Newbie Looking for an E-Ring. Advice Needed...

[BJay]

Hello All,
I am in the process of looking for an engagement ring for my gf. My budget is small... about $2000 - $2500. I've been quite overwhelmed. I went to a local Zales store and came close to purchasing a ring there but I decided to hold off and do some more research. I came across this forum during my search and I have learned some important things already.

I'm located in NYC so as of now, I am strongly considering paying a visit to I.D. Jewelry and a couple of others in that area. I know that the cut is very important so should I be looking for nothing less than "very good" or does it need to be excellent/ideal? I would like to get a round 1 carat solitaire. I saw a couple of 1 carat solitaire rings (marquis, princess, and round cut) in Zales that were within my price range but based on all of the reviews, I don't think I will be purchasing anything from there.

Can anyone help me with some ideas that is a fit for what I'm looking for and within my budget? Thanks in advance.

 

[slg47]

Hi and welcome!

ID Jewelry just found a J/I1 (eyeclean) for someone for approx 3000 so you may be able to get a 1 ct if you go down to I1 in clarity. However I think you may be better off looking for slightly less than a carat. Rounds are much more $/carat than other shapes.

 

[BJay]

Hi and welcome!

ID Jewelry just found a J/I1 (eyeclean) for someone for approx 3000 so you may be able to get a 1 ct if you go down to I1 in clarity. However I think you may be better off looking for slightly less than a carat. Rounds are much more $/carat than other shapes.

Due to my low budget, it looks like I'm going to have to settle on a standard setting. I see ID Jewelry have some 1 carat rings for sell on auction that are within my budget. How does this 1 carat solitaire sound for $2300?

100% Natural Diamond, Not Enhanced
Shape: Round
Cut: Ideal
Color: J (Near Colorless - White)
Clarity: SI2
Total Gem Weight: 1.00CTW
Appraisal: Included with Purchase
(Certificate is Available)
Metal: 14KT White Gold
Setting Type: 6 Prongs
74 Facets

 

[slg47]

that diamond does not have a GIA report. Only look at diamonds with GIA and AGS reports because the grading is accurate and you know what you are getting.

also that is not a standard round but one with extra facets.

here are some online options. you will need to leave around $400 for a simple solitaire setting. unfortunately with your budget I think you are looking at more like a 0.70 carat round.

0.73 G I1...looks like the inclusion may be prongable?
http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/G-I1-Ideal-Cut-Round-Diamond-1484279.asp

http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/J-SI2-Ideal-Cut-Round-Diamond-1480406.asp
http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/J-SI1-Ideal-Cut-Round-Diamond-1390186.asp

0.71 G I2 that has been clarity enhanced
http://goodoldgold.com/diamond/9161/

 

[BJay]

Thanks for the info. I appreciate it! Do you think I can get around 1 carat if I opt for a princess, cushion, etc. cut vs the round? I've seen some GIA and AGS 1 carat solitaire e-rings like this for example:

Gem Type: 100% Natural Diamond
Shape/Cut: Cushion
Color: H
Clarity: VS2
Weight: 1.03 CTW
Measurements: 6.03x5.41x3.97 mm
Certificate: AGI
(This Diamond Appraised by GIA GRADUATE Gemologists via AGI company)
Metal: 14KT White Gold
Appraised Retail Value: $6494.04
CLOSE OUT PRICE: Only $ 2164.68

Any good? Thanks for your patience with all my questions!

 

[Christina...]

The second one that you posted is not going to have a Lab report either, or it will be from some made up lab, and the fact that they are calling themselves a GIA grad gemologist doesn't really matter either, they can call the diamond anything they want, they can call it a sapphire if they want to. Fancy shaped diamond are less money than rounds, will you get to a ct? probably not, but we can look at stones that face up large like a pear, oval or marquis if you want. They typically have a bigger spread at a smaller ct weight. we can also look at princess cuts if you want but even at a ct they will look smaller than a round. A .75 round will look the same as a 1ct princess for instance.

