Engagement Ring Setting Recommendations

[julchak]

Hi everyone,
I have been doing a lot of research with all the local and online jewelers I have been able to find, searching through settings in a hope of finding the one that speaks to me.

Some of my criteria that I've identified are:

• Rose Gold (14k or 18k)
• I prefer 4 prong I think
• I am looking at round diamonds from 0.9 - 1.5 carat, would like the setting to be able to accept a larger size if we upgrade down the road
• I like having some accent stones on the shank
• I've been leaning towards crisscross style settings with a unique curvature, with a slight open area formed at the overlap of the portions of the crossover.
• For the diamond I am at least thinking I want at least a 1 carat (as large as I can get preferably) which is as close to an ideal cut as possible - looking at SI1+, K+) - I've had a hard time searching for a diamond that will be a stunning one for around $4500 so far though.
• I'm thinking that my total setting+diamond cost should be about $6k if I can make it happen.

So far my favorite setting is the 18k Rose Gold Simon G. MR2526 Fabled Crisscross Diamond Engagement Ring which WhiteFlash carries (below).


My questions for all you experts out there are:

1. Is Whiteflash a good place to buy? I have been looking at Shane Co and am lured by their lifetime warranty which includes lost diamond replacement and much more...this makes me ONLY want to look at their rings as others' warranties are far lacking, and even purchasing a lifetime plan does not seem to include all that Shane Co's plan does. Other vendors I've looked at (online and in/around the Boston, MA area):
   • James Allen
   • Blue Nile
   • Zales
   • Brilliant Earth
   • Ritani
   • With Clarity
   • Springers Jewelers
   • Descenza Diamonds
   • Barmakian
   • Days Jewelers
   • Longs Jewelers
2. Any recommendations on other settings which show such a unique look as this Simon G that you might recommend I take a look at?
3. I'll certainly have questions about the diamond selection, but that may need to come in another post. For now I just want to figure out what setting and vendor to go with.

Any tips, recommendations, or other thoughts which might help me through this process would be greatly appreciated! I tried searching around for engagement ring posts for guidance but they all seem pretty specific so figured I'd make one of my own!

Look forward to getting some help from you pros out there!


Thanks,
Jeff

 

[crbl999]

WF is a good company to buy from and is recommended frequently on Pricescope. Excellent customer service, quality stones, and reasonably priced.

In your budget, this stone would be my top choice.

https://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-4227294.htm

 

[Lookinagain]

I think that is a pretty setting but it doesn't look like a wedding band will sit flush with it, so you should first make sure that the intended wearer won't mind having a gap between the ER and the wedding band. Some people like them, others do not.

You might want to look at the Stuller website if you haven't already. Many jewelers can order them for you, if you find something that you like.

 

[MamaBear]

Have you considered a wedding band yet? That one you posted above also has a band to go with it. It won’t sit flush, some women are ok with that. Will your FF be? The matching band looks like it will bring the set to 4.2mm, which may be overpowering with the diamond size you are looking at, just something to consider. You have a healthy budget and if you are considering upgrading, I’d suggest staying with Whiteflash. They have a great upgrade program. Another suggestion, how about a simple solitaire and you can get the bigger diamond now. When you upgrade to a size your wife is happy with, pick the forever setting. You can save money in the long run doing it this way. As for S1 clarity, have Whiteflash confirm eyeclean. I suggest sticking with VS2-VS1 for an engagement ring.

This is a suggestion:

Shopping Cart

Your Shopping Cart at Whiteflash.com - proceed to your best shopping experience.

www.whiteflash.com

 

[julchak]

WF is a good company to buy from and is recommended frequently on Pricescope. Excellent customer service, quality stones, and reasonably priced.

In your budget, this stone would be my top choice.

https://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-4227294.htm

Nice find, putting that one in the watch list, thanks!

I think that is a pretty setting but it doesn't look like a wedding band will sit flush with it, so you should first make sure that the intended wearer won't mind having a gap between the ER and the wedding band. Some people like them, others do not.

You might want to look at the Stuller website if you haven't already. Many jewelers can order them for you, if you find something that you like.

Hmm yeah I didn't quite think about the band. As MamaBear below mentioned this as well and pointed out the band that it can match with...I do wonder if just 1carat would be overwhelmed with the band not sitting flush...hmm this is a bummer.

