Engagement ring help!

ssimpson0301 · December 2012

My boyfriend and I have been looking around at rings and I am clueless on what to get....I like this style below but was wondering, if the center diamond is real, is it awful to have the surrounding diamonds cubic zirconia (because the prices are looking pretty outrageous) or am I better off getting the one diamond on a solitare band? I know this is all preference, I just would love some opinions. Thanks ladies!

Edit: Thank you all for your input! I actually tried some on today at my local jewler and there were some that were around $2000 for a a half carat to a carat with surrounding diamonds the woman who was helping me said the reason for the lower price is because they were sold in bulk and also not handmade. The clarity and everything was good, do you think this is legitmate? The jewler is a well known place its been around for a long time its very reliable.

Sara

OliveOilsMom · December 2012

If you are happy with how the ring looks, then that is all that matters. I would make sure that you see the finish product before purchasing it. It's possible that CZ surrounded by a real diamond will not give the same shine or reflection and it might be a little obvious that all the gems aren't real.

I hope you find something you love!

RMcDougle · December 2012

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_just-engaged-proposals_engagement-ring-help?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding BoardsForum:683Discussion:4472bdd8-b481-441b-9775-e235ba0b397fPost:4e05ff46-4766-4c98-abc8-382e9023ab36">Engagement ring help!</a>:
[QUOTE]My boyfriend and I have been looking around at rings and I am clueless on what to get....I like this style below but was wondering, if the center diamond is real, is it awful to have the surrounding diamonds cubic zirconia (because the prices are looking pretty outrageous) or am I better off getting the one diamond on a solitare band? I know this is all preference, I just would love some opinions. Thanks ladies! Sara
Posted by ssimpson0301[/QUOTE]

To be honest, what will make the price of the ring start to skyrocket is the size (and the cut/clarity/color) of the center strone, way over the little accent diamonds in the halo/band. i.e., 1 ct of accent diamonds is cheaper than 1 ct single diamond. So I would recommend looking for the same style ring with a smaller center strone, while keeping all of the stones diamond.

dewingedpixie · December 2012

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_just-engaged-proposals_engagement-ring-help?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding%20BoardsForum:683Discussion:4472bdd8-b481-441b-9775-e235ba0b397fPost:a0e8ea20-8ba1-4522-9e42-3fd98e4c0ba5">Re:Engagement ring help!</a>:
[QUOTE] You might look into a center stone OTHER than a diamond. Sapphires come in all colors of the rainbow and are beautiful. There are several sellers on Etsy whose halo sapphire rings I see pinned all the time. Those rings are sizable and at a reasonable price point [900 to 3,000 dollars for a 1 carat stone, when that only buys you a .5 carat or smaller diamond ring]. You might also try vintage jewelry and pawn shops [after getting the ring inspected by a jeweler to make sure it's worth what you're paying for it, of course!]. Explore your options!
Posted by coopergirl15[/QUOTE]

100% this. You can also talk to a smaller local jeweler and they maybe able to build the ring at a slightly lower cost.

If you go with a sapphire remember they are denser than diamonds (not harder just denser) this means a well cut 1 carat weight sapphire is about the size of a .75 carat ideal cut diamond. Sapphires do come in all colors including white, but they have a different refractive index too which means they are shiny but not as brilliant as a diamond. You should also learn about the three types of sapphires available: man made, treated and untreated. I've listed these in ascending price. Untreated can be had for a good price if you know where to look and what you are looking at, if not you can easily be duped. Just know that even at a good price it will be higher than the man made and treated stones. The untreated hold their value much better though especially in the rarer colors, they will infact grow in value. The unusual colors can also be had under their value if you know where to go because often though more valuable mostly collectors know of these stones so their is no mass market despite their value. This was the route we went :) but I love color. If you want more sapphire info feel free to pm me I love colored stones and considered gia certification.

You have another option as well if you want a white stone many ladies go moissanite. This is a man made stone that is more brilliant than a diamond. It is ethical and very affordable.

