What do you guys think of this?

[Laila619]

I would like to know your thoughts...is this a good value for what you get? My best friend is looking for an e-ring on a budget, and she wants a lot of bling and a chunky setting. She and her bf cannot afford a decent-sized center stone plus a halo setting while staying in budget and getting a big bling look. So I was going to suggest this to her, it's 20% off at James Allen now, so it would be $1,624. They plan to upgrade down the road and get a "real" diamond eventually.

What do you think for $1,624? Is it a good suggestion? Thanks guys!

http://www.jamesallen.com/preset-engagement-rings/royal-halo/james-allen-cushion-shape-classic-cupcake-engagement-ring-item-36164

 

[Niel]

I'm not a fan. But I get what you're going for. If I was uber blingy with the setting, would she take a colored stone center?

 

[baby monster]

I think it's a pretty ring. Gives an impression of larger center stone. Almost a carat of G-H melee for 1.6k. Doubt there are cheaper option for same quality.

 

[Laila619]

I'm not a fan. But I get what you're going for. If I was uber blingy with the setting, would she take a colored stone center?

Hi Niel,

Thanks for weighing in. You don't like the look or you don't think it's a good value? Unfortunately, she wants all white stones. So that's what I could come up with for her. I think Brian Gavin has something similar with his Coronet line. Her budget is $1,500 but she said she could maybe go a little over.

 

[Laila619]

I think it's a pretty ring. Gives an impression of larger center stone. Almost a carat of G-H melee for 1.6k. Doubt there are cheaper option for same quality.

Thanks baby monster!

Another thought is maybe a 1 ctw diamond band/5 stone? I wonder if we'd be able to find one for $1,600.

Love your new honker by the way!

 

[baby monster]

Thanks Laila.

IDJ has a 1ct 5 stone band for 1.5K with F-G stones http://idjewelryonline.com/product_info.php?cPath=22_27&products_id=11085.. It's a very different look from JA ring, which looks more like a traditional ER. Would she think 5 stone band is lots of bling and chunky?

 

[Laila619]

Thanks Laila.

IDJ has a 1ct 5 stone band for 1.5K with F-G stones http://idjewelryonline.com/product_info.php?cPath=22_27&products_id=11085.... It's a very different look from JA ring, which looks more like a traditional ER. Would she think 5 stone band is lots of bling and chunky?

Ooh, that's a nice option too. I'll ask her if she would be okay with a diamond band as it might not be "engagement-y." A 5 stone might be better for resale value, as down the road I assume they will sell it when she gets her upgrade.

 

[Niel]

I'm not a fan. But I get what you're going for. If I was uber blingy with the setting, would she take a colored stone center?

Hi Niel,

Thanks for weighing in. You don't like the look or you don't think it's a good value? Unfortunately, she wants all white stones. So that's what I could come up with for her. I think Brian Gavin has something similar with his Coronet line. Her budget is $1,500 but she said she could maybe go a little over.

Understandable that she wants white diamonds. No I don't think it's the best value. I get that they work for some people but I think she would be better served buying second hand. Especially if say she went vintage, as those cluster rings can be quite lovely and a lot of finger coverage.

There was an amazing brilliant earth ring on eBay recently. Give it time and a lot of searching I think there's something that would be better in the long run.

Like this

I know at not quite as blingy. But it has a OBO. And if they took less she could end up with two wedding bands- one on each side to bling it up.
http://m.ebay.com/itm?itemId=151216847915&roken=LhlcyU

 

[tyty333]

I think its pretty nice for someone one wants a lot of bling and is just starting out.

 

[Laila619]

I'm not a fan. But I get what you're going for. If I was uber blingy with the setting, would she take a colored stone center?

Hi Niel,

Thanks for weighing in. You don't like the look or you don't think it's a good value? Unfortunately, she wants all white stones. So that's what I could come up with for her. I think Brian Gavin has something similar with his Coronet line. Her budget is $1,500 but she said she could maybe go a little over.

Understandable that she wants white diamonds. No I don't think it's the best value. I get that they work for some people but I think she would be better served buying second hand. Especially if say she went vintage, as those cluster rings can be quite lovely and a lot of finger coverage.

There was an amazing brilliant earth ring on eBay recently. Give it time and a lot of searching I think there's something that would be better in the long run.

