who wants to bargain hunt with me?

[dollyanjuli]

and also, none of those are old cuts butttt they are shiny and in budget

 

[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.

No HAS TO be a round. Believe me I tried. I had myself purchased a half ct mq for 900 from James Allen that was utterly perfect, but I just couldn't justify keeping it so I let it back into the wild. They could have done a custom e/w 6 prong basket solitaire with a knife edge for our budget but sadly it wasn't meant to be.

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

 

[Niel]

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

Thanks gypsy. I'll send those along to him. I hope idj is able to source something good like you said too. I mean I remember a year or two ago they did an amazing job with a 1500 budget. A 5mm I with a plain shank halo if I remember right. But of course, prices aren't the same as a year ago.

 

[Niel]

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

Thanks! I was looking at those love affair stones, she has a few that would work. I was holding off contacting her until I heard from idj because its a one stop shop I think he would prefer that to an outside setter.

And I agree, 1500 is Avery realistic budget. If she wanted a solitaire or a fancy shape I'd be done already Haha.

 

[Niel]

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

Awesome finds!
I tried to sell him on a solitaire and then a diamond wedding band (I mean come on that's a good look) but he said she just thinks a solitaire is too plain.

I seriously considered that blue Nile one. Sure it's a VG cut bit the HCA was good and the pics you can clearly see the arrows, seemed fair, but her finger is a 7.5 and that's a 4. Seems too compromising on the integrity

 

[rainydaze]

Oh my goodness - I saw this in person recently and the diamond was a knockout! Crazy, amazing gorgeous. It's small, but they're calling it E color and VVS clarity (I can't verify this, I didn't pay too close attention because I was really looking for something else that day). The setting is 18k which is nice (rose gold, it was lovely) and may fit her (size 7.75 but I have found their sizing is way off at times so worth a double check if he's interested). The setting design is, erm, not my favorite but for a killer diamond in his price range I offer this up for consideration! (10 day return period for online purchases from them, no return if bought in-store which is annoying.)

https://www.etsy.com/listing/180528407/european-cut-diamond-antique-rose-gold?ref=shop_home_active_20

They also have this setting that I find lovely for $750 and fits a 5mm stone:

https://www.etsy.com/listing/123806641/18k-art-nouveau-engagement-ring-yellow?ref=sr_gallery_24&ga_search_query=yellow+gold+mounting&ga_ship_to=US&ga_page=2&ga_search_type=all&ga_view_type=gallery

 

[vintagelover229]

Okay so this is over budget and not an old cut but it's a very safe ring had this come up at the same time as kelpies I would have told my friend to get this one bc it was .1 bigger for only 200.00 more

http://www.diamondbistro.com/index.php?a=2&b=39813

 

[vintagelover229]

http://www.rubylane.com/item/1251082-RL-231/Vintage-64ct-European-Diamond-Ring-14K

http://www.rubylane.com/item/635099-R-1078-110225/European-Cut-Solitaire-Diamond-Ring-14k


http://www.rubylane.com/item/953559-LNJFC4-P/European-Cut-Diamond-Solitaire-Gorgeous-Engagement

http://www.rubylane.com/item/707309-6679/European-Cut-Diamond-57ct-14k-Edwardian

 

[vintagelover229]

http://www.rubylane.com/item/510967-rbx20Europeanx20Artx20Decox200x2e40ct/Art-Deco-European-Cut-Diamond-Engagement

This one is nice

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

So is this and it's platinum

http://www.rubylane.com/item/514555-rl-994/65-European-Cut-Diamond-Solitaire-EGL

 

[vintagelover229]

http://www.rubylane.com/item/454223-752044/Vintage-Art-Deco-Diamond-18K-White

 

[rainydaze]

Here is a pic of it on my hand to give you a point of reference. My ring finger is a 7.5. It's listed as an old mine cut. Oh whoops - I thought it was 18k rose gold, but it's 14k (rose gold).

 

[marymm]

Saw this on RubyLane - Platinum with 5mm RB and a couple side-stones - currently 8.25 so should be easily resizable to 7.75 - just about within budget at $1595 and vendor may be amenable to an offer - http://www.rubylane.com/item/726095-JWL985/Classic-American-Vintage-0-58ct-Diamond - (fyi: I have no experience with this vendor).

 

[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

Awesome finds!
I tried to sell him on a solitaire and then a diamond wedding band (I mean come on that's a good look) but he said she just thinks a solitaire is too plain.

I seriously considered that blue Nile one. Sure it's a VG cut bit the HCA was good and the pics you can clearly see the arrows, seemed fair, but her finger is a 7.5 and that's a 4. Seems too compromising on the integrity

What if he got the .81 blue nile one, and found a jeweler that would let him trade in the setting? It is platinum and looks to be in good condition...just an option. He wants a vintage-y type setting?

 

[Niel]

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

Awesome finds!
I tried to sell him on a solitaire and then a diamond wedding band (I mean come on that's a good look) but he said she just thinks a solitaire is too plain.

I seriously considered that blue Nile one. Sure it's a VG cut bit the HCA was good and the pics you can clearly see the arrows, seemed fair, but her finger is a 7.5 and that's a 4. Seems too compromising on the integrity

What if he got the .81 blue nile one, and found a jeweler that would let him trade in the setting? It is platinum and looks to be in good condition...just an option. He wants a vintage-y type setting?

Oh good thinking! I wonder how much he could get for it. Its a little risky, he needs about 550 for the g&c setting he likes .

