$50k budget/1.5-2.0 ct - any recommendations?

[eliu]

Alright, it's coming down to the wire, and I've narrowed it down (I think) to three choices. I'd love for people's input before I pull the trigger. I don't really know how to interpret all the AGS/Sarin/Idealscope data, so it'd be really helpful if someone more fluent could opine.

http://www.goodoldgold.com/diamond/4755/

GOG seems to be the "highest quality," in regards to most data and most in-depth guarantees. My one concern is that it seems 5-6% expensive (~$2k), particularly after Blue Nile's recent commentary that high-end diamond demand is slowing.

http://www.bluenile.com/round-diamond-1-carat-signature-ideal-cut-e-color-vs1-clarity_LD02378601

Case in point, the BN stone looks extremely similar (E/VS1, "signature ideal", HCA < 2.0, triple EX, medium fluorescence) and is $2.2k less.

http://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-2215537.htm

The WF stone is not quite apples-to-apples (F not an E) but is $4.5k cheaper and I'm not sure I could even tell the color difference (otherwise similar: VS1, "expert selection", HCA < 2.0, triple EX).

For those wondering where the rest of my budget is going, my fiance will not be missing out! The engagement now includes a flight to Madrid and 10 Michelin stars worth of restaurants in 5 days ...

 

[sna77]

What's with the laser inscription on the GOG stone? It doesn't match the GIA cert?

 

[diamondseeker2006]

What's with the laser inscription on the GOG stone? It doesn't match the GIA cert?

The stone may have been orginally graded by one lab and then sent to the other, something like that. Not unusual at all.

The GOG is a top quality hearts and arrows stone which means highest cut precision. The WF stone is ideal cut, but it did not make their top line which is ACA. So since you are really under your original budget, I'd suggest sticking the the GOG stone because you may as well get the best cut. And I don't like it that BN doesn't offer magnified images, idealscopes, etc. Not to mention, GOG offers MUCH better setting options over BN.

 

[sna77]

What's with the laser inscription on the GOG stone? It doesn't match the GIA cert?

The stone may have been orginally graded by one lab and then sent to the other, something like that. Not unusual at all.

Why wouldn't they have the old inscription removed and a new one added with the correct certificate number? My appraiser said this was fairly easy to do. A laser inscription is easy--if I were spending that much money on a stone, I'd want the inscription to match the certificate number...

 

[diamondseeker2006]

If he wants it removed, they can certainly remove it. I have never wanted to inscribe a diamond, so I would just have it removed if I didn't want it.

 

[mrssalvo]

I'd go with GOG for the reasons Diamondseeker mentioned. Have you decided on a setting?

 

[ChrisES]

I think the GOG stone is "better" being both bigger and a color grade higher, but personally, even with your budget I wouldn't spend an extra 5K on it, if you want a "deal." Save the money for a band or some other diamond jewelry.

Caveat, I have never purchased from GOG or Whiteflash, so I cannot speak to the value of their service. And I love the idea of making a trip to GOG! I want to go just to see if they'll let me play with their various instruments!

 

[eliu]

The WF stone is ideal cut, but it did not make their top line which is ACA. So since you are really under your original budget, I'd suggest sticking the the GOG stone because you may as well get the best cut. And I don't like it that BN doesn't offer magnified images, idealscopes, etc. Not to mention, GOG offers MUCH better setting options over BN.

"Top of the line" GOG vs. "not quite top of the line" WF is a good point to keep in mind. The lack of disclosure does make buying from BN challenging, since I'm not local.

I haven't chosen a setting. My plan is to propose with a basic $200 setting and then have her choose exactly what she wants afterwards. Once nice perk about GOG is that they're offering a promotion of $750 off designer settings (Vatche, Mark Morrell, etc.) if you purchase the stone through them.

 

[sna77]

I certainly think the GOG stone is the "best" stone... And I certainly wouldn't buy the BN stone w/o any other info than just a certificate.

 

[winternight]

Ok, I'm just throwing it out there - your girlfriend may want an over 2+ ct stone. Really, in my opinion, even a 3 ct+ looks fine, definitely not tacky. Depends on the circles you're in as well. I think a G color with no fluor (no point really) VS-something (confirm that it is eyeclean) should be fine. Also, your girlfriend doesn't want a particular style or ring? or brand? Just checking!

Also, who is setting this stone? Sometimes it is a better deal to have them source the stone and set it. For example, if you were using Leon Mege I believe people have posted that they felt they got a better deal that way.

