Poor Med School Student wants to get married, too!

[drng]

Hello Pricescope,

I am looking to propose to my gf within the next 6 months and have begun the daunting task of finding a diamond and setting that will adequately express my love despite my meager budget. I have scoured the internet for any scraps of diamond wisdom that I could manage devour. Based on my research and input from my lady, I've narrowed down what I am looking for to a .5 - .75 carat HnA round brilliant F VS2-SI1 diamond. I calculated that if I eat top ramen and drink tap water for the next year, I can scrounge up ~4,000 dollars of loan money (diamond and setting included). Would you kind and knowledgeable members of Pricescope help me in my endeavor?

I have found a few diamonds that caught my eye. Unfortunately, while I can name the vast majority of nerves, muscles, and blood vessels in the body, I am paralyzed with uncertainty when it comes to choosing diamonds.

Here are the links to a few diamonds that I have bookmarked:

http://www.goodoldgold.com/diamond/9405/

http://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-2781319.htm

http://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-2781316.htm

http://www.briangavindiamonds.com/diamonds/diamond-details/0.571-f-vs2-round-diamond-ags-104051366031#!prettyPhoto[gallery2]/3/

http://www.briangavindiamonds.com/diamonds/diamond-details/0.562-f-vs2-round-diamond-ags-104051366052#!prettyPhoto[gallery2]/1/

From the forums, GOG and whiteflash seem to be pricescope favorites. I like the fact that I can see the AGS reports and have pictures of the hearts and arrows to analyze. However, if there are even better vendors, please PLEASE direct me in the right direction.

I look forward to reading your responses.

- DrNg

 

[yennyfire]

Welcome drng! Here's my .02, for what it's worth. The stones you are looking at seem to be in the $2K range, leading me to believe that you are planning to spend the remaining $2K on the setting. IMHO, I'd prefer to have the largest stone I could have in the simplest $200 setting and then upgrade the setting down the road. The other comment I have is about color. Have you looked at stones in person and determined that F is what you want? I'm asking because you'd be paying a premium for a colorless stone, where if you went to a G/H, you could save a bit of money or get a slightly larger stone.

 

[JaneSmith]

Hi drng,
Get an excellent cut .5 G eye clean SI1 in a simple elegant solitaire.
Don't use too much student loan.
Propose with the sweetest loving words you can think of.
Go into dermatology or radiology. Sweet hours, buckets of cash.
Upgrade to 5ct for an anniversary whilst on an incredible tropical holiday.

 

[E B]

The diamonds you chose are all very nice, but like yenny said, you'll be paying more for the F color when you could save a little cash going to G or H, which would be plenty white at .5-.75 ct. And I agree with Jane...use as little student loan money as possible! Only ramen for a year can't be healthy.

What do you think of this combo?

http://www.briangavindiamonds.com/d...ls/0.607-h-vs2-round-diamond-ags-104057888036
http://www.briangavindiamonds.com/e...re/six-prong-solitaire-14k-white-gold-5351w14

Ultra-classic, and $1500 under budget.

 

[diamondseeker2006]

If you are is thinking of a halo setting, that could be a good idea to enhance the size of the diamond. If not, I'd also go with the basic $300 solitaire setting to spend most of the money on the diamond. You have chosen the best vendors for hearts and arrows diamonds. I have diamonds from 2 of them and a recut from the third!

 

[move1986]

The diamonds you chose are all very nice, but like yenny said, you'll be paying more for the F color when you could save a little cash going to G or H, which would be plenty white at .5-.75 ct. And I agree with Jane...use as little student loan money as possible! Only ramen for a year can't be healthy.

What do you think of this combo?

http://www.briangavindiamonds.com/d...ls/0.607-h-vs2-round-diamond-ags-104057888036
http://www.briangavindiamonds.com/e...re/six-prong-solitaire-14k-white-gold-5351w14

Ultra-classic, and $1500 under budget.

I also agree with E B and think that this is the best choice

 

[drng]

Thanks everyone for your prompt and helpful input!

Welcome drng! Here's my .02, for what it's worth. The stones you are looking at seem to be in the $2K range, leading me to believe that you are planning to spend the remaining $2K on the setting. IMHO, I'd prefer to have the largest stone I could have in the simplest $200 setting and then upgrade the setting down the road. The other comment I have is about color. Have you looked at stones in person and determined that F is what you want? I'm asking because you'd be paying a premium for a colorless stone, where if you went to a G/H, you could save a bit of money or get a slightly larger stone.

