Engagement Ring Drama, help me decide!!!

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#16
2manybags said:
Sorry to take your post in a different direction, but instead of the setting, I would be more worried about the quality of diamonds from a chain jewelry store. According to those links, the stones are I1 quality (very poor quality) and since they're graded by IGI, who knows how accurate the color grading is. Furthermore, cut quality is extremely important (most important of the 4Cs in my opinion) and I doubt that those diamonds are cut well. Any amount of money spent on a poor quality stone is too much money. For less than what you paid you could have a beautiful quality diamond (GIA or AGS certified) in the setting you want. I recommend reading up on diamonds on pricescope.com and checking out diamonds on whiteflash.com, goodoldgold.com...basically any one of the Pricescope recommended vendors. After buying the diamond you can always work with a local jeweler to get the exact setting you want.
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Thanks for the advice:tup: This was something I was definitely considering, but in the end I really adore the "Radiant Star" cut from Helzberg, it's cut with 145 facets for extra sparkle and it's an exclusive cut (at least thats what they said). This line of rings had more sparkle than anything else I've seen so far. I wore the first ring out ring shopping at another local jeweler called Tappers, where they sell Hearts on Fire diamonds, and my radiant star had better sparkle IMO. The jewler quoted us 17k for a 1ct hearts on fire stone (w/o the band!) so I think this is a far better deal.

The first one was a G (near colorless) color and S12 clarity (which means "very small inclusions") and the one I have at the moment is larger but an H (still near colorless) but I1 quality, which they means "large inclusions" but they both looked fine under the gemescope (sp?) to me when I looked at them, and as long as it has awesome sparkle I'm happy with it! To be totally honest, this wasn't something I noticed when I exchanged rings, but the second one is a downgrade in quality even though it's larger. This is something I will have to think about while I'm figuring out what to do!
 
#17
barcreperie said:
I think both rings are beautiful, but I think I like the first one better. Although the pictures are blurry, from what I can see it looks absolutely gorgeous on your hand.
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Thanks! I tried taking pics of the second one on for comparision and I ended up deleting them all because I don't like the look as much. I am definitely taking it back.
 
#18
ahertz said:
This is very good advice. I would recommend finding a stone you love first and then building a ring custom to your liking. This process can actually be cheaper than purchasing a ring in chain jewelry store. Since you like the style of the first ring best, take it to a jeweler to have them do something similar (but without the ring of metal that you initially didn't like).

As someone who's had three different ring settings in six years, I totally understand being picky. But once you find a really quality stone that you love, it's just a matter of switching it all up once in a while.

Good luck!
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foxytnns said:
I also agree with creating your own ring. I just went my jeweler to have a ring designed and he said, like usual, diamonds have gone up (in value) tremendously the last few months. They are always a great investment, so if you can afford a bigger diamond than the one in your first ring, and want a bigger diamond--do it! You'll hopefully have this ring for the rest of your life and definitely don't want to have any regrets about it. Also, if you design your own ring it will be that much more special to you. It doesn't hurt to just go to a jeweler and talk to them. Good luck!
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Thanks guys! While the thought of having a ring custom made appeals to me it also makes me very nervous! It just seems like it would cost a fortune to have it made from scratch and what if you don't like what the jeweler creates? Are you obligated to buy it? I don't even know where that service is offered here, I will try to research it. The places I've been to so far will make alterations to the bands they have but they didn't mention just designing and creating something original. Another issue with that is it sounds like it would take a long time and I am horribly impatient:sad:
 
#19
It doesn't take long at all! Well, I mean, I guess it depends where you go, but right now is kind of a "slow season" for most jewelers as they just finished the Holiday Rush. I took in a diamond from a necklace to have it removed and created my own setting and the jeweler will have it made up in 7-10 days..so not a bad wait at all! As for your concern of not liking the finished product--some jewelers make a clay mold of what the ring will look like before they actually design it. They do this to make sure you are happy and everyone is on the same page with the design and such. Of course the ring will look different once you add the diamonds, but the mold definitely shows you the setting and stuff. As for finding a jeweler you can do research online, but I would also recommend asking around for recommendations. I prefer going to someone who a family member/friend has used. But if you don't know anyone with a good jeweler just shop around a bit.
 
#21
Thanks for the advice Foxytnns!:flowers: I am researching online now! Unfortunately I don't know anyone who had a custom made ring, everyone I know either got their ring from a chain store or bought a setting somewhere and diamond separately.

Crystalina- thanks! I think it is prettiest too:tup:
 
#22
I really think the best way to go is to buy the setting separate from the stone and then have them set.

that way there is no surprise when u see the setting :)

I'd go to bluenile.com to search for a stone or I'd even do 2nd hand stones if you want to go larger. It's not like the diamodn will have "wear and tear" signs anyway (except for the obvious scratches or cracks, avoid those)

good luck!
 
#23
Ok here is my plan: I'm going to exchange my ring for the first one I love the most when my fiance gets home tonight! I am also going to look around for a jewler that could customize a ring for me to my exact specifications-- (like the first style but with a bigger center stone, like 1.25-1.75, ct and no metal border around the pave surrounding the diamond). If I can find someone who can make my ring at a price that's not insanely high, I will order the ring from them. After exchanging at Helzberg that will give me 60 days if I need to return it, so that should be plenty of time to get things figured out if there's a better option (I can't deal with wearing no ring in the meantime since I just got engaged, I need something sparkly on my finger!)
 
#24
Mininana said:
I really think the best way to go is to buy the setting separate from the stone and then have them set.

that way there is no surprise when u see the setting :)

I'd go to bluenile.com to search for a stone or I'd even do 2nd hand stones if you want to go larger. It's not like the diamodn will have "wear and tear" signs anyway (except for the obvious scratches or cracks, avoid those)

good luck!
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I would love to just do this but I haven't been able to find a setting I love besides this first one that already has a 3/4 diamond in it. I've looked everywhere I can think of!
 
#27
good! hope there is something you like! I've checked and saw something similar to what u liked but in the round setting!

I assume you want an ascher, princess or cushion style more than a round? I will be on the lookout for u too! :) good luck finding your ring and enjoy the first one on the meantime! :)
 
#29
Those are were long gone after the guy decided that he would be a lot happier if his girl were happy first :)

Sorry I couldn't help posting this.. I've told FH the happier I am the happier he will be LOL LOL :P
 
#30
Mininana said:
good! hope there is something you like! I've checked and saw something similar to what u liked but in the round setting!

I assume you want an ascher, princess or cushion style more than a round? I will be on the lookout for u too! :) good luck finding your ring and enjoy the first one on the meantime! :)
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Aww thanks!:flowers:

I am looking for either princess or cushion cut. I want something with A LOT of pave diamonds, on the top and side of the ring (I prefer the back of the band in pave too but it's hard to find!)
 
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