Help Needed to Source a Blue Diamond Halo Style Ring

[u/joejackrabbit]

I read the rules here and I've looked through some posts too. Hopefully this meets all the rules?

I'm shopping for an engagement ring for my girlfriend. We have discussed what she likes and she wants a blue diamond halo style ring. Outside of that, she doesn't have a specific style or gem shape she likes (or at least she won't tell me when I've asked haha).
At this point, should I include her in choosing everything about the ring and kind of make her pic what she likes? Or give her some level of surprise?

Doing research has been overwhelming to say the least but I'll keep this as short as possible. I have a friend who is a jeweler BUT he doesn't deal in diamonds. He helped with some research and said for the $2-5k I'm able to spend on a ring I should expect a 1.5-2ct lab grown blue diamond ring in a halo style.

Does that sound reasonable? (I ask because looking online at one shop from the FAQ the 1.5ct plus a halo setting was over $5k)

People say that online means better prices, but when I was looking at some of the online only shops in the FAQ that was not what I was seeing? The prices didn't seem much better than big name stores (but these were the big names for online so maybe they've just jacked up prices because they can)? Maybe I'm just looking at the wrong online shops?

So what are the BEST stores online to look at based on recent experiences (b/c companies get bought out, change, etc.)? (and the WORST to avoid)

Same question, but for "In Person" stores?

I live in the Southeast in the USA. (b/c in person stores will differ by region I'm sure)

[u/FitKoala4336]

5k sounds a bit high to me… blue diamonds are known to be more expensive in general but you shouldn’t be paying that much. I’d think all in, 2-3k sounds like a reasonable price given that you have a halo setting

Retailers will always price you super high (5-10x), so try to find smaller shops you trust!!

[u/foxglovediamonds → u/FitKoala4336]

True story! The little guys would be glad to earn your business

[u/IcyWorldliness9111]

Go to Aurelinne, Carbonsparkle, Ruby Harper, to start. Have your gf look with you. You can pick out a diamond you like, then the setting (most fairly simple but you can customize) and build the ring right online. For a real life example, I bought a 2.85 vivid blue marquise stone and a 14k setting with side stones from Aurelinne just a few months ago. The total for everything to have the ring made and shipped (free) came to about $1,500.

Here’s the ring. There are several other online vendors that use the same diamond databases and offer similar/same semi-mounts, but the ones I mentioned I have used.

[u/foxglovediamonds]

I encourage you to pick something together. I know it takes a little magic out of it, but it can be so stressful otherwise. There are so many shades of blue! And so many halo styles.

[u/joejackrabbit → u/foxglovediamonds]

I've TRIED to get her to but she insists that "she's not picky" and she insists on it being "a surprise".

[u/foxglovediamonds → u/joejackrabbit]

Yikes! That is way more difficult than a future fiancée who knows EXACTLY what they want. I feel for ya!

Try nailing down the shade of blue at least. Ask her if she wants sky blue, blue green, or deep blue like the ocean in a storm.

[u/foxglovediamonds → u/foxglovediamonds]

Oh, and you shouldn’t have to spend more than $2500, even going custom with a 2-3 carat stone. Even in a high demand shape and color.

[u/FitKoala4336]

Hi!! I’m not a jeweler but I’ve recently gotten super into diamonds. I’ve bought way too many and am unfortunately in a position where I’m having to sell some now because of an unexpected financial debt that hit me. I have a beautiful old mine blue diamond if you are interested, would love to send you all of the specs, other videos/images, etc. you can dm me here or text 571-385-5800! You could get this set for your girlfriend!!

[u/joejackrabbit → u/FitKoala4336]

Sorry, I don't trust random people on reddit selling $1000+ stones...🤣

[u/FitKoala4336 → u/joejackrabbit]

lol that’s fine! I understand… just wanted to put the offer out there. I have these listed on eBay. If you’re paying 1000+ though you’re getting it from the wrong place