I'll need to check out this Stuller website now - do you know if Whiteflash would buy from them and honor their warranty still?

Have you considered a wedding band yet? That one you posted above also has a band to go with it. It won’t sit flush, some women are ok with that. Will your FF be? The matching band looks like it will bring the set to 4.2mm, which may be overpowering with the diamond size you are looking at, just something to consider. You have a healthy budget and if you are considering upgrading, I’d suggest staying with Whiteflash. They have a great upgrade program. Another suggestion, how about a simple solitaire and you can get the bigger diamond now. When you upgrade to a size your wife is happy with, pick the forever setting. You can save money in the long run doing it this way. As for S1 clarity, have Whiteflash confirm eyeclean. I suggest sticking with VS2-VS1 for an engagement ring.

This is a suggestion:

Shopping Cart

Your Shopping Cart at Whiteflash.com - proceed to your best shopping experience.

www.whiteflash.com

Good point (see my comment above) about the band, hmm... I'll need to somehow discretely ask about the separation between band/setting being okay or not. I am worried that 1ct would be overwhelmed with the full set.

I truthfully have not looked at any solitaires because I am usually just not awed by them. Of course I'd like whatever I get now to be stunning - though I guess in an upgrade it would be nice to be able to keep either the setting or the stone. What do people usually do? Keep the stone and upgrade the setting like you mentioned?

 

[MamaBear]

@julchak, people do different things. I was suggesting you could propose with a bigger diamond now knowing you will upgrade both the diamond and the setting later, if she wishes. With Whiteflash, you’ll be able to upgrade the stone easily. Depending on the setting, a bigger diamond won’t be easily put into the original setting. (The basket that it’s mounted in may not have room to do that.)

 

[molecule]

Here are some of my favorites:

Leana

"Designed By a Woman, for a Woman," the Leana spiral engagement ring features a total weight of 0.28 carats. The spiraling diamonds cascading down both sides of the shank give this ring a jaw dropping and glamorous appeal. Part of the Sylvie Collection this setting is available in platinum and...

www.briangavindiamonds.com

Yasmine

"Designed By a Woman, for a Woman," the Yasmine modern spiral diamond engagement ring features a total weight of 0.14 carats. The spiraling diamonds cascade down the shiny high polish shank adding a modern twist on this classic solitaire. Part of the Sylvie Collection this setting is available...

black.briangavindiamonds.com

Unique, a bit of twist but would sit straight: https://www.briangavindiamonds.com/Valerie-7
5 prong with some uniqueness:https://www.maevona.com/ring-detail.html?rid=1639

 

[julchak]

Here are some of my favorites:

Leana

"Designed By a Woman, for a Woman," the Leana spiral engagement ring features a total weight of 0.28 carats. The spiraling diamonds cascading down both sides of the shank give this ring a jaw dropping and glamorous appeal. Part of the Sylvie Collection this setting is available in platinum and...

www.briangavindiamonds.com

Yasmine

"Designed By a Woman, for a Woman," the Yasmine modern spiral diamond engagement ring features a total weight of 0.14 carats. The spiraling diamonds cascade down the shiny high polish shank adding a modern twist on this classic solitaire. Part of the Sylvie Collection this setting is available...

black.briangavindiamonds.com

Unique, a bit of twist but would sit straight: https://www.briangavindiamonds.com/Valerie-7
5 prong with some uniqueness:https://www.maevona.com/ring-detail.html?rid=1639

Thanks for the links - have never heard of these sites! I'll have to look into these options and whatever else I can find on these vendors' sites. Are they good sources for diamonds as well?

 

[Lookinagain]

I like the suggestion that @MamaBear made about a simple solitaire now and putting most of your budget towards the stone. Then if and when you upgrade the size of the stone later, after being married a while, your SO would be involved in picking the forever setting and you would know better if a gap works for them or not. Most people consider an upgrade a larger stone. If they are changing the setting, they tend to call it a "reset". You mentioned K+ or better. Do you know if your SO will be happy with a diamond that shows warmth? If so, this is a WF Expert Selection option (upgradeable) that hits the 1 ct. mark and in your original budge for the stone with the setting you chose intially.

