|
|
|
|
| ||
Diamond Jewelry Forums
 Picture Gallery
 Video Gallery
 Journal
|
|||
|
|  Search
|  Posted Today
|  Most Active
|  Help
|
||
 »
Home
»  » Diamond Prices and Grading »
 » RockyTalky
»  » 3 (or higher) carat diamond engagement ring ....
|
| Pages: 2 of 3: < 1 [2] 3 > |
|
 |
3 (or higher) carat diamond engagement ring .... |
 |
|
There are 74 replies to this message. There are 30 replies on this page. |
|
| P: 9/24/2004 3:52:49 AM | |
yowahking Cut Rock Total Posts: 317 Last Post: 11/13/2004 Member Since: 8/16/2004 |
Just my 2 cents. If you are going to put effort into either finding a local jeweler or internet source for the best deal on a diamond of that size, why not find someone who will make a style like the brand name that you like for 1/2 the price. Quality does not have to have a brand name price tag on mountings.
Scott Bohall |
| Posted: 9/24/2004 3:52:49 AM | |
| P: 9/24/2004 7:05:44 AM | |
Daniela Ideal Rock Total Posts: 703 Last Post: 8/16/2006 Member Since: 10/2/2003 |
---------------- I disagree. This gentleman obviously isn't seriously concerned about budget, and it's risky to try to have a designer ring copied (there is always a considerable chance that it won't be what the Tacori is). If she loves the rosebud setting, he should get it. That is, as long as this whopping stone will fit in it!
|
| Posted: 9/24/2004 7:05:44 AM | |
| P: 9/24/2004 7:47:16 AM | |
marriahlyn Cut Rock Total Posts: 468 Last Post: 6/29/2008 Member Since: 7/23/2003 |
Congratulations and by all means, go for it. I am 28, 27 when I got engaged and married and I could have carried off a 3ct even though I #1 wear sweatpants almost every day because I'm a SAHM and #2 live in Indiana and have the biggest diamond on my nice block with a 1.10 round. I however already have to change my setting. When dh proposed, he gave me this ring pictured in platinum with a carat round. I love the setting but after gouging my 6yo dd a few times in the face and all over, I have decided to reset. I am very rough on my hands and I am worried about chipping my diamond..........I have chipped a diamond, thank God it was only the .22 stone and not the bigger one. 
|
| Posted: 9/24/2004 7:47:16 AM | |
| P: 9/24/2004 7:49:55 AM | |
|
marriahlyn Cut Rock Total Posts: 468 Last Post: 6/29/2008 Member Since: 7/23/2003 |
Could you possibly get a low regular tiffany style setting at first so she can get used to the size and see how she wants it to be set. I know, I would have chosen a bezel set originally if I had known how much I'd knock my ring around. I have upgraded to 1.48 and I'm having something like this made. Then she could choose the appropriate setting for her.
|
| Posted: 9/24/2004 7:49:55 AM | |
| P: 9/24/2004 9:36:17 AM | |
.JPG)
headlight Ideal Rock Total Posts: 656 Last Post: 8/19/2009 Member Since: 11/2/2003 |
A few more comments: 1. Don't worry about the ring with the future babies -- buy the ring she wants, not what you think will work with babies; the babies grow fast. Plus, she's going to want to be sporting her gorgeous ring at all the play groups and at "mommie and me"!!! Personally, I like the low mounting my has because it is so comfortable and would be "kid-friendly" -- however, I know that Tacori designs don't sit so low. That is one thing for her to consider, as whatever way she sees the Tacori design in a store, that will probably be shown with a one carat stone and it is VERY different with that three carat plus set in the same mounting! 2. A five carat is very different from a three. When I got my three-stone setting made with the trillions, my jeweler had brought in the exact same mounting from his Las Vegas store to show me what it would look like -- the one he brought in had a five carat center stone and I honestly have to say that it was just too big. But, as I've stated earlier, and it is hard to tell from photos viewed on a computer monitor because everything is so enlarged, but my 3.29 center with the .75 tcw trills is very understated. 3. If she wants the Tacori, but they don't offer it to fit her large diamond, then she should seek out someone who can custom design it for her. But, as long as Tacori can do it, I would go Tacori just because I've had plenty of rings made and I've read so many stories on this board and it seems that 99.9% of the time the person is unhappy with the jeweler's "rendition" of a particular design. So, I am in agreement with Daniela on this point.
