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Nervous guy. Help!

Laila619|1355265925|3328876 said:
We don't even know she does like princess cuts. The ring the OP linked happened to have a princess cut in it, but that doesn't necessarily mean she really wants one. Could just be that she liked that setting.
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True...but I would go with princess, round or oval. Based on the questionnaire. She's modern and simple style. I wouldn't go used or antique.

You won't be able to get a 1 ct, but you can get .75-.90 I think...ovals and rounds face up larger than princess. If you are not sure about the setting, get a solitaire (and I never recommend that), but I think people that like contemporary/modern would be ok with a solitaire or a semi-bezel solitaire setting.
 
Thanks for all the help. Without giving too much away, I might try to bring up the dilemma of waiting or not waiting and see if she gives me any more hints. But the more I think about it, the more waiting seems like the wrong decision.

If someone would rather wait a year or so to get a more expensive diamond, that just seems a little...off putting or something. As much as she likes nice things, I don't think she is that materialistic.
 
an oval he could totally get a 1 ct in I think. Like I said go ask Brian Gavin or Good Old Gold and tell them you want an eye clean h or better as close to 1 ct as possible. I mean this I is probably too dark but its VVS1 clarity, for a similar price they could get an H or G eye clean SI1.
http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/I-VVS1-Good-Cut-Oval-Diamond-1195109.asp
that leave 800 for a very respectable solitaire setting. And then if you look that oval is nearly 7.5 in length, thats a lot of finger coverage for a ct.


And yeah If she was more concerned about the size of the diamond over the actual getting engaged i would be of put as well. but im sure thats not the case. I think a lot of gals just dont realize how much diamonds cost unless they start looking into it. before i was looking for stones I woud have assumed a 1 ct at a g vs1 was like 4k
 
That's not a radiant. It's not an emerald cut either. It's a cross between the two. And most of the time, those are branded cuts. It's called a Tycoon, or a CrisCut... and has other names as well. They are usually nice stones.

It's almost a carat. In budget completely. Good color. Decent spread.

Now, the only question is... is it eyeclean? The picture isn't clear as to what is an inclusion and what is bad photography, and since it is a hair under a carat there is no inclusion plot on the lab report.

Now. What you need from JA: You need to know if that sucker is eyeclean, so ask them to tell you. So keep your fingers crossed that it is. Because if so... that might just be a fantastic deal for you. She likes very scuptural pieces and this stone would work really nicely with her modern architectural style. And it's a very unique cut, which I have a feeling will appeal to her.

If it is eyeclean, request an ASET.

It also leaves you enough for a nice solitaire.
 
She has a lot of pieces from Lia Sophia. She has a simple tiffany ring she wears a lot. She likes her pieces to match and most of it is fairly simple. She is often concerned that her jewelry is too much.
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I think this that you know about her is far more significant than the John Atencio ring she suggested. I could well imagine her feeling this ring might be too much once the reality of wearing it day in day out set in. I looked at the rings on the Lia Sophia website and they have some quite traditional rings and elegantly simple styles, including halos which would help to maximise size. It seems to me there is flexibility here with what she would love and all you'd need to do is give it to her with confidence, love and good return policy!
 
nielseel|1355273777|3328998 said:
Gypsy can say yay or nay ( probably nay but who knows ) about this one, because shes the step cut queen, but what about this?
http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/G-VS1-Very-Good-Cut-Emerald-Diamond-1545613.asp
http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/I-VS2-Very-Good-Cut-Emerald-Diamond-1540549.asp
Click to expand...


First one is really lovely neilseel. I didn't see that one and it faces up REALLY nice. Great choice.

I was debating the second one (the I) myself. It has a faceting issue, but... it retains optical symmetry and ultimately. I would recommend it with reservations, so I didn't post it. I would strongly prefer the one above (the .95 G), as I think it's a potentially nicer stone.
 
mrjoda|1355269401|3328935 said:
Thanks for all the help. Without giving too much away, I might try to bring up the dilemma of waiting or not waiting and see if she gives me any more hints. But the more I think about it, the more waiting seems like the wrong decision.

If someone would rather wait a year or so to get a more expensive diamond, that just seems a little...off putting or something. As much as she likes nice things, I don't think she is that materialistic.
Click to expand...


HI:

If waiting is the wrong decision, and she would like to be surprised, then I suggest a vendor with a generous return and upgrade policy.
You know her better than we do; so find a vendor who can accomodate your needs.

cheers--Sharon
 
Along with what Sharon said-- that's why I am recommending JA. 60 day return policy, both ways shipping paid.

