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Thoughts on setting and diamond

M

Mbtalontsi

Rough_Rock
Joined
Jul 26, 2017
Messages
18
I've spent quite a bit of time reading different posts and articles on this forum. I've got a setting and an idea for a stone picked out.

Setting:

https://www.jamesallen.com/mobile/e...-decorative-bridge-engagement-ring-item-41063

I really like the vintage look and 3 halo design. I'm not crazy about the side profile. It looks tall. Also off you click on the second picture, you can scroll through samples of different sized stones. There's s sample of a .7 and .8. Neither fills the space for the center stone so there's a decent size gap around the center stone. I would rather there be no gap like on the 1.5 sample.

Stone:

I'm leaning towards a bgd blue series stone around the .8 range. Would this be the best option or should I look at the other vendors?
I'm looking for the best cut and size for my money. I can go lower on color and clarity as long as it appears white and eye clean.

I would like to keep everything around $3500 but could stretch to $4000 of I need to. The setting can be had on sale for $17xx and the stones I've seen around $23xx. Which is maxing my budget.

I don't need the ring until end of December so I'm not quite ready to buy yet. Just want to have everything figured out for when I am ready.

Thanks
 
Mbtalontsi said:
I've spent quite a bit of time reading different posts and articles on this forum. I've got a setting and an idea for a stone picked out.

Setting:

https://www.jamesallen.com/mobile/e...-decorative-bridge-engagement-ring-item-41063

I really like the vintage look and 3 halo design. I'm not crazy about the side profile. It looks tall. Also off you click on the second picture, you can scroll through samples of different sized stones. There's s sample of a .7 and .8. Neither fills the space for the center stone so there's a decent size gap around the center stone. I would rather there be no gap like on the 1.5 sample.

Stone:

I'm leaning towards a bgd blue series stone around the .8 range. Would this be the best option or should I look at the other vendors?
I'm looking for the best cut and size for my money. I can go lower on color and clarity as long as it appears white and eye clean.

I would like to keep everything around $3500 but could stretch to $4000 of I need to. The setting can be had on sale for $17xx and the stones I've seen around $23xx. Which is maxing my budget.

I don't need the ring until end of December so I'm not quite ready to buy yet. Just want to have everything figured out for when I am ready.

Thanks
Click to expand...

Hi Mb,

My suggestion would be to keep saving and purchase a larger diamond when vendors typically have "Black Friday"/"Cyber Monday" sales after Thanksgiving. :)
 
Mbtalontsi said:
https://www.jamesallen.com/mobile/e...-decorative-bridge-engagement-ring-item-41063

I really like the vintage look and 3 halo design. I'm not crazy about the side profile. It looks tall. Also off you click on the second picture, you can scroll through samples of different sized stones. There's s sample of a .7 and .8. Neither fills the space for the center stone so there's a decent size gap around the center stone. I would rather there be no gap like on the 1.5 sample.
Click to expand...

Since you asked about the setting... I'm not crazy about it. I don't like the way the side stones have an airline. That said, if you had an airline (a gap) on the main halo, it would go with the overall design.

Let me see if I can find a similar style...
 
Another thought... do you think your FF would like a double halo?? It would add "oomph" and more finger presence than the current JA 3-stone you linked.
 
I'm gonna put this out there... I know the clarity is overkill, but whatev - it's a gorgeous stone, and the price is great for the spread (6.1 mm). HCA is good at 0.8. It looks to be a "high J"...

This diamond
https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-di...-j-color-if-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-3266438
$2990

in this setting:
https://www.jamesallen.com/engageme...ellis-halo-diamond-engagement-ring-item-53049 $1110

Or if you increased the budget just a touch... This also has HCA 0.8, is a bright, white G color, and I feel it would be eye clean. It's gonna look the same size as the other diamond (6.07 mm).
https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-di...g-color-si1-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-2663479 $3060
 
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I haven't really looked much at a double halo.

She wants it to be a total surprise so I'm not getting input from her. She's into antiques and vintage stuff. That JA setting has that type of feel to it.
 
Mbtalontsi said:
I haven't really looked much at a double halo.

She wants it to be a total surprise so I'm not getting input from her. She's into antiques and vintage stuff. That JA setting has that type of feel to it.
Click to expand...

Okay... I'm going to be very honest with you, Mb. I really don't like that JA setting. It looks... cheap -- and not really that vintage-y. If she loves vintage looking settings, there are sooo many more options than the JA setting. Trust me! :)
I want you to get her something she'll love and the absolute best your money can buy!

Edit: I wanted to commend you for coming to PS! We will help you find something great! Since your FF wants a surprise, would it be possible to ask a family member or friend what type settings she likes, in particular? Does she have a pinterest page filled with engagement rings she likes?? See if you can do some sleuthing - HA! You have plenty of time! :)
 
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She doesn't really wear much jewelry so she doesn't have a particular style she likes.

The one thing I do know is her friend got a ring that sat very high off the finger. She said she doesn't want something like that.

This is really all I have to work from, which I guess leaves plenty of options to choose from.
 
