A deal that is too hard to pass up

[bananapie]

I’ve been reading this forum for about 1.5 months and it has been a tremendous help in my diamond search. My fiancé and I got engaged during a trip to Vienna in June (during a horse carriage ride ). Since we are not getting married for 2 years (I am going to biz school and want to wait till I graduate), I am glad that I can take my time to plan everything and search for a ring. But, of course, it is hard to wait!!!

We started looking at Royal Asschers but they are extremely hard to find. I found a 1.21 ct stone and the specs were perfect but it looks really really small (a bit too small to appreciate the cut!). Since I am not sure that I want to upgrade soon I am probably going to send the stone back.

We went ring shopping on Thursday and I was so proud as everything I have read on PS came to use. I looked at a bunch of Asscher rings and some of the stones were really poor cuts which made me really realize (even though I know from reading about it in the forums) that it is really hard to find a good Asscher. Finally, we stumbled upon a store that had Daniel K rings (which I had ruled out because it was over our budget of $20k), but the store owners (who seemed really nice) gave us an offer that is too hard to pass up. The price they offered was very close to our budget (just a tad over). We checked the Daniel K website and they are listed as an authorized retailer.

Size: 7.13-7.12 (don’t remember the third number)
Color: G
Clarity: SI1 (but looks good even with the loupe)
Depth: 69%
Table: 61%
Polish: Excellent
Symmetry: Excellent
Fluorescence: faint

Out of all the stones that we saw that day, I admit that the Daniel K was the best cut. In fact, I was quite disappointed in looking at another famous high end designer ring that had a very poor cut Asscher (it was not exactly square). The Daniel K Asscher was a bit bigger than I had wanted which was around 1.5 ct (this one was a 2.18 ct). I have small fingers (size 4). Since I am getting an Asscher cut, I don’t think it looks outrageous (but I’ve got to try the ring on again).

My thoughts:
1. The Daniel K union square ring is exquisite; it is sooo hard to pass up on a deal like this.
2. My fiancé and I have been together for 7 years and we had set a ring budget a while back. He started putting money into a “ring fund”. We have the money for the ring. But since I am going to biz school and moving across the country, my fiancé still has to find a job. While it feels like in the short term perhaps we should spend less money, it is quite temporary and I’m not sure if I’ll regret the sacrifice 2-3 years from now since the ring will last a life time.
3. We will move to New York City next week. Do you think a 2ct Asscher would be appropriate?

So the question is to purchase the Daniel K now or wait. Since the Royal Asscher didn’t work, my option left is to purchase a generic Asscher online (slightly hesitant since it is hard to find a good cut) and perhaps get a custom setting from Whiteflash.

But since I will be starting biz school very soon, I am not sure I can continue the long and exhausting search for a perfect Asscher.

Any advice, comments, suggestions would be appreciated!

 

[Upgradable]

Jump! JUMP!!

It sounds like it is exactly what you wanted and wished for, and even within your budget expectations. Don''t talk yourself out of it. It is a once in a lifetime purchase and this sounds as if it speaks to your heart!

 

[widget]

Hi, bananapie:

Hee hee...in the true spirit of PS enabling....I say: GO FOR IT!!!

I think a 2ct asscher is a lovely size for small fingers...not overbearing at all. And the Union Square setting is to die for!

I suppose, if you have the time and energy to devote to it, a lovely assher could be found and a near replica Daniel K mounting could be had for less than whatever you''d have to pay for this one....but I''d still say this sounds good. You''ve done your homework, seen the stone, comparative shopped, and are assured of top quality in a DK mounting.

I''m willing to bet a DK two carat asscher will be more costly in a couple of years than it is now, even not considering the ''bargain'' you''re currently looking at.

This is all just one humble opinion, of course.

By the way...congratulations! How exciting!

And welcome to PriceScope!
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[Shay37]

Date: 8/12/2006 2:58:35 PM
Author: Upgradable
Jump! JUMP!!

It sounds like it is exactly what you wanted and wished for, and even within your budget expectations. Don''t talk yourself out of it. It is a once in a lifetime purchase and this sounds as if it speaks to your heart!

Ditto!!! Bigger than you expected and the dealer is working with your budget. That is not a deal that will come across your path every day, if ever again.

shay

 

[phoenixgirl]

Somebody''s got a quote on here saying that it''s only a deal if it''s what you wanted to begin with.