 

[webdiva]

Contact them directly for information, I hear from Pricescopers that the quality of the auction items is much less than the quality offered to Pricescopers. So while you wont' be able to get a top quality 1 carat for your budget, they'll be able to explain what you can get in your budget and you can decide which of the 4cs that you want to compromise on.

 

[Christina...]

how about this? just barely under a ct but will face up larger than a 1ct round. The color is a K and will be apparent in the tip but given your preference for size it may not be an issue and it appears to be eye clean

http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/K-VS1-Ideal-Cut-Pear-Diamond-1197009.asp

This one is a J so it's near colorless still will have more color in the tips

http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/J-SI1-Ideal-Cut-Pear-Diamond-1479879.asp

http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/J-SI1-Ideal-Cut-Pear-Diamond-1248087.asp

ovals
http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/J-VS1-Ideal-Cut-Oval-Diamond-1347647.asp'

http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/K-SI2-Ideal-Cut-Oval-Diamond-1135892.asp

cushon
http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/J-SI1-Ideal-Cut-Cushion-Diamond-1411198.asp

radiant
http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/J-VVS1-Ideal-Cut-Radiant-Diamond-1337522.asp

I"m not a cut expert on these fancy shapes but it gives you an idea of what it is out there in your budget.

 

[Christina...]

heres another pear in a better color
http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/I-SI2-Ideal-Cut-Pear-Diamond-1282129.asp

You will just need to determine which is the most important of the C's for you and how much you are willing to sacrifice from the others. If you could list them in order of importance and then post how low in each of the other catagories you are willing to go, we could find you a perfect fit.

 

[BJay]

heres another pear in a better color
http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/I-SI2-Ideal-Cut-Pear-Diamond-1282129.asp

You will just need to determine which is the most important of the C's for you and how much you are willing to sacrifice from the others. If you could list them in order of importance and then post how low in each of the other catagories you are willing to go, we could find you a perfect fit.

Christina, those look good. I really don't want to go to $3000 but willing to if need be. I honestly don't know which of the "Cs" I should sacrifice. Many people stated that IDJ are honest and trustworthy so I figured they would be able to give me their best advice with regard to that.

I know that I don't want to sacrifice the cut b/c I read that is the most important thing. Size does matter. I would like the ring to be near colorless and to sparkle. As long as there isn't any obvious flaws to the untrained eye and it doesn't look dull, I'm fine with that. To be honest, if I didn't find this forum, I would have probably purchased a ring from Zales which probably wouldn't have been a good idea based on what I've read.

 

[webdiva]

heres another pear in a better color
http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/I-SI2-Ideal-Cut-Pear-Diamond-1282129.asp

You will just need to determine which is the most important of the C's for you and how much you are willing to sacrifice from the others. If you could list them in order of importance and then post how low in each of the other catagories you are willing to go, we could find you a perfect fit.

Christina, those look good. I really don't want to go to $3000 but willing to if need be. I honestly don't know which of the "Cs" I should sacrifice. Many people stated that IDJ are honest and trustworthy so I figured they would be able to give me their best advice with regard to that.

I know that I don't want to sacrifice the cut b/c I read that is the most important thing. Size does matter. I would like the ring to be near colorless and to sparkle. As long as there isn't any obvious flaws to the untrained eye and it doesn't look dull, I'm fine with that. To be honest, if I didn't find this forum, I would have probably purchased a ring from Zales which probably wouldn't have been a good idea based on what I've read.

Stick to your budget, it just makes it more fun for Pricescopers to find you something. We like challenges... You know what you feel comfortable spending.

If you're not in NY, there's no tax. I see you want a solitaire, so leave yourself at least $400-450 for the ring portion. That leaves you about $2000-2100 for the stone. Are you sure about the shape she wants? With a small budget and no room for mistakes, I always advise proposing with a temp ring (e.g. $20 sterling/cz from the store) and working on the ring together... Let us know specifics and we can help!

 

[BJay]

heres another pear in a better color
http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/I-SI2-Ideal-Cut-Pear-Diamond-1282129.asp

You will just need to determine which is the most important of the C's for you and how much you are willing to sacrifice from the others. If you could list them in order of importance and then post how low in each of the other catagories you are willing to go, we could find you a perfect fit.

