Emergency situation - Need new ring by Christmas!!

[VirtualBoston]

I must say that reading through this site has helped me immensely and I certainly feel more educated now than I did a few months back. My time frame has changed and is much shorter, since I changed my proposal plans from a European New Year's trip to Christmas morning at home in Boston, due to logistics.

Everything was in place until the jeweler could not come through with the promised diamond. I am now 30 days from Christmas and need a new ring!!

The goal is to keep the ring at $20k or less.

Here are the rough specs:
Cushion (maybe Princess)
2.5ct
SI1
Color G, H or I
Any fluorescence
Very good or Excellent cut
Table %58-70
Depth %58-70
Ratio 1.00-1.03


Attached are samples of the settings that my girlfriend is fond of - Second post is another setting

 

[VirtualBoston]

Second setting

 

[JulieN]

Your budget for that kind of setting and a 2.5 ct is probably unreasonable. 2 cts is a healthier target.

 

[JulieN]

Can you ask for an ASET of this: http://www.b2cjewels.com/dd-4931146-2.23-carat-Cushion-diamond-H-color-SI1-clarity.aspx

 

[VirtualBoston]

Thanks and I'll look into that diamond.

Let's say I wanted to stick with what I listed above.

Are we talking about a $22k-25k budget? I'm a little flexible

 

[VirtualBoston]

Chat representative from B2C recommended these:

Reviewed all three and said this was the best:
http://www.b2cjewels.com/dd-6441190-2.50-carat-Cushion-diamond-I-color-VS1-clarity.aspx
"It has a white face-up, no brown, no yellow and it spotlessly eye-clean. The luster and brilliance is also maximum"

These were the second options:
http://www.b2cjewels.com/dd-6303491-2.56-carat-Cushion-diamond-G-color-SI1-clarity.aspx
http://www.b2cjewels.com/dd-6378384-2.58-carat-Cushion-diamond-H-color-SI1-clarity.aspx

 

[liaerfbv]

Both of those settings pose an issue to wearing anything other than a plain metal wedding band with it. Just something to think about.

 

[Niel]

maybe?
http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/cushion-cut/2.40-carat-h-color-si1-clarity-sku-380012

http://www.jamesallen.com/engagement-rings/pave/platinum-tailored-diamond-engagement-ring-item-41126

ask if they can apply a preferred members discount....

 

[VirtualBoston]

Both of those settings pose an issue to wearing anything other than a plain metal wedding band with it. Just something to think about.

The first setting is a Ritani and this is the matching band
https://www.ritani.com/engagement-rings/tapered-pave-diamond-band-engagement-ring-in-14kt-white-gold/13630#matching_bands

 

[liaerfbv]

Oh good. I wasn't thinking about channel set. The issue if you wanted a prong set diamond band is they would rub against the pave on the e-ring.

 

[VirtualBoston]

Any thoughts on the diamonds listed above?
6441190

Dealer said the ASET looks good, but from what I read, you want less white

For the money though, it seems like a good bet.

 

[Gypsy]

This one. Ask if overblue and if eyeclean; http://www.b2cjewels.com/dd-6464503-2.20-carat-Cushion-diamond-G-color-SI1-clarity.aspx


I'd buy it.

And you can get it insured (you just have to do it online, it's easy) and send to Ritani for setting. And you are done.

 

[Gypsy]

Any thoughts on the diamonds listed above?
6441190

Dealer said the ASET looks good, but from what I read, you want less white

For the money though, it seems like a good bet.

Yes, it does have a lot of white. It's better than average. But personally I would go for the G SI 2.2 stones unless you HAVE to HAVE 2.5 carats.

 

[VirtualBoston]

2.5ctw isn't a requirement, but you always need a point of reference to start with, so I started with 2.5+

The price on the 2.5 and 2.2 is nearly identical and I'm guessing the size difference is probably negligible?

 

[VirtualBoston]

Once again, thanks for the help and encouragement. Your input is great!
I am hoping to have 6 options with imaging and analysis from a gemologist from B2C and Ritani by Friday.

