shape
carat
color
clarity

Good or bad value?

tboom1446

Rough_Rock
Premium
Joined
May 10, 2017
Messages
52
Well, at this point I'm just showing her these options. I can't wing a custom setting. If you have anymore options for earthy settings please send them. Or if there is anywhere we could actually try them on. I'm willing to travel but what I don't want to happen, is decide on one that looks great online and then have her not like it in person.

If I bump my budget to 10k you think we could make it happen?
 

rockysalamander

Ideal_Rock
Premium
Joined
May 20, 2016
Messages
5,105
Well, at this point I'm just showing her these options. I can't wing a custom setting. If you have anymore options for earthy settings please send them. Or if there is anywhere we could actually try them on. I'm willing to travel but what I don't want to happen, is decide on one that looks great online and then have her not like it in person.

If I bump my budget to 10k you think we could make it happen?

Wait...I think I might have a great option. Maevona. She's a lovely designer and her settings are wonderful. Lots of floral/organic inspirations.These are all basically stock styles, so you can find a diamond and buy a setting to match. The diamond vendor may charge a few hundred to set the stone, but this should be less expensive and time consuming than full custom. Her settings look way better in reality than the website, so look below first.
Aster - https://www.instagram.com/p/BdQuZj9hIff/?hl=en&taken-by=maevona
https://www.instagram.com/p/BX6KEa8gMod/?hl=en&taken-by=maevona
Poppy - https://www.instagram.com/p/BhrcjhWhwUG/?hl=en&taken-by=maevona
Fern - https://www.instagram.com/p/BhfBHfNBw6h/?hl=en&taken-by=maevona
Scottish Wildflower Series - https://www.instagram.com/p/BfwYVrZBHFM/?hl=en&taken-by=maevona
Website: http://www.maevona.com/
Try at Home: http://www.maevona.com/maevona-try-at-home.html
Maybe there is a retailler near you to look at the rings in person: http://www.maevona.com/store-location.html

Fern with engraving added
upload_2018-4-21_14-34-51.png
 

Attachments

  • upload_2018-4-21_14-15-50.png
    upload_2018-4-21_14-15-50.png
    183.6 KB · Views: 28
  • upload_2018-4-21_14-16-15.png
    upload_2018-4-21_14-16-15.png
    82.1 KB · Views: 25
  • upload_2018-4-21_14-17-16.png
    upload_2018-4-21_14-17-16.png
    311.9 KB · Views: 19
  • upload_2018-4-21_14-18-18.png
    upload_2018-4-21_14-18-18.png
    213.3 KB · Views: 25

iluvshinythings

Brilliant_Rock
Premium
Joined
May 15, 2009
Messages
899
I must have missed the Ivy and Rose section. Yea I see they're right downtown.

I’ve bought a couple of diamonds from them and had a ring made. All were great experiences and their prices are wonderful.

I haven’t been in their store, but it’s first on my list of places to see in Chicago. I hope you enjoy if you check them out.
 

rockysalamander

Ideal_Rock
Premium
Joined
May 20, 2016
Messages
5,105
Just checking in. Have you made any decisions/progress? Are you ready for help again on a diamond or do you want to settle the setting first?
 

tboom1446

Rough_Rock
Premium
Joined
May 10, 2017
Messages
52
I'm still working on it. Needed a break, thought I was getting close until I actually had the conversation with her on settings. So I attached the two she settings she seems to really want. I'm also reaching out to Ken and Dana design, they are the ones who make these. The real difference between these and the links you guys posted is the bark texture. I'm not sure that is something anyone does and it brings the price up on the ring.

