Larger Diamond or Dream Setting, which would you choose?

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#16
meluvs2shop said:
first let me say the ring you posted is TDF!
but truthfully, i feel as though i have seen your setting countless times before. so my question is: how important is it for you to have the name kotlar attached to your ring. most ppl don't ask who designed your ring, but most will want to get a closer look at it and congratulate you. KWIM?

it's a decision that you will have to live with so it's hard for me to say which route you should go. and considering how involved you are in the process i think you should focus on what's really important to you.

GL!
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Thanks for your compliment and your comments.

It is true that in concept, this ring has been done by many others (Cartier, Harry Winston, and many non-branded designers). The clincher about the Kotlar ring is not the brand (which I hadn't heard of before seeing this ring), but the craftsmanship visible in the hand made mounting (with handcarved seats for each tiny diamond in the halo and band, the delicate basket under the diamond, which unfortunately you can't see in the photos) that sets this ring apart. In person you would see and feel the difference. Its a pity I don't have photos that show it! :smile1:

Anyhow, thanks again for your advice!

I'm leaning toward option 1, despite all of this. But I'll keep all of you posted. More diamonds are coming in this week. If I find one that I love then that will likely seal the deal and I'll go with option 1.
 
#18
Swanky Mama Of Three said:
before reading your reasonings/options I was going to say
Larger stone all the way!
But in a halo, which already adds size, I'd go for the slightly smaller stone. . .
I'm old fashioned I guess, but I too wouldn't be comfy helping pay for my engagement ring.
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That's what I was thinking too. At first I said to myself "bigger is always better when it comes to diamonds", but then I saw the setting and that adds carat weight, not to mention tons more sparkle.

I'd feel odd paying a portion of my engagement ring, too. But, on the other hand, if that's the way you'll feel happiest for ever and ever, I say choose that route.

Another thing to consider, which I'm sure you've already thought about, is your wedding band. Maybe once you've selected it your choice for an engagement ring will be easier.

I realize I have been no help at all. Happy shopping and best wishes on your engagement!
 
#20
Smaller stone. When we were diamond shopping, I kept hearing/reading that the price difference was significant when you go over the whole carat weight - for example a 2.8 or 2.9 might be significantly less expensive than 3.0.
 
#21
is there anyway for a fourth option: buy the big dream diamond now in a plain setting then get the dream setting for a wedding or anniversary gift? you will still have the khotler diamond to get the khotler setting....just not right this second. then everyone is happy (well, except maybe you because you have to wait ;)) i wouldn't want to pay for any of my ering either....this way you eventually get exactly what you want and the whole thing is still a "gift".
 
#22
ilzabet said:
is there anyway for a fourth option: buy the big dream diamond now in a plain setting then get the dream setting for a wedding or anniversary gift?
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We asked whether we could purchase the center stone from the ring in the photo, but they've marked down the ring so much already that when you take the center stone alone it only $6k less expensive than we would end up paying more for the entire ring. Considering the setting is $10k is wouldn't make sense.

However, we are looking at more diamonds this week/next. More Kotlar's are coming in, and there is a chance another 3 ct (or just under like someone above mentioned) will look wonderful and be a more comfortable price for Mr. fiance. I'm holding out hope :smile1:
 
#23
don't forget: as soon as you hit the carat mark you pay more. so get a stone under three that has mm's of a 3.

for e.g., i have a 3 carat stone but my mm's make it look like a 4 easily. it's easy to get away with that when looking at fancy cuts, i.e., cushions.
 
#24
My opinion is to go with the largest stone you can afford in a cheaper setting. I say this because trends in settings change, and you may want to change your setting at a later date (and even more than once). My parents have been married 40+ years now and my mom is on her 3rd setting (but the original diamond). I've been married almost 4 years and I'm already talking about changing my wedding band!
 
#30
claudette2 said:
We asked whether we could purchase the center stone from the ring in the photo, but they've marked down the ring so much already that when you take the center stone alone it only $6k less expensive than we would end up paying more for the entire ring. Considering the setting is $10k is wouldn't make sense.
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if that's the case i choose dream setting....with that setting there's enough halo that a .3 carat difference won't be very noticable. hopefully you and DF can find a diamond in the next batch that feels just as perfect as the setting! good luck.
 
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