabriel and co or beverly k setting that might be in budget


or id get an aset on this and see if its eye clean

http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/0.70-carat-i-color-si1-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-307460

http://www.jamesallen.com/engagement-rings/halo/14k-white-gold-petite-diamond-halo-engagement-ring-item-41066

or this

http://www.jamesallen.com/engagement-rings/halo/14k-white-gold-pave-halo-and-shank-diamond-engagement-ring-round-center-item-17445

 

[Gypsy]

http://www.jewelsbygrace.com/loose-diamonds/under-1-ct/80ct-old-european-cut-diamond-gia-k-vs2.html#.U6ooVrHrDYs
or
http://www.goodoldgold.com/diamond/11889/ 2,455

Settings:
GABRIEL prices are about 15-20% off for Pricescopers from GOG.
https://bridal.gabrielny.com/product/ER8152W44JJ
http://amavidabridal.gabrielny.com/product/ER10129W83JJ#sthash.h9jRQUMw.dpbs
https://bridal.gabrielny.com/product/ER10838W44JJ
http://amavidabridal.gabrielny.com/product/ER10129W83JJ#sthash.h9jRQUMw.dpbs
http://amavidabridal.gabrielny.com/product/ER9891W83JJ#sthash.MR5d6rud.dpbs

Might work.

 

[tyty333]

What size finger does your GF have?

 

[Gypsy]

Does you lady like ovals at all?

If she does... they face up large for their carat weight.

http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/oval-cut/0.69-carat-j-color-vvs2-clarity-sku-50558 This one is cushion shaped actually. AND if you compare it's measurements to the cushions posted on here you'll understand how much larger it is.

And it gives you enough to afford one of the higher quality settings like this one: http://www.jamesallen.com/engagement-rings/halo/18k-white-gold-pave-set-engagement-ring-oval-center-item-31886

 

[SouthernCharm]

Wow, I thank you all for suggestions. Those are all beautiful stones!

Tyty and Niel, I understand that JA will allow 3 ASETs, so once I am able to narrow it down to 3 stones I will contact them. Forgive me as I have taken nearly 4 months looking at diamonds so far and this will not be such an easy decision! I want her to love it more than I ever could.

The lady's ring size is a 5.5.

Gypsy, are there advantages/disadvantages to a culet? Or is it just a personal preference? I am not sure how I feel about them. But I do love the settings you suggested from Gabriel and am now leaning towards these:

http://amavidabridal.gabrielny.com/product/ER9891W83JJ#sthash.MR5d6rud.JX2RH89q.dpbs
https://bridal.gabrielny.com/product/ER10838W44JJ
https://bridal.gabrielny.com/product/ER8152W44JJ
http://www.jamesallen.com/engagement-rings/halo/14k-white-gold-petite-diamond-halo-engagement-ring-item-41066
http://www.jamesallen.com/engagement-rings/halo/14k-white-gold-pave-halo-and-shank-diamond-engagement-ring-cushion-center-item-17429

Is it wiser to lower stone size in favor of a nicer setting or to stick with a larger stone and compromise on setting?

 

[SouthernCharm]

Does you lady like ovals at all?

I do not believe so. I was letting her show me examples one day and decided to have her go through each cut and decide which she liked best. The only 3 she liked were cushion, round, and princess. It was semi-discouraging to me as I even have a small marquis available to me to use, but she was not a fan

 

[mrs-b]

SouthernCharm -

Please rethink the oval idea. The one Gypsy posted was very 'cushiony' in shape and was a great price. The setting she posted, also, would look wonderful and classy and very eye catching and would give your girl finger coverage, sparkle, wow-factor, and something both elegant and unique.

Just my 2 cents, but definitely worth a thought....

 

[Gypsy]

I wouldn't get an oval if she does like them. Not unless JA could PROMISE they would make the stone look rectangular with the halo (possible). Then... I MIGHT take the chance, just because of JA's return policy.
But... probably not. An engagement ring is an emotional purchase. And you want her to be thrilled.

But... moving on, since she doesn't like ovals.

Culets. There's no advantage or disadvantage to an open culet. It's more a matter of taste these days. Do you like the look or not? If yes, then go for it. If no... then don't go for it.


For your budget I like this one best:
https://bridal.gabrielny.com/product/ER10838W44JJ and this one: https://bridal.gabrielny.com/product/ER8152W44JJ


So assuming a 1400 setting. That's 2k for the stone. Which is why I suggested the European cut. It's gets you more diamond for the budget.