So my question is with either of these settings, what do you think about the diamond? Do you think the antique diamond would still look good?
 

tboom1446

Rough_Rock
Premium
Joined
May 10, 2017
Messages
52
unique-engagement-ring-nature-inspired-organic-laurel-willow-f_grande.jpg unique-engagement-ring-nature-inspired-organic-laurel-f_grande.jpg

I need to decide on color and what type of band would go with these as well ..
 

rockysalamander

Ideal_Rock
Premium
Joined
May 20, 2016
Messages
5,105
unique-engagement-ring-nature-inspired-organic-laurel-willow-f_grande.jpg unique-engagement-ring-nature-inspired-organic-laurel-f_grande.jpg

I need to decide on color and what type of band would go with these as well ..
The setting she loves is only $1350. Not cheap, but it will be hard to beat that price. It will just mean a smaller diamond. If she's cool with that, than you've got your plan.

For a design like this, 14 k gold is better than platinum or palladium. They are just too soft to hold these textural details. I would ask if they can make this in a nickel-free white gold that can be unplated. It looks to me that they antique the WG one a bit and that will help hold the design too.

I would have no problem with an antique diamond in an organic setting. My concern would be more that some antique stones may require a more protective setting as they can have thin girdles. But with some tweaks, that might be possible with this setting. If you are open to both, we can look for both once you have a diamond budget set.

Don't buy the wedding band for her now. Let her wear and enjoy the ring and then decide what wedding band she wants. It will very likely also have to be custom, but she may decide on something very unexpected. I personally like the Selene band, but its up to her.

Do you want us to start looking for diamonds at $7900? I think you were looking at I color. It looks like your are landing around 1.3 c in a modern round.
 

Attachments

  • upload_2018-4-23_19-49-28.png
    upload_2018-4-23_19-49-28.png
    401.2 KB · Views: 17
  • upload_2018-4-23_19-51-17.png
    upload_2018-4-23_19-51-17.png
    275.4 KB · Views: 23

tboom1446

Rough_Rock
Premium
Joined
May 10, 2017
Messages
52
I really like that setting!! It has those nature details but is more symmetrical. Price on it hurts to looks at is the only problem. $3k on just the setting really limits my diamond budget. Any chance of getting it through another vendor for less?

So I just did a search on diamonds and what do you guys think about this one?

https://www.b2cjewels.com/dd/114148...m_medium=referral&utm_campaign=pricescope.com

Scores great on the HCA, the report shows "Needle" characteristics and there is no exploded view to view the the actual diamond and see if it has that brilliance you want in a diamond.
 

tboom1446

Rough_Rock
Premium
Joined
May 10, 2017
Messages
52
I saw this today and thought of this thread. I haven't followed the thread closely, so I'm not sure if it's within price range, but I thought I'd post it anyway, for inspiration if nothing else.

http://www.loveaffairdiamonds.com/the-meadow-solitaire-setting/


I'm loving this design. So they used a OEC diamond for it. Curious if a standard diamond would not do the setting justice. That sight is only focused on the OEC diamonds with their settings.

Super creative though.

I see they did it in Platinum, any feedback on this? I was under the impression with fine details platinum could be dangerous because it is not as hard as the white gold.
 

rockysalamander

Ideal_Rock
Premium
Joined
May 20, 2016
Messages
5,105
I'm loving this design. So they used a OEC diamond for it. Curious if a standard diamond would not do the setting justice. That sight is only focused on the OEC diamonds with their settings. Super creative though. I see they did it in Platinum, any feedback on this? I was under the impression with fine details platinum could be dangerous because it is not as hard as the white gold.

I think it is well worth it for you to email Erica at Love Affair and talk about your budget. If you eliminate the pave and stick with gold, maybe that will get the price down. IT is a much more elegant setting. She's very nice! I think either a modern or old cut would look great. Its worth an inquiry. Nothing ventured, nothing gained. Right?

How about this from Sholdt (R465-1)? You can get a price from Erica as she is a retailler for them.
https://i.pinimg.com/originals/01/f8/60/01f860a199df3b655118e6a0086b8e2f.jpg

upload_2018-4-24_17-29-56.png

Your posted diamond.
https://www.b2cjewels.com/dd/114148...m_medium=referral&utm_campaign=pricescope.com
You need a IRL photo and video. There is not way to know if this is eye-clean or a stripey mess without photos. Its a 60/60 style diamond. They can be quite brilliant (white light), but will have lower fire (small pin-flashes). They tend to be spready, but they are loved by some and not others.

