We’re eloping! Time to find a ring that matches color & budget

[dcnl06]

My SO and I have decided to elope
And it’s time to find some rings that I like with specs to keep in mind.
I know for sure, color is important. I do not want warm. I have a .80 ctw band set in YG and the diamonds are K-L and lean warm and while I tolerate it, it’s really not what I like.

Color: I am looking for I - J.
Size: 3/4 carat to possibly a bit over 1 ct
Shape: very undecided. My finger is a size 5. I want decent finger coverage. Likely a 2mm band and was thinking oval, cushion or maybe round.

I want sparkle/fire, color and decent finger coverage.
The budget will be around $3,000 USD.
(ish LOL)

James Allen seems to be the likely vendor.

Based on this, what is your advice or recommendations?

 

[DejaWiz]

Congratulations on your upcoming marriage!
One of my aunts eloped and they have been happily married for 30 years!
Wishing you both a lifetime of happiness and success!

Round

Cushion

Oval

 

[tyty333]

Oval will give you the most finger coverage. Round will give you the most sparkle. Cushions are cut deep (usually) and will face
up small for their size. J color will still lean warm. I would try to stay "I" or higher but it will be tough for 1 carat in $3K budget.

We can look and make suggestions...Big Congratulations on your upcoming marriage!

Edit...is the $3k for the stone only or for the stone and setting?

 

[DejaWiz]

I have not checked WolfCBI, Victor Canera, Brian Gavin, Distinctive Gem, or DBL yet, but here are some Whiteflash ACA offerings for MRB cut:

Diamond | 0.744 ct I VS2 A CUT ABOVE® Hearts and Arrows Super Ideal Round Cut Loose Diamond AGS Certified | 4410606

This Whiteflash A CUT ABOVE® super ideal cut hearts and arrows 0.744 carat I color VS2 clarity loose diamond is graded by the American Gem Society (AGS) Laboratories. | 4410606

www.whiteflash.com

Diamond | 0.805 ct J VS2 A CUT ABOVE® Hearts and Arrows Super Ideal Round Cut Loose Diamond AGS Certified | 4421902

This Whiteflash A CUT ABOVE® super ideal cut hearts and arrows 0.805 carat J color VS2 clarity loose diamond is graded by the American Gem Society (AGS) Laboratories. | 4421902

www.whiteflash.com

 

[lala646]

First off, congratulations!!

For a round, this stone at Whiteflash is beautiful, and it's comparable in price to what you would get from James Allen, while giving you the best sparkle/fire bang for your buck:

Diamond | 0.805 ct J VS2 A CUT ABOVE® Hearts and Arrows Super Ideal Round Cut Loose Diamond AGS Certified | 4421902

This Whiteflash A CUT ABOVE® super ideal cut hearts and arrows 0.805 carat J color VS2 clarity loose diamond is graded by the American Gem Society (AGS) Laboratories. | 4421902

www.whiteflash.com

For an oval or cushion, I would caution you to consider going no lower than an H-I, since you will see much more color in these bigger stones than you see in the smaller stones on your band.

I really like these two cushions at Blue Nile, but remember cushions will give you a bit less finger coverage for carat weight:

0.81-Carat Cushion Cut Diamond | Blue Nile

www.bluenile.com

0.81-Carat Cushion Cut Diamond | Blue Nile

www.bluenile.com

Ovals are more difficult, since you want to look for a stone without the dreaded bow tie. Blue Nile has a few ideal cuts, but someone else might be able to help you find more oval candidates if that's the direction you want to go in.

0.76-Carat Oval Cut Diamond | Blue Nile

www.bluenile.com

0.76-Carat Oval Cut Diamond | Blue Nile

www.bluenile.com

 

[dcnl06]

Oval will give you the most finger coverage. Round will give you the most sparkle. Cushions are cut deep (usually) and will face
up small for their size. J color will still lean warm. I would try to stay "I" or higher but it will be tough for 1 carat in $3K budget.

We can look and make suggestions...Big Congratulations on your upcoming marriage!

