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Help me put together a $1,000 e-ring!

sparkle45

sparkle45

Shiny_Rock
Joined
Jul 18, 2013
Messages
123
Hey everyone! :wavey:

I'm always so impressed by the creative ideas you all come up with when helping people put together rings on tight budgets. My boyfriend's sister's boyfriend is planning to propose over the holidays and I've offered to help him with some ideas. His budget is super tight, as he's just come out of law school and is on an internship right now. They've been together for 5 years and he's just tired of waiting!

Can any of you offer some good stone + setting combos that will fit in his budget? He's given me $1400 as the very TOP of his budget. (And my boyfriend and I may loan him a little if we find a GREAT ring combo that comes in a little over that)

He referred me to her Pinterest ring page, and I'm seeing various kinds of rings. Antique solitaire designs, Morganites/Moissies in halos, etc. What I DON'T see is classic, smooth metal solitaire. Feel free to suggest anything! I'm trying to give him some creative ideas!

Any leads on good quality/cheaper settings and or discounted/preloved stones help!

Thanks in advance!
 
If she's open to a morganite in a halo, that will be an easy ring to find in that price range.

Precision cut morganite can be a bit of a pain to find, so if you're on a tight timeline then consider getting a premade ring with a calibrated size and pursue a nicer stone later.

I have a nice morganite halo ring from Lord Of Gem rings-- with upgraded diamonds, it was about $500 in 14k rose gold.

His budget will buy a fine ring if he stays away from a diamond center-- and I personally would prefer a more substantial ring over a tiny center stone, but that is of course my opinion.

This shop often has nicely cut stones, here is a morganite halo well under budget:
https://www.etsy.com/listing/168128004/peachy-pink-morganite-in-white-gold?ref=sr_gallery_6&ga_search_query=morganite&ga_view_type=gallery&ga_ship_to=US&ga_search_type=all&ga_facet=morganite

I know others will say that the only suitable engagement stone is diamond or sapphire, but I am not of the same opinion, so I guess that is something else to consider.
 
Mayk|1385002186|3560276 said:
I can't take credit for this... Niel found it but I thought of it when I saw your post...

http://www.ebay.com/itm/18K-GOLD-D-VATCHE-AGS-518-CT-ROUND-BRILLIANT-CUT-DIAMOND-RING-VS2-H-EX-EX-EX-/221306633895
Click to expand...

YES!

I dont know if this would fall under the "classic, smooth metal solitaire" but this would be my first choice.

also, do you think she would like colored stones like sapphires? or does her pins mostly seem like diamonds and things that try to look like diamonds?

what fancy shapes do you see in her pins? any chance she might like a marquise? that would really open it up
 
Mayk|1385002186|3560276 said:
I can't take credit for this... Niel found it but I thought of it when I saw your post...

http://www.ebay.com/itm/18K-GOLD-D-VATCHE-AGS-518-CT-ROUND-BRILLIANT-CUT-DIAMOND-RING-VS2-H-EX-EX-EX-/221306633895
Click to expand...

Thank you so much, Mayk! (and Niel) I've actually already shown him this ring and he's considering it because HOLY MOLY GREAT DEAL but, alas, she's not a RG fan. :/ (If I liked modern cuts and I'd make my bf snatch that thing up, b/c I LOVE RG!)

I told him he's not going to find a diamond this size, this well cut for this price. But he wants to see what else I can offer him before he seriously considers giving her a metal she doesn't like. (Did I mention he's an interning county prosecutor with ZERO time on his hands - don't want anyone to think he's lazy!)
 
kb1gra|1385002417|3560277 said:
This shop often has nicely cut stones, here is a morganite halo well under budget:
https://www.etsy.com/listing/168128004/peachy-pink-morganite-in-white-gold?ref=sr_gallery_6&ga_search_query=morganite&ga_view_type=gallery&ga_ship_to=US&ga_search_type=all&ga_facet=morganite

I know others will say that the only suitable engagement stone is diamond or sapphire, but I am not of the same opinion, so I guess that is something else to consider.
Click to expand...

