Tiffany v. Whiteflash--any advice appreciated.

[philafaler]

Looking for an engagement ring right now, and my budget is fairly limited: My cap is $3,000, though I could probably go a bit over.

I've read through these forums a little bit, and I know Tiffany is over-priced, but despite all of this I'm still inclined to go there. Part of that is that I think my girlfriend would really like having a Tiffany ring and would be wary about one from the internet. And though I know .36 is pretty small, I don't know that she would care too much. She wants something simple and clean, and she cares more about the "sparkle" (don't know the technical terms ). I could probably get up to a .5 carat online, but would that be a huge size difference compared to the examples below?

I did go to the Tiffany's store and look at a few rings. I'm looking for the classic Tiffany setting, and I'm looking specifically at two of Tiffany's:

First: .36 carat, G, VS2, $3,000
Second: .36 carat, I, VS1, $2,630

I'm inclined to go for the second one, but I'm going to go ahead and compare the two when they come in from the other store.

Now, from Whiteflash, I have the slight problem that I can't tell which of the settings are good; I can't really tell which is the classic Tiffany setting because some of them look much less elegant. For example: http://www.whiteflash.com/engagement-rings/solitaire/6-prong-tiffany-style-solitaire-engagement-ring-4.htm.. Maybe I'm just inexperienced and can't tell that it will look good, but not actually seeing the band makes me a bit nervous.

So, to restate my questions for you all:

1. How tiny is a .36 carat? My gf has very long, thin fingers, if that matters at all.

2. Is there ever a situation in which a Tiffany's ring is really worth it, or is it for chumps who haven't been on Pricescope (haha)?

3. How do I find a band on Whiteflash (or otherwise) that looks just like the classic Tiffany setting.

Thank you everyone in advance. I would be completely lost without this forum. I had no idea how complex diamonds can be.

 

[Niel]

Don't spend 3k at Tiffany. .36 in a solitaire is small. I mean, its normal for many people in many areas, but for what you're GETTING, .36 is small.

 

[MissGotRocks]

http://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-3114514.htm?source=pricescope

Doubles your size for the same money - from a trusted internet vendor who also has a brick and mortar store in Texas.

Tiffany is special but you pay for it. This vendor will also allow you to trade up as the years go by if you or she should be interested. A simple setting for this stone and you'd have a great color, clarity and size for her in your price range. Can't go wrong!

 

[Niel]

I wanted to show you something.

here is a hand made, tiffany replica. in platinum, with their holiday sale, its $820

http://www.jamesallen.com/engagement-rings/solitaire/platinum-six-prong-knife-edged-solitaire-engagement-ring-handmade-item-2426

you can get nearly .60 cts of eye clean, very white sparkle for your budget.

http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/0.56-carat-e-color-vs2-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-389193

setting AND stone, 3k, and very high quality. You wouldn't be skimping on the setting or stone to hit your budget.



Also, if you buy online, and she asks about it... consider this. Tiffany sells on line, but has retail stores. So do these places, just fewer of them. Really, whats the difference? Its not like youre buying out of the back of someone's truck lol. AND, the lack of store fronts is what keeps the prices lower.

 

[philafaler]

Ok. I'm convinced. Thank you all for the advice. I think I just needed to be reminded how cost-ineffective the Tifanny's purchase would be.

 

[Niel]

Ok. I'm convinced. Thank you all for the advice. I think I just needed to be reminded how cost-ineffective the Tifanny's purchase would be.

Its not that there is anything wrong with tiffany. If your budget was larger, I wouldn't absolutely be against it. Just consider what youre getting vs what you are giving up. is the name worth giving up such size, especially when we know your GF wants "sparkle" most of all?

also, not like you cant get her a tiffany wedding band or something.... boom, best of both worlds.

 

[marcy]

Ok. I'm convinced. Thank you all for the advice. I think I just needed to be reminded how cost-ineffective the Tifanny's purchase would be.

Its not that there is anything wrong with tiffany. If your budget was larger, I wouldn't absolutely be against it. Just consider what youre getting vs what you are giving up. is the name worth giving up such size, especially when we know your GF wants "sparkle" most of all?

also, not like you cant get her a tiffany wedding band or something.... boom, best of both worlds.