|
| Posted: 9/24/2004 9:36:17 AM | |
| P: 9/24/2004 10:03:12 AM | |
fire&ice Ideal Rock Total Posts: 7,827 Last Post: 3/30/2009 Member Since: 7/22/2002 |
Insurance varies from locality to locality, etc. My ring is insured for approx 28k & I pay in the $200.00 range. You best bet is to contact your homeowners policy. Also, Jeweler's Mutual has a estimate calculation on their website. Good luck. As another poster recommended, I would examine colors other than d-f as many can not see a color dif.
|
| Posted: 9/24/2004 10:03:12 AM | |
| P: 9/24/2004 10:08:03 AM | |
ame Ideal Rock Total Posts: 3,452 Last Post: 2/7/2006 Member Since: 7/7/2004 |
Id contact Chubb as well. Im not a fan of JM.
|
| Posted: 9/24/2004 10:08:03 AM | |
| P: 9/24/2004 10:11:53 AM | |
|
fire&ice Ideal Rock Total Posts: 7,827 Last Post: 3/30/2009 Member Since: 7/22/2002 |
---------------- He's just looking for a ballpark. And, I have had horrible real life experiences with Chubb. That's something that just isn't talked about here. Also, my homeowner's (Allstate) will allow me a cash out to pick my own stone. Not to pick on you - but Chubb just isn't all that it's cracked up to be on this board.
|
| Posted: 9/24/2004 10:11:53 AM | |
| P: 9/24/2004 10:13:46 AM | |
reena Ideal Rock Total Posts: 2,531 Last Post: 8/22/2005 Member Since: 7/13/2004 |
not to hijack but i'd be very interested to hear what happened to you with chubb f&i
|
| Posted: 9/24/2004 10:13:46 AM | |
| P: 9/24/2004 10:18:22 AM | |
|
fire&ice Ideal Rock Total Posts: 7,827 Last Post: 3/30/2009 Member Since: 7/22/2002 |
I really don't want to go into it as it's details are personal. I'll PM you.
|
| Posted: 9/24/2004 10:18:22 AM | |
| P: 9/24/2004 11:05:32 AM | |
Heiny10 Rough Rock Total Posts: 52 Last Post: 11/30/2004 Member Since: 9/23/2004 |
Hi Everyone, I have something else that came to mind... The Tacori setting only has "G" color diamonds in its setting. Will this make my soon to be diamond (D-F) stick out? Will the colors not match up? The local jeweler I've been talking to said we could "upgrade" the diamonds in the Tacori Rose Bud Setting, but I am thinking that might cost extra money that I don't need to spend. I am concerned about cost, but also have a "ring fund" -- so I feel I am ok. I'd like to spend the right amount for the ring and not get ripped off on quality, etc. What do you think?
|
| Posted: 9/24/2004 11:05:32 AM | |
| P: 9/24/2004 11:47:15 AM | |
|
ame Ideal Rock Total Posts: 3,452 Last Post: 2/7/2006 Member Since: 7/7/2004 |
go with an F color and VS2 clarity. Still colorless and clean but not obscenely expensive.
|
| Posted: 9/24/2004 11:47:15 AM | |
| P: 9/24/2004 11:48:43 AM | |
|
reena Ideal Rock Total Posts: 2,531 Last Post: 8/22/2005 Member Since: 7/13/2004 |
and i seriously doubt you'd see the difference between the G diamonds in the setting and an F stone.
