Tiffany sola/soleste

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To be fair, I've been in rogersa's position. When my now-fiance brought up marriage and looking for rings, evaluating diamonds and settings became a full-time hobby for me. That was a year and half ago. He just proposed at the end of November with a ring that I did not pick out. The wait was nerve-racking! And why did he ask me to look at rings? The nerve! Men should not ask women to go ring shopping unless they are going to propose within 6 months.

I just have trouble telling truth from fiction sometimes. x

Out for real this time, just wanted to respond since you quoted me! Peace out, homies :cool:
 
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That's good to know! I'm going to look I to his work. I get confused With the different pave styles. It's so confusing! And with sizing! I think I'm a 4.75, but I worry since nobody has a ring that's 4.75 to try!

Go to ebay and buy a $10 USD wedding band in 4.75 and wear it for a while to see if it's comfortable. You may want to buy a 4.5 and 5 as well and test them out in the real world. That's what I did. I also wear a 4.75. ;)

Or ...

Get a really pretty ring in a 4.75 and wear it on your left hand until he proposes. I did that too.

2-3 carat solitaires are MONSTER rings for newly engaged young couples aren't they? I mean WOW - 3 carats?! I still don't know anyone who has one like that, even wives of CEO's! I mean if you can swing it, go for it!

It sounds like whatever you do you're going to end up with one gorgeous ring! I'd just hate for all the romance to go out of it with all the stress! And it's true if it is financially stressful it's not good - you never want to look at it as a sign of something negative, only positive... even if it's "only" 1 carat right now, KWIM?

Good luck!

3 ct is really, really big, especially for a 4.75 finger. Although my fiance could comfortably afford a huge rock, I specifically told him NO BIGGER THAN 3/4 CARAT. He got me a lovely .86 ct princess solitaire. I nearly kicked him for being so lavish. :D

I don't know anyone who has more than a 1.5 ct ring, with the average around 1 ct. And the people I know are quite well-off. My fiance earns XX times more than what my e-ring cost. Seriously, a ridiculous amount more but I don't want to disclose his exact earnings. Should he have spent more? No. I want more bathrooms in our next house. LOL. Some of the posters on these forums are very, very wealthy. A 6-ct AGS 000, D, IF/F is a no-problem purchase, and the same is true for their real world friends. It's normal in their world, but not in mine. I'm taking a guess that the super rich world isn't yours either.

Be mindful of what other women of any age in your position are getting because that will help determine what carat size is appropriate for you. You could go slightly larger though. Just slightly. Most women feel awkward if their rings look too "showy" next to those of their friends. Slightly bigger seems fine though. Aim for that.

I think you'll love whatever you get. I just hope you get it soon. I know how aggravating it can be waiting for a proposal. It's like waiting for Santa except Santa isn't telling you what day he's coming. It might be this year. It could be next. He knows what you like and want. You've done your work. It's time to breathe. Yes, I know it's hard.

Funny, I originally wanted the Soleste too!
 
I just have trouble telling truth from fiction sometimes. x

Out for real this time, just wanted to respond since you quoted me! Peace out, homies :cool:

I understand your concern and see your point.

Rogersa, have your boyfriend to go to pricescope and to ask the Rocky Talky forum how to get your ring within his budget. Many men do this. The posters there pick out the best diamonds with the best settings at the best price, most often UNDER BUDGET, for anyone asking for help. You can feel safe if he goes there. You would not have to worry about all this, not even the money.

They will take care of him. They know cushion cuts, RBs (all kinds), Victor Canera, Leon Mege, etc. Good Old Gold is well known there. Pricescope is for men who need to take charge.

If he loves you, he will do this. You can get this burden of researching off your back. He knows what you like. He knows what you want. It's his turn. This pre-engagement has been dragging on long enough. If he is serious, he will go to pricescope.

With the forums guidance, let him pick. He will choose the right one.
 
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I'm almost positive that I read her budget is 15k, not 30k? Now how they plan on getting a colorless stone 2-3 cts, in a Leon Mege setting for that price is beyond me cuz that's what our budget was.

I would kill my DH if he had me looking for rings for 2 years tho!
 
Looking for a ring takes time. Rogersa and her BF are looking at rings together. At this rate, they will find a wonderful ring. Feel free not to comment if you have nothing nice to say! JMO. No it's really not a free for all and yes we should be courteous and mindful: It's tpf!