Niel beat me to this but I would also suggest getting her at least a 1/2 carat from one of the trusted online vendors and buy her a Tiffany wedding band.

 

[CrackedRock]

I also think .36 might be too small. You are better off buying online. I tried to google an image for you of what .36 might look like.

http://www.kay.com/en/kaystore/diamond-solitaire-ring-1-3-carat-round-cut--14k-white-gold-150905002--1

I think this is the classic tiffany setting from whiteflash. You should double check with them on the live chat option.

http://www.whiteflash.com/engagement-rings/solitaire/classic-tiffany-style-knife-edge-solitaire-engagement-ring-734.htm

Maybe you can select this stone from whiteflash.

http://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-3265473.htm


But in the end it is your call. You know your girlfriend best. If a Tiffany ring will make her happy then buy her the tiffany ring. If she thinks it is too small you have 30 days to return it if you don't size it yet. You can size it later after you propose if she does decides that she likes the Tiffany ring.

 

[marymm]

Have you considered Brian Gavin Diamonds (BGD)? If you're seeking Tiffany-style settings, I really prefer BGD's versions (and if Platinum isn't a must, the 18kt White Gold versions are $400 less expensive than the Platinum).

Here are some options within or very close to your budget:

http://www.briangavindiamonds.com/d.../0.585-h-si1-round-diamond-ags-c-104072398129
http://www.briangavindiamonds.com/d...0.577-g-vs2-round-diamond-ags-bl-104072471014

http://www.briangavindiamonds.com/e...assic-tiffany-style-half-round-platinum-5478p
http://www.briangavindiamonds.com/e...pered-tiffany-style-half-round-platinum-5540p
http://www.briangavindiamonds.com/e...assic-tiffany-style-knife-edge-platinum-5336p

 

[diamondseeker2006]

A WhiteFlash diamond likely will be better quality than a Tiffany diamond if you went with an ACA. But even with Expert Selection, you'll be equal in quality and can get a larger stone. This is their Tiffany repro setting:

http://www.whiteflash.com/engagement-rings/solitaire/classic-tiffany-style-knife-edge-solitaire-engagement-ring-734.htm

Here are some diamonds:

http://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-540881.htm#

http://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-3144247.htm

This is a great option if you could boost your budget just a little:

http://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-3253480.htm

 

[ATiffanyHoliday]

[URL='https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/is-anyone-else-having-problems-with-james-allen.209090/#post-3804771#p3804771']https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/is-anyone-else-having-problems-with-james-allen.209090/#post-3804771#p3804771[/URL]

This is a major reason why I prefer Tiffany. My gifts are never late and I walk out usually with my purchase. Regarding diamond quality - you can see it with your own eyes. If you are going to have a tiny diamond, you might as well have a tiny Tiffany diamond. You can always upgrade later. .36 and .5 are both tiny if she has long fingers (speaking from experience). My first diamond was a slightly less than half a carat from Tiffany and I loved it. I was in college and almost embarrassed about how much attention it got. It shrunk within 5 years however and I upgraded through a vendor online here "to get a better deal" (a nightmare). The vendor ended up refunding my money and I was at square one after they botched up my ring (and out over a year's time). Walked back into a Tiffany's and never looked back. Granted my new stone is "only" a 1.1 carat vs the 1.4 carat I could buy online... but it came in that little blue box and I don't have to send it anywhere to get it sized or polished or cleaned.

+1 vote for Tiffany.

 

[canuk-gal]

HI:

I am neither a chump (OK that is only MY opinion lol) and have been here forever. I love Tiffany. I love Estate Tiffany even better--but your intended might not want as Estate ring, even if it has all the documents, etc.

Look forward to seeing what you decide. WF has gorgeous products, no "bad" choices here.

cheers--Sharon

 

[diamondseeker2006]

He can get any ring he buys polished, sized, or cleaned at any reputable local jeweler. Tiffany does not size at the local store, either. They send them all to NY which still means some wait time.