You had a budget of $20k in mind for a 1.5 carat stone . . . You don''t need to spend that much in that size range, so I''m wondering how you came up with each of those. If all you wanted to do was spend $20k and get at least 1.5 carats, then the Daniel K ring might be a good deal, but if you just want a 1.5 carat stone, then I wouldn''t be convinced to buy more just because it seems like a good deal.

You might be able to buy your ring from a place that has an upgrade policy, and then you don''t have to worry about thinking your diamond is too small a few years down the road.

Whatever you decide, I am sure it will be a fun process picking out and getting the ring, and kudos to you for saving money beforehand for it.

 

[decodelighted]

Do not pass GO. Do not collect $200. And for the love of God don''t tell ME who the vendor is ''cause I''ll sell my car, camp out in front of the store, and buy it out from under ya!

JUST DO IT.

And take lots & lots & lots of pictures, you lucky wench!

 

[Shay37]

Date: 8/12/2006 3:05:43 PM
Author: decodelighted
Do not pass GO. Do not collect $200. And for the love of God don''t tell ME who the vendor is ''cause I''ll sell my car, camp out in front of the store, and buy it out from under ya!

JUST DO IT.

And take lots & lots & lots of pictures, you lucky wench!

Deco, ROFLMAO!!!!

Shay

 

[mrssalvo]

If you love the DK setting and it''s what you want I say go for it too. I''ve not see a replica come even close to caturing the same delicate beauty of a real DK. If you get it you must come back and post pictures

 

[diamondseeker2006]

Get it!!!! It''ll be average in NY, not big!

 

[bananapie]

Thanks for all your input. I really appreciate it. Some light hearted humor also helps me relax a little since I’m under time pressure to make a decision (to buy or to wait) before going to NYC next week!

I was supposed to send back the Royal Asscher today but I didn’t do it (have till next wed). I showed my friend the 1.21 Royal Asscher this afternoon and she absolutely loved it. This did not help my decision making at all. I really really love the stone too. The specs are sooo good. But the fact that it "looks" close to or even smaller than a 1 ct RB sort of bugs me.

Size: 5.86-5.86
Color: E
Clarity: VVS2
Depth: 70.1%
Table: 56%
Polish: Excellent
Symmetry: Excellent
Fluorescence: None

I also told her about the Daniel K and she said “what! It’s a G color? I would stay with E or F”. I didn’t even tell her the clarity is SI1 (but I’m comfortable with how it looks). It’s just that people are going to ask about the color and clarity first (and maybe only ask about that). I think that the vast majority of people (or at least a lot of my friends) think diamonds are good only if it is D-F color and IF to VS2 color. Are people always going to think less of my diamond because it is less than a VS2? That bugs!

My fiancé has been working with Jan from DBOF for the Royal Asscher. She said that she was going to help find a Daniel K Asscher in my size and price range (I think around 1.75 ct). Can I just buy a Daniel K Asscher by itself? Not sure if she can get us the stone and make a custom piece (keeping in mind mrssalvo’s comments that it is hard to duplicate a DK piece) or if that includes a Daniel K setting. We already let her know that we need to respond to the other store before we leave for NYC next Wednesday (we already put down a refundable deposit, I also think I need to go look at it one more time before making a decision).

P.S. phoenix girl made a good point that my budget doesn’t match the size of diamond that I’m looking for. Well, we set a budget a while ago and I decided that I like the look of 1.5cts on my finger afterwards .

Just an update and feel free to post any more comments.

Thanks for the warm welcome to PS!!!!

 

[mrssalvo]

you can by the DK stones without the settings but not the setting without the stones. i think a G is a great color in just about any shape. i'm sure the ring is beautiful, people really do ask the stones specs? I'd think they just be in awe by a perfect DK stone and setting

 

[decodelighted]

Date: 8/12/2006 10:11:04 PM
I think that the vast majority of people (or at least a lot of my friends) think diamonds are good only if it is D-F color and IF to VS2 color. Are people always going to think less of my diamond because it is less than a VS2? That bugs!

When I hear people saying stuff like "only Ds & Es are good" - I immediately think they don''t know WHAT they''re talking about. It''s one thing to have a personal preference for D-F, but to make sweeping generalizations -- um, they bought the hype.