Love this jeweler in terms of design - I don't know how far it is from you.

http://mc2jewels.com/contact.html

 

[diamondseeker2006]

Yes, I am going to have to agree with winternight on the size issue. Are you CERTAIN she would be completely happy with a diamond under 2 cts? I would think a lot about the diamonds the people in your social circle wear and be sure that she is not going to feel out of place with a smaller diamond since you obviously can afford a much larger one. I am quite happy with under 2 cts. in my world, but I suspect there are much larger diamonds in yours.

 

[sna77]

Yes, I am going to have to agree with winternight on the size issue. Are you CERTAIN she would be completely happy with a diamond under 2 cts? I would think a lot about the diamonds the people in your social circle wear and be sure that she is not going to feel out of place with a smaller diamond since you obviously can afford a much larger one. I am quite happy with under 2 cts. in my world, but I suspect there are much larger diamonds in yours.

agreed as well. 1.7 ct is by no means huge or too big.

 

[diamondseeker2006]

sna's wife is a good example. They live in a large city, have professional careers, and she is petite and has a 2.3 ct. diamond on a very tiny 2.75 size finger.

Just be sure you are getting her a ring that will fit in your social circle because that is comfortable for most women.

 

[sna77]

sna's wife is a good example. They live in a large city, have professional careers, and she is petite and has a 2.3 ct. diamond on a very tiny 2.75 size finger.

Just be sure you are getting her a ring that will fit in your social circle because that is comfortable for most women.

Here's a perspective shot of aforementioned wife. That's a 2.3 ct stone from about 5' away

 

[CushionCutie]

I have to agree, truly I think most women want a bigger stone. You stated before that it's in your budget, so why not? If you don't want it to be flashy just get an ultra simple setting. Again, if it's in your budget then why not? Don't forget about DSS!!!

 

[eliu]

Hmmm, so to be honest I'm not exactly positive what she wants, which is why I'm thinking GOG with its 30 day buyback period + lifetime upgrade policy is the best option in case my instincts are wrong.

That being said, we live in Boston and she works in non-profit, so I don't think our social circle has an abundance of 3ct rings. My industry peers all opted for 1.5-2.5ct stones. To my untrained eye, the difference between 1.75 and 2.0 is visually negligible (volume growing somewhat cubically but table area growing quadratically, etc.). But pricing per ct goes up by about 40% just for "2ct" cachet, which strikes me as silly to pay. It only amounts to an incremental $12k or something, but for such little benefit I'm guessing she'd prefer I donate that to charity rather than to De Beers.

 

[vintagelover229]

Hmmm, so to be honest I'm not exactly positive what she wants, which is why I'm thinking GOG with its 30 day buyback period + lifetime upgrade policy is the best option in case my instincts are wrong.

That being said, we live in Boston and she works in non-profit, so I don't think our social circle has an abundance of 3ct rings. My industry peers all opted for 1.5-2.5ct stones. To my untrained eye, the difference between 1.75 and 2.0 is visually negligible (volume growing somewhat cubically but table area growing quadratically, etc.). But pricing per ct goes up by about 40% just for "2ct" cachet, which strikes me as silly to pay. It only amounts to an incremental $12k or something, but for such little benefit I'm guessing she'd prefer I donate that to charity rather than to De Beers.

It seems like you know what is best and since you have the upgrade policy you can always change it later if she expresses something different.

That being said I know your searching for a RB-but GOG has a TON of amazing show stopper stones that you can get in the 2 carat range that doesn't face up like a 2 carat RB that will be a stunner and blow almost any RB out of the water with their unique faceting patterns and light return. That is always another option (or go with the august vintage line).

Just a thought
Since you're going to GOG I'd just have them pull a few for you to compare.

http://www.goodoldgold.com/diamond/8356/

http://www.goodoldgold.com/diamond/8211/

http://www.goodoldgold.com/diamond/8979/

I'm sure this one is amazing too!
http://www.goodoldgold.com/diamond/5662/

http://www.goodoldgold.com/diamond/8913/

http://www.goodoldgold.com/diamond/8502/

Larger stones
http://www.goodoldgold.com/diamond/8062/

http://www.goodoldgold.com/diamond/9084/

http://www.goodoldgold.com/diamond/8091/

http://www.goodoldgold.com/diamond/8506/



You have lots of options in your budget and a trip to GOG will help you figure out just what you want to get her. Myself personally I'd love something a bit more unique than a RB especially since many ladies don't even realize just what kind of options are out there in terms of cut. Many think there are princess cuts and rounds and that's about it lol.

Good luck!

 

[winternight]

I'm a fan of taking the girl ring shopping and proposing without a ring. I don't think a ring is necessary for a proposal myself. Besides, who knows maybe her heart is set on a vintage ring? I guess some women like a surprise, but many, at least it seems to me, have particular ideas about jewelry.

Btw. if she's expecting a proposal may I recommend proposing on the first day of vacation maybe at one of the dinners your setting up? My now husband proposed in Paris but he made me wait until the end of the week-long trip to do so!

