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HELP - The ultimate engagement ring challenge! 1.7+ RB $15k

K

KTM9fiddy

Rough_Rock
Joined
May 7, 2012
Messages
15
Hello,

First post here and a very important one. Hoping you experts can help me with my uniquely brilliant situation. Not only do I need the perfect ring, but the timing & location are all factors. Wouldn’t have it any other way :-).

Budget - $15-$18k total budget for everything

Stone - After a 1.6 - 2+ ct round brilliant, AGS ideal cut, G or H color and eye clean (GIA). My SO also is very interested in cushion cut but I’m not convinced. Her main preference is brilliance, sparkle, and color, so thats why I want to stick to RB shape and the best cut possible. She would also value color over clarity, as long as its eye perfect.

Setting - Platinum for sure. Would prefer a sleek 6 point to match the RB cut, or a 4 point for a cushion. Either way, set on the lower/deeper end of the spectrum (main stone sticking out less far from the main band). Band very slender & elegant with diamonds, showing the least metal as possible (so no channel cut). Her ideal wedding band will also include diamonds but does not need to be a matching set. Will a pave band be the right move or any other band ideas? Also we both dont like high “shoulders”? or extensions that connect the round band to the main stone (sorry vague explanation; band should be round with just the stone & setting sticking out). Perhaps like this but with a 6 point - http://www.briangavindiamonds.com/engagement-rings/pave-and-side-stones/fishtail-pave-with-truth-head-18k-white-gold-5360w18

Location - I live in London, but I’m American and popping the question when I’m home in just a few weeks! Is that enough time? Assume it’s cheaper to buy back in US vs. here in London? I have friends & fam who I can always ship the ring to but obviously that would prevent me from seeing in person before buying.

Very much appreciate any advice!
 
Re: HELP - The ultimate engagement ring challenge! 1.7+ RB $

hi :wavey:

that budget is very doable. I just bough my almost 2 carat (1.93), GIA 3x, HCA 1.5, AGA 1A, SI2 stone with a vatche u113 six prong setting for around that much. I went through ID jewelry - Yekutiel is very nice and is prety good with his assessments.

I just passed on a 1.80 H S12 that faces up like a 2ct, 1.7 HCA, AGA 2A that I saw in person and sparkles beautifully. You should call him about that. If you search my topics you'll find the GIA number. I passed as it was down to 2 stones and I went with the needle inclusion vs. the wisp. Anyway, if we went with that stone and the u113 we would have been right on the low end of your budget

good luck!
 
Re: HELP - The ultimate engagement ring challenge! 1.7+ RB $

Thanks for the heads up. Do you have a link by any chance?

After looking at some more stones & settings today, I think I have a better idea for the setting. Also I think I could happily go smaller to a 1.5 or 1.6 ct to get into the E/F color with ideal or even H&A cut. Round brilliant is now my main focus.

For setting, I think I’m sold one of the Pave styles. But which one? I know for sure that channel set will not work. Mushroom pave seems to display the most diamond to metal ratio... bling. What is the major difference between mushroom & V/Fishtail? Something about the 3 row pave looks very sleek to me too.

One thing I’m stuck on is 4 vs 6 prong setting. I want the diamond to stand out as much as possible without the metal setting covering/distracting. That should mean 4 prong is the right move, but I definitely see how 6 prong enhances the round shape. I know for sure that I prefer a lower set main stone, and no cathedral/shoulder (hope I’m using the terms correctly).

I think this would maximize the impact of the main stone on a slightly flashy but sleek, simple slightly contemporary setting. What do you think?

Here are some I like:
http://www.briangavindiamonds.com/engagement-rings/pave-and-side-stones/u-shaped-half-eternity-18k-white-gold-5483w18 - I think this would be my fav if the daimonds went all the way around the band. Do any other designers make something like that?
http://www.artofplatinum.com/vault/engagement-ring-double-prong
http://www.briangavindiamonds.com/engagement-rings/pave-and-side-stones/3-row-domed-pave-solitaire-platinum-5545p - really like this one for 3 rows of pave, and how the setting is very simple with no metal bands connecting between the prongs.

I really like the similar settings from Leon Mage too... but they dont seem to make a sleek slender Solitaire with mushroom pave?

Strange question - Is it possible to remove the diamond & prings from a basic mushroom pave band to morph it into a wedding band? My thought here is that my lady can enjoy the extra sparkly pave band while we’re engaged, but can switch to a standard solitaire if she thinks that it’s too flashy to have pave on both the ER & WB. I like the idea of using the ER pave band to make the WB for sentimental reasons. She definitely wants a WB with diamonds in it.

Opinions are greatly appreciated.
 
