Engagement ring help on a small budget!

[Ferdi_the_yak]

Long time lurker who has seen posters here work miracles with small budgets and hoping you can help!

I'm helping out my friend's boyfriend with picking out an engagement ring. She likes diamonds with the hall of mirrors effect, so namely asscher and emerald cuts. His budget is $1500 including setting. Is it possible to get a decent sized stone for that price? Or would the diamond be so small that the facet effect would be lost? Any recommendations would be really appreciated!

Thanks in advance!

 

[Rhea]

Does it need to be a diamond? I think an asscher at that size may be a bit on the small side. I did a quick search and the largest I came up with was about 4.5 mm in a solitaire setting. I don't know what to look for in an asscher so it may not have even been a good one!

Freke's ring is beautiful and not a diamond and is plenty large enough to see steps! If the couple isn't dead set in a diamond it could be a great inspiration for creating an engagement ring.
[URL='https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/jeff-white-pink-spinel-asscher-ring.198179/']https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/jeff-white-pink-spinel-asscher-ring.198179/[/URL]

 

[CharmyPoo]

I am on my phone and can't see the details but would something like this work..
http://www.ebay.com/itm/New-Gabriel-Co-Engagement-ring-47-Asscher-Cut-Center-GIA-Diamond-84-Carats-/380831554520?pt=Diamond_Solitaire_Rings&hash=item58ab545bd8

 

[Sakuracherry]

I don't know if she likes the setting, but the center diamond looks good.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/400630575342

Is she hoping for something bigger?

 

[Merefrank]

Not sure of the quality but it's pretty and not too small : http://www.ebay.com/itm/1-00-ct-Asscher-Cut-Diamond-Engagement-Ring-18k-White-Gold-G-H-VS2-/161221809944?pt=Diamond_Solitaire_Rings&hash=item2589919718

 

[mrs-b]

Not sure of the quality but it's pretty and not too small : http://www.ebay.com/itm/1-00-ct-Asscher-Cut-Diamond-Engagement-Ring-18k-White-Gold-G-H-VS2-/161221809944?pt=Diamond_Solitaire_Rings&hash=item2589919718

Just to be clear for the OP - the center stone in this ring is 1/2 a ct. There are half a ct of side stones. And the grading is done by GRA. I have no idea who they are, so the color and clarity may be way off when compared to a GIA grading.

Ok, have just looked up about the GRA, and the comments aren't incredibly positive. Just some extra info to consider.

 

[mrs-b]

This might work.

http://www.goodoldgold.com/diamond/11631/

It's a somewhat larger size, and the only real inclusion could probably be hidden under a prong/claw. Emerald cuts face up FAR larger than asschers, so this would have some finger presence and also leave money for a seting. if he did a bezel set it could turn up reasonably substantial.

A low cost halo setting would pump it up a lot, also.

 

[Ferdi_the_yak]

Thanks for the suggestions so far! She has small fingers (4?) so a smaller diamond is fine (0.5-6?). They also don't mind warmer colours (up to J, possibly K) but I told them that they can't compromise on cut quality (and to an extent, clarity) in these types of cut styles.

I had a look on James Allen and they have several options available in emeralds and a few asschers, but unlike rounds, I have no idea how to tell if they are good performers. My main concern is a 0.5 carat diamond is too small to display the step effect of these cuts. If that's the case, I might just tell him to save up a bit longer and get a larger rock!

Rhea, thank you for posting Freke's gorgeous spinel! I asked the BF and they are open to coloured stones as long as they are durable enough to wear every day. That style is gorgeous and would suit her beautifully. I know nothing about spinels or how much that would cost though.

Mrs Blop - thank you for that GOG suggestion! She would prefer a simpler ring style like this one from ecf8503 [URL='https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/beautiful-emerald-cut-from-james-allen.192884/']https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/beautiful-emerald-cut-from-james-allen.192884/[/URL] Do you think GOG could do something similar?

