We need your support finding the engagement ring!

[Tingyu Hsu]

Hi PS folk,

My boyfriend wants to engage next month, and we want to find the perfect ring that in our budget! I learned a lot from you guys already and I hope to know more

Budget: $7-9K for the center stone
Carat: 1.01- bigger is better, Round
Cut: Ideal
Color: G or greater
Clarity: Eye Clean and I assume VS1 is enough
Polish/Symmetry: Excellent
Fluorescence: None

Depth: 60-62
Table: 55-58
Crown: 34-35
Pavilion: 40.5-41.2
Lower girded facets: 75-80

Setting: Classic 4 or 6 prong solitaire platinum, but not sure about knife edge
Other: Trade in and resell value will be a consideration

Obviously, I want to get the best diamond for my budget (just like everyone else). I would like to get a diamond that is cut well and sparkles as it should. I have been looking on blue nile and whiteflash the most but am open to suggestions. I would like to know what diamonds would fit my requirements. Or any unicorn!!!

Here are some I was looking …
· https://www.bluenile.com/diamond-de...AMONDS&track=viewDiamondDetails&action=newTab
· https://www.bluenile.com/diamond-details/LD11400522
· https://www.bluenile.com/diamond-de...AMONDS&track=viewDiamondDetails&action=newTab
· https://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-4073562.htm?source=pricescope
· https://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-4054988.htm?source=pricescope

Thanks for your help in advance. Truly apricated!

 

[rockysalamander]

Hi PS folk,

Thanks for your help in advance. Truly apricated!

Congratulations!!! Forgive me if my comments below seem blunt, I'm really trying to be direct and clear.

You say you want eyeclean, so if we can find an SI stone that will be eye-clean at 10" is that acceptable?

You posted some I colored stones, is that color acceptable?

If yes to both, a SI1 I color is likely to get you the largest stone -- if that is the goal.

· https://www.bluenile.com/diamond-de...AMONDS&track=viewDiamondDetails&action=newTab - Eliminate, crown angle of 32 does not work.
· https://www.bluenile.com/diamond-details/LD11400522 - Eliminate, crown angle of 32 does not work
· https://www.bluenile.com/diamond-de...AMONDS&track=viewDiamondDetails&action=newTab - good option, but I'd like to see slightly better angles

Both WF are good, but I'd like to see your thoughts on my questions before posting most options.

 

[sledge]

· https://www.bluenile.com/diamond-de...AMONDS&track=viewDiamondDetails&action=newTab - Eliminate, crown angle of 32 does not work.
· https://www.bluenile.com/diamond-details/LD11400522 - Eliminate, crown angle of 32 does not work
· https://www.bluenile.com/diamond-de...AMONDS&track=viewDiamondDetails&action=newTab - good option, but I'd like to see slightly better angles

Both WF are good, but I'd like to see your thoughts on my questions before posting most options.

Echo rocky's thoughts.

I might add on that 1.04 G VVS2 with the 35 crown & 40.8 pavilion, that is a tough combo. It falls within ideal parameters but I'd want to see an ASET and/or idealscope before committing. I've seen some that were great and others that had leakage. So it's a firm "maybe" pending advanced images for me.

Obviously the WF stones have all images, etc and are performers. I wouldn't hesitate with either of them.

Although honestly at the near 1 carat level I think you can back off the clarity a little. At WF I'd be okay with an eye clean SI1 as they keep their stones in-house and vet them. Plus if you have any concerns, WF can pull and answer questions.

For virtual inventory stones (BN, etc) I'd stick with VS2+ as you don't have that vetting process in place and I see it as more risky.

Lowering your clarity thresholds would likely allow you to bump size and/or color a little.

 

[MissGotRocks]

Love this one! - $9176 wire price - https://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-4063386.htm. VS1 clarity stone - very clean!

 

[Tingyu Hsu]

Thank you for the quickly response, yes agree if that stone is a eye clean should be good. Cause I don't think my eye is that good! I think I will stay G or above, I'm not sure about I color, right now. But I'm open for suggestion. Thanks!