Diamond | 1.004 ct K VS1 Expert Selection Round Cut Loose Diamond AGS Certified | 4432217

This fabulous 1.004 carat Round Ideal cut diamond has a clarity grade of VS1 and color grade of K.It is an excellent choice for engagement rings. | 4432217

www.whiteflash.com

 

[WDWDiamond]

I truthfully have not looked at any solitaires because I am usually just not awed by them. Of course I'd like whatever I get now to be stunning

Adding on to @MamaBear suggestion. The beauty of a solitaire is that it allows the diamond to shine. If you choose a “super ideal” diamond from vendors like Whiteflash or Brian Gavin the diamond speaks for itself. They are stunning on their own.

 

[mrsctobe]

Also adding on that a well cut diamond will look bigger than a poorly cut one. And a 1ct in person, especially when ideal cut, looks big to me..

 

[molecule]

The only settings that easily provide accommodating to larger sizes of diamonds are peg heads, which I don't find aesthetically pleasing.

Most people on this board believe that the diamond is much more important than the setting, which if you're looking to upgrade within a year or so, would make sense. I think the setting defines the character of the ring and would be willing to consider a smaller diamond with a setting that is me over a larger diamond with a lackluster setting.

What size is her finger?

 

[julchak]

I like the suggestion that @MamaBear made about a simple solitaire now and putting most of your budget towards the stone. Then if and when you upgrade the size of the stone later, after being married a while, your SO would be involved in picking the forever setting and you would know better if a gap works for them or not. Most people consider an upgrade a larger stone. If they are changing the setting, they tend to call it a "reset". You mentioned K+ or better. Do you know if your SO will be happy with a diamond that shows warmth? If so, this is a WF Expert Selection option (upgradeable) that hits the 1 ct. mark and in your original budge for the stone with the setting you chose intially.

Diamond | 1.004 ct K VS1 Expert Selection Round Cut Loose Diamond AGS Certified | 4432217

This fabulous 1.004 carat Round Ideal cut diamond has a clarity grade of VS1 and color grade of K.It is an excellent choice for engagement rings. | 4432217

www.whiteflash.com

Yeah, I suppose I should have added this image, it was from awhile back. My girlfriend hinted at a ring idea....I went on my own and tended to like the intertwined wrap in her hint, but liked when they parted (as in that Simon G I linked to). Below is a photo of a ring that she texted me....looking back on it, it's more akin to a solitaire, sort of a pave and almost looks like it might have a halo...not quite sure what type it is classified as to be honest:

I might want to reconsider what I had liked and start looking back closer to something like this I suppose.

As for whether or not she likes warmth in the diamond - honestly it was a rep at Whiteflash who recommended looking at a K for the Simon G as the rose gold looks nice with that color diamond. I haven't snuck in any questions about what she would look for in a diamond, she generally has said that she'll be happy with whatever I pick and that I know what she likes...

But based on her sending this photo of a rather intricate setting, I don't think a normal solitaire is what she is hoping for to be honest. I suppose if I stick to the 1ct, and get a setting similar to the above that might be my best bet.

 

[julchak]

The only settings that easily provide accommodating to larger sizes of diamonds are peg heads, which I don't find aesthetically pleasing.

Most people on this board believe that the diamond is much more important than the setting, which if you're looking to upgrade within a year or so, would make sense. I think the setting defines the character of the ring and would be willing to consider a smaller diamond with a setting that is me over a larger diamond with a lackluster setting.

What size is her finger?

Yeah, I think if I can get close to 1ct that would be fine. I do like the idea of having a beautiful, intricate setting. If you see my above post, I threw a photo up which she texted me awhile back (I forgot about it) of a general type of setting she liked. Chances are we wont be upgrading for a long time realistically (if ever...she would tie a lot of sentimental value to this ring and probably wouldn't want to ever change it).

 

[Lookinagain]

Looks like that setting she texted you is from Brilliant earth and would eat up a big part of your budget, so maybe we can find something similar but less expensive. Here is the link to it on Brilliant earth.

14K Rose Gold Nova Diamond Ring (1/2 ct. tw.)

