Help finding a diamond/building an engagement ring

[Gypsy]

I've always liked that Ritani too. But I actually like the melee quality of BGD. Nothing sparkles like my BGD melee. And I've owned a Ritani pave band. Still and all... it's a lovely setting.

 

[kypo1411]

So in general I think I like something closer to a L/W ratio of 1.5. The longer ones are very pretty but I like the more rounded look at the fat end. Also regarding the setting... I know that she wouldn't want pave or side stones. It's a bit hard to describe her style, but it's kind of simple and somewhat modern. I will try to round up some pics of previous jewelry that I've gotten her that she really likes.

Just dug up a pic of some earrings I got her two years ago that she loves... square pearls, which I think are pretty cool:

 

[Gypsy]

Ok. Good feedback:

Then do these three initially. Ask them if the D color one is eyeclean.
http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/pear-shaped/1.15-carat-g-color-vvs2-clarity-sku-209234 9.7x5.7mm
http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/pear-shaped/1.50-carat-e-color-si1-clarity-sku-145415 9.7x 6.7
http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/pear-shaped/1.31-carat-d-color-si1-clarity-sku-250842

If the D color is NOT eyeclean, then replace it with this one: http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/pear-shaped/1.24-carat-e-color-si1-clarity-sku-263597 10.5x5.5 I know it's skinnier than you would like, but it's going to have good performance and be eyeclean.


Having seen what you mean by her taste, I would modify the setting suggestions to this one:

http://www.briangavindiamonds.com/engagement-rings/pave-and-side-stones/fishtail-pave-with-straight-head-18k-yellow-gold-5354y18 It's a very modern clean look. Which I think is something she likes. It does have pave, but isn't fussy at all. Very budget friendly too. And the white/platinum head is something that is recommended both for strength and to keep your white center stone white.

 

[kypo1411]

So in general I think I like something closer to a L/W ratio of 1.5. The longer ones are very pretty but I like the more rounded look at the fat end. Also regarding the setting... I know that she wouldn't want pave or side stones. It's a bit hard to describe her style, but it's kind of simple and somewhat modern. I will try to round up some pics of previous jewelry that I've gotten her that she really likes.

Just dug up a pic of some earrings I got her two years ago that she loves... square pearls, which I think are pretty cool:

Don't have any other picture readily available but I'll do my best to describe two other rings I've gotten her. The first (actually the first piece of jewelry I purchased her) was a white gold offset band with each end of the offset holding a pear shaped aquamarine. There were also 3 very small diamonds set into the band on each side before the aquamarine. The other ring was also white gold and offset. This one held three smallish diamonds in between ends of the offset band.

I realize both of these described are white gold but I'm pretty confident in my call on yellow gold for the engagement rings based on previous insinuations and subtle conversations.

I'm going to look through the diamonds posted today and get back to you all ASAP with some thoughts!

Thanks everyone!

 

[Niel]

How modern? Modern in general I'd do a simple bezelbezel, similar to the tiffany pear bezel. Sholdt does a nice one for not too mich. Really modern? I might set it e/w

Here's one example of it set in a gold bezel with a normal orientation
[URL='https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/pear-shaped-diamond-with-a-gold-band.161393/']https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/pear-shaped-diamond-with-a-gold-band.161393/[/URL]

 

[kypo1411]

Ok... looked through all the diamonds posted here and compiled some immediate and brief thoughts on each. I do like the way the JA gives you the full 360 view. There are some interesting stones on b2c, but I wish they had the same 360 degree view as JA (is it possible to request this? Anyway, here are the thoughts (listed in order of when they were posted):

http://www.b2cjewels.com/dd-5138436-1.09-carat-Pear-diamond-G-color-IF-clarity.aspx --> Shape looks pretty good here, would like to see 360 view

http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/pear-shaped/1.01-carat-d-color-vs2-clarity-sku-289681 --> A bit elongated and looks flat on top

http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/pear-shaped/1.09-carat-d-color-vs2-clarity-sku-296888 --> A bit elongated but seems nicely rounded on top