For the record, I like a lot of Tiffany jewelry and I have several pieces including the Legacy wedding band. But I see no advantage to buying their diamond solitaire since you can get equal to better quality elsewhere for less money or a greater size for the budget. Same with DBTY...WhiteFlash does a beautiful one with top quality diamonds for less than half the price of Tiffany. However, as Sharon mentioned, buying a Tiffany piece second hand levels the playing field a bit. However, some girls would not want a second hand ring as an engagement ring.

 

[Niel]

HI:

I am neither a chump (OK that is only MY opinion lol) and have been here forever. I love Tiffany. I love Estate Tiffany even better--but your intended might not want as Estate ring, even if it has all the documents, etc.

Look forward to seeing what you decide. WF has gorgeous products, no "bad" choices here.

cheers--Sharon

I was hoping you would chime in as I knew you were a fan of tiffany and prefer it.

In this instance of getting a diamond that small, do you still prefer Tiffany?

 

[tyty333]

Whiteflash... .60 F/SI1 diamond and tiffany setting just a tad over budget at $3265...less if you pay by wire.
http://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-3231094.htm
with
http://www.whiteflash.com/engagement-rings/solitaire/classic-tiffany-style-knife-edge-solitaire-engagement-ring-713.htm


Here is a nice I stone at james allen... $1930 + $672 (white gold) for a total of $2602
http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/0.62-carat-i-color-vs2-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-389185

to go with the tiffany setting.

 

[Travelgal]

For comparison sake, here is an estate 0.63 ct tiffany ring for $3,850. I am not sure if they negotiate, but I wanted to show you the video of the size on the model's hands so you can get an idea of size. Personally I would never pay full price for the cost of a new Tiffany ring, but I would pay for an estate piece. Also, do your research before buying (hence why you are here). Tiffany's will sell diamonds with very good and good symmetry and polish. Typically Pricescopers will recommend excellent cut, symmetry and polish. My point is that just because its Tiffany's doesn't mean it's the best/ideal cut stone.

http://www.beladora.com/store/505296_tiffany_co_0_63_carat_i_vs_1_diamond_ring_in_platinum

 

[MichelleCarmen]

I'm not into huge diamonds and I do love Tiffany jewelry, but that said, .36 is kinda small and you could get a larger diamond for the same price by going with Whiteflash, which makes more sense.

 

[tyty333]

For comparison sake, here is an estate 0.63 ct tiffany ring for $3,850. I am not sure if they negotiate, but I wanted to show you the video of the size on the model's hands so you can get an idea of size. Personally I would never pay full price for the cost of a new Tiffany ring, but I would pay for an estate piece. Also, do your research before buying (hence why you are here). Tiffany's will sell diamonds with very good and good symmetry and polish. Typically Pricescopers will recommend excellent cut, symmetry and polish. My point is that just because its Tiffany's doesn't mean it's the best/ideal cut stone.

http://www.beladora.com/store/505296_tiffany_co_0_63_carat_i_vs_1_diamond_ring_in_platinum

That would be great if you could pull it off!

There are also some on ebay but, be sure you work with a trusted seller with returns. Not sure how your GF would feel about
getting it off of ebay. Some would be ok with getting a bigger stone and a better deal but others would not like it...at all.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Brilliant-Cut-TIFFANY-CO-platinum-diamond-ring-57-carat-I-color-SI1-size-6-5-/331414797491?pt=Diamond_Solitaire_Rings&hash=item4d29dc7cb3

There are lots of others on ebay.

 

[canuk-gal]

HI:

I am neither a chump (OK that is only MY opinion lol) and have been here forever. I love Tiffany. I love Estate Tiffany even better--but your intended might not want as Estate ring, even if it has all the documents, etc.

Look forward to seeing what you decide. WF has gorgeous products, no "bad" choices here.

cheers--Sharon

I was hoping you would chime in as I knew you were a fan of tiffany and prefer it.

In this instance of getting a diamond that small, do you still prefer Tiffany?

The OP's statements were telling. He believes a Tiffany ring would please his intended, and she would prefer it. Moreover, she might be wary of something purchased online. Based on this alone, I would get a Tiffany piece. It really isn't what I want--he gave specific reasons about HER preference(s).

It is a conundrum. People wish to maximize their budgets and see that realized with a bigger diamond. All good. But what if the lady desires a Tiffany ring?