Christina, those look good. I really don't want to go to $3000 but willing to if need be. I honestly don't know which of the "Cs" I should sacrifice. Many people stated that IDJ are honest and trustworthy so I figured they would be able to give me their best advice with regard to that.

I know that I don't want to sacrifice the cut b/c I read that is the most important thing. Size does matter. I would like the ring to be near colorless and to sparkle. As long as there isn't any obvious flaws to the untrained eye and it doesn't look dull, I'm fine with that. To be honest, if I didn't find this forum, I would have probably purchased a ring from Zales which probably wouldn't have been a good idea based on what I've read.

Stick to your budget, it just makes it more fun for Pricescopers to find you something. We like challenges... You know what you feel comfortable spending.

If you're not in NY, there's no tax. I see you want a solitaire, so leave yourself at least $400-450 for the ring portion. That leaves you about $2000-2100 for the stone. Are you sure about the shape she wants? With a small budget and no room for mistakes, I always advise proposing with a temp ring (e.g. $20 sterling/cz from the store) and working on the ring together... Let us know specifics and we can help!

OK Webdiva. Here it is... My budget is $2500 + tax.

Carat Size: 1 carat or one that stands up looking like one carat
Shape: Round is preferred but Marquise or Cushion is OK
Cut: Very good - Excellent
Color: Near colorless (G - J)
Clarity: up to an SI2 (or very clean I)

I understand that I may not get up to a 1 carat for my budget but the above is what I'm basically looking for.

 

[ecf8503]

I wouldn't get stuck on the weight of 1 carat. Stones of different cut styles will vary greatly in face-up diameter at any given carat weight. For instance a 1ct princess will face up considerably smaller that a well cut 1ct round. Some fancy shapes allow for greater face up size (ovals for instance), but you have to be very careful with cut quality or you will end up with a lifeless, dull stone (which is not what you want).

Plus you will pay more once you hit that magical 1.00 ct mark.

 

[farmer gal]

would call John at GOG and ask him about this pear diamond

http://goodoldgold.com/diamond/5589/

The inclusions are white so they may be hidden

Setting:
http://www.gabrielny.com/engaged/style/ER5828W44JJ

 

[webdiva]

Farmergal - he wants a round, Marquis or cushion.

Ok - my 2 cents Bjay - in this size range in a solitaire you need the blingiest (best cut) possible stone because you don't have any other diamonds on the ring to make it twinkle (for e.g. how the diamonds around a halo twinkle). The sparkliest out of a round, marquis or cushion is going to be a round. Rounds have the most light return out of all cuts. (Btw, did she ask for a Marquis? They're very retro-80s in a solitaire and it has to be your particular taste, it's not everyone's. If she does like it, you may be able to find a rockin' deal on a pre-loved since they're not currently popular).

I really recommend calling up IDjewelry today and giving them your budget (tell them you want to spend $2500 tops, incl. a 14k solitaire setting). Tell them you've been on Pricescope and understand you'll need to make some trade-offs to get a stone in the 6 mm range (about .8 carats) for that price. Just so you know what to expect - they just found another member a 1 carat I1 stone for $3700 (a fantastic deal) - so you're not getting a well cut 1 ct stone for $2100. Ask them to provide ASETs and Idealscopes for your final choices. For sh*ts and giggles, you may want to ask about pictures and an ASET for the 1 carat ebay stone to see the difference.

2nd option: smaller stone, more elaborate setting. While Pricescopers will always tell you buy the biggest stone and cheapest setting so that you can upgrade in the future - this is not always always everyone's taste. I'd rather wear a fake ring than a solitaire, and that's my taste. You can spend $800-ish on the setting and then $1700 on a smaller stone, but the entire ring will have more presence. Once again, this is MY preference and not necessarily that of your lady. I got a big ass halo around my .88 which from far away will have the presence of a 5 carat solitaire. Cuz I'm crazy like that...