Re: HELP - The ultimate engagement ring challenge! 1.7+ RB $

Funny you should ask about the ER to WB. Just last night my DH asked me the same thing. I think it will definitely depend on what type of head the ER has. Mine is just a basic tiffany style with a soldered head and it looks like the head could be removed and a couple pave set in it's place and voila a new eternity band! But....I'm no expert and sometimes these things are more costly than it would be just to purchase a new one. Of course if it were for sentimental reasons then this may matter.
 
Re: HELP - The ultimate engagement ring challenge! 1.7+ RB $

KTM9fiddy|1336690354|3192498 said:
Hello,
Stone - After a 1.6 - 2+ ct round brilliant, AGS ideal cut, G or H color and eye clean (GIA). My SO also is very interested in cushion cut but I’m not convinced. Her main preference is brilliance, sparkle, and color, so thats why I want to stick to RB shape and the best cut possible. She would also value color over clarity, as long as its eye perfect.
Click to expand...

Since she's wearing it, you'll probably want to stick to a shape she wants or you'll be spending money to upgrade in the future (or have an unhappy wife, both unhappy options). :)
 
Re: HELP - The ultimate engagement ring challenge! 1.7+ RB $

No, I would under no circumstances buy an engagement ring and then take it apart and try to turn it into a wedding band. You are far better off setting the diamond in an inexpensive temporary plain solitaire setting until she is certain what engagement ring setting she wants. I personally like a plain solitaire for the e-ring and diamonds on the wedding band. The issue about prongs is inconsequential if the prongs are done well. A 6 prong setting certainly does not in any way take away from the diamond and in fact, it offers extra protection. Other than that, it is personal preference whether one chooses 4 or 6.

Here is another pretty setting.

http://www.whiteflash.com/engagement-rings/diamond-settings/harmony-diamond-engagement-ring-890.htm

Bottom line, I think you need to choose the setting and then we can help you find a diamond because it is easier to get them both from the same place, when possible.
 
Re: HELP - The ultimate engagement ring challenge! 1.7+ RB $

I just want to make sure your lady will be comfortable with a ring that large in London. From what I understand many women there don't generally wear diamonds larger than a carat (and frequently smaller) and many prefer colored stone rings (sapphires, rubies, tsavorites) and consider large diamonds gaudy.

Unless you've talked to her about the size of the diamond I REALLY urge you to ask her friends, sister, cousin, mother about whether or not she would be comfortable with a diamond that big as an engagement ring.
 
Re: HELP - The ultimate engagement ring challenge! 1.7+ RB $

webdiva|1336773576|3193386 said:
KTM9fiddy|1336690354|3192498 said:
Hello,
Stone - After a 1.6 - 2+ ct round brilliant, AGS ideal cut, G or H color and eye clean (GIA). My SO also is very interested in cushion cut but I’m not convinced. Her main preference is brilliance, sparkle, and color, so thats why I want to stick to RB shape and the best cut possible. She would also value color over clarity, as long as its eye perfect.
Click to expand...

Since she's wearing it, you'll probably want to stick to a shape she wants or you'll be spending money to upgrade in the future (or have an unhappy wife, both unhappy options). :)
Click to expand...


I would NOT have been happy with a round. Sparkle or not, ideal performance or not. For me what mattered is to have a shape that was flattering on my hands, and that was a square. Rounds do not look as nice on my hands to me. And frankly, while they are lovely the bore the heck out of me, as they lack the personality of fancy cuts.

I REALLY would recommend you think HARD about the fact that this is a present for HER, and HER preferences not yours are paramount. SHE will be the one wearing it. Not you.
 
Re: HELP - The ultimate engagement ring challenge! 1.7+ RB $

Good points all, thanks. I'm going to look at more in person tomorrow and figure out which pave style is right.
 
Re: HELP - The ultimate engagement ring challenge! 1.7+ RB $

Here's what I would suggest.

The performance of a round and the shape of a cushion. Perfect compromise. http://www.goodoldgold.com/diamond/9397/

In your list of things she wants it sounds like size and carat weight are the lowest, and least important factors for her. I suggest you listen to your lady. I would MAKE SURE she is fine with a large diamond. And even if she is, with your budget and HER perferences I would stick to about a 1.5 carat stone so that you can get quality over quantity.

Another option: http://www.goodoldgold.com/diamond/8200/ AGS IDEAL light performance. And this is one of the loveliest AVC's I've seen. It's a really lovely flattering shape and the contrast pattern is beautiful.

GOG can get you a lovely platinum solitaire with pave that would work with either of these beautiful stones.
 
Re: HELP - The ultimate engagement ring challenge! 1.7+ RB $

Scratch that second recommendation. I'd take this one: http://www.goodoldgold.com/diamond/8977/ Nicer contrast pattern, ideal light performance, and less expensive, plus it has florescence which I love.