I really like this option!!! You could always swap out the center for a diamond down the road....Here's something they had:

http://www.etsy.com/listing/158676604/rose-gold-lotus-with-rose-cut?ref=related-2
 
AprilMay|1385003586|3560295 said:
Mayk|1385002186|3560276 said:
I can't take credit for this... Niel found it but I thought of it when I saw your post...

http://www.ebay.com/itm/18K-GOLD-D-VATCHE-AGS-518-CT-ROUND-BRILLIANT-CUT-DIAMOND-RING-VS2-H-EX-EX-EX-/221306633895
Click to expand...

Thank you so much, Mayk! (and Niel) I've actually already shown him this ring and he's considering it because HOLY MOLY GREAT DEAL but, alas, she's not a RG fan. :/ (If I liked modern cuts and I'd make my bf snatch that thing up, b/c I LOVE RG!)

I told him he's not going to find a diamond this size, this well cut for this price. But he wants to see what else I can offer him before he seriously considers giving her a metal she doesn't like. (Did I mention he's an interning county prosecutor with ZERO time on his hands - don't want anyone to think he's lazy!)
Click to expand...


Nooooo

Rats that would be amazing. That's OK. Does she like yellow or only white??
 
arkieb1|1385003227|3560290 said:
The stone/ring Niel Found is a killer!!!! She is an ebay guru for great finds!!!! If you want something different make the JBEG girls and offer on the .46 Fancy yellow radiant in a Daniel M halo half way down this page;

http://www.jewelsbyericagrace.com/modern_and_estate_rings

Or take a look at some of the antique rings on this page;

http://www.jewelsbyericagrace.com/antique_vintage_and_reproduction_rings

I have always thought the 5 stone "lisa" ring is very pretty.
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Arkieb, you are SOO right about that Lisa ring! I was actually JUST on JBEG the other day obsessing over these rings, can't believe I didn't think of them! I'm sending both suggestions on to him! (This is so much fun!)
 
OK, sorry guys, I should have been more specific!

Metal: From what I HEAR, she doesn't like RG, so Im guessing yellow is also out, since those are similar and both look more "romantic" or "dated" (depending on your perspective, I guess). I think she wants the platinum look, and I'm guessing he'll need to go with white gold, budget-wise.

Shapes: He says all the pics he's seen have been round, but I see a fat oval or two here and there. But I'm guessing we're mainly looking at MRB. I don't see any old cuts on her page.

I asked him about colored stones and about morganite, etc, and the poor guy had no idea. lol But I see a few morganite/moissy rings on her board and am HOPING that means she's ok with them, and NOT that she thinks he can afford a diamond big enough to achieve that same look :sick:

SO:

White metal, MRB or oval, diamond or VERY LIGHT colored stones, such as morganite.

I'll try to post some of her pics here.

moissy.jpg

_12075.jpg

_12076.jpg

_12077.jpg
 
kb1gra|1385002417|3560277 said:
If she's open to a morganite in a halo, that will be an easy ring to find in that price range.

Precision cut morganite can be a bit of a pain to find, so if you're on a tight timeline then consider getting a premade ring with a calibrated size and pursue a nicer stone later.

I have a nice morganite halo ring from Lord Of Gem rings-- with upgraded diamonds, it was about $500 in 14k rose gold.

His budget will buy a fine ring if he stays away from a diamond center-- and I personally would prefer a more substantial ring over a tiny center stone, but that is of course my opinion.

This shop often has nicely cut stones, here is a morganite halo well under budget:
https://www.etsy.com/listing/168128004/peachy-pink-morganite-in-white-gold?ref=sr_gallery_6&ga_search_query=morganite&ga_view_type=gallery&ga_ship_to=US&ga_search_type=all&ga_facet=morganite

I know others will say that the only suitable engagement stone is diamond or sapphire, but I am not of the same opinion, so I guess that is something else to consider.
Click to expand...