More options:
https://www.adiamor.com/Diamonds/1.51-ct-I-SI1-Affinity-Cut-Round-Diamond/D41485561 {would like an ASET on this as it is at the edges of most ranges we recommend, but it hits your size goal and is very clean}

https://www.adiamor.com/Diamonds/1.50-ct-I-SI2-Affinity-Cut-Round-Diamond/D41496698 {nice angles, not as clean at the SI1 above)

https://www.brilliantlyengaged.com/1.52-carat-g-si2-excellent-round-cut-diamond-gid-1249627.html {good numbers if eyeclean}
 

tboom1446

Rough_Rock
Premium
Joined
May 10, 2017
Messages
52
I think it is well worth it for you to email Erica at Love Affair and talk about your budget. If you eliminate the pave and stick with gold, maybe that will get the price down. IT is a much more elegant setting. She's very nice! I think either a modern or old cut would look great. Its worth an inquiry. Nothing ventured, nothing gained. Right?

How about this from Sholdt (R465-1)? You can get a price from Erica as she is a retailler for them.
https://i.pinimg.com/originals/01/f8/60/01f860a199df3b655118e6a0086b8e2f.jpg

upload_2018-4-24_17-29-56.png

Your posted diamond.
https://www.b2cjewels.com/dd/114148...m_medium=referral&utm_campaign=pricescope.com
You need a IRL photo and video. There is not way to know if this is eye-clean or a stripey mess without photos. Its a 60/60 style diamond. They can be quite brilliant (white light), but will have lower fire (small pin-flashes). They tend to be spready, but they are loved by some and not others.

More options:
https://www.adiamor.com/Diamonds/1.51-ct-I-SI1-Affinity-Cut-Round-Diamond/D41485561 {would like an ASET on this as it is at the edges of most ranges we recommend, but it hits your size goal and is very clean}

https://www.adiamor.com/Diamonds/1.50-ct-I-SI2-Affinity-Cut-Round-Diamond/D41496698 {nice angles, not as clean at the SI1 above)

https://www.brilliantlyengaged.com/1.52-carat-g-si2-excellent-round-cut-diamond-gid-1249627.html {good numbers if eyeclean}


I did end up reaching out to her for more information on the setting. Figure I would start with that and make some minor adjustments to make it custom.

For that diamond I posted I just sent a follow up with them asking for the IRL photo & video, waiting for their response.

That first diamond you posted has strong blue florescence and an I. I was told previously to stay away from that combination. Am I getting conflicting information? Both those first two won't got through the HCA either.

The third is an AGS rated and I already decided to stick with GIA cert.

We shall she what I get back from the emails I sent out. Thank you!
 

rockysalamander

Ideal_Rock
Premium
Joined
May 20, 2016
Messages
5,105
I did end up reaching out to her for more information on the setting. Figure I would start with that and make some minor adjustments to make it custom.
COOL

For that diamond I posted I just sent a follow up with them asking for the IRL photo & video, waiting for their response.
Great.

That first diamond you posted has strong blue florescence and an I. I was told previously to stay away from that combination. Am I getting conflicting information? Both those first two won't got through the HCA either.
I'm not sure anyone said to stay away from flour. Just that at strong and very strong the diamond has to be examined by a gemologist for the (very) rare chance that the flour causes a oily appearance. For some, they may not like flour on high colors (D,E,F) as there is less body color to counter the blue. But, thats very personal. I love flour.

We certainly tell folks to use the HCA. Its a good basic tool. But, there are lots of other angles that are potentially good and we post them for folks. Its just hard to tell newbies, here are all the 11 million options to consider. For example, HCA will find most 35.5/41 unacceptable, but it can be very good (and really favored by some). So, yep. I posted some that are not going to pass the HCA, but I thought were worth pursing if you can get an IS or ASET. Your call.