|
| Posted: 9/24/2004 11:48:43 AM | |
| P: 9/24/2004 11:57:11 AM | |
|
Heiny10 Rough Rock Total Posts: 52 Last Post: 11/30/2004 Member Since: 9/23/2004 |
I was thinking for D or E color. My GF has very dark skin and for some reason an eye for diamonds. We've gone to try on rings, etc and she can see the differences in color and sizes. We tried a "F" color and it just didn't sparkle like the "D". Is there a difference of is this in our heads? Thanks, Pete
|
| Posted: 9/24/2004 11:57:11 AM | |
| P: 9/24/2004 11:58:55 AM | |
|
reena Ideal Rock Total Posts: 2,531 Last Post: 8/22/2005 Member Since: 7/13/2004 |
well, it is possible you could tell the difference between a D and an F if you are very color-sensitive . . . but the difference in "sparkle" could very well have been due to a difference in cut quality, and not color.
|
| Posted: 9/24/2004 11:58:55 AM | |
| P: 9/24/2004 12:05:38 PM | |
|
yowahking Cut Rock Total Posts: 317 Last Post: 11/13/2004 Member Since: 8/16/2004 |
You will not see any difference from the G in the setting to an F center. If you have a budget for the ring or not, brand name just means you pay more. There are 1000 craftsman in the US capable of making top quality designs. One of my employees was a pave setter for Scott Kay for 5 year's. Now that his pave work is in rings that sell for much less money do you think he is less qualified? Every ad in Town and Country and similar ads are reflected in the price you pay for name brand designer rings. I agree that many jewelers do not have the skill to make great rings, but 99% of rings that jewelers make are not up to level of designer rings? Who do you think makes designer rings? Usually goldsmiths that are perfecting skills and can move on to make more money working for someone else. One of my friends makes a designer line that is very hot all over the US. Because he is located in the US, people assume that he makes them here. No, a factory in China makes them for him. Very nice rings, wholesale price is also ok. Price selling in the designer stores........insane.
Scott Bohall |
| Posted: 9/24/2004 12:05:38 PM | |
| P: 9/24/2004 12:06:13 PM | |
|
Heiny10 Rough Rock Total Posts: 52 Last Post: 11/30/2004 Member Since: 9/23/2004 |
Thanks Reena, What do you think is the most important parts to look for in a diamond? Color, clarity, etc? If you have time -- maybe you can give me an example so I can use that to search with. I want the 3 carat to look big, sparkley, and bright.... Also, what is the difference between GIA or EGL certified? Which one is better? Thanks, Pete
|
| Posted: 9/24/2004 12:06:13 PM | |
| P: 9/24/2004 12:18:19 PM | |
|
reena Ideal Rock Total Posts: 2,531 Last Post: 8/22/2005 Member Since: 7/13/2004 |
hi pete,
it's really a matter of personal taste, but i think most will agree that cut is the most important factor for a fabulous diamond. unfortunately i do not know a lot about rounds, but i am in the minority here so i'm sure others who know more wouldn't mind posting one or two candidates. but my understanding is that it's not too tough to figure out what specs are necessary to get a great round brilliant (as opposed to a fancy cut like a cushion) because there are very specific cut guidelines for such stones. to determine the quality of the cut you'll need to ask your vendor for information about the stone's table, depth, girdle, measurements, crown angle, pavillion angle etc..
to start, i would read through the tutorials here and at goodoldgold.com and look at the cut charts for rounds at www.gemappraisers.com. and post lots of questions here!
as for the other Cs, i am of the opinion that i don't want to pay a premuim for clarity differences that I can't see, so I personally wouldn't go above a VS1 or 2, and would be just fine with an SI1 or 2. good way to save some money that can (in my opinion) be better spent on color or carat weight. as for color, i too could "tell the difference" between a D and a G when the stones were right next to each other, but as the G still looked very very white to me i went with that color. that is to say, i wouldn't so much base your decision on whether you can tell the difference between two color grades, as whether a particular color grade looks white and appealing to you on its own. if you're set on the colorless range, i personally would stay with an E or F because i think you pay a huge premium for the "idea" of having the highest color grade. but that's just me.
