Diamond ring + Brilliant Earth advice

[shaggy1]

If you choose to redo the setting in platinum in a few years, you may be wanting a different style of setting by then. I wouldn't worry too much about it at this point.

 

[Elepig]

I edited my above comment with pictures, smarti51.
Just to show the height.

Thirty years later, this past April, we upgraded to over 1 ct. diamond set in platinum. I don't wear my ring while I'm doing any work, dishes, or handwashing, so I don't worry about scratches/dents/etc.

 

[smarti51]

I edited my above comment with pictures, smarti51.
Just to show the height.

Thirty years later, this past April, we upgraded to over 1 ct. diamond set in platinum. I don't wear my ring while I'm doing any work, dishes, or handwashing, so I don't worry about scratches/dents/etc.

Thank you for the photos, Elepig. I'm not sure but I assume she'd be the same with housework, she definitely won't wear it at work though she takes all current jewellery off there already.

 

[Gypsy]

I can't tell you how much I wish people would stop posting expensive designer rings for people with modest budgets.

Forget Vatche.

I do not like your setting choices either. These are the best settings for your budget. WF can get all of them. Okay?
http://www.stuller.com/products/build/123060/12585588/?groupId=194064#/mounting-options
http://www.stuller.com/products/123054/?groupId=193626&categoryId=11040
http://www.stuller.com/products/122415/?groupId=122309&categoryId=11040
http://www.stuller.com/products/121855/8405944/?groupId=110433&categoryId=11040
http://www.whiteflash.com/engagement-rings/solitaire/comfort-fit-surprise-diamond-ring-183.htm
http://www.stuller.com/products/123169/12650019/?groupId=194905&categoryId=11040


All the settings from Stuller will be very affordable but good quality (should be 500 and under in 14kt). They have MUCH better designs than the really inexpensive WF settings. AND you can get them in Stuller's 14kt X1 metal, which like platinum, never needs plating. Best of both worlds.

So go for one of these okay? And unlike the ones you chose, they will allow a wedding band to sit flush next to them. Which is important for many women.

Just pick your favorite three and ask WF to quote you for them.

 

[smarti51]

I can't tell you how much I wish people would stop posting expensive designer rings for people with modest budgets.

Forget Vatche.

I do not like your setting choices either. These are the best settings for your budget. WF can get all of them. Okay?
http://www.stuller.com/products/build/123060/12585588/?groupId=194064#/mounting-options
http://www.stuller.com/products/123054/?groupId=193626&categoryId=11040
http://www.stuller.com/products/122415/?groupId=122309&categoryId=11040
http://www.stuller.com/products/121855/8405944/?groupId=110433&categoryId=11040
http://www.whiteflash.com/engagement-rings/solitaire/comfort-fit-surprise-diamond-ring-183.htm
http://www.stuller.com/products/123169/12650019/?groupId=194905&categoryId=11040


All the settings from Stuller will be very affordable but good quality (should be 500 and under in 14kt). They have MUCH better designs than the really inexpensive WF settings. AND you can get them in Stuller's 14kt X1 metal, which like platinum, never needs plating. Best of both worlds.

So go for one of these okay? And unlike the ones you chose, they will allow a wedding band to sit flush next to them. Which is important for many women.

Just pick your favorite three and ask WF to quote you for them.

I'll have a look and get in touch with WF, thanks. Anything else I should be mentioning while I do this? And also, have you experience with asking a company to quote me for a third-party setting (i.e. will this actually still fall within my budget or will they try to price it too high so I fall back to their own settings)?

I assume doing things this way would render the deal a custom job and thus unavailable for returns?
Thanks again for your help.

 

[shaggy1]

I can't tell you how much I wish people would stop posting expensive designer rings for people with modest budgets.

Forget Vatche.

