Eternity/Anniversary ring for 40th

[Sophie6]

I am looking forward to celebrating my 40th wedding anniversary in October. Time really does fly when you’re having fun. But this past year has been our most challenging with a cancer diagnosis, the loss of a beloved parent and sudden onset of a debilitating illness of another parent. So we are finding gratefulness in counting our blessings. My Wonderful husband has encouraged me to select a special jewelry gift to mark our anniversary and for weathering the storms that have come our way this year. I have always loved eternity rings so that is my first inclination. i have tried on both a full eternity (2 carat) and a five stone anniversary (1.5 carat) with lab grown round brilliants. Neither of these excited me in any way. The stones, the settings the styles just seemed flat. So I have been researching on this site and others to find something to spark my enthusiasm. I am interested in the Tiffany Victoria alternating band. I recently read a thread here from CLALUV in 2022 entitled “Which Tiffany Victoria ring for right hand“. The ring she selected is the narrow Victoria alternating band. She purchased a lookalike style from C Gonshur Diamonds Direct in Dallas for the cost savings. There is no way I can select a ring without trying it on. So I need a local source or an online provider with an easy return policy. i would appreciate recommendations for reputable online retailers for preloved Tiffany pieces or sources for quality lookalikes. The closest metro regions would be Louisville Ky, Knoxville Tn or Cincinnati Oh if anyone has personal experience with businesses in these areas. Thanks so much.

 

[Patty]

Congratulations on your upcoming 40th!

I don’t know of any local jewelers in Louisville, Knoxville or Cincinnati.

Maybe you can go try on a bunch of styles locally and then post here what your favorite style is and then we can help you find some options online for what you like.

 

[Sophie6]

Thanks for your response. The “local” part is my sticking point. Any retailer with a decent selection will be at least a couple hours away. Which is doable but just concerned that I would find someone trustworthy.

 

[Kim N]

There is a Tiffany in Cincinnati. You can go try on the real thing and then look for preloved if you love it.

 

[lulu_ma]

What about Shane & Co in Louisville?

 

[88_star]

Sindur Fine & Antique is a local shop in Cincinnati (Blue Ash area)

 

[Sophie6]

Thanks for all these suggestions. Def going to try to make it to the Tiffany location for a try on. Haven’t heard of Sindur but will check it out as well as Shane.

 

[canuk-gal]

Thanks for all these suggestions. Def going to try to make it to the Tiffany location for a try on. Haven’t heard of Sindur but will check it out as well as Shane.

Great start since you are interested in the Victoria. I'd call ahead to make sure they have stock for you to try on.

 

[Sophie6]

Great start since you are interested in the Victoria. I'd call ahead to make sure they have stock for you to try on.

Good thought as that is THE ONE I really want to try first.

 

[Mreader]

Thanks for all these suggestions. Def going to try to make it to the Tiffany location for a try on. Haven’t heard of Sindur but will check it out as well as Shane.

Is Nashville too far? They have a Tiffany store

 

[Sophie6]

Is Nashville too far? They have a Tiffany store

A bit further than Cincinnati but a fun trip anyway!

 

[Sophie6]

Soooo excited. Scheduled an appointment at Tiffany’s in Cincinnati. Cannot wait. I’ve been trying some other styles locally but can’t get the Victoria alternating band out of my head. What else should I try while I’m there. Any suggestions?

 

[Sophie6]

Good thought as that is THE ONE I really want to try first.

Going tomorrow and I did call ahead. They have one in my size!!!

 

[MissGotRocks]

Soooo excited. Scheduled an appointment at Tiffany’s in Cincinnati. Cannot wait. I’ve been trying some other styles locally but can’t get the Victoria alternating band out of my head. What else should I try while I’m there. Any suggestions?

Oh, you will see lots of bands in their cases. Don't be shy if there is something or somethings that you want to try on - just ask! Good luck and happy hunting!

