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Third-party search for impecunious friend

boerumbiddy

boerumbiddy

Brilliant_Rock
Joined
Feb 15, 2013
Messages
552
Because I am a Pricescope member, a friend's boyfriend is quietly approaching me for help in finding an engagement ring for the friend! They will be very happy together. I know they are both on limited budgets because they work in the arts. And when I say limited, I mean probably $2k at the most. I thought of telling him to set a budget and go to ID Jewelry and ask for the best they can do for the price, but it occurred to me that there might be something nice on the Preloved forum. I think she would be okay with something not new. I keep thinking of my own mother's half-carat engagement ring from 1942, small but virtually flawless, bought from my father's father's dear cousin by marriage, who was a great small-town jeweler. (I wish he were still with us! He supplied my brother's proposal gift 40 years later.) It was beautifully set in yellow gold with white prongs that the cousin made himself and would be ideal. What would you tell the fiancé-to-be?
 
A perfectly cut flawless half carat would be gorgeous.
 
boerumbiddy said:
Because I am a Pricescope member, a friend's boyfriend is quietly approaching me for help in finding an engagement ring for the friend! They will be very happy together. I know they are both on limited budgets because they work in the arts. And when I say limited, I mean probably $2k at the most. I thought of telling him to set a budget and go to ID Jewelry and ask for the best they can do for the price, but it occurred to me that there might be something nice on the Preloved forum. I think she would be okay with something not new. I keep thinking of my own mother's half-carat engagement ring from 1942, small but virtually flawless, bought from my father's father's dear cousin by marriage, who was a great small-town jeweler. (I wish he were still with us! He supplied my brother's proposal gift 40 years later.) It was beautifully set in yellow gold with white prongs that the cousin made himself and would be ideal. What would you tell the fiancé-to-be?
Click to expand...

What size is the soon to be fiancé?
 
I would ask if he is open to a lab diamond to maximize size, and suggest that he set it in a simple solitaire.

If it has to be mined, then again, simple solitaire to maximize budget going toward the diamond. Then try to find a perfectly cut J Si1 with a company that offers full value with an upgrade, so that if she is not sentimental, they can upgrade and not lose the money.

Or, what about an engagement eternity band?
 
What about a diamond like this in a simple solitaire? Probably could stay close to 2k and they would always have Whiteflash’s great upgrade policy should they ever want to go bigger. Check out the wire price for the diamond.

Diamond | 0.511 ct H VS2 A CUT ABOVE® Hearts and Arrows Super Ideal Round Cut Loose Diamond AGS Certified | 4511721

This Whiteflash A CUT ABOVE® super ideal cut hearts and arrows 0.511 carat H color VS2 clarity loose diamond is graded by the American Gem Society (AGS) Laboratories. | 4511721
www.whiteflash.com
 
boerumbiddy said:
Because I am a Pricescope member, a friend's boyfriend is quietly approaching me for help in finding an engagement ring for the friend! They will be very happy together. I know they are both on limited budgets because they work in the arts. And when I say limited, I mean probably $2k at the most. I thought of telling him to set a budget and go to ID Jewelry and ask for the best they can do for the price, but it occurred to me that there might be something nice on the Preloved forum. I think she would be okay with something not new. I keep thinking of my own mother's half-carat engagement ring from 1942, small but virtually flawless, bought from my father's father's dear cousin by marriage, who was a great small-town jeweler. (I wish he were still with us! He supplied my brother's proposal gift 40 years later.) It was beautifully set in yellow gold with white prongs that the cousin made himself and would be ideal. What would you tell the fiancé-to-be?
Click to expand...

A gorgeous lab old mine cushion just went up on LT. Just sayin'.

1.63ct OMC lab diamond | Loupe Troop

loupetroop.com loupetroop.com
 
Does she want/like vintage or old cuts? You could probably find something unique and special if she does.

I would ask if she wants lab or natural. At that budget, it is a large difference in size.

