A ring for my high school sweet heart - please HELP!

[Brilyant]

My girlfriend and I have been dating for almost 7 years, since my senior year of high school. Recently we have been talking about marriage and all that good jazz, so of course rings came up. She wears a 5-5.5 ring size and even though she won't flat out tell me, I know she likes bigger stones. However, my budget allows for about $5,000 for the engagement ring (stone and setting) at most. Plus, I have been doing some reading and, personally, I would like the highest QUALITY stone I can get - ideal cut, ideal polish, ideal symmetry.

What she likes:
- 3/4 eternity bands, or something with little diamonds on the band, 2mm width or so. I am pretty sure this is the type of band I am set on.
- classic round diamond shape.

That's all I know about what she likes for sure.

I think I am in the $$$ area of a 0.80-0.85 high quality diamond - correct?

I have read about Heart and Arrows cuts, and Solasfera cuts, but after looking on WF and GOG I was unable to find diamonds in that size/price ratio range. I am looking at diamonds in the D through H color spectrum and above a VS2 clarity.

Breakdown of the post (Cliffs notes, if you will):

1. Have ~$5000 for a setting and stone.
2. Figuring a setting will be $1000 or so, the stone needs to be no more than $4000.
3. Round classic stone.
4. Best quality first, size second (prefer not to go below .75 carats).
5. Looking into Hearts and Arrows and Solasfera cuts, but not finding much at WF and GOG.

THANK YOU!

EDIT: I forgot to add that I think I have heard, and my girlfriend "believes" that anything below H color and VS2 clarity is a "bad" diamond. I know this probably isn't true, but if you do recommend such a stone, can you please give a helpful suggestion as to how to explain that not all diamonds must be D color and VVS1 clarity? I see people here saying that WhiteFlash J SI1 diamonds look great, and I have a hard time understanding how that can be.

Thanks again.

 

[urseberry]

You''re definitely right on target with regard to how much diamond fits into your budget. I''ll let others chime in with recommendations for specific diamonds. I''m guessing that with the holiday rush, inventory levels may be a little low right now. If you end up buying from Whiteflash, I think the Legato with Micro Pave would be an excellent setting choice.

 

[Kissmark]

oops sorry wrong post

 

[KtIceRN]

This diamond

plus

This setting


Don''t even try to explain until after she has seen it. The ring itself will be all the explanation she will need as it will blow her socks off!!!

 

[Gypsy]

Date: 12/10/2007 2:58:19 AM
Author: KtIceRN
This diamond


plus


This setting



Don't even try to explain until after she has seen it. The ring itself will be all the explanation she will need as it will blow her socks off!!!

KT's got it all wrapped for you... all you need is the bow on top! I LOVE that diamond.

That setting is stunning as well... but if you utilize the PS discount, you MAY be able to upgrade to the Harmony setting... (ask for the integrated head version like LynnB's, they'll know exactly what you mean) which is my all time favorite WF setting.


Harmony Setting

 

[Lorelei]

Date: 12/10/2007 2:58:19 AM
Author: KtIceRN
This diamond

plus

This setting


Don't even try to explain until after she has seen it. The ring itself will be all the explanation she will need as it will blow her socks off!!!

Yes - do what KT suggests and you have a great diamond and fab setting - done!

Cut makes a huge difference as to how an I or J colour can look, a great cut diamond such as the one KT posted will face up very white and is still great quality. An I or J is still a very respectable colour grade, some even prefer the softer white they give rather than the crisp ICY WHITE D's or E's. With clarity, many go for a good clean SI clarity to get the most diamond for their money, as assuming you compare an eyeclean SI1 and an IF clarity, you won't see any difference with the naked eye; as the difference isn't visible, some prefer to spend the money on extra carat weight etc.

Basically if the cut is great, any colour grade diamond will look beautiful and a lower clarity too - assuming it isn't very included to the eye. If you have a badly cut D IF, it is going to look like a chunk of glass, it is cut which brings the diamond to life. Some prefer very high colour and clarity, which is fine, but for those who want a larger diamond on a budget, a well cut lower colour and clarity will help to attain this.

 

[Diamond*Dana]

I think the above listed diamond is gorgeous, and both settings are just perfect. Your GF will be beside herself! And you are correct in assuming that not all diamonds below H VS2 are "bad" diamonds. It is all about the cut!

 

[Brilyant]

Date: 12/10/2007 2:58:19 AM
Author: KtIceRN
This diamond


plus


This setting



Don''t even try to explain until after she has seen it. The ring itself will be all the explanation she will need as it will blow her socks off!!!