Although that Stuller princess setting won't be returnable (only their own settings) though they can get them in for you. But you are stuck with it... so perhaps that was a poor suggestion on my part.
 
I know you want to get the stone from the same place in theory but I agree a bezel sounds like a great idea for her and I really do not like that James Allen one. The CADs make it look so sleek but if you click on the emerald one and look at the real life pictures the bezel is so bulky and dead looking. If JA could pull those two emeralds and that wonky (awesome!) radiant and get the assets we could help you decide which. i would put them on hold now, it does not cost you anything and is good so people do not swipe them. I would then see if there is a more dainty bezel though. Bezel is a GREAT idea it is classic with a twist and makes the stone a little bigger. My favorite one are brian Gavin's. but the one in your price range I don't know if it could be set for a emerald cut
http://www.briangavindiamonds.com/engagement-rings/solitaire/full-bezel-with-bridge-14k-rose-gold-5541r14
In white gold of course
 
Perhaps she would like the Sholdt semi-bezel settings. I recently purchased a new ering as my 15th anniversary upgrade and didn't have a huge budget. I purchased a 1.11ct emerald cut diamond at James Allen for just under $3000. Excellent cut and clarity but a K color which significantly reduces the price. My stone faces up very white and even high end jewelers that sell GIA certed stones were very surprised when I showed them the GIA cert with K listed as the color. Excellent cutting brings a stone to life and makes it very bright. I had it set in a 18k WG Sholdt semi-bezel setting, which is a designer brand that custom makes each ring for the center stone.Their rings are absolute perfection and look like molten metal. I did that transaction through Pearlmans, they were fantasic to work with and offered the best price on the setting.
Altogether for an over 1ct solitaire in a very modern sleek designer setting I paid less than $4300. ;))
I love my ring to death and would not have been comfortable spending more money on it. I also had just purchased the ec band in my thread and that was almost as much as my new ering.I also love that I can eventually get a couple more bands to change up the look, something you may want to consider when choosing the setting.
Here's my thread: [URL='https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/ec-in-sholdt-semi-bezel-pearlmans-pics.180994/']https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/ec-in-sholdt-semi-bezel-pearlmans-pics.180994/[/URL]

I love that stone Gypsy found for you. Very cool faceting. And the EC that Nielseel found and Gypsy liked. Both would look fab in a semi-bezel.
 
You know your girlfriend best, so I see two good options here for an NYE proposal given what you can spend:

- A 1 ct. diamond in a simple setting with the option of changing the setting in the future (before the wedding, first anniversary, etc.)
- A diamond under one carat (probably .80ish) in a setting close to the one she likes

I would personally stick as closely to the photo as possible for diamond and/or setting since you know she likes it, so princess or radiant cut diamond, and tension/bypass setting (if you go the smaller diamond + setting route). Just my opinion.

If you go with option #1, I would get an ASET on this radiant. Great color, clarity, and it looks like it could be bright.

http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/G-VS2-Good-Cut-Radiant-Diamond-1506601.asp

(...along with the diamond Gypsy suggested!)
 
Gypsy|1355269896|3328942 said:
Okay so. I found something a little too good to be true.
Just trust me and put this one hold, okay?
http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/H-SI1-Very-Good-Cut-Radiant-Diamond-1528007.asp

I'll talk to you about it after you do that (it's no cost and no obligation so if you aren't convinced after I explain, you can just call and cancel the hold).
Click to expand...

This is a really interesting stone, and would be the mix of classic and edgy that you've described in your girlfriend. Set in this JA bezel setting :http://www.jamesallen.com/engagemen...solitaire-engagement-ring-emerald-center.html which will come in at 4-5K with a 60 day return policy and a fairly good upgrade policy. They're also usually uber-fast to hit your Dec 31 deadline. The setting and/or stone can be returned flat out, or exchanged for one of the more modern settings (they have similar tension/twist settings to what you posted) if that's really what your girl wants.

I feel for you on this one, I was also a 'surprise me' girl. We did zero shopping or looking together, and my friends gave pretty much terrible advice to poor DH, but he did a great job anyway. He made me a ring I would never have chosen, but really love, and it means more to me for reflecting his taste and what he wanted for me than does any piece of jewelry I've designed myself since. I'm sure it's scary, but in my opinion, it's well worth the risk, the work and the uncertainty (provided you have a good return policy!).

Best of luck!
 
OK - I'm gonna take a flyer here and I think I'm going to be unpopular with some folks. She pointed out ONE ring and it's a very specific ring. You can pay for about 1/2 of it right now b/c she's said she wants one ct. Pay the half and use the interest free financing to pay the balance. Would you be uncomfortable doing that? You get her that ring and she's gonna be psyched!
 