I do not like your setting choices either. These are the best settings for your budget. WF can get all of them. Okay?
http://www.stuller.com/products/build/123060/12585588/?groupId=194064#/mounting-options
http://www.stuller.com/products/123054/?groupId=193626&categoryId=11040
http://www.stuller.com/products/122415/?groupId=122309&categoryId=11040
http://www.stuller.com/products/121855/8405944/?groupId=110433&categoryId=11040
http://www.whiteflash.com/engagement-rings/solitaire/comfort-fit-surprise-diamond-ring-183.htm
http://www.stuller.com/products/123169/12650019/?groupId=194905&categoryId=11040


All the settings from Stuller will be very affordable but good quality (should be 500 and under in 14kt). They have MUCH better designs than the really inexpensive WF settings. AND you can get them in Stuller's 14kt X1 metal, which like platinum, never needs plating. Best of both worlds.

So go for one of these okay? And unlike the ones you chose, they will allow a wedding band to sit flush next to them. Which is important for many women.

Just pick your favorite three and ask WF to quote you for them.

Completely agree. On all counts.

FWIW OP, this is the one I like best. Simple but still has some detail in the gallery.

http://www.stuller.com/products/123054/?groupId=193626&categoryId=11040

 

[smarti51]

I like the look of one or two of the Stuller settings, though the price doesn't appear and won't allow me to register either, which is exceptionally annoying as I'll have no reference point for whatever WF quotes me. I also like the WF one, though to be honest I don't really see much difference between the four/six-prong WF Tiffany settings I posted in here and a couple of these when they stones are photographed in them. Obviously I am a total novice, but still.

 

[shaggy1]

I like the look of one or two of the Stuller settings, though the price doesn't appear and won't allow me to register either, which is exceptionally annoying as I'll have no reference point for whatever WF quotes me. I also like the WF one, though to be honest I don't really see much difference between the four/six-prong WF Tiffany settings I posted in here and a couple of these when they stones are photographed in them. Obviously I am a total novice, but still.

Stuller settings are very nice quality. They're wholesale / to trade, but WF can get them.

WF will charge a standard markup on the settings. It doesn't really matter what price you'd see on the stuller site, because those prices won't be available to you as a consumer.

 

[Gypsy]

I like the look of one or two of the Stuller settings, though the price doesn't appear and won't allow me to register either, which is exceptionally annoying as I'll have no reference point for whatever WF quotes me. I also like the WF one, though to be honest I don't really see much difference between the four/six-prong WF Tiffany settings I posted in here and a couple of these when they stones are photographed in them. Obviously I am a total novice, but still.

Then you'll just have to to trust us that there is a significant difference.

As for Stuller. No you won't have a reference for the WF prices. WF will be fair with you. Don't worry. The reason you can't register with the site is that is for vendors only. I only know the prices of the settings because I've priced them out before.

So just contact WF. Put that stone you liked on hold. Ask them for prices on the settings from Stuller. And pick the least expensive setting. Okay?

 

[smarti51]

I like the look of one or two of the Stuller settings, though the price doesn't appear and won't allow me to register either, which is exceptionally annoying as I'll have no reference point for whatever WF quotes me. I also like the WF one, though to be honest I don't really see much difference between the four/six-prong WF Tiffany settings I posted in here and a couple of these when they stones are photographed in them. Obviously I am a total novice, but still.

Then you'll just have to to trust us that there is a significant difference.

As for Stuller. No you won't have a reference for the WF prices. WF will be fair with you. Don't worry. The reason you can't register with the site is that is for vendors only. I only know the prices of the settings because I've priced them out before.

So just contact WF. Put that stone you liked on hold. Ask them for prices on the settings from Stuller. And pick the least expensive setting. Okay?

I'm waiting on a response from WF as we type, so my next email will ask for quotes on three of the settings linked. I also like the WF setting in your list, from previous emails I would guess their 14k white gold price (unlisted) is around $50 less than the 18k. If they are all around this price I may consider a change in stone to keep on budget.

Thanks again for your help, will post again when I have a reply.

 

[wildcat03]

Remind me what your total budget is and what's the stone from Whiteflash is priced at?

I think Gypsy gave you some great ideas re: settings. Although I have a personal preference for platinum, I don't think it's essential and given your criteria, white gold is probably your best bet.

 

[smarti51]

Remind me what your total budget is and what's the stone from Whiteflash is priced at?

I think Gypsy gave you some great ideas re: settings. Although I have a personal preference for platinum, I don't think it's essential and given your criteria, white gold is probably your best bet.

I'm thinking the same.