WOW! That is nice.. may be a bit outside my range, but hmmm... thanks!

 

[Brilyant]

Date: 12/10/2007 3:15:48 AM
Author: Gypsy

Date: 12/10/2007 2:58:19 AM

Author: KtIceRN

This diamond



plus



This setting




Don''t even try to explain until after she has seen it. The ring itself will be all the explanation she will need as it will blow her socks off!!!

KT''s got it all wrapped for you... all you need is the bow on top! I LOVE that diamond.


That setting is stunning as well... but if you utilize the PS discount, you MAY be able to upgrade to the Harmony setting... (ask for the integrated head version like LynnB''s, they''ll know exactly what you mean) which is my all time favorite WF setting.



Harmony Setting

Wow, that''s gorgeous! What is/how much is the PriceScope discount, and who do I ask about applying it? I have a contact at WhiteFlash who I am corresponding back and forth with right now (hi Katie, if you''re reading this!).

Do you have a picture of the integrated head?

Thanks!

 

[Brilyant]

Date: 12/10/2007 5:47:28 AM
Author: Lorelei

Date: 12/10/2007 2:58:19 AM

Author: KtIceRN

This diamond


plus


This setting



Don''t even try to explain until after she has seen it. The ring itself will be all the explanation she will need as it will blow her socks off!!!

Yes - do what KT suggests and you have a great diamond and fab setting - done!


Cut makes a huge difference as to how an I or J colour can look, a great cut diamond such as the one KT posted will face up very white and is still great quality. An I or J is still a very respectable colour grade, some even prefer the softer white they give rather than the crisp ICY WHITE D''s or E''s. With clarity, many go for a good clean SI clarity to get the most diamond for their money, as assuming you compare an eyeclean SI1 and an IF clarity, you won''t see any difference with the naked eye; as the difference isn''t visible, some prefer to spend the money on extra carat weight etc.


Basically if the cut is great, any colour grade diamond will look beautiful and a lower clarity too - assuming it isn''t very included to the eye. If you have a badly cut D IF, it is going to look like a chunk of glass, it is cut which brings the diamond to life. Some prefer very high colour and clarity, which is fine, but for those who want a larger diamond on a budget, a well cut lower colour and clarity will help to attain this.

Thank you so much for the detailed post! I am just scared about my girlfriend being happy with the LOOK of the diamond, but not with the "stats" of the diamond. You know, when people ask "ooooh, what color is that?" and she says "I color" she may be emabarassed or something... is that just me being stupid? Do people even ask these things? Would it even matter if the diamond is unbelievable in appearance?

 

[Rolling Thunder]

I don''t mean to be negative, but how can they rate the diamond "5 Stars" with an ''I'' color and ''SI1'' clarity? For that price, I would think you could get a D-F color and VS2.

 

[Gypsy]

Date: 12/10/2007 1:23:11 PM
Author: Rolling Thunder
I don't mean to be negative, but how can they rate the diamond '5 Stars' with an 'I' color and 'SI1' clarity? For that price, I would think you could get a D-F color and VS2.

Well, Rolling Thunder, with the 8 total posts I suggest you read the diamond tutorials on here and do some research and studying. Your response shows some need for diamond education on your part

. You've come to the right place for that! Welcome!

Color and clarity are NOT the most important aspects of a diamond. The cut of the diamond, how well it is cut and how much light it returns as well as how much fire ans scintillation it shows are the most important aspects of the diamond's performance.

Especially since a round an ideal cut round (which that one is, and hence the 5 star rating) will a) hide color and appear MUCH whiter than it is and b) hide inclusions. As for the price. You get what you pay for. In this case you are getting a BRANDED hearts and arrows, super ideal cut diamond graded by AGS, one of the two top diamond grading labs in the world.

So an I SI1 can easily be a 5 star diamond. And if you doubt us, go look at some ideal cut diamonds like Hearts on Fire... ask them to see an I SI1 and then ask the jeweler to show you a F VS that is 'average or good' cut in the same size (around a carat is a good comparision size)... and then you come back on here and tell us what you've observed.

Brilyant-- search for Lynn's ring. She has the original Harmony setting. What I mean by integrated is that instead of the head looking like a peg stuck on the band, the band comes up to form the head so it looks like one fluid piece. It's a stunning setting. As for the PS discount. Just ask Katie for it. I'd reserve that diamond if I were you though.

ETA: Also, due to their popularity rounds cost more per carat than most other shapes.

 

[Brilyant]

Date: 12/10/2007 1:23:11 PM
Author: Rolling Thunder
I don''t mean to be negative, but how can they rate the diamond ''5 Stars'' with an ''I'' color and ''SI1'' clarity? For that price, I would think you could get a D-F color and VS2.

