Help me pick out e-ring!

jessssica · Oct 31, 2005

Ok, my boyfriend proposed to me and it was wonderful! He had a ring for me, but I wasn''t in love with it, so he told me I could pick something else out.
I''ve narrowed it down to three rings and I need some advice.
The budget is $500 (yes, he''s a poor graduate student at the moment)
I''m not very concerned about color or inclusions...I don''t think I''d notice and I will probably get a new ring down the line.
Also, I have very small fingers (I was measured at 4.5) so diamonds look a lot bigger on my hand! (Always a good thing)

Please let me know which one you like and if you think it is a good value.

Ring 1:
.5 ctw Princess center stone
It is platinum...and there is a very good chance I will not be able to resize it, so I am trying not to get attatched to it.
Price: $299

jessssica · Oct 31, 2005

Ring number 2:

White gold 14k
.50 carat solitaire

(It looks a bit yellow--but I don''t think I''d mind)
Price: $399

jessssica · Oct 31, 2005

Ring 3:
I think this may be my choice.

3 princess cut stones for a total of 1.0 carats
14k white gold

Price: $499

Thanks in advance for any input!

Lynnell · Oct 31, 2005

Definitely the bottom one. Why wouldn''t you be able to resize the top one?

E B · Oct 31, 2005

Jessssica,

Where did you find these rings? I''d have to say I like the second one best (I''m a sucker for rounds), but could I offer another suggestion?

How about this stone (ideal H&A):
http://www.whiteflash.com/hearts_arrows/A-Cut-Above-H-A-cut-diamond-1958289.htm

in this tiffany setting (if you prefer white gold, ask about it at this price):
http://www.whiteflash.com/Engagement-Rings/Styles/Solitaire/14k-Gold-6-Prong-Tiffany-Style_687.htm

total: $490.00

The ideal H&A will sparkle like crazy and your ring will be beautiful. On a budget, you should focus on quality and not quantity. One gorgeous diamond will outshine several "so-so" diamonds.

Just a thought. I''ll keep looking, if you''d like me to.

bling*diva* · Oct 31, 2005

~~I like Ring 1 and then Ring 3...

lumpkin · Oct 31, 2005

Date: 10/31/2005 12:52:38 PM
Author: EBree
Jessssica,

Where did you find these rings? I''d have to say I like the second one best (I''m a sucker for rounds), but could I offer another suggestion?

How about this stone (ideal H&A):
http://www.whiteflash.com/hearts_arrows/A-Cut-Above-H-A-cut-diamond-1958289.htm

in this tiffany setting (if you prefer white gold, ask about it at this price):
http://www.whiteflash.com/Engagement-Rings/Styles/Solitaire/14k-Gold-6-Prong-Tiffany-Style_687.htm

total: $490.00

The ideal H&A will sparkle like crazy and your ring will be beautiful. On a budget, you should focus on quality and not quantity. One gorgeous diamond will outshine several ''so-so'' diamonds.

Just a thought. I''ll keep looking, if you''d like me to.

I agree 500%. I don''t think the size is much smaller than the ones you are looking at either, and because of the quality of the diamond, when you are both working and money is not so tight, you could have the diamond set in an earring or pendant, so it isn''t "disposable" and you can keep the sentimental value of your original diamond. Or, if you choose to upgrade and not keep the diamond, it will be much more saleable or tradeable. Whiteflash does have a trade up policy.

Regardless of your budget, my advice is to get the best quality you can for the money.

Good luck on the hunt! And congratulations on your engagement.

E B · Oct 31, 2005

One more, and then I'll shut up. Promise!

.31 carat "ideal cut" princess (I, SI1):
http://www.jamesallen.com/diamond.asp?cid=131&item=500480&aff_id=ps621

in this white gold setting:
http://www.jamesallen.com/classic_solitaire_settings.asp?module=setting&cid=57&item=795&name=1014

total: $465.00

If you prefer the square stones, this would be perfect!

diamondlil · Oct 31, 2005

I agree with the others, Jessica. Get the best quality you can afford for your $500. I would stick with a simple solitaire setting and put your money in the diamond.

Also something to consider with a vendor like WF is their 100% trade-up policy. Not many vendors have this, and you can trade up your stone as finances permit and not lose any money.

Scintillating · Oct 31, 2005

Jesssica take their advice and go the Whiteflash route.
You''ll be much happier! Trust us.
It will be a much more lively and sparkly stone that any of the ones you listed.
The ones you listed are going to look like frozen spit, dull cloudy and lifeless.
Make your money go the farthest possible!

Scintillating...