Rogersa please keep us posted of your progress. :flowers:
 
Can we get back on topic please? The OP isn't asking for money advice, life advice, etc. . .
let's keep this on topic :tender:

I just feel uncomfortable with anyone giving her advice on this range of.rings when you read her prior threads. I just hate to see encouragement of these brands when she started a thread about how she feels guilty. It feeds into it. If you are burning downpayment money on a ring, and stating that in other threads, I can't see how we should encourage any of these choices. Maybe we should help her find similar rings that are more budget friendly? She may not ask for financial advice in this thread, but if you look at her past threads, it all ties in and, IMO, is very important in the overall purchase
 
Looking for a ring takes time. Rogersa and her BF are looking at rings together. At this rate, they will find a wonderful ring. Feel free not to comment if you have nothing nice to say! JMO. No it's really not a free for all and yes we should be courteous and mindful: It's tpf!

Rogersa please keep us posted of your progress. :flowers:

Pretty sure everyone was just trying to help and use our experience to help her. Read her other threads
 
Oh I wasnt trying to b rude, I just remember her saying their budget was 15k and she wanted a D color I think? I didn't get anywhere close to 2 cts (1.3) and mine is an E so I'm wondering if my husband got ripped off? Lol.

Also I'm positive if I looked at rings for 2 years I would change my mind many times
 
I just feel uncomfortable with anyone giving her advice on this range of.rings when you read her prior threads. I just hate to see encouragement of these brands when she started a thread about how she feels guilty. It feeds into it. If you are burning downpayment money on a ring, and stating that in other threads, I can't see how we should encourage any of these choices. Maybe we should help her find similar rings that are more budget friendly? She may not ask for financial advice in this thread, but if you look at her past threads, it all ties in and, IMO, is very important in the overall purchase


I completely and totally agree :tup:

But bringing up old threads is stirring the pot. It's off topic and drama inducing, none of which we need. I think people get so caught up in pointing fingers and stuff that they forget how to be respectful in their delivery.
It gets so counterproductive.
I can't count how many times a day I have to sit on my hands and not point out weird discrepancies, past comments, behavior, etc. . .
it's none of my business and I've learned to 'pick my battles'.

:back2topic:
 
Can we get back on topic please? The OP isn't asking for money advice, life advice, etc. . .
let's keep this on topic :tender:

Okay.

I'm almost positive that I read her budget is 15k, not 30k? Now how they plan on getting a colorless stone 2-3 cts, in a Leon Mege setting for that price is beyond me cuz that's what our budget was.

I would kill my DH if he had me looking for rings for 2 years tho!

That is what i was thinking! I went nuts waiting for my ring for 1.5 years!

$15K leaves about $5K for a customized setting and $10K for the diamond, which is about 1.5 ct cushion from GOG. I think that is about what Rogersa wanted in the beginning of this journey.

Reviewing this and past threads, the posts seemed to encourage her to go bigger and pricier. I am in part to blame.

As her fiancé to be earmarked that money, I would like to respect that decision. She reported that both families are supportive of this and are freely offering help. How fortunate is that?

Rogersa, I apologize if I seemed judgmental or critical. I want you to have a ring you love.

(PS I still think your BF needs to take this search off your hands and propose by June. No more waiting!)
 
OP, i'm sorry this thread turned like this =(

With 15k budget, getting an icy white, high clarity, excellent cut GIA/AGS diamond is impossible. Something(s) need to be given up(Shape(avc and rb are expensive), color, clarity, cut, setting quality etc.) to get to >2ct mark. I did see a sparkly o-p color 2 carat RB with EGL cert in person for $7800 USD not long ago. It was beautiful, though I have no idea about its cut quality. Especially if you are on the pale side, warmer color diamonds will definitely look beautiful on you!

I considered AVC as well but I didn't like the fact that it shows up a wee bit smaller than an RB.
If you are open to other shapes, ovals/pears/marquise look bigger for its carat weight. I saw a 3 carat w-x color vs2 pear on Leibish website for 15k last December. It can be yellow enough to look fancy light yellow in the right setting.

Either that, or I think someone needs to put more $ to increase the budget.
Is your bf open to putting your $ towards the ring or upgrading later? ( It might not be right to say "your" $ but, anyways...)

