Help me find an engagement ring - so lost

[diamondseeker2006]

Your girlfriend is looking at inspiration pictures with 3 ct stones. Please don't even look at stones 2 cts and less.

 

[Living_Classic]

Here are a few I like, I am not an expert at all, these are just ones I think are pretty!

GIA 2 Carat Emerald Cut Diamond Engagement Ring at 1stDibs | 2 carat emerald cut diamond ring, emerald cut engagement rings 2 carat, 2 carat emerald cut diamond platinum ring

View this item and discover similar for sale at 1stDibs - A perfectly proportioned Emerald Cut Diamond Solitaire sits on a band on diamonds ♦ Metal: Platinum ♦ Diamond=2.02 carats I color VS1 clarity ♦ 20 Diamonds=.15

www.1stdibs.com

https://www.1stdibs.com/jewelry/rin...step-cut-diamond-platinum-ring/id-j_10613182/ (I know this is an L, but could play into the vintage look, def ask for more pics if considered)

2.10 Carat Emerald Cut Diamond 3-Stone Platinum Ring with GIA Certified For Sale at 1stDibs | 2 carat vs 3 carat emerald cut, 2 carat 3 stone emerald cut diamond ring, 20 carat emerald cut diamond ring

For Sale on 1stDibs - Gorgeous Three Stone Engagement Ring in Platinum Features Three Emerald Cut Stones Side Stones are Approximately .20 carats each (.40 Total), VS Clarity,

www.1stdibs.com

3.14 Carat Total Diamond, Platinum, 18 Karat Gold Three-Stone Emerald Cut Ring at 1stDibs | three stone emerald cut ring gold, 3 karat gold, 18 carat platinum diamond ring

View this item and discover similar for sale at 1stDibs - GIA Certified 3 Stone Diamond Engagement Ring - Platinum, 18 Karat Yellow Gold, Diamonds Features: 2.94 carat total weight emerald cut Diamonds (quantity

www.1stdibs.com

2 Carat Oval Diamond D/SI1 GIA Pavé Engagement Ring For Sale at 1stDibs | si1 diamond, 2 carat oval diamond on hand, oval cut pave engagement ring

For Sale on 1stDibs - This oval cut diamond solitaire is set in a handmade four prong platinum mounting with diamond pavé band. Our engagement rings are hand-crafted in New

www.1stdibs.com

Does the "wear and tear" on the diamond not concern you? Genuine question, is it something I should be ok to overlook?

3.14 Carat Total Diamond, Platinum, 18 Karat Gold Three-Stone Emerald Cut Ring at 1stDibs | three stone emerald cut ring gold, 3 karat gold, 18 carat platinum diamond ring

View this item and discover similar for sale at 1stDibs - GIA Certified 3 Stone Diamond Engagement Ring - Platinum, 18 Karat Yellow Gold, Diamonds Features: 2.94 carat total weight emerald cut Diamonds (quantity

www.1stdibs.com

 

[diamondseeker2006]

Does the "wear and tear" on the diamond not concern you? Genuine question, is it something I should be ok to overlook?

3.14 Carat Total Diamond, Platinum, 18 Karat Gold Three-Stone Emerald Cut Ring at 1stDibs | three stone emerald cut ring gold, 3 karat gold, 18 carat platinum diamond ring

View this item and discover similar for sale at 1stDibs - GIA Certified 3 Stone Diamond Engagement Ring - Platinum, 18 Karat Yellow Gold, Diamonds Features: 2.94 carat total weight emerald cut Diamonds (quantity

www.1stdibs.com

None of those has center stones large enough. That center stone is only 1.74 cts. Wayyyy too small.

 

[Living_Classic]

Your girlfriend is looking at inspiration pictures with 3 ct stones. Please don't even look at stones 2 cts and less.

Understood and good to know. Given my GFs specs, you like this diamond, and pair with a setting with someone like David (time isn't a huge consideration but obviously sooner rather than later)? For what she wants do you have a ballpark idea of what I would expect for the cost of a ring + setting?

