Hi,

if the budget is about $10k before taxes,
would you spend

A. 8k on the setting(graduated french cut sides or a halo), 2k on an Amora OEC

or

B. 2k on a platinum solitaire setting, 8k on an ideal cut H&A diamond with great upgrade policy


Which would you pick and why?

I feel like if I get an expensive setting, I am getting a piece of art as my e-ring.
However, if I ever decide to sell the ring(to buy a different ring, etc), I am worried the setting won't sell for as much money as an ideal cut rb diamond.

Im going with scenario A. Im actually having the setting custom made with platinum and diamonds and the center will be Amora RB. I like the idea of having a really nice, different setting as opposed to sparkly 1 vs sparkly 2 (which is actually more sparkly than sparkly 1)

I'd prefer the nicer setting, but that's part of why I went with a sim The Amora OECs are gorgeous and very diamond-like, and a killer setting is more important to me than a valuable diamond.

Just a word on resale value, though, you will probably lose money on either one. A member here recently bought a graduated frenchie setting for about half what it cost to make, but I have a suspicion that the seller could have gotten a bit more since it sold so quickly. You'll definitely take a hit, though, as people won't want to buy a setting made for someone else's stone and worn by someone else unless they're saving a significant amount of money.
You might think a diamond will hold its value, but you'll never be able to resell a diamond for what you paid for it. The only way you might come out somewhat even is if you bought a diamond secondhand directly from its current owner and then resold it yourself later. Any sort of retailer or dealer will be selling at a premium and will only buyback at below wholesale price.

I'd go with what you love, not with what you think might have better resell value. Jewelry makes for rather poor investment pieces, I'm afraid, so just get what you like and enjoy it!

Edit: Just saw the part about the upgrade policy. That does change the game some. Do you anticipate wanting to upgrade in the near future? If so, you might consider getting the diamond. You can still get a very nice setting for 2k, though! No french cuts, but a beautiful halo is certainly an option. It won't be Leon Mege or Victor Canera, but DBL, Schubach, Wink, or David Klass might fit the bill!

You are going to lose money on BOTH so pick what you like most.

I would prioritize setting because I see no need to have a diamond when I like Amora moissy just as much.

Soooo...any picks of the settings you are considering??

me... definitely prioritise the setting! depending on the setting, you could swap out the stone for a diamond at a later stage if you really didn't like the Amora.

It seems like everyone prefers to spend more on the setting!

If I went with a diamond, the setting would be a simple 6-prong knife edge
solitaire..

I am just starting to consider OEC over an RB cut so haven't really narrowed
down my choices, but here are some!


You probably saw some of these pics a gazillion times!!!
























I am slightly worried that Leon Mege won't make the ring with french cut
diamonds for me because my stone isn't from him and/or is not a
"conventional" gemstone LOL











...and perhaps a 6-prong three stone OEC ring, just like the ruby and OEC T&Co
ring I posted above(2nd pic from top).

I am not going to try to pass my ring off as a diamond ring...I just want
something beautiful!

gtt, all of those are gorgeous. pick the one that makes your heart sing!

for my 2 cents... love the french cuts of course, so that would be my first choice, but i think there is something so very classy about rubies and i love the 3 stone with the oecs too, a more classic look.

whatever you pick, they are all winners

Good luck!!

You should ask LM if he'd work with moissy. I know TurksinLove has a LM ring and he set her Krupps asha, so maybe he's open to working with the Amora? Never hurts to ask

I'd go for scenario B just to be different hehe!

I love moissy but I think 10K is a healthy budget for an ering and you could get a great diamond with an awesome upgrade policy. I'm sure we could get you a nice setting for less than 2K as well.

I'm thinking "incredible Solitaire" that Poppy is selling (which is very similar to an LM solitaire.

Some diamond examples

http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/I-VS2-Ideal-Cut-Round-Diamond-1376834.asp

http://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-1151347.htm

http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/I-SI1-Ideal-Cut-Round-Diamond-1458697.asp

http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/J-SI1-Ideal-Cut-Round-Diamond-1436438.asp

or a .99ct which saves you some money since price jumps at 1ct mark.
http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/I-VS2-Ideal-Cut-Round-Diamond-1479318.asp

You've got so many choices with a 10K budget. If you do prefer a large stone for the start then no, 10K can't get you a well cut 2ct colorless or near colorless diamond but you could get a moissy RB, in which case go all out on the setting. It's all a matter of preference, so it's hard to say I would do this or that, what are your priorities? Do you want a big stone? Even if you go with any of the diamonds listed above you could still get a lovely setting, and it doesn't have to be a solitaire.

If you want an OEC moissy then that french cut graduated ring is god sent. I love that ring!

Agree with all here.

As Bling said, I would ask Leon about moissy. I know he works with Ashas.

And btw, all those rings you posted are lovely. I love that PS one with the 3ct+ EC and the french cuts.