The third is an AGS rated and I already decided to stick with GIA cert.
Why? AGS is very reputable. They are stricter on cut than GIA. They may be a bit soften on color when there is some judgement on which way to go, but this is not uniformly agreed-upon by our esteemed vendors.
 

tboom1446

Rough_Rock
Premium
Joined
May 10, 2017
Messages
52
Thanks again for the follow up. I can definitely agree with you that I'm not an industry expert and I really do appreciate any and all feedback. The GIA I was just told was industry standard and to stick with. Like any industry I'm noticing everyone has their own respected opinions so it makes it difficult to determine which advise to take. I have already had a few deceptive interactions in person when it comes to diamond sales and I'm really just trying to make sure I get the best value I can so the ring I decide on will be as special as I can possibly afford for a girl that deserves it.

Anyway I attached the IRL and video of the diamond I posted. I'm open to all suggestions on the loose diamond now. As of right now I'm working with S&V jewelry in downtown Chicago for the band. Not sure if anyone has heard of them but it was a recommendation. The design is agreed upon on cad software before being built and I need the diamond first for obvious reasons. For a design like the one I'm looking at having created she recommended platinum. It does help that they are local.

Budget for the loose diamond is about $8k now.
 

tboom1446

Rough_Rock
Premium
Joined
May 10, 2017
Messages
52
11414884 - IdealScope.jpg 11414884 - Real Image.jpg

Video was too large to upload
 

rockysalamander

Ideal_Rock
Premium
Joined
May 20, 2016
Messages
5,105
11414884 - IdealScope.jpg 11414884 - Real Image.jpg

Video was too large to upload
What a disappointment. Hard no for me. That diamond will not be eyeclean, at all. Its what I feared as a stripy mess. Far more SI2 are not eyeclean as compared to SI1. Did you pursue any of the others I posted, especially the SI1. Given the size and color you are aiming for, you are at the edges of your budget. I really would not impose limitations that exclude a reputable lab (AGS) or fluorescence. Sure, there are differing opinions about aspects of diamond buying, but that is what we offer here. We are a neutral party with nothing to sell you. We just love diamonds.

How about this vintage cushion? It hits your weight goal, but a bit smaller spread.
https://www.jewelsbygrace.com/1-62ct-antique-cushion-cut-diamond-gia-j-vs1

Did you discuss diamond size with your girl? You can easily get to 1.3 carats and stick with something much cleaner and get to that goal more quickly. We are happy to keep looking for your 1.5 size goal, but I sense you are getting worn down and fatigued. What about a spreadier style cut, like and oval. They are not easy to find, but they face-up big for their weight. A 1.5 carat round is about 7.5 mm. Ovals vary a bit, but you can see in this example of an ideal oval that its 5.46x7.59 mm F VS2. You could ask @Rhino if he has any larger ovals available that are more like G SI1 eyeclean. For ovals, you don't want to go below G/H.
https://www.augustvintageinc.net/co...cts/1-185ct-f-vs2-august-vintage-oval-1347128

JA is down, I like their videos for ovals, but PS members can look later if an oval appeals.

Glad you found a local jeweler. Have you seen rings they have made in the same organic vein that your girl likes? Its not a design everyone can execute, in fact I'd argue few can actually do this kind of sculpting. Making contemporary and unusually shaped rings is an artform all its own. Its really sculpting. Make sure to really look at their work and if they can't show you rings they actually designed (not tweaked) that look like this, I'd look elsewhere.
 

tboom1446

Rough_Rock
Premium
Joined
May 10, 2017
Messages
52
Yes that diamond I found was great on paper and a scratched mess to the eye. Good to always get the photo!

When you mentioned AGS I got it mixed up with EGL being the fluent diamond expert that I am :lol:
. I didn't mean to discredit it.

That last one you posted is nice. I'm not against going down to about 1.4, however I haven't given up yet on hitting the 1.5 mark.

I'm sticking with the round, I think it will be the best option for the band and she seems to like round the best. Not ruling out OEC.

I followed your advise and asked for a photo of a heavy detail setting that S&V in Chicago could do and they sent me the photo attached. I'll have to do a little more research and keep talking with them before making the final decision. While it is very detailed the photo quality is low resolution and it's very different. I'd like to see a few in person so I might take a drive over there when I can.

