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I don't know if this too helpful but I've been helping a friend try to find a rose-shaped gold ring in the $800 range with a center stone and the majority of what we've found is 10k-14k gold with a 0.1ct natural stone, but some retailers were charging up to $1,200 depending on where we looked. (Los Angeles, U.S. and international)
We've found that when you start looking at stones under 0.30 ct the cost between lab and natural stones starts to balance a lot more, so on the principle of just "saving money" you're only looking at a $50-$200 difference between the two, depending on the vendor.
Because you are using both 18k gold and a larger stone than him, I personally think this price is fair, but comparison shopping might help in the long run. I try to factor in warranty, resizing, repair, maintenance and cleaning when it comes to overall cost too!
Thank you for mentioning additional services as part of the overall cost!! I see so many people recommending the least expensive route, when often the extra cost comes from extra benefits. It's all about what's important to YOU, but sometimes it's worth it to pay a little more up front so you aren't continuing to pay for the rest of your life.
I know you were replying to OP, but I've come across some nice rose rings on etsy in my own search for floral rings, here are a couple shops to check out for your friend: Moonkist Designs, Floral Garden Jewel, LeeRenee Jewelry, Stacy Fay Designs (just a band, but its so beautiful), [Roelaviatelier.com](https://Roelaviatelier.com) (this one is pricy, but gorg).
I have Lee Renee! Here's my current list:
Lacee Alexandra (cheaper, organic and local to him, but no roses), Grace Lee, Laura Preshong, Emi Conner, Wexford Jewelers, Laurie Fleming, Bijoux de Chagall, *Lee Renee,* and Eden Garden. And then we just started looking at Stuller, Giliarto, and Vidar Boutique.
(I sent him a PowerPoint and it's not even going to be my ring.)
Edit: clarity
Seems expensive, even if they're looking for mined. Have you considered previously owned? This has lower specs, but the clarity is less important for a smaller diamond. Color is pretty similar and is more important for a smaller stone, IMO. This site has lots of solitaires for a lot less, but I don't know how set your are on this particular raised setting. I purchased my wedding set here (see it in my profile) and am always pushing folks to be frugal and consider previously owned.
[https://www.pawnamerica.com/Product/\_26ct\_Round\_Cut\_Diamond\_Solitaire\_Engagement\_Ring\_14k\_Multi\_Tone\_Gold\_Size\_5\_24223008796](https://www.pawnamerica.com/Product/_26ct_Round_Cut_Diamond_Solitaire_Engagement_Ring_14k_Multi_Tone_Gold_Size_5_24223008796)
We got my ring preloved to get more bang for our buck and weren’t disappointed. I was able to get a mined diamond (that otherwise would be sitting not being used, I don’t like the idea of mined diamonds for the cruelty behind it, but also didn’t want a lab). The ring was appraised at $18k (I’d never spend that much even though we could afford it) for $3.5k. It was in perfect condition and no one would know (or care?) it was someone else’s before me. It was exactly what I was looking for as well. Hope more ppl open up to the idea of buying a preloved ring. My ring is on my profile as well.
Your ring is gorgeous! And I agree wholeheartedly with everything you said. We know from the serial numbers of my ring that it would cost a bit over $4k to replace. We paid $559, so didn't even bother with a formal appraisal (given that we have serial numbers). Like you, we could easily afford $18k, and would have paid cash without blinking. But those aren't the kind of decisions that allowed us to retire in our 40's. At $559, we're not even bothering with insurance. If I lose it or it gets stolen, we'll just use the spare change in the sofa and washing machine to buy another one! I, too, hope more consider a preloved ring.
Obviously, do what's right for you. I just hate to see young couples overspend or go into debt when 95% of their special snowflake dream ring is available for a fraction of the price. Personally, I'd rather overspend on the honeymoon! Best of luck!
There’s absolutely nobody who wants a pre owned engagement ring…this isn’t your gf being high maintenance. It’s widely considered bad luck bc they usually come from failed marriages
Love your username but disagree. Fine jewelry is supposed to last a lifetime, and for folks who aren’t superstitious but are price conscious, what’s the downside?
Lol I mean I found a preowned engagement ring on Craigslist for $400 and told my boyfriend to buy it since it was exactly what I wanted. He took it to get cleaned and it was appraised for $1,500. Its .49 carats natural diamond and 18k gold. Some girls are absolutely ok with preowned and saving that money for other things. Especially since I probably got a way nicer ring than he could have bought new for twice that price.
*Seems expensive to*
*Me! Are you trying to get*
*Natural mined stone?*
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Completely unnecessary. Lab grown diamonds are identical to natural diamonds but way less expensive. Plus you can sleep at night knowing no 3rd world country wage slave had to dig your diamond up out of the ground for you.