|
| Posted: 9/24/2004 12:18:19 PM | |
| P: 9/24/2004 1:16:20 PM | |
lop Ideal Rock Total Posts: 2,651 Last Post: 9/7/2009 Member Since: 6/14/2003 |
Pete, FWIW, I was very much in your boat last year. My DH and I bought a 2.5 round, E/VS2. I was given the chance to buy my "perfect" stone, whatever that would end up being. I wanted a very white stone so decided to stay in the D-F range. We found D's carry a heavy premium due to their rarity more than any visible difference. I ended up with E because it happened to be the stone that had the best mix of everything we were looking for. An F would have been fine, and if I had been picking it out live, a G probably would have been fine. Since it was an Internet purchase D-F was safer bet of getting what we were looking for, and I just love the E. We went with VS2 clarity for the same reason. Many SI1's would have probably been fine, but we were downgrading in clarity from my previous stone, and DH was pretty nervous about that. When we first saw the stone under the microscope he shuddered, but it is so clean when not magnified to 30x, that it was a good decision to downgrade from the VVS to the VS. Many people here have SI1's that are as eye clean as my VS, so it's a matter of what you find. I picked 2.5ct because it was the right size for my hand. 3ct was just too big on me, but that's me. There are plenty of beautiful 3ct rings out there! If you go to the LA jewelry mart, make sure you are educated about the specs you are looking for (expecially cut), and the appropriate price ranges for those specs. It's a big place with a wide range of vendors, some of whom are better than others. A good way to get the feel for pricing is to do a search on the home page here with the specs you are considering, and see what is available online. Make sure you have a good return policy, and get an independent appraiser to look at it. I used one in LA, and can give you his name if you are interested. Good luck! This should be a beautiful ring for a lucky lady!
|
| Posted: 9/24/2004 1:16:20 PM | |
| P: 9/25/2004 4:18:54 AM | |
mrsfrk Ideal Rock Total Posts: 648 Last Post: 10/17/2006 Member Since: 4/20/2004 |
Definitely the #1 consideration should be her taste...but as someone who works with small children and works out a lot, I can say that when I had a higher profile ring it really got in the way. She sounds like she has a very active lifestyle, and she may be fine with a higher setting, but she should probably try on a variety of styles with a approx. 3 carat stone to get a true feel for what it's like to wear a ring that size. Also, if she works in healthcare and wears gloves with any frequency higher settings are a real pain in the keister.
|
| Posted: 9/25/2004 4:18:54 AM | |
| P: 9/28/2004 3:56:23 PM | |
Kaili Ideal Rock Total Posts: 752 Last Post: 7/17/2006 Member Since: 9/14/2004 |
Hi Heiny, You sound like a wonderful guy, and congrats on the happy news. Having grown up in Newport Beach in Orange County, I can tell you that a 3 carat ring in that area will NOT stand out in a bad way. Although, my diamond is just under a carat, many of my girlfriends from OC wear 3 plus carats (having been engaged ranging from ages 22-31) and live very active lifestyles- career women to homemakers who work out, sail, and surf, have babies, etc. Some women in town are more conservative and choose smaller diamonds... some want gigantic. Whatever is right for you and looks great on your sweety is the best choice. If you have a budget, I would suggest a great cut and a colorless or near colorless diamond that is eye clean. That is just my opinion, though. For my diamond, we chose to buy from Mark at Engagementringsdirect.com (amazing experience which I will write about later), but if you want to look at a B&M Store in town, I suggest Traditional Jewelers- http://www.traditionaljewelers.com/home.html . My parents have been shopping with them since the 1970's, and have always been happy from the lean financial early years to the more affluent later years. Service and friendly people with no attitude is what my family experienced there. Whatever you choose will be wonderful if it is what you both want. By the way, I too LOVE the Tacori settings! Congratulations on this exciting time! 
|
| Posted: 9/28/2004 3:56:23 PM | |
| P: 9/28/2004 5:32:17 PM | |
Mara Ideal Rock Total Posts: 27,936 Last Post: 11/25/2009 Member Since: 10/30/2002 |
The potential diamond and ring sound lovely. If you are looking for the best looking stone, focus on ensuring that the cut of the stone is top-notch. For color, as another person noted, sometimes when you compare diamonds, aka D and F...and see a difference, what you may be seeing is the cut quality which can affect the look of the stone. The D may look sparklier if it's better cut than the F. But in reality, when you put excellently cut stones next to each other, I have a hard time choosing huge color jumps.
