What is your opinion.

[Randi44]

Hello, I am new to this site and I would like your opinion on a few things. 1 - Has any one ever bought a diamond from USA Certified Diamonds in NYC. I live here and I am going to go to the diamond district on Friday to pick out an engaement ring. 2 - Can you please tell me your opinion on a few settings I have in mind. Thank you -

http://www.idjewelryonline.com/product_info.php?cPath=42_43&products_id=1307&cType=ER

http://www.idjewelryonline.com/product_info.php?cPath=42_43&products_id=1759&cType=ER

Please keep in mind that I have my heart set on either an emerald cut or an asscher cut stone.
Thank you in advance -

 

[dani13]

Hi Randi,

Welcome to PS!!! If you live in NYC, I highly recommend visting Mark Turnowski of www.engagementringsdirect.com. He is located in the NYC diamond district (has an office in one of the buildings there, not a storefront) and is highly regarded here on PS. Plus, I am bias because my husband bought my e-ring from him (an emerald cut) and he is just fabuous to work with. He's got a great eye and will find you a great stone for your budget. Just email or call him...he's quick to respond.

As far as the setttings you posted, I have to be honest, I dont *love" any of them (sorry)....Again, if you visit Mark he will lead you in the right direction as far as settings. He also does great custom work.

Good luck!

 

[Randi44]

Thanks for your opinion. I am trying to find a funky setting (if that makes sense). I don''t know where to look. I tried wf, blue nile and james allen. But nothing caught my eye. I will visit your jeweler on Friday. Once again thanks.

 

[dani13]

What do you mean by "funky"? Just trying to see if I can help you out here.....

 

[Randi44]

I guess I mean different. Thanks again.

 

[chrono]

I second the recommendation to seek out Mark at ERD. He's got a great eye for diamonds and isn't known as the cushion king for nothing. I've also seen him get some lovely ECs for other PSers.

Funky...That could mean anything. Can you be more descriptive as to what funky means to you? Different also doesn't mean much to me. Let's try this:
Modern or antique?
Busy or simple?
Side diamonds or solitaire or diamonds on the band?
High or low setting?
Prongs or bezel?

 

[dani13]

Would you be interested in a halo-type ring? I saw in the other forum that you were looking to shoot for a .6-.8 ct center stone....
I think the halo's are really gorgeous and give great finger-coverage....

This ring happens to be one of my fave halos on PS...Check out this thread.. her center is 1.3cts, but yours would still look fab in this type of setting, imo!!!

https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/hip-hip-hurray-i-love-it.26088/

 

[Randi44]

Ok, lets see... I like vintage and antique looking rings and I guess I am looking for a ring that most people don''t have. Don''t get me wrong, I think all diamond rings are beautiful, but I was thinking of something more unique. My boyfriend and I don''t have tons of money to spend so I''m really in a bind. We were looking to spend around $2500 total. I found a lot of nice diamonds on james allen, whiteflash and blue nile from .6 to .8 carats so I thing I am going to have to order the diamond and setting seperatly (that is if I don''t find anything in NYC). Thanks -

 

[Randi44]

Very nice. I actually like that a lot. Do you know if the jeweler you recommended has that type of look? Thanks for sticking with me, I am new to this whole thing.

 

[dani13]

OK....I see what you are saying....Would you consider a antiquey eternity band as an engagement ring?

 

[chrono]

So your budget is $2.5K total for the diamond and setting? How much are you putting aside for the stone and for the setting? Basically, I''m asking where you want to put the emphasis on. For some, the setting is everything while for others, the setting is just a place holder for the diamond.

 

[dani13]

OOPS....sorry...looks like we were posting at the same time....

As far as the halo ring I posted....Mark can absolutely make ANYTHING for you.....Like I said, him and his jewelers do great custom work...he will work with you to design the setting you really want. If you check out his site, look under the "Mark T collection." Those rings are examples of custom work he's done for clients in the past.

 

[Randi44]

I think I would like to put the emphasis on the stone, but I am liking the idea of the halo setting. I might be able to sacrafice size for more diamonds in the setting. I guess I am going to have to see some rings in person before I make my decision.