Engagement Ring help

[0ngster]

Hi all,

Any diamonds thats around 1ct? Budget around 7-8k USD. Recommendations would be great as its my first time buying an engagement ring. I heard also James Allen diamonds are affordable for this 1ct range but not too familiar with them. I have also looked at the BVD and bluenile links below? Hoping to hear everyone thoughts....

https://www.briangavindiamonds.com/...nd-ags-104102973003#!prettyPhoto[gallery2]/3/

https://www.briangavindiamonds.com/...-ags-c-104104774087#!prettyPhoto[gallery2]/2/

https://www.bluenile.com/sg/build-your-own-ring/diamond-details/LD11881872

https://www.bluenile.com/sg/build-your-own-ring/diamond-details/LD11819080

 

[lovedogs]

Hi all,

Any diamonds thats around 1ct? Budget around 7-8k USD. Recommendations would be great as its my first time buying an engagement ring. I heard also James Allen diamonds are affordable for this 1ct range but not too familiar with them. I have also looked at the BVD and bluenile links below? Hoping to hear everyone thoughts....

https://www.briangavindiamonds.com/...nd-ags-104102973003#!prettyPhoto[gallery2]/3/

https://www.briangavindiamonds.com/...-ags-c-104104774087#!prettyPhoto[gallery2]/2/

https://www.bluenile.com/sg/build-your-own-ring/diamond-details/LD11881872

https://www.bluenile.com/sg/build-your-own-ring/diamond-details/LD11819080

The ones from Brian Gavin are ideal cut and will have outstanding performance. The 2 from blue Nile are horrible. Poorly cut and will be dissapointing. Definitely go with one of the Brian Gavin options, or look into other ideal cut brands (Whiteflash a cut above or hp diamonds crafted by infinity).

 

[0ngster]

The ones from Brian Gavin are ideal cut and will have outstanding performance. The 2 from blue Nile are horrible. Poorly cut and will be dissapointing. Definitely go with one of the Brian Gavin options, or look into other ideal cut brands (Whiteflash a cut above or hp diamonds crafted by infinity).

Any other BGD diamonds to recommend? Is their blue selection ok?

 

[lovedogs]

Any other BGD diamonds to recommend? Is their blue selection ok?

Yes, blue is their line of stones with flourescence. I think flour is really cool, but not everyone agrees. It's a personal choice. But those diamonds will also be very nice. I'll look for alternatives now.

 

[lovedogs]

Whiteflash has more options right now in your budget, so I would consider these. Not sure if you're interested in extra size, but you can get larger than 1ct if you want I'm a size queen so that's always my 2nd priority after cut

https://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-4095774.htm

https://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-4107652.htm

https://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-4097153.htm

https://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-4022281.htm

Whiteflash has 3 "in house" cuts of diamond. A cut above (ACA) is their super ideal proprietary cut. It's the best of the best (like Brian Gavin signature or crafted by infinity). They also have expert selection ES, and premium select PS. ES and PS stones can be ideal for balancing quality with value, since they often just miss the mark for ACA. With ACA you can literally close your eyes and pick any stone in your budget .anything will be outstanding. With ES and PS, you have to be a little more careful, which is why I only am recommending those when they look excellent.

Just FYI.

 

[lovedogs]

Finally, I found 2 from high performance diamonds. These are like ACA, you can just pick anything in budget bc they are all so good. I personally have one and love it.

https://www.hpdiamonds.com/en-us/diamonddetail/HPD10731

https://www.hpdiamonds.com/en-us/diamonddetail/HPD10749

 

[KKJohnson]

BG has gorgeous stones and you really can't go wrong with them. But here are some other suggestions for BN

This one is my favorite and it hits 7mmx7mm
https://www.bluenile.com/sg/build-y...AMONDS&track=viewDiamondDetails&action=newTab

https://www.bluenile.com/sg/build-y...AMONDS&track=viewDiamondDetails&action=newTab

https://www.bluenile.com/sg/build-y...AMONDS&track=viewDiamondDetails&action=newTab

https://www.bluenile.com/sg/build-y...AMONDS&track=viewDiamondDetails&action=newTab


Other Super Ideal Vendors
https://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/compare/?idnos=4022281,4061061,3646313

This two are gorgeous but it is smaller than the others, price is good
https://www.victorcanera.com/diamonds/dzdunu-1.015-j-si1-hearts-arrows-round
https://www.victorcanera.com/diamonds/4thutz-1.024-h-vs2-hearts-arrows-round

 

[0ngster]

BG has gorgeous stones and you really can't go wrong with them. But here are some other suggestions for BN