I thought the Lucida was the right direction, but the pre-owned one from Erica Grace was on the small side. From a Tiffany pamphlet I've had since 2000 (the Lucida came out in 1999): "The bold square shape of this Tiffany original is both reminiscent and modern," which sounds like a good fit for her tastes.

So, I found this cut-cornered princess, over a carat, leaves you 1000 for a setting

http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/J-VS1-Good-Cut-Radiant-Diamond-1373699.asp
 
John Atencio seems to have a range of really modern designs and more traditional halos. Do you know which ring she actually liked from him? That would really help.

I can understand why she would want to be surprised. If she is anything like me, she wants to be surprised but for you to get her exactly what she wants (or risk disappointment). My husband decided that even though I want to be surprised .. there is no way he can get me exactly what I wanted without me involved. In the end, he gave up the surprise ... in my opinion, I would rather the surprise and with a ring.

So back to the ring ... highly suggest you consider the second hand market to get the best bang for your buck.
 
I can understand the temptation to suggest financing. But I really don't think a larger ring warrants going into debt. The JA stones we've recommended have upgrade policies, and really that should be good enough.
 
Gypsy|1355250513|3328632 said:
I honestly think you need to talk with her. You are thinking about marrying this woman. You need to be able to speak to her about everything, including the hard stuff.

Explain your budget and ask her what she would like for you to do: buy a single unbranded stone, with an upgrade policy, now in a simple solitaire (also un-branded). Or wait until later down the line after you've saved up money. Cause those are her options.

I wanted a Lucida. A one carat Lucida. It was 12k. And our budget was half that. So my husband and I went to stores together and looked at all kinds of things, and eventually I came to the conclusion that I wanted a one carat stone, and that the brand wasn't as important to me as the size. So he got me a very lovely stone (octagonal, similar the Lucida in shape, but not a Lucida in faceting) in a Lucida like trellis setting. And it was in budget. I have since then upgraded my setting to a custom platinum setting. And I love my ring.

Life is about compromise. Best you two talk about what compromises need to happen here together.
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I agree 100% w/ Gypsy on this one. As a guy who is going through this process myself, I've debated b/w popping the question sooner vs. later so that I could save up for a bigger stone. I wracked my brain about it but eventually I just said, "if this is the woman I'm going to marry and she has to wear this thing for the rest of her life, then I'd better make sure that whatever I "surprise" her with and whenever I do it, it's a good surprise vs. a bad one. The way I see it, buying a ring for someone to wear til death do you part probably makes it worthwhile to have that convo up front to make sure she actually likes what you get her.

My suggestion, take an afternoon and go to a mall and just let her try stuff on for the hell of it. You can be upfront about things and set the expectation that she shouldn't get her hopes up or anything, but you do want to see what she likes because you're thinking about it. After one afternoon of trying on rings, I knew exactly what she wanted. Funny thing was, she ended up liking split-shank halo settings, which she had never pointed out before, so it was definitely a worthwhile exercise because rings on a computer screen look very different than rings on a finger. Now it's just a matter of figuring out whether to get Antique vs. Modern faceted cushion cut, the size & color balance, and when :)

Good luck!
 
mandasand|1355254995|3328701 said:
Doesn't every girl mention Tiffany's at one point? I think that's pretty classic! If you want to surprise her, why not fill our Gypsy's Questionnaire:
1. What is your budget?
$4k
2. How old are you guys?
3. What do she do for a living/working toward doing for a living.
4. How does she dress? Does she dress up a lot, or is she a jeans and T-shirts girl? Grundge? Tailored Ann Taylor tastes?
5. Does she prefer white metals or yellow/pinks ones
6. How is her house decorated? Does she love antique store trolling? Does she love everything Pottery Barn? Is she ultra modern with lots of metal and leather? Does she buy mostly new or preowned pieces?
7. Is she clumsy? Is she very put together?
8. Does she love handbags and have a stable of them to choose from? Are they mostly practical (neutral colors: brown, black, beige) or are there a lot of colors in there? Blue, purple, red?
9. What metro area are you in or near? Or are you in the country? Tell me where you live and what it's like there (if it's not obvious, like NYC).
10. Do you guys have pets? Want them? What kind?
11. Is she a brand name girl? Does she love things with brand names? If so why? Is it the dependability of brand name quality that appeals to her or is it the bragging rights? Or is she more understated and while she appreciates quality brand names don't do it for her? Does she buy retail (Neiman's, Saks, or does she buy from TJ Maxx and Outlets, mostly?)
12. Okay now, describe her to us in your own words? I've never met her, bring her to life me. What qualities does she have that you love? What is her sense of humor like? Just... tell us about her.
13. Has she expressed an interest in any particular style of ring (halo, Legacy, solitaire, three stone) or shape of stone (round, marquise, pear, princess, emerald, radiant.)? Or has she expressed a dislike for any styles?
14. What is her existing jewelry like? A lot of variety, or are there a few select pieces of similar design? What does she wear regularly?
Click to expand...

