Recommend a stone to replace diamond setting

[Maevemarie]

I'm upgrading my round engagement ring setting, but would like to keep the original setting (round halo antique looking) as a right hand ring. I'm clueless when it comes to colored stones and am concerned most colored stones have shapes that can't fit into a diamond engagement ring setting. The stone should be about 7.3 mm diameter. I like the idea of an opal but am not sure if they are always flat on the bottom? I also like light pink colors. I am fine using a synthetic stone if I like it, but I am willing to spend up to $800. Any suggestions? Thanks!

 

[peacechick]

As a newbie myself, I can't say much aside from looking at the recommended gem vendors in the sticky and reading the existing threads here where the expert PSers post

This one will show you just how many options you have in terms of round gems for your antique style ring. In fact, colored gems enjoy some cuts that diamonds don't, like the Portuguese cut (which is my favorite)!
[URL='https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/best-gem-for-engagement-rings.189961/']https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/best-gem-for-engagement-rings.189961/[/URL]

I think if you find some stones you like, you can post them here and then the experienced PSers can tell you if they are too dark, badly cut, worth the money etc.

I love opals, so I think it's a great choice to replace a diamond. They are mostly cabochons, but there's no reason why they can't fit into a normal ring setting. Here's an example of one of mine. The opal's old and faded but I love the ring to death.

 

[FrekeChild]

Dan Stair has actually posted some faceted opals before. For light pink you have a lot of options.

How often do you plan to wear the ring? Can you please post a picture of the ring setting? I think that would be helpful. What you're asking for is definitely doable.

Obviously this won't work for your ring, but it's cool looking, and would be much better in person!
http://www.customgemstones.com/OPAL/op1589.html

Next thoughts: spinel, tourmaline, topaz, sapphire.

I think you have another thread going on, the more I think about it?