http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/pear-shaped/1.04-carat-d-color-vvs2-clarity-sku-307202 --> Looks a little square on top, more like an arrow head than rounded

http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/pear-shaped/1.08-carat-e-color-vs2-clarity-sku-350426 --> Looks a little square on top, prefer more rounded

http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/pear-shaped/1.01-carat-d-color-vs2-clarity-sku-325173 --> Love the shape and the way it looks. I think this is perfect on the round end (shape wise), keep coming back to this… if the spread were a bit larger would be a winner

http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/pear-shaped/1.02-carat-d-color-vs1-clarity-sku-159547 --> Not bad shape, not as good as 325173

http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/pear-shaped/1.31-carat-d-color-si1-clarity-sku-250842 --> Shape is good, see a bit of a bow-tie… could be worried about inclusions

http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/pear-shaped/1.50-carat-e-color-si1-clarity-sku-145415 --> Like the shape… maybe a bit fat but not bad, could be worried about inclusions

http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/pear-shaped/1.24-carat-e-color-si1-clarity-sku-263597 --> Very elongated, don't like this

http://www.b2cjewels.com/dd-5080347-1.41-carat-Pear-diamond-H-color-VVS1-clarity.aspx --> Shape looks good here… wish there was the 360 like JA

http://www.b2cjewels.com/dd-4983248-1.51-carat-Pear-diamond-H-color-IF-clarity.aspx --> Just don't love the pic shown, would like to see 360

http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/pear-shaped/1.49-carat-e-color-si1-clarity-sku-350360 --> Looks a bit squat on top

http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/pear-shaped/1.15-carat-g-color-vvs2-clarity-sku-209234 --> Looks a bit elongated

One question I still have is what are the views on fluorescence? Is it bad to have strong fluorescence or even weak fluorescence? Or is this something that shouldn't really be thought about? It's been mentioned a couple times that the fluorescence brings the price down a bit?

 

[kypo1411]

Regarding settings:

I know she would not like any pave, halo, bezel, side stones (including just accent stones like baguettes). After browsing a bit I think something like this could be interesting and a bit unique:

http://www.jamesallen.com/engagement-rings/solitaire/18k-yellow-gold-twisted-shank-contemporary-solitaire-item-6852

However, I don't love the two bands along the bottom... maybe if it melded into one band that would be cool. Kind of like this one:

http://www.rubylane.com/item/635099-R-1018-111124/Pear-Cut-Solitaire-Diamond-Ring-14k

I know it's preferable to set in white gold even if the band is yellow. Do you think something like this could be done in such a way or would it need to remain yellow. Or maybe it wouldn't look good mixing into white gold at all?

Anyway, those are just some brief thoughts. I haven't put too much emphasis on the setting yet as I've been focused on the diamond.

Thanks for all the help everyone!

 

[Gypsy]

Ok. so. You like plain split shank settings without pave.

As for the cushions... I suggest you pick your favorite 3 from the ones above at JA and ask for an idealscope.

As for B2C. That's why there is a return policy.

As for settings. I think Sholdt would suit you both:
http://www.briangavindiamonds.com/engagement-rings/solitaire/eliza-sholdt-14k-yellow-gold-5838y14
http://www.briangavindiamonds.com/engagement-rings/solitaire/khloe-sholdt-18k-yellow-gold-5338y18
http://www.briangavindiamonds.com/engagement-rings/solitaire/ava-sholdt-18k-yellow-gold-5343y18
http://www.briangavindiamonds.com/engagement-rings/solitaire/crossed-solitaire-18k-yellow-gold-5506y18
http://www.briangavindiamonds.com/engagement-rings/pave-and-side-stones/taryn-sholdt-18k-yellow-gold-5345y18

See the settings here. Some of them might suit you now:
http://www.briangavindiamonds.com/engagement-rings/solitaires/

 

[kypo1411]

What are your thoughts on this one as a potential candidate for the asets?

