Help! Good quality halo diamond ring?! $1500 budget

[adoval]

Hi all,

I decided to join the community after reading for a while because I need help with purchasing an engagement ring for my girlfriend.

She went to Zales and fell in love with a Celebration Fire ring and wants a ring that looks exactly like this:
http://www.zales.com/product/index.jsp?productId=21237656

This ring is 7/8 ct, Si1-Si2, and H-I clarity, but the price is WAY out of my budget.

The problem is my budget is only $1500 (financed or credit card), and that preferably includes getting the wedding band that goes with it.

She has been looking online and doing research and can't find anything that looks like the Zales ring in our price range, except for a ring from Pompeii3:

http://pompeii3.com/p-733-125ct-diamond-cushion-halo-engagement-matching-wedding-ring-14k-white-gold.aspx

This one is the perfect price for me, and it says it has a Si2-Si3, G-H clarity, and 1.25 ct. Is this a good ring for the price?

Where else can I find a ring that looks exactly like the Celebration Fire ring but in the 1500 price range?

Thanks for all your knowledge and help!

 

[Gypsy]

Ritani has one, and they can make it for any shape stone.

http://www.ritani.com/engagement-rings/french-set-halo-diamond-band-engagement-ring-in-palladium/4773
http://www.ritani.com/engagement-rings/french-set-halo-diamond-band-engagement-ring-in-palladium/4775


Get the Ritani, much better quality.

 

[Gypsy]

Also check out James Allen. http://www.jamesallen.com/engagement-rings/halo/?&PageSize=9&OrderBy=Price

 

[adoval]

Thanks for the prompt reply!

Unfortunately, my budget is only around 1500-1600 INCLUDING the wedding band, and Ritani puts the engagement ring alone at around 1900 with a decent sized diamond. James Allen is also out of my 1500 price range. Does Ritani have any discounts or coupon codes?

I really want to get her what she wants, but I know my budget is very limited.

 

[D&T]

Hi There, just wanted to chime in that I don't recommend Pompeii... I purchased something Years ago, and their quality was on par with Mall stuff poorly cut and heavily included in my past experience... maybe they've up their game now but based on that experience I would shy from Pompeii.

have you tried :

http://www.eternitybyyoni.com/engagement-rings/

I would also ask David Klass. He's done several custom work for very reasonable price. Or you can maybe find a cast halo mounting from Stuller or Adwar, and see if one of the PS jewelers can order it in and use their higher quality melees.

Also try

some of the etsy seller like Daniel K or this:
https://www.etsy.com/listing/151942597/cut-down-micro-pave-diamond-cushion?ref=sr_gallery_25&sref=sr_e4bc9426cfec64c3d136f10e1e93e3930b8dab9092219df9a1a2d8c9faf6fea1_1400520445_14215757_halo&sref2=MTUxOTQyNTk3%3AaGFsbw..%3AMTQyMTU3NTc.%3AaGFsbyBzZXR0aW5n%3AdzM.%3AMTQwMDUyMDQ0NQ..%3AMjoxNDAwNTIwNDQ1OjhuWUtJbjlLZnMxNlZUQzRhUmxONHBQWmw4aUQ6ODlkMTM1OTk4MjhjMjA2NDRlODA2ODQ0MjYzNzk2YmIwNjFkZjgzMjY5YjU2M2UxN2U5ZjE1MGM0M2U3OWUwOQ..%3Aee167c52272935951b802b54cdf52a8bca0ae80c&ga_search_query=halo+setting&ga_ship_to=US&ga_search_type=all&ga_view_type=gallery

 

[Niel]

If this is still available buy this.

http://loupetroop.com/listings/rings-natural-diamond-center/price-reduced-henri-daussi-cushion-ring

 

[tyty333]

Unfortunately sometimes people can't afford what they want. In this case there are a couple of options
1) Wait and save up more money.
2) Put most of the money into the diamond and use a simple setting. Upgrade to the halo setting at a later date.
3) Go for a solitaire.
4) Buy used ...but you probably wont find that ring exactly (in a good quality).
5) Put most the money into a setting and put a gemstone in it.


I'll look around some and see whats possible.

 

[tyty333]

If this is still available buy this.

http://loupetroop.com/listings/rings-natural-diamond-center/price-reduced-henri-daussi-cushion-ring

Excellent choice Neil!

Inexpensive setting with nice stone...
http://www.jamesallen.com/engagement-rings/solitaire/14k-white-gold-2mm-knife-edge-solitaire-engagement-ring-item-7115
http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/0.51-carat-k-color-si1-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-209421

Nice halo with sapphire
http://www.jamesallen.com/engagement-rings/halo/14k-white-gold-pave-halo-twisted-shank-solitaire-item-17470
http://www.jamesallen.com/gemstones/blue-sapphire/1.06-carat-cushion-sku-12442 I'm sure the colored stones folks could find you
something nicer for the price!