 

[mrs-b]

And if size was his main concern, this might work also:

http://www.bluenile.com/build-your-own-diamond-ring?forceStep=DIAMONDS_STEP&track=NavEngStartWithDia#diamonds_forceStep=DIAMONDS_STEP|builder=BYOR|pid=LD04083719

 

[msop04]

I had a look on James Allen and they have several options available in emeralds and a few asschers, but unlike rounds, I have no idea how to tell if they are good performers. My main concern is a 0.5 carat diamond is too small to display the step effect of these cuts. If that's the case, I might just tell him to save up a bit longer and get a larger rock!

Ferdi, this is kind of my concern... I'm afraid she wouldn't get the effect she's going for with that size stone. I think an emerald cut with a halo would look great!

 

[mrs-b]

If he didn't mind some tint, this would be a good option. It's an elongated rather than chunky emerald cut, it's nice and clean, and you could have it set by James Allen and get the ring complete, which is always nice if you're new to diamond / jewelry buying.

http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/emerald-cut/0.56-carat-j-color-vs2-clarity-sku-270816

Set in this:

http://www.jamesallen.com/engagement-rings/solitaire/14k-white-gold-twisted-shank-contemporary-solitaire-item-6854

Comes in about a hundred dollars under budget.

Alternately, the GOG stone could be sent to JA and be set in that setting. Split shank solitaire settings aren't all that hard to find, so I'm sure GOG could help you out in that regard. I mainly suggested BN for a little more bang for his buck in the size of his diamond.

 

[msop04]

I'm definitely not a step-cut expert, but maybe some of the more seasoned PS members can comment on either of these... their size will look identical.

http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/emerald-cut/0.62-carat-g-color-vvs2-clarity-sku-265303 $1520 (5.9 x 4.0

http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/emerald-cut/0.60-carat-g-color-vvs1-clarity-sku-280569 $1440 (5.84 x 4.01)

Maybe start with this setting, then upgrade after a while when you've saved some money...
http://www.jamesallen.com/engagemen...nife-edge-solitaire-engagement-ring-item-7115 $180

 

[mrs-b]

The BN stone would be large enough to show the step effect, and with the JA setting would come in at $1700

This Blue Nile setting would be pretty with an emerald cut, so he'd be able to have his ring set and ready to go for around $1650. BN can tend towards heavier prongs, so I'd make sure to talk to them about making the prongs as small and delicate as possible, which they'll do if you request it. This setting also has a little side diamond, which is nice.

http://www.bluenile.com/split-shank-diamond-solitaire-engagement-ring-14k-gold_33368

 

[msop04]

The BN stone would be large enough to show the step effect, and with the JA setting would come in at $1700

This Blue Nile setting would be pretty with an emerald cut, so he'd be able to have his ring set and ready to go for around $1650. BN can tend towards heavier prongs, so I'd make sure to talk to them about making the prongs as small and delicate as possible, which they'll do if you request it. This setting also has a little side diamond, which is nice.

http://www.bluenile.com/split-shank-diamond-solitaire-engagement-ring-14k-gold_33368

That's a very pretty setting! I wonder if BN can get an ASET to make sure the stone's not dark and/or the facets dead? Too bad we can't just go by the numbers when it comes to stones other than rounds!!

 

[Ferdi_the_yak]

Mrs Blop and msop04 - THANK YOU for your detailed suggestions! Re. Blue Nile, he would like to buy from a vendor who shows photos of the actual stones (it was hard enough to get them to consider online buying at all!)

Sigh... it looks like what I suspected - his budget is too small for a decent EC/asscher diamond. The ones you have posted so far a lovely, but I'm getting the feeling that if he upped his budget now he would be better off in the long run. We are in Australia so he pretty much wants to nail the setting and stone in one go as sending the ring back and forth would be too expensive.

I'm getting the feeling that he either has to increase his budget for a diamond or look into a coloured stone if he wants to stick with his current one.

