What do you think of this diamond / ring price?

[squishmike]

Hello!

I am in process of getting a ring made so I can propose later this summer. My wife-to-be had already selected a ring she loved from People's, specifically from the Vera Wang Love Collection as it has sapphires (my birthstone) in it. Here is a link to the original ring:
http://www.peoplesjewellers.com/product/index.jsp?productId=12640956

Instead of buying from People's I decided to get some quotes from local ring designers / diamond wholesalers, to see if it would be cheaper to make rather than paying the brand name price for Vera Wang (which is not overly good quality).

At this point I have one wholesaler/designer who is quoting $2000 for an identical ring except in 19k white gold with better quality accent diamonds, plus around $2300 for a GIA certified 0.70 ct diamond.

What do you think of the price for the ring? Is that reasonable? is there anything specific I should be asking the ring designer? He assures me he can make one identical to the Vera Wang version for about $1000 cheaper.

Also, here is the list of diamonds I have shortlisted. I've done my research on all the various stats and am leaning towards the first one as its the cheapest, however the girdle is not perfect and the table/depth are fairly far apart, so maybe paying a little more for one of the others would worth it? What do you think?



Thanks in advance for any advice!

 

[JulieN]

I think the design would be much improved by having pave on the top, either in addition to the sides, or by itself.

A sapphire can be placed instead of a diamond surprise
http://www.jamesallen.com/engagement-rings/pave/platinum-single-claw-prong-pave-set-surprise-diamond-engagement-ring-item-585

http://www.whiteflash.com/engagement-rings/solitaire/full-of-surprises-solitaire-engagement-ring-477.htm

 

[squishmike]

Yeah, I did hear that from another jeweller, that having the accent diamonds on the top rather than the sides would be better. I suppose that would be more suited for when a wedding band / anniversary band is added as the diamonds on the sides would probably be covered up?

 

[JulieN]

Yes it will be covered up.

 

[peacechick]

Do be aware also that the side diamonds may also rub against the wedding band, causing wear on the band. I think some ladies wear spacer rings to protect the band from this.