Tiffany has a return policy. WF, JA have return policies.

cheers--Sharon

 

[Niel]

HI:

I am neither a chump (OK that is only MY opinion lol) and have been here forever. I love Tiffany. I love Estate Tiffany even better--but your intended might not want as Estate ring, even if it has all the documents, etc.

Look forward to seeing what you decide. WF has gorgeous products, no "bad" choices here.

cheers--Sharon

I was hoping you would chime in as I knew you were a fan of tiffany and prefer it.

In this instance of getting a diamond that small, do you still prefer Tiffany?

The OP's statements were telling. He believes a Tiffany ring would please his intended, and she would prefer it. Moreover, she might be wary of something purchased online. Based on this alone, I would get a Tiffany piece. It really isn't what I want--he gave specific reasons about HER preference(s).

It is a conundrum. People wish to maximize their budgets and see that realized with a bigger diamond. All good. But what if the lady desires a Tiffany ring?

Tiffany has a return policy. WF, JA have return policies.

cheers--Sharon

true, but the OP statement said in full

I think my girlfriend would really like having a Tiffany ring and would be wary about one from the internet. And though I know .36 is pretty small, I don't know that she would care too much. She wants something simple and clean, and she cares more about the "sparkle"

which makes me think that, unlike some posts that come in touting "my GF is a brand girl and NEEDS a tiffany"... there is some room fore other vendors..


And I agree its about whats best for the GF in all cases, but sense I know how much you like tiffany, I wanted to here your opinion on it too, that's all , I thought it would be helpful to hear from someone who prefers brands, just how low you would go in ctw before you would forgo the brand name

 

[canuk-gal]

HI:

I am neither a chump (OK that is only MY opinion lol) and have been here forever. I love Tiffany. I love Estate Tiffany even better--but your intended might not want as Estate ring, even if it has all the documents, etc.

Look forward to seeing what you decide. WF has gorgeous products, no "bad" choices here.

cheers--Sharon

I was hoping you would chime in as I knew you were a fan of tiffany and prefer it.

In this instance of getting a diamond that small, do you still prefer Tiffany?

The OP's statements were telling. He believes a Tiffany ring would please his intended, and she would prefer it. Moreover, she might be wary of something purchased online. Based on this alone, I would get a Tiffany piece. It really isn't what I want--he gave specific reasons about HER preference(s).

It is a conundrum. People wish to maximize their budgets and see that realized with a bigger diamond. All good. But what if the lady desires a Tiffany ring?

Tiffany has a return policy. WF, JA have return policies.

cheers--Sharon

true, but the OP statement said in full

I think my girlfriend would really like having a Tiffany ring and would be wary about one from the internet. And though I know .36 is pretty small, I don't know that she would care too much. She wants something simple and clean, and she cares more about the "sparkle"

which makes me think that, unlike some posts that come in touting "my GF is a brand girl and NEEDS a tiffany"... there is some room fore other vendors..


And I agree its about whats best for the GF in all cases, but sense I know how much you like tiffany, I wanted to here your opinion on it too, that's all

Please, make no mistake, we are not in disagreement. Lots of room for many opinions and options. Information, education and weighing of options. That is why PS exists.

cheers--Sharon

 

[msop04]

OP, if you know beyond the shadow of a doubt that your FF would be upset if her ring didn't say "Tiffany & Co" on the inside of the setting... buy her a 1/3 ct ring from T&Co.

If you think she'd rather have a diamond that is twice the size and great cut (possibly even better than T&Co)... buy her a ring from one of the PS trusted vendors mentioned above.

She says she wants "sparkle" -- it's gonna be kinda hard to have a lot of sparkle going on in a 1/3 carat stone. That's very small for an ering.

It's really that simple.

Why not something like this... HCA 1.5
http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/0.71-carat-h-color-si1-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-389234

set in this...
http://www.jamesallen.com/engagement-rings/solitaire/18k-white-gold-six-prong-knife-edged-solitaire-engagement-ring-handmade-item-22590

Personally, I'd be pi$$ed if my FF didn't try to maximize his budget to get the largest, best stone possible... but then again, I don't get spending double for less only to have a name inside my setting. If you could find pre-loved Tiffany, that would be your best bet, IMO.