Thanks again for all your help - and please keep the suggestions coming! I really appreciate them all

 

[msop04]

Mrs Blop and msop04 - THANK YOU for your detailed suggestions! Re. Blue Nile, he would like to buy from a vendor who shows photos of the actual stones (it was hard enough to get them to consider online buying at all!)

Sigh... it looks like what I suspected - his budget is too small for a decent EC/asscher diamond. The ones you have posted so far a lovely, but I'm getting the feeling that if he upped his budget now he would be better off in the long run. We are in Australia so he pretty much wants to nail the setting and stone in one go as sending the ring back and forth would be too expensive.

I'm getting the feeling that he either has to increase his budget for a diamond or look into a coloured stone if he wants to stick with his current one.

Thanks again for all your help - and please keep the suggestions coming! I really appreciate them all

This is a rather big stretch and it's already been reduced, but...

http://loupetroop.com/listings/rings-natural-diamond-center/emerald-cut-halo-three-stone-ring-custom-made

 

[mrs-b]

Ferdi -

Take a look at the 'Rings under 1ct' thread. There are a whole bunch of emerald cuts in that which are between .5 and .7ct. there is no difficulty seeing the steps and most of them are elegant and lovely. Some of them are far smaller, and the steps are still visible.

However, having said that....

If I was on a budget and I wanted a step cut and a reasonable size - I'd go with this:

http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/emerald-cut/0.68-carat-g-color-vs2-clarity-sku-281104

this:

http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/emerald-cut/0.71-carat-g-color-vs2-clarity-sku-278749

or this:

http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/emerald-cut/0.70-carat-h-color-vs1-clarity-sku-280568

These are all nice, clean diamonds with decent proportions and around the .7ct mark. This is a very reasonable size for anywhere other then Pricescope - and even on Pricescope, ~.7 is a very popular size. These diamonds are all around 2k, though the .68ct stone is considerably less. So just a thought.

Wishing your friend the best of luck with this project.

 

[heididdl]

a beauty

 

[diamondseeker2006]

Mrs Blop and msop04 - THANK YOU for your detailed suggestions! Re. Blue Nile, he would like to buy from a vendor who shows photos of the actual stones (it was hard enough to get them to consider online buying at all!)

Sigh... it looks like what I suspected - his budget is too small for a decent EC/asscher diamond. The ones you have posted so far a lovely, but I'm getting the feeling that if he upped his budget now he would be better off in the long run. We are in Australia so he pretty much wants to nail the setting and stone in one go as sending the ring back and forth would be too expensive.

I'm getting the feeling that he either has to increase his budget for a diamond or look into a coloured stone if he wants to stick with his current one.

Thanks again for all your help - and please keep the suggestions coming! I really appreciate them all

This is a rather big stretch and it's already been reduced, but...

http://loupetroop.com/listings/rings-natural-diamond-center/emerald-cut-halo-three-stone-ring-custom-made

My goodness, this is an excellent buy! So much hand presence even though the center stone is small! Basically a new setting would cost this much. I would see if he could manage the extra money because he won't be able to get anything close to this new.

 

[ame]

First off--HI!

secondly, I like the option on LoupeTroop a lot!

 

[msop04]

However, having said that....

If I was on a budget and I wanted a step cut and a reasonable size - I'd go with this:

http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/emerald-cut/0.68-carat-g-color-vs2-clarity-sku-281104

this:

http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/emerald-cut/0.71-carat-g-color-vs2-clarity-sku-278749

or this:

http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/emerald-cut/0.70-carat-h-color-vs1-clarity-sku-280568

mrs-blop, I'm not good at step cuts, but those stones were totally blacked out at certain angles... It seems like they wouldn't have very good light return. Can you (or someone else) comment on this? I'm trying to learn more about step cuts.

 

[msop04]

Sorry about the threadjack, OP!