 

[Sophie6]

So the Tiffany visit was so much fun. I got to try on the Victoria alternating band (pics 3,4,5) and also a custom 5 stone band (pic 6). They were both beautiful but the Victoria didn’t not strike me as I anticipated. The 5 stone was lovely but out of my budget. Also I really want an eternity or at least more stones to give better finger coverage. in addition since there was a Kay Jewelry store in this mall I tried on a 2 carat 8 stone band with the Leo diamonds (Pics 1 and 2). I’ve read that this designation is mostly a marketing tool but the diamonds were really sparkly. I liked it. I am leaning toward round brilliant cuts in an anniversary (9 stone) or eternity style. I think an individual carat weight of .15 to .20. So a couple questions. What are the thoughts on the Leo diamonds? With a finger size 6 is this stone weight sufficient? Ive seen several brand rings Tiffany, Harry Winston, etc on the secondary market that definitely could fit the bill. Is the price premium worth it for these rings. i Know these questions involve mostly personal opinions but just interested in the viewpoints here. Thanks. Sorry about the junky cellphone pics!

 

[MissGotRocks]

Leo diamonds can be sparkly - particularly in their jewelry store lights. They have more facets than a normal round brilliant diamond. Their colors and clarity go the spectrum; there is not a lot of consistency and the diamonds are not individually graded. They come with a certificate of sorts but not from a widely recognized lab.
The number of diamonds and the size of the diamonds has a large bearing on finger coverage. You can have five diamonds of .20 each for a total carat weight of 1.00 carat. You can have five diamonds of .40 each for a total carat weight of 2.00. The latter would give you far more significant finger coverage.
Tiffany prices are high - you can certainly do better price wise with the same or better sparkle. I would call Whiteflash, Brian Gavin Diamonds, Victor Canera or Wink at Continental Diamonds to discuss the possibilities. This is to be a special piece of jewelry for you so I would hope you get the best diamonds that you can - you won’t be disappointed.
Here is a thread on five stones rings - take a look and see if any of them inspire you.

The 5 Stone Ring Thread!

Because I have been obsessed lately. Plus, the old one was closed so nobody can post their new additions. *boohoo* Please post yours! I will start us out with some lovelies... kcoursolle''s ring. 4.5 ring size, .31 stones

www.pricescope.com

 

[Ibrakeforpossums]

Sophie6, I'm so glad you had a good day. Richly deserved.
I like the first two rings as well, and while I'm not an expert as others here are, I'd wear a nice Leo in a heartbeat. But follow up on the suggestions. Cast a wide net. Have fun with this!

 

[lulu_ma]

How much was the Leo ring? Since this is such a big anniversary, why not get a band made with super ideal diamonds?

The prices are so good now. Pick 8-9 stones and have Whiteflash make the band for you.

 

[Sophie6]

Oooo thanks for all the replies, the info and the encouragemen! I love the idea of using the super ideals! I’m so wary of having a ring made just due to the fact that I have to try an item (jewelry,clothes, shoes etc) to really know if I will like it. I have bought and returned so many items it’s scary. But def thinking about the possibilities.
i think the Leo ring was around $5500.

 

[MissGotRocks]

Oooo thanks for all the replies, the info and the encouragemen! I love the idea of using the super ideals! I’m so wary of having a ring made just due to the fact that I have to try an item (jewelry,clothes, shoes etc) to really know if I will like it. I have bought and returned so many items it’s scary. But def thinking about the possibilities.
i think the Leo ring was around $5500.

Definitely check out Whiteflash and their super ideal stones before purchasing the Leo band. The super ideal cut and sparkle is just out of this world!

 

[lulu_ma]

Check out this chart:

https://www.brilliance.com/education/diamond-size-chart

If the Leo band is .15 to .20 ct stones then they are 3.25 to 3.75 mm each in diameter.

The Whiteflash .30 ct stones I posted are 4.25 mm each so they will give you more presence. Those are about $600 each. Maybe you would need 7 stones?

I just looked up .40 ct stones and I/VVS super ideals are $875. Those are about 4.75 mm each so maybe you only need 6?

Either band would give you great finger coverage!

 

[lulu_ma]

Oooo thanks for all the replies, the info and the encouragemen! I love the idea of using the super ideals! I’m so wary of having a ring made just due to the fact that I have to try an item (jewelry,clothes, shoes etc) to really know if I will like it. I have bought and returned so many items it’s scary. But def thinking about the possibilities.
i think the Leo ring was around $5500.

I think Whiteflash can send you a wax mold of the ring before they fabricate it?

Perhaps others can confirm that…

 

[MissGotRocks]

I think Whiteflash can send you a wax mold of the ring before they fabricate it?