I guess it''s the H&A cut that pushes the price up a bit, but I am told I color and SI1 "eye-clean" clarity is OK with this cut. I''m sure someone will chime in with a more detailed and/or experienced reply.

 

[Gypsy]

Date: 12/10/2007 1:47:24 PM
Author: Brilyant

Date: 12/10/2007 1:23:11 PM
Author: Rolling Thunder
I don't mean to be negative, but how can they rate the diamond '5 Stars' with an 'I' color and 'SI1' clarity? For that price, I would think you could get a D-F color and VS2.

I guess it's the H&A cut that pushes the price up a bit, but I am told I color and SI1 'eye-clean' clarity is OK with this cut. I'm sure someone will chime in with a more detailed and/or experienced reply.

The price is VERY fair for what you getting Briliyant, you would pay much more for a comparable branded super ideal at a 'real' brick and mortar store. That diamond is also an AGS triple 0. Which means it's got ideal light performance fire and scintillation. So it's a firecracker.

Just call up a Hearts on Fire dealer and ask for a price on an I SI of the same carat weight. And see what the price the qoute you is.

Here's the pic of Lynn's ring with the intergrated head... you see how the head is part of the band instead of just sitting on top of it?

 

[Brilyant]

Date: 12/10/2007 1:44:16 PM
Author: Gypsy

Date: 12/10/2007 1:23:11 PM

Author: Rolling Thunder

I don''t mean to be negative, but how can they rate the diamond ''5 Stars'' with an ''I'' color and ''SI1'' clarity? For that price, I would think you could get a D-F color and VS2.

Well, Rolling Thunder, with the 8 total posts I suggest you read the diamond tutorials on here and do some research and studying. Your response shows some need for diamond education on your part

. You''ve come to the right place for that! Welcome!

Color and clarity are NOT the most important aspects of a diamond. The cut of the diamond, how well it is cut and how much light it returns as well as how much fire ans scintillation it shows are the most important aspects of the diamond''s performance.


Especially since a round an ideal cut round (which that one is, and hence the 5 star rating) will a) hide color and appear MUCH whiter than it is and b) hide inclusions. As for the price. You get what you pay for. In this case you are getting a BRANDED hearts and arrows, super ideal cut diamond graded by AGS, one of the two top diamond grading labs in the world.


So an I SI1 can easily be a 5 star diamond. And if you doubt us, go look at some ideal cut diamonds like Hearts on Fire... ask them to see an I SI1 and then ask the jeweler to show you a F VS that is ''average or good'' cut in the same size (around a carat is a good comparision size)... and then you come back on here and tell us what you''ve observed.


Brilyant-- search for Lynn''s ring. She has the original Harmony setting. What I mean by integrated is that instead of the head looking like a peg stuck on the band, the band comes up to form the head so it looks like one fluid piece. It''s a stunning setting. As for the PS discount. Just ask Katie for it. I''d reserve that diamond if I were you though.

I kind of like that peg look, hehe. I will search for that ring, and thank you for the detailed post. People here really know their stuff!

Any chance you can link me to pictures of stones that are I color and SI1?

 

[milton333]

Here's one, a G, VS2 Expert Selection from Whiteflash, that is .765 carat, well under your $4,000 budget for the diamond, and a higher color and clarity grade. Now, the stone above will be a tremendous performer, but if you worry about color, a G is a higher color grade. Maybe ask someone at WF to compare these two side by side to give you a sense of how they "face up," ifthe G is noticeably whiter than the I. An ES just barely missed the ACA branding, and will still be an excellent choice. Also, check out the Divisi setting at WF.

 

[Gypsy]

Date: 12/10/2007 1:58:45 PM
Author: milton333
Here's one, a G, VS2 Expert Selection from Whiteflash, that is .765 carat, well under your $4,000 budget for the diamond, and a higher color and clarity grade. Now, the stone above will be a tremendous performer, but if you worry about color, a G is a higher color grade. Maybe ask someone at WF to compare these two side by side to give you a sense of how they 'face up,' ifthe G is noticeably whiter than the I. An ES just barely missed the ACA branding, and will still be an excellent choice. Also, check out the Divisi setting at WF.

That's a nice stone too, really nice and it's an ES so SAVINGS! Nice find! ... but it's so much smaller! That I was 6.2 by 6.2... it will LOOK like a full carat for the price. JMO...