Also chances are you will not notice a difference between an F large stone and G side stones, the Tacori stones in the rings are pretty small, esp compared to a 3c.
You haven't really mentioned clarity, but I would look at VS stones...something with white, wispy inclusions...you won't see a darn thing in a VS stone graded by GIA or AGS with white wisps.
 If you find your budget beginning to stretch, look into SI1 stones, and find one that is eye-clean.Sounds like you are working the setting out. I agree with someone else who noted to get her what she wants now and don't worry about future kids, this is HER ring. In the future maybe she would only want to wear a wedding band when working with the babies. But anyone who wants a 3c ring probably would want to wear that puppy all the time...so if she loves a particular setting...get her what she craves. It's hard to compromise on something like an e-ring...esp with a honker stone like that, even if you set it low, it's still going to be big!
As for stones themselves, 3c+ in well-cut are slim pickins...here are two I found online. If you work with a few good vendors and have them alert you when something comes down the pipe, you may get lucky...or you can work with a local jeweler. I would recommend buying an IdealScope for $30 from www.ideal-scope.com and using it in local stores to determine how well cut the stones are.
GoodOldGold has a 3.01c D VS1 H&A brokered stone for $70k. Yep..expensive eh?
If you were not so color sensitive...I would LOVE this option:
3.11c H VS2 H&A ACA beautiful diamond, look at the IdealScope and Hearts and Arrows. LOVE IT. Plus at $35k (Pscope pricing) it's about half of the D VS1. See where color can bite you...to the tune of 35k?
Good luck.
________________________________ |
| Posted: 9/28/2004 5:32:17 PM | |
| P: 9/28/2004 7:08:50 PM | |
bearman49 Rough Rock Total Posts: 49 Last Post: 3/3/2005 Member Since: 4/18/2004 |
I'm sure you will get a beautiful diamond once your search is over. If there is a budget, the cushion is less than the round of similar color and clarity. The price of rounds in that size have really gone up in the last few months. the bearman The bearman |
| Posted: 9/28/2004 7:08:50 PM | |
| P: 9/30/2004 5:41:30 PM | |
|
Heiny10 Rough Rock Total Posts: 52 Last Post: 11/30/2004 Member Since: 9/23/2004 |
Thank you every one for your help and info... I really appreciate it. I have one more question. I've been aiming for a 3 carat stone, but really thinking about going towards a 3.5 stone. What do you all think of that? Also -- I don't think I will go this route, but what about a 4 carat stone. Does anyone have any photos of their 3.5 or 4 carat stone. Is there a MAJOR difference in size? Thank you, Pete
|
| Posted: 9/30/2004 5:41:30 PM | |
| P: 9/30/2004 5:56:04 PM | |
|
Mara Ideal Rock Total Posts: 27,936 Last Post: 11/25/2009 Member Since: 10/30/2002 |
Well there's a significant difference visually between 2 and 3...and I would think between 3 and 4 as well. Honestly...I LOVE big stones but I tried on a 5c recently and it looked horrible on me, like a big lump of CZ. But a 3c looks perfect on my hand. I'm a month shy of being 30 and 5'8" with size 6 hands if that helps.
I tend to think anything over 3c starts to look fakey esp on younger people (younger meaning around my age). I hope to aspire to a 3c over the next 5 years, but a 4c wouldn't work on me until I was about 50, maybe not even then...who knows.
My two cents is that for your gal at her age with smallish hands, don't go over 3.5c unless you know she really wants a 4c stone. There's that fine line between 'wow thats perfect' and 'oh thats too big' and I think around 3-4c you start to walk it. Good luck!!
