1.21 Custom vs 1.11 Tiffany

[chickyd]

Hi

I have a bit of a dilemma. I have been researching the different options available in London and have narrowed my decision down to two diamonds.

1. 1.11ct, G, VS2, Tiffany ring
2. 1.21ct, G, SI1 Custom ring from a good jeweller

The weird thing (I thought anyway) is that the custom one is more expensive than the Tiffany ring (by £800). I've no idea if I'm being ripped off but I had to push hard to get the price to where it is. The Tiffany ring I'd buy from Heathrow and get it tax free.

I'm looking for opinions on size over brand. I'm not concerned about the difference between VS2 and SI1. My view is that the bigger the better but the Tiffany brand and the cash saving are tempting.

Any thoughts would be much appreciated.

Ps... I'm a guy doing this as a surprise (with no help!)

 

[ame]

Hi

I have a bit of a dilemma. I have been researching the different options available in London and have narrowed my decision down to two diamonds.

1. 1.11ct, G, VS2, Tiffany ring
2. 1.21ct, G, SI1 Custom ring from a good jeweller

The weird thing (I thought anyway) is that the custom one is more expensive than the Tiffany ring (by £800). I've no idea if I'm being ripped off but I had to push hard to get the price to where it is. The Tiffany ring I'd buy from Heathrow and get it tax free.

I'm looking for opinions on size over brand. I'm not concerned about the difference between VS2 and SI1. My view is that the bigger the better but the Tiffany brand and the cash saving are tempting.

Any thoughts would be much appreciated.

Ps... I'm a guy doing this as a surprise (with no help!)

OF these two specifically, I'd get the Tiffany. Visually no real difference in size, and I personally would rather have a VS2 than an SI1, especially if I don't know who graded it.

You can also consider buying online, or from maybe Dr. Marchant who I think is in London?
http://www.designsbyindigo.co.uk/index.html

 

[chickyd]

Thanks. The custom has a GIA cert which I've checked out. It is graded as Excellent cut and Very Good polish and symmetry.

To be frank the prices I'm being quoted are £11k custom and £10.2k Tiffany tax free. Are these prices reasonable? I've researched online and my biggest concern was the cert and the quality of the setting.

 

[slg47]

is this a solitaire ring with a round diamond?

 

[chickyd]

is this a solitaire ring with a round diamond?

Yes exactly. Classic Tiffany setting

 

[Enerchi]

The diamond specs (What we have to go on) seem better with the Tiffany. AND.. its the original not the replica. AND... its slightly less expensive.

I'm going to vote Tiffany on this one! Happy shopping - which ever direction you go for!

 

[slg47]

yes between these two I would definitely go with the Tiffany.

 

[chickyd]

Ok thank you.

Will the difference in size not be reasonable though? From the research I've done the difference does seem reasonable.

 

[chickyd]

It would also be great if anyone has a view on these prices and comparable prices for similar stones.

This is a nerve racking research process!

 

[AtomicLush]

It would also be great if anyone has a view on these prices and comparable prices for similar stones.

This is a nerve racking research process!

I think it's hard since you're in the UK. It seems like you would be able to get a similar stone as the custom ring from one of the American PS vendors for a lot less.

 

[distracts]

Ok thank you.

Will the difference in size not be reasonable though? From the research I've done the difference does seem reasonable.

We would need the mm sizes of the diamonds in order to tell, as diamonds of the same carat weight can be cut to different sizes.

With the information you have given, I think the Tiffany is a better bet.

 

[diamondseeker2006]

I think the 1.2 stone is overpriced. I think being SI1 and not branded should make it more equal in price with the Tiffany. Here in the US you could probably get a 1.2 VS stone for the price of a 1.1 Tiffany.

Just to give you examples, I am seeing 1.2 G VS2's here from about $10,500 to the $12,000+ range:

http://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-2631626.htm

http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/G-VS2-Ideal-Cut-Round-Diamond-1391347.asp?b=16&a=12&c=77&cid=131

Add about $1800 for the Vatche U-113 (Tiffany repro setting) and you end up at $12,300 to around $14,000 total. I don't know your exchange rate, so how much is the jeweler asking in US $? (Of course, I listed VS2 so it should be somewhat higher than an SI1).