Congratulations!!! Forgive me if my comments below seem blunt, I'm really trying to be direct and clear.

You say you want eyeclean, so if we can find an SI stone that will be eye-clean at 10" is that acceptable?

You posted some I colored stones, is that color acceptable?

If yes to both, a SI1 I color is likely to get you the largest stone -- if that is the goal.

· https://www.bluenile.com/diamond-de...AMONDS&track=viewDiamondDetails&action=newTab - Eliminate, crown angle of 32 does not work.
· https://www.bluenile.com/diamond-details/LD11400522 - Eliminate, crown angle of 32 does not work
· https://www.bluenile.com/diamond-de...AMONDS&track=viewDiamondDetails&action=newTab - good option, but I'd like to see slightly better angles

Both WF are good, but I'd like to see your thoughts on my questions before posting most options.

 

[lovedogs]

Love this one! - $9176 wire price - https://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-4063386.htm. VS1 clarity stone - very clean!

Oooh I also like this one!

 

[Dancing Fire]

Love this one! - $9176 wire price - https://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-4063386.htm. VS1 clarity stone - very clean!

Looks good to me!. A very beautiful stone.

 

[bmfang]

That 1.104 G VS1 at WF is gorgeous. Beautiful proportions.

 

[sp3]

Budget friendly?
https://www.bluenile.com/diamond-de...DiamondDetails&action=newTab&catalogView=true

Go big or go home... oops I meant or go WF?
https://www.bluenile.com/diamond-de...DiamondDetails&action=newTab&catalogView=true

Sorry I didn’t see your preference of no fluorescence.

 

[sledge]

Love this one! - $9176 wire price - https://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-4063386.htm. VS1 clarity stone - very clean!

Wow, absolutely gorgeous.

Love that small 55.5 table. And the 34.5 crown & 40.8 pavilion is spot on with near perfect Tolk proportions. Video confirms what you'd expect -- a complete fireball of a diamond!

Not only great proportions, but all the performance & symmetry images to confirm it walks the walk and talks the talk. Plus, WF upgrade program is phenomenal and their customer service is top tier. Given the month deadline, I think the customer service element is very important so things get done right the first time and delivered on-time.

@Tingyu Hsu, this is seriously a great find. Please go place this stone on hold/reserve right now while you make a final decision. I don't want a lurker poaching this stone from you.

Budget friendly?
https://www.bluenile.com/diamond-de...DiamondDetails&action=newTab&catalogView=true

Go big or go home... oops I meant or go WF?
https://www.bluenile.com/diamond-de...DiamondDetails&action=newTab&catalogView=true

Sorry I didn’t see your preference of no fluorescence.

These are good finds too, and have great proportions. Both are likely discounted because of the medium fluor. Although a VS2, I worry the bargain stone may not be eye clean because of placement of the inclusions on the table. I'd want that verified if I were giving serious consideration to this stone.

What I find comical is the statement on the larger stone. People get very excited about size, but I personally don't consider this a very big size bump. Ignore the carat weight and look at the dimensions. There is about 0.20mm difference, or 1/128th of an inch. This is just at the point where most people can visually see a difference if the stones are sitting side by side. If shown the stones separately and without the knowledge of the carat weight, there isn't enough visual difference to be memorable.

Below is a screen cap that illustrates my point. Keep in mind the last image is blown up at 400%. I was trying to draw lines free hand (excuse the chicken scratch) to illustrate the difference between the pink and grey circles. The 1/128th of an inch is split so you see 1/256th of an inch (or 0.10mm) on each side.

https://www.diamdb.com/compare/1.1ct-round-6.61x6.63x4.09-vs-1.2ct-round-6.78x6.82x4.20/

 

[Tingyu Hsu]

Thank you so much @sledge, I already contacted them to hold the stone. Hope we can make our decision this weekend. On the other hand, I'm waiting for BN to give us the print.
Cross the finger, Very very appreciate for everyone help! We read and consider all your advises.

Wow, absolutely gorgeous.

Love that small 55.5 table. And the 34.5 crown & 40.8 pavilion is spot on with near perfect Tolk proportions. Video confirms what you'd expect -- a complete fireball of a diamond!