 

[RayNay111]

I have a Tiffany e-ring and a Whiteflash eternity ring. The stones in my eternity band are excellent quality - the stones are 15pt and yet the arrows are clearly visible. If you're able to double the size of the ring by going with WF, I think you should do that. They are wonderful to work with. Where one's ring was purchased doesn't often come up in conversation but the size and quality is what everyone sees.

 

[swingirl]

Some people are in love with the Tiffany name and the Blue Box.

Some people are in love with the diamond and setting for what it is no matter where it came from.

There are no wrong choices only different preferences. For me---the name is not important. The quality of the stone and setting matter to me the most. Many brides-to-be and only aware of low-quality mall jewelers and high-quality Tiffany, Harry Winston, Cartier, etc. Most people are not aware that places like Whiteflash, Brian Gavin Diamonds, James Allan even exist. So it might take some education to understand that there are other options.

 

[swingirl]

I just noticed the time thing says it's Dec 21? Where is it Dec 21? Because where I am it is Dec 20 4:42 pm.

 

[dneal12]

I just put up a thread polling for peoples' thoughts as to what the best Tiffany setting for under $1000 would be. The replies might be useful to you too! Just thought I'd let you know.

https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/tiffany-setting-for-under-1000.209128/

 

[philafaler]

Everyone: Thank you all for the advice. I'm still weighing my options and doing research (and need to talk to my momma), but I'm beginning to lean towards the online purchase. She would obviously love a Tiffany ring, but I think she would better love a bigger and better diamond haha.

Someone above mentioned that most people only know of 1) mall jewelers, and 2) high-end stores like Tiffanys. My GF is in this category, and so I think any discomfort she might have about a purchase from some online purchase can be assuaged with, first, the beauty of the diamond and, second, some artful description of how I came to get it. So, I'll probably answer questions about where I got it with mild euphemisms like, "I did a lot of research to find the perfect diamond and the perfect setting and have it set." It's not untrue. I really do want to find the perfect diamond, and I think she will like one of the rings suggested above better, as long as she doesn't get the wrong impression that I just bought it willy-nilly from some sketchy online pawnshop.

Though I appreciate the suggestion about the "pre-loved" Tiffany rings, I think, somewhat counter-intuitively, she would be less comfortable with that than with a purchase from WF or that ilk. I once bought a pair of "lightly used" Allen Edmonds shoes from eBay (slightly different, I know), and she thought that a bit weird.

I know that these idiosyncratic psychological points I'm making might seem silly, but as someone who has only recently come around to the idea of buying (good) diamonds online, it's difficult to come around to it. I think most people, if most people are like me, think that we buy the nice, important things in stores--online purchases are for convenience or efficiency or whatever. It can be hard to change that way of thinking.

Thanks again everyone! I'll let everyone know what I decides, and if you've got other advice, feel free to send it along!

 

[CharmyPoo]

I would seriously consider going second hand Tiffany.

 

[CharmyPoo]

I just checked in eBay and there are some great options under 3 k. Many of us have second hand rings without issue and we wear them loud and proud. No one knows.

 

[Gypsy]

With a 3000 budget, I vote neither.

I understand she likes tiffany. But .3-.4 is tiny.

But WF is pricey too.

I'd go with this:
http://www.jamesallen.com/engagement-rings/solitaire/14k-white-gold-2mm-comfort-fit-solitaire-engagement-ring-six-prong-item-7995 Setting.

With this stone, if eyeclean, get an Idealscope image:
http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/0.80-carat-i-color-vs2-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-394262 I VS2 is carried by Tiffany.
Or this one: http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/0.76-carat-i-color-vs1-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-389182

Either one.


That's a HUGE difference in what your budget buys you, in this case. Total budget: 3300- 3500. That's a MINIMUM .76 carat and 6mm stone!

This gives you the best balance of size, budget, and quality with a lovely classic six prong setting.

THAT, I think is the way to go. And it is a NEW ring.

And you will get AMAZING sparkle out of those 2 stones. I promise.

She can get her wedding band from Tiffany.