Some setting options (IDJ has access to Gabriel & Co settings - and discounts about 20%):
http://www.gabrielny.com/engaged/style/ER7880W44JJ - more vintage-y, pretty - $670-ish
http://www.gabrielny.com/engaged/style/ER8277W44JJ - more modern, less presence - $790-ish
http://www.gabrielny.com/engaged/style/ER5409W44JJ - modern halo with an airline - there's space around the diamond, but your eye focuses on the halo so you perceive the entire stone as larger - $750-ish
http://www.gabrielny.com/engaged/style/ER7811W44JJ - cushion-shaped outline for a round - $800
More options: http://www.gabrielny.com/engaged/styles/1?category=ER&style=Halo&price=-1000

This leads me to some stone choices. I'm not a round-gal - so someone here can probably find better choices that IDjewelry can call in for you. But this gives you budget ideas:
http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/J-SI2-Ideal-Cut-Round-Diamond-1452022.asp .7 J SI2 $1700 with Pricescope discount

Looking at what your budget gets in a larger stone with a solitaire setting instead of spending the additional $300 on the setting really only nets you about 0.15 - 0.2 mm in diameter.

 

[labelo]

I'm always the optimist, but thinking realistically, you're not going to be able to get everything you want while staying in your budget. So, if you had to prioritize your wish list, how would you do it? Is size most important? Cut?

It seems to me that what's most important to you is getting a 1ct stone in a very good or excellent cut, and you're willing to compromise on the rest of it. Based on that, I'm going to recommend you get an oval. Ovals are cheaper per carat AND they face up larger than their round counterparts, meaning a 1ct oval will probably look larger than a 1ct round. If you get an oval with a low l/w ration is will look a bit more round, what some people call a "roval," and I personally prefer this look. It's all about what you like, though.

Here's the deal on cut with ovals, though - GIA doesn't grade oval cuts. If you see a GIA oval graded "very good" or "excellent" on cut, it's being based on the polish and/or symmetry, not the cut (the way rounds are) because there are no GIA standards for oval cut. There are some AGS standards/ranges, but ovals are a cut that you really need to see to pick, or have a trained professional help you pick. For this reason, I'd start with James Allen or another vendor who provides pictures of their diamonds online. JA can also have someone evaluate the diamond for you and tell you if it's eye-clean, if it has a bowtie (a bowtie shaped area of dead, darkness across the middle of a poorly cut oval or marquise diamond), etc. They also have an excellent return policy, so if you buy a diamond and don't like it, you can always try again.

Here's one oval I looked at and liked. It's a 1.0ct J/SI2 from JA that's $1870 after the Pricescope discount, leaving you plenty of budget for a nice setting (JA has a good selection of classic four-prong solitaires in 18k gold for $400-$500). It has strong fluorescence, which is probably a plus, because it will help the J color look whiter in certain lights. The cut looks nice to me, though you'd need to confirm that.
The SI2 part is where you'd be compromising - this is probably not an eye-clean stone. There are lots of small inclusion around the edges of the diamond (which might not be very visible once set), and a pair of larger crystals right under the table. You can see these in the diamond picture provided, which means it's probably not eyeclean. Keep in mind, though, that you're looking at a picture that has been magnified MANY times, and you will probably not be looking at your diamond under magnification very often, so inclusions that seem big probably look quite tiny in real life. It's really all about personal tolerance for inclusions - I don't mind them at all, so long as they're not black carbon spots, but some people are very sensitive to them.
http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/J-SI2-Very Good-Cut-Oval-Diamond-1426658.asp

I'm not saying you should definitely go with this oval, just giving you an idea of the sort of stone you could get with your budget by going with an oval. If you were willing to look around or wait a bit, a cleaner SI1 or SI2 might come along. Good luck!

 

[labelo]

And let me second what WebDiva suggested about considering a halo or other more elaborate setting. Unless you're just sold on the idea/look of a 1ct solitaire, consider a halo! It's a great way to get a bigger, more impressive look while staying on a budget.

 

[LibbyLA]

Just a comment about the recommended oval. It is VERY deep. It's better to look for one that is closer to 60-62% depth. The crystals under the table may not be a problem. I have a 2+ carat J SI2 oval with a crystal under the table and when I can see it, it looks like a pinpoint-sized piece of glitter, just a sparkle that's a little out of place.