ETA: High shoulders comment. You do not want a cathedral style setting. That's what that means.
 
Re: HELP - The ultimate engagement ring challenge! 1.7+ RB $

Thanks Gypsy. She is also American... and while we will be living in London for a while its not permanent. Styles vary widely here as its such an international city too so I'm not worried about that, but good point!

My lady has been a bit all over the map... she has loved so many different styles including halo cushion, solitaire cushion, and even a simple RB solitaire. But she has always said sparkle is the most important and doesn't want the stone to seem too small for the band. She is a 6.5 size. She totally trusts my style and wants me to make the choice. Most of the ones she liked have diamonds in the band. However we went to T&Co where she tried on a diamond WB, then tried a 1.5 ct plain solitaire. She was stunned by the combo although the 1.5 was the smallest she would want.

So I'm thinking I'll combine the two - get an amazing RB around 1.6-1.7 (or more) for the sparkle factor, mounted a nice slender pave band w/ classic 6 point setting.

Really appreciate you all helping interoperate where my head is at... bc she's left me with quite a challenge.
 
Re: HELP - The ultimate engagement ring challenge! 1.7+ RB $

Okay so she's an American as well and likes the 1.5. Okay. Whew. I didn't want there to be a cultural thing with the diamond size, that's never a good feeling.

As long as she's on board with whatever you end up with that's what matters. Those cushions I linked you to, both 1.5 will compete with rounds though. They are meant to and are cut for ideal light performance.
 
Re: HELP - The ultimate engagement ring challenge! 1.7+ RB $

OK I think you may have convinced me. I was under the impression that RB was the only way to get ultimate sparkle, brilliance, fire, all those fancy words. I'd like to try to get closer to 1.7+ with as high color grade as possible while remaining eye clean. Maybe that first 1.6 brellia would be the one, but I'd like to see that shape in person first as it seems more square than the other cushion cuts. Or am I crazy?

Then for the setting & band, clearly a 4 point mount will work best and I'd still like pave stones in the band.
 
Re: HELP - The ultimate engagement ring challenge! 1.7+ RB $

KTM9fiddy|1336777176|3193458 said:
OK I think you may have convinced me. I was under the impression that RB was the only way to get ultimate sparkle, brilliance, fire, all those fancy words. I'd like to try to get closer to 1.7+ with as high color grade as possible while remaining eye clean. Maybe that first 1.6 brellia would be the one, but I'd like to see that shape in person first as it seems more square than the other cushion cuts. Or am I crazy?

Then for the setting & band, clearly a 4 point mount will work best and I'd still like pave stones in the band.
Click to expand...

Cushion cuts run the gamut of very square, very rectangular to almost round. There's no uniformity. You mentioned Tiffany. Go check out a very square Novo and see what you think of the shape. That might help you out. ;)) And the Novo has a pave band AND GOG has a nice Novo replica.

ETA: That diamond will out perform the Novo diamond though. But I just wanted you to see the shape. Might as well take her too and have her try on a round in a six prong setting and the Novo and tell you which she likes better.
 
Re: HELP - The ultimate engagement ring challenge! 1.7+ RB $

OK I will check them out tomorrow. She loved the novo at tiffany. But she is in the US now, and I am in London. And she does not want to be involved any more, again because she knows she is all over the map and that she trusts my style & judgement. The rest needs to be a surprise, and I am sure she will love anything I chose (short of a heart shaped cut, no offense to anyone who has one).

Little does she know that she's actually trusting my knowledge of the power of quality online forums :wink2:
 
Re: HELP - The ultimate engagement ring challenge! 1.7+ RB $

Good news!
 
Re: HELP - The ultimate engagement ring challenge! 1.7+ RB $

The only other thing you need to consider that she may or may not know is that cushions usually face up smaller than a similar weight round due to greater depth in the cushion. So you might need to get a 1.7 cushion to have it look comparable to a 1.5 round, etc.
 
Re: HELP - The ultimate engagement ring challenge! 1.7+ RB $

Not sure if this link works right but heres a try - Leon Mage has two stones with an "excellent" cut, and must say excellent price.

Cushion 2.01 F SI2 Excellent 65% 61% Certificate $14,414 Buy
Cushion 1.71 E SI1 Excellent 69% 62% Certificate $12,872 Buy

http://www.artofplatinum.com/vault/diamondsselectionpage.html?sch=cushion
 
Re: HELP - The ultimate engagement ring challenge! 1.7+ RB $

You can definitely find something fantastic for your budget! You've come to the right place. I love the three row idea but I think It can be a hard look to get right proportionally. Love mine tho!
 