MandaSand,
This is a fun little exercise. I'm going to do this just for the hell of it. What do you make of the answers to these questions? What do you do with them? You think that helps provide clarity around the type of ring a woman wants? I'm intrigued.
 
Fiery - this is a questionnaire Gypsy put together for those on the board that come her and want to surprise their GFs with e-rings but don't really know what exactly to get. From the answers, we can determine whether or not the lady likes traditional, modern, vintage, etc. and then can suggest rings based on her preferences.

In this case, it's pretty obvious that his GF likes contemporary, but she's also a little traditional (since she shops at J. Crew). I suggested sticking with the classic diamond shapes (round, princess, oval) and a contemporary/plain setting, like a semi-bezel. This will allow his to get closer to 1 ct and then down the road, she can change the setting. I also would NOT suggest a used ring, just because she shops at higher-end stores.

In your case, you already know your gf wants a halo and likes antique cut stones. Therefore, I would suggest working with GOG, ERD or LM to get an antique cut cushion halo. If you're worried about light performance, then get the AVC, it's already been rated by AGS as ideal light performance...no other newly cut antique style cushions have that rating. If you don't like the setting options from GOG, then ERD can make you a split-shank halo and set the AVC. It's been done many times before.

I don't believe a woman should have to wear her engagement ring for the rest of her life. I think that taste and lifestyle changes over the years. For example, if you give your gf a solitaire that sits really high, she may love it for a one time, but once you have kids, she may worry about scratching the baby. Therefore, she'll either change out the setting or stop wearing it. So, you have to be open to your wife wanting to change her ring in the future. We have a tendency to change our minds A LOT, especially when it comes to items we wear.
 
mandasand|1355406129|3330171 said:
Fiery - this is a questionnaire Gypsy put together for those on the board that come her and want to surprise their GFs with e-rings but don't really know what exactly to get. From the answers, we can determine whether or not the lady likes traditional, modern, vintage, etc. and then can suggest rings based on her preferences.

In this case, it's pretty obvious that his GF likes contemporary, but she's also a little traditional (since she shops at J. Crew). I suggested sticking with the classic diamond shapes (round, princess, oval) and a contemporary/plain setting, like a semi-bezel. This will allow his to get closer to 1 ct and then down the road, she can change the setting. I also would NOT suggest a used ring, just because she shops at higher-end stores.

In your case, you already know your gf wants a halo and likes antique cut stones. Therefore, I would suggest working with GOG, ERD or LM to get an antique cut cushion halo. If you're worried about light performance, then get the AVC, it's already been rated by AGS as ideal light performance...no other newly cut antique style cushions have that rating. If you don't like the setting options from GOG, then ERD can make you a split-shank halo and set the AVC. It's been done many times before.

I don't believe a woman should have to wear her engagement ring for the rest of her life. I think that taste and lifestyle changes over the years. For example, if you give your gf a solitaire that sits really high, she may love it for a one time, but once you have kids, she may worry about scratching the baby. Therefore, she'll either change out the setting or stop wearing it. So, you have to be open to your wife wanting to change her ring in the future. We have a tendency to change our minds A LOT, especially when it comes to items we wear.
Click to expand...

Jeez, now I sound draconian for suggesting it's on her finger for life :) Very good point - I hadn't quite given the whole "what happens when she has kids and needs something sturdier / more practical" bit. One step at a time here... ;)

As for your recommendations, they are much appreciated. I didn't realize that the AVC was cut for ideal light performance - that is very good to know because it was one of the reasons I was so drawn to a Brellia square cushion. The little things I'm learning on here from you all is really great.

You mention going with GOG or ERD, I was thinking about getting something by Victor Canera or LM but it sounds like your recommendation would just be to have GOG or ERD create something similar to a Canera or LM piece?
 
Gypsy|1355371291|3329995 said:
I can understand the temptation to suggest financing. But I really don't think a larger ring warrants going into debt. The JA stones we've recommended have upgrade policies, and really that should be good enough.
Click to expand...

