Help a total novice spend 1000

[lovethesparkle]

Hello, everyone, I do apologize in advance if this has already been posted, or is being posted in the wrong section.
I've been lurking for over 3 days, and I must admit, a lot of what is being said, is going right over my head! Between researching acronyms, and referring to diamond selection charts...i'm confused!

(took me half hour to figure out what an 'e-ring' is - dont laugh!)

I decided to just ask, and hopefully someone can point me in the right direction?

My fiance and I have decided not to go the engagement ring route. He is mad for tungsten, and I have decided to get one also. I decided on an 8mm pipe cut Tungsten Band, he decided on the Triton Bellus.

He has now said he would prefer if my (plain) tungsten ring had a little 'bling'... I'm all for bling, but we have a budget! I have been doing my research and I found a 1ctw 5 Stone Zales ring---but I have ALWAYS been an eternity fan. I also love the stacked look.

I subsequently did some review research on Zales, and I am now convinced I should not buy from them.

Thing is, I'm in Jamaica--I would be buying my ring online

So this is where I ask your help. I'd like to find an eternity band for 1000, that will be a good investment, but not look like diamond chips- is this possible?

I found this website, but since I have never heard of them, I'm not sure what to think:
http://www.eternityweddingbands.com/Product.aspx?ProductId=141

Does anyone have any experience with them?

I would love to see hand pics of a 1ct eternity I wear a size 4.

I know my post is long (and probably a little confusing, because i'm confused)- please help!

 

[kenny]

I just wanted to suggest you let go of the idea of diamonds being an investment.

You and I have to pay retail but we must sell at wholesale, which is about half of retail.
That means your "investment" went down 50% the moment you acquire it.
Prices would have to double for you to just break even.

Go ahead and buy and enjoy a beautiful diamond ring, but don't think of it as an investment.

 

[lovethesparkle]

good point, I really wasnt thinking investment in terms of returns, but more like...spending money on something I like, and will continue to like! I am well aware it will depreciate as soon as I buy it.

My biggest challenge is having a good idea of what the actual ring will look like, size-wise, etc.

And what of ebay? can a good ring be had there? How can I know which one is a 'yes'?

 

[gracey]

Since you said your biggest challenge is knowing what the ring will look like, there are 2 things you need to do. Go to some local stores to get an idea of what you like on your hand. Sounds like where you are located, there are not alot of options...so buy from an online vendor with a superior return policy.

In all honesty, if you want a high quality 1 ct full eternity diamond band in the $1000 range, it may be hard to find new.

Have you looked at Blue Nile? They have a great return policy & their prices are pretty good for the quality. These are both in your price range. I especially love the second one, it is their version of the Tiffany Etoile. Good Luck!
http://www.bluenile.com/diamond-eternity-ring_5765
http://www.bluenile.com/diamond-ring-platinum_4959

 

[lovethesparkle]

Thanks Kelly!

I actually prefer the first one (added that to the list)

I found a 1/2 ct on bluenile in a setting I prefer:
http://www.bluenile.com/diamond-eternity-ring-white-gold_7313
But am I mistaken-the stones seem to stop? Oh gosh.

I really said 1ct so I could have a frame of reference - I'm not set on getting a 1ct band.

On the website I mentioned, they allow you to choose the specs of your ring, a 1ctw H-I\I1-I2 in white gold is for 699, in platinum its 1499. Ever heard of em? Heres a link

http://www.eternityweddingbands.com/Shared-Prong-Eternity-RingbrPlatinum-P124C24.aspx


ETA: Locally, I have not been able to locate even one eternity ring. Its like they're a figment of my imagination

hmm, how do I make a link clickable?

 

[Bella_mezzo]

I would try idjewelryonline.com or jamesallen.com they have a great selection and prices.

 

[cakegirl]

I would also suggest ID jewelry. I have been doing research and they seem to have the best prices for the quality. I am actually ordering an eternity band from them tomorrow for my wedding band. Just email them -they are very helpful!

here are a few options in your budget:

1.48 carat prong set


channel set


princess cut


bezel set

I found that eternity bands were a little thinner than I expected-on my size 6.5 fingers, 1 carat is only 2 mm. To get more width for your money, a bezel or channel set might give you the most bang for the buck. You could also look at a pave band.

 

[lovethesparkle]

Thanks to everyone that responded. Really. It helped me get an idea of what I should be looking for.

 

[lovethesparkle]

Hello everyone, I am back with a new question (wishing I could change the title of this thread)

I would like to know which setting is more secure...shared prong, or channel? I will be stacking this eternity band with a plain tungsten carbide band (pipe cut). I have read where diamonds can scratch tungsten, so I am leaning towards the channel set where there will be no contact, but is this setting more secure than the shared prong? If not is there an alternative setting I could look at? I have a size 4 finger...if its at all relevant.

 

[MustangGal]

Channel set would be the "safer" option.

 

[whitby_2773]

there's always something like this...

it's closer to what you originally wanted and would be quite a pretty ring with a plain band.

lovethesparkle - given that your budget is limited, i wouldnt be going for an eternity band; you'll lose a lot of your budget on the back of the ring, which you won't normally see. instead, how about something like this...

or for a little color - how about this... i think this is a lovely ring and i like the profile of it. i think the diamonds and pink sapphires would also look wonderful against the tungsten.

good luck!

 

[Dreamer_D]

Channel set sounds like a better option for you, or bead set like this: http://www.whiteflash.com/wedding_bands/diamond-bead-set-eternity-band_975.htm

 

[lovethesparkle]

thanks MustangGal,whitby_2773 & dreamer_dachsie

Whitby, my fiance has kindly told me to mind my own business and pick the ring that I want (lol), I am still being modest in my selection because I really dont want a ring that I will be afraid to wear. I live in Jamaica. I've always dreamed of an eternity band...I have tons of cz ones LOL. I have one half eternity, and the thing drives me nuts spinning on my hand! ( I know at least one person can relate to this)
I have shown it to him: he gave me a betrayed look and said "thought u said u wanted an eternity band??!? Are you still choosing by price?!!!"

So ahhhm, back to what I had initially said.

*boys*

I like that ring from whiteflash-really like it. I'd love to see a handshot of it, maybe I'll get lucky and someone here would have one? I'm hoping hoping.

Off to show him this one.