Is $1,000 reasonable for a ring setting?

When H and I went shopping, I was interested in a solitaire with prong set diamonds on the band. I remember at Fink's, that setting was $1200.

@jessica, I know budget varies, I just meant that I didn't want to really look forward to a halo pave setting and be let down if I find out it's way over what we can afford at the moment. I'll check out those sites! Thanks

Some of the cost is also in what metal you select, so make sure you factor that in along with setting.

You should have some options in that price range in white gold with pave diamonds. It's probably not enough for a halo though. It's definitely low for platinum.

Are you looking for a custom setting to go with your diamond or one that's already designed? That can impact the cost too.

You can run a google search about purchasing settings - and see general costs of things you like. You can also bring pictures with you when you go to a jewelry store so they know what you're thinking to make the process easier on you.

Some stores in my area always sell diamonds/stones and setting separately, so a place like that could have a lot of options for you to consider too.

Not the best photo, but I did the same thing as you. I had my grandma's wedding ring with the band attached to it and it need a lot of work on the prongs. We bought a new setting for $800. My grandma diamond is 1/3 carat. I considered a halo setting, but didn't really want FH to spend the extra money on it.

If you look on Whitestone brothers website their e rings are sold without the centerstone. The ring is ordered in your size a customized to your diamond size even. Their rings are vintage looking which is what I liked and ordered. It is a process though because they draw a cad that you have to approve then they send a casting you have to try on before your ring is poured .

This was my grandma's original setting

A friend of mine had her reset for $600. Not sure where she had hers done...

My custom setting for my ring was 600 that did not include my diamond . .. and my ring is heavy ... but the more diamonds the more it costs ... it also depends on gold weight I don't think 1000 is unrealistic just low gold weight and teeny diamonds but with only .5 carat small and dainty would be better in my opinion to really show the bigger stone

@linds probably looking at a stock setting, was hoping for white or rose gold. I am basically hoping to not get laughed at for the budget lol.

@amanda, I'm kinda thinking that too - a petite or micropave band with solitaire head. Hopefully they'll have some nice options for under $1000, if not, then we wait until we can afford a little more!

Thanks everyone for your suggestions you've given me a lot to look into!

Do some shopping around. We found a small jeweler who does great work, but doesn't keep any stock or employees so everything is much cheaper! The same custom solitaire setting from him was half the price as the boutique stores, and a third of the price of bigger box stores. Be sure to also ask about the cost of setting the stone, not just the ring. I had prices range from $50-300 on putting my stone into another ring.

@fb99, no not dead set.. if it's available sure.. otherwise I do like solitaires with some pave side stones. I was just hoping I'd be able to do a little more than just a plain band :/ we shall see!

My setting was over 2k but it was custom with diamonds and 18k gold.

No, not at all.

^^^^I think my eyes are stuck in the back of my head because I just rolled my eyes harder than I've rolled them in my life.

I would start by looking online. It think it is definitely doable to get a pave setting under your price range though it might be a bit more difficult to get a halo (bigger diamonds). Either way it is good to have a price point in mind before shopping.

https://www.bluenile.com/build-your-own-ring/settings?track=NavEngStartWithSet

I found that it was less expensive to have the jeweler build a prong onto a wedding ring than the already made settings. The setting I wanted was about $2000 but I was able to get it for about half that having them make it.

We also reset H's grandmother's diamond into a Halo setting that was custom made. No diamonds down the side but with intriquet detail on the side nonetheless and it was about $1500. You might be able to stay close to your budget, but I think 1k is tight. The best thing to do is shop around and see what you find.

Not sure if anyone has gone to Nebraska Diamond, I think they are in a few other states aside from Nebraska that's where we are going, they strictly do settings and diamonds separately. Hopefully the resetting fee isn't too much (though that's not included in the setting budget) blue Nile has some great options though I'd definitely prefer to go local so I don't have to ship my grandma's ering back and forth..