My lady and I sat down at a helzberg jeweler in our local mall and looked at some stones. At the time, I had not seriously done my research about cut, clarity, and color and let the jeweler show me stones that were in my price range. Looking back, the jeweler did not show us a good set of stones. Also, I realize now that Helzberg's prices are quite inflated. Anyways, my ladyfriend liked a FSI1 diamond the best, but that stone was the only ideal cut eyeclean one we saw. In your opinion, pricescope, is there a noticeable difference between a F, G, and H if the rocks are 3xideal and AGS0? I've seen GOG's tutorial on youtube about diamond color and there seems to be a tint of yellow that is quite visible.

The diamonds you chose are all very nice, but like yenny said, you'll be paying more for the F color when you could save a little cash going to G or H, which would be plenty white at .5-.75 ct. And I agree with Jane...use as little student loan money as possible! Only ramen for a year can't be healthy.

What do you think of this combo?

http://www.briangavindiamonds.com/d...ls/0.607-h-vs2-round-diamond-ags-104057888036
http://www.briangavindiamonds.com/e...re/six-prong-solitaire-14k-white-gold-5351w14

Ultra-classic, and $1500 under budget.

Thanks again EB for helping me with this decision. The diamond that you linked seems to be a great value for the HCA score and size. I was wondering if there is a significant visual difference between a .5 carat and a .6 carat diamond. If not would it be better to just get a .5 carat with better qualities?

Also, since the diamond I can afford is relatively small compared to the titans posted on this forum, will the 6 prongs of the tiffany replica make the diamond look even smaller? Or will the jeweler downsize the prongs (as I have read on pricescope) to a point where they only accent the diamond and not overwhelm it?

Hi drng,
Get an excellent cut .5 G eye clean SI1 in a simple elegant solitaire.
Don't use too much student loan.
Propose with the sweetest loving words you can think of.
Go into dermatology or radiology. Sweet hours, buckets of cash.
Upgrade to 5ct for an anniversary whilst on an incredible tropical holiday.

you seem to know your medical specialties well!

Thank you all so much again! I'm eager to learn more from you.

 

[diamondseeker2006]

If she really liked an ideal cut F color stone, I wouldn't go below G color especially with AGS graded stones since they can sometimes be a little soft on color grading. If you decide later for an anniversary to buy her a larger ring, this diamond can always be set in a halo pendant and be kept and worn because of it's sentimental meaning. If that is a possibility, I really would go with a simple, inexpensive setting and get a little larger diamond...as in, spend $3700 on the diamond and $300 on the setting.

 

[E B]

Thanks again EB for helping me with this decision. The diamond that you linked seems to be a great value for the HCA score and size. I was wondering if there is a significant visual difference between a .5 carat and a .6 carat diamond. If not would it be better to just get a .5 carat with better qualities?

Also, since the diamond I can afford is relatively small compared to the titans posted on this forum, will the 6 prongs of the tiffany replica make the diamond look even smaller? Or will the jeweler downsize the prongs (as I have read on pricescope) to a point where they only accent the diamond and not overwhelm it?

A significant visual difference, probably not, but I suggested it because it was more in the middle of the size range you suggested at a lower cost. And if you noticed a difference in GOGs YouTube video and feel she would too, go higher in color. All subjective. H is generally seen as a good value because most can't see a tint when set, but it all depends on sensitivity.

Here's a video of a .60 ct. diamond in a 6-prong setting from Blue Nile to give you an idea of what it may look like unaltered, and you can certainly ask that the head and prongs be appropriate for the diamond size. I don't think BGD would send it out any other way, but stressing the importance couldn't hurt.

http://www.bluenile.com/engagement-...ed-engagement-ring-details?ring_id=1662279694

Something like their Truth Solitaire would also be very pretty, but several hundred dollars more:

http://www.briangavindiamonds.com/e...lassic-truth-solitaire-18k-white-gold-5369w18

 

[webdiva]

If the F is the only ideal cut she saw, maybe you can look at some ideal cuts in lower colors? While I'm color sensitive, the average person can't tell the difference between an F and an H, especially if they're not beside each other. I like to drop down in clarity to get the most bang for the buck, especially in lower budgets. As long as it's "eye clean" and I can't see the inclusion, I'm happy with a fantastic cut that makes the diamond sparkle like crazy! It's all personal preference, but you can ask your gf if she prefers a much larger diamond that's eye clean (you can't see the inclusions from 6-12" away) or a smaller diamond that has less inclusions.

The inclusion on this JA AGS ideal cut .73 F looks prongable (meaning a prong would cover it) :
http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/F-SI2-Ideal-Cut-Round-Diamond-1245418.asp
It's $2495 with PS wire discount
Plus $395 for a solitaire setting: http://www.jamesallen.com/engagement-rings/solitaire/14k-white-gold-2mm-comfort-fit-solitaire-engagement-ring-11043w14.html

You're at $2890 out the door (assuming no tax if you're outside of NY). They don't offer loans, so not sure if that works within your budget.

