Alternative Engagement Ring... Thoughts?

[Snow_Miser]

I know I don't post often, but rest assured that I feel like I know each one of you from my extensive lurking

Just a little bit of back story. SO and I are both recently started working after getting our Masters. While working, we are both still taking graduate classes to further our education... Dorky, I know. He has recently finished his last CPA test, and we will receive the results within the next two weeks. We have both said that once he passes we will officially begin looking at engagement rings!

It may have seemed silly to wait until after he finished to start looking (we have been together for 3 years now), but neither of us wanted to go ring shopping or spend the first few months of our engagement buried in books.

Now that the time is approaching, I am wondering if a typical engagement ring is right for me, especially with our budget.

Our dream ring (SO chose the setting) is the Sophie by JbEG with an AVC, preferably 2 carats. At this time, that is simply not in our budget. We are hoping to spend between 5k and 6k, and that setting alone is almost 3k in platinum.

I know many people will suggest getting a smaller diamond in a plain setting that we can upgrade later... But I'm not sure that will make me the MOST happy. I have been playing around with the idea of getting two small eternity bands (a la Leon, think the string bands, but a bit thicker at 1.5mm) or an AVC 5-stone. I think both of these looks are so elegant and classy, while still being blingy

Assuming that a traditional engagement ring is off the table because of my wants and our budget, which of these two alternatives do you prefer? Does this idea seem completely ridiculous?

 

[MissStepcut]

There's no reason not to do this. Of course, some people might react with confusion, and most will probably assume an eternity band isn't an engagement ring. If you don't care and don't mind correcting people, go ahead!

 

[maebelle]

I'd say go with the eternity band...

Or go with a colored gemstone ring which you can eventually replace w your dream ring and wear as a rhr or reset into a necklace.

 

[LJL]

Could you maybe have a graduated AVC 5-stone? I think that would be believable as an engagement ring, very blingy and very beautiful. I think I would be most worried with the custom setting cost...
I'm thinking a la that gorgeous ring Yssie is having made - could be a graduated 5 stone like hers with but with AVCs ([URL='https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/yssies-reset-thread.166349/']https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/yssies-reset-thread.166349/[/URL])
Not sure about the proportions but you could contact GOG and see if they can get some little AVCs for the sides and maybe put something around half a carat in the middle?

 

[Snow_Miser]

Thanks for the help ladies!

Maebelle--I would love a sapphire ering, but SO has made it clear that he'd like to stick with diamonds.

LJL--I love the idea of a graduated AVC band and have been following Packrat's journey faithfully: https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/packrats-five-stone-avc-ring-project.166794/
I had always assumed it would be too expensive for us, but I might have to call and talk to someone at GOG about it

Thanks again, and keep the good ideas/opinions coming!

 

[vintagelover229]

Have you seen this new listing by JBEG? It's not an AVC but it's a well cut vintage cushion and it's under 5k
http://jewelsbyericagrace.smugmug.com/JbEGSignatureSettingsandSpecia/Plain-and-Pave-Solitaires/The-Lynda-Engraved-Halo-Bezel/20399168_cFXTdV#1614236863_pnb8zmv

It's 1.19 carats of a light yellow antique cushion diamond for under 5k sneak piece price

 

[LJL]

Thats a great find, vintagelover.

OP, I think depending on the sizes/colors of the stones and the simplicity of the setting, it may be possible. But you never know if you dont ask!
Really tough to estimate price since they don't have any listed for the lil bitty AVCs like Packrat's 0.12c. I would inquire. Packrat also said some stuff in that thread about having to wait for new stones with her specs to come in - maybe the waiting time could be used to save up a little more - but I really think it might be possible without saving. Im thinking 2K/setting, 1.5K/center, and then $600-$800 a piece for side stones. lol, please inquire cause now I want to know too!

 

[mrs jam]

I really love the idea of finding an eternity band that you absolutely love! I wouldn't think twice about doing that. Then, when you have the diamond of your dreams, you can wear it with the eternity band. To me, it's the best of both worlds. You would get to wear the diamond of your dreams right next to your original engagement band. Bling meets sentimentality!

 

[Snow_Miser]

I really love the idea of finding an eternity band that you absolutely love! I wouldn't think twice about doing that. Then, when you have the diamond of your dreams, you can wear it with the eternity band. To me, it's the best of both worlds. You would get to wear the diamond of your dreams right next to your original engagement band. Bling meets sentimentality!

That's exactly what I was thinking. I know at some point 5 or 10 years down the road we will get a more traditional engagement ring, and I would love to be able to wear it with the ring I get now. And honestly, I'm not extremely worried about having something "different" for an engagement ring.

Now, if only I could decide between the two string bands or an AVC 5-stone...

 

[madelise]

i actually LOVE the idea of getting a swanky-er eternity band for an e-ring place holder! then, when you're married, you can have a simpler, or smaller width band for a super blingy look! i know of a few married friends that actually wear a set like that.

have you looked into the graduated AVCs price, though? buying 5 smaller AVCS might just cost about the same as getting 1 bigger one.. i mean, not like a 2 carat or anything.. but I'm curious how the prices vary.

 

[Snow_Miser]

I haven't looked at the price of a graduated AVC five-stone, just the estimated price of a regular five-stone. The last set of small AVCs (.25-.30 carats) were about 800 or so each, so five of them would be about $4,000 plus the cost of the setting... I wonder if a trelis-like setting could be made for the AVCs?

I have looked at an AVC a little over a carat that is just over $4,000, but it's an M. I think I almost like the idea of the 5-stone AVC or the two eternity bands better though.