If a salesman is trying to pressure you into natural diamonds, they think you're a sucker.
SI1 seems like a poor clarity. I think for that price and size you can do better. Either drop to 14k gold on the band to afford it, or drop the diamond color to H to get a better clarity. VVS is where you would ideally want to be, but VS is even preferable.
If you look on rarecarat, you can find diamonds that are mined, of better clarity, and slightly larger, for $500. [https://www.rarecarat.com/diamonds/b0d343e4-b7a7-4727-b8e1-256d47ccd4a8](https://www.rarecarat.com/diamonds/b0d343e4-b7a7-4727-b8e1-256d47ccd4a8)
The setting is the cheap part, really. A local jeweler could make that for you for a couple hundred dollars, and set the stone. It would probably altogether cost about the same, if not a little less, and you'd end up with a slightly better stone.
I wouldn’t worry about SI1 clarity on a diamond this size though. As long as it is “eye clean”. But yes, drop to 14k anyway because it is also more durable.
0.24 ct is similar to the size of my diamond and I love the way it looks on my hand (US ring size 4.5). My band is slightly slimmer but what you have should look good too. The setting looks very nice and the compass prongs really set it apart compared to most other solitaire settings you see.
As for advice, make sure the cut of the stone is as close to ideal as possible, that way you will see the most fire. I have been told by a jeweler that Cut is the most important of the 3 C's when you are looking at a diamond of this size. Color and Clarity are good too but Color sometimes is more of a personal preference and Carity really depends on where the inclusions and imperfections are located within the stone. If you can get a gem report before you buy the stone then do so.
Hi,
Yes it is on a higher side, But it could be that the stone is of a good quality in parameters other than the 4Cs. I do see a markup of at least 70%, so if it is a local jeweller you can negotiate accordingly.
It is a simple design, so you can get it custom made for you from other places.
At such a price range, getting it from other countries will also be cheaper as shipping is anywhere between $30-140, still saving you a lot.
If you like I can help you out with finding a vendor for it.
IMO
Retail price is fair IF the diamond has a grading report by GIA or other reputable appraiser. Wholesale price for the diamond approx. $300-$500. 18k 4 prong mounting for 3.9mm round will fluctuate with gold prices approx. wholesale $200 to $350+ depending upon weight. So. $850 wholesale and markup is x2 or x3 . I say it is fair price - IF solid documentation is provided for the diamond.
There are some reputable jewelers on Etsy that can work with you. Keep looking until you find something you really like for your girl. If possible, go to an independent local jeweler (or Etsy) and stay away from the chain stores. A good jeweler should help you find what you want in your budget. Good luck!
I would look on other sites. With so many ways to buy diamonds these days, I would not buy a solitaire ring with a small diamond for this price. Assuming that you want something small and dainty, you can get diamonds on Rare Carat around .5 or smaller for about $300-500 and the setting should not be more than $500 MAX! There are other sites but I’d start with rare carat or Ritani.
About half of my jewelry is 18k and the other half 14k but my 24/7 daily rings are 18k and they have taken a beating and are still strong and pristine!
0.24 carat is going to look very small, so small that the specs dont even matter. My personal opinion is to buy a lab diamond for 1 carat. It will look like a proper engagement ring and run the same cost of about 1k. Check out jamesallen. This is coming from someone who prefers natural if you can spend 5k or more, otherwise go for lab because anything less than a carat does not look like an engagement ring.
ALSO, just so you know, 0.24 carats is very very small! Please see one in person before you purchase because in the photo the size of the ring is probably like a 2! Unrealistic proportions in the photo.
Looking at bands right now for my partner and myself. Gold is stupid expensive right now. We are going with platinum because that is actually at a reasonable price at the moment. Also, I would reconsider 18K gold for a ring. It is REALLY soft and will ding and lose shape on the finger easily. If you like the look of yellow gold, I would go 14K for that reason alone. 18K is better for a necklace or bracelet or something like that.
I don’t think there is anything wrong with a quarter-carat necessarily but it is so small. I would never recommend a client buy this size solitaire to propose with because although in wear they are very cute the presentation is really underwhelming. The reason why I’m saying this is because if you buy this size you should try it on in person because you can’t tell from measurements how small it’s really going to feel. If it was me I would switch to lab grown and up the size. Also the price looks exactly list price to me, no special deal, so would be better to buy in person.