I don't know if you would consider vintage/antique/pre-loved, but you may be able to find something beautiful that is well within your budget. Here's my thread on a 3/4 carat old European cut vintage ring that I bought for $1700. [URL='https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/3-4-ct-oec-ring-here-soon.172522/']https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/3-4-ct-oec-ring-here-soon.172522/[/URL]

The setting is a very narrow round "band" around the outside of the stone. You don't really see that band, but it makes the stone look a lot bigger than it is. The diamond is beautiful and sparkly. I'm amazed at how much finger coverage there is.

Here's an almost one-carat OEC for less than $2500: [URL='https://www.pricescope.com/forum/preloved-ps-jewels/just-under-a-carat-oec-bezel-pendant-t174064.html']https://www.pricescope.com/forum/preloved-ps-jewels/just-under-a-carat-oec-bezel-pendant-t174064.html[/URL]

This one's out of budget, but maybe not by much. The antiques aren't for everyone, but this may give you some ideas.

ETA: [URL='https://www.pricescope.com/forum/preloved-ps-jewels/0-97ct-oec-i-vs2-egl-t173769.html']https://www.pricescope.com/forum/preloved-ps-jewels/0-97ct-oec-i-vs2-egl-t173769.html[/URL]

liz

 

[Christina...]

I really don't think that you are going to get into a marquis in your budget, and a cushion is going to face up smaller than a RB, so I think that you really need to start thinking about the spread of the stone and not the carat weight. If my husband was shopping for me and he knew that my preference was for a round brilliant but he purchased me a cushion because it was a 1ct, even though side by side the 1 ct looked the same as RB that I really wanted, I would be heartbroken, both for myself and for the attempt that he made to please me and yet wasn't able to, thus I'd have to wear the ring for a very long time so that I didn't hurt his feelings. I think that if your gf really wants a rb we should honor that and find her the best rb that your money can buy.

I'm more than happy to make some more suggestions for you and there will be others along before too long with lots more experience that will offer suggestions as well, if you can hang in there.

Most everyone here will recommend that you stick to GIA ex or AGS ideal or ex cuts, because when buying online you won't have your eyes to help guide you. When buying rb there are several tools to help you discard the bad ones and images to help you select the best performer. So, staying with an excellent cut grade helps to further eliminate stones that will perform poorly. I'm not saying that you can't get a GIA VG diamond that won't be beautiful, but it's best to leave those for another day when you can look at the numbers and look at the stone, collect all the information that you need to make a good decision, etc. At this point you aren't ready to take on the frustration of that task, so it's safer to stay with EX and ideal cuts.

Ok, so lets talk cushions now, there are sooo many different cuts to cushions. Some have a crushed ice appearance, some have larger bolder facet patterns and some are new cuts based on old antique cut cushions. If you think that your interested in a cushion then first you should look at some images and decide which cut you perfer.

Take a time out and really think about what you want from this diamond. In the meantime, do NOT go to Zales and buy a ring. We can get you something so much more beautiful, you just need to further clarify what you want.

 

[Christina...]

bjay I just found this .90 RB it's an AGS0 so it's highly sought after, it's already been evaluated for light performance, so it's going to be blingin' but three things, 1. it's a bit outside your budget, but you can swing it in a solitaire for under 3k if you stretched the budget it bit. 2. it's a k color which is one color grade below near colorless. if you do a google search on PS you will find many threads on K colored diamonds. I actually was considering a K because I needed to stretch my budget. Many people love their Ks and honestly brilliant cuts face up whiter than other cuts and when you mix that will the excellent light performance of an AGS0 you have a very beautiful stone that from the face up position and set into a ring looks very white. 3. Its probably not going to be 100% eye clean, but the inclusions look very well placed inside the stone and it appears likely that they will blend well with the facets. I think that it's worth pulling and having it evaluated by JA gemologist, this is a free service so there isn't anything to loose and about as close to a 1ct round that your going to get. If this stone interests you I would get it on hold immediately.

http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/K-SI2-Ideal-Cut-Round-Diamond-1353910.asp

setting

http://www.jamesallen.com/engagement-rings/solitaire/2mm-Knife-Edge-18k-White-Gold-Solitaire-Ring.html

 

[BJay]

I really appreciate the replies. It helps a lot. I've been so frustrated and overwhelmed in my quest to find a nice ring for her but with the help of this forum, I'm confident now that I will find something that she will love and I'll feel good about.