Budget is around £3,000 (for everything, including est. import fees). On that note...

I'm liking this comfortable surprise setting from WF:





But the catch is to be within my budget I'd have to swap stones. Now, I reckon I've maybe been getting a bit too hung up on the stats in this respect as I've read numerous threads on here over the last few days that don't seem at all bothered by non-D to F colour grading, for example. The stone I've got my eye on is a 0.607ct F VS2 ACA H&A with the following images:



I'd be going from that to this, which is also an ACA H&A but is 0.608ct H VS2 with the following images:






Now, anyone and everyone - am I right to be considering switching diamonds and pairing the H VS2 with the above WF comfortable setting? Will it be just as impressive-looking as the initial diamond as they are both ACA?

Another aspect to note is that I'd need to specifically request 14k white gold for the setting and that would then make it a custom job (meaning no returns). It would, however, still be covered under WF's 1 year service policy and the attendant benefits of buying one of their own diamonds too (upgrade policy, etc).

 

[shaggy1]

Personally I'd get a Stuller setting over a WF setting. I believe the workmanship is better.

Others may disagree.

I don't really have an opinion on the 2 diamonds. If you need to switch to stay in budget, do.

 

[ac117]

The H VS2 is a great balance of specs! It is unlikely that you will see a noticeable color difference unless you have it right next to a D-F stone. They're both ACAs so they will have the same performance and it allows you to get the setting you like.

 

[wildcat03]

I think the H/VS2 stone is great. I have a personal preference for G color (my e-ring is H, though, and I still love it), so I like this stone as well but it may be outside your budget: http://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-3711807.htm

If you could get the G and a stuller setting, I'd go for it. If that is too pricey, I'd do the H and the stuller setting.

 

[smarti51]

I think the H/VS2 stone is great. I have a personal preference for G color (my e-ring is H, though, and I still love it), so I like this stone as well but it may be outside your budget: http://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-3711807.htm

If you could get the G and a stuller setting, I'd go for it. If that is too pricey, I'd do the H and the stuller setting.

Any of the Stuller settings in particular? Personally, I don't find the type of photography they've gone with especially helpful but I can still see the quality will be there. That said, I presume it also would be with Whiteflash so it would depend on the quoted price (not heard back from WF today as yet).

The G you linked to isn't so far out of my price range that I couldn't stretch to it if I made some sacrifices elsewhere financially. If you don't mind my asking, what draws you to a G personally?

 

[smarti51]

The H VS2 is a great balance of specs! It is unlikely that you will see a noticeable color difference unless you have it right next to a D-F stone. They're both ACAs so they will have the same performance and it allows you to get the setting you like.

Well that is kind of my thinking with it. If they will both sparkle just as much for her then what's the difference. It'd be so I could say I'd gotten her an F or whatever, rather than her really caring about that grade if it was still as sparkly.

 

[smarti51]

Got reply from WF so now just waiting on quotes for 14k white gold (& platinum out of curiosity) versions of three Stuller settings and the WF comfortable surprise one posted above. Will update with responses.

 

[wildcat03]

First, don't get me wrong. My fi and I went for an H stone so that we could get the size stone I wanted and I love it. I can see the (very mild) tint in at times and it kind of irritates me, though. I'm fairly convinced no one else could pick up on it, except for some eagle-eyed pricescopers though. I like G color because I think it's a good balance of quality and value - it's "near colorless) to avoid the premium for a colorless stone, but almost no one could pick out that it's not colorless without a D or E stone for comparison. At the end of the day, if the financial sacrifice is eating ramen for a week or a couple less dinners out, I don't think it's necessary. The choice really comes down to personal preference and if you put the G/VS2 and the H/VS2 right next to each other, I bet 90+% of the population couldn't tell the difference.