 

[diamondseeker2006]

Okay, considering where she works, I can see what you are saying. I do think the 1.7 E VS1 stone from GOG is outstanding, and then like you say, you can tell her that if she'd like a larger one, it can be exchanged. That seems to be a very good strategy! But it sounds like you know her preferences very well and that she would be thrilled with a very high quality stone just under 2 cts. I just thought we'd better bring that up one more time! I believe sna lives in your area, too!

 

[eliu]

vintagelover229, thanks for the suggestions. We'll be sure to check them out when we go to GOG. I focused on RBs since they seemed to be the most liquid and apples-to-apples market to ensure I wasn't getting ripped off, but since GOG seems pretty fair we'll explore their inventory.

winternight, current plan is I told her I'm cooking her dinner for our anniversary, propose to her after the meal, and tell her to pack her bags for Madrid the next day!

 

[diamondseeker2006]

It is much wiser to give her the ring before the trip so she can wear it instead of trying to hide it as you go through all the airport security! he proposal and trip sound wonderful! I hope you will come back and show us some pictures of the ring and maybe the trip, too!

 

[sna77]

Hmmm, so to be honest I'm not exactly positive what she wants, which is why I'm thinking GOG with its 30 day buyback period + lifetime upgrade policy is the best option in case my instincts are wrong.

That being said, we live in Boston and she works in non-profit, so I don't think our social circle has an abundance of 3ct rings. My industry peers all opted for 1.5-2.5ct stones. To my untrained eye, the difference between 1.75 and 2.0 is visually negligible (volume growing somewhat cubically but table area growing quadratically, etc.). But pricing per ct goes up by about 40% just for "2ct" cachet, which strikes me as silly to pay. It only amounts to an incremental $12k or something, but for such little benefit I'm guessing she'd prefer I donate that to charity rather than to De Beers.

Yup, we are in boston too and my wife's firm is downtown.... Now you have me wondering if your paths have crossed. Boston is a small town...

And I agree with DS--proposal before the trip will make for a very "fun" trip to Spain.

BTW, t sure if I gave you the contact info for the appraiser in Boston-- Metro Jewelry Appraisers in Medford--the appriaser, Jeff Averbook is a PS member.

 

[eliu]

sna - yup, I will check out Metro Jewelry, thanks. If you've ever seen a white Audi R8 trying to navigate the potholes of downtown Boston, that would be me.

 

[sna77]

sna - yup, I will check out Metro Jewelry, thanks. If you've ever seen a white Audi R8 trying to navigate the potholes of downtown Boston, that would be me.

Ahhh yes... Boston pot holes--total disaster. Blew out 3 tires last summer on my BMW. I actually have better luck in the winter with the snow tires on... grrrr

 

[diamondseeker2006]

sna...meant to tell you that is a beautiful picture of your wife (even without her head! )!

 

[sna77]

sna...meant to tell you that is a beautiful picture of your wife (even without her head! )!

Thanks DS! That's a rare photo of her from an event during the 2 week period when she had the original Whiteflash Tiffany setting--before she switched to the Excel version. Ha

 

[Rhino]

Greetings. Just wanted to add a note concerning the inscription. On this particular diamond (1.76ct E VS1) the inscription is not the typical laser inscription on the girdle. It is a virtually invisible inscription on the table and is this particular diamonds registry # and not the GIA Report #. That number and the accompanying logo however is accurately recorded on the GIA Report.

Also, as you already noted eliu, if you do choose to go with us, know that you are never stuck. There are no stipulations on our trades and if she did want larger we can accommodate whether its 2 weeks later or 2 decades later. You'll get back what you paid towards it.

On a personal note ... I like winternights suggestion about proposing towards the beginning of your trip too.

All the best,
Jon

 

[diamondseeker2006]

He's proposing right before the trip!!! That way, she can wear the ring!

Sorry I didn't look at the inscription. I would have realized that if I had looked.

 

[sna77]

Greetings. Just wanted to add a note concerning the inscription. On this particular diamond (1.76ct E VS1) the inscription is not the typical laser inscription on the girdle. It is a virtually invisible inscription on the table and is this particular diamonds registry # and not the GIA Report #. That number and the accompanying logo however is accurately recorded on the GIA Report.

Rookie question: What is the diamond registry number? I haven't seen this type on inscription before.

 

[diamondseeker2006]

sna...meant to tell you that is a beautiful picture of your wife (even without her head! )!

Thanks DS! That's a rare photo of her from an event during the 2 week period when she had the original Whiteflash Tiffany setting--before she switched to the Excel version. Ha

Ha! I think this makes you the expert on Tiffany settings since you have now had THREE!