Picking a classic engagement ring from Blue Nile – opinions/show me your pics

LilElvis

totallybored wrote: »

Other people's opinions and suggestions can be useful. However, engagement rings are something that people have so many different opinions on. I have a claw setting and love it, you don't and love your ring. Someone else didn't like a claw as it got caught on things, I've never had that. I have 3 stones (a diamond and 2 smaller saphires), other people just want the diamond. I went for a budget higher than OPs, others would be horrified by spending that much on jewellery rather than a new car. I chose my diamond before the setting for it. Others decide what style of ring they want and don't consider the diamond in too much detail. Have you ever met anyone who didn't like their engagement ring? everyone has their own opinion on the perfect ring.

The OP said on his other thread that his gf reads these forums so it might be best to not ask for too much advice. If she's reading she'll know the budget and where the ring is from, he won't want to her know what it's going to look like too!

The OP asked for opinions and he's getting them. I made a suggestion - and that's all it is. My engagement ring is actually in a rub-over setting, but I didn't suggest that as it can obscure a smaller stone. My diamond solitaire is in a lovely tension setting (shows the stone beautifully), but I didn't mention that either as these are extremely difficult settings to resize.

If you don't want to offer an opinion or suggestion on settings then don't. The OP can choose to ignore any opinions or suggestions if he wants - his partner, his money, his choice.

To answer your other question - yes I do know people who haven't liked their engagement rings, and others who have regretted their choice (most notably a 5 figure Tiffany design which was misshapen within a few months and then broke).

LilElvis

panpan wrote: »

Thanks for all your suggestions - keep them coming,

I know I should ask her style but then it would not be a suprise. I do value the opinions of all you 'strangers' as it a suprise - im not telling anyone I know.

It would be around a .5 crt diamond if thats any help. Do you think a 6 claw would overpower it?

Go to one of the high street stores and have a look. It's a standard size of stone, so there should be plenty to look at. Also worth looking at the style of claw as some are just straight pieces of metal whilst others have "blobs" of metal at the end that supports the stone.

peachyprice

panpan wrote: »

It would be around a .5 crt diamond if thats any help. Do you think a 6 claw would overpower it?

On a stone that size I would go for 4 claws, compass setting, 6 will be too many and it will look crowded. Compass setting gives a prettier shape.

http://www.bluenile.com/uk/build-your-own-ring/east-west-solitaire-engagement-ring-14k-white-gold_43589?elem=img&track=product

pinkteapot

I chose my ring with my DH. I knew I wanted yellow gold with a single diamond, and assumed I'd get claws, but fell in love with one like this:

http://aandsjewellers.co.uk/product/caprice-round/ (not where mine came from but may be the same manufacturer)

It looked so much nicer than the ones with claws I'd looked at and just seemed to show off the diamond more. Seemed like a good blend of classic gold and single round stone, and a bit of a modern touch. Also avoided the 'catching' issue that others have mentioned with claws.

Anyway, for size reference mine's 0.5ct and looks like this:
https://www.flickr.com/photos/55127243@N04/16513105234/

GoldenShadow

peachyprice wrote: »

On a stone that size I would go for 4 claws, compass setting, 6 will be too many and it will look crowded. Compass setting gives a prettier shape.

http://www.bluenile.com/uk/build-your-own-ring/east-west-solitaire-engagement-ring-14k-white-gold_43589?elem=img&track=product

That's very pretty I like that.

OP, if you click on 'recently purchased' underneath the photo it shows you the price and sizes of diamonds with a photo which could help a smidgen (albeit not on anyone's finger).

LilElvis

I like the demi-bezel too pinkteapot (posted another example earlier) as the setting doesn't impinge on the stone. Yours is gorgeous!

Edit - looks bigger than ·5ct too! The right setting combined with the width of the band can make a lot of difference as to the overall "look".

Goldiegirl

totallybored wrote: »

How about your girlfriend's opinion rather than strangers on the Internet? She's the one who will have to wear it every day so why not allow her to have some input into the decision.

Good point.

I expect the OP knows the personality of his girlfriend, but many women would find it desirable, or even a necessity to be choose their own ring.

I know the OP wants to surprise his girlfriend...... I hope she likes surprises.

Does she even know that marriage is under consideration?

peachyprice

Mine is like this

http://www.rcjewelry.com/Product/Three-Stone-Engagement-Ring-Mounting-with-Marquise-Side-Diamonds-in-14K-White-Gold-03575.aspx

But much flatter, like this from the side (I don't like a high setting)

https://www.google.co.uk/search?q=THREE+STONE+ROUND+AND+MARQUISE+CUT+DIAMONDS+ENGAGEMENT+RING&espv=2&biw=1366&bih=643&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ei=7f0rVbHAJMbSaKSLgYAD&ved=0CAYQ_AUoAQ#imgrc=e81IEnlbihjBnM%253A%3B7WuUerpuxjwEQM%3Bhttp%253A%252F%252Fwww.theyesgirls.com%252Fwp-content%252Fuploads%252F2012%252F04%252FSasha-Primak-Engagement-Ring-7.png%3Bhttp%253A%252F%252Ftheyesgirls.com%252Ffriday-rocks-4%3B400%3B400

0.63 round diamond with 2 x 0.25 marquise set in platinum on a yellow gold band

meer53

My friends boyfriend surprised her at the top of the Empire State Building with a solitaire. She was happy but it wasn't what she would have chosen herself. To be honest, the stone and design are too small for her finger, the ring is just lost. She admits she wouldn't have chosen it herself.

OP, i would buy a really tacky cheap ring from Claires Accessories and propose as a joke with that one. Then go out and choose one together.

windchime

OP, i would buy a really tacky cheap ring from Claires Accessories and propose as a joke with that one. Then go out and choose one together.[/QUOTE]


Or even a cheap silver Diamonique from QVC until you can go and shop for one together. I would hate to have had mine chosen for me.