A few comments...

@Webdiva, it's funny you mentioned getting a more expensive setting. I had her look at some round solitaire rings in the past. I noticed the 1 carat rings that we did see with the thin bands... she really wasn't that gung-ho about them. The ones she actually really liked were a bit less than 1 carat but the setting was "beefier" and had a bit more going on. She said those "stood out" more and she actually thought that the center stone looked bigger (they weren't) than the 1 carat solitaires. I guess I am the one that is more for the thin band solitaire settings. I don't want too much going on where it takes away from the center stone but I am open to looking at different options since she will be the one wearing the ring.

@labelo , thanks for all of that info. Yes, I don't want to settle on the cut. I want ideal or excellent. She never mentioned anything about a marquise, oval, etc. She only indicated that she likes round and I'm starting to feel that I should stick with that even if it means a smaller carat size.


@Christina, the .90 looks good! I am about a 30 minute car ride (with traffic) from JM's location as well as IDJ. I am going to call and make an appointment to go there in person.

 

[Christina...]

I really appreciate the replies. It helps a lot. I've been so frustrated and overwhelmed in my quest to find a nice ring for her but with the help of this forum, I'm confident now that I will find something that she will love and I'll feel good about.

A few comments...

@Webdiva, it's funny you mentioned getting a more expensive setting. I had her look at some round solitaire rings in the past. I noticed the 1 carat rings that we did see with the thin bands... she really wasn't that gung-ho about them. The ones she actually really liked were a bit less than 1 carat but the setting was "beefier" and had a bit more going on. She said those "stood out" more and she actually thought that the center stone looked bigger (they weren't) than the 1 carat solitaires. I guess I am the one that is more for the thin band solitaire settings. I don't want too much going on where it takes away from the center stone but I am open to looking at different options since she will be the one wearing the ring.

@labelo , thanks for all of that info. Yes, I don't want to settle on the cut. I want ideal or excellent. She never mentioned anything about a marquise, oval, etc. She only indicated that she likes round and I'm starting to feel that I should stick with that even if it means a smaller carat size.


@Christina, the .90 looks good! I am about a 30 minute car ride (with traffic) from JM's location as well as IDJ. I am going to call and make an appointment to go there in person.

I think that is an excellent idea. I think that you should have them pull this stone so that you can have a look at it yourself, it will also give you an idea of what a diamond with fantastic optics looks like. I'm working with JA on a diamond right now, and it's been frustrating because their inventory is low and things are selling very quickly, so if your interested in this stone don't wait call NOW! There are a lot of lurkers on the boards and when they see a recommended stone they often jump on them, It's not in the PS spirit and it's not fair because we are more than happy to find anyone who posts a beautiful stone of their own, not to mention what works for one person isn't alway right for another.

I also agree that staying with a round is your best option if that is what she has been looking at, and adding a halo to a smaller ct weight round can make it appear to look like a 1.25ct stone. This may be a great option for you. James Allen has this setting and there a several PSers here that have it as well as it's beautiful, and taaadaaaaa affordable, so this may be a good option as well. I'll also tell you how they can customize it to make it unique and special for your gf, but we need to get the stone picked out first.

http://www.jamesallen.com/engagement-rings/pave/-18k-White-Gold-Pave-Set-Diamond-Engagement-Ring.html

edit I just wanted you to know that you can ask JA to hold three diamonds for you to look at when you visit in person and you are under no obligation to purchase any of them, so make the most of appointment and have three choices pulled to evaluate and ask that a gemologist attend the appointment with you to help you evaluate each stone.

