Newbie help please - Buying an e-ring setting + diamond

[mllejewels]

This website is a godsend for engagement ring information. I've been searching and have been able to gain some valuable knowledge and narrow down my preference. My boyfriend and I are ready for the next stage after 9 years. We are both of the frugal kind and like to get good quality for the money we put in. I'm the picky one so I'm doing the research and ultimately buying the ring I want. From what I've learned from pricescope the e-ring is the way to go. Being from Ontario, Canada.. I'm still trying to figure out how that is going to work.

#1 Overall pricing.
Not sure of the overall budget yet either. I'd say around $5000-7000. Are there a lot of charges for insuring during the shipping process and for appraisals, etc.? Let's say I buy the setting from an online retailer and buy the diamond from another online retailer... I have to also get this set somewhere locally? There must be additional costs there?

# 2 The setting
My setting search initially started with a halo with pave band.. but considering I would like to wear this daily and I'm not the most gentle person.. I've switched to a more bezel band style. I think I've narrowed it down to two different Gabriel & Co settings.

http://www.gabrielny.com/engaged/style/ER7278W44JJ

http://www.gabrielny.com/engaged/style/ER7489W44JJ

There is a Gabriel & Co authorized jeweler in Ottawa. I will see if they have these so I can compare in person.

#3 The center diamond
Next is trying to pick a diamond. I think I am leaning towards a blue fluorescent diamond because I love the idea of it shining purple in the sunlight. I'm not sure what is the best option here with being in Ontario, Canada. I've read great reviews about Brian Gavin Diamonds and spotted one that seems good: http://www.briangavindiamonds.com/diamonds/diamond-details/0.777-f-vs2-round-diamond-ags-bl-104069795002#!prettyPhoto[gallery2]/4/

Would it be less expensive to source one from whiteflash?

#4 Putting the two together
I'm wondering how the size of the center stone fits with the halo. I don't like it when you see a space between the two. It's lovely when it looks like one big piece. In addition, I'm nervous about the contrast between the color contrast between the center stone and the halo. Is it best to keep these close in the color spectrum?

Thank you!

 

[Gypsy]

The settings and the stone are nice.


Buy the setting from ID Jewelry and have it sent to BGD so BGD can set the stone in it. They may charge you a 100 bucks or so. Not a big deal.



That way there are no additional issues.


You should be aware that you have to have care wearing pave. PERIOD. Okay?

 

[TC1987]

I typed a well thought out reply, submitted it, and PS blew up with some error msg and lost it.

Brian Gavin Signature, and Signature Blue are owned and sold only by Brian Gavin Diamonds.

You might score a strong blue from a different vendor like USA Certed or Blue Nile, though. But it's more effort and time to sift through and evaluate virtual stones than in-house ones. The BGD stones are a sure thing.

Setting; You tell them "no airline" = no gap around the stone. And also that you don't want the stone perched in tall prongs like it's on stilts, haha. The vendor who is selling you the setting needs to order the right version of it for the size of your diamond. If Gabriel makes all the settings to order, then that shouldn't be a problem.

Sidestones or halo stones not more than two color grades different from the center stone is the rough guide for making the colors blend.

 

[mllejewels]

Thanks so much for the feedback Gypsy and TC1987.

I will likely go the route of getting an in-house diamond over a virtual stone. So, first find the diamond, then order the setting to be made according to its specs with no airline and no tall prongs. Excellent!!

I did visit a few B&M stores over the weekend to see the Gabriel & Co line but none had it unfortunately. I did see a ring that I liked but I am hesitant to trust these vendors even with a certificate for the diamond.

The great thing is I realized that a large diamond with halo does not suit my petite hand and my personality. I am better to go a bit smaller (0.70 max size) if I want to add a wedding band and later a third band. A little savings is always nice