Help requested - Narrowing down on a ring (~5k budget)

Date: 3/14/2009 4:15:44 PM
Author:abroberts
I'm somewhat new here--I posted earlier:


http://www.pricescope.com/idealbb/view.asp?topicID=109438


I'm thinking about the following for an engagement ring. I originally budgeted around $5,000 for this purchase. I was looking for a nice stone around 1 ct (or above) with a traditional, Platinum solitaire setting. This is what I've lately turned up with. Your thoughts would be most appreciated:


STONE

0.942 ct I VS2 Whiteflash ACA ($4,545.00)
http://www.whiteflash.com/hearts_arrows/Whiteflash-ACA-cut-diamond-1982358.htm
Item Code: AGS-10222501
Report: AGS
Shape: Whiteflash ACA
Carat: 0.942
Depth %: 61.5
Table %: 56.9
Crown Angle: 34.9
Crown %: 15
Star : 53
Pavilion Angle: 40.9
Pavilion %: 43.2
Lower Girdle %: 78
Girdle: Thin to Medium



SETTING
Classic tiffany style Knife Edge Diamond Engagement Ring ($1,275.00)
http://www.whiteflash.com/Engagement-Rings/Styles/Solitaire/Classic-tiffany-style-Knife-Edge_1137.htm#



TOTAL COST = $4,545.00 + $1,275.00 = $5,820



Do I need to ask whether a VS2 is eyeclean? I assume not. It never hurts to check that VS2 is eyeclean from all angles, WF will be happy to inspect the diamond and oblige you.  The diamond you have chosen is beautiful.


Originally, I was thinking of getting a different setting:


6-Prong tiffany style Diamond Engagement Ring ($600.00)
http://www.whiteflash.com/Engagement-Rings/Styles/Solitaire/6-Prong-tiffany-style-Diamond-Solitaire_993.htm


But on second glance, it doesn't look all that much like the Tiffany setting:


http://www.tiffany.com/Engagement/Item.aspx?GroupSKU=GRP10001#f+0/0/2001/3001/0/3001


Nor is it as attractive. However, the price is far more attractive. Purchasing the more expensive setting, however, brings me a little under 1k above what I had originally planned to spend. But this might be alright.


Before committing to purchase this engagement ring, I'd love to hear your thoughts. I would have been fine purchasing from almost any vendor that was reputable, but I was having difficulty finding what seemed to me (from first impressions on the board) to be a reputable vendor that also sold a solitaire setting that looked like the traditional Tiffany type (which I actually find quite attractive, although I am rather ignorant regarding jewelery). I also need to do the following things:

- put the stone on hold - yes
- inquire about the PS discount - yes, but I am not sure if it is contingent on paying via bank wire, you will need to check
- determine that there will be no problems purchasing with a Mastercard bank card instead of a Credit Card - yes
- determine shipping/processing time - yes
- try to negotiate an increased return time (see http://www.pricescope.com/idealbb/view.asp?topicID=90433) - yes
- arrange for an in-setting appraisal after for the period after receiving the ring - if desired.

Do I seem to be overlooking something? My apologies, but this is the most significant (and sentimental) purchase that I will be making in my 22+ years of life.

Date: 3/14/2009 4:40:08 PM
Author: abroberts
Oh, and my girlfriend and I will be on vacation on the West Coast from Sunday, March 22 to Sunday, March 29, so it would be great if I managed to get the ring before then, or to have it shipped to family out there. Hence why I feel a little rushed.