 

[BJay]

I think that is an excellent idea. I think that you should have them pull this stone so that you can have a look at it yourself, it will also give you an idea of what a diamond with fantastic optics looks like. I'm working with JA on a diamond right now, and it's been frustrating because their inventory is low and things are selling very quickly, so if your interested in this stone don't wait call NOW! There are a lot of lurkers on the boards and when they see a recommended stone they often jump on them, It's not in the PS spirit and it's not fair because we are more than happy to find anyone who posts a beautiful stone of their own, not to mention what works for one person isn't alway right for another.

I also agree that staying with a round is your best option if that is what she has been looking at, and adding a halo to a smaller ct weight round can make it appear to look like a 1.25ct stone. This may be a great option for you. James Allen has this setting and there a several PSers here that have it as well as it's beautiful, and taaadaaaaa affordable, so this may be a good option as well. I'll also tell you how they can customize it to make it unique and special for your gf, but we need to get the stone picked out first.

http://www.jamesallen.com/engagement-rings/pave/-18k-White-Gold-Pave-Set-Diamond-Engagement-Ring.html

edit I just wanted you to know that you can ask JA to hold three diamonds for you to look at when you visit in person and you are under no obligation to purchase any of them, so make the most of appointment and have three choices pulled to evaluate and ask that a gemologist attend the appointment with you to help you evaluate each stone.

Okay... I asked to come in person and it is a bit of a process but they placed the .90 carat you recommended on hold as well as the one Webdiva recommended. They suggested to find a third one to compare so if you all come across another good JA round within my budget, pls let me know. The halo setting you posted is beautiful. In order to get something like that, it looks like I will really have to settle for a smaller carat. Also, I do like the IDJ halo settings and diamonds that Webdiva posted too and will be visiting them as well. I'm looking forward to visiting both places.

 

[Christina...]

First thing in the morning I will post a couple more JA options for you. I think that the other might not be a great performer and I don't mean that at all as a criticism to webdiva since she admitted that rounds weren't really her thing. I'm sure JA will allow you to switch it with another in the morning. I'll post again first thing in the morning. I'm sure others will come along tonight as well.

 

[BJay]

First thing in the morning I will post a couple more JA options for you. I think that the other might not be a great performer and I don't mean that at all as a criticism to webdiva since she admitted that rounds weren't really her thing. I'm sure JA will allow you to switch it with another in the morning. I'll post again first thing in the morning. I'm sure others will come along tonight as well.

Thank you! One note, I just looked back at the link and the second one I put on hold isn't the one webdiva posted (my mistake) but instead the one you posted which is: http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/J-VVS1-Ideal-Cut-Radiant-Diamond-1337522.asp

 

[slg47]

First thing in the morning I will post a couple more JA options for you. I think that the other might not be a great performer and I don't mean that at all as a criticism to webdiva since she admitted that rounds weren't really her thing. I'm sure JA will allow you to switch it with another in the morning. I'll post again first thing in the morning. I'm sure others will come along tonight as well.

Thank you! One note, I just looked back at the link and the second one I put on hold isn't the one webdiva posted (my mistake) but instead the one you posted which is: http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/J-VVS1-Ideal-Cut-Radiant-Diamond-1337522.asp

that one looks kinda dark under the table?

if you get a halo setting like some of the previous posters have suggested it will add a lot more presence on the hand. even if you get a 0.5 ct diamond with the halo, the overall ring will be larger than a 1 ct solitaire because the halo adds so much size.

example
http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/I-VS2-Ideal-Cut-Round-Diamond-1376537.asp
http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/I-VS2-Ideal-Cut-Round-Diamond-1472826.asp
http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/I-SI1-Ideal-Cut-Round-Diamond-1473288.asp

settings
http://www.jamesallen.com/engagement-rings/pave/-18k-White-Gold-Pave-Set-Diamond-Engagement-Ring.html

 

[CharmyPoo]

This is probably not going to be a popular opinion but here goes anyways. I am all for well cut diamonds and in fact I am a cut nut and wouldn't buy anything else. With that said, I went to the mall jewelers with a few friends and they honestly can't tell much of a difference. They are married already and had T&CO engagement rings (not poorly cut by any means). We sat in the store and compared the diamonds and they couldn't tell - yes, the lights were bright but we went to the edges. So I don't know ... I think the average person may see a difference but perhaps not significant enough.