A top cut quality 1.11 G VS2 here is $11,351 http://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-2668678.htm

Again add $1800 for the setting and you are at around $13,000+. (And you could find some excellent stones for even a little less)

 

[chickyd]

I think the 1.2 stone is overpriced. I think being SI1 and not branded should make it more equal in price with the Tiffany. Here in the US you could probably get a 1.2 VS stone for the price of a 1.1 Tiffany.

Just to give you examples, I am seeing 1.2 G VS2's here from about $10,500 to the $12,000+ range:

http://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-2631626.htm

http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/G-VS2-Ideal-Cut-Round-Diamond-1391347.asp?b=16&a=12&c=77&cid=131

Add about $1800 for the Vatche U-113 (Tiffany repro setting) and you end up at $12,300 to around $14,000 total. I don't know your exchange rate, so how much is the jeweler asking in US $? (Of course, I listed VS2 so it should be somewhat higher than an SI1).

A top cut quality 1.11 G VS2 here is $11,351 http://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-2668678.htm

Again add $1800 for the setting and you are at around $13,000+. (And you could find some excellent stones for even a little less)

Thanks for so much info! The XR is about 1.5/1.6 right now but we have 20% sales tax here - the Tiffany I'd get without tax as I'd get it from the airport. If a top cut quality 1.11 G VS2 is $13k set online then I'm thinking the equivalent of around $15k for a Tiffany ring possibly seems like a good price.

The trouble here is tax.. I've looked at US vendors and they apply the 20% VAT on top before shipping to the UK. But to be honest I'm not keen on ordering a ring from the US that I haven't seen.

I've asked Tiffany to send me the details of the stone in question - so I can do a DCA calc - I'm dealing with them remotely so I can get all the info ahead of passing through the airport. The custom Jeweller is cagey about giving me stats on email, they have shown me the cert though - I saw it is GIA, Excellent cut, Very Good polish and symmetry, no florescence...

 

[chickyd]

I have the full details of the Tiffany diamond. It scores a 'Very Good' 2.2 on the HCA report. Any thoughts on this stone?

HAPE
ROUND

CUT
BRILLIANT

MEASUREMENTS
6.66 - 6.70 x 4.10 mm

CARAT WEIGHT
1.11 CARATS

COLOR GRADE
G

FLUORESCENCE
NONE

PRECISION OF CUT
EXCELLENT

SYMMETRY
EXCELLENT

POLISH
VERY GOOD

CLARITY GRADE
VS2

ENHANCEMENTS (BESIDES CUT/POLISHING)
NONE

CUT PROPORTIONS

TOTAL DEPTH PERCENTAGE
61.4%

PAVILION ANGLE
40.8°

TABLE SIZE PERCENTAGE
57%

LOWER HALF LENGTH PERCENTAGE
75%

CROWN HEIGHT PERCENTAGE
15.4%

GIRDLE THICKNESS
THIN TO MEDIUM

CROWN ANGLE
35.3°

GIRDLE FINISH
FACETED

STAR LENGTH PERCENTAGE
50%

CULET
NONE

PAVILION DEPTH PERCENTAGE
43.0%

 

[stargurl78]

Of the 2 choices, I would go with the Tiffany.

 

[diamondseeker2006]

I'd definitely choose the Tiffany over the other one. You could get a more "perfect" stone here, but considering the tax buying from here might put you up to Tiffany prices, you may as well buy the Tiffany! Most girls would love to have a Tiffany ring other than the obvious price considerations. But in this case, it sounds like your best choice as long as this size stone is one that is within the average (or above) of her social circle and family. And I just say that since you do have the option of buying a larger stone if that would be more pleasing to her than the brand.

 

[chickyd]

I'd definitely choose the Tiffany over the other one. You could get a more "perfect" stone here, but considering the tax buying from here might put you up to Tiffany prices, you may as well buy the Tiffany! Most girls would love to have a Tiffany ring other than the obvious price considerations. But in this case, it sounds like your best choice as long as this size stone is one that is within the average (or above) of her social circle and family. And I just say that since you do have the option of buying a larger stone if that would be more pleasing to her than the brand.