MissAva · Oct 31, 2005

I think you would be much better off with a Whiteflash stone and one of their settings...80$ is a fair chunk of your budget but I think it would be worth it.
Round .30 JVS1 399$ 479$ total. Obviously you have to do what suits you but have you considered a colored stone of some sort?
Sapphirewith diamond halo ring 120$
Emerald Cut Tanzanite with diamond halo 120$
Oval Pink Sapphire Diamond Haloo 149$
Princess Cut Tourmaline with diamond halo and diamonds on the band 250$
I do not know your favorite color or shape, but if you are open to colored stones and post that information there are so many options that can be found, if you are not I would strongly suggest calling WF and speaking to them. Very nice people.

MissAva · Oct 31, 2005

ThreeBluethenwhitediamondsonshank 350$
Forgot to post that one, and these are pictures of the rings I posted links to. HTH.

lovelylulu · Oct 31, 2005

Congratulations on your engagement!!!

I agree with the other''s advice. I think that you should get the best diamond you can for your budget and going with a place that has a trade-up policy might be perfect!!!

Apparently, WF gets some great reviews and they also have an expert selection which seems to be a great stone for a great value (i.e. cheaper than a cut above, but with comperable sparkle)

E B · Oct 31, 2005

I just now noticed that your ring size is 4.5. Definitely go with one of Whiteflash's (or James Allen's) .30 carat ideal cut diamonds (the ones I posted are great choices, as is the diamond Matatora posted). It'll look like a .50 carat on your little fingers for sure. You won't regret it. Everyone will be amazed at the quality and sparkle of your diamond.

jessssica · Oct 31, 2005

Wow, you guys are really the best! You have no idea how much I''ve been inspired...and all around I just feel better.

This is honestly the first piece of actual jewelry I will own, so I''m somewhat clueless.
I did take a couple of Geology classes so I have a great knowledge about rocks and minerals/formation process.

I never really thought about colored diamonds/stones and I think I really like the idea. I''m young, slightly off-beat and quirky and my favorite color is blue...so I''m thinking about the blue diamonds. My fiancee and I are nontraditionalists, so I definitely think I can pull it off.

I actually received ring number 1 in the mail today, and I would stick with it, but it''s really not going to work. It was only available in size 7 (I am a size 4.5)...I showed a picture of it to a jeweler and he doubts it can be sized down to a 4.5 without damaging the stones.
It''s platinum, so I think this also makes it harder to work with than white gold?

But honestly, I am very happy with the quality of the center diamond...it''s super sparkly, I can''t see any inclusions and it looks white as can be to my eyes...and that''s what matters yes?

I am also thinking about doing a high quality .30 carat whiteflash stone in a simple white gold solitaire...my tiny fingers will help me with this! I''m wondering what carat weight the center stone is in the number 1 ring because I like the size...the ring is .5ctw...so I am guessing it probably is about .30 carats with .20 carats in the baugettes and little round stones.

Again, I can''t thank you guys enough...soo helpfull!

AND any suggestions would be great....

I could probably go up to $600 easily.

Happy Halloween
Jessica
P.S. When I get home, I''m going to try to post a picture of ring number 1 on my finger.

MINE!! · Oct 31, 2005

Date: 10/31/2005 1:03:03 PM
Author: lumpkin

Date: 10/31/2005 12:52:38 PM
Author: EBree
Jessssica,

Where did you find these rings? I'd have to say I like the second one best (I'm a sucker for rounds), but could I offer another suggestion?

How about this stone (ideal H&A):
http://www.whiteflash.com/hearts_arrows/A-Cut-Above-H-A-cut-diamond-1958289.htm

in this tiffany setting (if you prefer white gold, ask about it at this price):
http://www.whiteflash.com/Engagement-Rings/Styles/Solitaire/14k-Gold-6-Prong-Tiffany-Style_687.htm

total: $490.00

The ideal H&A will sparkle like crazy and your ring will be beautiful. On a budget, you should focus on quality and not quantity. One gorgeous diamond will outshine several 'so-so' diamonds.

Just a thought. I'll keep looking, if you'd like me to.

Click to expand...

I agree 500%. I don't think the size is much smaller than the ones you are looking at either, and because of the quality of the diamond, when you are both working and money is not so tight, you could have the diamond set in an earring or pendant, so it isn't 'disposable' and you can keep the sentimental value of your original diamond. Or, if you choose to upgrade and not keep the diamond, it will be much more saleable or tradeable. Whiteflash does have a trade up policy.

Regardless of your budget, my advice is to get the best quality you can for the money.

Good luck on the hunt! And congratulations on your engagement.

