What do do when you want to change shapes?

[NicciLynn]

Need some advice! I have been a lurker for a while so here goes!

Original ering had a 1/4 carat (who know quality/color) from a local chain jewelry store. It was a princess cut center with three princess cut smaller that stairsteped to it. I was 17 when we got engaged and it was the first sparkly thing I saw and wanted it! LOL! I didn''t try on much, I was just excited to be getting engaged!

Two years ago I tried to "fix" the ring (because it was just not the right style for my hand) by upgrading to a larger .51 carat princess. Didn''t work.

After about a year with that I just ordered a CZ and popped it in there. I acutally like the size - 1.5 caratish, 7mm - but in NO way was a real stone in that size in our price range. Well the CZ chipped and now I am in search for a pear - my "dream" shaped stone.

My problem - I have seen such a difference in prices on here than in the stores. I LOVE good old good''s customer reviews and they seem really awesome and great prices - BUT (here is the but!) I have a $1600 diamond that I don''t know what to do with. If I don''t use it towards my purchase of the pear stone, I don''t think getting what I want will be in the budget. Is there any vendors that will trade up diamonds that you already have? I know I could sell it locally, but really don''t want to do that and when I asked what the store I bought from what they would give me for it - $300!!!! What?

I want a .80-1.00 ct. pear with halo and a split shank with pave. What are my best options?
Thanks,
Nic

 

[Amethyste]

HelloLynn! Welcome to Pricescope...
I am happy to read that you want to upgrade to a different shape I have a pear and i looooooooooove the shape.
The problem is with diamonds, when you re-sell, you will most likely never get close to what you have paid for in the first place.
I don''t have much advice for you as I never had to really upgrade a stone by turning another one in... I am sure someone will pitch
in with great advice... I just wanted to welcome you to this wonderful forum

 

[Rockit]

Hi and welcome!

This is something that some of the vendors could probably help you with most. However, in their absence right now, even without knowing the specific specs of your princess cut diamond, I don''t think you can expect to gain much in the way of a trade with your current diamond, especially with a vendor who did not sell you the stone in the first place. You may be able to do better than $300 if you sell it outright, but, again, it is not going to be close to $1600. Perhaps I am mistaken, and in hopes of a happy ending, I would be delighted to learn otherwise.

Given that you''ve swapped center stones twice already, you want to be sure to get it right this time around. Better to shop and save for EXACTLY what you want, than to jump into something too quickly and find yourself disappointed down the road... again.

Meanwhile, your split-shank pear dream ring sounds lovely. I hope that you can make it work.

In general terms, if you are willing to make some compromises in center stone color and/or clarity, I know that you can find something beautiful and desirable that is reasonably priced, especially if you stay under one carat for the center stone. It may be that you can find something still under .80ct and be happy because both the halo and split shank will add additional size to the overall appearance of the center stone and ring. Also, you may be able to find a "spreadier" fancy shaped pear that faces up large for its weight. Just be careful; 1) that the center stone is cut so as not to disappoint in terms of performance (remember there is no "ideal" cut in fancies, so use your eyes and the eyes of a trusted jeweler here); and, 2) not to skimp too much on quality when it comes to the setting, especially with pavé.

Also, if you can get away without custom mounting work, you will save money that you can put into diamond size and quality. And, do pair a well-made setting with your center diamond. Or, look to find a well-crafted ring with a beautiful center stone that is already made. I sense that for your price point and timing desires, this may be a good option for you. One non-custom source that comes to mind is the Daussi brand. This is just one example to get you started looking. Certainly there are others, and an experienced vendor like GOG, or several of the others here on Pricescope, can point you in the right direction, as well as the many other experienced Pricescopers here.

Regardless what you decide, I hope you enjoy your hunt for the perfect ring!

 

[D&T]

can you not keep it and set it into something else other than a ring? like a nice pendant? that could be a nice project for later down the road. I would also just say save up and get your dream diamond shape down the road? I waited five years, and we kept our original diamond as like mentioned earlier, you will not get near as what you paid. maybe get a nice colored stone in the pear shape to curb your itching for a large diamond that way you can have a nice colored gemstone ring and be able to save for your future Diamond? just a thought.

 

[NicciLynn]

Okay, talked to hubby AND changed my mind a little. After looking at what halo and pave costs (for good quality) I think I would just rather get a larger stone and not do the halo/pave thing. And after many HOURS of looking at the gorgeous sets here I am looking at saving and adding our tax return (we get about 8-10k back at tax time!) for a larger solitaire and an eternity band! I think a 1.5 to 2 carat solitaire with a 10 point eternity band? This would be my Christmas/Tax/birthday/mothers day (LOL!) present from hubby that I pick out. I think I may end up doing a round brillant solitaire? What is the differnce between a brillant and hearts and arrows - I know the design and the 8 arrows are seen in the HandA but is it as "sparkly" as the brillant? What do you think about the .10 stones in the eternity? Too much? (I am a SAHM to 4 little ones!) I am having a hard time picturing that - AND can''t find one local that i can try on(I live in the midwest - not exactly jewerly central.) SHOW ME YOURS, PLEASE! LOL! Show me your eternity bands that are .10 points give or take. Thanks - you guys are the best

 

[NicciLynn]

Also the eternity band, depending on the price, may be down the road a little bit (like another year! LOL!) What is a good quality .10 eternity band in a size 7 - ball park?

 

[D&T]

glad you are going to wait to get your dream size, and I think the 10 pointers eternity band will look fantastic! I actually tried on a 20 pointer five stone band with my 1.21 and I actually like the look

. So you can't go wrong with those sizes you mentioned. The eternity band will vary, you can check on the facets collection website, and it'll give you a rough idea on price point on your size and carat weight and metal choices too.

ETA: Link http://www.thefacetscollection.com/fssearch.cfm?item_category=FEB

 

[stone-cold11]

.10c stone will have a diameter of 3mm, so the ring will be at least that thick.

Also, eternity do not take abuse well.