Mbtalontsi said:
She doesn't really wear much jewelry so she doesn't have a particular style she likes.

The one thing I do know is her friend got a ring that sat very high off the finger. She said she doesn't want something like that.

This is really all I have to work from, which I guess leaves plenty of options to choose from.
Click to expand...

Gotcha! I agree -- a ring that is high off the finger can be a pain. That's good news and leaves tons of options! So let's scratch that setting. ;)

What did you think of the the J/IF and the G/SI1 stone and halo setting I posted?

Would you be open to waiting and saving a little more, or are you pretty set on the $4K max (all in)?
 
The truth is that diamonds come and go... so I feel confident that you'd still be able to get a 0.80 ct and setting that is lovely later on -- even if you decide to keep the budget at $4K.
 
Those stones look very nice.

I would like to keep the 3 halo design or as close to something like it as possible.
 
Mbtalontsi said:
Those stones look very nice.

I would like to keep the 3 halo design or as close to something like it as possible.
Click to expand...

Has she indicated she wants the 3 stone style? The reason I ask is because the larger side stones + halo are going to put a dent in the budget for the center diamond.
 
If she likes vintage settings, would she be open to an old cut diamond as well?

EDIT: are you sure she wants a round diamond?
 
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She hasn't indicated that specifically. But she has said she would be afraid to wear her friends ring that cost in the $8-9k range. I don't know what the center stone size was but it must be decent for that money.

So I guess i'd rather give up some center stone size budget for a more elaborate setting.
 
I went with round because that seems to face up the biggest. This is true right?
 
Mbtalontsi said:
I went with round because that seems to face up the biggest. This is true right?
Click to expand...

Not necessarily. Ovals tend to face up the largest, but it is difficult to find a well cut oval. Also, nothing sparkles like a round, and rounds are easier to find. Rounds are safe, as most women like them. Fancies (ovals/marquise/pear/etc) may not be as "safe" if she hasn't mentioned these shapes before. It is also easier to find settings for rounds. :)

Personally, I think you should stick with round. However, unless she specifically mentioned wanting a 3-stone, I would strongly suggest getting the nicest, largest diamond in a vintage-feel halo setting.
 
If you don't mind a second opinion, I'm afraid I'm with msop04, I really don't like the setting you've chosen, sorry, but I don't think it screams engagement ring. I know you've said your future fiancée hasn't expressed a preference, but I'm guessing she's thinking something more typically engagement ring style.

I think the others are all a safer choice, and for me, if you're set on a 3 stone, the Gabriel NY Noelle would be my choice. Beautiful, feminine, gives good finger coverage and would be stunning.
 
Add me to the list of not liking that particular three stone halo at all! It is not vintage looking and looks clunky. Poke around LangAntiques or Erstwhile Jewelry to see why we say this is nothing like a vintage ring.

Try these...
Setting: http://www.jewelsbygrace.com/1-09ctw-round-brilliant-cut-diamond-3-stone-ring-by-ritani {new, setting is around $2500; size 4 but she says fully sizable, palladium is a platinum family of metals is solid colored and lovely to wear}
+
Stone: I don't love the SI2 diamond in the setting, but Grace may be willing to switch it out. I would trust Grace to guide you, but this stone is lovely and should fit right into setting. http://www.jewelsbygrace.com/83ct-oecut-diamond-gia-i-vs2

Ring: http://www.jewelsbygrace.com/1-29ctw-old-european-cut-and-rose-cut-diamond-halo-ring
This is near the top of your budget, but THIS is a gorgeous vintage inspired ring. The petals are rose cuts, the floral halo is well made and will allow a band to slide beneath. This will give lots of coverage with a lot of height and looks vintage. You'd have to be sure she loved this style.

Ring: https://www.langantiques.com/vintag...carat-marquise-sapphire-and-diamond-ring.html {really lovely sapphire; out of the box suggestion}
 
Thanks for all the responses. Gives me some options to think over.
 
Mb, what is your FF's ring size?
 
I'd have to double check but I believe 7.
 
Mbtalontsi said:
I'd have to double check but I believe 7.
Click to expand...

How about this? Setting definitely has vintage style, it sits low on the finger, and it's a cool take on a 3 stone with halo style at nice price ($1275) It will also allow a band to set flush next to it.
https://www.jamesallen.com/engageme...red-octagonal-halo-engagement-ring-item-53063

With this diamond... It's a beautifully cut stone at a nice size and great price ($2610)
https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-di...-color-vvs1-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-3189476

This combo will give a lot of presence on the finger, it will be a brand new ring, AND it comes in less than budget! :)
 
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Mbtalontsi said:
I'd have to double check but I believe 7.
Click to expand...

And this is the coverage on her size 7 finger:
5.82 mm round with vintage JA halo setting.jpg

That's a LOT of coverage for a 3/4 ct. diamond -- but the halo style isn't too overpowering and compliments the center.

Edit: it will be just a tiny bit bigger, because I didn't account for the bezel around the center stone. (even better :) )
 
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