Ritani
2.51ctw - $17,583
https://www.ritani.com/diamonds/cushion-diamond-2-51-Carat-I-color-GIA-certified/D-9MHPFR

2.51ctw - $17,323
https://www.ritani.com/diamonds/cushion-diamond-2-51-Carat-I-color-GIA-certified/D-3JHVHW

2.36ctw - $16685
https://www.ritani.com/diamonds/cushion-diamond-2-36-Carat-I-color-GIA-certified/D-9QQ07H

2.26ctw - $16,259
https://www.ritani.com/diamonds/cushion-diamond-2-26-Carat-I-color-GIA-certified/D-99W9SK


B2C Jewels - Already mentioned, but listing again
2.50ctw - $15,790
http://www.b2cjewels.com/dd-1-6441190-2.50-carat-Cushion-diamond-I-color-VS1-clarity.aspx

2.20ctw - $15,531
http://www.b2cjewels.com/dd-6464503-2.20-carat-Cushion-diamond-G-color-SI1-clarity.aspx

 

[Travelgal]

I think most posters here will agree not to buy a cushion without an image so it's tough evaluating the ritani stones. They could be great or they could be duds and it's impossible to tell by the numbers alone.

 

[VirtualBoston]

I think most posters here will agree not to buy a cushion without an image so it's tough evaluating the ritani stones. They could be great or they could be duds and it's impossible to tell by the numbers alone.

Good to know. I will have all 6 images by Friday.

Are there any deals out there on Ritani? Are the reputable?

 

[Gypsy]

None of the Ritani have images so they are bust to me.

I still like the 2.20 G B2C stone. It's a winner.

 

[Niel]

I've had a very frustrating experience with ritani recently.

And I've been disappointed in their service twice now.

Their settings are well made, but I find their service less than stellar, and I would go so far as to avoid trying to buy a diamond from them.

 

[VirtualBoston]

Loving this setting

http://www.caro74.com/store/p/3675-Classic-Elegance-Collection-Diamond-Engagement-Ring-With-Side-Stones-in-14K-White-Gold-with-Platinum-Head-1-1-2ct-tw.aspx

 

[distracts]

I would get the first setting rather than the second. I also like the third, though the first is a bit more modern while the third is a bit more traditional.

 

[Rosebloom]

I much prefer the Ritani setting to the others you posted. It feels more classic to me - like it will stand the test of time. And I know this sounds silly, but since you can, I'd stick to over 2.5 cts. There is something insanely luxurious about that size.

 

[Gypsy]

A) He can buy the Ritani through a retailer, so he doesn't have to deal with them directly. Pearlmans is fantastic and that would take care of the Customer service issues. THIS IS WHAT I RECOMMEND.

B)It looks as though she prefers a cathedral settings with four prongs and diamonds on the profile. So I wouldn't go for the one Neil posted, though it is lovely.

I think this one is a good fit:
http://www.pearlmansjewelers.com/jewelry-designers/harout-r-jewelry/rings/68HR1/

This one doesn't have the stones on the profile but it is a similar graduated rounds look as the Ritani: http://www.pearlmansjewelers.com/jewelry-designers/sholdt-jewelry/rings/04ZZ1/


These you could show her and see what she thinks:

This one has a small split shank, but it would look fantastic with a nice large cushion center:
http://www.pearlmansjewelers.com/jewelry-designers/pearlmans-bridal-jewelry/rings/142EE1/

Another: http://www.pearlmansjewelers.com/jewelry-designers/pearlmans-bridal-jewelry/rings/172EE1/

 

[VirtualBoston]

I would get the first setting rather than the second. I also like the third, though the first is a bit more modern while the third is a bit more traditional.

The first setting (where the melee diamonds wrap around the majority of the band) is:
Ritani, https://www.ritani.com/engagement-r...band-engagement-ring-in-14kt-white-gold/13630
Retails for $3600
14k white gold
.48ctw


The third setting:
Caro74, http://www.caro74.com/store/p/3675-...White-Gold-with-Platinum-Head-1-1-2ct-tw.aspx
Retails for $2900
14k white gold with a platinum head
1.5ctw (with 74 facet melee diamonds)
Unique band shape on the bottom to increase comfort and prevent "spinning"

I thought the squared off band gave it a more modern look....

 

[Rosebloom]

Have you picked a stone? And Gypsy makes a great point about Pearlman's. We've heard from so so many happy customers on this site.

 

[VirtualBoston]

Have you picked a stone? And Gypsy makes a great point about Pearlman's. We've heard from so so many happy customers on this site.