http://www.jamesallen.com/mobile/loose-diamonds/pear-shaped/1.21-carat-g-color-vs2-clarity-sku-325103

 

[Gypsy]

It's okay. It's got more mush than any of these, so probably will have more leakage:


Then do these three initially. Ask them if the D color one is eyeclean.
http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/pear-shaped/1.15-carat-g-color-vvs2-clarity-sku-209234 9.7x5.7mm
http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/pear-shaped/1.50-carat-e-color-si1-clarity-sku-145415 9.7x 6.7
http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/pear-shaped/1.31-carat-d-color-si1-clarity-sku-250842 ask if eyeclean.

If the D color is NOT eyeclean, then replace it with this one: http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/pear-shaped/1.24-carat-e-color-si1-clarity-sku-263597 10.5

If you want to add it in, go for it. It's your selection. It looks most like the D above. And the D is a better performer.

 

[kypo1411]

Ok cool thanks for the opinion! I agree it looks similar to the D, which I like. However I do notice a bit of a bow tie on the D (I think) and the inclusions could be a problem. Maybe it's best to get some more info via the asets. How does this process work exactly? Do I just call an ask then to run them? Is there a cost?

 

[Gypsy]

No Cost. You put them on hold and ask for an ASET. It takes three business days. Ask them to check the D to make sure it is eyeclean FIRST. If it is not... then substitute the other stone.

As for the bowtie on the D. It will likely be a red bowtie which is okay. Not a blue one. You don't want a blue one (on the ASET), a red one is fine.

 

[kypo1411]

Ok I think I will request them to run the following, let me know what you think:

http://www.jamesallen.com/mobile/loose-diamonds/pear-shaped/1.31-carat-d-color-si1-clarity-sku-250842 --> if eye clean

http://www.jamesallen.com/mobile/loose-diamonds/pear-shaped/1.50-carat-e-color-si1-clarity-sku-145415 --> if eye clean

http://www.jamesallen.com/mobile/loose-diamonds/pear-shaped/1.01-carat-d-color-vs2-clarity-sku-325173

The first two made the shirt list from you guys. The third is one that gypsy suggested in her original postings that I've always liked. For some reason I'm not falling in love with the longer ones like the rest of you so I bumped the first on the short list for the one I added. If things don't come back eye clean I'll have to reconsider things. Thanks!

 

[Gypsy]

If neither of those comes back eyeclean, I really urge you to get this one as the alternate. http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/pear-shaped/1.15-carat-g-color-vvs2-clarity-sku-209234

 

[kypo1411]

I called JA yesterday and requested more info on the three I posted. I will get back you guys when I hear from them. Thanks for the help so far!

 

[kypo1411]

Hey all I heard this back from JA today:

Thank you for your quick reply! I can confidently say that diamond 145415 will be "eye clean". The crystals under the table of 250842 may be seen by a keen eye (mainly given their location). If we are looking for a more "eye clean" SI1, I would suggest we look at this one:

http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/pear-shaped/1.49-carat-e-color-si1-clarity-sku-350360

What are your thoughts on this one?

This is also one that was suggested. I'm going to look at this one compared to my other favorites tomorrow night!

Gypsy, thanks for the additional suggestion! I teased my gf with some pics last night and I can tell you that she doesn't love the more elongated pears. Sorry our tastes don't seem to align perfectly

 

[Gypsy]

It's not a bad choice. And it has potential. Worth looking at.

 

[Gypsy]

Wrong thread.

 

[kypo1411]

It's not a bad choice. And it has potential. Worth looking at.

I agree, it could be a good candidate. It is a little flat on top, but it's not awful. I mentioned this to Garrett and he replied as follows:



" No worries at all. I definitely understand and can certainly do another search or you. I found two diamonds:

http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/pear-shaped/1.24-carat-e-color-si1-clarity-sku-263597

If we like the elongated shape that this one has, it would be a great option. If we want something with more width; then what are our thoughts on this one;

http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/pear-shaped/1.20-carat-e-color-si1-clarity-sku-293507

What are your thoughts on these two? "




The first was also recommended by Gypsy and is quite nice looking, but as mentioned previously is a bit too elongated for me/my GF's tastes.

