1.5 ct solitaire or 2.0 ctw three stone ring?

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Gimmethebag

Gimmethebag

Gimme Gimme Gimme
O.G.
Dec 2, 2008
3,364
2,245
#1
I am debating between three rings:

1. Tiffany & Co. 1.50 carat solitaire in 18k. I/VVs1

Pros: I wear all metals all the time. It's different (most women my age wear platinum or white gold) and I actually wear a lot of gold jewelry. I plan on stacking celebration rings anyways.

2. Tiffany & Co. 2.00 ctw three round brilliant stone ring. The center stone is 1.05/I/Vs2. The side stones total 1.00/H/Vs2. The setting is platinum. I would probably still mix a gold band into the mix, because I plan on stacking celebration rings anyways.

I wear a size 3-3.25 ring, so both rings are pretty blingin'. :yahoo:

Finally option 3: I came across a gorgeous Harry Winston ring online. Though realistically, since HW only works with D-F size stones we definitely could not afford the HW. It's a solitaire setting, but not the H-W one. I would have one like it made by a jeweler my future MIL has an ongoing relationship with in Chicago.
 
#2
Exciting! What will be the specs of the HW inspired ring? If your MIL knows a good jeweler, I would buy your ring there.
- more personal
- more carats for your money
- you don't pay too much for brand name

good luck making your decision. I have a slight preference for solitaire rings, but 3 stone rings are sooo gorgeous as well.
 
#3
I'm not so sure what the specs will be if we go the knockoff route. I would probably still keep the center stone between 1-1.5 a carat but go for better specs or just consider it money saved. MIL has a gorgeous, huge rock (I don't know the exact specs since you know, I wouldn't want to ask) so I'm sure it is a jeweler that carries great stones. Though really, it is a B & M store in Chicago and custom so I'm sure it's not as cost-effective as if I went through online vendors.

I kind of like the idea of a three stone now... since I think after waiting over seven years for a proposal I can justify the "past, present and future" stones.
 
#4
either one, you cannot go wrong. i am a solitaire kinda gal but i have a friend who has an absolutely stunning 3 stone ring. if i ever upgrade....might consider a 3 stone ring ha!
 
#5
Unless you are dying to get a Tiffany ring, I would go through the private jeweler your MIL knows. You will get way more for your money.

I have a 3-stone ring and love it. Without pictures it's a little hard to advise.
 
#6
Agree with the others ... my engagement ring is from a wholesaler here in SF and was 1/3 the price of what we would have paid at Tiffany (we shopped around a lot). And diamonds that are not from Tiffany, etc. are not knockoffs -- they are real diamonds of course and can have the same (and better) specs.

I also thought about the 3-stone vs. solitare, and decided I wanted one big stone as opposed to 3 smaller ones. It seemed like more bang for the buck.
 
#8
The great thing about getting the solitaire is you can make is three stone later if you want. However, with your tiny ring size the three stone would look great with full coverage of your finger. Tough call.
 
#9
lorihmatthews said:
Agree with the others ... my engagement ring is from a wholesaler here in SF and was 1/3 the price of what we would have paid at Tiffany (we shopped around a lot). And diamonds that are not from Tiffany, etc. are not knockoffs -- they are real diamonds of course and can have the same (and better) specs.

I also thought about the 3-stone vs. solitare, and decided I wanted one big stone as opposed to 3 smaller ones. It seemed like more bang for the buck.
Click to expand...

Oh no, I was calling the setting a knock-off. It's a four double clawed prong solitaire setting, knife edge with a small V-shaped ring of pave diamonds under the head of the solitaire stone.

I do have to admit that one appeal of Tiffany is that we trust their repair work. While we are planning on moving to Chicago again this fall, I like the idea of no matter where I am living in the world I can have my ring cleaned, polished and serviced. We move around a lot and that's part of the appeal when you don't really know the locals and their quality of work.
 
#10
Hi Gimmethebag! What a great dilemma to have! :nuts:

My first choice would be a 3-stone ring. I absolutely love 3-stone rings but they are FI's least favorite so it was not an option for me. You will get some great finger coverage with the stone sizes that you listed! Can you get a 3-stone ring custom-made? You could probably up the color of the stones with the money you'd save going the custom route.

The HW-inspired ring sounds stunning too though, so that would be my second choice!

The first option would be totally out for me - I love YG but not for engagement rings. I also would not go lower than an H in stone that size. The warmth would probably be a bit more noticeable in a YG setting, so that's something to consider if you don't want a warmer look to your stone. Of course color in stones is a personal preference, so go with what you are comfortable with.

As far as the benefit of Tiffany cleaning/servicing your ring, I'm not sure that should be a huge factor. When I first got my ring, I thought the cleaning service at Tiffany was great! I am OCD about my ring and other diamond jewelry being clean so I just invested in a Jewel Jet instead. I never go to Tiffany to get my ring cleaned anymore! As far as servicing, I am sure you could find a reputable jeweler wherever you are to take care of your ring.

Good luck! :smile1:
 
#12
I would definitely shop around. Tiffany is awesome, but you are paying for the brand name and no one will ever take your ring off to look in the inside to see if it is T & Co. LOL

BTW - I have a 3 stone ring and love it
 
#14
My vote goes to the Tiffany & co. solitaire. I really do think it is the most beautiful engagement ring. Also, I think solitaires are much more versatile for mixing and matching with different bands, so if you plan on wearing it with stacking rings, I say definitely go with the solitaire (3-stone rings are not as versatile with other stacking bands).
 
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