Here's a .72 H SI2 AGS ideal that looks eye clean - similar price:
www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/H-SI2-Ideal-Cut-Round-Diamond-1494582.asp

FYI - there are a lot of lurkers online so put them on hold if you like them and ask JA to do idealscopes to see the light performance.

 

[present4me]

I'm coming from a different angle here. At some point in time your income will increase, and your significant other will now be a 'doctor's wife'. Make sure the stone you buy will be one that she will love in 5-10 years. It might be worth taking out a bit more of a student loan to get a ring that you'll both be happy with long-term. I've seen too many med school classmates make the mistake of buying a diamond while they were poor and not being pleased with it shortly down the road.

And yes....do derm.

 

[diamondseeker2006]

I just think this won't be her permanent stone. He can get her a much larger diamond later (if they wish) and use this one in a pendant or as a side stone in a 3-stone ring. I think borrowing to buy a long term stone now would be pretty tough for a med student.

 

[webdiva]

I just think this won't be her permanent stone. He can get her a much larger diamond later (if they wish) and use this one in a pendant or as a side stone in a 3-stone ring. I think borrowing to buy a long term stone now would be pretty tough for a med student.

I agree - many people upgrade their stones while keeping their original stones for a three stone ring or a pendant. No reason to push someone into more debt. She can even halo the smaller diamond if she wants to keep it - a .7 in a halo will look huge!

 

[Gypsy]

I just think this won't be her permanent stone. He can get her a much larger diamond later (if they wish) and use this one in a pendant or as a side stone in a 3-stone ring. I think borrowing to buy a long term stone now would be pretty tough for a med student.

I agree - many people upgrade their stones while keeping their original stones for a three stone ring or a pendant. No reason to push someone into more debt. She can even halo the smaller diamond if she wants to keep it - a .7 in a halo will look huge!

As someone in their mid 30's and married.. . Still paying off students loans I agree 100%. Long term financial stability is much more important than long term diamond size satisfaction. You can always fix the later with ease. The former is hard to fix if you screw it up.

 

[blinglover78]

I will add to this discussion with first hand knowledge. I married a broke medical student almost ten years ago.He bought what he could afford at the time. We just recently upgraded my engagement ring for an anniversary. $4000 is a nice budget and I don't think it needs to be pushed beyond his comfort level.

drng..It did cross my mind that maybe the F color diamond you saw at the local jewelry store was not GIA or AGS certified and therefore not a true F. If for example, it was graded by another lab, such as EGL, then maybe you can go down to a G, H or even I. Then, you can get a slightly larger stone. Good luck. I wish you all the best.

 

[BeachGirlG]

My 2 cents...
The F diamond that you saw at Helsberg...was it graded by GIA or AGS? Because if it was some other lab, it probably wasn't an F due to soft grading.
I agree with the others suggesting that you drop color and clarity to gain a little size. The diamond in my avatar is an H SI2 and the cut grade is excellent, not ideal...but it faces up white and eyeclean. If you get an ideal hSI2 that is eyeclean, you can get her a beautiful stone in a nice size.
The other thing to consider is the size of her finger. If it's not teeny-tiny like some of the ladies on here, the extra size will look better on her.

 

[peasypeas]

I know nothing as I'm a lurker here about diamonds.
however, being a poor med students wife (thought not in the traditional sense but that's neither here no there) I'll say this, stick with your budget, don't take out more loans, I like the idea of a bigger stone and simple setting, it's classic and beautiful.

 

[Rhea]

There are a fair few of us who started out as a poor man's wife. It doesn't matter if he's a doctor, a lawyer, or a plumber. And lots of people on here have upgraded the stone, setting, or both as our circumstances have changed. It doesn't matter what circumstances are expected later in life, buy for now.

 

[jstarfireb]

My husband and I were med students when we got engaged too. With some support from his mom, he was able to spend about $6000 on my ring, which at the time bought me a 1 ct ideal princess in a custom platinum setting, so we were very lucky. I would agree with all the other posters. Spend the bulk of the money on the diamond, not the setting. Get the simplest 14k gold solitaire you can find (this might cost you $300-400), and she can reset it later. Buy the setting and diamond from the same vendor, and buy online. Buy from a place with an upgrade policy so you can trade up the diamond to a bigger one later if you want. Go lower in color (H-I is fine) and clarity (eye-clean SI1 or SI2) and try to shoot for 0.5-0.8ct. I think you can find one under budget.

