Where and how to buy an engagement ring - please HELP!!!!

[almostengaged]

My BF and I are in the market for an engagement ring, but we have no idea where to start!

We''re students and don''t have much money -- our top price is $1500 US. We recently visited NYC and tried on the Tiffany classic solitaire 6-prong ring, and LOVED it -- but of course it''s way too expensive for us. We''ve tried looking online for similar rings, but they just don''t seem quite the same as the Tiffyany style (we really like the way the diamond doesn''t protrude too far from the band).

Does anyone have any tips on getting a Tiffany reproduction ring??? Or just in general, does anyone have any tips on finding a good deal on an engagement ring, like any good websites, etc.???

Thanks!!!

 

[oldminer]

You have found one of the best places to shop right from your terminal. I don''t think you''ll have any problem finding a super diamond from a vendor here who cannot also provide you the classic look in a mounting style you''ll like. Do a basic pricescope search with your budget in mind. You will see many diamonds you can afford and then find vendors more than happy to satisfy you.

Good shopping!

 

[Regular Guy]

Almost...

I put together these suggestions to help navigate some of the maze...let me know if you might find some of them helpful.

And best of wishes,

 

[codex57]

I keep reading about how www.superbcert.com and www.exceldiamonds.com (same site really) makes a very good reproduction of the classic Tiffany 6 prong solitaire.

Have you considered 4 prongs? IMO, it allows more of the diamond to show through. To me, that''s a good thing.

Also, while it may lead to the ring catching on clothes and stuff more, setting teh diamond higher seems to make it look bigger than if it''s set real low.

 

[Cath]

In addition to exceldiamonds.com I have heard that niceice.com makes a good reproduction of the classic Tiffany solitaire. The only problem is that both sites only seem to list it in platinum, which wipes out a lot of your budget -- maybe you can e-mail them and ask if they also offer it in white gold?

 

[Regular Guy]

Saw your other post here, too.

Something like this might be the sort of thing you''d be interested in, at $1446 with a Pricescope discount. Suggest you bring up this tool and mess with the numbers...where you might consider exploring sizes of .4 - .6, G - J, and VS2 and SI1 clarity. At White Flash, it looks like you can add a companion simple ring to accompany for less than $100.

Read the tutorial here, too, for background.

Best wishes,

 

[solange]

Whiteflash has several versions of the Tiffany style setting starting at $80 in 14K gold. They also have a good selection of stones. I bought my ring from them and was extremely satisfied with their prices and service.
You might look at their Expert selection. These are very well cut stones that do not quite meet the ACA standards but are selected because they are good value for the money.
You might want to spend more of your budget on the stone and buy an inexpensive setting which you can always upgrade at a later date.

 

[denverappraiser]

Almost,

Most jewelers can sell you a 6 prong solitaire style ring for a pretty reasonable price. The actual price will vary with the exact design you choose, the jeweler you choose and the metal you choose but it's not difficult to stay in the range of $100 for this part if you avoid platinum. How high it sits above your finger mostly has to do with the way the stone is set in the mounting and your jeweler should be accomidate your requirements. There are several variations on the designs that address this as well. Concentrate your efforts on the diamond itself. The jewelers mentioned above are all excellent choices and most have selection engines on their websites that will allow you to browse through their inventories looking for the perfect stone. The front page of pricescope also has a handy database that you can use to shop. Look for a stone with a certain set of specs and then vary one requirement and search again. You can pretty quickly learn how the different attributes relate to each other and the price. A bit of homework here can make it a lot easier when you go to the store because you know what to expect and you will understand the language they use to describe stones. This knowledge can also be helpful when have to make that final decision where you must give up one characteristic in exchange for another that is more important to you.

Be prepared for sticker shock at the jewelry stores. They generally start with considerably higher prices than the ones you will get using the above search tactics. Most are prepared to negotiate and they should be willing to explain why the stone is more valuable when you buy it from them.

Congratulations on your almost engagement.

Neil Beaty
GG(GIA) ISA NAJA
Independent Appraisals in Denver