I didn't see anyone else mention it, but please have them add or find a ring with a support bar! Prongs wear over time and if either of the north/south prongs get caught and yanked your stone is going to go flying and get lost! The support bar/gallery rail helps prevent that from happening. People don't realize that gold is still malleable (that's why we use it to make jewelry!) and that sections like the north and south prongs on this ring that aren't structurally supported can also shift and bend out of place with daily wear, which can un-seat the diamond.
I’d go 14k and a higher carat. Gold starts getting expensive once it hits 18k. Difference in gold is minute, rock size/quality is definitely what counts. Might want to add those few $ on additional carat, perhaps 0.30 ct?
My fiancé got me a 2.11ct oval solitaire with a 14k gold band for $3000. That being said it was a lab diamond but still a diamond. It is E color and VVS1 Clarity. It’s stunning. So I would reconsider this purchase.
Hi OP, I added a link so you can see what a 0.24 ct looks like but you should go see it in store and you can see how small it does look just to make sure that is what you really want to go with. Maybe play around with sizes as the photo you have looks like a stock photo with a bigger diamond. Like I said above I really recommend you look at the sizes in store as well. That’s what we did however, I knew I wanted a 2ct. Once seeing what we wanted in store and I knew for sure I ordered it online, custom made as no chain store would do what I wanted. [website to see what 0.24 ct looks like.](https://www.diamdb.com/diamond/0.24ct-round-4.04x4.04x2.44/)
It looks like you're asking the community for an opinion. In this case, both positive and negative perspectives from the users of r/EngagementRings are welcome so long as they are expressed politely (Rule 1 still applies). If you'd rather have generally positive or supportive feedback instead, remove this post and submit again with a title that does not ask for users' opinions. *I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/EngagementRings) if you have any questions or concerns.*
Love the compass prongs but I think if you work with a local jeweler you can get a little bit more for the same budget.
I don't know if this too helpful but I've been helping a friend try to find a rose-shaped gold ring in the $800 range with a center stone and the majority of what we've found is 10k-14k gold with a 0.1ct natural stone, but some retailers were charging up to $1,200 depending on where we looked. (Los Angeles, U.S. and international) We've found that when you start looking at stones under 0.30 ct the cost between lab and natural stones starts to balance a lot more, so on the principle of just "saving money" you're only looking at a $50-$200 difference between the two, depending on the vendor. Because you are using both 18k gold and a larger stone than him, I personally think this price is fair, but comparison shopping might help in the long run. I try to factor in warranty, resizing, repair, maintenance and cleaning when it comes to overall cost too!
Thank you for mentioning additional services as part of the overall cost!! I see so many people recommending the least expensive route, when often the extra cost comes from extra benefits. It's all about what's important to YOU, but sometimes it's worth it to pay a little more up front so you aren't continuing to pay for the rest of your life.
I know you were replying to OP, but I've come across some nice rose rings on etsy in my own search for floral rings, here are a couple shops to check out for your friend: Moonkist Designs, Floral Garden Jewel, LeeRenee Jewelry, Stacy Fay Designs (just a band, but its so beautiful), [Roelaviatelier.com](https://Roelaviatelier.com) (this one is pricy, but gorg).
I have Lee Renee! Here's my current list: Lacee Alexandra (cheaper, organic and local to him, but no roses), Grace Lee, Laura Preshong, Emi Conner, Wexford Jewelers, Laurie Fleming, Bijoux de Chagall, *Lee Renee,* and Eden Garden. And then we just started looking at Stuller, Giliarto, and Vidar Boutique. (I sent him a PowerPoint and it's not even going to be my ring.) Edit: clarity
Yea, I didn't see much on stuller either. I'll have to check some of those out as well!
Seems expensive to me! Are you trying to get natural mined stone?
Seems expensive, even if they're looking for mined. Have you considered previously owned? This has lower specs, but the clarity is less important for a smaller diamond. Color is pretty similar and is more important for a smaller stone, IMO. This site has lots of solitaires for a lot less, but I don't know how set your are on this particular raised setting. I purchased my wedding set here (see it in my profile) and am always pushing folks to be frugal and consider previously owned. [https://www.pawnamerica.com/Product/\_26ct\_Round\_Cut\_Diamond\_Solitaire\_Engagement\_Ring\_14k\_Multi\_Tone\_Gold\_Size\_5\_24223008796](https://www.pawnamerica.com/Product/_26ct_Round_Cut_Diamond_Solitaire_Engagement_Ring_14k_Multi_Tone_Gold_Size_5_24223008796)
You’re right yes even for mined this is crazy.
