who wants to bargain hunt with me?

[Niel]

So a fewomths ago a friend of mine asked me to help him with an engagement ring.

I was like SURE I'd love to. He told me his budgi was 3k, and I found all sorts of ideas. Including a lovely one wooflmama pointed out to me (thank you!!).

I compiled all sorts of ides, but he never bit the bullet. I thought he was commitment shy or something. He was not listening to any ofy ideas. I was happy to hunt as I was on bedresr, but it was getting a little annoying.

Well turned out he really was just uncomfortable with his budget. In our area, people are age don't drop that kind of money on rings
I think he thought he was suppose to.

So turns out his budget is actually 1500.

It has to be a round. He seems quite taken with old cuts, so that would be a plus. Needs to have diamonds in the shank,ideally not a halo, and white metal....ideally 5mm+

I told him I'd try one more time with his actual budget, but then I give up lol..

Im no slouch at finding bargains, bit j wanted to enlist some of you as the more eyes the better.

 

[vintagelover229]

http://loupetroop.com/listings/rings-natural-diamond-center/platinum-and-old-mine-diamond-engagement-ring


Says contact with offers and that's a nice size stone-I actually tried to get a friend to buy it but he went with a pre owned tiffany instead.

http://loupetroop.com/listings/rings-natural-diamond-center/gorgeous-oec-in-original-setting-approx-87

Bezel

http://loupetroop.com/listings/rings-natural-diamond-center/dot-81-white-gold-bezel-early-old-european

 

[msop04]

http://loupetroop.com/listings/rings-natural-diamond-center/platinum-and-old-mine-diamond-engagement-ring


Says contact with offers and that's a nice size stone-I actually tried to get a friend to buy it but he went with a pre owned tiffany instead.

http://loupetroop.com/listings/rings-natural-diamond-center/gorgeous-oec-in-original-setting-approx-87

Bezel

http://loupetroop.com/listings/rings-natural-diamond-center/dot-81-white-gold-bezel-early-old-european

Uuuuuughhhh.... YESSSS!!

 

[Niel]

http://loupetroop.com/listings/rings-natural-diamond-center/platinum-and-old-mine-diamond-engagement-ring


Says contact with offers and that's a nice size stone-I actually tried to get a friend to buy it but he went with a pre owned tiffany instead.

http://loupetroop.com/listings/rings-natural-diamond-center/gorgeous-oec-in-original-setting-approx-87

Bezel

http://loupetroop.com/listings/rings-natural-diamond-center/dot-81-white-gold-bezel-early-old-european

I do like that but hard to suggest a stone with a chip NWIM?

also finger size is 7.5. Should have added that.

 

[tyty333]

Great choices vintagelover!

Not an old cut but a pretty little ring...this is from mydiamondzone who I believe is a respectable vendor. Some PSers have been
to the physical store and posted pics of what they saw.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/1-30C-NATURAL-ROUND-EXCELLENT-IDEAL-CUT-DIAMOND-ENGAGEMENT-COCKTAIL-RING-3-STONE-/171475780745?pt=Diamond_Solitaire_Rings&hash=item27ecc0c489

a few lovely old cut stones, could find a nice old setting from mydiamondzone to put them in and be under $1500.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/1900s-3-4ct-VINTAGE-OLD-EUROPEAN-CUT-DIAMOND-K-VS2-EGL-USA-CERT-LOOSE-ANTIQUE-/151429083629?pt=Loose_Diamonds&hash=item2341e071ed
http://www.ebay.com/itm/VINTAGE-0-69ct-OLD-TRANSITIONAL-CUT-ROUND-DIAMOND-LOOSE-EGL-USA-CERTIFIED-RETRO-/151423494939?pt=Loose_Diamonds&hash=item23418b2b1b
http://www.ebay.com/itm/VINTAGE-OLD-TRANSITIONAL-CUT-DIAMOND-G-SI1-EGL-USA-CERTIFIED-RETRO-ROUND-0-58ct-/400779659515?pt=Loose_Diamonds&hash=item5d505448fb
http://www.ebay.com/itm/OLD-EUROPEAN-CUT-VINTAGE-LOOSE-ROUND-DIAMOND-0-67ct-ANTIQUE-ENGAGEMENT-5-7mm-OEC-/400782327279?pt=Loose_Diamonds&hash=item5d507cfdef this one may have some issues

not an old cut but a pretty little ring
http://www.ebay.com/itm/1ct-F-COLOR-VERY-GOOD-CUT-ROUND-DIAMOND-ENGAGEMENT-COCKTAIL-RING-14K-WHITE-GOLD-/151423494684?pt=Diamond_Solitaire_Rings&hash=item23418b2a1c

 

[RockyRacoon]

Check out this option, just over budget:

Vintage Deco Style Old Mine Engagement Ring - 18k gold
http://www.highperformancediamonds.com/index.php?page=store-product-detail&id=214

 

[Niel]

Check out this option, just over budget:

Vintage Deco Style Old Mine Engagement Ring - 18k gold
http://www.highperformancediamonds.com/index.php?page=store-product-detail&id=214

I've always love that ring.