 

[D&T]

Buy this diamond

http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/0.43-carat-k-color-si1-clarity-good-cut-sku-34275

and put it in this halo setting

http://www.jamesallen.com/engagement-rings/halo/14k-white-gold-pave-halo-and-shank-diamond-engagement-ring-round-center-item-17445

Or this Gorgeous halo without the paves on the shank, you could then go up in size slightly on the center :

http://www.jamesallen.com/engagement-rings/halo/14k-white-gold-pave-halo-cabled-diamond-engagement-ring-item-17996

like with this, and now your center is larger than that zales ring:

http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/0.53-carat-k-color-si2-clarity-ideal-cut-sku-106487

Remember this diamond is upgradeable in the future.

Get a plain band or save up for that until it gets closer to your wedding?

 

[Niel]

If this is still availambuy this.

http://loupetroop.com/listings/rings-natural-diamond-center/price-reduced-henri-daussi-cushion-ring

If its not avail. Buy this

http://pages.ebay.com/link/?nav=item.view&id=400709298313&alt=web

I know that doesn't leave you much room for a band but I'd your not getting engaged ASAP then don't buy one yet. Scope eBay and loupetroop. Com or diamondbistro. Com. Wait till a cheap one comes for sale. Or. Buy a plain band and Buy the diamond one when you have the funds. She could wear them all together. The plain band sandwhiched in between. It would be lovely and practical for the time being.

 

[luvdajules]

wow, that last ebay selection is wonderful, how do you find these great options! if these options don't suit you, I've seen others focus more on a diamond or engraved wedding band, and wait on the diamond engagement ring to build up a budget. You could get a nice sparkly wedding band for $1500 and pair it with a "place holder" eh hem, cz solitaire. Hope I'm not breaking policy for suggesting this

 

[msop04]

Unfortunately sometimes people can't afford what they want. In this case there are a couple of options
1) Wait and save up more money.
2) Put most of the money into the diamond and use a simple setting. Upgrade to the halo setting at a later date.
3) Go for a solitaire.
4) Buy used ...but you probably wont find that ring exactly (in a good quality).
5) Put most the money into a setting and put a gemstone in it.


I'll look around some and see whats possible.

OP, if your FF wants the ring to look like the Zales ring, then you will need to up your budget. The Zales ring is not good quality for a ring that will be worn every day. Is the budgest listed for the stone, the setting/band, or the whole set? If it's just for a part of it (like the setting only), you may have a few more options... but if not, you should probably have a discussion with your FF about her expectation vs. the reality of your budget.

The best option for an entire ering is the Henri Daussi ring Niel posted... I would jump on that if I were you.
Otherwise, I would spend the money on the setting alone and set it with a gemstone until you can put a diamond in it.

 

[WillyDiamond]

Hey OP, notice the "air line" in the setting. That is the space between the center stone and the halo. Do you like that look? Or prefer the center stone to be flush with the halo.
Agree with some of the others, perhaps just buy the diamond and set it in simple setting and go for the halo at the later date. I am just concerned if you stay within your budget for what you really want, you will be disappointed with quality.
Best of luck.

 

[tyty333]

If this is still availambuy this.

http://loupetroop.com/listings/rings-natural-diamond-center/price-reduced-henri-daussi-cushion-ring

If its not avail. Buy this

http://pages.ebay.com/link/?nav=item.view&id=400709298313&alt=web

I know that doesn't leave you much room for a band but I'd your not getting engaged ASAP then don't buy one yet. Scope eBay and loupetroop. Com or diamondbistro. Com. Wait till a cheap one comes for sale. Or. Buy a plain band and Buy the diamond one when you have the funds. She could wear them all together. The plain band sandwhiched in between. It would be lovely and practical for the time being.

I would make sure that this last listing is for a Henry Daussi cushion as well as a Henry Daussi setting ( and not just an HD setting
with any old cushion thrown in it.)

At least with an HD cushion you know what you are getting.

 

[Niel]

If this is still availambuy this.

http://loupetroop.com/listings/rings-natural-diamond-center/price-reduced-henri-daussi-cushion-ring

If its not avail. Buy this

http://pages.ebay.com/link/?nav=item.view&id=400709298313&alt=web

I know that doesn't leave you much room for a band but I'd your not getting engaged ASAP then don't buy one yet. Scope eBay and loupetroop. Com or diamondbistro. Com. Wait till a cheap one comes for sale. Or. Buy a plain band and Buy the diamond one when you have the funds. She could wear them all together. The plain band sandwhiched in between. It would be lovely and practical for the time being.

I would make sure that this last listing is for a Henry Daussi cushion as well as a Henry Daussi setting ( and not just an HD setting
with any old cushion thrown in it.)