Thank you so much, kb1gra! I'm anxiously awaiting his response to whether or not she's open to non-diamond centers. I agree that it can be a very good option for young couples (such as my boyfriend and myself) who haven't had the time/opportunity to build up tons of savings.

Right now, I'm composing an email to him, and I've gone through all the more popular vendors and picked my two favorite stones at each that fit within his budget. I mainly just want to show him that, unless he goes preloved, he will not find a stone bigger than .45, and that that size won't give her the look she seems to want. I can completely understand anyone's preference for a smaller, diamond ring, but we all have different priorities, and she seems to have a look in mind.

I have to take a break and go bring my boyfriend his medicine he forgot at home, but I intend to jump right into this etsy store (and all the other ideas I haven't responded to yet) when I get back!
 
With such a small budget, someone's going to have to give somewhere.........I would highly suggest investing as much as he can into the center stone and putting it into a temp setting ($200). Jamesallen.com has some great stuff, unfortunately their site isn't working for me. He's what I found elsewhere:

http://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-3009357.htm

with this setting:

http://www.whiteflash.com/engagement-rings/solitaire/6-prong-tiffany-style-solitaire-engagement-ring-582.htm

They can always change it down the road...but the total would come to about $1800...
 
(deleted)
 
Honestly, if he's going to be a lawyer and he's insistent about getting engaged now, I would probably get what some might call a "starter ring." The rings she's posted definitely have a larger stone/more ornate look about them that $1400 won't buy, probably even if he's considering simulants (which we can't talk about on this board). If they're both okay with the possibility of upgrading later, she will probably be okay with getting something smaller now.
 
Yes, I'm guessing this will be their starter ring. I'm not too sure how romantic she might be about keeping her first ring, but I'm thinking not very. She's a pretty practical gal. That's why I'm guessing he'll wind up going non diamond (if she's open to it) or just EX cut, half carat stone with a plainish band (tho he may not HAVE to to that, as those ritani bands Cluless posted are pretty nice!)
I'm just hoping to give him as many options as possible so that she winds up with something she loves, whether or not she trades up in the future.

Thanks for all the links and suggestions, guys! Can't wait to delve into them when I get back!
 
AprilMay|1385007235|3560334 said:
Niel|1385006999|3560329 said:
I always thought this was cute.

http://www.rubylane.com/item/501985-013ringx2018kx20wgx20artx20deco/18k-White-Gold-Art-Deco
Click to expand...

Niel, you have just the BEST finds! Do you do this for a living? :appl: Adding it to the email!
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Ha! If only. My BIL had a budget tighter than this for his girlfriend so I have a few saved in my watch list. She wanted a colored stone though. So these are all yours

This might be worth watching to see if there is bidding. Says plat. Plus with say maybe a plain band and a pave one it wouldn't even look budget. Just elegant.


http://www.ebay.com/itm/1920s-ART-DECO-PLATINUM-FILIGREE-75ct-DIAMOND-RING-w-NICE-ENGRAVING-sz-6-1-4-/370940671408

This one is slightly too high. Bit in my experience sometimes if you just email the vendor, say you would buy it but 1400 is the best they can do, some.will work with you. But over a half ct, diamond accents and plat.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Estate-Antique-Platinum-Old-Mine-Cut-Diamond-Engagement-Ring-/400245828114
 
AprilMay|1385007095|3560332 said:
Yes, I'm guessing this will be their starter ring. I'm not too sure how romantic she might be about keeping her first ring, but I'm thinking not very. She's a pretty practical gal. That's why I'm guessing he'll wind up going non diamond (if she's open to it) or just EX cut, half carat stone with a plainish band (tho he may not HAVE to to that, as those ritani bands Cluless posted are pretty nice!)
I'm just hoping to give him as many options as possible so that she winds up with something she loves, whether or not she trades up in the future.

