Need HELP: 1.25-1.5 ct Diamond 3 Stone Ring!!!

[socaltrojan]

I am helping my father look for a birthday gift for my mother. He went to ZALES and got a 1.25 carat 3 stone ring in 14k white gold on sale yesterday. The ring originally was $3000 with tax and he got it on sale for $1100. They only had one on sale because they were trying to get rid of that size in store, since they will no longer be carrying it.

This is what the ring looks like:
http://www.zales.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2829316

Is $1100 a good price for a ring of that size?

How much do 1.25-1.5 carat 3 stone rings run?

I will be going out to various jewelry stores Saturday morning and will see if we can find a better ring.

Any suggestions of what to look for and where to find the best deals? What type of pricing should I look for?

Thanks for your help!

 

[elizat]

That is a bargain price, but it does not appear certified and you do get what you pay for. Your clarity is estimated at I2-3 and that's not good. Your cut is likely not very good which is what makes your diamond sparkle- don't skimp on that or the clarity- w/ I2-3 you will have visible inclusions.

Does Dad have a set budget? I've been in your shoes before and went to a store w/ a budget of under $500 for a diamond band ring and ended up at a chain called the Jewelry Exchange w/ a 3 stone band ring for a right hand. It's not the best quality ring but it doesn't look bad in person and it appraised independently for $2,000, I think.

So, long story short: if it is not pretty in person and you have a set budget, I'd pass on this. If it is pretty and you guys are happy w/ it and it is a set budget, the maybe it is right for you.

If you have a higher budget, I'd look at Pricescope and research stones, however, it will be more. In example, just pulled a quick search and if you did a .65 center w/ .30 on each side, the lowest center is about 800 and I didn't even look at the numbers- just did a search w/ G-I color and SI1-2 (just to look at price alone), the sides at .30 w/ same specs and the sides were about $450 each (again, I paid NO attention to the numbers for cut quality, just looked for the lowest price to give you the lowest bottom line to compare). Add in your setting, a basic 3 stone at Whiteflash was $1k. They have a ready made ring at James Allen that is GIA certified, but you'd have to inquire as to cut quality and talk them more.
http://www.jamesallen.com/engagement-rings/three-stone-settings/ring/item_60-462.asp

If you are really on a budget at about $1k for a ring this size, what about moissanite? Moissanite will be pretty and sparkly (some complain about a green tint, but I just don't see it) and defintley under or at 1k. Something like this is an example: http://www.moissaniteco.com/round-55mm-133-tcw-moissanite-three-stone-ring-14k-wy2t-p-2688.html

I don't think you'd have a problem w/ that company on moissanite, I think some ladies have bought here and were really satisfied. There are loads of threads on moissanite too if that interests you.

HTH!

 

[blingaholic]

moissanite USED to have a green tint in the round cut, but C&C has been working over the years to improve their stones. the round cut moissanite stones are now whiter than years before, and super sparkly! i have a moissanite bezel eternity that i wear as a thumb ring, and it's SUPER sprarkly.

i would go with moissanite, too. the customer service at moissaniteco is superb, as well.

 

[Pirard]

I can't comment on the ring...but I am also a Trojan...class of '83!