Newbie - Please help find setting and diamond that is right!

[dooly26]

Hi everyone,

I have been lurking on these forums for the last month as I prepare to buy an engagement ring for my gf probably within the next month.

Although I have been trying to find out as much info as possible, your help would be greatly appreciated!

My budget is in the 5-6.5k range (Canadian dollars) total after tax (13%).

Right now I am looking to get a diamond in the 0.7 to 0.9 carat range. My gf insists that 0.7 carat is a good size for her hand (size 4), but I'm worried she's just saying that because shes concerned about my budget so I am looking at a higher range.

As for the setting, there is one she really likes at Bluenile, the Monique Lhuillier Cathedral Solitaire Platinum Ring which costs $1020 CAD: http://www.bluenile.com/ca/engagement-rings/monique-lhuillier/monique-lhuillier-cathedral-solitaire-ring-platinum-41263

My preference was to buy online from somewhere that shows the actual diamonds with multiple views such as James Allen, but I couldn't find a setting that was as nice as the above in other sites. Should I just go with bluenile based just on the GIA ratings?

Right now, based on my research I think I am going for a diamond with the following config:

Color: G
Clarity: VS2
Cut: Excellent
Symmetry: Excellent
Polish: Excellent
Fluorescene: Faint to None
Depth %: 60-62
Table %: 54-57
crown angle: 34-35
pavilion angle: 40.6-41

How does the above look? Anything else I should be considering or looking out for?

Any recommendations on diamonds from BN or elsewhere would be much appreciated. Also, if you have recommendations on alternative settings that you think might be nice alternatives to the above, it would be much appreciated. Thanks for all your help in advance

 

[Niel]

Re: Newbie - Please help find setting and diamond that is ri

these are american dollars but you'd have pay to get it into Canada so something like this?

http://www.briangavindiamonds.com/diamonds/diamond-details/0.805-g-vs1-round-diamond-ags-bl-104063639037

http://www.briangavindiamonds.com/engagement-rings/solitaire/ashleigh-14k-white-gold-5853w14
or
classic tiffany repro
http://www.briangavindiamonds.com/engagement-rings/solitaire/classic-tiffany-style-half-round-platinum-5478p

or from ritani

http://www.ritani.com/diamonds/round-diamond-0-85-Carat-G-color-AGSL-certified/D-G3Y5VR

http://www.ritani.com/engagement-rings/solitaire-diamond-cathedral-tulip-engagement-ring-in-platinum/5663

http://www.ritani.com/engagement-rings/solitaire-diamond-cathedral-engagement-ring-in-platinum/5662

 

[dooly26]

Re: Newbie - Please help find setting and diamond that is ri

Thanks for those links! Those settings are definitely nice and I will consider them, although I am still leaning slightly towards the Monique Lhuillier one still...something about it I really like.

I like the detailed report on those sites for the diamonds though, definitely would feel much better than going blind without pics with BN! Oh the decisions :S.

If anyone else has some recommendations, would be much appreciated too

 

[teobdl]

Re: Newbie - Please help find setting and diamond that is ri

I agree-that Blue Nile setting is quite nice--very similar to the classic Cartier 1895, which is my favorite solitaire.

James Allen does have a similar setting, but less graceful: http://www.jamesallen.com/engagemen...ee-basket-solitaire-engagement-ring-item-1086 You can even ask them to make it a four prong head.

This setting is also similar to the Blue Nile one, except with pave on the shank. If you get it, just make sure you ask them to set the diamond lower than in the renderings! http://www.jamesallen.com/engagemen...6ct-pave-set-diamond-engagement-ring-item-968 You can do single or double claws at your request. I actually think this is JA's most beautiful setting.


Just contact a customer service rep and they'll be more than happy to help you find a diamond. JA's customer service is absolutely impressive.

 

[Niel]

Re: Newbie - Please help find setting and diamond that is ri

Thanks for those links! Those settings are definitely nice and I will consider them, although I am still leaning slightly towards the Monique Lhuillier one still...something about it I really like.

