What ring to choose?????

[jacjac]

Longish story so please bear with me...
My husband and I got married approx 18 months ago, and at the time could not afford an engagement ring (or much of a wedding either) so we agreed to get the ring when we could afford it (which is now). My thoughts are as follows:

1. Our budget is <£2500 (current exc rates it is about $5000US)
2. I prefer a round diamond
3. Would like something minimum .75 ct (but not sure if this is realistic or not)
4. I like the curved tension setting as it seems the diamond does not protrude as much, but not sure of the pros and cons of this kind of setting (ie can my diamond easily fall out?)
5. In reference to 4 for my job (I work with children) I require a setting that does not stick out too much and is good and strong.
6. I have a white gold wedding band with 3 small round diamonds set in (they are about 3mm apart, not right next to each other)
7. Can (and should) I have platinum with this band?
8. If I buy a diamond loose can I then have it set by someone else? What are the pros and cons of this?
9. Finally can anyone recommend somewhere in London?

Thanks in advance for all your assistance. I am so excited about getting my ring, just in need of help from the professionals (you guys) so even if you can only answer one of my questions it is greatly appreciated!

 

[mrssalvo]

Hi jacjac and welcome to PS

you''ve got a very nice budget and should not have a problem finding a stone in the size you want at all for 5KUS.

In a well made tension setting your diamond should be in no danger of falling out. You might also consider a bezel type setting which is very safe and protects the stone well too.

you should not wear WG next to plat. so if your wedding band is WG you e-ring should be too..

many folks will buy a stone one place and a setting though another. the Pricescope vendors are used to this but many time the local/non internet jewelers are not so If at all possible I think it''s just easier to buy the stone and setting from the same place.

can''t help with the london recommendations. we have a few PS that are there so maybe they can help. I do know maisie ( a london pricescoper) purchased her ring from Whiteflash in houston, TX.

 

[mrssalvo]

here''s a stone from WF that would be a beauty. I''m pretty sure with a tension setting you''ve got to have a stone with higher clarity like this one:

http://www.whiteflash.com/hearts_arrows/A-Cut-Above-H-A-cut-diamond-191620.htm

and here''s a half bezel setting that would work very nicely if you like it. you could probably even go lower with the clarity of the stone in this type setting..

http://www.whiteflash.com/Engagement-Rings/Styles/Solitaire/Half-Bezel-Heavy-Shank_714.htm

 

[mrssalvo]

here''s another stone that with the setting I posted above would put you just under budget..

http://www.whiteflash.com/hearts_arrows/A-Cut-Above-H-A-cut-diamond-231176.htm