I don't know all that much about diamonds... but I am going to have to agree with this one as well!!! I say look into whiteflash with it's upgrade poilcy and get the quailty.. Quality over quantity... you are going to feel better that you did it this way. I think the colored stone would be a good idea as well

appletini · Oct 31, 2005

WF is the way to go, especially with their upgrade policy. They also have great customer service. Congratulations!

decodelighted · Oct 31, 2005

Ebree ... you are the e-ring fairy! I think your choices are right on the money!

E B · Oct 31, 2005

Jessssssica (I'm just guessing on the amount of ssssss's)

Here is a beeeeautiful stone (Hearts&Arrows), .338 carat, G, SI2, for $520.00:
http://www.whiteflash.com/hearts_arrows/A-Cut-Above-H-A-cut-diamond-1358885.htm

With the simple white gold setting from Whiteflash, that'll put you at exactly $600.00.

If you choose to look at this stone, ask Whiteflash what "Thin to Slightly Partly Polished" means regarding the girdle. Perhaps someone else on this board can answer it too.

E B · Oct 31, 2005

Date: 10/31/2005 2:44:18 PM
Author: decodelighted
Ebree ... you are the e-ring fairy! I think your choices are right on the money!

Deco, I''m a research nut! I love doing research for myself and others, especially when lots of money is on the line.

JDgirl · Oct 31, 2005

Lynnell · Oct 31, 2005

I like Ebree's second suggestion. I like square, but that is a personal preference. The diamond is also a notch higher in color than whiteflash's and it is an ideal cut. If you like round go with her first suggestion. You could also shop around online for a .3-.5ct stone with good specifications (4cs) and then have it set in a plain band of your choosing by a local jeweler that is reasonable. Then you can see the diamond before it is set in case you decide you don't like it. If you do that just stay away from mall jewelers that charge ridiculously high mark ups. I just got my .68ct from www.diamondcutters.com and I love it. It was a really good price. Whiteflash and James Allen are PS reccomended sellers and have great customer service from what I have heard.

decodelighted · Oct 31, 2005

I do really like the 1st one of the Fay Cullen selections!

Tacori E-ring · Oct 31, 2005

Out of the ones you posted I like the third. You CANNOT size the first one from a 7 to a 4.5 without damaging the setting. It will loosen the stones and be horrible. I like some of the antique ones that were posted but I think the best idea is to get a 5-7 stone band ring (1/2 eternity) and wear THAT as your wedding ring once you can afford the e-ring. That way you will always wear the ring he gave you (though I guess this isn''t the one he proposed with so maybe that isn''t really a big deal). I hate the RB solitare you posted. TOO yellow. I like the idea of getting a smaller, better quality one. Or you could go the gemstone route. Good luck!

Lynnell · Oct 31, 2005

jessssica · Oct 31, 2005

This is ring number 1 on my hand:

As you can see, my fingers are tiny!
I am guessing the Pricess Cut center is .3 carats

jessssica · Oct 31, 2005

A close-up.
I''m actually very happy with the stone...but I think there is NO WAY this can be sized from its current 7 to a 4.5

E B · Oct 31, 2005

It's a lot prettier in your pictures than in the first pictures you posted. I'm sorry about it being too big.

Are you leaning more towards a princess cut?

jessssica · Oct 31, 2005

Ebree, and the rest, you are my fairyringmothers!

I haven''t told my own mother yet because she''s been dealing with one problem after another
(my parents live in Miami and have been hit by Katrina and Wilma) and I want to be able to show her my ring when I tell them.

(My mom had a great 1 carat solitaire until it fell out of the ring at the grocery store and we spent the rest of the day on the floor looking for it. She ended up getting a beautiful antique 1920''s art deco platinum ring with amazing filagree work, a .8 diamond and two little sapphires on the side---I love it)

I liked looking at the antique rings posted, but most looked a little too complicated/big for me. I''m a very small girl!

I think I like the Princess Cut, but the 2nd ring is supposed to arrive tomorrow, so then I can compare it with a round cut and a bigger center stone.

I loooove that sapphire and diamond eternity band, (from ebay) and it''s a great price...but all of those rings were 6.5 and I am assuming it would be a pain and a half to downsize to a 4.5

I think I''m definitely leaning towards the 3 stone 1 carat total princess ring. I would go for higher quality...but honestly, I can''t see the difference!

:Sigh: I just wish ring number 1 would fit...it IS a lot prettier in real life than in the stock photo.

snuga · Oct 31, 2005

Jessssica, Congratulations! I really like the ring that was on your hand, but yes, it would not be good to resize it. Please let us know how the round looks on your finger (pics too please!

). Good Luck and keep us posted!

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