Which to give up some?

[Mason179]

should I give up some color or clarity when choosing a diamond for an engagement ring?

 

[Tophat1]

I prioritized cut, then carat

I gave in on clarity and color and went down to VS2 and I color but I would have considered SI1 with the right inclusions.

 

[Mason179]

Girlfriend says she wants a 1ct ring... assuming that means a setting worth .5ct and diamond .5ct

She picked this ring at Kay's and I'm shopping around to Get the best bang for my buck

 

[gm89uk]

I wouldn't assume! Probably needs clarifying...

 

[Mason179]

Considering she picked a 1ct tw ring, I'm gonna assume. I don't think I can afford a 1 Ct diamond with that setting

 

[Tophat1]

What is your budget?

 

[Mason179]

3 grand

 

[Tophat1]

You can probably get a decent 0.8 ct stone in a simple gold solitaire setting. I recommend putting more of your budget into the stone and then if she wants a fancier setting, upgrade in the future when budget allows.

Here's an example stone - my search wasn't comprehensive so there may be something better out there but this will be way better than what Kay will have

https://www.jamesallen.com/mobile/l...j-color-si1-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-3108160

 

[Tophat1]

I just noticed that ring looks like it has a princess cut center. Is that her preference?

 

[Mason179]

She made it clear, she didn't want a simple solitaire ring (that's what I prefer) I've been on Blue Nile, JA and Diamond Direct (local jeweler). Going with a 1ct total weight, using the halo setting roughly $1500 and finding a nice rock for the other $1500

Changing my cut from round to princess or cushion I can go up color/clarity. Don't think she cares about the shape between those

 

[Mason179]

She loves this style ring

ATTACH=full]501522[/ATTACH]

 

[Tophat1]

Are you open to pre-owned?

Some options;

https://loupetroop.com/listings/rin...k-white-gold-princess-diamond-engagement-ring


https://loupetroop.com/listings/rin...-dot-22-ct-princess-white-gold-ring-h-vs1-18k

 

[tyty333]

So, it wont be any cheaper than the Neil Lane ring but it will be better quality

This stone (GIA graded)
https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/princess-cut/0.60-carat-g-color-vs1-clarity-sku-3140744 I could look for a .5 but was trying to get you bigger

With one of these settings
https://www.jamesallen.com/engageme...k-double-halo-pave-engagement-ring-item-17845 about $300 over budget
https://www.jamesallen.com/engageme...tagon-halo-diamond-engagement-ring-item-49499 I really like this setting
https://www.jamesallen.com/engageme...-edge-pave-diamond-engagement-ring-item-49492
https://www.jamesallen.com/engageme...nd-engagement-ring-princess-center-item-17433
https://www.jamesallen.com/engageme...gold-infinity-halo-engagement-ring-item-53288 different then what she asked for but pretty

Blue nile ... (hold shift key down when click on link)

Stone choices
https://www.bluenile.com/diamond-details/LD08879229

Settings...
https://www.bluenile.com/build-your...ite-gold_41106?track=SimilarSettings&elem=img
https://www.bluenile.com/build-your...old_33943?elem=img&track=product&vtype=sample
(seems like they are mounting the stones very high on this setting so that you can see an airline around the stone...most people dont prefer that)