 

[lioness]

A bit above the budget but it reminds me of the first pic you posted from her Pinterest: http://www.jewelsbygrace.com/rings/estate-and-modern/81ct-transitional-cut-diamond-brian-gavin-solitaire.html#.U559WfldWSo

Is a preloved ring an option?

 

[Gypsy]

A bit above the budget but it reminds me of the first pic you posted from her Pinterest: http://www.jewelsbygrace.com/rings/estate-and-modern/81ct-transitional-cut-diamond-brian-gavin-solitaire.html#.U559WfldWSo

Is a preloved ring an option?

Oh that's lovely. I'd get this one if you can stretch for it.

 

[Gypsy]

Some nice stones at JA:

http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/0.71-carat-j-color-vs2-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-314742 Gorgeous and perfect. Get idealscope to confirm, and ask if eyeclean.

This one is bigger, almost 6 mm at 5.8. But the numbers are borderline so the idealscope is mandatory: http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/0.77-carat-j-color-si1-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-327711

If eyeclean this one could be fantastic. http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/0.70-carat-j-color-si2-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-328128

 

[Lorelei]

A bit above the budget but it reminds me of the first pic you posted from her Pinterest: http://www.jewelsbygrace.com/rings/estate-and-modern/81ct-transitional-cut-diamond-brian-gavin-solitaire.html#.U559WfldWSo

Is a preloved ring an option?

Oh that's lovely. I'd get this one if you can stretch for it.

That's a beautiful find, well done!!

 

[mrs-b]

SouthernCharm -

My point is that most people don't consider ovals, and it's not a case that they don't like them - just that they haven't thought of them. Some people, though, when they consider them, like them very much. Sometimes, in picking rings, it's a shift to consider something new. But sometimes it's really worth it.

For what it's worth - I love ovals, but prefer cushions. But for budget restrictions alone, I'd consider an oval and make sure she wasn't a fan - just on the off chance that she hadn't thought of it, and actually really liked the finished picture.

I think I'm up to 4 cents now...

 

[SB621]

A bit above the budget but it reminds me of the first pic you posted from her Pinterest: http://www.jewelsbygrace.com/rings/estate-and-modern/81ct-transitional-cut-diamond-brian-gavin-solitaire.html#.U559WfldWSo

Is a preloved ring an option?

Oh that's lovely. I'd get this one if you can stretch for it.

That's a beautiful find, well done!!

I have had my eye on that tranny for a while. I'm totally in love!

SC- if you talk to Grace she does a 0% interest lay away. She might also work with you pricing though it won't be huge. No harm in asking.

And totally agree that your budget is nothing to sneeze at! It is actually a pretty healthy budget!

 

[SouthernCharm]

I do like the look of that oval, and I viewed an oval on a friend of mine this morning and liked it..but I'm just afraid she wouldn't judging by her reaction when we went through cuts.

That pre-loved ring is beautiful and is definitely a contender if I can stretch my budget a bit! Is the transitional cut just a sort of crossover cut? Also, would the stone face up well without having the halo?

These stones are starting to pile up on me! What's the best way to narrow it down which ones deserve the idealscope? I believe I'm in agreement that if I'm going to do the halo, the round will face up the best. So is it just deciding on the setting? The $1400 setting is where I'm leaning in that regard, as I want her to be able to say her ring is over a carat. I know that seems shallow, but I want her to be proud of wearing it, talking about it, and seeing it every day..

What about these 2 settings from b2c?
http://www.b2cjewels.com/Diamond-Accent-Settings/Cushion-Halo-Engagement-Ring-Round-Diamond-14K-White-Gold-9944-1.aspx
http://www.b2cjewels.com/Diamond-Accent-Settings/Cushion-Halo-Engagement-Ring-14K-White-Gold-8946-1.aspx

I'm hopeful that choosing a stone will be easier after choosing a setting! Then I can decide between the transitional(if still around) and one that you all have suggested stones and settings for. Again, thank you! I feel closer than I was just yesterday.

