Tiffany v. Whiteflash--any advice appreciated.

[msop04]

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.

I REALLY like that 0.76ct I/VS1!!! It has the same spread as the 0.80, it's cleaner, and it even has a bit of fluoro! Great find, Gypsy!

OP, please call JA and put that 0.76 ct on hold right now before someone else grabs it!

 

[msop04]

...forgot to mention the 0.76 is $300+ less expensive!

 

[Niel]

http://loupetroop.com/listings/rings/tiffany-solitaire

If still available

 

[Niel]

A different tiffany solitaire. But still passing it along.

http://www.jewelsbygrace.com/signed-pieces/49ct-t-co-lucida-diamond-solitaire.html#.VJcCMBTAIE

 

[julesxxxooo]

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.
.

If you look at the JA setting link above, you can scroll all the way to the last image to see what a .36 ct diamond would like like.

Also, you can plug different size stones into this webpage to get an idea of how the sizes will look compared to one another, you can even adjust the length of the finger to make it more realistic for your girlfriend's hand.
http://www.diamdb.com/compare/0.36ct-round-vs-0.5ct-round/

 

[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.
.

If you look at the JA setting link above, you can scroll all the way to the last image to see what a .36 ct diamond would like like.

Also, you can plug different size stones into this webpage to get an idea of how the sizes will look compared to one another, you can even adjust the length of the finger to make it more realistic for your girlfriend's hand.
http://www.diamdb.com/compare/0.36ct-round-vs-0.5ct-round/

Does not take into consideration finger size.

 

[danielxlin]

I vote neither also. Diamond nerds are obsessed with White Flash and Gavin but you need to get yr girlfriend more carats for the money. Id jewelrys ebay site lists a 1.27 carat solitaire in E color Si1 for $3115. 14k gold setting. There is an offer option so youll likely get the ring for under yr budget.

You want a big diamond with lots of fire for not too much money. The id jewelry people will hook you up. Once your ship comes in you can join the diamond nerds. For now say no to tiny diamonds of whatever quality.

 

[Niel]

I vote neither also. Diamond nerds are obsessed with White Flash and Gavin but you need to get yr girlfriend more carats for the money. Id jewelrys ebay site lists a 1.27 carat solitaire in E color Si1 for $3115. 14k gold setting. There is an offer option so youll likely get the ring for under yr budget.

You want a big diamond with lots of fire for not too much money. The id jewelry people will hook you up. Once your ship comes in you can join the diamond nerds. For now say no to tiny diamonds of whatever quality.

Quite interested to see this stone you're talking about. Love to see the listing.

 

[danielxlin]

http://m.ebay.com/itm/181076654370?_mwBanner=1
Just a random example.

 

[Niel]

http://m.ebay.com/itm/181076654370?_mwBanner=1
Just a random example.

The AGI graded clarity enhanced stone with no indication of cut angles or actual photos?

This is not a good choice for someone who cares what their diamond looks like.

if you just want to tell someone your CTW of your diamond, that's one thing, but the OPs girlfriend, regardless of where he gets it from, whats a quality diamond, as stated in the first post. So this isn't a good idea.

 

[danielxlin]

Id is noted by many forum members for providing excellent value and beautiful eyeclean diamonds. Ive bought spectacular earrings and rings from them. Fireball diamonds.

I fully understand the higher level of quality white flash offers. Tradeoff is smaller diamonds per dollar. The untrained eye cant see many of the white flash qualities but it can see obvious qualities like size, brilliance and fire.

Ps. You just ask for photos. They have plenty. Or visit the store if youre in new yor.

 

[danielxlin]

Eyeclean 1.2 carat from ID destroys 0.36 from Tiffany. No contest.

 

[Niel]

Eyeclean 1.2 carat from ID destroys 0.36 from Tiffany. No contest.

Yes contest.

Most people here would not spend money on an, essentially, uncertified clarity enhanced stone in a bare bones setting.

And there are 300 other options between a small overpriced ring and a large poor quality ring.

 

[danielxlin]

Why assume ID provides poor quality? The experiences of many forum members suggests otherwise.

When you buy a tiny diamond with hearts and arrows and perfect polish remember that your girlfriend doesnt own a loupe with 10x magnification. She just wants something beautiful and shiny on her finger. And large. Make it happen. Compromise on inclusions invisible to the naked eye. Compromise on certification, work with a trustworthy jeweler. Never compromise on size, brilliance and fire.

 

[Niel]

Why assume ID provides poor quality? The experiences of many forum members suggests otherwise.

When you buy a tiny diamond with hearts and arrows and perfect polish remember that your girlfriend doesnt own a loupe with 10x magnification. She just wants something beautiful and shiny on her finger. And large. Make it happen. Compromise on inclusions invisible to the naked eye. Compromise on certification, work with a trustworthy jeweler. Never compromise on size, brilliance and fire.

I'd jewelry can sell good quality. That stone you posted is not.