Has she tried anything on to see what shapes and general sizes she likes?
 
IMG_6873.jpeg

I’d look for antiques for sure. Like this - I wonder if they’d come down on price. It’s $2.8k but just so lovely and looks pretty white

Antique Old Mine Cut Diamond Cluster Ring, 1.45 Ctw - Etsy

We crafted this dazzling diamond cluster ring using an antique element from a Victorian brooch, mounting it to an early 20th century 14k hoop. A gorgeous engagement choice for someone who loves the chunky facets and warm prismatic sparkle of old-cut stones, featuring approximately 1.45 ctw of
www.etsy.com www.etsy.com

IMG_6874.jpeg

This item is unavailable - Etsy

Find the perfect handmade gift, vintage & on-trend clothes, unique jewelry, and more… lots more.
www.etsy.com www.etsy.com

2.4k. Beautifully cut center stone in a chunky statement setting
 
This immediately came to mind. It’s unique, beautiful and in his price range… did I mention beautiful? Because it is…:kiss2:

www.jewelsbygrace.com

.56ctw Old European Cut Diamond Frame Ring

This vintage filigree ring is the sweetest - chock full of sparkle, charm, and detail! She’s got superfine milgrain detail throughout, with airy cutouts that add a very romantic vibe. The center stone is an incredibly bright old European cut diamond, sitting in an octagonal bezel that we really...
www.jewelsbygrace.com www.jewelsbygrace.com
 
HI:

While the budget has been set, has the lady been asked what she would prefer?

cheers--Sharon
 
MissGotRocks said:
What about a diamond like this in a simple solitaire? Probably could stay close to 2k and they would always have Whiteflash’s great upgrade policy should they ever want to go bigger. Check out the wire price for the diamond.

Diamond | 0.511 ct H VS2 A CUT ABOVE® Hearts and Arrows Super Ideal Round Cut Loose Diamond AGS Certified | 4511721

This Whiteflash A CUT ABOVE® super ideal cut hearts and arrows 0.511 carat H color VS2 clarity loose diamond is graded by the American Gem Society (AGS) Laboratories. | 4511721
www.whiteflash.com
Click to expand...

This is fantastic.
 
If the requestor doesn't know the recipients preferences in metal, stone, style, this is a recipe for ignoring the recipient's tastes (especially when they are an artist).

If they don't want to ruin the surprise, an inexpensive proposal ring/necklace is the way to go.

-My opinion as someone whose husband wanted to surprise me
 
If I were the intended recipient, I would prefer the .51 Whiteflash diamond in a simple setting (like the Valoria) because it's gorgeous and has the possibility of easy upgrading. The two Tiffany rings posted by @marymm are also great options. I have a few rings I saved in my Etsy favorites, that could be possibilities for someone on a tight budget, if the recipient would appreciate vintage or antique styling and/or origin.

Antique Style Ring with OEC
It's a low colored OEC in a pretty pave (modern) setting. It may not be everyone's cup of tea, but at $1750, it fits the budget.

Vintage Baguette Cut Natural Diamond Ring
Slightly over budget at $2100, but a pretty ring with a lot of presence given the size of the diamond.

Lab diamonds are a good option, too, if the recipient wants to maximize size and is open to non-Earth mined gems. Obviously, knowing the recipient's desires is vital.
 
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Here are some lab and natural options from Diamonds by Lauren. David had access to diamonds at great prices and they do custom. IMG_0182.png
IMG_0180.jpegIMG_0181.jpeg
 
Not sure if you're still interested in suggestions, but I came across this pretty ring (pre-loved) with a nice diamond, at a decent price. It's within budget and available from Pawnshop America, a reliable source. The center diamond is a Helzberg Masterpiece series 0.716 carat weight; F color; SI1 clarity, with an AGS report.

1.10ctw Round Cut Diamond Halo Engagement Ring 14k White Gold Size 7

I think it's a good option--within budget, modern style, nice center diamond and overall, a lot of presence for the price.
 
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