So if you do end up considering mall rings, why not look at the abundance of second hand ones on ebay. Many are barely worn and you can get it for a fraction of the retail price which makes it more worth it. If I was as brave back then as I am now, I would have purchased my e-rings from ebay .. we would have saved so much money!

Here are some Kay's second hand Neil Lane rings:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Exquisite-Neil-Lane-1-1-5-carat-Diamond-Engagement-Ring-/251041664354?pt=Diamond_Solitaire_with_Accents&hash=item3a733fcd62

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Neil-Lane-2-Carat-Diamond-Engagement-Ring-/150797716416?pt=Wedding_Sets&hash=item231c3e8bc0

 

[Christina...]

First thing in the morning I will post a couple more JA options for you. I think that the other might not be a great performer and I don't mean that at all as a criticism to webdiva since she admitted that rounds weren't really her thing. I'm sure JA will allow you to switch it with another in the morning. I'll post again first thing in the morning. I'm sure others will come along tonight as well.

Thank you! One note, I just looked back at the link and the second one I put on hold isn't the one webdiva posted (my mistake) but instead the one you posted which is: http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/J-VVS1-Ideal-Cut-Radiant-Diamond-1337522.asp

Hey bjay! I would agree with slg on this stone. I was trying to give you an idea of what you could get in a larger ct weight if you purchased a fancy cut as opposed to a rb and not really making a recommendation. I also wanted to mention that this radiant will face up about the same size as a .65-.7 rb, so if it's size that you really want then rb, pear, oval or marquis will give you the largest face up appearance. I have a 1ct asscher it faces up 5.47x5.67 or something like that which is about the same size as a well cut .7 RB. I want something larger so I'm now upgrading to a round brilliant.

If you really like the looks of the radiant though I can go back and look for a better option for you. Also I haven't forgotten about picking another round for you, I thought I found a nice .75 and then got thrown off the site so I'm just waiting to get back on. Slgs suggestions look great too, and they will look impressive in a halo.

 

[Christina...]

Here a few, these are the largest RB that I could find worth taking a look at and that I could find within your budget assuming that you are going to add a halo instead of a solitaire.
http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/J-SI2-Ideal-Cut-Round-Diamond-1482815.asp



http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/J-SI2-Ideal-Cut-Round-Diamond-1480406.asp
http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/J-SI2-Ideal-Cut-Round-Diamond-1482815.asp

 

[BJay]

This is probably not going to be a popular opinion but here goes anyways. I am all for well cut diamonds and in fact I am a cut nut and wouldn't buy anything else. With that said, I went to the mall jewelers with a few friends and they honestly can't tell much of a difference. They are married already and had T&CO engagement rings (not poorly cut by any means). We sat in the store and compared the diamonds and they couldn't tell - yes, the lights were bright but we went to the edges. So I don't know ... I think the average person may see a difference but perhaps not significant enough.

So if you do end up considering mall rings, why not look at the abundance of second hand ones on ebay. Many are barely worn and you can get it for a fraction of the retail price which makes it more worth it. If I was as brave back then as I am now, I would have purchased my e-rings from ebay .. we would have saved so much money!

Here are some Kay's second hand Neil Lane rings:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Exquisite-Neil-Lane-1-1-5-carat-Diamond-Engagement-Ring-/251041664354?pt=Diamond_Solitaire_with_Accents&hash=item3a733fcd62

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Neil-Lane-2-Carat-Diamond-Engagement-Ring-/150797716416?pt=Wedding_Sets&hash=item231c3e8bc0

That first one is very nice! That is another option to think about. I've purchased from ebay in the past and even sold on there before. In fact, my father purchased a Ford F250 on there which was a big purchase and had us quite anxious from start to finish. I'm just hesitant to purchase something like this on there but I'm not closed to the idea. Thanks for your feedback.