I was once obsessed with e-rings and diamond size and settings! My dream setting is a HW style halo ring with rb center made by victor canera. But guess what? Because of my budget restraint, I looked for another pretty setting( a simple Tiffany style knife edge solitaire ranging between $700 and $2k) and asked him to look for a GIA/AGS rb diamond with med~strong blue fluorescence, i or lower color, si clarity because I wanted to get the largest I could afford within my comfort zone. Seeing diamonds of different color in natural light and other lighting environments really helped me figure out what I wanted.

Or, there could be an upgrade later(which you already suggested to your bf), or you could have a blingy RHR one day.

I think it's important to know what options you have, as well as knowing your priorities and what you would rather compromise(eg. smaller diamond for better setting) before you tell your bf about what you want and let him choose.

Good luck!
 
In my opinion, you don't have to spend $40K upward to have a gorgeous, drool-worthy ring. Besides, WHO on earth is going to ask about the price of the ring on your finger? And these stats, specs, etc.......what's the point? Go, see, try on, and choose the one that's right for YOU (not this forum)

Going custom is pricey, although it will save you paying for a brand name.

I've known people who have racked up serious debt, and placed 2nd mortgages on their homes to buy diamonds and baubles (silly, if you ask me)

Here's my advice. State aloud what you're planning to do. Something like, "We are going to spend $25K for a diamond engagement ring" or whatever the $$ amount is. If it sounds silly or irrational when you say it aloud to one another, then re-consider. If you're both happy, then move on and don't look back.

I have found that speaking my thoughts sometimes really helps in terms of making a huge purchasing decision.

And I won't comment on the 3rd re-set of someone's halo.
 
In my opinion, you don't have to spend $40K upward to have a gorgeous, drool-worthy ring. Besides, WHO on earth is going to ask about the price of the ring on your finger? And these stats, specs, etc.......what's the point? Go, see, try on, and choose the one that's right for YOU (not this forum)

Going custom is pricey, although it will save you paying for a brand name.

I've known people who have racked up serious debt, and placed 2nd mortgages on their homes to buy diamonds and baubles (silly, if you ask me)

Here's my advice. State aloud what you're planning to do. Something like, "We are going to spend $25K for a diamond engagement ring" or whatever the $$ amount is. If it sounds silly or irrational when you say it aloud to one another, then re-consider. If you're both happy, then move on and don't look back.

I have found that speaking my thoughts sometimes really helps in terms of making a huge purchasing decision.

And I won't comment on the 3rd re-set of someone's halo.

Agree 100%. When you see the beautiful rings here, it is easy to say that you want it too, but this sample is not the "norm" of society. It has been mentioned in other threads, but really,a half carat is the norm in the US. And also realize that those getting huge rocks are not just starting out in life, they have established themselves. Unfortunately, it is an extremely rocky economy right now, and the 20 something's are getting hit the hardest job wise. My brother is in a top school for engineering and has almost a 4.0. He thought people would be throwing money at him and that he would be starting at 75k. Not the case and he is having a rude awakening now. Save every penny you can. It's better to have a house and emergency fund than a huge rock. There are gorg rings for way less than your budget even. Heck, you could probably even go to a local jeweler and they could make you an almost identical copy to these name brands, and you may even have better service since they are smaller and can spend more time with each customer / build personal relationships. I always look at an engagement ring as where you were at that point in your life. Savings before you have a job, etc...is not really where you "are" in life, if that makes sense. Think of it like this... Instead of spending 30k, spend 15. That's 15k towards an emergency fund (house issues, broken down car,medical, whatever). I don't think anyone was trying to hurt you, OP, but it is very easy to get caught up in the "trends" and trying to keep up...and if you look in the financial threads here, you will see testimonies of people regretting doing that. We are just trying to give an unbiased opinion of the whole situation. An outsiders view, per se
 
And, as far as stats, a D is a waste of money IMO unless you plan to resell it. If you want colorless, go with an F because there is really no difference between the two. My DF got me an F, but I had told him I would have been ok with an I or a J even, because. Unless you are looking at it on a piece of white paper, it will be hard to tell. Go with VS1 or VS2. VVS is another waste because who spends time looking at their ring under a microscope. SI1 is even fine if you see it in person.

As far as brand, besides Tiffanys, most likely the people that we see daily won't even know who these designers are, so is the price worth it?
 
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