2.50 Carat emerald diamond

This emerald cut 2.5 carat J color vs1 clarity has a diamond grading report from GIA

www.jamesallen.com

 

[Living_Classic]

None of those has center stones large enough. That center stone is only 1.74 cts. Wayyyy too small.

Good point. I was looking at the headline total carats.

 

[diamondseeker2006]

Understood and good to know. Given my GFs specs, you like this diamond, and pair with a setting with someone like David (time isn't a huge consideration but obviously sooner rather than later)? For what she wants do you have a ballpark idea of what I would expect for the cost of a ring + setting?

2.50 Carat emerald diamond

This emerald cut 2.5 carat J color vs1 clarity has a diamond grading report from GIA

www.jamesallen.com

Yes, I would get this and have David do the setting. It's a diamond I'd choose for myself within those specs and price range. It has a nice crown and table size. They will make CADs for you and you should show them here before approving. Make the band part 18k yellow gold and the prongs in platinum. That's the safest for the diamond. If you do a solitaire, I am guessing around $1000, but that's just a guess.

Actually, let me look and see if David has done a good EC setting that we can go by, or else I'll give you a picture to show him.

 

[diamondseeker2006]

Okay, here are pictures to give David. This style allows the wedding band to sit close to the engagement ring. Shank in 18k yellow gold and the head (prongs and basket) in platinum. Don't forget that part! Tell him you want a 2mm shank(band). I'd call first and tell them you are emailing pictures. You can give them the diameter measurements of the diamond (8.96x6.8mm) but we don't have the depth yet. You can ask for them to give you the GIA number when you buy the stone and forward the lab report link to David. Oh and ring size. She says 5.5 but 6 is okay and I think 6 would be too big. So maybe split the difference and do 5.75? It's winter so it will be loose, but it will tighten up once she wears a wedding band with it. Never size down a ring in the winter. Fingers are bigger in the summer heat. (I'll link some ring snuggies you can have on hand if it is too loose.)

 

[Cerulean]

I thought OP wanted trap sides? He did do one that looks similar to the inspo from the "ring builder"

https://www.instagram.com/p/CFiSE0RFxHu/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

https://www.instagram.com/p/CC6tqgRlx97/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

That solitaire is gorgeous and classic, though

@Living_Classic if you love that stone, I'd put it on hold ASAP - there are lurkers who snatch diamonds before they are bought!

 

[tyty333]

She said she wants traps with her Emerald cut (if I'm reading correctly). I would say that's going to be $1800-$2k and that would
be a guess. Ask for a quote with traps that would match your center stone (talking match color/size).

Do you plan on staying within your $15k budget? If so, I think you need to have a talk with her. Let her know its more like a 2 carat
then a 3 carat. That way if she wants to go with the eternity band as an engagement ring she can choose to do so.

 

[diamondseeker2006]

She actually said he could go for the largest center stone an add traps later (or get traps and upgrade the stone later which is the worst possible idea as it would be far more expensive to do this.) But sure, if you want to do the small traps now, that would be great but will definitely add to the cost. You can ask David to quote the price with small traps. Still give him those pictures, though, because the center stone and the sides can be set to have the prongs tucked in to the base of the shank like that.

 

[AprilBaby]

Listen to Diamondseeker, she has the most knowledge.

 

[diamondseeker2006]

Listen to Diamondseeker, she has the most knowledge.

Oh my, so sweet! Thank you! Many other great helpers around besides me!

 

[Living_Classic]

I thought OP wanted trap sides? He did do one that looks similar to the inspo from the "ring builder"

https://www.instagram.com/p/CFiSE0RFxHu/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

https://www.instagram.com/p/CC6tqgRlx97/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

That solitaire is gorgeous and classic, though

@Living_Classic if you love that stone, I'd put it on hold ASAP - there are lurkers who snatch diamonds before they are bought!

Ah! This is frustrating. I am planning on paying with a CC (0% APR for 15mo) but it won't arrive until next week, so I won't be able to purchase it until then. Fingers crossed...

 

[diamondseeker2006]

The diamond likely would be there but lurkers definitely do use suggestions we post on here. That's the greatest danger. The only good part is that fewer people are looking for emerald cuts than say, rounds, so it could still be there. I'd ask if you can put a deposit and them hold it for you. They also have 6 months with no interest financing if paid off in less than 6 months.

