Setting a diamond in an engagement ring?

Question

Well my boyfriend and I have been talking for some time about getting engaged and how much we think he should spend on a ring. We are both in our second year of college, me full time and him part time and we both also work, me part time and him full time. We have been together for almost 3 years and have been good friends since we were in the sixth grade.
We recently moved intogether at my parents house, they have a little one bedroom apartment type set up in the basement so we can save money for a house and a small wedding.
I want a ring that is 14K white gold and we found a engagement ring setting that is on clearance online for $289.00 and has 1/3carat diamond sidestones and can hold a solitare between 3/4 and 1 carat.
I (we) personally don't want to shell out a bunch of money for a diamond right now so is it possible to buy a loose diamond simulate and have it set in the setting. Also where could I have it done?
I found a place online called diamond nexus lab that cells loose man made diamonds and a .76 carat would cost $75 and comes with a lifetime warrenty if anything is wrong with the stone. ( I asked and they can't set the stone)
I figured if we did this down the line if we wanted to we could upgrade to a real diamond but right now it is more praticle to save money for a house verses spending money on a big engagment ring.
What does everyone think.

Thanks
Heather

Answer 1

First off, Congratulations on your engagement! It sounds like you both have your heads in the right place in not wanting to spend a lot on a diamond right now and saving your money for a home, which is a much better investment!



Just to let you know, Nexus labs "diamonds" are actually CZ's, not lab created diamonds Don't waste your money on them, you can get cz's much cheaper elsewhere!

More info about Nexus is here... http://www.diamond.info/forum/index.php?showtopic=5248



You can go to any reputable independent jeweler and have them install a loose CZ of that size range for about $25 or less. Most of the cost is in setting the stone, the actually CZ itself shouldn't cost more than $5. There are several suppliers of CZ online. Here is a dealer from ebay selling a 1 carat equivalent CZ for $ 1. http://cgi.ebay.com/ROUND-LOOSE-CUBIC-ZIRCONIA-CZ-SIMULATED-1-CARAT-STONE_W0QQitemZ250560085946QQcmdZViewItemQQptZLoose_Cubic_Zirconia?hash=item3a568b7fba#ht_3606wt_1165



If you would like to go with a genuine gemstone you might check into white sapphire or even white topaz. They are nice substitutes for diamond, although not as sparkly and more expensive than CZ.

Moissanite is another alternative. It is a simulated gem, like CZ, but because it is carbon based like diamond, it will read as diamond with a diamond tester. It is also pretty expensive for a diamond simulant.



Good luck to the both of you!

Answer 2

Yes, this ring is absolutely gorgeous! Just my opinion though... My sister has a Tiffanys setting ring and she's had it for a few years now. Tiffanys is awesome for follow up, like if the diamond is ever damaged, needs to be cleaned, etc they will do it all for you with no charge. My best advice for your sake though, don't settle. If you don't love it then what's the point? The ring is a symbol of your commitment to each other and you will have to look at it every single day. If you can't afford it now, you can always upgrade later when finances are in better shape. Congrats and Good luck hun!

Answer 3

With even a little bit of research on Google, I found enough to make me suspicious of Diamond Nexus Lab. It sounds like their "stones" don't look so good in person.

http://betterthandiamond.com/discussion/ubbthreads.php/ubb/showflat/Number/432780#Post432780

Personally, I love the Gemesis lab-created diamonds, but those run even more expensive than natural diamonds, so that's probably not what you are in the market for.



Have you checked out moissanite? I think that it shines even more brilliantly than a real diamond, and it's prettier up close than cubic zirconia.



Good luck. I think you're smart to look for an affordable option for a ring. Talk to some local jewelers. You can probably find one to set a diamond simulate for you.

Answer 4

I'm not sure about putting it in a setting, it sure seems it should be possible.. Have you tried diamonique from QVC ,, they have some beautiful diamond simulates,, And not expensive at all.... Good Luck ! Seems both you and boyfriend are doing things the right way,,,Saving money for your own home is way more practical then a big diamond engagement ring

Answer 5

Any jeweler can mount a stone in a setting. If you buy the setting and the stone (real or simulated) online from two separate stores, you can take them to any jewelery store in your area, pay a small fee (call around to get the best deal) and have the stone mounted. Easy peasy.

Answer 6

I think you have a good plan.



You may be able to bring your stone and your ring to a jeweler and have him/her do the actual setting. Check this site for reputable dealers, and be sure to call before you purchase anything: http://www.americangemsociety.org/member-search-jeweler.php