Edit...is the $3k for the stone only or for the stone and setting?

$3k would be for it all - stone and setting.

thanks so much!

 

[elizat]

Are you open to pre-owned or do you want new from a retailer?

This is a lot of ring/diamond for the price. I don't see a bowtie either.

Sold! Reduced!!!!!! GIA Certified .70 F SI1 Oval Solitaire in a 3/4 Carat Wedding Set | Loupe Troop

loupetroop.com

I'm not sure the ring size, but if you are interested in it, it is a pretty set and very white!

@peppermintpatty is the seller and posts on the board here.

For a cushion, if you like a halo, this is going to be a well made ring. Smaller than the oval cut and less of a value purchase, but that is the difference with retailer v. private party sale as well. DBL is a solid vendor and they have really excellent settings, that are built to last.

0.55ct F VVS2 Cushion Diamond Ring

This is a lovely .55ct F VVS2 Cushion cut set into a Diamond halo ring. I love the plain shank's contrast to the diamond halo.

www.diamondsbylauren.com

Here is another, but again, a cushion will have a smaller face up.

0.50ct E VS1 Cushion Diamond Ring

This is a fantastic 0.50ct E VS1 Cushion Cut Diamond Ring. It is set into a diamond accented solitaire with double prongs.

www.diamondsbylauren.com

 

[tyty333]

If you go round you could go with one of the Super Ideal vendors and get their easy upgrade policy. Just pick out a stone that
cost more than your original stone. That way you can upgrade in the future as finances allow. JA does have an upgrade policy
also. You need to spend $2x the original stone cost.

 

[DejaWiz]

Did some rummaging around at JA's site and found the following potential candidates.

The setting is a basic presentation solitaire to at least get it on your finger now, but you can switch it out at any point in the future.

14K White Gold 2mm Knife Edge Solitaire Engagement Ring

The knife edge design of this ring draws attention to the center diamond or gemstone you choose, showcasing its brilliance without detracting from its beauty. Center diamond or gemstone purchase required.

www.jamesallen.com

I'm not super well versed on ovals, but I tried to find some that were a bit more elongated with no blatant bowtie effect. Other will need to check them out and chime in.

0.80 Carat oval diamond

This oval cut 0.8 carat D color vs2 clarity has a diamond grading report from GIA

www.jamesallen.com

0.80 Carat oval diamond

This oval cut 0.8 carat F color vs2 clarity has a diamond grading report from GIA

www.jamesallen.com

0.80 Carat oval diamond

This oval cut 0.8 carat E color vs2 clarity has a diamond grading report from GIA

www.jamesallen.com

0.82 Carat oval diamond

This oval cut 0.82 carat G color si1 clarity has a diamond grading report from GIA

www.jamesallen.com

0.80 Carat oval diamond

This oval cut 0.8 carat F color si1 clarity has a diamond grading report from GIA

www.jamesallen.com

0.81 Carat oval diamond

This oval cut 0.81 carat G color vvs2 clarity has a diamond grading report from GIA

www.jamesallen.com

Here's the search that I used, limited to G color:

All Diamonds - Magnified in 360° HD | JamesAllen.com

James Allen offers a wide selection of GIA, IGI and AGS certified conflict-free loose diamonds, all viewable in 360° HD. Take the guesswork out of buying a diamond.

www.jamesallen.com

 

[Lookinagain]

0.90 Carat oval diamond

This oval cut 0.9 carat H color si1 clarity has a diamond grading report from GIA

www.jamesallen.com

this one has a feather so you'd need to know it is stable

0.83 Carat oval diamond

This oval cut 0.83 carat H color si1 clarity has a diamond grading report from GIA

www.jamesallen.com

 

[JulieN]

The Astor ovals at Blue Nile look very interesting.

0.79 Carat oval diamond

This oval cut 0.79 carat G color vvs2 clarity has a diamond grading report from GIA

www.jamesallen.com

 

[Daisys and Diamonds]

Congradulations on your pending elopment
I think this is very wise right now plus you will have more money to spend on your ring and honeymoon

I look forward to seeing your ring