Mesmerizing ribbons of metal and pavé diamonds twist around the band and center gem of this unique halo ring.

www.brilliantearth.com

 

[Lookinagain]

The ring she likes has kind of a floral vibe to it. Kind of like these

Ritani 1RZ1504 Diamond Halo Engagement Ring | 6292

Radiate timeless beauty with the Ritani 1RZ1504 Diamond Halo Engagement Ring. Discover it at Whiteflash and embark on a lifetime of love and brilliance. | 6292

www.whiteflash.com

https://www.bluenile.com/build-your-own-ring/petite-micropave-hidden-halo-diamond-engagement-ring-14k-rose-gold_76214?diamondSku=LD17013871

 

[julchak]

Looks like that setting she texted you is from Brilliant earth and would eat up a big part of your budget, so maybe we can find something similar but less expensive. Here is the link to it on Brilliant earth.

14K Rose Gold Nova Diamond Ring (1/2 ct. tw.)

Mesmerizing ribbons of metal and pavé diamonds twist around the band and center gem of this unique halo ring.

www.brilliantearth.com

Yeah, I mean if I find the right setting and it happens to be closer to $2k or $2.5k that is fine I suppose. Just want to get close to that 1ct diamond with the remainder of my money haha - and my net price could go up to $6.5k if needed.

Good find there! I'll look more closely on WF for other similar floral type halo with pave (am I describing that right?)

 

[molecule]

The ring she likes has kind of a floral vibe to it. Kind of like these

Ritani 1RZ1504 Diamond Halo Engagement Ring | 6292

Radiate timeless beauty with the Ritani 1RZ1504 Diamond Halo Engagement Ring. Discover it at Whiteflash and embark on a lifetime of love and brilliance. | 6292

www.whiteflash.com

https://www.bluenile.com/build-your-own-ring/petite-micropave-hidden-halo-diamond-engagement-ring-14k-rose-gold_76214?diamondSku=LD17013871

I really like that BlueNile option!

Here are a couple other options:

14K Rose 6.5 mm Round .05 CTW Natural Diamond Semi-Set Engagement Ring

123183 / Engagement Ring / Semi-Set / 14K Rose / Round / 6.5 mm / Natural Diamond / Polished / .05 CTW Natural Diamond Semi-Set Engagement Ring

www.stuller.com

14K Rose 5.2 mm Round Floral-Inspired Engagement Ring Mounting

121997 / Engagement Ring / Unset / 14K Rose / Round / 5.2 mm / Polished / Engagement Ring Mounting

www.stuller.com

I like that this one incorporates a bit of your original idea:

14K Rose 6.5 mm Round 1/6 CTW Natural Diamond Semi-Set Engagement Ring

124463 / Engagement Ring / Semi-Set / 14K Rose / Round / 6.5 mm / Natural Diamond / Polished / 1/6 CTW Natural Diamond Semi-Set Engagement Ring

www.stuller.com

https://www.stuller.com/products/12...yId=21345&recommendationSource=CategoryBrowse
These should be available at Brian Gavin:

Round Cut Flower Halo Engagement Ring - Lilian - Sylvie Jewelry

[vc_row center_bck_image="no" full_width="stretch_row"][vc_column width="1/3" offset="vc_col-lg-offset-2 vc_col-lg-12"][products columns="1" orderby="ID" order="ASC" ids=" 30904,31678 "][/vc_column][/vc_row]

www.sylviecollection.com

Unique Round Halo Engagement Ring | Lucia | Sylvie Collection

This stunning unique round halo engagement ring features 0.36 carats of diamonds flowing down the band in a modern ribbon inspired design, complimented by

www.sylviecollection.com

R3905

Scattered brilliant diamonds set in an open halo, and finished with intricate milgrain detailing create this stunning vintage inspired design from the Hera Bridal collection. Featuring 8 round cut diamond melee (0.20 ctw). Price is for setting only for diamonds up to 2 carats. Add $100 for...

www.briangavindiamonds.com

R3195

<p>A unique halo made with intricate detail flows around a brilliant center stone as milgrain-etched metal weaves through open space reaching a diamond accented LYRIA bloom. Featuring 30 round cut diamond melee (0.22 ctw). Price is for setting only for diamonds up to 2 carats. Add $100 for...