Re: HELP - The ultimate engagement ring challenge! 1.7+ RB $

I know more about rounds but from watching the forum these past 3 months I will tell you that you need to work with a vendor that knows cushions and can provide and ASET image for you. I attempted to research everything myself and was about to pull my hair out until I met someone I could trust. (I attempted the boston diamond district, called one PS vendor, and had a "friend of family" prior to going with my guy). The virtual market has cheap stones, but they're a gamble without knowing how light works with them - the vendor I went with had a price match guarantee so and stone I could find for cheaper he would match or beat. Most people on here recommend ERD for cushions, some also like GOG. As a round lover, I think the POH stones and hearts on fire stones are beautiful - if I hadn't bought my diamond this week I may have started researching them.

I would have to agree with the above that finding the setting is the most important. As a girl whose poor boyfriend attempted to find her style, I can assure you that I was all over the board too. It's odd how I ended up with the most basic setting... and that took me 2 months of pinning every setting under the sun until we settled.
 
Re: HELP - The ultimate engagement ring challenge! 1.7+ RB $

Great thanks all... I'm thinking more and more that a Novo replica is the right move, and bonus she's already tried one on and loved it. Now to just decide between the August Vintage Cushion style or the modern H&A "Brellia" as GOG calls them. But my my are those Brellia pricey!

Should also mention that she would prefer a more square shape rather than rectangular.
 
Re: HELP - The ultimate engagement ring challenge! 1.7+ RB $

What do you think about this August Vintage from GOG, but in this different setting?

August Vintage 1.25 F SI1- http://www.goodoldgold.com/diamond/7317/ - 6.37x 6.61x 4.07d
Setting - http://shop.goodoldgold.com/index.cfm/a/catalog.prodshow/vid/47125/catid/170

The dimensions seem quite impressive for a more conservative 1.25ct, plus I'd be very happy with F color vs. H.

August Vintage 1.38ct G SI1- http://www.goodoldgold.com/diamond/8914/ 6.38 x 6.48 x 4.38d
August Vintage 1.53 H VS2 - http://www.goodoldgold.com/diamond/8977/ - 7.11 x 6.72 x 4.52d
 
Re: HELP - The ultimate engagement ring challenge! 1.7+ RB $

I'd prefer the H over all of them. It has the nicest contrast pattern, is the biggest and I just don't need an H and for the trade off of size-- H is plenty white in an AVC.

Also, if for whatever reason you guys opt to trade up later on or change shape those AVC's have GREAT policies on them (so do the Brellia).


If she loves the Novo though, I'm not 100% certain I would go with an AVC. I personally would call GOG and ask to talk to Jon himself and see if he can get you a really nice modern SQUARE cushion, that isn't branded and DOES qualify for their upgrade policies, for your budget INCLUDING the Novo replica setting they have for 15k out the door. I would personally ask him to shoot for H SI (eyeclean) and 6.5-6.8mm square larger (spread matters, not weight with fancies) with great light performance. IF it were me, it would be worth the call (or you can email and just put ATTENTION JON and mention that PS said to specifically ask for him).
 
Re: HELP - The ultimate engagement ring challenge! 1.7+ RB $

I am no expert at all but agree with Gypsy. I feel like the Novo is a modern setting and don't see the Novo going with an a antique
Cut stone.
 
Re: HELP - The ultimate engagement ring challenge! 1.7+ RB $

Thanks... totally understand your logic. Might have let my imagination get the better of me after watching that 30 min tutorial GOG has. Will craft an email for Jon today and see what they come back with.
 
Re: HELP - The ultimate engagement ring challenge! 1.7+ RB $

Just came across a pic of a side stone band with AVC stone. Is that what you're saying doesn't work well in your opinion:

Screen%20Shot%202012-05-13%20at%2010.24.10%20AM_2.png

Cant seem to completely give up on the AVC. Most of these special H&A or Brellia cushions are a bit too flat sided/square... really like the sides to retain a soft curve like the one pictured here (although that seems to have a really small table, no?).

Also my SO's family has some heirloom stones that weren't right for her ER, but maybe in the future could be used for earrings other jewelry, and the AVC ER could compliment that nicely.

I'm just not sure if she would prefer the more "splintery" sparkle of a good cushion modified or the bold flashes of the AVC.

Not 100% sold on an exact novo copy either... just something with a slender band with sides stones and low/no shoulder, and low profile 4 prong setting that shows as much or full profile of the main stone.
 
Re: HELP - The ultimate engagement ring challenge! 1.7+ RB $

http://www.engagementringsdirect.com/modern-x-factor-cushion-gid-81841.html This is what I mean. It's not as square it's more pillowy and have very excellent performance (although the Briella does slightly out perform it), great price, great size. This looks is a modern cushion and would look great with a pave setting.
 
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