 

[lovedogs]

@diamondseeker2006 has given outstanding advice here. Definitely slow down, NEVER buy a fancy cut stone (radiant/emerald etc) without pics.

 

[lovedogs]

She said she wants traps with her Emerald cut (if I'm reading correctly). I would say that's going to be $1800-$2k and that would
be a guess. Ask for a quote with traps that would match your center stone (talking match color/size).

Do you plan on staying within your $15k budget? If so, I think you need to have a talk with her. Let her know its more like a 2 carat
then a 3 carat. That way if she wants to go with the eternity band as an engagement ring she can choose to do so.

This is also super important. You need to have an honest talk with her about the fact that 15k will get something in the 2ct range, NOT in the 3ct range. And you definitely won't be able to get an eternity band plus ring for 15k (unless you are willing to go smaller). It's critical that she understands this. Also, a 3ct stone is very big, so I wonder if she has tried on 2 and 3ct diamonds IRL?

 

[Cerulean]

Your girlfriend is looking at inspiration pictures with 3 ct stones. Please don't even look at stones 2 cts and less.

I think this is right, I guess I just wanted to share my perspective with what I recently went through. I thought I wanted larger + lower color to maximize size, and all of my inspo rings were in the 2 carat range. I didn't understand the other things I was sacrificing, and knew nothing about diamond pricing. I also hadn't tried things on, hadn't seen color differences in person, fiance didn't do research (neither had I, beyond purely aesthetic)

I personally would have wished for that "come to Jesus" moment before we made the purchase, not after. I think @lovedogs suggesting a conversation isn't a bad idea honestly.

Lots of women think "big is best" without understanding what they are really asking for, especially novices like I was (still am relatively speaking).

Granted, you picked far nicer options / given excellent advice (the kind I wish I had), so it is a different scenario so by no means do I mean to be critical. I don't claim to be an expert in any way shape or form (so OP def take my input with a grain of salt)...just sharing my own personal experience of wanting a big diamond, with a limited budget, and no knowledge.

 

[diamondseeker2006]

Oh, I agree that he needs to say, hey, I've looked into this and you can only get very poor quality stones (yellow or with visible inclusions) at 3 cts with my budget, so please understand I will give you a stone that is as large as possible while still being a high quality stone. I wouldn't say more than that so the ring can be a surprise.

I realize I misunderstood the eternity ring. She was saying if he couldn't get a sizable diamond, he could get her an eternity ring.

 

[diamondsR4eVR]

Two things:

I think she said an eternity ring would be fine if he couldn’t get her an ER. That’s how I took it anyway.

Also, even if her photos were/are inspiration pictures I didn’t take as she needs to have 3 carats for center. I’m sure she’d love it someday, but that’s not what I picked up on. Maybe I’m wrong...plus it seems to me she did some research to know how many points she’d like on her eternity band. So she may have an idea what he could afford. I always had a general idea even if I didn’t know exact numbers.

OP, I’m no expert so I will leave that to other posters in helping you find a gorgeous EC (one of my favs, btw). You are in great hands! You will be the best fiancé ever!

 

[LLJsmom]

I think this is right, I guess I just wanted to share my perspective with what I recently went through. I thought I wanted larger + lower color to maximize size, and all of my inspo rings were in the 2 carat range. I didn't understand the other things I was sacrificing, and knew nothing about diamond pricing. I also hadn't tried things on, hadn't seen color differences in person, fiance didn't do research (neither had I, beyond purely aesthetic)

I personally would have wished for that "come to Jesus" moment before we made the purchase, not after. I think @lovedogs suggesting a conversation isn't a bad idea honestly.

Lots of women think "big is best" without understanding what they are really asking for, especially novices like I was (still am relatively speaking).

Granted, you picked far nicer options / given excellent advice (the kind I wish I had), so it is a different scenario so by no means do I mean to be critical. I don't claim to be an expert in any way shape or form (so OP def take my input with a grain of salt)...just sharing my own personal experience of wanting a big diamond, with a limited budget, and no knowledge.