Here's a thread with J (not even I) colored stones in platinum. And many of them will be SI's... some even SI 2. It should help your decision making process easier.

https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/j-color-stones-in-platinum.24731/

 

[Rolling Thunder]

Are you saying my 8 posts don''t qualify me as an expert?

Thanks for the info - it does help.

 

[Gypsy]

Date: 12/10/2007 2:03:32 PM
Author: Rolling Thunder
Are you saying my 8 posts don't qualify me as an expert?

Thanks for the info - it does help.

LOL. Yes. It does qualify you to ask good questions and hope for respectful answers in return though. Do read the diamond tutorials on here, they will help you. If you're interested.

 

[Rolling Thunder]

Date: 12/10/2007 2:05:51 PM
Author: Gypsy

Date: 12/10/2007 2:03:32 PM
Author: Rolling Thunder
Are you saying my 8 posts don''t qualify me as an expert?

Thanks for the info - it does help.

LOL. Yes. It does qualify you to ask good questions and hope for respectful answers in return though. Do read the diamond tutorials on here, they will help you. If you''re interested.

I''ve done a lot of research in the last few weeks, but still have a lot to learn. I made my first diamond purchase last week after giving myself the crash course. Seems like the golden rule is to never skimp on the cut, and that''s what I did. Funny thing is, despite going blind staring at this screen, my g/f would probably accept a cracker jack ring as long as the reason behind it was genuine.

 

[Gypsy]

Here''s a pic from that thread.

the three stone with sapphires is an E. Keep in mind it''s smaller (so less likely to show color) AND it''s got blue sidestones (making it look whiter/bluer)

And the top ring is a J (3 carat so more likely to show color).

I agree with Calling Bryan to ask... also ask if the I is eye clean from ALL sides and from 6-7 inches away.

 

[Gypsy]

Date: 12/10/2007 2:11:41 PM
Author: Rolling Thunder

Date: 12/10/2007 2:05:51 PM
Author: Gypsy

Date: 12/10/2007 2:03:32 PM
Author: Rolling Thunder
Are you saying my 8 posts don''t qualify me as an expert?

Thanks for the info - it does help.

LOL. Yes. It does qualify you to ask good questions and hope for respectful answers in return though. Do read the diamond tutorials on here, they will help you. If you''re interested.

I''ve done a lot of research in the last few weeks, but still have a lot to learn. I made my first diamond purchase last week after giving myself the crash course. Seems like the golden rule is to never skimp on the cut, and that''s what I did. Funny thing is, despite going blind staring at this screen, my g/f would probably accept a cracker jack ring as long as the reason behind it was genuine.

Sounds like you''ve got a keeper! Both the diamond, AND the lady. And that is a SUPER IDEAL combo. Congrats!

 

[Brilyant]

Date: 12/10/2007 1:50:19 PM
Author: Gypsy

Date: 12/10/2007 1:47:24 PM

Author: Brilyant

Date: 12/10/2007 1:23:11 PM

Author: Rolling Thunder

I don''t mean to be negative, but how can they rate the diamond ''5 Stars'' with an ''I'' color and ''SI1'' clarity? For that price, I would think you could get a D-F color and VS2.

I guess it''s the H&A cut that pushes the price up a bit, but I am told I color and SI1 ''eye-clean'' clarity is OK with this cut. I''m sure someone will chime in with a more detailed and/or experienced reply.

The price is VERY fair for what you getting Briliyant, you would pay much more for a comparable branded super ideal at a ''real'' brick and mortar store. That diamond is also an AGS triple 0. Which means it''s got ideal light performance fire and scintillation. So it''s a firecracker.


Just call up a Hearts on Fire dealer and ask for a price on an I SI of the same carat weight. And see what the price the qoute you is.


Here''s the pic of Lynn''s ring with the intergrated head... you see how the head is part of the band instead of just sitting on top of it?

Wow, that looks nice! What is the color/clarity/size of that stone?

 

[Gypsy]

Funny you should ask. Her's is a J SI 2. It's also 2.36 carats... wait, that's the one in her old setting. Not sure if her diamond is bigger now (it might be our Lynn's diamond shrink in her eyes at an alarming rate).

Here's the SI stones thread she started: https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/lets-post-our-si-stones-here.36489/ browse to your heart's content.


You will find that many PSers on here will drop in color and in clarity (as long as it's white from the top and eyeclean) to maximize size.

Most of the time as a woman, when people grab your hand to look at your ring they aren't asking about color and clarity. They are asking about SIZE. And if you can't see it (clarity) to the naked eye, and it's white because of the cut... why pay more and get something smaller. At least... that's the logic of many on this board. Including mine.