And yea I'm not going to lie, this process has been more difficult than buying my first house. I always just thought you save the money, walk into a store and you find something you like or a great deal would present itself. Not the case so far! lol. The diamond jewelry business is crazy complex. And now that I see what can actually be done, I'm noticing other people's rings and I'm glad I'm glad to be spending the time and energy to do this right, regardless of me trolling over diamonds at night VS sleeping soundly..

Again, I appreciate all the help everyone has given. I'd be hanging onto a 1.5ct turd in a band my future fiance didn't like had I not pumped the breaks and asked the find people from PS.

So anyway I still want to try to hit 1.5 if possible. I'm slipping the budget on the diamond to $8500ish with determination to find that diamond that is just right at that size.

Been working on some great ideas to alter the band that will be a more personal & sentimental touch. It will be heavy on small details so be honest with me on the attached band if you think this vendor could pull it off. It's not a lot to go off but I can head down there in person and see more.. I'll also post the CAD drawing when it comes time.

IMG_0188.jpeg
 

Octo2005

Brilliant_Rock
Premium
Joined
May 23, 2016
Messages
1,041
I really like that setting!! It has those nature details but is more symmetrical. Price on it hurts to looks at is the only problem. $3k on just the setting really limits my diamond budget. Any chance of getting it through another vendor for less?

So I just did a search on diamonds and what do you guys think about this one?

https://www.b2cjewels.com/dd/114148...m_medium=referral&utm_campaign=pricescope.com

Scores great on the HCA, the report shows "Needle" characteristics and there is no exploded view to view the the actual diamond and see if it has that brilliance you want in a diamond.
Erica at Love Affair Diamonds has a great eye for antique stones and can help you find a perfect stone within budget for this setting. I believe that she offers a discount on the settings when you purchase a stone from her and she can work with you to make changes to the setting to make it exactly what you want. I image that eliminating all or some of the pave can help bring the cost down.

Edit for Update: Didn't see the posts that followed, glad to hear you reached out to her, she is great to work with.
 

stonewell

Brilliant_Rock
Premium
Joined
Jan 19, 2013
Messages
1,150
Hi @tboom1446 :wavey: The stones you listed above concern me for one reason or another. The biggest being a few are steep/deeps. The pavilion angles aren’t complimentary with the corresponding crown angle and deep stones, which don’t give you adequate face up size for the weight.

The one that has reasonable cut angles (JA E/SI2) has an unacceptable black crystal on the table. So, I’d pass on that too.

I took a look at JA and have a few suggestions:

https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-di...h-color-si2-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-4717739 - I believe this will be eye-clean since the crystals are clear, but you’ll want to verify it with the gemologist. For an SI2, this is my favorite

https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-di...i-color-si2-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-4717732 - I really like the cut of this one, and hesitate due to the clouds listed. However, the report doesn’t say it’s the clarity grading inclusion. Still, you’ll need to have this checked to make certain it isn’t hindering performance on the stone.

If you’re willing to go under 1.5ct, I’d choose this one below. It’s a nice 60/60 style, however, it’ll give you more spread.

https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-di...i-color-si1-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-4544494
 

tboom1446

Rough_Rock
Premium
Joined
May 10, 2017
Messages
52
That could be a definite contender, good find ac!


I agree it's a pretty nice diamond, so how do I go about finding out if it's "eye clean'?
 

Lorelei

Super_Ideal_Rock
Premium
Joined
Apr 30, 2005
Messages
42,064
I agree it's a pretty nice diamond, so how do I go about finding out if it's "eye clean'?