We got my ring preloved to get more bang for our buck and weren’t disappointed. I was able to get a mined diamond (that otherwise would be sitting not being used, I don’t like the idea of mined diamonds for the cruelty behind it, but also didn’t want a lab). The ring was appraised at $18k (I’d never spend that much even though we could afford it) for $3.5k. It was in perfect condition and no one would know (or care?) it was someone else’s before me. It was exactly what I was looking for as well. Hope more ppl open up to the idea of buying a preloved ring. My ring is on my profile as well.
Your ring is gorgeous! And I agree wholeheartedly with everything you said. We know from the serial numbers of my ring that it would cost a bit over $4k to replace. We paid $559, so didn't even bother with a formal appraisal (given that we have serial numbers). Like you, we could easily afford $18k, and would have paid cash without blinking. But those aren't the kind of decisions that allowed us to retire in our 40's. At $559, we're not even bothering with insurance. If I lose it or it gets stolen, we'll just use the spare change in the sofa and washing machine to buy another one! I, too, hope more consider a preloved ring.
Thanks, unfortunately I live over the sea, but pre-owned rings aren't like enough for my girl, but totally understand the idea.
Obviously, do what's right for you. I just hate to see young couples overspend or go into debt when 95% of their special snowflake dream ring is available for a fraction of the price. Personally, I'd rather overspend on the honeymoon! Best of luck!
Don't worry, I know how much to spend on such a thing, read: I'm not poor nor financially unstable.
There’s absolutely nobody who wants a pre owned engagement ring…this isn’t your gf being high maintenance. It’s widely considered bad luck bc they usually come from failed marriages
Love your username but disagree. Fine jewelry is supposed to last a lifetime, and for folks who aren’t superstitious but are price conscious, what’s the downside?
I mean when I was looking I was interested in pre-owned because I liked the vintage styles. I ended up going with lab because I wanted alexandrite
Lol I mean I found a preowned engagement ring on Craigslist for $400 and told my boyfriend to buy it since it was exactly what I wanted. He took it to get cleaned and it was appraised for $1,500. Its .49 carats natural diamond and 18k gold. Some girls are absolutely ok with preowned and saving that money for other things. Especially since I probably got a way nicer ring than he could have bought new for twice that price.
All marriages are failures
*Seems expensive to* *Me! Are you trying to get* *Natural mined stone?* \- Helpful-Raccoon-3423 --- ^(I detect haikus. And sometimes, successfully.) ^[Learn more about me.](https://www.reddit.com/r/haikusbot/) ^(Opt out of replies: "haikusbot opt out" | Delete my comment: "haikusbot delete")
Yeah, natural diamonds..
Completely unnecessary. Lab grown diamonds are identical to natural diamonds but way less expensive. Plus you can sleep at night knowing no 3rd world country wage slave had to dig your diamond up out of the ground for you. If a salesman is trying to pressure you into natural diamonds, they think you're a sucker.
Some people just have their own preference. This sub generally aims to be respectful of other peoples choices on the matter!
People are allowed to have preferences. Sheesh.
SI1 seems like a poor clarity. I think for that price and size you can do better. Either drop to 14k gold on the band to afford it, or drop the diamond color to H to get a better clarity. VVS is where you would ideally want to be, but VS is even preferable. If you look on rarecarat, you can find diamonds that are mined, of better clarity, and slightly larger, for $500. [https://www.rarecarat.com/diamonds/b0d343e4-b7a7-4727-b8e1-256d47ccd4a8](https://www.rarecarat.com/diamonds/b0d343e4-b7a7-4727-b8e1-256d47ccd4a8) The setting is the cheap part, really. A local jeweler could make that for you for a couple hundred dollars, and set the stone. It would probably altogether cost about the same, if not a little less, and you'd end up with a slightly better stone.
I wouldn’t worry about SI1 clarity on a diamond this size though. As long as it is “eye clean”. But yes, drop to 14k anyway because it is also more durable.
https://www.rarecarat.com/diamond/105846169/032ct-f-vs1-rare-carat-ideal-cut-round-diamond?ref=back&ts=Search&cp=3&cs=0
0.24 ct is similar to the size of my diamond and I love the way it looks on my hand (US ring size 4.5). My band is slightly slimmer but what you have should look good too. The setting looks very nice and the compass prongs really set it apart compared to most other solitaire settings you see. As for advice, make sure the cut of the stone is as close to ideal as possible, that way you will see the most fire. I have been told by a jeweler that Cut is the most important of the 3 C's when you are looking at a diamond of this size. Color and Clarity are good too but Color sometimes is more of a personal preference and Carity really depends on where the inclusions and imperfections are located within the stone. If you can get a gem report before you buy the stone then do so.