This one is my favorite and it hits 7mmx7mm
https://www.bluenile.com/sg/build-y...AMONDS&track=viewDiamondDetails&action=newTab

https://www.bluenile.com/sg/build-y...AMONDS&track=viewDiamondDetails&action=newTab

https://www.bluenile.com/sg/build-y...AMONDS&track=viewDiamondDetails&action=newTab

https://www.bluenile.com/sg/build-y...AMONDS&track=viewDiamondDetails&action=newTab


Other Super Ideal Vendors
https://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/compare/?idnos=4022281,4061061,3646313

This two are gorgeous but it is smaller than the others, price is good
https://www.victorcanera.com/diamonds/dzdunu-1.015-j-si1-hearts-arrows-round
https://www.victorcanera.com/diamonds/4thutz-1.024-h-vs2-hearts-arrows-round

Thanks! Given that i am going for a halo design, do i need to get above I for the color of the diamond ?

 

[whitewave]

Thanks! Given that i am going for a halo design, do i need to get above I for the color of the diamond ?

Brian Gavin can likely source I color Melee. I’m waiting for two .20 I colored stones from him (except fed ex is incompetent lol).

The only thing about BG is he has a more restrictive upgrade policy that Whiteflash and HPD.

 

[KKJohnson]

Thanks! Given that i am going for a halo design, do i need to get above I for the color of the diamond ?

The super ideal cuts will face up whiter due to the better cut but like any other diamonds there is always a variation to all colors. Whiteflash can send a side by side photo of whatever in house diamonds you want to compare, I am not sure if BG will but most likely that won’t be an issue.

Also as stated by whitewave, most melee are “lower” color unless requested. My side stones are an G/H for my 3 stone.

 

[0ngster]

Hi all,

I have narrowed down to these 2 options. Was wondering whether its worth paying $2k more for slightly above 1ct (2nd link) compared to a 0.94ct?

Both are HP diamonds.

1. https://www.hpdiamonds.com/en-us/diamonddetail/HPD10390
2. https://www.hpdiamonds.com/en-us/diamonddetail/HPD10485

I am going for a halo design and hence wonder if it is worth going for the 1.06ct?

 

[lovedogs]

Hi all,

I have narrowed down to these 2 options. Was wondering whether its worth paying $2k more for slightly above 1ct (2nd link) compared to a 0.94ct?

Both are HP diamonds.

1. https://www.hpdiamonds.com/en-us/diamonddetail/HPD10390
2. https://www.hpdiamonds.com/en-us/diamonddetail/HPD10485

I am going for a halo design and hence wonder if it is worth going for the 1.06ct?

It's hard to say whats worth 2k, since we aren't you. But it's a .2mm difference, which is visible but small. A halo will add size anyway, so for me I think I would stick with the .94 to save 2k. But totally up to you!

 

[OoohShiny]

The difference in size is 0.2mm, which seems to be the generally accepted (on this forum) change in size that is noticeable to the naked eye, but the larger stone is also nearly $3k more, which is not a small amount of money...

The smaller, VS2 stone looks to have an inclusion in the table - it seems to be virtually invisible on the video, though, and it will be a fraction of a mm in size 'in real life'.

Stones just under the magic 1ct mark are hard to find in the SuperIdeals - I know that the vendors bemoan the fact that many, many stones are cut to hit the magic whole- and half-carat markers that people are psychologically trained to want more than 'just below' those marks, but they are still beholden to the commercial demands of making money to cover their costs and like to hit those markers themselves!

You could always purchase the 0.94 now and then upgrade later


Alternatively, there are a few other options that could be worth asking about - the first two have no videos but the SI stones offer excellent value and many people on here own SI-clarity CBIs that are completely eye-clean away from the super-zoomed videos

1.03ct G SI2
https://www.hpdiamonds.com/en-us/diamonddetail/HPD10748

1.04ct G SI1
https://www.hpdiamonds.com/en-us/diamonddetail/HPD10733

1.02ct H VS1
https://www.hpdiamonds.com/en-us/diamonddetail/HPD10393

1.09ct H VS1
https://www.hpdiamonds.com/en-us/diamonddetail/HPD9691

1.03ct G VS2
https://www.hpdiamonds.com/en-us/diamonddetail/HPD10438

1.22ct G SI2
https://www.hpdiamonds.com/en-us/diamonddetail/HPD10696

 

[lovedogs]

The difference in size is 0.2mm, which seems to be the generally accepted (on this forum) change in size that is noticeable to the naked eye, but the larger stone is also nearly $3k more, which is not a small amount of money...