I really think those emerald cuts are a good idea. And i agree though some people can finance a few thousand and it not be a big deal, if you can avoid it at all i would. And of course, if she wants to update it later you and her can combine your finances (now that it isnt a surprise) and find one that fits her taste and both of your budgets
 
JulieN|1355368851|3329972 said:
I thought the Lucida was the right direction, but the pre-owned one from Erica Grace was on the small side. From a Tiffany pamphlet I've had since 2000 (the Lucida came out in 1999): "The bold square shape of this Tiffany original is both reminiscent and modern," which sounds like a good fit for her tastes.

So, I found this cut-cornered princess, over a carat, leaves you 1000 for a setting

http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/J-VS1-Good-Cut-Radiant-Diamond-1373699.asp
Click to expand...

I really like this stone too!

http://www.jamesallen.com/engagement-rings/contemporary-rings/14k-yellow-gold-gentle-curve-tension-setting-8805y.html
this puts you slightly over budget but its pretty awesome and close to what you gf liked!
 
Mrs. W 514|1355425756|3330429 said:
JulieN|1355368851|3329972 said:
I thought the Lucida was the right direction, but the pre-owned one from Erica Grace was on the small side. From a Tiffany pamphlet I've had since 2000 (the Lucida came out in 1999): "The bold square shape of this Tiffany original is both reminiscent and modern," which sounds like a good fit for her tastes.

So, I found this cut-cornered princess, over a carat, leaves you 1000 for a setting

http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/J-VS1-Good-Cut-Radiant-Diamond-1373699.asp
Click to expand...

I really like this stone too!

http://www.jamesallen.com/engagement-rings/contemporary-rings/14k-yellow-gold-gentle-curve-tension-setting-8805y.html
this puts you slightly over budget but its pretty awesome and close to what you gf liked!
Click to expand...

I LOVE that stone too!!! Gorgeous!
 
FieryBrilliance|1355412457|3330252 said:
mandasand|1355406129|3330171 said:
Fiery - this is a questionnaire Gypsy put together for those on the board that come her and want to surprise their GFs with e-rings but don't really know what exactly to get. From the answers, we can determine whether or not the lady likes traditional, modern, vintage, etc. and then can suggest rings based on her preferences.

In this case, it's pretty obvious that his GF likes contemporary, but she's also a little traditional (since she shops at J. Crew). I suggested sticking with the classic diamond shapes (round, princess, oval) and a contemporary/plain setting, like a semi-bezel. This will allow his to get closer to 1 ct and then down the road, she can change the setting. I also would NOT suggest a used ring, just because she shops at higher-end stores.

In your case, you already know your gf wants a halo and likes antique cut stones. Therefore, I would suggest working with GOG, ERD or LM to get an antique cut cushion halo. If you're worried about light performance, then get the AVC, it's already been rated by AGS as ideal light performance...no other newly cut antique style cushions have that rating. If you don't like the setting options from GOG, then ERD can make you a split-shank halo and set the AVC. It's been done many times before.

I don't believe a woman should have to wear her engagement ring for the rest of her life. I think that taste and lifestyle changes over the years. For example, if you give your gf a solitaire that sits really high, she may love it for a one time, but once you have kids, she may worry about scratching the baby. Therefore, she'll either change out the setting or stop wearing it. So, you have to be open to your wife wanting to change her ring in the future. We have a tendency to change our minds A LOT, especially when it comes to items we wear.
Click to expand...

Jeez, now I sound draconian for suggesting it's on her finger for life :) Very good point - I hadn't quite given the whole "what happens when she has kids and needs something sturdier / more practical" bit. One step at a time here... ;)

As for your recommendations, they are much appreciated. I didn't realize that the AVC was cut for ideal light performance - that is very good to know because it was one of the reasons I was so drawn to a Brellia square cushion. The little things I'm learning on here from you all is really great.

You mention going with GOG or ERD, I was thinking about getting something by Victor Canera or LM but it sounds like your recommendation would just be to have GOG or ERD create something similar to a Canera or LM piece?
Click to expand...


Hi Fiery, I do suggest starting your own thread, just to keep things from getting too confusing.

But to answer your question. GOG doesn't have a handforged bench and CAN NOT do pave , at the same level as Steven Kirsch or Victor Canera, at all. ERD does have an handforged bench and CAN, and they also have a great eye for gorgeous cushions, although they do not have AGS0 cushions. Victor and GOG will not work together. And neither do Leon and GOG (long stories both of them). But Steven Kirsch is as good as both with pave, and DOES work with GOG stones. That said, Victor's new line of antique cushions are also AGS0 cushions, like the AVC. So if you wanted to do one stop shopping and get both an AGS0 cushion AND a handforged pave setting, he's the only vendor that can do both.
 
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