But even if they do think that way, WHY do you have to tell ANYONE about the color or clarity? Are your friends really that nosy? NO ONE except one sister asked me those kind of intimate specs about my stone. You can easily brush those ??s off too with a "I dunno ...what does it look like to you?" or -- "What does it matter? I LOVE it"

FYI (IMO) - In NYC, all most people are gonna notice is *size*. And 2 cts is crazily about the NYC standard among professionals.

 

[widget]

Well, I happen to be one of those people who actually PREFERS good generic asschers over RAs. The latter are too ''busy'' looking to my tastes...especially in smaller stones.

And a well cut, eyeclean G colored stone is NOTHING to sneeze at!!!!

Since asschers are, by their very nature, ''small'' (given their carat weight) if I were you I''d be all over that 2ct DK in a heartbeat. Size matters.

JMO
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[diamondseeker2006]

Yes, and with the Daniel K ring, you aren''t as likely to ever be dissatisfied and want a larger stone. I can almost guarantee you would if you got the smaller stone. If you are going for your MBA in NYC, then you''ll be seeing some other nice diamonds. I''d get the one set in a Daniel K, though. Getting a comparbale setting made is not easy, because we''ve watched some other people on here attempt to do so.

 

[rogue]

If you''re already concerned about size now, you will definitely keep thinking about it in the future. And if you''re concerned about fitting in with New York City standards, you will also definitely keep thinking about size in the future! I have a 1.74 round brilliant that''s around 7.83 mm, and it is one of the smallest stones in my workplace (I am an attorney at a big firm in the city -- even some of the secretaries have larger stones). I would definitely say take the larger stone!

 

[SquareCut]

OMG! Don''t wait another minute. The stone alone is worth around $17,000! Which means you''re only paying $3000 for a Daniel K setting! Most people do not ask about color and clarity but if they do, you don''t have to tell them-just say your fiance choose the final stone. Who cares what they think about the color? If you need to impress them just say "Daniel K". Buy that ring before you get to NY becuase once you get here I don''t think you''ll find a deal like that.

 

[Kaleigh]

I say go for it too. Lucky girl!!!

 

[decodelighted]

Date: 8/12/2006 10:11:04 PM
Author: bananapie
it ''looks'' close to or even smaller than a 1 ct RB sort of bugs me. Size:5.86-5.86

IMO ... The 1.21 Royal Asscher at 5.86 x 5.86 is going to look MUCH smaller than a 1 carat RB ... which should be about 6.5 x 6.5 if well cut.

At that size stone I just don''t think the premium you pay for RA is worth it ... I''d MUCH rather pay the Daniel K premium (and you don''t even have to!).

 

[Mara]

get it! it sounds like a fabulous deal for a 2c Daniel K asscher and setting...!!

i love asschers but it does bug me that they look so small for their carat weight. that 1.2 has the spread of something like a .70c round stone. that so bugs me which is probably why i''d only get an asscher if i could get a really big one.

shrinkage also sets in...2c will look like 1.5 or 1c in a years''s time to you...hehe trust me. and in NYC i think a 2c asscher would look ''normal''. in NYC big stones are all over the place.

also yes the replica''s of the DK settings are not the same as the real thing. i have seen the real thing and seen the replicas. they can get close but it''s not the same thing, so if you really truly love this setting, then get what you really want!

i love royal asschers too, but given the choices you have right now, i''d take that DK 2c and dance all the way home with the ring on my hand.

lastly, people are weird when it comes to specs, most people don''t even know what an F or G really looks like, they only know what they have heard from jewelers is acceptable. which is pretty much always colorless and as high clarity as possible. phhbbbtt. i have never never had anyone ask me what color or clarity my stone is, they just say how it is huge and beautiful or they ask what size it is or where i got the ring. and if someone asked, i''d just say that my husband surprised me with it and it''s in the top 5% of the round stones in the world. hehehe. i like that stat much better than color and clarity.

i wouldn''t buy a stone or not buy one because of what other people would say. you will be wearing this ring so go with what your heart says. good luck!!

 

[bananapie]

Thanks for all your advice, comments and suggestions! It is really interesting and helpful to read everyone’s comments. It appears that I cannot stop thinking about the Daniel K Union Square setting. The whole diamond/ring shopping process has been long and confusing. My number one choice had been a 1.53 Royal Asscher that got snatched from right under our nose (I was really sad…). Then I thought about another split shank setting that I had fallen in love with at the beginning of my search (non Daniel K). At the same time, I felt that I should at least take a look at the 1.21 ct Royal Asscher so that I wouldn’t regret not getting one. I decided that if I didn’t like the 1.21 ct Royal Asscher then I would get a generic Asscher with a split shank setting. Then the Daniel K offer came along! I think maybe it was meant to be or something. I suppose things always work out in the end.