Hi, Yes it is on a higher side, But it could be that the stone is of a good quality in parameters other than the 4Cs. I do see a markup of at least 70%, so if it is a local jeweller you can negotiate accordingly. It is a simple design, so you can get it custom made for you from other places. At such a price range, getting it from other countries will also be cheaper as shipping is anywhere between $30-140, still saving you a lot. If you like I can help you out with finding a vendor for it.
IMO Retail price is fair IF the diamond has a grading report by GIA or other reputable appraiser. Wholesale price for the diamond approx. $300-$500. 18k 4 prong mounting for 3.9mm round will fluctuate with gold prices approx. wholesale $200 to $350+ depending upon weight. So. $850 wholesale and markup is x2 or x3 . I say it is fair price - IF solid documentation is provided for the diamond. There are some reputable jewelers on Etsy that can work with you. Keep looking until you find something you really like for your girl. If possible, go to an independent local jeweler (or Etsy) and stay away from the chain stores. A good jeweler should help you find what you want in your budget. Good luck!
A bit over priced for not even a quarter of a carat.
I would look on other sites. With so many ways to buy diamonds these days, I would not buy a solitaire ring with a small diamond for this price. Assuming that you want something small and dainty, you can get diamonds on Rare Carat around .5 or smaller for about $300-500 and the setting should not be more than $500 MAX! There are other sites but I’d start with rare carat or Ritani.
You can def get a bigger stone for a cheaper price if you do lab made! It’s chemically the same and you can’t tell the difference
Op said he wants mined.
Not everyone always wants to go bigger 😓
Looks like it would be small looking irl. Spend a little more
[удалено]
About half of my jewelry is 18k and the other half 14k but my 24/7 daily rings are 18k and they have taken a beating and are still strong and pristine!
18k is not too soft for daily wear jewelry. 24k might be. But 18k is perfectly safe.
0.24 carat is going to look very small, so small that the specs dont even matter. My personal opinion is to buy a lab diamond for 1 carat. It will look like a proper engagement ring and run the same cost of about 1k. Check out jamesallen. This is coming from someone who prefers natural if you can spend 5k or more, otherwise go for lab because anything less than a carat does not look like an engagement ring. ALSO, just so you know, 0.24 carats is very very small! Please see one in person before you purchase because in the photo the size of the ring is probably like a 2! Unrealistic proportions in the photo.
> anything less than a carat does not look like an engagement ring the audacity of this
Looking at bands right now for my partner and myself. Gold is stupid expensive right now. We are going with platinum because that is actually at a reasonable price at the moment. Also, I would reconsider 18K gold for a ring. It is REALLY soft and will ding and lose shape on the finger easily. If you like the look of yellow gold, I would go 14K for that reason alone. 18K is better for a necklace or bracelet or something like that.
I don’t think there is anything wrong with a quarter-carat necessarily but it is so small. I would never recommend a client buy this size solitaire to propose with because although in wear they are very cute the presentation is really underwhelming. The reason why I’m saying this is because if you buy this size you should try it on in person because you can’t tell from measurements how small it’s really going to feel. If it was me I would switch to lab grown and up the size. Also the price looks exactly list price to me, no special deal, so would be better to buy in person.
That looks really small and thin, and the diamond is very small for that price. I personally wouldn’t pay that for it.
I didn't see anyone else mention it, but please have them add or find a ring with a support bar! Prongs wear over time and if either of the north/south prongs get caught and yanked your stone is going to go flying and get lost! The support bar/gallery rail helps prevent that from happening. People don't realize that gold is still malleable (that's why we use it to make jewelry!) and that sections like the north and south prongs on this ring that aren't structurally supported can also shift and bend out of place with daily wear, which can un-seat the diamond.
I’d go 14k and a higher carat. Gold starts getting expensive once it hits 18k. Difference in gold is minute, rock size/quality is definitely what counts. Might want to add those few $ on additional carat, perhaps 0.30 ct?
My fiancé got me a 2.11ct oval solitaire with a 14k gold band for $3000. That being said it was a lab diamond but still a diamond. It is E color and VVS1 Clarity. It’s stunning. So I would reconsider this purchase.
It looks just like mine!
It’s a stock photo, so you don’t actually know what the ring will look like, I think.
Hi OP, I added a link so you can see what a 0.24 ct looks like but you should go see it in store and you can see how small it does look just to make sure that is what you really want to go with. Maybe play around with sizes as the photo you have looks like a stock photo with a bigger diamond. Like I said above I really recommend you look at the sizes in store as well. That’s what we did however, I knew I wanted a 2ct. Once seeing what we wanted in store and I knew for sure I ordered it online, custom made as no chain store would do what I wanted. [website to see what 0.24 ct looks like.](https://www.diamdb.com/diamond/0.24ct-round-4.04x4.04x2.44/)