Not sure where you are in the med school process and what you're interested in, but anesthesiology is a pretty awesome field too.

 

[fayewolf]

I agree with many here, stick with your budget. I'm Chinese, so taking a loan to buy the ring is already beyond my comprehension. Get something from a vendor that allows upgrade and get a better rock when you're done with school!!!!

 

[Dougsgirl]

Not sure where you are in the med school process and what you're interested in, but anesthesiology is a pretty awesome field too.

I was just gonna say this!!

 

[Bella_mezzo]

What kind of setting does she want?

My personal preference for affordable solitare settings are the Vatche Tiffany replica 6 prong, eight prongs in a thin octagonal bezel, or something a little unique, but everyone is different...what does she like?

Here are some options that are within or close to your specifications...

if http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/D-SI1-Ideal-Cut-Round-Diamond-1436443.asp

http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/F-SI1-Ideal-Cut-Round-Diamond-1486182.asp

Interesting affordable setting: http://www.jamesallen.com/engagement-rings/solitaire/14k-white-gold-twisted-shank-contemporary-solitaire-11191w14.html

http://www.ebay.com/itm/74ct-Round-SI1-H-AGS-CERTIFIED-IDEAL-CUT-18K-Diamond-Ring-7000-FREE-SHIP-/221076868563?pt=Diamond_Solitaire_with_Accents&hash=item3379354dd3

http://www.ebay.com/itm/71ct-Round-SI1-H-AGS-CERTIFIED-IDEAL-CUT-Diamond-FREE-SHIPPING-/221070566536?pt=Diamond_Solitaire_with_Accents&hash=item3378d52488

If she likes antiques and your budget can stretch a little (and on diamondbistro as well as ebay, you can always make a lower offer/have a conversation and see if you can agree on a price that works for everyone ) this would be gorgeous (and the seller is a long-time PS member who I am sure would be really helpful if you have questions/need more pictures)...http://diamondbistro.com/category/216/Natural-Diamond-Center/listings/30738/Old-European-Cut-OEC-15c-710mm-Plat-Diamond-Ring.html

Also, if you are looking for a solitare diamond in the vatche tiffany replica or other simple solitare, I would call Yekutiel at ID Jewelry, tell him you found out about him on Pricescope, and see what he can do for you. He has a great track record of finding amazing ideal cut diamonds and offering them and settings, especially vatche settings, at very competitive prices.

No matter which direction you go, you'll be able to get a lovely ring for your budget!

 

[Dougsgirl]

If she likes antiques and your budget can stretch a little (and on diamondbistro as well as ebay, you can always make a lower offer/have a conversation and see if you can agree on a price that works for everyone ) this would be gorgeous (and the seller is a long-time PS member who I am sure would be really helpful if you have questions/need more pictures)...http://diamondbistro.com/category/216/Natural-Diamond-Center/listings/30738/Old-European-Cut-OEC-15c-710mm-Plat-Diamond-Ring.html

Oh man... If it were ME (and the budget allowed) I would go for THIS one in a heartbeat!!!! Love the size and the cut! (I'm a sucker for the antique stones, though. So much mystery contained within!) Beautiful!

 

[Mrs.W 514]

I'm coming from a different angle here. At some point in time your income will increase, and your significant other will now be a 'doctor's wife'. Make sure the stone you buy will be one that she will love in 5-10 years. It might be worth taking out a bit more of a student loan to get a ring that you'll both be happy with long-term. I've seen too many med school classmates make the mistake of buying a diamond while they were poor and not being pleased with it shortly down the road.

And yes....do derm.

Terrible advice! Taking out a larger student loan to buy an engagement ring is silly and fiscally irresponsible.

I would buy a beautifully cut .5 ct stone in a simple solitaire setting. Plan an awesome heartfelt proposal then upgrade when you can afford it. Personally I would have married my husband with a twist tie...and a promise to upgrade later

 

[sonnyjane]

I'm coming from a different angle here. At some point in time your income will increase, and your significant other will now be a 'doctor's wife'. Make sure the stone you buy will be one that she will love in 5-10 years. It might be worth taking out a bit more of a student loan to get a ring that you'll both be happy with long-term. I've seen too many med school classmates make the mistake of buying a diamond while they were poor and not being pleased with it shortly down the road.

And yes....do derm.

Terrible advice! Taking out a larger student loan to buy an engagement ring is silly and fiscally irresponsible.