The second one hasn't been brought up yet in this thread, what are your thoughts on this as a third option for ASET along with:

http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/pear-shaped/1.50-carat-e-color-si1-clarity-sku-145415
http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/pear-shaped/1.01-carat-d-color-vs2-clarity-sku-325173

I assume that it is eye clean since he knows I am looking for eye clean and previously stated that 250842 may not be considered eye clean by a keen eye.

 

[drk14]

The second one hasn't been brought up yet in this thread, what are your thoughts on this as a third option for ASET along with:

http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/pear-shaped/1.50-carat-e-color-si1-clarity-sku-145415
http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/pear-shaped/1.01-carat-d-color-vs2-clarity-sku-325173

I assume that it is eye clean since he knows I am looking for eye clean and previously stated that 250842 may not be considered eye clean by a keen eye.

I'm liking Niel & Gypsy's suggestion (209234) better than Garrett's new alternative (293507).
http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/pear-shaped/1.15-carat-g-color-vvs2-clarity-sku-209234

Also, if it were me, I probably wouldn't rule out the 250842 completely based on the "keen eye" comment (assuming you still like other aspects of this stone, and if you can't find a suitable alternative for the third option).

 

[kypo1411]

The second one hasn't been brought up yet in this thread, what are your thoughts on this as a third option for ASET along with:

http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/pear-shaped/1.50-carat-e-color-si1-clarity-sku-145415
http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/pear-shaped/1.01-carat-d-color-vs2-clarity-sku-325173

I assume that it is eye clean since he knows I am looking for eye clean and previously stated that 250842 may not be considered eye clean by a keen eye.

I'm liking Niel & Gypsy's suggestion (209234) better than Garrett's new alternative (293507).
http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/pear-shaped/1.15-carat-g-color-vvs2-clarity-sku-209234

Also, if it were me, I probably wouldn't rule out the 250842 completely based on the "keen eye" comment (assuming you still like other aspects of this stone, and if you can't find a suitable alternative for the third option).

Yeah, unfortunately I don't think the gf would like the shape of 250842 at all. So I guess based on what we've seen so far there are 3 candidates for the third stone:

1) http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/pear-shaped/1.31-carat-d-color-si1-clarity-sku-250842 --> Previously inspected by Garrett with the following comment: "The crystals under the table of 250842 may be seen by a keen eye (mainly given their location)."

2) http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/pear-shaped/1.49-carat-e-color-si1-clarity-sku-350360 --> First suggestion by Garrett as a replacement. I think this stone might be too squat on top, but could still be a candidate.

3) http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/pear-shaped/1.20-carat-e-color-si1-clarity-sku-293507 --> Second sugestion by Garrett as a replacement.

I like the shape of 1 and 3 the best. They are similar to the shape of the two diamonds being held for ASET. 1 has the "eye clean" issue although I have to take his word on this. 3 is his newest suggestion and I think has a better shape than 2. However, it seems by drk's thoughts that performance could be an issue?

 

[drk14]

Yeah, unfortunately I don't think the gf would like the shape of 250842 at all.

I think you meant the 209234? You guys arent' digging the "poval" shape? Too bad, it seems like it would be a pretty sparkly diamond.

3) http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/pear-shaped/1.20-carat-e-color-si1-clarity-sku-293507 --> Second sugestion by Garrett as a replacement.

I like the shape of 1 and 3 the best. They are similar to the shape of the two diamonds being held for ASET. 1 has the "eye clean" issue although I have to take his word on this. 3 is his newest suggestion and I think has a better shape than 2. However, it seems by drk's thoughts that performance could be an issue?

To me, it seems like this third one (293507) will be pretty "dead"/"mushy" except for just around the belly area. However, I will defer to Niel and Gypsy, who have much more experience than me.

