shape
carat
color
clarity

Looking for advice.

Niall

Rough_Rock
Joined
Jun 13, 2019
Messages
6
Hey guys,

Apologies if this is posted in the wrong section. So I'm taking the plunge and I'm asking my gf to marry me. I've looked over just about every website I could find and have settled on Blue Nile. The ring I'm going for is a 3 stone princess cut, plain 14k white gold band. The middle stone is .70ct, v.good cut,f colour, vvs2 clarity. The side stones are .31 ct each, v.good cut, e colour, vs1-vvs2 clarity. The whole thing is coming to roughly $4,500 CA. My question is, am I doing the right thing going for the better scale colour, clarity etc or should I go for slightly lower to get a better stone. As I said, I've only looked online and haven't actually gone into a store so I don't know what a D might look like to a G etc. Any help is greatly appreciated. I would go into a store but I live fairly far out of majors cities so shopping online is the better option for me.
 

lovedogs

Super_Ideal_Rock
Premium
Joined
Jul 31, 2014
Messages
18,023
Hey guys,

Apologies if this is posted in the wrong section. So I'm taking the plunge and I'm asking my gf to marry me. I've looked over just about every website I could find and have settled on Blue Nile. The ring I'm going for is a 3 stone princess cut, plain 14k white gold band. The middle stone is .70ct, v.good cut,f colour, vvs2 clarity. The side stones are .31 ct each, v.good cut, e colour, vs1-vvs2 clarity. The whole thing is coming to roughly $4,500 CA. My question is, am I doing the right thing going for the better scale colour, clarity etc or should I go for slightly lower to get a better stone. As I said, I've only looked online and haven't actually gone into a store so I don't know what a D might look like to a G etc. Any help is greatly appreciated. I would go into a store but I live fairly far out of majors cities so shopping online is the better option for me.
I think the most important question is what your GF wants. Has she specifically said she wants a 3 stone, and a princess cut? Both are unusual choices , so make 100% sure that's what she wants.

And you cannot judge fancy cuts by the numbers. We need pics/video to tell whether the stones are good or not. I definitely think VVS and F color is overkill in stones under 1ct, but again it's critical to know what your GF prefers.
 

Niall

Rough_Rock
Joined
Jun 13, 2019
Messages
6
I think the most important question is what your GF wants. Has she specifically said she wants a 3 stone, and a princess cut? Both are unusual choices , so make 100% sure that's what she wants.

And you cannot judge fancy cuts by the numbers. We need pics/video to tell whether the stones are good or not. I definitely think VVS and F color is overkill in stones under 1ct, but again it's critical to know what your GF prefers.

Hey, thanks alot for getting back to me. With regards to the number of stones and the cut, yes, that's what she said she specifically wanted in an engagement ring. After that, the stone colour, clarity etc is what I've picked just from researching what makes a good ring online. When it comes to this stuff I haven't a clue, but I was thinking maybe I was putting my money into the wrong things, so rather going for a higher colour/clarity should I go for a better ct? I'm not sure if the images that blue nile are showing of the diamonds I've picked are the exact diamonds or just something like it, but I can post them if it helps? Again, any help is appreciated.
 

Tekate

Ideal_Rock
Premium
Joined
May 11, 2013
Messages
7,570
@Niall have you considered WhiteFlash?

https://www.whiteflash.com/princess-diamond/

I am not knowledgeable about Princess cuts at all. I do have a band of teeny little princess cuts but that is it. My SIL has a 2carat K color whopper that she loves. If you have not read the WF site, maybe you would want to read it to ensure you get the most blinding flashy diamond for the money. Best of luck and as loveodgs said, both are unusual for enagagment rings (3 stones and Princess).. please when you buy post pix. . . we are lovers of pix here! Congratulations also.
 

lovedogs

Super_Ideal_Rock
Premium
Joined
Jul 31, 2014
Messages
18,023
We definitely need pics to help you better. And WF has the best princess cuts available, so definitely check them out.
 