I think this is my favorite of the stuller options: http://www.stuller.com/products/123054/?groupId=193626&categoryId=11040
This is my second favorite: http://www.stuller.com/products/121855/8405944/?groupId=110433&categoryId=11040

 

[smarti51]

First, don't get me wrong. My fi and I went for an H stone so that we could get the size stone I wanted and I love it. I can see the (very mild) tint in at times and it kind of irritates me, though. I'm fairly convinced no one else could pick up on it, except for some eagle-eyed pricescopers though. I like G color because I think it's a good balance of quality and value - it's "near colorless) to avoid the premium for a colorless stone, but almost no one could pick out that it's not colorless without a D or E stone for comparison. At the end of the day, if the financial sacrifice is eating ramen for a week or a couple less dinners out, I don't think it's necessary. The choice really comes down to personal preference and if you put the G/VS2 and the H/VS2 right next to each other, I bet 90+% of the population couldn't tell the difference.

I think this is my favorite of the stuller options: http://www.stuller.com/products/123054/?groupId=193626&categoryId=11040
This is my second favorite: http://www.stuller.com/products/121855/8405944/?groupId=110433&categoryId=11040

I see. Thanks for your input. The G you linked has similar size to the H (5.40x5.45x3.33 against 5.41x5.44x3.36) though both are smaller than the initial stone I had my eye on (The F: 5.45x5.47x3.33). She is likely to be taking photos showing off the ring next to these two (if that makes a difference to your commentary):

&

FWIW: The second one looked quite glass-like when I saw it, if you know what I mean with that description. Not sure of the specs of either beyond the obvious.


Edit: Meant to add, I asked for a quote for the second setting you linked there.

 

[LadyMCh]

Alright...come back down to Earth! You are making mountains out of mole hills!
As has been previously stated, AT LEAST 90% of people would not be able to spot a color difference between a G and H. AND, if they can, most of them who could would still have to scrutinize it, put the two stones right up next to each other or one their sides against a stark white piece of paper. So, the chances of this happening with your girl and her ring are slim to none. Also, you are on a forum full of people who do scrutinize in this way... very minute, detail-oriented people with a lot of diamond knowledge and experience. I just want to remind you: the average person is NOT like this! Many posters here loupe their diamonds, and could probably plot out their inclusion patterns on a blank outline of a diamond from memory.
Plus, you are looking at an ACA stone, which is so well cut that it will look whiter than better color stones that are not ACA (outside of this forum, most people don't have cuts anywhere near this good!).
Also, per your concern about platinum vs. white gold: get a white gold Stuller setting that doesn't need to be plated (in Gypsy's post?) if you're concerned about plating. Yeah, some people love platinum. And yeah, some people love white gold. They both have pros and cons. But you have a white gold budget. Platinum is not so much better than white gold to anyone that you should sacrifice for a cheaper (or "lesser" in some way stone) to get a platinum setting.
Per the pics you posted that I assume are of friends/family members rings, I would highly doubt that anyone would notice a color difference with either of those. IDK what size those stones are, but unless the wearers have teensy-tiny fingers, they're bigger than .60cts. However, with an ACA, while your lady's solitaire will be smaller, it should out-sparkle those any day of the week. Also, those size comparisons you posted for the 3 stones....ALL 3 STONES ARE 5.4mm across. You absolutely will not see a one-hundredth of mm difference! Seriously, if someone sat all 3 of those stones in front of you and told you to match them with their specs, it would be practically impossible unless your naked eyes happen to be EXTREMELY color sensitive!

 

[smarti51]

Alright...come back down to Earth! You are making mountains out of mole hills!
As has been previously stated, AT LEAST 90% of people would not be able to spot a color difference between a G and H. AND, if they can, most of them who could would still have to scrutinize it, put the two stones right up next to each other or one their sides against a stark white piece of paper. So, the chances of this happening with your girl and her ring are slim to none. Also, you are on a forum full of people who do scrutinize in this way... very minute, detail-oriented people with a lot of diamond knowledge and experience. I just want to remind you: the average person is NOT like this! Many posters here loupe their diamonds, and could probably plot out their inclusion patterns on a blank outline of a diamond from memory.
Plus, you are looking at an ACA stone, which is so well cut that it will look whiter than better color stones that are not ACA (outside of this forum, most people don't have cuts anywhere near this good!).
Also, per your concern about platinum vs. white gold: get a white gold Stuller setting that doesn't need to be plated (in Gypsy's post?) if you're concerned about plating. Yeah, some people love platinum. And yeah, some people love white gold. They both have pros and cons. But you have a white gold budget. Platinum is not so much better than white gold to anyone that you should sacrifice for a cheaper (or "lesser" in some way stone) to get a platinum setting.
Per the pics you posted that I assume are of friends/family members rings, I would highly doubt that anyone would notice a color difference with either of those. IDK what size those stones are, but unless the wearers have teensy-tiny fingers, they're bigger than .60cts. However, with an ACA, while your lady's solitaire will be smaller, it should out-sparkle those any day of the week. Also, those size comparisons you posted for the 3 stones....ALL 3 STONES ARE 5.4mm across. You absolutely will not see a one-hundredth of mm difference! Seriously, if someone sat all 3 of those stones in front of you and told you to match them with their specs, it would be practically impossible unless your naked eyes happen to be EXTREMELY color sensitive!