Edit: Should this be a possibility? http://www.b2cjewels.com/dd-4273885-0.73-carat-Round-diamond-J-color-VS1-clarity.aspx

 

[lioness]

SC: The transitional cut bridges the gap between the chunky, flowery old European cuts of yesteryear and the modern round brilliants that you're used to seeing today. [URL='https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/what-is-transitional-cut.105513/']https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/what-is-transitional-cut.105513/[/URL]

As for whether the stone would face up well, here are some handshots: http://jewelsbygrace.smugmug.com/Vintage-and-Antique-Rings/81ct-Old-European-Cut-Diamond/

The ring is a size 5.75 and the hand model is wearing it on her pinkie, probably because it's too small for her ring finger. I think the size is nice!

 

[lioness]

A bit above the budget but it reminds me of the first pic you posted from her Pinterest: http://www.jewelsbygrace.com/rings/estate-and-modern/81ct-transitional-cut-diamond-brian-gavin-solitaire.html#.U559WfldWSo

Is a preloved ring an option?

Oh that's lovely. I'd get this one if you can stretch for it.

That's a beautiful find, well done!!

Thank you Lorelei. I could sleuth for rings all day. Now, if only I could find a way to do this for a living....

Threadjack over.

 

[MMtwo]

Lioness, seriously...you just won the internet for the day. That ring is great.

OP, if you want it, call NOW...lurkers are known to ring-jack.

 

[Lorelei]

A bit above the budget but it reminds me of the first pic you posted from her Pinterest: http://www.jewelsbygrace.com/rings/estate-and-modern/81ct-transitional-cut-diamond-brian-gavin-solitaire.html#.U559WfldWSo

Is a preloved ring an option?

Oh that's lovely. I'd get this one if you can stretch for it.

That's a beautiful find, well done!!

Thank you Lorelei. I could sleuth for rings all day. Now, if only I could find a way to do this for a living....

Threadjack over.

LOL definitely, you do a great job!!

Along with MM, I am feeling a tad unsettled, OP if you want that ring, I wouldn't hang around too long now it's out there...

 

[Niel]

OK so this is a little big but looks like could be sidzed a little and worse case sizing beads. Its not too much past your needed size

http://www.oakgem.com/Products/Ritani_18k_Gold_Diamond_Engagement_Ring_Setting_10558.aspx
I've spoken with them I know they would consider offers of 1100
With this

http://www.goodoldgold.com/diamond/10886/

 

[msop04]

SouthernCharm -

My point is that most people don't consider ovals, and it's not a case that they don't like them - just that they haven't thought of them. Some people, though, when they consider them, like them very much. Sometimes, in picking rings, it's a shift to consider something new. But sometimes it's really worth it.

For what it's worth - I love ovals, but prefer cushions. But for budget restrictions alone, I'd consider an oval and make sure she wasn't a fan - just on the off chance that she hadn't thought of it, and actually really liked the finished picture.

I think I'm up to 4 cents now...

I'm with mrs-blop and Gypsy on the oval thing... esp with JA's return policy. You could just have the halo more squared off and it would look like a super bright (and larger) cushion. That's a fabulous price on the JA oval!

 

[MMtwo]

Niel, good catch on that Ritani. Nice diamond too.

 

[Niel]

I also might obo this see how close shell come to your budget. Its been for sale a while.

Probabaly doesn't even need sizing. As that gap under the halo adds about an extra 1/4 to the size. I know I've had that type of ring. Bezel? I know. But there bezels are so small and tight.

http://pages.ebay.com/link/?nav=item.view&id=181269987124&alt=web

 

[SouthernCharm]

I don't believe I have seen anything that I haven't liked so far, but she has very strong opinions on what she wants, which I respect. A friend of ours took me yesterday to look at some rings and get a definite feel for what I like, and took some photos and sent them to her under the guise of looking on her own to try and help me. My lady was pretty definite on what she liked/disliked. There was one our friend and I both loved, that she snubbed! I am going to contact jewels by grace on that ring and ask a few questions about it.

In the meantime, I'd like to have a backup plan in place and start deciding on which diamonds to request Idealscopes on.

Also, were the items from b2c I posted not very good choices?

I'm so very excited to see her face light up when I propose as I already know it's a no pressure proposal, but making the right decision and purchase puts a sick pit in my stomach! Very stressful.

 

[lioness]

I'm so very excited to see her face light up when I propose as I already know it's a no pressure proposal, but making the right decision and purchase puts a sick pit in my stomach! Very stressful.

Oh, you're a sweetheart! She's one lucky lady.