My concern is the color. I'm OK with it but the normal gal? I dunno. It might be too much. What do you guys think?

 

[Niel]

Great choices vintagelover!

Not an old cut but a pretty little ring...this is from mydiamondzone who I believe is a respectable vendor. Some PSers have been
to the physical store and posted pics of what they saw.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/1-30C-NATURAL-ROUND-EXCELLENT-IDEAL-CUT-DIAMOND-ENGAGEMENT-COCKTAIL-RING-3-STONE-/171475780745?pt=Diamond_Solitaire_Rings&hash=item27ecc0c489

a few lovely old cut stones, could find a nice old setting from mydiamondzone to put them in and be under $1500.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/1900s-3-4ct-VINTAGE-OLD-EUROPEAN-CUT-DIAMOND-K-VS2-EGL-USA-CERT-LOOSE-ANTIQUE-/151429083629?pt=Loose_Diamonds&hash=item2341e071ed
http://www.ebay.com/itm/VINTAGE-0-69ct-OLD-TRANSITIONAL-CUT-ROUND-DIAMOND-LOOSE-EGL-USA-CERTIFIED-RETRO-/151423494939?pt=Loose_Diamonds&hash=item23418b2b1b
http://www.ebay.com/itm/VINTAGE-OLD-TRANSITIONAL-CUT-DIAMOND-G-SI1-EGL-USA-CERTIFIED-RETRO-ROUND-0-58ct-/400779659515?pt=Loose_Diamonds&hash=item5d505448fb
http://www.ebay.com/itm/OLD-EUROPEAN-CUT-VINTAGE-LOOSE-ROUND-DIAMOND-0-67ct-ANTIQUE-ENGAGEMENT-5-7mm-OEC-/400782327279?pt=Loose_Diamonds&hash=item5d507cfdef this one may have some issues

not an old cut but a pretty little ring
http://www.ebay.com/itm/1ct-F-COLOR-VERY-GOOD-CUT-ROUND-DIAMOND-ENGAGEMENT-COCKTAIL-RING-14K-WHITE-GOLD-/151423494684?pt=Diamond_Solitaire_Rings&hash=item23418b2a1c

I've bought from them before. I think the first loose stone is a good idea, but the setting would have to be from somewhere else as I don't think the quality would be up to his standard, And then there's a setting fee you know? I'll look into it though. There's a place in town I know sets for free if you buy their settings and they sell Gabriel and co

 

[kenny]

Tell your friend to lower his expectations to match his budget, just like everybody else.

 

[tyty333]

Tell your friend to lower his expectations to match his budget, just like everybody else.

Ditto

 

[kenny]

Tell your friend to lower his expectations to match his budget, just like everybody else.

Ditto

Neil, you are not doing him any favors.
You are enabling his unrealistic fantasy.

Expecting to win the lottery leads to the ripoffs like EGL.

 

[HopeDream]

If you can contact the seller and run the numbers, this could be an option.

0.73 J si1 $1400 ( negotiable?)
https://www.idonowidont.com/looseDiamonds/round-cut-diamond

 

[Niel]

Tell your friend to lower his expectations to match his budget, just like everybody else.

Ditto

Neil, you are not doing him any favors.
You are enabling his unrealistic fantasy.

Expecting to win the lottery leads to the ripoffs like EGL.

Sorry, I'm not a defeatest.
I've seen. It done before and I think with some time and effort it could be done again.

But thanks for trying to help

 

[RetroTreeGal]

His best bet is a good pawn shop. Sorry but it's true. My SO bought me a 5mm round in a vintage-y setting with 10 side diamonds at a pawn shop for a little more than 1/3rd your friend's budget.

 

[Niel]

ive found well cut brand new diamonds in pave settings for about 1700, so i dont think its out of the realm of possibility at all to consider finding a second hand one for 1500....

so thanks anyone who wants to play along

 

[E B]

Accepting offers:

http://www.rubylane.com/item/1251082-RL-232/Vintage-European-Diamond-Engagement-Ring-14K

 

[Rena7]

Accepting offers:

http://www.rubylane.com/item/1251082-RL-232/Vintage-European-Diamond-Engagement-Ring-14K

That one is really nice.

 

[lioness]

Well, this a tough assignment. How about this? It's an SI2, but something's gotta give.
http://antiqueengagementrings.com/shopping/shopexd.asp?id=5336

 

[lioness]

Or:

http://antiqueengagementrings.com/shopping/shopexd.asp?id=5653

http://antiqueengagementrings.com/shopping/shopexd.asp?id=4845

http://antiqueengagementrings.com/shopping/shopexd.asp?id=5416

http://antiqueengagementrings.com/shopping/shopexd.asp?id=4923

 

[Niel]

Ive contacted IDJ, i found two stones on their site that were 5mm, well cut, and in budget... and then the settings im getting quoted out were. I asked if they could find old cuts but i dont expect much

 

[mrs-b]

Interesting. This evening I've just finished helping a young man find an engagement ring for his girlfriend. He's 20 years old and his budget was 1500-2000. We came in slightly over at 2167, but he was very pleased. He didn't want second hand, doesn't want to upgrade in the future - so nothing tooooo small, and he preferred platinum, preferably with diamonds on the band. Whew!

