Please help with decision of engagement ring

Which E-ring should I choose?

  • Cartier with 1.5 or less diamond

  • GIA cert 2.01 carat diamond

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#16
I agree with some of the comments here. If you really like a setting as distinct as the Ballerine, you should definitely go with the Cartier. DF and I went through tough decisions when we were choosing my e-ring. In the end, I ended up choosing a name brand and I do not regret having sacrificed that for a smaller diamond. It's a difficult decision but in the end, it comes down to what you really want.
 
#17
Gimmethebag said:
I'm a setting girl. At the end of the day, someone will always have a bigger e-ring diamond than you (unless you are Hilary Duff)... But you can at least have the Cartier setting you have your heart set on. I rather own the licensed design than going slightly bigger on my diamond.
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I agree! get the cartier ballerine, you wont be happy with a bigger diamond and "inspired design"
 
#18
From the specs/prices that you gave, it sounds like to go with the Cartier ring in your budget, you would have to go significantly smaller than a 1.5. Sounds like you would be looking at more of a 1 ct center stone. This seems like too big of a markup if you ask me (which is saying a lot since I willingly paid the markup for a 2.44 ct Tiffany) I also think that the Ballerine is one of those settings that looks extremely different based on the size of the center stone and it may not be as "wowing" in the 1 ct region. If you truly love it though, go for the cartier. I would personally go a route that allowed for a bigger diamond (people will notice the diamond size and 99% will have no idea on the branded setting) but thats just my humble opinion. Good luck with your decision! :smile1:
 
#19
If you want the name brand you should lower your clarity and color range a little so that you can afford a larger stone in that setting but from what you last said, it sounds more like you are having a dilemma about whether you can say "It's Cartier" which the average person will never know how to identify, and will sound labelly and kind of pretentious, or "It's 2+ Ct" which will sound pretentious and kind of flaunty of wealth. It doesn't sound like you're particularly in love with the Ballerine, just that it's from Cartier.
 
#20
I personally would rather a larger stone over a designer setting. If you truly love the Ballerine, then go down that route, but I think you seem more taken with the Cartier tag than anything else? I've a friend with a 0.40ct Tiffany e-ring who doesn't really mind about the stone but just loves the fact it's from Tiffany! If the Cartier will make you happy then by all means go for it, but I think you should take some time to think this through to make sure you're not blinded by the Cartier and you really love the stone and setting. Will the fact it's Cartier be enough to see you through or will you wish for a bigger stone down the line?
 
#22
I do really love the Ballerine setting. I've been looking at Engagement rings for over 2 months now. I also went to Tiffany's which the prices were more reasonable but I just can't bring myself to love the 6 prong setting. But I also think the Ballerine only looks good with at least a 1.7 ct diamond.
Also, I can't really seem to find another setting that I like...does anyone have recommendations where there are designer settings that I can look at?
I also looked at DeBeers and found nothing that I liked.
I looked at the Cartier "set your own" option and I found one that is 1.7ct H color VS2 for $35,000...but then again the GIA 2 ct is G color VVS2 for $30,000...
The Cartier diamond is also GIA...I don't understand how there can be such a big markup. Does anyone know if Cartier will give a discount or at least tax free?
 
#23
I did hear that for engagement rings, the price is some what negotiable. Maybe you can ask.
So my DH gave me a 2.23 Ct G VS2 RB engagement ring set in a solitare setting. I didn't really like the setting so after 2 years of marriage, I decided to get it reset with the Trio Halo from Micheal Barin. Maybe you could do what I did? Its up to you.
 
#24
I don't think you can upgrade a Cartier diamond ring unless that policy has changed, so make sure this is the ring of your dreams before committing!

I wouldn't want a Ballerine copy unless you can find a jeweller who does amazing copies and can promise something very similar.

I would personally want a larger diamond (you are definitely paying for the name in this case). But remember, YOU have to love it and YOU will be the one wearing and staring at it ALL THE TIME!!!

It has to be love......or else nothing matters.....not even size.
 
#25
Jhoshopgirl said:
I did hear that for engagement rings, the price is some what negotiable. Maybe you can ask.
So my DH gave me a 2.23 Ct G VS2 RB engagement ring set in a solitare setting. I didn't really like the setting so after 2 years of marriage, I decided to get it reset with the Trio Halo from Micheal Barin. Maybe you could do what I did? Its up to you.
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But you wouldn't be able to take a generic stone and have it reset into a Cartier setting. I know with Tiffany though, if you get the size you want now from Tiffany in their simple solitaire setting, you could go back a few years down the road and have them design something custom for you thats more to your liking. Just a thought...
 
#26
check out brian gavin diamonds: an unbelievable craftsman and diamond cutter. they will get you anything you want and can make anything you want....THE BEST. I have been a repeat customer and many friends have gone through them as well
 
#27
contessa said:
i don't think you can upgrade a cartier diamond ring unless that policy has changed, so make sure this is the ring of your dreams before committing!

I wouldn't want a ballerine copy unless you can find a jeweller who does amazing copies and can promise something very similar.

I would personally want a larger diamond (you are definitely paying for the name in this case). But remember, you have to love it and you will be the one wearing and staring at it all the time!!!

It has to be love......or else nothing matters.....not even size.
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yup!!!
 
#28
Question: why do you have to get the six prong from
Tiffany's?

My e-ring is Tiffany and my (three) stones are held by four prongs. Have you seen the double shank Lucida? The round brilliant with baguettes or pear side stones?

It seems as though your priority for a certain setting is based on how "recognized" it is. I'm a setting girl, but if your motivation is people recognizing the designer... You will be really disappointed. If you are like me and are really picky about the proportions and finishing of the setting (I get so many compliments from those that don't know mine is Tiffany), then a designer setting built for that specific stone might be for you.
 
#29
tiffany and co, hw, debeers, van cleef etc price their stones at least 30% more than if you got them from somewhere else and they are all from the same sources. my stone came from an independant dealer and it was on memo at harry winston. they retrieved it and i bought it and had a custom setting made
 
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