Thanks for all the links and suggestions, guys! Can't wait to delve into them when I get back!
Click to expand...

TBH, they may find that it is easier to sell a colored stone ring later on versus a diamond ring. Depending on the price point, there is a larger market for less expensive rings for people to use the settings, etc.

Your girl posted the exact LOGR ring I have. It's not a forever ring, it's too light. But it's a knockout for what it is and their melee upgrade (tell them you want VS diamonds) is worth it. They even have a decent winston halo knockoff. I wouldn't hesitate to go with them for a stand-in ring to be worn for a few years, since the price point is such that you could pretty much scrap it when you were done and start over with a diamond/better quality setting.

Here's their legacy repro setting. The cost with upgraded diamonds would be $493 and they will set it with a morganite, send them a message for the cost. I'd also poke around on etsy for a nice ring box as the ones they send suck. https://www.etsy.com/listing/161857511/6-65mm-round-cut-14k-whiteyellowrose?ref=shop_home_active
 
Are we sure she hates RG? Just because that LOGR is rose gold.

Plus I mean the quality of that vatche ring so high. That's probably like 50% of retail.

Don't get her it if we know she doesn't. Just noticed that if those are her pins she is pinning rg
 
I have found a couple. This one way be worth a look (tad over budget) but I am no ebay guru, so someone may be able to chime in and comment on quality:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/75ct-G-VS1-European-solitaire-diamond-engagement-ring-14k-YG-sz-7/221311181871?_trksid=p2047675.m2109&_trkparms=aid%3D555003%26algo%3DPW.CAT%26ao%3D1%26asc%3D18058%26meid%3D2856973788409155796%26pid%3D100010%26prg%3D8304%26rk%3D5%26rkt%3D15%26sd%3D400245828114%26

And what about a 5-stone ring? This one from JBEG looks good too and provides nice finger coverage (also, fraction over budget):

http://jewelsbyericagrace.smugmug.com/Jewelry/Bands-Wedding-Anniversary/100ctw-5-stone-Band-2-tone/32163196_kg3hGk#!i=2795429408&k=hqjTqqk

You can also find it on the JBEG website under wedding and anniversary bands and it is on the first page, 5 from the bottom.
 
This stone looks browner than I believe it would be in real life. James Allen lighting seems to bring out brown more than yellow. Its still a j and at that size j think a j would be sufficiently white.

http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/0.50-carat-j-color-si1-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-182560
Plus an interesting shank

http://www.jamesallen.com/engagement-rings/solitaire/14k-white-gold-cable-solitaire-engagement-ring-item-9315

And ask for a price scope discount, pay by wire, and it should fall between 1-1.4 k
 
how about something like this from James Allen... remember the diamonds are upgradeable so over time you can turn this in. I know the diamond is a K color but it has blue fluoro and since its around a .61ct the face up color will appear a little more on the "whiter" side than say a larger K color... Although just a tad bit over budget, but JA has a small PS discount.

and in this setting still classic but with a little more detail of the twist on the shank

http://www.jamesallen.com/engagement-rings/solitaire/14k-white-gold-cable-solitaire-engagement-ring-item-9315

http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/0.61-carat-k-color-si2-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-256895
 
Niel: is your BIL now a REAL BIL? What sort of ring did your sis wind up with??? How lucky was HE to have an experienced PS'er bring all her talent and experience to bear for him?

Also, I am NOT sure that she hates RG. Nor is he. But I know her mom's not a fan and I find that indicative, especially since my BF also thinks she doesn't. I LOVE RG and my BF's mom always makes a face whenever they talk about it (her wondering what to get me for bday or xmas gifts.) BUT, I did point it out to him that she has a RG ring pinned to her board. And, you know, I feel like RG has such a different look depending is it's a smooth band or a paved one. With pave, you see so little of the RG that it's just such a beautiful peek of color. It almost looks like it's melting and dripping around the diamonds to me. Completely different look from smooth RG...