 

[Ferdi_the_yak]

This is a rather big stretch and it's already been reduced, but...

http://loupetroop.com/listings/rings-natural-diamond-center/emerald-cut-halo-three-stone-ring-custom-made

My goodness, this is an excellent buy! So much hand presence even though the center stone is small! Basically a new setting would cost this much. I would see if he could manage the extra money because he won't be able to get anything close to this new.

Argh this is definitely an excellent buy, but they are looking at a solitaire setting.

Ferdi -

Take a look at the 'Rings under 1ct' thread. There are a whole bunch of emerald cuts in that which are between .5 and .7ct. there is no difficulty seeing the steps and most of them are elegant and lovely. Some of them are far smaller, and the steps are still visible.

However, having said that....

If I was on a budget and I wanted a step cut and a reasonable size - I'd go with this:

http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/emerald-cut/0.68-carat-g-color-vs2-clarity-sku-281104

this:

http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/emerald-cut/0.71-carat-g-color-vs2-clarity-sku-278749

or this:

http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/emerald-cut/0.70-carat-h-color-vs1-clarity-sku-280568

These are all nice, clean diamonds with decent proportions and around the .7ct mark. This is a very reasonable size for anywhere other then Pricescope - and even on Pricescope, ~.7 is a very popular size. These diamonds are all around 2k, though the .68ct stone is considerably less. So just a thought.

Wishing your friend the best of luck with this project.

Thanks Mrs Blop! I'll check out that thread now. I'm thinking that a $2k budget will open up a lot more doors for them - 0.7 would be a nice size for her finger!

First off--HI!

secondly, I like the option on LoupeTroop a lot!

Hi Ame! Fancy seeing you here

 

[Ferdi_the_yak]

Sorry about the threadjack, OP!

Haha - don't worry about it at all! I was enlisted on this project as I am the jewellery fanatic in my circle of friends but I have NO idea about step cuts either! I'm trying to learn more about them as I've always been a RB kinda of girl (who is morphing into an OEC/OMC kind of a girl ).

 

[CharmyPoo]

LoupeTroop one!

 

[gregchang35]

Some great suggestions given.

If in AUS and buying from USA - just make sure they have enough in budget for the custom/taxes. It is calculated in the cost of the piece + shipping charges + customs charges. This could add another $200-300 depending on final costs of piece and shipping charged.

 

[Ferdi_the_yak]

Some great suggestions given.

If in AUS and buying from USA - just make sure they have enough in budget for the custom/taxes. It is calculated in the cost of the piece + shipping charges + customs charges. This could add another $200-300 depending on final costs of piece and shipping charged.

Thanks Greg - the $1500 is exclusive of GST and shipping. Their budget is $2000 AUD which works out around $1500 USD - I thought it would be easier to talk in USD as most posts here do

 

[msop04]

This is a rather big stretch and it's already been reduced, but...

http://loupetroop.com/listings/rings-natural-diamond-center/emerald-cut-halo-three-stone-ring-custom-made

My goodness, this is an excellent buy! So much hand presence even though the center stone is small! Basically a new setting would cost this much. I would see if he could manage the extra money because he won't be able to get anything close to this new.

Argh this is definitely an excellent buy, but they are looking at a solitaire setting.[/quote]

They may only be able to buy a 0.65-0.7ish solitaire... whereas with this ring, you'd have a much bigger look AND about a 0.6 ct center stone with a halo and sidestones and pave, oh my!!

 

[woofmama]

Hi Ferdi,

I have a K EC and am very happy with it. Here's one on JA that faces up pretty big for it's ct wt.
http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/emerald-cut/0.72-carat-k-color-vvs2-clarity-sku-202054

Set it in the simplest solitaire they sell and it should look pretty big on a size 4 finger.

edited to add: I didn't look at the gia report until after I posted. It says it has a feather and chip but is a vvs2 clarity. Because it's under a carat it is only the dossier report and doesn't show the inclusion plot. I would request gemologist review to find out if the stone could suffer from any structural issues.

 

[Niel]

LoupeTroop one!

as soon as i saw 2k budget thats what i was thinking!