My desire for this particular Daniel K ring (and wanted the 2ct more) was fueled today when I saw the engagement rings of two of my girlfriends. One of them has a 3 stone RB ring that has a total ctw of 1.8 (center stone is around 1.1 ct), hers is REALLY sparkley. The 1.21ct stone one looks much much smaller. Another friend had a princess cut that was also over a carat and although I think that princess and asscher do not have as big a difference in size appearance wise, I still felt the Royal Asscher looked smaller. I certainly don’t need to have the biggest diamond, but I want to at least have something that I will feel good about (though after all the confusion and frustration, I told my fiancé that a twist-tie would be fine…).

So tomorrow my fiancé and I will go look at the Daniel K one more time before deciding whether to taking the plunge. I have had soooo much fun ring shopping and looking for ideas/advice on PS, but I would also be glad to finally get a ring that I’m happy with.

Hmm…. I will miss everyone on PS. Can I secretly read and look (LOVE EVERYONE’S RING PICS

) even if I’m no longer ring shopping?

P.S. Though everyone knows what the Daniel K Union Square looks like, I will still try to post pics when I get the ring! It may take a couple weeks cause I need one in a size 4 (but I really can’t wait that long).

P.P.S. Thanks for the advice on how to handle the situation if anyone asks about the specs. I definitely don’t think that I have to share these with anyone. I will ask them “what do you think?” or something along those lines. How many people can tell with their naked eye the color and clarity anyway (PS experts and diamond professionals don’t count!)

P.P.P.S. Clarification--the Daniel K ring is actually slightly over our budget, but we feel that it is within an acceptable range and it still feels like a good deal.

 

[Mara]

please do come back and post pictures, i don''t know that we''ve seen actual owner pictures of the union square with a 2c DK in it!! yum!!!

 

[Ellen]

bpie, please post pics!! And you don''t have to lurk just cuz you found your ring. Stay and chat with us!

 

[mrssalvo]

Date: 8/14/2006 2:03:37 AM
Author: Mara
please do come back and post pictures, i don''t know that we''ve seen actual owner pictures of the union square with a 2c DK in it!! yum!!!

ditto, I would love to see your DK

 

[Eva17]

Please come back and show pictures!!!!

Go for the DK. You will feel the stone is too samall very quickly if you go with the RA.

Then you will always be telling people it is 1.2 just to make sure they don''t think it is a .7. (Which like Mara said, is what it measures)

Once the money is spent and you decide, you will feel better.

Enjoy!!!

Congratulations on all the good stuff going on in your life right now

 

[Stone Hunter]

Go for it!!!

Please come back, join in the board, and post pictures of your ring.

 

[Lorelei]

You are more than welcome to stay and post and join in the fun even though your ring search is over! Most of us have ended up being regulars that way!

 

[bananapie]

Just a quick update!

My fiancé and I went back to look at the ring and diamond one more time yesterday and discuss the final price. We got the ring for 22k plus there might be a minor charge (a few hundred) because Daniel K might have to make a new setting instead of resizing the existing one. The store sent the diamond back to Daniel K yesterday and we might get a better idea of how long it will take after they look at it. The owner of the store said it shouldn’t take more than 3-4 weeks.

While the ring was slightly above our budget, we decided that a few grand wasn’t a big deal in the long run and we are getting a bigger diamond with an exquisite setting (like many of you said, I would less likely want an upgrade!). I asked my fiancé if it is ok that I don’t wear a wedding band with the ring because it would be hard to find something that would sit flush with the split shank. He is totally ok with it. My fiancé had proposed with a Tiffany platinum band that I can wear on days that I don’t want to wear the 2ct. Additionally, since I bought the ring in CA and it will be shipped to NYC, I think that I save on sales tax. So we save a bit of money in these two areas.

Big thanks to all of you who posted comments to help me through this exciting but also confusing time! I took some pics with my camera phone yesterday but they turned out quite blurry. Can’t wait to post the pics when I get the ring to show everyone!

 

[FireGoddess]

OMG I''m drooling at the thought...can''t wait to see it!

 

[mrssalvo]

oh it''s going to be fabulous.. I hope the 3-4 weeks goes quickly for you....

 

[Mara]

yay keep us posted! congrats!