At least with an HD cushion you know what you are getting.

I agree. Frankly if the LT one is still for sale that would be my first choice. Its says OBO too. Who knows of its still for sale but if it is, offer 500, you could get a very closely matching wedding band for the remaining and I think that's a great success for the budget.

 

[adoval]

Thank you so much for the replies, everyone! You've given me some wonderful suggestions and definitely some food for thought. I'll take a look at all the links you posted. Great stuff! So then in your experience, Pompeii3 is not reliable?

 

[Niel]

what size is her finger? if its close to 6.5....

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Gorgeous-Blue-Nile-14k-White-Gold-Diamond-Semi-Infinity-Wedding-Band-/321376796234?pt=US_Fine_Rings&hash=item4ad38cbe4a

maybe offer 300 see what happens

that wedding band would match the loupe troop Henry Daussi if its still available, and they are both about 6.5, that would be my first choice, but if its not available.

otherwise these would go with it in budget, though they don't have diamonds in the shank

http://www.jamesallen.com/preset-engagement-rings/royal-halo/james-allen-classic-cupcake-engagement-ring-item-36157

or
http://www.bluenile.com/halo-diamond-engagement-ring-14k-white-gold_20399
with this diamond

 

[adoval]

what size is her finger? if its close to 6.5....

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Gorgeous-Blue-Nile-14k-White-Gold-Diamond-Semi-Infinity-Wedding-Band-/321376796234?pt=US_Fine_Rings&hash=item4ad38cbe4a

maybe offer 300 see what happens

that wedding band would match the loupe troop Henry Daussi if its still available, and they are both about 6.5, that would be my first choice, but if its not available.

otherwise these would go with it in budget, though they don't have diamonds in the shank

http://www.jamesallen.com/preset-engagement-rings/royal-halo/james-allen-classic-cupcake-engagement-ring-item-36157

or
http://www.bluenile.com/halo-diamond-engagement-ring-14k-white-gold_20399
with this diamond

Those are definitely nice rings. She's a size 5.5 finger and has small hands. She's pretty petite so I can't get something that will overwhelm her. Here's a pic of her hand with the ring from Zales on her finger.

 

[rainydaze]

adoval, is your 1500 budget for the setting (and wedding band) only, or does it have to include the center diamond? Just want to clarify, as the Zales ring includes the center diamond, and some of the options presented within your budget are for the setting only (you'd still have to buy a center diamond). 1500 for a completed halo ring is going to be very hard to find, unless you find something pre-loved like on loupe troupe.

 

[msop04]

OP, have you had a chance to check on the Henri Daussi on LT?? I would if I were you. There are lots of lurkers and even PS members that may be looking for something similar -- I'd hate for you to miss out on such a great deal!

 

[adoval]

adoval, is your 1500 budget for the setting (and wedding band) only, or does it have to include the center diamond? Just want to clarify, as the Zales ring includes the center diamond, and some of the options presented within your budget are for the setting only (you'd still have to buy a center diamond). 1500 for a completed halo ring is going to be very hard to find, unless you find something pre-loved like on loupe troupe.

It includes the center diamond as well. It's amazing how much I didn't know about engagement rings until now. That's why we considered getting a ring from Pompeii3 or a similar eBay/Amazon vendor, because they fit my budget and seemed to have the look of the ring she wants. Budget be damned!

 

[adoval]

OP, have you had a chance to check on the Henri Daussi on LT?? I would if I were you. There are lots of lurkers and even PS members that may be looking for something similar -- I'd hate for you to miss out on such a great deal!

Yup, I sent the seller a message! Just waiting to hear back from them.

 

[Niel]

And it absolutely positively has to have diamonds in the band and a halo?

Eta: and she us aware of your budget?

 

[rainydaze]

adoval, is your 1500 budget for the setting (and wedding band) only, or does it have to include the center diamond? Just want to clarify, as the Zales ring includes the center diamond, and some of the options presented within your budget are for the setting only (you'd still have to buy a center diamond). 1500 for a completed halo ring is going to be very hard to find, unless you find something pre-loved like on loupe troupe.

It includes the center diamond as well. It's amazing how much I didn't know about engagement rings until now. That's why we considered getting a ring from Pompeii3 or a similar eBay/Amazon vendor, because they fit my budget and seemed to have the look of the ring she wants. Budget be damned!

Ok, thanks for clarifying. Tell me about it, when I first came here I thought it was totally hit or miss if you found a diamond that was 'pretty' or not, lo' and behold there is a rhyme and reason to it. Good for you for doing some homework, that will go a long way towards getting your sweetie something wonderful and stretching your budget!

The setting on loupe troop is a good one, but it only leaves you $300 for a center diamond and wedding ring. Unless you go with a colored stone, and aim for a diamond at a later special date, that's going to be tough.