lovedogs

Super_Ideal_Rock
Premium
Joined
Jul 31, 2014
Messages
18,023
Hey, thanks alot for getting back to me. With regards to the number of stones and the cut, yes, that's what she said she specifically wanted in an engagement ring. After that, the stone colour, clarity etc is what I've picked just from researching what makes a good ring online. When it comes to this stuff I haven't a clue, but I was thinking maybe I was putting my money into the wrong things, so rather going for a higher colour/clarity should I go for a better ct? I'm not sure if the images that blue nile are showing of the diamonds I've picked are the exact diamonds or just something like it, but I can post them if it helps? Again, any help is appreciated.
If you link the stones here (just copy and paste the link) we can tell you if it's a "sample image" (which it will say) or if it's showing you the actual stone
 

mrs-b

Super_Ideal_Rock
Premium
Joined
Aug 18, 2013
Messages
11,542
I'd stay at a G or above. Princess stones can show tint due to their cut. G or above should work - F is better, in my opinion.

I agree re WF stones, tho BN has the Astor Ideal for princess shaped stones also, and they're lovely.

While I'd keep the color at an F (no need for E or D!) - VVS is unnecessary. Try to find what you want in a VS2 - you'll be able to go up to a better cut, or up a little in size, without any visible inclusions.

Re setting - please don't go with Blue Nile. Their settings are stock settings, so they'll be squishing your stones into a pre-made setting, and if it doesn't fit perfectly - there's no line of recourse. Their prong work is also very poor.

Contact David Klass Jewelry in LA. They do lovely, fine work, and their prices are about the same as BN. They'll custom make you a setting which will fit your stones perfectly, and they'll give you fine prongs that won't introduce big blobs of metal to hold your stones. Speaking as someone who has had princess cut stones from BN put into BN settings, believe me when I tell you - you can do better.

Good luck!
 

Niall

Rough_Rock
Joined
Jun 13, 2019
Messages
6
Thanks alot for all the feedback and suggestions guys. Here's a link to the diamond I was looking at on BN - https://www.bluenile.com/ca/build-your-own-three-stone-ring/diamond-details/LD12397214 Obviously after reading all of your comments I'm having second thoughts. Why I was looking at BN is because I could get everything together in the one package and I had control over the side stones as well. From reading up on other threads here, I'm assuming it might be better to buy the main diamond separately and then go find a setting somewhere else. Again, I'm fairly clueless with all this so apologies for the newbie questions. mrs-b thanks for the great info, I'll definitely look into David Klass.
 

mrs-b

Super_Ideal_Rock
Premium
Joined
Aug 18, 2013
Messages
11,542
@Niall, we can help you pick all the stones. Alternately, you can ask WF or BN to choose 3 stones for you, once you give them your budget and an idea of what you're looking for.

What size sides are you considering? And can you pls tell us your absolute maximum budget. Imagine we could get you the perfect ring; what would you be willing to pay for it at a top price? Here on PS, we're often asked to help in selecting diamonds, and put hours into it, often to find that the budget is a moving target. Often, people will say "yes...I like your choices...but I've decided to go bigger" - and at that point, we realize that their budget is much higher than we were led to believe. Sometimes, it's actually much lower - at which point we have to throw out all our selections and start again. So be as accurate as you can, and we'll do our best.

One thing, tho - I'd keep the sides no more than 25% of the center stone. For example - 1ct center, 2 x .25ct sides. Even smaller, if your budget is tight. That, and clarity, are the 2 areas where you can save some bucks. DKJ will help you save some money on setting, and WF will get you the best princess cuts out there.

So that's probably the combo I'd use if I were you.
 

lovedogs

Super_Ideal_Rock
Premium
Joined
Jul 31, 2014
Messages
18,023
Thanks alot for all the feedback and suggestions guys. Here's a link to the diamond I was looking at on BN - https://www.bluenile.com/ca/build-your-own-three-stone-ring/diamond-details/LD12397214 Obviously after reading all of your comments I'm having second thoughts. Why I was looking at BN is because I could get everything together in the one package and I had control over the side stones as well. From reading up on other threads here, I'm assuming it might be better to buy the main diamond separately and then go find a setting somewhere else. Again, I'm fairly clueless with all this so apologies for the newbie questions. mrs-b thanks for the great info, I'll definitely look into David Klass.
Whats your budget? You could definitely get everything from one place by purchasing from WF, but not sure if that's feasible bc don't know your budget. Or buy a center Stone and setting separately (as others have said, David klass is great).
 