No he doesn't need an antique setting

 

[vintagelover229]

http://pages.ebay.com/link/?nav=item.view&alt=web&id=130825236061

Wonder if this is eye clean? I know they carry Gab and co settings too

http://www.goodoldgold.com/diamond/12175/

 

[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

Awesome finds!
I tried to sell him on a solitaire and then a diamond wedding band (I mean come on that's a good look) but he said she just thinks a solitaire is too plain.

I seriously considered that blue Nile one. Sure it's a VG cut bit the HCA was good and the pics you can clearly see the arrows, seemed fair, but her finger is a 7.5 and that's a 4. Seems too compromising on the integrity

What if he got the .81 blue nile one, and found a jeweler that would let him trade in the setting? It is platinum and looks to be in good condition...just an option. He wants a vintage-y type setting?

Oh good thinking! I wonder how much he could get for it. Its a little risky, he needs about 550 for the g&c setting he likes .

No he doesn't need an antique setting

I think that halo setting on the blue nile one is one of the more expensive ones, he could probably even sell it on bistro or loupetroop for 500 or so. I would buy a platinum halo for that price, i am sure other people would as well! And then he can get the exact setting he wants.

 

[Niel]

http://pages.ebay.com/link/?nav=item.view&alt=web&id=130825236061

Wonder if this is eye clean? I know they carry Gab and co settings too

http://www.goodoldgold.com/diamond/12175/

Oh I wonder if it is.....

 

[dollyanjuli]

http://pages.ebay.com/link/?nav=item.view&alt=web&id=130825236061

Wonder if this is eye clean? I know they carry Gab and co settings too

http://www.goodoldgold.com/diamond/12175/

Oh I wonder if it is.....

GOOOOOOOOD find , if it's eye clean...would look so beautiful in that setting he likes and it has that vintage flair!

 

[vintagelover229]

Ask Jon he will be forth coming-keep in mind some people (okay most) are not as crazy as we are-if it's even a clear inclusion on the girdle that doesn't affect the performance I think it'd still be a winner. She'd be blown away by the whole ring and flashes to micro manage it like us weirdo (I say that with love). I'd request shots of it in a ring at viewing distance and as long as it's not a huge glaring flaw-carbon or otherwise-I say that's a good route to go.

Gotta figure with his budget if he went to the mall or even an antique jewelry market the selection both optically and inclusion wise would leave a lot to be desired. I think trying to box it into our standards VS a ring that will likely outshine and be of higher quality than all the rings in her inner and outer circles is something to be mindful of.

Of course if there is a massive noticeable inclusion I'd pass but just food for thought

 

[Niel]

Ask Jon he will be forth coming-keep in mind some people (okay most) are not as crazy as we are-if it's even a clear inclusion on the girdle that doesn't affect the performance I think it's be a winner. She'd be blown away by the whole ring and flashes to micro manage it like us weirdo (I say that with love). I'd request shots of it in a ring at viewing distance and as long as it's not a huge glaring flaw-carbon or otherwise-I say that's a good route to go.

Gotta figure with his budget if he went to the mall or even an antique jewelry market the selection both optically and inclusion wise would leave a lot to be desired. I think trying to box it into our standards VS a ring that will likely outshine and be of higher quality than all the rings in her inner and putter circles is something to be mindful of.

Of course if there is a massive noticeable inclusion I'd pass but just food for thought

Yeah I emailed him to ask. I also got an email from idj and they seemed like they felt like they could meet his needs/budget.

 

[Niel]

I guess that stone in clarity enhanced. I'm annoyed that isn't disclosed on the page.

 

[bling addict]

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

Thanks! I was looking at those love affair stones, she has a few that would work. I was holding off contacting her until I heard from idj because its a one stop shop I think he would prefer that to an outside setter.

And I agree, 1500 is Avery realistic budget. If she wanted a solitaire or a fancy shape I'd be done already Haha.

Did you see LAD is having a sale now? A couple of rounds including I think the one already linked above in the $1000-$1100 range before wire discount. Could get close to budget with one of the G & Co settings. But I understand the preference for a one stop shop.

 

[Niel]

I guess that stone in clarity enhanced. I'm annoyed that isn't disclosed on the page.

I'm still annoyed lol . Did you guys see it say enhanced anywhere on that page?

 

[dollyanjuli]

the AVR is enhanced? It does not say that ANYWHERE on the page, not even on the AGS report (unless I am blind)

 

[Niel]

the AVR is enhanced? It does not say that ANYWHERE on the page, not even on the AGS report (unless I am blind)

I didnt see it either. what I dont like is that there are AVRs listed on there that say they are clarity enhanced. That would lead you to believe that if they list them, they woudl list all of them, no? So i dunno..

heres how its shown listed on another diamonds, so why its not on this, i dunno. I asked if it was or not, so i dunno if they would have told me if i hadnt asked.

http://www.goodoldgold.com/diamond/12486/

 

[JaneSmith]

I just wanted to say that you are all so very sweet to do this for the young gentleman.

 

[Niel]

hmmmm


https://www.etsy.com/listing/183390236/midcentury-brilliant-cut-diamond?ref=br_feed_48&br_feed_tlp=jewelry

 

[texaskj]

I have no diamonds to add, Niel. Just wanted to say how great you are helping this guy and I love, love, love threads like this. Keep it up guys!

 

[Niel]

thanks guys. Over the evening i found this ring, i thought it was promising. I emailed the seller to have a strait on shot and the mm size of the stone. the responded as follows

HI
The center stone alone is 1/2 caret .50. There are several small diamonds on the side, I am not counting those. The top shot is as head on as it geets.
Thank you for your interest, it is a steal of a deal.

red flags to me. I clearly asked the mm size, and this not a strait on shot. And maybe i have higher expectations because I've had practice, but its not hard to get a strait on view of a stone.

 

[Rena7]

I would be wondering about the poor English on that one.