I had to ask; I did say I'm very indecisive. I tend to be the one from my group of friends who suggests why not to do something.

Thanks for your input. The three Stuller settings I have asked to be quoted for would all rhodium-plated if I opted for 14k white gold, but getting them dipped every few years doesn't bother me (I got the price back from local jewellers, it's not expensive) it's just so long as it looks nice.

RE: The stone sacrifice. To change setting (from the Ritani knife-edge that I was initially going to get but talked myself out of + was proved right on here) would likely require me to not go for the initial stone (0.607, F, VS2).

RE: The wearers. The first one has very small hands, but that type of ring is just big in general, no? The second, if I had to guess, has bigger hands than my girlfriend. That's the diamond that I said seemed very glass-like when I saw it. Not sure why that is.

Keeping in mind I'm from the UK - and from what I've read/the limited amount I've witness - anything over 0.5ct seems to be viewed as going fairly big. That said, the trend in my circle has tended towards pavé so there is added sparkle/perceived size with the settings.

 

[Slickk]

Since you are strongly considering Stuller, ask if the style you like comes in X1 white gold. The X1 white gold will not need to be rhodium plated and I love it, having had a couple pieces. Can't comment on your diamond choices though. Good luck!

 

[smarti51]

Since you are strongly considering Stuller, ask if the style you like comes in X1 white gold. The X1 white gold will not need to be rhodium plated and I love it, having had a couple pieces. Can't comment on your diamond choices though. Good luck!

I've only asked for white gold and platinum quotes. When she replies I'll see if she includes a full list or just the two. If not, I'll ask. Is it more expensive for the X1 white gold?

 

[Slickk]

I assume it is a bit more, but IMO well worth the pretty color and maintenance free aspect. I had a lovely stuller solitaire in X1 that I paid under $500 a couple years ago. Good luck

 

[smarti51]

I assume it is a bit more, but IMO well worth the pretty color and maintenance free aspect. I had a lovely stuller solitaire in X1 that I paid under $500 a couple years ago. Good luck

That'd be ideal. I'll see what WF's response is. Thanks!

 

[smarti51]

No reply as yet, expected one by now but they could always still be sorting out the quotes from the other end. Before seeing prices, I am gravitating towards one of these two (probably with the 0.608 ACA H VS2):






Should probably add, she's a 4.25-4.5 ring size from what information I've been able to glean. Also had it re-confirmed tonight that she's in favour of round diamonds and likes "the settings with the claws that hold the diamond and show it off".

 

[smarti51]

WF reply re: 14k white gold and platinum prices for the Stuller settings.

Two things: First, if I go with white gold with any of the Stuller settings, I can get the initial (ACA F VS2) diamond I had my eye on. Second, I can get them in platinum if I go with the ACA H VS2 diamond.

Right now I'm edging towards the first option as I set out with the intention of choosing diamond over setting if the choice came up in terms of which to spend additional funds on. However, happy to be persuaded otherwise if it seems foolish to pass up platinum for what is, after all, going to be an ACA diamond regardless of the colour.

Thoughts?




Also, thank you for the Stuller recommendation. Very (VERY) good shout.

 

[shaggy1]

I'd choose diamond over Platinum.

 

[Gypsy]

Make sure you get the stuller X1 alloy of white gold.

An F will be more mind clean for you. I would go with the Stuller setting in X1 14kt and the F you wanted.


Make sure you specify you want "delicate claw prongs" to WF and that it is written into the bench work order.