I would buy a beautifully cut .5 ct stone in a simple solitaire setting. Plan an awesome heartfelt proposal then upgrade when you can afford it. Personally I would have married my husband with a twist tie...and a promise to upgrade later

Goodness I agree. Please do NOT heed asschergirl's advice about taking out more loans! I also am in the midst of paying off a giant pile of student loans, without which I would be debt-free and well on my way to millionairedom (or at least 6-figure-dom!). You can upgrade her ring later once you're working, but don't go crazy now. It's NOT WORTH IT! Any girl worth marrying is a girl that understands that!

 

[distracts]

I'm coming from a different angle here. At some point in time your income will increase, and your significant other will now be a 'doctor's wife'. Make sure the stone you buy will be one that she will love in 5-10 years. It might be worth taking out a bit more of a student loan to get a ring that you'll both be happy with long-term. I've seen too many med school classmates make the mistake of buying a diamond while they were poor and not being pleased with it shortly down the road.

And yes....do derm.

Terrible advice! Taking out a larger student loan to buy an engagement ring is silly and fiscally irresponsible.

I would buy a beautifully cut .5 ct stone in a simple solitaire setting. Plan an awesome heartfelt proposal then upgrade when you can afford it. Personally I would have married my husband with a twist tie...and a promise to upgrade later

Goodness I agree. Please do NOT heed asschergirl's advice about taking out more loans! I also am in the midst of paying off a giant pile of student loans, without which I would be debt-free and well on my way to millionairedom (or at least 6-figure-dom!). You can upgrade her ring later once you're working, but don't go crazy now. It's NOT WORTH IT! Any girl worth marrying is a girl that understands that!

Yeah, especially since student loans aren't dischargeable in bankruptcy. If worst came to worst, you'd be feeling reaaaally dumb that you bought a luxury good with that money.

I would even try to stay under 4k - closer to 1k. Here are some options people have listed on Diamond Bistro:

http://diamondbistro.com/category/216/Natural-Diamond-Center/listings/30504/A-Jaffe-JSI1-bezel-18k-diamond-ring-size-5-525.html
http://diamondbistro.com/category/216/Natural-Diamond-Center/listings/30130/GIA-dossier-059-ct-G-VS1-Oval-Diamond-ring.html (GORGEOUS, I would snap this up in a heartbeat if I had any reason to. ngl, I've been contemplating it anyway.)
http://diamondbistro.com/category/216/Natural-Diamond-Center/listings/30514/Vintage-18k-60ct-OEC-Diamond-Ring.html

Another option is to propose with a sparkly diamond band, and then get a plain band for the wedding and she can wear them stacked and then for some anniversary pick out a big diamond solitaire to add, and she can wear all three, or else the solitaire and one of the bands.

 

[LibbyLA]

distracts,

Those are all beautiful suggestions. I bought ForetKitty's approximately half carat oval on the vintage platinum band but have admired every one of those that you posted, too. If any of those appeal to the poor med student, he can get a beautiful ring for almost peanuts.

ETA: There's a nice 3/4 ct. OEC/tranny for $1400: http://www.diamondbistro.com/category/215/Loose-natural-Diamonds/listings/30374/Beautiful-OEC-Transitional-075c-Loose-Diamond.html

Not hearts and arrows, and we all know that OECs aren't for everyone, but it's another option.

liz

 

[Dougsgirl]

distracts,

Those are all beautiful suggestions. I bought ForetKitty's approximately half carat oval on the vintage platinum band but have admired every one of those that you posted, too. If any of those appeal to the poor med student, he can get a beautiful ring for almost peanuts.

ETA: There's a nice 3/4 ct. OEC/tranny for $1400: http://www.diamondbistro.com/category/215/Loose-natural-Diamonds/listings/30374/Beautiful-OEC-Transitional-075c-Loose-Diamond.html

Not hearts and arrows, and we all know that OECs aren't for everyone, but it's another option.

liz

Love!!!
Hearts and arrows bore me to tears...

 

[move1986]

http://diamondbistro.com/category/216/Natural-Diamond-Center/listings/30130/GIA-dossier-059-ct-G-VS1-Oval-Diamond-ring.html

I also think that this is a very good choice. Simple and elegant.

 

[thbmok]

I calculated that if I eat top ramen and drink tap water for the next year, I can scrounge up ~4,000 dollars of loan money (diamond and setting included). Would you kind and knowledgeable members of Pricescope help me in my endeavor?

http://diamondbistro.com/category/216/Natural-Diamond-Center/listings/30130/GIA-dossier-059-ct-G-VS1-Oval-Diamond-ring.html

If you are open to ovals, I second (third?) this suggestion as well. It looks like a well cut oval from the pictures without the commonly seen bow tie.

I don't think it's a good idea to eat top ramen for a year or spend so much student loan money on luxuries.