Ritani came back and said that they DO NOT do ASET imagery and couldn't do it on Cushion shapes anyway. Not sure if that is true or not, because B2C Jewels has ASET on Cushions. I met with a Ritani consultant today over the phone, who was very nice, and she recommended this stone out of the 6 that she picked out for me. (I believe this is an actual photo of the diamond)

https://www.ritani.com/diamonds/cushion-diamond-2-51-Carat-I-color-GIA-certified/D-3JHVHW


She did not recommend 2.5+ ctw in this Caro74 setting http://www.caro74.com/store/p/3675-...White-Gold-with-Platinum-Head-1-1-2ct-tw.aspx

Her personal recommendation for a similar French set was this one with larger 2mm stones = .48ctw
https://www.ritani.com/engagement-rings/french-set-diamond-band-engagement-ring-in-14kt-white-gold/10593

or this one with more intricate detailing and more stones
https://www.ritani.com/engagement-rings/french-set-diamond-band-engagement-ring-in-14kt-white-gold/12213

 

[LLJsmom]

Have you picked a stone? And Gypsy makes a great point about Pearlman's. We've heard from so so many happy customers on this site.

Ritani came back and said that they DO NOT do ASET imagery and couldn't do it on Cushion shapes anyway. Not sure if that is true or not, because B2C Jewels has ASET on Cushions. I met with a Ritani consultant today over the phone, who was very nice, and she recommended this stone out of the 6 that she picked out for me. (I believe this is an actual photo of the diamond)

https://www.ritani.com/diamonds/cushion-diamond-2-51-Carat-I-color-GIA-certified/D-3JHVHW


She did not recommend 2.5+ ctw in this Caro74 setting http://www.caro74.com/store/p/3675-...White-Gold-with-Platinum-Head-1-1-2ct-tw.aspx

Her personal recommendation for a similar French set was this one with larger 2mm stones = .48ctw
https://www.ritani.com/engagement-rings/french-set-diamond-band-engagement-ring-in-14kt-white-gold/10593

or this one with more intricate detailing and more stones
https://www.ritani.com/engagement-rings/french-set-diamond-band-engagement-ring-in-14kt-white-gold/12213

Hi VirtualBoston,

I am only bringing this up because of the pricepoint of some of the settings that you are considering. Have you looked at Victor Canera's custom hand forged platinum pieces? Look at Mayk's four prong setting. It's really beautiful. And I posted links to some others. I don't know if you are set on where you are buying the stone. Victor can source stones too. But just saying that it may be worth your time to ask him for some quotes given some of the prices of the settings you are considering.

https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/victor-canera-evelyn-with-flush-stems-bgb.203805/

https://www.pricescope.com/communit...lyn-open-profile-canera-hearts-arrows.203930/

https://www.pricescope.com/communit...e-with-victor-canera-custom-solitaire.196944/

https://www.pricescope.com/communit...you-thank-you-thank-you-victor-canera.187810/

Also, below is the thread on a lot of his creations for fellow PSers.

https://www.pricescope.com/forum/sh...-victor-canera-beauties-here-t175281-120.html

Best of luck.

 

[Niel]

Have you picked a stone? And Gypsy makes a great point about Pearlman's. We've heard from so so many happy customers on this site.

Pearlmans has stopped working with ritani.

I agree going with a retailer, but pearlmans won't work

 

[Gypsy]

Ooh. Interesting. I don't love any of the Ritani stones.

 

[VirtualBoston]

None of the Ritani diamonds panned out and neither did the 2.5 ctw from B2C.
2.2 from B2C came back nice according to the independent gemologist that could see the diamond.

Spoke with a rep from Whiteflash today and their gemologist Bob, who apparently has 30+ years experience, will be looking into some stones for me on Sunday.

Also swung by Long's Jewelers and was not too thrilled with their "pitch". I was essentially told that they will be 20-40% more than internet prices and that's because they get the pick of the litter before the diamonds are sent off to BlueNile and the other internet retailers. They also said ASET and other imagery is baloney and they stopped using it many years back. Wasn't a fan of the experience.

Sent an email off to Victor Canera (thanks for the tip!) however I'm worried that it is too short of notice at this point.

On topic of settings, another Caro74 caught my eye tonight:

1ctw side stones
http://www.caro74.com/store/p/3615-Classic-Elegance-Collection-Engagement-Ring-With-Diamond-Side-Stones-in-14K-White-Gold-with-Platinum-Head-1ct-tw.aspx

1/2ctw side stones
http://www.caro74.com/store/p/3619-Classic-Elegance-Collection-Engagement-Ring-With-Diamond-Side-Stones-in-14K-White-Gold-with-Platinum-Head-1-2ct-tw.aspx


The toughest part of all of this is finding time to sneak away to get all of this done. My girlfriend thinks I'm being lazy because a bunch of stuff I promised to get done is still not completed! It's all part of the game