Like this

I know at not quite as blingy. But it has a OBO. And if they took less she could end up with two wedding bands- one on each side to bling it up.
http://m.ebay.com/itm?itemId=151216847915&roken=LhlcyU

Ohh, that's really pretty!! The shank looks a lil dainty, but there's a lot of diamond there.

 

[Laila619]

I think its pretty nice for someone one wants a lot of bling and is just starting out.

Thanks for weighing in, tyty!

 

[Laila619]

This is nice too, what do you think?

http://www.ebay.com/itm/0-58ct-ART-DECO-ROUND-F-VS2-GIA-CERTIFIED-DIAMOND-ENGAGEMENT-RING-FILIGREE-14K-/171237107461?pt=Diamond_Solitaire_Rings&hash=item27de86e705

 

[Circe]

Count me in on the vintage front (I know, you're shocked). I actually quite like cluster rings that form discernible patterns - daisy rings, target rings - or more sculptured illusion heads. But something about the center "stone" composed of many-round-diamonds-with-many-small-round-prongs look is just texturally off to me, aesthetically. It almost reminds me of a strawberry, if you see what I mean. I love both of the eBay ones posted so far ... will see if I can spot anything to contribute!

 

[Laila619]

^ Thanks, Circe!

If anyone has any suggestions, feel free to post.

What did everyone think of the original ring vs the 5 stone option?

 

[Cluless]

I love the art deco one you posted. For a little more this might be a nice blingy starter set for someone on a low budget.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/68-DESIGNER-SIMON-G-1-10CT-EVVS-IDEAL-CUT-DIAMOND-ENGAGEMENT-RING-WEDDING-BAND-/131112451782?pt=Wedding_Sets&hash=item1e86e93ec6

 

[Niel]

big and blingy, but maybe not for her
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Vintage-Domed-Engagement-Ring-w-Transitional-Diamond-Solid-14K-Gold-Jewelry-/390767267050?pt=Diamond_Solitaire_Rings&hash=item5afb8b4cea


has some sapphires but ... i mean lovely

http://www.ebay.com/itm/antique-diamond-synthetic-sapphire-ring-/321322785359?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item4ad0549a4f

not as blingy but oh i love!

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Antique-Vintage-Platinum-1920s-Womens-Diamond-Ring-European-Cut-7-Diamonds-/221360624937?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item338a1f1529

another cluster

http://www.ebay.com/itm/SUPERB-ANTIQUE-ENGLISH-18K-GOLD-DIAMOND-FLOWER-CLUSTER-RING-c1910-80pts-/281260407903?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item417c6d3c5f

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Antique-Art-Deco-Platinum-18-Karat-Yellow-Gold-Diamond-Daisy-Engagement-Ring-/291074668871?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item43c566f947

If she went 5 stone route this is cute
http://www.ebay.com/itm/A-Beautiful-Art-Deco-5-Stone-Diamond-Ring-set-in-18ct-Plat-/380801493938?pt=UK_Jewellery_Watches_VintageFineJewellery_CA&hash=item58a989abb2

pair it with like a BN band now, and then maybe buy another BN band for her wedding band, and a plain twisty band to add, then BAM, amazing blingy stack.

Sorry for so many edits, i just didn't want to give you a million posts

 

[Niel]

^ Thanks, Circe!

If anyone has any suggestions, feel free to post.

What did everyone think of the original ring vs the 5 stone option?

Love the idea! But will she? Im not sure the simple elegance is quite the same as big flashy bling, KWIM?

 

[Niel]

love this!
http://www.rubylane.com/item/1039971-Ring-535/Glitzy-1930s-European-Cut-Diamond'


on sale
http://www.rubylane.com/item/495131-BETEDecoDiamRing/Divine-1-03-Carat-14K

Oh three stone halo!
http://www.ebay.com/itm/14K-White-Gold-Diamond-Halo-Cluster-Ring-38-cts-Sz-7-5-Appraisal-Included-/310855638618?pt=US_Fine_Rings&hash=item4860709e5a

 

[Niel]

maybe the seller and buyer could come to an agreement on price??

http://loupetroop.com/listings/rings-natural-diamond-center/emerald-cut-halo-three-stone-ring-custom-made

 

[Tekate]

Edit: it's a SI2.. I doubt it would be eye clean.. sorry about that.