I won't continue to thread jack this for the op. OP, I'd jewelry has made lovely rings, but this is not one. Do not buy her a clarity enhanced, uncertified stone. A stone like that will in no way compare to a tiffany ring. If she wants quality, avoid this.

 

[swingirl]

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.

Listen to Gypsy! Perfect solution.

 

[philafaler]

I'm about to pull the trigger on this diamond with this setting:

http://www.briangavindiamonds.com/diamonds/diamond-details/0.647-i-vs1-round-diamond-bfg-13947
http://www.briangavindiamonds.com/engagement-rings/solitaire/classic-tiffany-style-half-round-18k-white-gold-5478w18

Any objections?

 

[mdmc]

Personally I would go with the one from James Allen that Gypsy posted. I have a beautiful stone I bought from James Allen. They also have a return policy if you are not happy

 

[CharmyPoo]

I agree with Gyspy's opinion. I know you aren't feeling a second hand diamond but this is very different than a pair of shoes. You know stores frequently sell second hand diamond too - you just don't know. I would seriously consider a second hand diamond and get a brand new setting. No one will know and it is a brand new ring.

I don't want to offend anyone but I would much rather have a larger diamond. I just sold 0.4ct for $500 and a milky 1.2ct for $1500. I also just saw a 1.2ct gorgeous at a pawn shop for $1550.

 

[danielxlin]

Stone isnt clarity enhanced. You are just making that up.

 

[Niel]

Stone isnt clarity enhanced. You are just making that up.

Images from the listing you posted, including the actual AGI cert.

 

[CRYSTAL24K]

I'm about to pull the trigger on this diamond with this setting:

http://www.briangavindiamonds.com/diamonds/diamond-details/0.647-i-vs1-round-diamond-bfg-13947
http://www.briangavindiamonds.com/engagement-rings/solitaire/classic-tiffany-style-half-round-18k-white-gold-5478w18

Any objections?

If your comfort level is with BGD (who I adore- my diamond is from them), then I would get this. The setting is beautiful and .647 diamond is a lovely size! Can't wait to see pics of whatever ring you decide upon.

The other diamond choices that have been suggested are wonderful also, but you have to purchase from a vendor that you feel comfortable with. Most of the other posters are experts when it comes to diamonds. When I am ready to get my upgrade, I will post questions here for the experts to ensure that I get the best diamond as they can see things in the reports or have questions to ask that I might miss.

You can return to JA or to BGD so you really have nothing to lose.

All the best.

 

[AprilBaby]

The choice you like is gorgeous, but I would take Gypsys choice and get a tiffany wedding band.

 

[Dancing Fire]

http://m.ebay.com/itm/181076654370?_mwBanner=1
Just a random example.

That is pure GARBAGE!...

 

[two_little_birds]

Stone isnt clarity enhanced. You are just making that up.

Images from the listing you posted, including the actual AGI cert.

Bhahaha, Neil I love you!

So many great suggestions here, but I love the prior JA stone that has already been mentioned a few times.

Hopefully you're not overwhelmed with all the feedback and suggestions.

 

[puppyguts]

I would go with the .76 from JA that gypsy posted

Their coupon code HOLIDAY is still active for 15% off the setting as well

 

[motownmama]

Just DON'T go for clarity enhanced - waaaaay too risky!

 

[CharmyPoo]

According to the seller, this is eye clean and ideal but who knows. You don't seem like a risk taker but thought would throw it out there. The setting should be worth a bit if you don't like it and want to resell it.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/STUNNING-18k-Gold-G-I1-Ideal-1-25-Carat-Brilliant-Diamond-Engagement-Ring-/121521919495?ssPageName=ADME:X:RTQ:US:1123

 

[Zizzy]

Gypsy's advice is worth it's weight in diamonds. Your girlfriend's diamond will sparkle more at 0.7+ with equivalent clarity and cut than the 0.36 just because of scale. A Tiffany wedding band will give her that magical blue box but the extra you pay for it will be less painful.
By coming on here, seeking and engaging with advice, you are proving yourself to be more concerned with your girlfriend 's happiness than many men.
I love Tiffany and have many silver pieces but I would buy a solitaire elsewhere from Whiteflash, James Allen, Brian Gavin or Good Old Gold.
Good luck!

 

[Zizzy]

Just a thought! - the fact your gf hasn't given detailed suggestions/preferences when you've probed, may mean she's pretty clueless about diamonds and pricing. She may not realise how expensive quality diamonds are. I remember many years ago being aware that 1 carat was a "good" "big" diamond. I vaguely visualised it at around 8.5 mm diameter! I was shocked by how "small" 1 carat is.
Unless you know she has a preference for small diamonds, and some people do, I'd definitely go with the larger non-branded stone as 0.3 is petite. It can be a gorgeous, elegant look but unless you're sure it's her thing then it's a risk. Also even though you shouldn't have to consider this, the reaction of friends and colleagues might colour her feelings about the ring once it's on her finger.