A Super Newbie

[MissSL]

Hi Everyone:

I''ve been lurking for about a month reading and learning. My significant other and I are talking "Marriage" and have begun to seriously talk "Rings" it is all extremely exciting!

We are going to look at rings at Solomon Jewelers in Atlanta, GA the second weekend in June. We have a long distance relationship right now-so that is when I will be in Atlanta.

I have been in *LOVE* with the Michael B 3 sided Princess Setting. I have shown my SO pictures and price ($7,000) and he did not pass out just said "I want to get what you like" so phew!

Solomon''s carries Michael B.

So he tells me tonight that he called Michael B in California, and also spoke to the guy at Solomon''s about diamonds.

He is less "diamond savvy" and I''m barely "diamond savvy" so I''m hoping that you all can support me/us in this exciting, and expensive, adventure!

I''m interested in a round diamond ranging from 1.0-2.0 Ideally 1.50-2.00 carats. The bigger the better-I like bling I can not lie!

He will not tell me his budget-will only say that he would like the get the best and biggest diamond for the best deal.
I have encouraged him to peruse this AMAZING website. However, I''m thinking that major diamond research is not his style. So I''m going to do as much research as possible to help my future husband in finding a great diamond at a great price.

Any place I should start-I curious to know for a fantastic cut and fantastic color with maybe an inclusion or two that aren''t obvious to the eye from 1.50-2.0 what is the price range one can expect?

Anyhow-don''t want to write a novel-just want to say hello-ask for some preliminary help-and to say a HUGE thank-you for all the time and effort you all have put into this website for clueless diamond folks like myself.

Thanks Again-
Miss SL

 

[JulieN]

fantastic cut, fantastic color, with an inclusion or two that isn't obvious to the eye

1.51 G SI1 12,790 http://www.whiteflash.com/hearts_arrows/A-Cut-Above-H-A-cut-diamond-1583712.htm
1.51 F VS2 17,250 http://www.whiteflash.com/hearts_arrows/A-Cut-Above-H-A-cut-diamond-2167516.htm

 

[Lorelei]

Welcome to PS

You are obviously a girl after my own heart who likes the best bang for the buck! IMO the best way to get this is firstly to prioritize.

CUT CUT CUT!!!!! Number one - HUGE impact on beauty, never ever skimp here. Read up on the tutorials under knowledge as to what the best proportions are for a well cut diamond. Once you know the basics, work from there. Companies such as WF and GOG etc supply all the cut quality info and expertise you need to make the purchase and selection easy. WF expert selection for example are super cuts which just missed the grade for A Cut Above, but fantastic diamonds and a little less expensive. Would you consider buying online? You will generally find the prices cheaper than a jeweller.

Carat - easy!

Clarity - think SI grades. Many SI1 diamonds are completely eyeclean, and plenty of SI2, this way you can get an eyeclean diamond for a lower price, or one with a small inclusion which could be hidden by a prong etc, we call it not paying for what the eye can't see.

Colour - tricky one....good middle grounds are G H and I colours, but many here have fab J's and K's which are set in WG and plat and look so beautifully white to many

This can be subject to opinion, but many find ( myself included) the slightly warmer colours are a good way to go, for example a J SI2 clarity if this appeals to you and the SI diamond is eyeclean. You can use the search tool to check out Matatora's stunning new J, Mara's incredible new J colour etc - a picture is only a guide but you will get an idea of how good these diamonds look.

Take your time, sometimes it can take a while to find the right one, but read up as it is time well spent and learn about diamonds. Also regarding price, these can vary so much according to the colour and clarity, but if you make cut your top priority, a lower clarity which is eyeclean and the colour range suggested above, you should have a good chance of maximising your size and beauty for the $$. Also remember that EGL certed diamonds normally have a lower pricetag than GIA or AGS, the latter 2 labs are considered to be the " grade setters" of the lab certing trade.

I hope this helps a bit to get you started as to what to look for and good luck!

This diamond would get you over the 2 ct mark, as an example, it might be eyeclean as the pic is magnified, this is what you could get for the budget, what is the budget if you don't mind me asking by the way? Another tip is to always ask the vendor if a diamond is eyeclean or not and what your idea of eyeclean is. Eyeclean by the trade definition is normally no inclusions visible in normal lights from a distance of 10 - 12 inches with normal vision, this normally means face up only, not from the side, so when looking make sure the vendor understands your expectations.

http://www.whiteflash.com/round_ideal_cut/Round-Ideal-Cut-cut-diamond-1335324.htm

 

[mrssalvo]

Hi MissSL and welcome

I love, love, love Micheal B and if the money is there I think he''s worth it. There are a couple of Pricescopers who have that setting. You might enjoy reading their stories.

Fortheloveofdiamonds has the setting you want with a 1.5 ish stone. You can read about it here

Islanddreams also has it with a Radiant center here

 

[Lorelei]

Mrssalvo that''s so great how you remember this stuff and can find it when it''s needed!

I know I keep complimenting you , but you deserve it!

 

[MissSL]

Just woke up-and immediately logged on to read responses. I''m addicted!!

Going to start reading and thanks for the diamond links. I think if I get an idea of what you reccommend and the specifications I can start the learning process a litle better.

WOW-you all are so helpful! I am utterly appreciative.

I have searched on "Michael B" actually that is how I found his website in the first place after "googling" Michael B. I have read so many positive reviews it appears that the money is worth it. The rings shown on this site are amazing!

Over two years ago I remember seeing a picture of his "Princess" ring and fell in love and then he came out with the "three sided" and I fell in love and then recently I saw the "three sided with pave prongs" and just about passed out. I think I am holding off from that one (3sidedpave with diamond prongs)-but I might get gutsy in the jewelry store and say "umm...this one is quite spectactular too" and see if my future husband passes out.

Thanks for all the info-going to read when I get a break at work and will respond more tonight.

Miss SL