What do you think of this? not as blingy but a stone in the middle.. just a thought.

http://www.b2cjewels.com/Pre-set-engagement-rings/Halo-Round-Diamond-Ring-Sideview-Accents-14K-White-Gold-(3-4-cttw)-7924.aspx


I always have trouble with B2C pointers.. try copying and pasting.. so sorry about that.

tekate

I would like to know your thoughts...is this a good value for what you get? My best friend is looking for an e-ring on a budget, and she wants a lot of bling and a chunky setting. She and her bf cannot afford a decent-sized center stone plus a halo setting while staying in budget and getting a big bling look. So I was going to suggest this to her, it's 20% off at James Allen now, so it would be $1,624. They plan to upgrade down the road and get a "real" diamond eventually.

What do you think for $1,624? Is it a good suggestion? Thanks guys!

http://www.jamesallen.com/preset-engagement-rings/royal-halo/james-allen-cushion-shape-classic-cupcake-engagement-ring-item-36164

 

[motownmama]

I LIKE it!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! It looks like a lot of bling. Can they get it and look at it in person??

 

[diamondseeker2006]

You know, I think that ring is a decent buy at $1600. I have seen clusters that look better, though, as when they group little baguettes to look like an asscher. I think we at PS accept the 5 stone diamond band idea, but I don't think most girls expecting an engagement ring would be overly happy with that idea.

So really, before we look for a lot of things, I would ask her if she likes the JA ring, does she like antique rings, and would she be open to a 5 stone band? Then we can better look for suggestions!

Oh, and I would show her that entire James Allen Royal Halo line because there are others that I like better. The sale makes those appealing if you like that look.

 

[Laila619]

Thanks so much guys! You are the best.

I truly appreciate all your comments and suggestions and passed them on to her. Niel, you should seriously turn diamond shopping into a full-time paying job, lol.

She said no to the 5 stone band, as she said she thought "no one will know it's an engagement ring." She loves all the James Allen preset halos. She also likes this one too:

http://www.jamesallen.com/preset-engagement-rings/royal-halo/james-allen-cupcake-engraved-engagement-ring-item-36152

I am secretly not a big fan of the princess cuts, but we were reading the descriptions and it appears that one has MORE total carat weight for less money than the first ring (as a reminder it's http://www.jamesallen.com/preset-engagement-rings/royal-halo/james-allen-cushion-shape-classic-cupcake-engagement-ring-item-36164).

It looks like the one with the princess cuts is 1.4 ctw while the original one we found is 0.92 ctw. Seems odd that the 1.4 ctw is cheaper. She said she narrowed it down to those two and would love your opinions. I will pass them along to her and I will send her here to post pics of her ring when she gets engaged because you know we all love bling pics!

 

[baby monster]

I'm not a fan of this other JA option. Too chunky. Not elegant IMO.

 

[Niel]

I guess I'm a bad person to ask because I just don't like these types of rings. My friend has one and in real life it's quite obvious, I dont think they look In real life the way people hope. I liken them to CZs

My first choice if it was in budget would be that emerald three stone on LT.

I'm also a fan of the three stone round halo too, if she's looking for big bling factor.

But if this design works for her she should goes with what she feels works best for her.

 

[diamondseeker2006]

Thanks so much guys! You are the best.

I truly appreciate all your comments and suggestions and passed them on to her. Niel, you should seriously turn diamond shopping into a full-time paying job, lol.

She said no to the 5 stone band, as she said she thought "no one will know it's an engagement ring." She loves all the James Allen preset halos. She also likes this one too:

http://www.jamesallen.com/preset-engagement-rings/royal-halo/james-allen-cupcake-engraved-engagement-ring-item-36152

I am secretly not a big fan of the princess cuts, but we were reading the descriptions and it appears that one has MORE total carat weight for less money than the first ring (as a reminder it's http://www.jamesallen.com/preset-engagement-rings/royal-halo/james-allen-cushion-shape-classic-cupcake-engagement-ring-item-36164).

It looks like the one with the princess cuts is 1.4 ctw while the original one we found is 0.92 ctw. Seems odd that the 1.4 ctw is cheaper. She said she narrowed it down to those two and would love your opinions. I will pass them along to her and I will send her here to post pics of her ring when she gets engaged because you know we all love bling pics!