Perhaps others can confirm that…

It never hurts to ask. I haven’t seen this done by WF in the past but I would definitely ask about it.

 

[lala646]

Oooo thanks for all the replies, the info and the encouragemen! I love the idea of using the super ideals! I’m so wary of having a ring made just due to the fact that I have to try an item (jewelry,clothes, shoes etc) to really know if I will like it. I have bought and returned so many items it’s scary. But def thinking about the possibilities.
i think the Leo ring was around $5500.

Just keep in mind, lighting in the Kay stores is designed to promote optimal optic performance in their stones, but that lighting doesn't go with you everywhere. Their stones will never match the performance of any super ideal vendor in real world conditions, even though you'd be paying a similar premium for the Leo stones.

 

[Sophie6]

I visited a highly recommended local jeweler today. What a great experience. Lots of good education and ideas. Still not sure I can go the design and fabricate route. But he had some lovely estate pieces and said he has several connections with major estate buyers. So he will be on the hunt and notify me with anything that meets my criteria and budget. He also can design the ring and source the diamonds. Everything he told me today aligns with the great info on this forum. This Has been lots of fun so far. Thanks for the responses as always.

 

[Sophie6]

Still checking out all the options. Found a Harry Winston eternity band but not sure of authenticity. Will start another thread and post a picture of the hallmark. Just looking for opinions at this point before proceeding with any additional procedures to verify.

 

[scandi_queen]

My "engagement" ring is a Leo 5 stone anniversary band that's 1.03 carats total from 14 years ago. We definitely noticed a difference in the stones from one band to the next (mostly size and color), but they were all really sparkly. So if you go this route, be sure to look at several rings and choose the best of the bunch. That was what we could comfortably afford with our budget right out of grad school and it has a special meaning to us now .
Here are some shots I took of it quickly today in the school pickup line. I like what the others have suggested about choosing some great stones and having them custom set, but that is also more involved. Good luck with your search and I'm excited to see what you choose!

 

[Sophie6]

My "engagement" ring is a Leo 5 stone anniversary band that's 1.03 carats total from 14 years ago. We definitely noticed a difference in the stones from one band to the next (mostly size and color), but they were all really sparkly. So if you go this route, be sure to look at several rings and choose the best of the bunch. That was what we could comfortably afford with our budget right out of grad school and it has a special meaning to us now .
Here are some shots I took of it quickly today in the school pickup line. I like what the others have suggested about choosing some great stones and having them custom set, but that is also more involved. Good luck with your search and I'm excited to see what you choose!

Lovely and still enjoyed after 14 years!

 

[luckygreen317]

Realized I am a little late to the party on this thread…but wanted to share my 5-stone wedding ring. It gets worn more than my engagement ring or eternity band. While I am not supposed to have favorites, this ring I would choose over and over again. I set the stones in an ultra thin bezel to protect them. The gallery has a decorative design. A 7-stone may be a great direction and might be more comfortable if you plan to never remove your ring.

6.5 size finger, five .40 diamonds set as flush as possible.







Here is a 5-stone ring thread:

The 5 Stone Ring Thread!

Because I have been obsessed lately. Plus, the old one was closed so nobody can post their new additions. *boohoo* Please post yours! I will start us out with some lovelies... kcoursolle''s ring. 4.5 ring size, .31 stones

www.pricescope.com

 

[Sophie6]

Realized I am a little late to the party on this thread…but wanted to share my 5-stone wedding ring. It gets worn more than my engagement ring or eternity band. While I am not supposed to have favorites, this ring I would choose over and over again. I set the stones in an ultra thin bezel to protect them. The gallery has a decorative design. A 7-stone may be a great direction and might be more comfortable if you plan to never remove your ring.

6.5 size finger, five .40 diamonds set as flush as possible.







Here is a 5-stone ring thread:

The 5 Stone Ring Thread!

Because I have been obsessed lately. Plus, the old one was closed so nobody can post their new additions. *boohoo* Please post yours! I will start us out with some lovelies... kcoursolle''s ring. 4.5 ring size, .31 stones

www.pricescope.com

Party is still going. I haven’t made a commitment. your ring is beautiful. I’ve gone to a couple more local jewelry stores to try on a Variety of styles. And I’m watching one on eBay. Thanks for the link.