Not only great proportions, but all the performance & symmetry images to confirm it walks the walk and talks the talk. Plus, WF upgrade program is phenomenal and their customer service is top tier. Given the month deadline, I think the customer service element is very important so things get done right the first time and delivered on-time.

@Tingyu Hsu, this is seriously a great find. Please go place this stone on hold/reserve right now while you make a final decision. I don't want a lurker poaching this stone from you.




These are good finds too, and have great proportions. Both are likely discounted because of the medium fluor. Although a VS2, I worry the bargain stone may not be eye clean because of placement of the inclusions on the table. I'd want that verified if I were giving serious consideration to this stone.

What I find comical is the statement on the larger stone. People get very excited about size, but I personally don't consider this a very big size bump. Ignore the carat weight and look at the dimensions. There is about 0.20mm difference, or 1/128th of an inch. This is just at the point where most people can visually see a difference if the stones are sitting side by side. If shown the stones separately and without the knowledge of the carat weight, there isn't enough visual difference to be memorable.

Below is a screen cap that illustrates my point. Keep in mind the last image is blown up at 400%. I was trying to draw lines free hand (excuse the chicken scratch) to illustrate the difference between the pink and grey circles. The 1/128th of an inch is split so you see 1/256th of an inch (or 0.10mm) on each side.

https://www.diamdb.com/compare/1.1ct-round-6.61x6.63x4.09-vs-1.2ct-round-6.78x6.82x4.20/

Echo rocky's thoughts.

I might add on that 1.04 G VVS2 with the 35 crown & 40.8 pavilion, that is a tough combo. It falls within ideal parameters but I'd want to see an ASET and/or idealscope before committing. I've seen some that were great and others that had leakage. So it's a firm "maybe" pending advanced images for me.

Obviously the WF stones have all images, etc and are performers. I wouldn't hesitate with either of them.

Although honestly at the near 1 carat level I think you can back off the clarity a little. At WF I'd be okay with an eye clean SI1 as they keep their stones in-house and vet them. Plus if you have any concerns, WF can pull and answer questions.

For virtual inventory stones (BN, etc) I'd stick with VS2+ as you don't have that vetting process in place and I see it as more risky.

Lowering your clarity thresholds would likely allow you to bump size and/or color a little.

 

[sledge]

Thank you so much @sledge, I already contacted them to hold the stone. Hope we can make our decision this weekend. On the other hand, I'm waiting for BN to give us the print.
Cross the finger, Very very appreciate for everyone help! We read and consider all your advises.

You're very welcome. Look forward to seeing some pictures once you get the ring!

 

[Dancing Fire]

Tingyu
For me the WF 1.14ct is a no brainer..

 

[sp3]

If I were in the OP’s situation, ok with medium fluorescence and not thinking about upgrading, I would probably be more interested in either the budget BN stone or this one.
https://www.bluenile.com/diamond-de...DiamondDetails&action=newTab&catalogView=true

From my experience of having a super ideal stone (accidentally) and finding its match, I could not justify a 35% price increase (in my case) to get a very minimal difference in performance. In my opinion super ideal vendors are easy solutions at a cost. With regular vendors, if you do your homework carefully, the outcome can be very rewarding and that is the whole point of gaining knowledge from joining PS. At the end it depends on what you value most: best performance in the absolute terms or best performance/ cost.

By the way, the budget stone is no longer available. I hope either the OP or someone from PS got it.

 

[Tingyu Hsu]

Thank you everyone for your help! My fiancée pulled the trigger on the diamond from WhiteFlash and the Legato ring. It is even better in person than I could have imagined! I have all of you to think. Who knows where I would have been without all of your help let alone my fiancée?! If it wasn’t for you guys there is no way I would be this happy with my ring. As promised, I have attached photos of my ring. As expected, the pictures Whiteflash provided are a little more professional than any I’ve tried to take with my iPhone

 

[motownmama]

So beautiful!

 

[rockysalamander]

Lovely. So very happy for both of you.

 

[Dcrafty1]

Congratulations. Your ring is gorgeous.