Ovals, love/hate

[ovalcentre]

Hello all,

I am new to the PS community, but I have been reading and updating myself on much of the terminology on here. Call me a lurker if you like, but I am somewhat of the neurotic type that wants to get the perfect stone for the g/f. I'm pretty sure she would be happy with anything at this point, but I really want to wow her.

A few loose considerations I have going in:
~ 5,000 budget for the setting + diamond
Oval ~ 1 carat
She likes the antique looking rings and something 'unique'
I do not think that she will notice color, clarity, etc. but really likes when the diamonds 'sparkle' as she says. So I am looking for a decent sized oval that has good/great light return.

That being said, I have created a spreadsheet similar to a previous poster and come up with three/four stones that interest me. I know that many people say I need ASET/IS images, and wanted to run these past this forum as a rough estimate on which seem the best and which company I should deal with. I looked at GOG (since Jonathon had great reviews) and only found diamonds outside my budget. Do any of these companies have great people to help evaluate the diamond? I am still a little confused on what it costs me to have the ASET and evals performed.

http://www.briangavindiamonds.com/diamonds/diamond-details/1.060-i-si1-oval-diamond-gia-31647218
http://www.briangavindiamonds.com/diamonds/diamond-details/1.020-i-si1-oval-diamond-gia-32492448
http://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/oval-cut-loose-diamond-2681376.htm
http://www.engagementringsdirect.com/index.php?file=diamond_details&gems_item_id=51623&first_step=diamond

I plan on this setting - or something similar if I can find something similar:
http://www.gabrielny.com/engaged/style/ER7999W44JJ

I was planning on buying the setting from a local jeweler that would then set the diamond that I purchased online. I am just really, really nervous to spend that much money on an online 'bet.' I know the ASET can say a lot, but it still makes me nervous. I have pretty much given up on the B&M stores in the area, as many are selling ~1 carat ovals 'self-certified by their GIA gemologist,' for 4500-5200. Some of the stones are beautiful to the untrained eye, but my eye tends to be pretty strong with the loupe and such.

I'm planning on purchasing this sometime in the next month. What is a reasonable turnaround time for sourcing both the diamond and setting?

Thanks for reading my novel!

 

[Gypsy]

Call BGD, ask to talk to Brian-- he's got the best eye for diamonds IMO and you are already looking at BGD from your links. Tell him you want the best performing oval he can find you for 4k or less. That setting shouldn't cost you anywhere near 1.5k. In white gold I would only pay 700-900 or so for it. I like the setting though, and think you should get the real thing instead of having it made. Get pricing from ID Jewelry, they can get the setting for you and send it to BGD which would save you a bunch of fees from your local place for setting an outside stone and your stone would be insured while it was being set. As for turn around, I would start now or very soon. I would ask IDJ what the leadtime for the Gabriel setting is, and then tell Brian your timeline and have him tell you what works for him.


I wouldn't even bother looking for an oval yourself on BGD's site. Brian can do the search for you and find you the right stone. I would ask for the following:

Eyeclean
I or better
1.3-1.4 ratio if possible.
Minimal bowtie.