NYCMercedes · December 2012

Cooper, did you know all settings fron Blue Nile are mass produced? They are, so there is no way at Blue Nile to compare a hand made setting to a mass produced one. Only at a small jewelry store with a silversmith or goldsmith on staff could you even purchase a hand made setting.

NYCMercedes · December 2012

No confusion on my part. You said the jeweler was BSing her regarding mass produced vs handmade. My singular issue was mass produced issue vs handmade settings.

ssimpson0301 · December 2012

So do you think this is something that is done at jewelry stores or regardless of what they are telling me, I will get what I pay for? It just seemed too good to be true getting a ring for this price.

NYCMercedes · December 2012

Sara, you and BF are wise to go to a jeweler who has been around for a long time. I suggest you both do a little research on diamond buying and also comparison shop at a couple of other jewelers before you make your decision.

ssimpson0301 · December 2012

I trust this place we went to, but its just weird how this ring and a few select others is only 2,000 but anything else like those in the store are 7,000 or more, I am just fearful of getting something thats not good quality but I dont know, so confused! Then I went over to a chain place, Littmans which looked like a good place and I found a few rings in there that were affordable but with this place I am worried that because its one of the chains, its not good. I am clueless with this, how do you know if your getting a good quality ring for the right price?

NYCMercedes · December 2012

Have you asked to see the center stone's GIA report in the ring you like to be sure it is a real diamond? Have you asked that jeweler to compare that ring to another she has? Chains have been able to stay in business because they don't cheat people. You get what you pay for and they're not a bad place to look. Usually the designs are a a little over-exposed, or rather, appeal to the masses, so the chain can sell volumes and make money.

MaryGraceRich · December 2012

I work in a jewelry store full time. Its great that you went to a a jeweler that has been in business for a long time. I think that you should go to a store that will tell you the specifics about the diamonds that you are purchasing. I know that my company has strong ethical standards about full disclosure and they let you look at the diamond under magnification They will give you a brief tutorial about diamonds and grading and such. We sell rings like the one in your picture all the time. The price has all to do with the rarity (4 Cs) of the diamond. SO yes you can get a ring like that for $2000. I would just ask about the specifics of your diamond before you buy it.

It is sometimes difficult to find bands that match rings like that. A solitare is great and can be easily enhanced with a wrap or insert.

ashleyy00 · December 2012

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_just-engaged-proposals_engagement-ring-help?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding BoardsForum:683Discussion:4472bdd8-b481-441b-9775-e235ba0b397fPost:b510ba73-3300-409f-8074-a99a39194133">Re: Engagement ring help!</a>:
[QUOTE]I work in a jewelry store full time. Its great that you went to a a jeweler that has been in business for a long time. I think that you should go to a store that will tell you the specifics about the diamonds that you are purchasing. <strong> I know that my company has strong ethical standards about full disclosure and they let you look at the diamond under magnification They will give you a brief tutorial about diamonds and grading and such.</strong> We sell rings like the one in your picture all the time. The price has all to do with the rarity (4 Cs) of the diamond. SO yes you can get a ring like that for $2000. I would just ask about the specifics of your diamond before you buy it. It is sometimes difficult to find bands that match rings like that. A solitare is great and can be easily enhanced with a wrap or insert.
Posted by MaryGraceRich[/QUOTE]

Agreed. I couldn't believe the bargain my FI got on my ring. However, he spent about 45 mins with the jeweler who explained everything he needed to know. He was also able to see it under a magnifier, so we knew we were getting a good deal- instead of being scammed.

MaryGraceRich · December 2012

I don't know if I am allowed to say this but I work for Helzberg Diamonds. If you have diamond questions go to them. They take a lot of time educating the staff in every store. I just finished my GIA diamond course which is paid for by Helzberg. We also have to adhere to strict ethical rules because we are members of the American Gen Society. Even if you don't purchase in a Helzberg store, they can help you make an informed decision.

ssimpson0301 · December 2012

Thank you so much for your help all of you...I actually just engaged christmas eve! The ring is exactly what I wanted in the photo above:) I learned a lot talking to a few jewlery stores and all of your comments helped so much thank you!

Engagement ring help!

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