SOO, maybe she like the look of paved RG, but not overall. (But, to be honest, I don't think she's particular like us PS'ers at all. I mean, she's got all SORTS of different rings pinned, which indicates to me that she hasn't thought deeply and hard about her EXACT wants. I think she'd be happy with any of these looks, whereas MY ring board on Pinterest is one AVR/OEC after another followed by one AVC after another, with RG all over the dang place! :love: :love: :love: )

kb1gra: Thank you sooo much for all the amazing input! I spent last night combing through Etsy shops: EasyGem, JuliaBJewelry, RareEarth, Penellibelle and , of course, TheLOGR. Any idea as to why LOGR's prices are so much cheaper? I'm concerned that it's an indication of lower-quality materials or less well-cut gems...? Thanks again for the insider tips like VS upgrading! I'm including all this in his email.
 
My husbands brother has me picking a ring for him. So that's how she's my future sister in law lol.

His budget was like 750 TOPS, ideally lower. We were first going to get her just a half ct in a cheap rose gold setting. Bit she wanted something more unique and she wanted color. So I had found a lovely chrysoberyl, a stone you can wear daily, with a nice chartreuse color and a precision step cut.

Then I had diamond zone make me a setting but as we were close to budget I had them make it without me shipping the stone. Well the stone didn't fit and the setting was non refundable. Luckily I just came across a yellow sapphire to fit the setting. So that's on its way to us now, then its to be set. uploadfromtaptalk1384907844096.jpguploadfromtaptalk1383350024083.jpg

So I mean. If she was open to colored stones his budget would really benefit. Have you heard?
 
ZoeS: Thank you for those suggestions! Unfortunately, though that OEC looks like a steal (Where are my piles of cash for all these STEALS?? I would put THAT stone on that RG Vatche!) I don't think she's a classic solitaire type gal. She doesn't have ANY smooth-band solitaires pinned. Also, it's YG. Hard to tell in the photos, but it's in the description. :/ Also, her BF seems to think she wants a one-stone-er. She hasn't shown him any three-stone or 5-stone rings. But I'm a sucker for 5-stone OEC's.

D&T and Niel: Thanks for that JA setting! She seems to like unique bands, so I'm definitely including that one! Also, the SI2 stone D&T contributed. I figure if we're going down to J, might as well go down to K and SI2 for the better price/bigger stone? This is my attempt to give him a "considerably" larger mm stone option. Niel, the slight upsize to .5 ct (JUST over 5mm) doesn't justify the J sacrifice to me. I have a .45 ct 5mm I color in the low $800's already. Man, but don't you love how you can SEE the stone at JA?

Purplesilk: I don't think she likes tension settings! Also, the antique is too geometric for what I think she likes. From the two vintage rings she pinned, I think she likes the more delicate, organic, lacy feel of the Victorian/Edwardian rings. I think this one, with all the straight lines and geometric angles, is verging on Art Deco...? And that baguette ring, so fab! But I think it's not what she wants in an ering, and is too expensive for them to consider as a band. :/

E B: :appl: I think you found a miracle! I pinned that ring, screen-shotted it on my phone, and texted it to him immediately! I can't even believe how similar that ring is to the one she pinned! And at that price!

QUESTION for the antique lovers out there, is it sacrilege to resize a true antique? I just found out her ring size is 6.75 and this filigree ring is 5.5... Can you size up that much without sacrificing the integrity of the ring?

RockyRacoon: I DIE. :love: I was on diamondbistro and loupetroupe yesterday, weeding through everything, and this ring.... ugh. Why don't I have thousands of dollars lying around? It's so to die for. And it's actually in my size, too! But, alas, I don't think the girl wants a 5-stone.
 
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