You know what? Not everyone is going to be able to pull off the rings we see here on PS. I think those JA rings are perfect for a particular buyer who really wants the appearance of size but has a limited budget.

I like her newest choice better because it has just a center stone with one halo plus it is a higher weight. It looks less like a cluster of tiny stones than the other. You can't beat the price and if they ever decide to buy another ring, this one can be a RHR. I think it is a great choice and will be a terrific price!

 

[msop04]

This is nice too, what do you think?

http://www.ebay.com/itm/0-58ct-ART-DECO-ROUND-F-VS2-GIA-CERTIFIED-DIAMOND-ENGAGEMENT-RING-FILIGREE-14K-/171237107461?pt=Diamond_Solitaire_Rings&hash=item27de86e705

This is really nice -- I prefer it over the James Allen ring.

EDIT: just noticed the listing ended yesterday....

 

[Niel]

To DS's point, Its true a lot of people can't get the 10k rings that are a dime a dozen here on PS, but what you can do is get the best ring for your budget. This as a fashion ring id probably be a bit more on board...but for an engagement ring I'm just not sure it is the best one could do with their budget.

this may or may not be blingy enough but

http://www.ebay.com/itm/ANTIQUE-0-53ct-H-VS2-OLD-EUROPEAN-CUT-EGL-USA-CERTIFIED-LOOSE-DIAMOND-ENGAGEMENT-/171240168994?pt=Loose_Diamonds&hash=item27deb59e22
in this

http://loupetroop.com/listings/settings/pave-semi-mount

you could later unset it and put it in a pendent.

 

[Laila619]

Thanks so much guys! You are the best.

I truly appreciate all your comments and suggestions and passed them on to her. Niel, you should seriously turn diamond shopping into a full-time paying job, lol.

She said no to the 5 stone band, as she said she thought "no one will know it's an engagement ring." She loves all the James Allen preset halos. She also likes this one too:

http://www.jamesallen.com/preset-engagement-rings/royal-halo/james-allen-cupcake-engraved-engagement-ring-item-36152

I am secretly not a big fan of the princess cuts, but we were reading the descriptions and it appears that one has MORE total carat weight for less money than the first ring (as a reminder it's http://www.jamesallen.com/preset-engagement-rings/royal-halo/james-allen-cushion-shape-classic-cupcake-engagement-ring-item-36164).

It looks like the one with the princess cuts is 1.4 ctw while the original one we found is 0.92 ctw. Seems odd that the 1.4 ctw is cheaper. She said she narrowed it down to those two and would love your opinions. I will pass them along to her and I will send her here to post pics of her ring when she gets engaged because you know we all love bling pics!

You know what? Not everyone is going to be able to pull off the rings we see here on PS. I think those JA rings are perfect for a particular buyer who really wants the appearance of size but has a limited budget.

I like her newest choice better because it has just a center stone with one halo plus it is a higher weight. It looks less like a cluster of tiny stones than the other. You can't beat the price and if they ever decide to buy another ring, this one can be a RHR. I think it is a great choice and will be a terrific price!

Yes, I agree with you DS. A lot of PSers can basically afford anything they want, but right now I think these types of rings make the most sense for them, even though they aren't very popular here. They both have a ton of student loans to pay off and a new house, and they will eventually be well off in their chosen careers. The time will come for her to have a huge rock (and for me to be jealous lol ) Honestly, I do not like the princess cuts, but she seems to love that one, so I didn't want to burst her bubble.

 

[msop04]

To DS's point, Its true a lot of people can't get the 10k rings that are a dime a dozen here on PS, but what you can do is get the best ring for your budget. This as a fashion ring id probably be a bit more on board...but for an engagement ring I'm just not sure it is the best one could do with their budget.

this may or may not be blingy enough but

http://www.ebay.com/itm/ANTIQUE-0-53ct-H-VS2-OLD-EUROPEAN-CUT-EGL-USA-CERTIFIED-LOOSE-DIAMOND-ENGAGEMENT-/171240168994?pt=Loose_Diamonds&hash=item27deb59e22
in this

http://loupetroop.com/listings/settings/pave-semi-mount

you could later unset it and put it in a pendent.

Good find, Niel! I think this would give the bling she's wanting AND will be obvious as an ering (band included too!!).