www.briangavindiamonds.com

Luna

<p>Introducing the Luna Halo engagement ring featuring 0.14 ctw of G/H SI diamond melee. Part of Jeff Cooper's Lumiere Engagement Collection, each engagement ring has a unique swirling halo around the center diamond sitting atop a beautifully swirling diamond accented shank. Can be custom made...

www.briangavindiamonds.com

R3933

Scattered brilliant diamonds set in an open halo and finished with intricate milgrain detailing, atop a gleaming high polished band, create this stunning vintage inspired design from the Hera Bridal collection. Featuring 6 round cut diamond melee (0.10 ctw). Price is for setting only for...

www.briangavindiamonds.com

James Allen: (Since your gf seems open to Brilliant Earth, I'd consider going lab grown if you can ask her her opinion on it. Hint: A lot of commercials on radio stations are advertising them)

14K Rose Gold Aureola Diamond Halo Engagement Ring

A unique halo made of round brilliant diamonds radiate from the center stone resembling gleaming beams of light. The center stone is secured in place by four ball prongs while the band features pavé diamonds set in finely crafted u shape settings.

www.jamesallen.com

 

[JulieN]

JA has a really similar setting: https://www.jamesallen.com/engageme...-twisted-pave-halo-engagement-ring-item-41121

The plain shank version is half the price: https://www.jamesallen.com/engageme...-twisted-pave-halo-engagement-ring-item-59061

You used to be able to select 3 stones for gemologist inspection. I don't know if they do that anymore but here's the 3 I would pick:

1.11 Carat round diamond

This 1.11 carat round diamond K color vs2 clarity has Excellent proportions and a diamond grading report from GIA

www.jamesallen.com

1.10 Carat round diamond

This 1.1 carat round diamond K color vs2 clarity has Excellent proportions and a diamond grading report from GIA

www.jamesallen.com

1.15 Carat round diamond

This 1.15 carat round diamond K color vvs2 clarity has Excellent proportions and a diamond grading report from IGI

www.jamesallen.com

 

[molecule]

14K Rose Gold Twisted Pavé Leaf Engagement Ring

A nature inspired addition to your classic pavé twist style! Leading to the center diamond or gemstone selection, you'll find delicate leaf accents as well a beautiful wrap around design to add that finishing touch!

www.jamesallen.com

combines your twisted shank with some floral elements. It doesn't have a halo, but it invokes the same feel.

 

[dmack]

I really like the third Stuller suggestion! It has the open space among the twists and the floral feel, plus is structurally sound.

14K Rose 6.5 mm Round 1/6 CTW Natural Diamond Semi-Set Engagement Ring

124463 / Engagement Ring / Semi-Set / 14K Rose / Round / 6.5 mm / Natural Diamond / Polished / 1/6 CTW Natural Diamond Semi-Set Engagement Ring

www.stuller.com

I really like that BlueNile option!

Here are a couple other options:

14K Rose 6.5 mm Round .05 CTW Natural Diamond Semi-Set Engagement Ring

123183 / Engagement Ring / Semi-Set / 14K Rose / Round / 6.5 mm / Natural Diamond / Polished / .05 CTW Natural Diamond Semi-Set Engagement Ring

www.stuller.com

14K Rose 5.2 mm Round Floral-Inspired Engagement Ring Mounting

121997 / Engagement Ring / Unset / 14K Rose / Round / 5.2 mm / Polished / Engagement Ring Mounting

www.stuller.com

I like that this one incorporates a bit of your original idea:

14K Rose 6.5 mm Round 1/6 CTW Natural Diamond Semi-Set Engagement Ring

124463 / Engagement Ring / Semi-Set / 14K Rose / Round / 6.5 mm / Natural Diamond / Polished / 1/6 CTW Natural Diamond Semi-Set Engagement Ring

www.stuller.com

https://www.stuller.com/products/12...yId=21345&recommendationSource=CategoryBrowse
These should be available at Brian Gavin:

Round Cut Flower Halo Engagement Ring - Lilian - Sylvie Jewelry

[vc_row center_bck_image="no" full_width="stretch_row"][vc_column width="1/3" offset="vc_col-lg-offset-2 vc_col-lg-12"][products columns="1" orderby="ID" order="ASC" ids=" 30904,31678 "][/vc_column][/vc_row]

www.sylviecollection.com

Unique Round Halo Engagement Ring | Lucia | Sylvie Collection

This stunning unique round halo engagement ring features 0.36 carats of diamonds flowing down the band in a modern ribbon inspired design, complimented by

www.sylviecollection.com

R3905

Scattered brilliant diamonds set in an open halo, and finished with intricate milgrain detailing create this stunning vintage inspired design from the Hera Bridal collection. Featuring 8 round cut diamond melee (0.20 ctw). Price is for setting only for diamonds up to 2 carats. Add $100 for...

www.briangavindiamonds.com

R3195

<p>A unique halo made with intricate detail flows around a brilliant center stone as milgrain-etched metal weaves through open space reaching a diamond accented LYRIA bloom. Featuring 30 round cut diamond melee (0.22 ctw). Price is for setting only for diamonds up to 2 carats. Add $100 for...

www.briangavindiamonds.com

Luna

<p>Introducing the Luna Halo engagement ring featuring 0.14 ctw of G/H SI diamond melee. Part of Jeff Cooper's Lumiere Engagement Collection, each engagement ring has a unique swirling halo around the center diamond sitting atop a beautifully swirling diamond accented shank. Can be custom made...

www.briangavindiamonds.com

R3933

Scattered brilliant diamonds set in an open halo and finished with intricate milgrain detailing, atop a gleaming high polished band, create this stunning vintage inspired design from the Hera Bridal collection. Featuring 6 round cut diamond melee (0.10 ctw). Price is for setting only for...

www.briangavindiamonds.com

James Allen: (Since your gf seems open to Brilliant Earth, I'd consider going lab grown if you can ask her her opinion on it. Hint: A lot of commercials on radio stations are advertising them)

14K Rose Gold Aureola Diamond Halo Engagement Ring

A unique halo made of round brilliant diamonds radiate from the center stone resembling gleaming beams of light. The center stone is secured in place by four ball prongs while the band features pavé diamonds set in finely crafted u shape settings.

www.jamesallen.com

 

[morris00]

Hi everyone,
I have been doing a lot of research with all the local and online jewelers I have been able to find, searching through settings in a hope of finding the one that speaks to me.

Some of my criteria that I've identified are:

• Rose Gold (14k or 18k)
• I prefer 4 prong I think
• I am looking at round diamonds from 0.9 - 1.5 carat, would like the setting to be able to accept a larger size if we upgrade down the road
• I like having some accent stones on the shank
• I've been leaning towards crisscross style settings with a unique curvature, with a slight open area formed at the overlap of the portions of the crossover.
• For the diamond I am at least thinking I want at least a 1 carat (as large as I can get preferably) which is as close to an ideal cut as possible - looking at SI1+, K+) - I've had a hard time searching for a diamond that will be a stunning one for around $4500 so far though.
• I'm thinking that my total setting+diamond cost should be about $6k if I can make it happen.

So far my favorite setting is the 18k Rose Gold Simon G. MR2526 Fabled Crisscross Diamond Engagement Ring which WhiteFlash carries (below).


My questions for all you experts out there are:

1. Is Whiteflash a good place to buy? I have been looking at Shane Co and am lured by their lifetime warranty which includes lost diamond replacement and much more...this makes me ONLY want to look at their rings as others' warranties are far lacking, and even purchasing a lifetime plan does not seem to include all that Shane Co's plan does. Other vendors I've looked at (online and in/around the Boston, MA area):
   • James Allen
   • Blue Nile
   • Zales
   • Brilliant Earth
   • Ritani
   • With Clarity
   • Springers Jewelers
   • Descenza Diamonds
   • Barmakian
   • Days Jewelers
   • Longs Jewelers
2. Any recommendations on other settings which show such a unique look as this Simon G that you might recommend I take a look at?
3. I'll certainly have questions about the diamond selection, but that may need to come in another post. For now I just want to figure out what setting and vendor to go with.

Any tips, recommendations, or other thoughts which might help me through this process would be greatly appreciated! I tried searching around for engagement ring posts for guidance but they all seem pretty specific so figured I'd make one of my own!

Look forward to getting some help from you pros out there!


Thanks,
Jeff

I don't really know much and I need guidance too

 

[whitewave]

I don't really know much and I need guidance too

Would you please start a new thread so we can help? Thank you.