________________________________ |
| Posted: 9/30/2004 5:56:04 PM | |
| P: 9/30/2004 6:08:48 PM | |
|
reena Ideal Rock Total Posts: 2,531 Last Post: 8/22/2005 Member Since: 7/13/2004 |
i agree with that as well. a 4c on a 27 year old with tiny hands might just be too much of a good thing, if you know what i mean--especially, IMO, if it's a RB. BUT all that being said, diamondgirl's new e-ring is a 6 carat cushion and that looks classy and gorgeous on her . . .
|
| Posted: 9/30/2004 6:08:48 PM | |
| P: 9/30/2004 7:50:00 PM | |
alexah Ideal Rock Total Posts: 1,032 Last Post: 2/16/2008 Member Since: 2/14/2004 |
wow - 3.5ct is a lotta stone - and a lotta $$$$$$ going over that 3ct mark really jumps the price...  sure you wouldn't consider going w a 2.75 ct instead & saving yourself half the money? 
_______________________________________ |
| Posted: 9/30/2004 7:50:00 PM | |
| P: 10/7/2004 8:16:47 PM | |
|
Heiny10 Rough Rock Total Posts: 52 Last Post: 11/30/2004 Member Since: 9/23/2004 |
Ok....I've done some more researching and even tried on a few diamonds with my girlfriend. She has as we joke... "Diamond Eyes" -- She can see inclusions and if the diamond isn't colorless, etc. She even see's little hints of yellow in some diamonds (it was a G-H -- so I guess that's a little yellowish -- right?) Anyway, I want to purchase the best 3 carat diamond I can. I need to know. What is better CUT or COLOR. We saw one diamond that was VS1-VS2 and it was beautiful -- looked almost flawless, but small hints of yellowish color. I would like to purchase in the E-F or F-G range if possible -- VS2-VS1, etc. One more thing...SHE'S ALSO CHANGED HER MIND ON HER SETTING. No more Tacori (well at least for right now). She wants the somewhat TIFFANY style "classic 6 prong" platinum setting for the 3 carat diamond. The only thing she is weighing now is what kind of wedding band to go with it...(eternity band of diamonds or just a platinum band). If you go classic all around, do you get bored of it? Thanks again for all of your help. Pete P.S. I've been working with a local jeweler -- he says do not buy a diamond of this size on the internet... What do you all think of that?
|
| Posted: 10/7/2004 8:16:47 PM | |
| P: 10/7/2004 8:19:27 PM | |
moremoremore Ideal Rock Total Posts: 6,825 Last Post: 2/9/2009 Member Since: 3/15/2004 |
Gee, wonder why your local jeweler told you not to buy on the internet?
______________________________ Stewart says: I'm good enough. I'm smart enough. And doggon'it, people like me. |
| Posted: 10/7/2004 8:19:27 PM | |
| P: 10/7/2004 8:40:58 PM | |
|
alexah Ideal Rock Total Posts: 1,032 Last Post: 2/16/2008 Member Since: 2/14/2004 |
----------------  Local jeweler doesn't wanna lose the big sale who can blame her/him? I think everyone here will agree that CUT should be the number one priority for a beautiful, sparkly diamond. A terrific cut can also help mask color... speaking of, maybe if you give an i-net vendor a shot, their price will be lower than the B&M jeweler so you don't have to sacrifice cut or color..._______________________________________ |
| Posted: 10/7/2004 8:40:58 PM | |
 Previous Page
|
Pages: 2 of 3: < 1 [2] 3 > |
Next Page 
|
Contact Us | Back Home | Privacy Statement | Forum Agreement | Forum Policies | |
| Ideal BB Version: 0.1.5.4.beta1 | Message forum software powered by the Ideal BB |
| |
Pricescope -
Knowledge -
Diamond Prices -
Tools -
Resources -
About
© 2000-2009 Pricescope. Terms of Use Privacy Policy Disclaimer
forum archives
