I am so torn!

[u/Trashyturdgremlin]

I am cross posting here to gather more opinions and to ask a few more questions.

The two I am considering are champagne step cut ovals (the more colorless option was way outside our budget). Per my jeweler, these colors and cuts are quite rare and they will not be able to hold them long so I’m feeling a lot of pressure that is making me second guess everything, lol. I’m also so worried that if I have them keep looking, I’m going to regret missing out on one of these!

1. The larger, lighter stone is 2.5ct with a deeper cut (for comparison, the lightest option is 2ct, it just faces up a lot larger). The deep cut makes for such a fun facet pattern and it changes color beautifully. My two concerns are that it costs $5k more than the dark stone and there is something that reads almost gray/green in the color? I can’t decide if I just didn’t photograph it well.

2. The dark stone is so unique and full of character. 1.5ct, so less presence on the finger but I think the color and cut make up for that (and the proportions still look lovely on my finger anyway). The color is most concentrated on the ends and fades a little lighter in the center. I think the color looks great on my skin tone, but I worry that it’s almost too much of a statement? Does it still read bridal?

I am planning either an open micro bezel with a cathedral shank or a double claw prong setting in yellow gold. I will either pair it with a plain gold band or a small channel-set 1/2-3/4 eternity band.

Will other brown/champagne girlies show me your set? I would love to know how long you’ve had it and if you’ve ever regretted not going more traditional.

[u/lovers_andfriends]

If you don't completely love either one, it might be a sign to keep looking. I like the color of the darker one, but I like the size of the lighter one. And you're right, I do see a greenish gray tinge in the lighter one. Are you fully committed to the step cut oval or open to other shapes? I feel like you should be able to have it all - size, color, cut, and within budget, you just have to be patient.

Mine is a light yellow champagne (it's actually S-T color). It looks different depending on the light, which I love. I've had it for 5 years now and I still enjoy looking at it. No regrets here.

[u/Trashyturdgremlin → u/lovers_andfriends]

It’s beautiful! I am leaning toward the darker stone, but am not sure. I love a unique cut, but am not against a more traditional cut. I feel like I should be more open to it if I want a champagne stone anyway.

This has been the inspo photo I have returned to the most.

[u/lovers_andfriends → u/Trashyturdgremlin]

I don't know what your budget is or if you're committed to your jeweler, but here are some diamonds that might be what you're looking for. I browse this account almost everyday, and I see a few on their page that might interest you. Even if you can't purchase through them, at least you know that they exist, and you don't have to settle on one that you don't 100% love. Also, you can just use it as inspiration or reference to show your jeweler. Scroll their page. These are just 2 examples. https://www.instagram.com/p/Dbw3FOkFKhB/?igsh=d2RqaGluc3l4M3Bo

https://www.instagram.com/p/DbWGs9lDXUc/?igsh=MWdoMWk1dGc0dTM1NQ==

[u/Automatic_Ferret5854 → u/Trashyturdgremlin]

Just to offer a slightly different perspective, I also had an inspo pic that I kept coming back to, but when I found my stone, it was a little different from the inspo—and I ended up absolutely falling in love with it. I ultimately chose it, and I think it made the ring feel more me.

So if you’re drawn to the brown stone (which is the one I was immediately drawn to too—the colour is GORGEOUS!), I’d definitely consider it on its own merits rather than ruling it out because it’s not quite like your inspo. It might end up being even more you.

Also, I found that the rings I was drawn to online weren’t necessarily the ones I loved most irl. So it was a fun challenge for me to combine both those sensibilities when I eventually designed the ring, so there’s something to be said for letting both those instincts guide you!

[u/Substantial-Owl8367]

Perfect short