 

[kypo1411]

Yeah, unfortunately I don't think the gf would like the shape of 250842 at all.

I think you meant the 209234? You guys arent' digging the "poval" shape? Too bad, it seems like it would be a pretty sparkly diamond.

3) http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/pear-shaped/1.20-carat-e-color-si1-clarity-sku-293507 --> Second sugestion by Garrett as a replacement.

I like the shape of 1 and 3 the best. They are similar to the shape of the two diamonds being held for ASET. 1 has the "eye clean" issue although I have to take his word on this. 3 is his newest suggestion and I think has a better shape than 2. However, it seems by drk's thoughts that performance could be an issue?

To me, it seems like this third one (293507) will be pretty "dead"/"mushy" except for just around the belly area. However, I will defer to Niel and Gypsy, who have much more experience than me.

You're right, I did mean 209234! Sorry for the confusion! I know, it seems like everyone on here likes it and thinks it would be great. However, I think it's just too elongated for her. I definitely want to get as sparkly as I can, but I can't ignore her input like that (especially since I've gotten very little of it so it must be important)!

Thanks!

 

[kypo1411]

Garrett just selected this one as well. I'm a fan of the shape, do you guys think it has potential?

http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/pear-shaped/1.21-carat-d-color-vs2-clarity-sku-240810

 

[drk14]

Garrett just selected this one as well. I'm a fan of the shape, do you guys think it has potential?

http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/pear-shaped/1.21-carat-d-color-vs2-clarity-sku-240810

I agree that the shape is nice, and very close to that 1.5:1 ratio that you seem to be gravitating towards. In my opinion, this one is also a slightly better performer than his last pick (293507). However (and again, just my opinion), I don't think it is as nice performance-wise as the other two on your short-list.

Also, have you explicitly instructed Garrett to look for pears close to the 1.5:1 ratio? If you haven't already seen this tool, you may wish to play around with the Shape Selector on Dave Atlas's website, to establish a slightly broader range of ratios that you may be comfortable with:
http://datlas.com/shape-selector/
Note especially how the appearance of the pear outline changes depending both on the L/W ratio and the "bulge factor". Unfortunately, however, "bulge factor" does not appear to be standard terminology, so you will probably not be able to tell JA that you want a bulge factor in such-and-such range.

 

[kypo1411]

Garrett just selected this one as well. I'm a fan of the shape, do you guys think it has potential?

http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/pear-shaped/1.21-carat-d-color-vs2-clarity-sku-240810

I agree that the shape is nice, and very close to that 1.5:1 ratio that you seem to be gravitating towards. In my opinion, this one is also a slightly better performer than his last pick (293507). However (and again, just my opinion), I don't think it is as nice performance-wise as the other two on your short-list.

Also, have you explicitly instructed Garrett to look for pears close to the 1.5:1 ratio? If you haven't already seen this tool, you may wish to play around with the Shape Selector on Dave Atlas's website, to establish a slightly broader range of ratios that you may be comfortable with:
http://datlas.com/shape-selector/
Note especially how the appearance of the pear outline changes depending both on the L/W ratio and the "bulge factor". Unfortunately, however, "bulge factor" does not appear to be standard terminology, so you will probably not be able to tell JA that you want a bulge factor in such-and-such range.

I did not suggest any ratio in particular. I did mention that I did not like the elongated look of his previous suggestion. I'd say my range is between the low 1.4s up to 1.6.

 

[kypo1411]

Garrett just selected this one as well. I'm a fan of the shape, do you guys think it has potential?

http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/pear-shaped/1.21-carat-d-color-vs2-clarity-sku-240810

I agree that the shape is nice, and very close to that 1.5:1 ratio that you seem to be gravitating towards. In my opinion, this one is also a slightly better performer than his last pick (293507). However (and again, just my opinion), I don't think it is as nice performance-wise as the other two on your short-list.