Niall

Rough_Rock
Joined
Jun 13, 2019
Messages
6
My max budget is $6,000 CAD so $4,476 US (That exchange rate eh:lol:) I wasn't aware of the side stone rule you mentioned mrs-b. The side stone ct I had was .35ct each because that's what the site suggested when I had the main diamond picked. I'll have to re-visit that.

@lovedogs when I was on WF I didn't see a way I could package it all together that had control over the side stones, but def possible I missed it.

This is what the mock-up of the ring I have picked on BN looks like -

Kgp9Skl.jpg


qzZ69wq.jpg


I'm not a huge fan of the way the diamonds are set in the (clasp?) but they don't have anything else with a plain band.
 

lovedogs

Super_Ideal_Rock
Premium
Joined
Jul 31, 2014
Messages
18,023
oops, I didn't explain that very well about WF. I meant you could have them source you all 3 stones and put them in a ring. They should be able to accommodate that request. The issue will come down to budget. You don't have a super big budget for a 3 stone (not trying to be rude, just trying to be straightforward and honest). My concern is that it won't look very engagement-ring-like because all 3 stones will either be smaller than your GF would want, or will be a similar size.

Has she tried on 3-stone rings? Princess 3 stone rings? and in the size of stone you are considering? Again I don't want to make you doubt yourself, but I think it's important that she understand the trade offs of a 3 stone ring vs getting the largest and best solitaire you can afford.
 

lovedogs

Super_Ideal_Rock
Premium
Joined
Jul 31, 2014
Messages
18,023
Here are some options I like from WF:
Stone:
https://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/princess-cut-loose-diamond-4128826.htm

Setting:
https://www.whiteflash.com/engageme...3-stone-engagement-ring-for-princess-2596.htm **this one doesn't include the side stones in the price. Call to ask how much extra that would be. My guess is it would make it close to 2500 rather than 1500, but just make sure.

https://www.whiteflash.com/engageme...1pcz1237-three-stone-engagement-ring-3841.htm **this one includes the side stones in the price (I think, given how the listing is worded), but again I'd call to confirm. I honestly prefer the WF version above anyway, so if you can get that one w. side stones included for 2500 that's great.
 

Maisie

Super_Ideal_Rock
Joined
Dec 30, 2006
Messages
12,587
I would ask WF if they are able to order you a setting from Stuller. I believe they have done this in the past. Stuller settings are very reasonably priced. The best thing you can do is give them your budget and see what they can do.
 

miimac7

Shiny_Rock
Joined
Jan 16, 2007
Messages
107
Another vote for Whiteflash! They are AMAZING to work with! Not only to you get the most beautiful diamonds but the people there and their customer service are unmatched.
 

Niall

Rough_Rock
Joined
Jun 13, 2019
Messages
6
@lovedogs I didn't think you were being rude. I understand when it comes to an engagement ring, my budget is just a drop in the ocean. With regards to my gf trying on the ring etc. She doesn't know (or at least I hope she doesn't) that I'm going to propose. I only know the ring she wants from getting her friends to do some investigating work so unfortunately, I can't ask her the questions you listed above.

Thanks for all the other feedback guys, I'll give WF a ring on Monday and hopefully they'll be able to help with this too. All the info everyone has provided here is seriously appreciated.
 

lovedogs

Super_Ideal_Rock
Premium
Joined
Jul 31, 2014
Messages
18,023
@lovedogs I didn't think you were being rude. I understand when it comes to an engagement ring, my budget is just a drop in the ocean. With regards to my gf trying on the ring etc. She doesn't know (or at least I hope she doesn't) that I'm going to propose. I only know the ring she wants from getting her friends to do some investigating work so unfortunately, I can't ask her the questions you listed above.

Thanks for all the other feedback guys, I'll give WF a ring on Monday and hopefully they'll be able to help with this too. All the info everyone has provided here is seriously appreciated.
I think you'll be really happy with what WF can offer :)
 
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