 

[Lorelei]

Thank you so much for the detailed post! I am just scared about my girlfriend being happy with the LOOK of the diamond, but not with the "stats" of the diamond. You know, when people ask "ooooh, what color is that?" and she says "I color" she may be emabarassed or something... is that just me being stupid? Do people even ask these things? Would it even matter if the diamond is unbelievable in appearance?

I understand, also it seems the very successful marketing machine has led many people to think that anything less than a DEF VVS/ VS isn't a quality diamond. I think it would be more of a case that people would be amazed at that I colour diamond, and be more interested in ooohing and aaahing over the sparkle and size, and not even consider the colour!

I know that so many folks here have I and J colour diamonds with a great cut, and would buy the same colour grade again in a heartbeat! Also companies like Whiteflash do have a good return policy, in the unlikely event that you saw the diamond and didn't like it, you can return it. There is a VAST difference between a well graded and superbly cut I colour diamond, than the ones you may encounter in some mall stores, I am given to understand. You know your GF best, could you maybe show her the diamond or perhaps try to find out how she would feel about an I grade? Once she realizes that it would be in no way inferior or yellow, she may not give it another thought, if she doesn't like the idea of it, then we could try to help you find an H or below which might work.

 

[Brilyant]

Date: 12/10/2007 2:02:50 PM
Author: Gypsy

Date: 12/10/2007 1:58:45 PM

Author: milton333

Here''s one, a G, VS2 Expert Selection from Whiteflash, that is .765 carat, well under your $4,000 budget for the diamond, and a higher color and clarity grade. Now, the stone above will be a tremendous performer, but if you worry about color, a G is a higher color grade. Maybe ask someone at WF to compare these two side by side to give you a sense of how they ''face up,'' ifthe G is noticeably whiter than the I. An ES just barely missed the ACA branding, and will still be an excellent choice. Also, check out the Divisi setting at WF.

That''s a nice stone too, really nice and it''s an ES so SAVINGS! Nice find! ... but it''s so much smaller! That I was 6.2 by 6.2... it will LOOK like a full carat for the price. JMO...


Here''s a thread with J (not even I) colored stones in platinum. And many of them will be SI''s... some even SI 2. It should help your decision making process easier.


https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/j-color-stones-in-platinum.24731/

Thanks again.. you and everyone else has been so helpful, this is great.

What is the PriceScope discount amount? If it''s something like 10% that would be awesome!

 

[Gypsy]

Date: 12/10/2007 2:27:49 PM
Author: Brilyant

Date: 12/10/2007 2:02:50 PM
Author: Gypsy

Date: 12/10/2007 1:58:45 PM

Author: milton333

Here's one, a G, VS2 Expert Selection from Whiteflash, that is .765 carat, well under your $4,000 budget for the diamond, and a higher color and clarity grade. Now, the stone above will be a tremendous performer, but if you worry about color, a G is a higher color grade. Maybe ask someone at WF to compare these two side by side to give you a sense of how they 'face up,' ifthe G is noticeably whiter than the I. An ES just barely missed the ACA branding, and will still be an excellent choice. Also, check out the Divisi setting at WF.

That's a nice stone too, really nice and it's an ES so SAVINGS! Nice find! ... but it's so much smaller! That I was 6.2 by 6.2... it will LOOK like a full carat for the price. JMO...


Here's a thread with J (not even I) colored stones in platinum. And many of them will be SI's... some even SI 2. It should help your decision making process easier.


https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/j-color-stones-in-platinum.24731/

Thanks again.. you and everyone else has been so helpful, this is great.

What is the PriceScope discount amount? If it's something like 10% that would be awesome!

LOL it's not that high, and it's vendor specific... so I'd advise you to ask Katie.

ETA: Ditto Lorelei's post. And you are welcome.

 

[Brilyant]

Alright, looks like the 0.9 with a white gold Harmony setting is $5400 or so wired. A good bit above my range... would be about the same with a platinum Legato Micro Pave.

Or ~$900 less or so with a smaller stone...

 

[Gypsy]

Date: 12/10/2007 3:12:24 PM
Author: Brilyant
Alright, looks like the 0.9 with a white gold Harmony setting is $5400 or so wired. A good bit above my range... would be about the same with a platinum Legato Micro Pave.

Or ~$900 less or so with a smaller stone...

Would it be in budget with the .90 in a white gold Legato Micro Pave?

 

[milton333]

Another option, .83 H VS2, for $3588 bank wire. GOG's website has not allowed me to search for settings for like a week now (some sort of coding error on the website, it looks like), but you could call and see what they have for settings, this leaves you about $1400 to find something at GOG.