You'd need to discuss that with one of James Allen's gemologists with the stone in hand and make your expectations crystal clear. For example, if you have young eyes and you don't want to see any visible inclusions from any angle or distance, let them know that so you're both on the same page.
 

rockysalamander

Ideal_Rock
Premium
Joined
May 20, 2016
Messages
5,105
What a wonderful find @ac117. @tbloom1446 please put it on hold right away while you investigate the eyeclean point and request and IS.
 

tboom1446

Rough_Rock
Premium
Joined
May 10, 2017
Messages
52
Not sure we were on the same page when I was asking for info on the diamond but I got it reserved. She made a recommendation to sacrifice some of the color. They are sending me an IRL photo. Let me know what you guys think, below is the conversation. Told me the image would take 24-48 hours to get to my email. Sees long when they said they have it on file. It's not usps..


I am curious if you can see any visible inclusions at any angle with this diamond assuming 20/20 vision. Basically is it Eye Clean


04/26/18 11:36

I can shrink the image to give you a better idea of how the diamond looks in person. Please let me know when you are ready.


04/26/18 11:37

Please let me know if this is helpful.


04/26/18 11:38

It's difficult to tell over the computer and I have some other questions as well. Is there a gemologist that I can send my list of questions to regarding this diamond?


04/26/18 11:39

I am actually a diamond expert, and am happy to help.


04/26/18 11:39

What are your questions?


04/26/18 11:40

That first question as to whether or not it is eye clean from all angles with young eyes and 20 20 vision. Do you have an IRL photo? Can you provide an IS?


04/26/18 11:41

The image on the site is of the diamond itself.


04/26/18 11:41

It appears that an Idealscope is on file, and I can request that the imaging team email it to you if you would like.


04/26/18 11:42

Given that the diamond has multiple clouds, it will potentially look hazy under direct sunlight or UV light.


04/26/18 11:42

I would recommending looking slightly lower in color. An I or J will still be nice and icy, and we can probably find a better clarity for you.


04/26/18 11:43

Please have the imaging team send me that photo
 

tboom1446

Rough_Rock
Premium
Joined
May 10, 2017
Messages
52
Can't figure out the HCA score on this diamond either, anyone want to run it?
 

farrahlyn

Brilliant_Rock
Premium
Joined
Sep 22, 2015
Messages
1,170
Yes that diamond I found was great on paper and a scratched mess to the eye. Good to always get the photo!

When you mentioned AGS I got it mixed up with EGL being the fluent diamond expert that I am :lol:
. I didn't mean to discredit it.

That last one you posted is nice. I'm not against going down to about 1.4, however I haven't given up yet on hitting the 1.5 mark.

I'm sticking with the round, I think it will be the best option for the band and she seems to like round the best. Not ruling out OEC.

I followed your advise and asked for a photo of a heavy detail setting that S&V in Chicago could do and they sent me the photo attached. I'll have to do a little more research and keep talking with them before making the final decision. While it is very detailed the photo quality is low resolution and it's very different. I'd like to see a few in person so I might take a drive over there when I can.

And yea I'm not going to lie, this process has been more difficult than buying my first house. I always just thought you save the money, walk into a store and you find something you like or a great deal would present itself. Not the case so far! lol. The diamond jewelry business is crazy complex. And now that I see what can actually be done, I'm noticing other people's rings and I'm glad I'm glad to be spending the time and energy to do this right, regardless of me trolling over diamonds at night VS sleeping soundly..

Again, I appreciate all the help everyone has given. I'd be hanging onto a 1.5ct turd in a band my future fiance didn't like had I not pumped the breaks and asked the find people from PS.

So anyway I still want to try to hit 1.5 if possible. I'm slipping the budget on the diamond to $8500ish with determination to find that diamond that is just right at that size.

Been working on some great ideas to alter the band that will be a more personal & sentimental touch. It will be heavy on small details so be honest with me on the attached band if you think this vendor could pull it off. It's not a lot to go off but I can head down there in person and see more.. I'll also post the CAD drawing when it comes time.

IMG_0188.jpeg

So, i had a look at their Facebook page and it's all very modern stuff. As @rockysalamander said, this setting you want is not something just any run of the mill jewelry store can do properly without looking like a crazy mess. If she likes that specific Ken & Dana setting, why go custom?
 
Be a part of the community Get 3 HCA Results
Top