Hi,
I'm just beginning to look at diamonds and engagement ring settings. I haven't really decided when the proposal will happen, but trying to figure out this stuff in advance and get everything lined up over the next several months. This website is absolutely amazing, and I've been spending a lot of time cruising around and learning a lot. Hopefully some of you experts can help me with some initial guidance on a few questions? Thanks in advance for your help!
My gf wants to be surprised by the final ring. I know the wisdom of this is a big debate, and I kinda like the "buy a solitaire setting and let her choose the setting idea," but in my case, the issue is closed. She generally wears modern jewelry and likes fun, unique, statement-type pieces (some expensive, some not), but claims that she want a more antique-style ER setting. She has also very clearly stated that she does not like "circles and squares" by which she means RB and Princess cuts. She has said that she likes Pears although she also mentioned that she liked the cushion cut. Personally, I think the latter would look much better. I don't want to probe her too much on the details because the surprise (of the proposal and the ring) seem important.
I'm thinking about finding my own stone (she doesn't care about "brands") and either buying a Tacori, Beverly K, etc. setting or maybe having something similar vintage-style custom made in platinum. I like the idea of the halo settings, but think they could detract from the main stone. I've also heard her say she doesn't like the 3-stone type setting. I'd be willing to spend up to about $5k or so on the setting, but am flexible based on the center stone. Speaking of which, I'm thinking cushion cut (I like the large faceted style and think she would too--more "flash" or whatever the proper term is) somewhere between 2-3 carats, G-H color, VS1 or 2 clarity. She definitely will care much more about size and the look of the stone in the ring (to the naked eye) rather than any technical specs. Budget not clearly defined, but I'm thinking somewhere up to $30k (but preferably $20-25k). Really depends what I find that I like.
Sorry this has turned into such a long post... My questions are:
1. Am I wrong to ignore the Pear? It just doesn't seem like an ER stone to me...
2. Should I reconsider the idea of surrounding a 2-3 carat cushion with something halo-like?
3. For cushions, it seems that WF, BGD, and GOG are recommended? Anywhere else?
4. Should I go higher in color (D-F) or can I go to an SI1 in clarity for this size cushion?
5. She has slender fingers (not sure of the size). Might more than 2 carats be too big?
6. Is my budget realistic?
7. Any other recommendations for the setting?
Thanks!!!
I'm just beginning to look at diamonds and engagement ring settings. I haven't really decided when the proposal will happen, but trying to figure out this stuff in advance and get everything lined up over the next several months. This website is absolutely amazing, and I've been spending a lot of time cruising around and learning a lot. Hopefully some of you experts can help me with some initial guidance on a few questions? Thanks in advance for your help!
My gf wants to be surprised by the final ring. I know the wisdom of this is a big debate, and I kinda like the "buy a solitaire setting and let her choose the setting idea," but in my case, the issue is closed. She generally wears modern jewelry and likes fun, unique, statement-type pieces (some expensive, some not), but claims that she want a more antique-style ER setting. She has also very clearly stated that she does not like "circles and squares" by which she means RB and Princess cuts. She has said that she likes Pears although she also mentioned that she liked the cushion cut. Personally, I think the latter would look much better. I don't want to probe her too much on the details because the surprise (of the proposal and the ring) seem important.
I'm thinking about finding my own stone (she doesn't care about "brands") and either buying a Tacori, Beverly K, etc. setting or maybe having something similar vintage-style custom made in platinum. I like the idea of the halo settings, but think they could detract from the main stone. I've also heard her say she doesn't like the 3-stone type setting. I'd be willing to spend up to about $5k or so on the setting, but am flexible based on the center stone. Speaking of which, I'm thinking cushion cut (I like the large faceted style and think she would too--more "flash" or whatever the proper term is) somewhere between 2-3 carats, G-H color, VS1 or 2 clarity. She definitely will care much more about size and the look of the stone in the ring (to the naked eye) rather than any technical specs. Budget not clearly defined, but I'm thinking somewhere up to $30k (but preferably $20-25k). Really depends what I find that I like.
Sorry this has turned into such a long post... My questions are:
1. Am I wrong to ignore the Pear? It just doesn't seem like an ER stone to me...
2. Should I reconsider the idea of surrounding a 2-3 carat cushion with something halo-like?
3. For cushions, it seems that WF, BGD, and GOG are recommended? Anywhere else?
4. Should I go higher in color (D-F) or can I go to an SI1 in clarity for this size cushion?
5. She has slender fingers (not sure of the size). Might more than 2 carats be too big?
6. Is my budget realistic?
7. Any other recommendations for the setting?
Thanks!!!
Thanks again!
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