The smaller, VS2 stone looks to have an inclusion in the table - it seems to be virtually invisible on the video, though, and it will be a fraction of a mm in size 'in real life'.

Stones just under the magic 1ct mark are hard to find in the SuperIdeals - I know that the vendors bemoan the fact that many, many stones are cut to hit the magic whole- and half-carat markers that people are psychologically trained to want more than 'just below' those marks, but they are still beholden to the commercial demands of making money to cover their costs and like to hit those markers themselves!

You could always purchase the 0.94 now and then upgrade later


Alternatively, there are a few other options that could be worth asking about - the first two have no videos but the SI stones offer excellent value and many people on here own SI-clarity CBIs that are completely eye-clean away from the super-zoomed videos

1.03ct G SI2
https://www.hpdiamonds.com/en-us/diamonddetail/HPD10748

1.04ct G SI1
https://www.hpdiamonds.com/en-us/diamonddetail/HPD10733

1.09ct H VS1
https://www.hpdiamonds.com/en-us/diamonddetail/HPD9691

1.03ct G VS2
https://www.hpdiamonds.com/en-us/diamonddetail/HPD10438

1.22 G SI2
https://www.hpdiamonds.com/en-us/diamonddetail/HPD10696

Agreed! SI stones are awesome from HPD, as they guarantee all stones are eye clean (even SI2) at normal viewing distance.

 

[Miss Marple]

Personally, I would go with the 0.94. The savings over the 1.06 is substantial and I wouldn’t mind not hitting the magic 1 ct mark. My own diamond is just short of one of the magic thresholds and I have zero interest in paying the differential to get more weight but almost no face up size difference.

I also think a halo will make it even harder to notice any difference in size. Others will have a different opinion. And if size is psychologically important, then the price difference may be worthwhile. Keep in mind that HPD has one of the best upgrade policies in the business. It might be worth asking whether the planned setting could accommodate a 1 ct if an upgrade is desired.

 

[SimoneDi]

I’d go for the 1.22 G SI2 @OoohShiny recommended

 

[CheeSauce]

I’d go for the 1.22 G SI2 @OoohShiny recommended

I bought this stone already so it should be unavailable! I am waiting for it to come. Sorry guys :/

 

[0ngster]

I bought this stone already so it should be unavailable! I am waiting for it to come. Sorry guys :/

From the AGS report, this stone have quite a few inclusions and flaws? Would you guys still buy given that its a great price for a 1.22 CBI?

 

[CheeSauce]

From the AGS report, this stone have quite a few inclusions and flaws? Would you guys still buy given that its a great price for a 1.22 CBI?

I think they guarantee that their diamonds are eye clean despite the clarity grade. I emailed Wink to ask him about the stone before I bought it a few weeks ago. He put it on hold for me and made me a video to show me that the stone was eye clean:

If you see a SI stone you like, you can email HPD to ask them to make you a video too. I am waiting or my setting to be made so I can’t tell you what the stone actually looks like to me... but I will let you guys know once I get the ring!

 

[lovedogs]

I think they guarantee that their diamonds are eye clean despite the clarity grade. I emailed Wink to ask him about the stone before I bought it a few weeks ago. He put it on hold for me and made me a video to show me that the stone was eye clean:

If you see a SI stone you like, you can email HPD to ask them to make you a video too. I am waiting or my setting to be made so I can’t tell you what the stone actually looks like to me... but I will let you guys know once I get the ring!

This. They guarantee eye clean and will send more videos to help people decide. Congrats on grabbing that one! Their si2 stones are incredible deals

 

[0ngster]

Hi all,

Wanted to get everyone perspective on this. Could i check how does this diamond (1.03 G-SI2 diamond) compare to the 1.22 G-SI2 diamond above? It seems that the top left side of the diamond is slightly dimmer in brightness from the video?

Both are CBI diamonds from Wink Jones. Thanks!

 

[lovedogs]

Hi all,

Wanted to get everyone perspective on this. Could i check how does this diamond (1.03 G-SI2 diamond) compare to the 1.22 G-SI2 diamond above? It seems that the top left side of the diamond is slightly dimmer in brightness from the video?

Both are CBI diamonds from Wink Jones. Thanks!

I think both are going to be outstanding. I would personally go for the bigger size, but I think both will be outstanding IRL.

 

[CheeSauce]

Hi all,

Wanted to get everyone perspective on this. Could i check how does this diamond (1.03 G-SI2 diamond) compare to the 1.22 G-SI2 diamond above? It seems that the top left side of the diamond is slightly dimmer in brightness from the video?

Both are CBI diamonds from Wink Jones. Thanks!