For me, I'd prefer to have a larger stone than 1.1 .. i've seen some nice ones around 1.25 and i just think that small jump makes a nice difference. What I'm going on is that I've been told visually there isn't much to tell between a 1.11 and say a 1.25 but I do prefer the bigger one (possibly psychological).

The main reason I'm considering the Tiffany is for the brand and the comfort of having the best setting and a good stone. If I could find an amazing stone that is set perfectly I would be happy. I don't want to cheap out of the band or setting as I see that as being just as an important factor to consider.

 

[Enerchi]

Does Tiffany allow you to upgrade - and what stipulations are imposed - if they do allow an upgrade? you could go for the 1.1 stone it is now set with and then upgrade at a later date...

 

[chickyd]

Does Tiffany allow you to upgrade - and what stipulations are imposed - if they do allow an upgrade? you could go for the 1.1 stone it is now set with and then upgrade at a later date...

I'm unsure... I'd prefer to not spend c.$15k in the knowledge that it's not THE ring though, for life. It would feel like I'd settled for something now which I can correct in the future.



I should note that the next size up Tiffany have in stock at the airport is a 1.28 H VVS2 .. which would be great but it's on at a budget stretching/belt tightening £12k. Worth the stretch?

 

[ame]

Honestly I'd ask for the info on it only if it's feasible.

Tiffs in the us will do a one time trade up within I believe 5 years of initial purchase and you have to spend double.

 

[MichelleCarmen]

I'd for sure go with the Tiffany ring!

 

[gemmz]

Most decent jewellers can offer tax free facilities (you reclaim the vat at the airport). Both of them sound expensive tbh, have you tried http://www.lauderjewellers.com/home.html in hatton garden, or http://www.danielprince.co.uk/ ?

Lauder is a street level retailer, quite small, on hatton garden, I think his name is Simon, quite a smart boutique jeweller, and Daniel Prince specialise in bespoke custom work so the quality is high end but the prices seemed competitive. I did look at indigo too but I think their stuff is made in Antwerp.

I've never quite understood how the tax free thing works at airports, you buy it at the tax free price... even if you're only flying within the UK, so if the ring costs £10k + vat in the high street they would only charge you £10k at the airport, for the sake of saving £2k I'd fly to manchester and back! lol

but getting back on subject, I'd always choose handmade custom work over tiffany's mass produced stuff, despite the brand. What are you paying for really, the blue box and the name?

 

[chickyd]

Most decent jewellers can offer tax free facilities (you reclaim the vat at the airport). Both of them sound expensive tbh, have you tried http://www.lauderjewellers.com/home.html in hatton garden, or http://www.danielprince.co.uk/ ?

Lauder is a street level retailer, quite small, on hatton garden, I think his name is Simon, quite a smart boutique jeweller, and Daniel Prince specialise in bespoke custom work so the quality is high end but the prices seemed competitive. I did look at indigo too but I think their stuff is made in Antwerp.

I've never quite understood how the tax free thing works at airports, you buy it at the tax free price... even if you're only flying within the UK, so if the ring costs £10k + vat in the high street they would only charge you £10k at the airport, for the sake of saving £2k I'd fly to manchester and back! lol

but getting back on subject, I'd always choose handmade custom work over tiffany's mass produced stuff, despite the brand. What are you paying for really, the blue box and the name?

Indeed I don't know how the tax free works. Seems daft to not buy from there if you want Tiffany.

Thanks for the info you've sent. I'll take a look. I'm also looking at Cool Diamonds as they have a showroom in Hatton Garden and the prices seem good. It's just the settings look rubbish and I think it's pretty important.

These rings I've found are definitely expensive. The decision is whether the difference in price is so significant.

 

[diamondseeker2006]

I'd go for the 1.28 H if you can swing it. Tiffany's trade in policy is unrealistic for most people.

 

[chickyd]

I'd go for the 1.28 H if you can swing it. Tiffany's trade in policy is unrealistic for most people.

To be honest it is probably just too out of reach. If Tiffany could reduce it to £1k it would be in the frame but as they give no discounts I doubt it.

If you are able to suggest any quality sensible alternatives for my budget in the UK it'd be great to check them out.

I did some more research tonight and seem to be finding a similar ring as the Tiffany one online for max £1k cheaper. I think this is an ok premium for the brand and assurance of the quality of the product.

As before my thoughts are just with the size question.