I like the detailed report on those sites for the diamonds though, definitely would feel much better than going blind without pics with BN! Oh the decisions :S.

If anyone else has some recommendations, would be much appreciated too

Look around on either of those sites. They have other settings as well.


I just could t tell exactly shay that BN one looked like. For some reason I can only see one top vies photo.


Problem with bn is you rarely get photos OE performance information of the stone you are getting.

 

[bunnycat]

Re: Newbie - Please help find setting and diamond that is ri

I was only able to see teh top view of the BN one you like, but this one is very dainty and elegant, and the price leaves you a nice chunk for the stone.

http://www.briangavindiamonds.com/engagement-rings/solitaire/ashleigh-14k-white-gold-5853w14

 

[VRBeauty]

Re: Newbie - Please help find setting and diamond that is ri

SIde view here:
http://www.google.com/imgres?imgurl...Q-1UermAeX5iwK-7IHwCQ&ved=0CGsQ9QEwCA&dur=516

(Thank goodness for copy and paste capabilities!)

Honestly, it is a very elegant setting, and personally I don't think the BGD alternatives are in the same ballpark.

This setting (available from Whiteflash) is similar: http://www.whiteflash.com/gallery/s...solitaire-engagement-ring-by-vatche-25102.htm You won't save on the setting, but you would be able to set it with a WF diamond and have the benefit of their diamond photos and selection help.

This WF setting is also similar - and is available in 14K gold, which would save you a bit. http://www.whiteflash.com/engagemen...-sleek-line-solitaire-engagement-ring-728.htm

 

[bunnycat]

Re: Newbie - Please help find setting and diamond that is ri

SIde view here:
http://www.google.com/imgres?imgurl...Q-1UermAeX5iwK-7IHwCQ&ved=0CGsQ9QEwCA&dur=516

(Thank goodness for copy and paste capabilities!)

Honestly, it is a very elegant setting, and personally I don't think the BGD alternatives are in the same ballpark.

This setting (available from Whiteflash) is similar: http://www.whiteflash.com/gallery/s...solitaire-engagement-ring-by-vatche-25102.htm You won't save on the setting, but you would be able to set it with a WF diamond and have the benefit of their diamond photos and selection help.

This WF setting is also similar - and is available in 14K gold, which would save you a bit. http://www.whiteflash.com/engagemen...-sleek-line-solitaire-engagement-ring-728.htm

here's a stone from WF that could go with that:

http://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-2930376.htm

 

[VRBeauty]

Re: Newbie - Please help find setting and diamond that is ri

One thing to consider - although the MH setting is really lovely, and apparently has a nice "surprise" pink sapphire, the setting is inherently less sturdy than the two Whiteflash settings because the head is attached to the shank at that single, small point at the thinest part of the band. Those "donuts" under the heads of the WF settings are there to provide more points of contact and support for the head, which makes the settings stronger. The cathedral shoulders on either side of the head will help, of course, but the two settings from WF are both designed for longer trouble-free wear. Will you ever need that bit of extra strength? There's no way of knowing, but it is something to consider in choosing a setting.

 

[dooly26]

Re: Newbie - Please help find setting and diamond that is ri

Thanks for all the suggestions. I do think the first one from WF is especially lovely, so I'll have to see what the gf says

 

[blackprophet]

Re: Newbie - Please help find setting and diamond that is ri

I'm guessing by the 13% you are in Ontario?

If you are near Toronto, and had your heart set on the BN setting, you could buy them separately and get them set here in Toronto.

Or you could Buy the diamond and get someone local to make a setting for you. On your budget it could be done.

 

[Niel]

Re: Newbie - Please help find setting and diamond that is ri

I'm guessing by the 13% you are in Ontario?

If you are near Toronto, and had your heart set on the BN setting, you could buy them separately and get them set here in Toronto.

Or you could Buy the diamond and get someone local to make a setting for you. On your budget it could be done.

I don't think bn will sell only a setting.