Also, have you explicitly instructed Garrett to look for pears close to the 1.5:1 ratio? If you haven't already seen this tool, you may wish to play around with the Shape Selector on Dave Atlas's website, to establish a slightly broader range of ratios that you may be comfortable with:
http://datlas.com/shape-selector/
Note especially how the appearance of the pear outline changes depending both on the L/W ratio and the "bulge factor". Unfortunately, however, "bulge factor" does not appear to be standard terminology, so you will probably not be able to tell JA that you want a bulge factor in such-and-such range.

drk (or anyone else) do you have any additional suggestions for the third stone to be sent for aset that fall between ~1.4-~1.6 L/W ratio? It seems that my/Garrett's suggestions have been underwhelming compared to those suggested by you all. I'd love to get a little more input so we can see how a few of these will perform!

Thanks for the help!

 

[Niel]

I still think this is going to be the best performing, and is what 1.7?

I think performance could make up for being slightly outside your ratio requirements.
http://www.jamesallen.com/mobile/loose-diamonds/pear-shaped/1.15-carat-g-color-vvs2-clarity-sku-209234

 

[drk14]

I still think this is going to be the best performing, and is what 1.7?

I think performance could make up for being slightly outside your ratio requirements.
http://www.jamesallen.com/mobile/loose-diamonds/pear-shaped/1.15-carat-g-color-vvs2-clarity-sku-209234

Kypo, I don't want to pile on with peer pressure but I would also recommend that you reconsider this particular pear.

In my opinion, the way this diamond has a smooth rounded outline almost all the way to the point (i.e., corresponding to a nonzero "lower bulge factor" in David Atlas's shape selector tool) makes the L/W ratio appear lower. This is in contrast to for example the 263597, in which the outline leading up to the point of the pear is more linear (kind of like a cone head ), which is really emphasizing the elongated aspect ratio.

This being said, if -- after looking at the 209234 again -- you really don't think it's for you, then go with your gut. I'd just want to make sure that you're not ruling it out based on the numerical value of the L/W alone, but that you actually contemplate the shape depicted in the pictures.

 

[kypo1411]

I still think this is going to be the best performing, and is what 1.7?

I think performance could make up for being slightly outside your ratio requirements.
http://www.jamesallen.com/mobile/loose-diamonds/pear-shaped/1.15-carat-g-color-vvs2-clarity-sku-209234

Kypo, I don't want to pile on with peer pressure but I would also recommend that you reconsider this particular pear.

In my opinion, the way this diamond has a smooth rounded outline almost all the way to the point (i.e., corresponding to a nonzero "lower bulge factor" in David Atlas's shape selector tool) makes the L/W ratio appear lower. This is in contrast to for example the 263597, in which the outline leading up to the point of the pear is more linear (kind of like a cone head ), which is really emphasizing the elongated aspect ratio.

This being said, if -- after looking at the 209234 again -- you really don't think it's for you, then go with your gut. I'd just want to make sure that you're not ruling it out based on the numerical value of the L/W alone, but that you actually contemplate the shape depicted in the pictures.

I certainly appreciate the beauty of the stone and I promise I really do see what you guys are seeing in it. However, the shape really just isn't doing it for me. Maybe I'm crazy, and you guys probably think I am, but it really just looks like an oval with a point to me. It's almost like the widest section is in the center rather than offset and something about that is throwing me off. I promise I'm not just eliminating by numbers here. In fact I didn't rally have a range of ratios until drk suggested I look at that tool. I threw those numbers out there because those shapes seemed appealing to me and my gf's taste, and thought it might help if you guys were still interested in helping me look. I've been looking myself as well and have also been getting suggestions from Garrett. I just don't seem to have the eye for good/bad performance like you all do.

I'm sorry about all this and feel like I'm just getting on everyone's nerves. I'm just excited to get more info on the diamonds so I can continue with this process. It's just a bummer that nothing seems to be working out great for the third option. Anyway, I appreciate all the help I've gotten so far. I guess if there aren't any other suggestions in the next day or two I'll just have Garrett pick what he thinks will be the best performer.