Ring Prices

[AmyInMI]

Some friends of ours recommended a jeweler to us and we had my ring custom made. Aaron hand picked all of the diamonds also. Like metioned before, you can save a ton going this route rather than the chain stores.

 

My ring cost $5200. It is a 3 stone setting with 4 channel set diamonds on each side, set in white gold. My center stone is .80 ct, and the total weight is 2.2ct. I also wanted a European shank, which is rather hard to find in the chain stores.

 

We actually found a ring very similar to mine at a chain store and they wanted $8900 for it.

[NABUMBAH]

We had mine custom made. the center stone is around 1.5 with pave so I think it's 1.8 or 1.9 total set in platinum. I think that he spent around $7k.

[Adamsgrrl]

If you haven't already, check out Bluenile.com. That's were I got my ring. I agree that color is the most important aspect over clarity.... as long as you keep it in the VS range, it is not noticable, and I would say go no more lower than G color (D-F colorless, G is near colorless). I would spend more on the quality of the stone and mount it in a simple setting, but that's up to your taste.

 

Mines an Asscher Cut, VV2, F, 2 carats, platnium band, a little over $16 for the stone, and $600 for the band.

[Natalie Z]

Jackie, I don't know how much help I can be because I have no idea what the cost of my ring was but I do know that Lance saved a ton of money by buying the diamond seperate from some jeweler that he was referred to by one of his friends and then had the ring built. You can get a great ring for 6K I would focus on color, carat & clarity in that order. Too me those are the most important. You want it to sparkle!!

[Sarah]

I agree with Natalie that buying the diamond separate can often yield great savings. I don't know exactly what Jeff spent, but I have a pretty good idea. My band is Tacori platinum with pave and was around 2K. The diamond is 1.5 carats and although I don't know exactly what he paid, I think he got it for close to half what it is appraised for when mounted in the band. This is because the diamond itself is not the most perfect diamond, but ideal cut and the flaws are covered by the prongs.

He said he made 4 different trips to the jewelry store to look at 1.5 carat ideal cut diamonds until he found the best one for the best price. So, if you're not worried about having a flawless diamond (I couldn't care less- I just didn't want to see large flaws, but my diamond is "eye clean" when mounted. People can't believe what the actual stats are on my diamond when I tell them (it's G color, ideal cut, 1.51 carats, SI1) because the flaws are hidden and the ideal cut + color make it look really good.

[BayBug]

I was not apart of the picking process when it came to my ring. I have no idea what it costs. What I do know is that he had the whole ring made from scratch. Tim picked the diamonds himself. I have a three stone emerald cut with a platinum band. Exactly what I wanted. I know that he saved up for a year. The larger stone is 1ct. and the two accent stones are .5ct. White gold is pretty inexpensive and it looks great. I want my wedding band to be in white gold.

[Jackie]

Quote:

Originally Posted by JANET1111 Jackie, you can definitely get a gorgeous ring for less than that. Here are some ideas to keep the cost down White gold instead of platinum (you said this already I think) Spend more on getting a nicer color diamond, less on clarity (in my opinion, you'd rather have a brillitantly bright white diamond with one or two tiny flaws than a yellow-ish diamond with no flaws. It's just easier to see the color from afar.) Pick a diamond that has a really wide surface area on top but not as much depth. My diamond looks more like 1 carat when you look at the top, but it's acutally only .7 because it has less depth (which you can't see anyway because it's in the setting) don't buy a name brand/designer ring. Like others have said, the markup is incredible!

Janet, you always have the best advice. I would never know to concentrate more on color and what a good idea to get one with a wide surface and less depth. Thanks

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nrvsbride Ask the person who sells you the ring if they will give you a break if you pay cash. Most jewelers will not charge you tax and/or may be willing to give you the ring for cheaper if you pay them cash. (Assuming you have the money when you buy it) I am so excited for you and can't wait until you get engaged!!!! -Glenda

We will be paying in cash so this is good, I didnt know that could make a difference.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Adamsgrrl If you haven't already, check out Bluenile.com. That's were I got my ring. I agree that color is the most important aspect over clarity.... as long as you keep it in the VS range, it is not noticable, and I would say go no more lower than G color (D-F colorless, G is near colorless). I would spend more on the quality of the stone and mount it in a simple setting, but that's up to your taste. Mines an Asscher Cut, VV2, F, 2 carats, platnium band, a little over $16 for the stone, and $600 for the band.

OK I am so in the dark. I just dont know a damn thing. I will definitly be looking for D-F range. Thanks

Quote:

Originally Posted by AQHARIDER This is because the diamond itself is not the most perfect diamond, but ideal cut and the flaws are covered by the prongs. He said he made 4 different trips to the jewelry store to look at 1.5 carat ideal cut diamonds until he found the best one for the best price. So, if you're not worried about having a flawless diamond (I couldn't care less- I just didn't want to see large flaws, but my diamond is "eye clean" when mounted. People can't believe what the actual stats are on my diamond when I tell them (it's G color, ideal cut, 1.51 carats, SI1) because the flaws are hidden and the ideal cut + color make it look really good.

Sarah, it sounds like you got a real good deal, and the ring sound gorgeous.


Thanks girls!!!!!!
With a little more research I should be good to go and I'm hoping that I can come up with something around 4 grand or so. Lately I am just not seeing the validity in spending much more than that.

[Fotini]

you have some really good advise here.. the only thing I would add is since you are doing white gold opt for 14kt over 18kt. The price of gold has sky rocketed this year, and it may make a big diff.

 

Also 14kt will be less likely to possilble start to turn yellow.. the way 18kt does. I dont know the exact reason why, but there is more yellow gold in 18kt, and depending on your skin chemistry, rings start to turn yellow. and they have to be dipped in platinum every couple of years to keep up the 'white' Color.

[tob1kanobe]

I would ask around and see what people say. We were recommended a wholesale diamond guy in my home town - Naples FL who is ultra good on deals. He will remake any ring for less and gives awesome pricing on the diamonds. I don't know my total cost but I do know that we (Stupidly) fell in love with a Mark Schneider design and bought the ring (Without the center diamond) and this jeweler could have made the ring for half the cost. I would ask around and see who people suggest (definitely not a huge company) and then find a ring you like and have them replicate it. My FI wants a spinner wedding band and our jeweler will have it made for half the cost I could buy it for. He rocks. If you can't find anyone up your way (that you feel confident about) I can give you this guys number and maybe he could recommend someone in your area. Good Luck - your ring is going to be gorgeous.

[anaderoux]

Jackie you should go to pricescope.com, I'm sure they'll guide you to the most amazing ring for your budget! they always do that.. I wish I would've found that site before choosing my e-ring.. I could've done better, not that I don't love my e-ring but we spent almost 3k in a Scott Kay setting, I didn't know by the time that it was an expensive price to pay, I just saw it and said I want that..

 

My ring was about 8k total, and it's a G color and you can't see any color in it.. take a look at some Gs, you can save some money.. also my ring is SI1 and it's completely eye clean..

 

The most important thing I've leaned from pricescope is that you should NEVER go down on the cut, that's the thing that makes a diamond sparkle more than others..

 

HTH