We got there in the end - found a lovely .63 I VS1 cushion on JA and he's having it set in one of their platinum bands with micro pave. I think it will look very pretty - and since I took a pretty good trawl around her Pinterest page - I think we're right on the money!

Good luck on your search.

 

[Niel]

Interesting. This evening I've just finished helping a young man find an engagement ring for his girlfriend. He's 20 years old and his budget was 1500-2000. We came in slightly over at 2167, but he was very pleased. He didn't want second hand, doesn't want to upgrade in the future - so nothing tooooo small, and he preferred platinum, preferably with diamonds on the band. Whew!

We got there in the end - found a lovely .63 I VS1 cushion on JA and he's having it set in one of their platinum bands with micro pave. I think it will look very pretty - and since I took a pretty good trawl around her Pinterest page - I think we're right on the money!

Good luck on your search.

Oh sounds cool!

We live in a very modest community. A half ct is probably larger than the average in this area. Most rings I stalk around my work and stuff look like 25-30 pointers.

We could probably get hoghery in cushion or emerald cut bit he knows she wants a round.

Those more antique settings I posted are between 550-600 on Gabriel and co, and hopefully it's true that idj usually prices the settings a little less than the g&co website.

We shall see what idj says. He's a big fan of the marquise set looking sides I guess.

 

[Travelgal]

You are the best bargain hunter out there! Is he open to something non-traditional?

http://antiqueengagementrings.com/shopping/shopexd.asp?id=4921

http://trumpetandhorn.com/wheaton.html

http://trumpetandhorn.com/lenox.html

Not sue if they are willing to negotiate, but worth a shot.

 

[lioness]

Does it have to be a round? Because there is this ring: http://www.diamondsbylauren.com/index.php/jewelry/diamond-halo-ring-36ct-k-vs1-daussi-marquise-diamond-beautiful-halo-r3627

 

[lioness]

Or, could mademoiselle be talked into a lovely blingy 1 ctw five-stone band from IDJ?

 

[Gypsy]

Here: http://www.ebay.com/itm/130877244367?_trksid=p2060778.m1438.l2649&ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT

 

[Gypsy]

One more:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/231062158525?_trksid=p2060778.m1438.l2649&ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT

 

[arkieb1]

I LOVE the middle Gabriel and Co ring you posted!!!! How about this stone in that ring;

http://www.loveaffairdiamonds.com/0-51ct-old-european-cut-diamond-uncerted-g-h-vs2/

I also agree that the bezelled marquise on DBL with give huge finger coverage at 7.50mms up and down ways.

I don't think $1500.00 for a ring is unrealistic at all, particularly for young people that have more important things to save for.... I have a nephew 19 years old getting engaged and they don't care about diamonds and rings and he had a similar budget. Not everyone wants a $20 000+ diamond.

http://jacobsestatejewelry.com/index.php?page=collection&cid=16&startRow=15&pid=615

 

[Gypsy]

IDJ found me a gorgeous old cut, once. They can do a good job sourcing.

 

[dollyanjuli]

I have no idea on the history of this mall-brand ( I think its kind of like the Leo Diamond?) but if he just wants something very sparkly...this is supposedly a better cut stone (compared to most mall stores)...

http://www.ebay.com/itm/TOLKOWSKY-DIAMOND-1-2-CARAT-Round-CUT-14K-GOLD-SOLITAIRE-RING-0-53-KAY-JEWELERS-/221560083484?pt=Diamond_Solitaire_Rings&hash=item339602941c

here is a blue nile ring, so at least it is GIA graded J SI2, but its a pretty decent size center stone

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Blue-Nile-Platinum-Diamond-ring-Round-Brilliant-81-center-stone-/151426829617?pt=Diamond_Solitaire_Rings&hash=item2341be0d31

and here is a tiny stone but it is AGS0 and cheap!

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Blue-Nile-34-carat-Diamond-Solitaire-18K-White-Gold-Ring-G-VS1-/221494628918?pt=Diamond_Solitaire_Rings&hash=item33921bd236

here is another AGS0 diamond, ugle setting but you could trade the gold for a simple solitaire and have it reset

http://www.ebay.com/itm/1-2-Carat-Diamond-Ring-set-AGS-cert-Engagement-band-size-7-/251664163542?pt=Diamond_Solitaire_Rings&hash=item3a985a62d6


and one last one, same price in a decent solitaire setting

http://www.ebay.com/itm/AGS-0-50ct-Round-Diamond-Helzberg-Engagement-Ring-4-x-Ideal-18k-W-Gold-H-SI1-/261607281868?pt=Diamond_Solitaire_Rings&hash=item3ce90254cc