Hey @0ngster just wanted to clarify that I purchased (and paid for) the 1.22 G SI2 listed above in March so the stone shouldn’t be available for sale! I think it is only still listed because they are working on my setting.

The 1.03 you chose looks great though (and at a great price.)

 

[0ngster]

The difference in size is 0.2mm, which seems to be the generally accepted (on this forum) change in size that is noticeable to the naked eye, but the larger stone is also nearly $3k more, which is not a small amount of money...

The smaller, VS2 stone looks to have an inclusion in the table - it seems to be virtually invisible on the video, though, and it will be a fraction of a mm in size 'in real life'.

Stones just under the magic 1ct mark are hard to find in the SuperIdeals - I know that the vendors bemoan the fact that many, many stones are cut to hit the magic whole- and half-carat markers that people are psychologically trained to want more than 'just below' those marks, but they are still beholden to the commercial demands of making money to cover their costs and like to hit those markers themselves!

You could always purchase the 0.94 now and then upgrade later


Alternatively, there are a few other options that could be worth asking about - the first two have no videos but the SI stones offer excellent value and many people on here own SI-clarity CBIs that are completely eye-clean away from the super-zoomed videos

1.03ct G SI2
https://www.hpdiamonds.com/en-us/diamonddetail/HPD10748

1.04ct G SI1
https://www.hpdiamonds.com/en-us/diamonddetail/HPD10733

1.02ct H VS1
https://www.hpdiamonds.com/en-us/diamonddetail/HPD10393

1.09ct H VS1
https://www.hpdiamonds.com/en-us/diamonddetail/HPD9691

1.03ct G VS2
https://www.hpdiamonds.com/en-us/diamonddetail/HPD10438

1.22ct G SI2
https://www.hpdiamonds.com/en-us/diamonddetail/HPD10696

Hi,

I seen from past threads that you have great past experiences with CBI. can i seek your thoughts on the 1.03 G SI2? The report and specifications with video has just been released above! @OoohShiny

 

[OoohShiny]

Hi,

I seen from past threads that you have great past experiences with CBI. can i seek your thoughts on the 1.03 G SI2? The report and specifications with video has just been released above! @OoohShiny

I see @Wink has upgraded his video camera so it now does 720p HD for youtube! This is a good thing lol

The AGS report plot shows mainly twinning wisps, which can perhaps be considered 'the best' inclusions to have in SI stones - as I understand it they don't usually impact light return negatively and seem to be invisible at normal viewing distances (at least that is my understanding, which could always be wrong!) so that means the stone looks 'eye clean' in real life.

Wink's video is useful because as you can see, even when the stone is MASSIVE and he is zoomed all the way in, it is a struggle to see the inclusions - so given the stone is the size of a rubber on the end of a pencil, those inclusions are going to be un-see-able day-to-day unless you are Superman lol


I totally get the hesitation when it comes to spending $$$$ on something so small, I thought exactly the same thing but the benefits of CBI is that they handpick the rough they use and then tailor the cutting to minimise the impact of any inclusions, and HPD offers the 'see it to believe it' arrangement, where you can check it out at home to make sure you are happy with it, with the ability to return it or swap it for another stone if you are not 100% sold on it.

If you think it might be the one (and I think an eye-clean SI2 is an excellent way to get over the 1ct mark!) then get it ordered and check it out. If you're anything like me, you won't believe how well it sparkles when it arrives

 

[0ngster]

I see @Wink has upgraded his video camera so it now does 720p HD for youtube! This is a good thing lol

The AGS report plot shows mainly twinning wisps, which can perhaps be considered 'the best' inclusions to have in SI stones - as I understand it they don't usually impact light return negatively and seem to be invisible at normal viewing distances (at least that is my understanding, which could always be wrong!) so that means the stone looks 'eye clean' in real life.

Wink's video is useful because as you can see, even when the stone is MASSIVE and he is zoomed all the way in, it is a struggle to see the inclusions - so given the stone is the size of a rubber on the end of a pencil, those inclusions are going to be un-see-able day-to-day unless you are Superman lol


I totally get the hesitation when it comes to spending $$$$ on something so small, I thought exactly the same thing but the benefits of CBI is that they handpick the rough they use and then tailor the cutting to minimise the impact of any inclusions, and HPD offers the 'see it to believe it' arrangement, where you can check it out at home to make sure you are happy with it, with the ability to return it or swap it for another stone if you are not 100% sold on it.

If you think it might be the one (and I think an eye-clean SI2 is an excellent way to get over the 1ct mark!) then get it ordered and check it out. If you're anything like me, you won't believe how well it sparkles when it arrives

Thanks @OoohShiny ! You can totally understand me!