 

[Niel]

adoval, is your 1500 budget for the setting (and wedding band) only, or does it have to include the center diamond? Just want to clarify, as the Zales ring includes the center diamond, and some of the options presented within your budget are for the setting only (you'd still have to buy a center diamond). 1500 for a completed halo ring is going to be very hard to find, unless you find something pre-loved like on loupe troupe.

It includes the center diamond as well. It's amazing how much I didn't know about engagement rings until now. That's why we considered getting a ring from Pompeii3 or a similar eBay/Amazon vendor, because they fit my budget and seemed to have the look of the ring she wants. Budget be damned!

Ok, thanks for clarifying. Tell me about it, when I first came here I thought it was totally hit or miss if you found a diamond that was 'pretty' or not, lo' and behold there is a rhyme and reason to it. Good for you for doing some homework, that will go a long way towards getting your sweetie something wonderful and stretching your budget!

The setting on loupe troop is a good one, but it only leaves you $300 for a center diamond and wedding ring. Unless you go with a colored stone, and aim for a diamond at a later special date, that's going to be tough.

The one from loupetroop is from a year ago. Its 600 dollars for the whole thing. Its not the halo that's currently on the front page of LT

 

[rainydaze]

adoval, is your 1500 budget for the setting (and wedding band) only, or does it have to include the center diamond? Just want to clarify, as the Zales ring includes the center diamond, and some of the options presented within your budget are for the setting only (you'd still have to buy a center diamond). 1500 for a completed halo ring is going to be very hard to find, unless you find something pre-loved like on loupe troupe.

It includes the center diamond as well. It's amazing how much I didn't know about engagement rings until now. That's why we considered getting a ring from Pompeii3 or a similar eBay/Amazon vendor, because they fit my budget and seemed to have the look of the ring she wants. Budget be damned!

Ok, thanks for clarifying. Tell me about it, when I first came here I thought it was totally hit or miss if you found a diamond that was 'pretty' or not, lo' and behold there is a rhyme and reason to it. Good for you for doing some homework, that will go a long way towards getting your sweetie something wonderful and stretching your budget!

The setting on loupe troop is a good one, but it only leaves you $300 for a center diamond and wedding ring. Unless you go with a colored stone, and aim for a diamond at a later special date, that's going to be tough.

The one from loupetroop is from a year ago. Its 600 dollars for the whole thing. Its not the halo that's currently on the front page of LT

Oops! My bad! Makes a lot more sense now.

 

[adoval]

And it absolutely positively has to have diamonds in the band and a halo?

Eta: and she us aware of your budget?

Definitely yes to the halo. I don't know about the band . . . she totally fell in love with the ring from Zales so she was trying to find it elsewhere for less.

I made the mistake of telling her after she went to look at rings. She assumed the budget wouldn't be more than 2500 though.

 

[adoval]

adoval, is your 1500 budget for the setting (and wedding band) only, or does it have to include the center diamond? Just want to clarify, as the Zales ring includes the center diamond, and some of the options presented within your budget are for the setting only (you'd still have to buy a center diamond). 1500 for a completed halo ring is going to be very hard to find, unless you find something pre-loved like on loupe troupe.

It includes the center diamond as well. It's amazing how much I didn't know about engagement rings until now. That's why we considered getting a ring from Pompeii3 or a similar eBay/Amazon vendor, because they fit my budget and seemed to have the look of the ring she wants. Budget be damned!

Ok, thanks for clarifying. Tell me about it, when I first came here I thought it was totally hit or miss if you found a diamond that was 'pretty' or not, lo' and behold there is a rhyme and reason to it. Good for you for doing some homework, that will go a long way towards getting your sweetie something wonderful and stretching your budget!

The setting on loupe troop is a good one, but it only leaves you $300 for a center diamond and wedding ring. Unless you go with a colored stone, and aim for a diamond at a later special date, that's going to be tough.

There's definitely a lot more involved than I expected! I'm glad I didn't just go to the mall jewelry stores before I came here.

 

[Niel]

Would she consider something other than I diamond center?

If that LT one isn't available I think you'll have to make some concessions. Not a lot but some. So well have to know what's a must have and what can be dropped.

 

[Laila619]

http://www.jamesallen.com/preset-engagement-rings/royal-halo/james-allen-classic-cushion-shape-cupcake-engagement-ring-item-36163

This one is $1880. Sometimes James Allen has coupon codes too.

http://www.jamesallen.com/preset-engagement-rings/royal-halo/james-allen-cushion-shape-classic-cupcake-engagement-ring-item-36164

That one is $2040.

http://www.jamesallen.com/preset-engagement-rings/royal-halo/james-allen-inspired-princess-shape-cupcake-engagement-ring-item-36150

$1690.

The diamonds in all these rings will be much better quality and clarity than the Zales one.