Yes, the first thought that popped into my mind was the "come to Jesus" chat. The first big reality check that you will need to give her. Lord knows you're well intentioned, but $$ are $$ and she needs to be cognizant of the reality. Good luck. Don't kill yourself trying to meet every "wish" but maybe if you guys make this decision together, you will come to a conclusion that both parties will be happy with.

 

[Mayk]

2.24ct Carre Cut Diamond Solitaire, GIA I VS

Such a classic! I adore everything about this solitaire - the diamond looks much larger than its stated carat weight (she looks like she's 2.75cts!), with its crisp facets and elegant shape. We added a tiny row of pave-set diamonds on the base of the gallery for something pretty to look at from...

www.jewelsbygrace.com

another pretty one with nice size and color.

 

[Ionysis]

A different view for you....

I have a radiant cut, k colour, I1 diamond which looks stunning because it’s a phenomenal cut, faces up much whiter than the grading suggests (The tiny is brownish not yellow) and the I1 clarity grading is for a feather which is mainly invisible from the top and only noticeable from the side (doesn’t compromise the structural integrity of the stone). My stone is 4.06 ct and I paid about $19,000.

Many people will not be like those you come across on price scope. It’s entirely possible to find a diamond which doesn’t have visible inclusions to the naked eye, is sparkly, big and not yellow looking, for your budget. Especially if not a round.

YOUR opinion of the diamond is what matters, not the opinion of people on a forum who are looking at statistics.

BUT if you’re going down this route you absolutely 100% must try to see the diamonds before you buy. It was pure chance I stumbled on the one I found and I could have looked for months and not found another like it.

Dont be brow beaten into going for the “perfect” colour, cut, colour if YOU or your fiancé aren’t that way inclined. If she isn’t colour sensitive and not bothered by some types of inclusions and wants a honking big K or L colour diamond with S12 clarity - that’s absolutely fine!!!

 

[Ionysis]

Oh and if you want to drop clarity for size do NOT buy an emerald cut. Radiant hide flaws much better than emerald cuts.

 

[Smithee]

Just a quick note on sizing: ring size changes depending on the width and shape of the band on the ring.

If she's a 5.5 for a 2-3mm plain band, a size 6 will definitely not be fine for anything with a stone setting. With a stone and a thin band, she'll probably wear something closer to a 5 or 5.25. Rings with large stone settings are typically worn .25 size smaller than usual size or the weight of the stone will continually make the setting roll toward the palm, which can lead to damage pretty quickly.

 

[Ibrakeforpossums]

The $15k is for the stone and setting. I have a little leeway upwards but trying to stay around that price point.

Here is a sub $15k 3 carat.... Maybe cheaper because its online? Kind of skeptical though.

3.00 Carat Diamond, Emerald, I Color, SI2, IGI, D112794498

This Emerald shape, I color,SI2 clarity, and Ideal make (cut) certified loose diamond comes with a report from the IGI

www.brilliance.com

Please don't. I'm almost oblivious to inclusions but that EC would make me unhappy.

 

[Moonie]

One of my girlfriends requested a radiant ring with at least 2.5 ct but preferably 3 ct in a thin micropave band and I believe her boyfriend did this with ~20k budget and 3 ct J VS radiant. Because it doesn't have traps, it looks huge (of course any 3 ct is quite huge ), and I think if your gf wants traps then 2.5ct should quite suffice since the spread on her fingers will be much more substantial. I wanted to note that since 15k is a very healthy budget and I definitely think you can get there as long as it's not absolutely 3 ct. There are plenty of lovely diamonds that knowledgeable people have recommended that I think will make for gorgeous rings.

I think while it's ok to go down to eye-clean SI1 for radiants, emeralds will definitely show inclusions, so better to be careful there. If you want to see J/K emeralds and radiants, check out Mark Broumand's IG, he often shows beautiful rings in lower colors and while I will say that they show some tint, your gf seems to have considered this and doesn't mind sacrificing a little for size. Additionally, sacrificing color isn't the same as sacrificing cut or clarity, so as long as you're getting a well-cut stone and she's not color-sensitive, I think you will be fine!