Advice on color mixing

[mobius8]

Hey folks. I''m back, though I don''t expect anyone to remember me.
I have had a setting for about 2 years just waiting for a magical deal to come along for the center stone. That hasn''t happened so it''s time to get back to reality.

My setting has 2 sidestones at .40/ea that are NOT cert''d and are approx SI1-2 in clarity and approx G-H in color.
(this was told to me by a jeweler)
I am looking at a center stone on fleEBAY that is SI1 in clarity (OK) and D in color, approx 1.5ct.
Do you think that the D will be too great of a contrast to the G-H sidestones?
Do you think fleEBAY is a bad way to purchase a diamond? I am very frugal and it appears to be the best option.

Thanks in advance for the advice!

 

[kcoursolle]

I think the color difference will be fine, but I am very concerned about you buying from ebay. Do a search for ebay and you will read plenty of devistating horror stories.

Why don''t you check out how far your budget will go at WF, GOG, or JA? You can always lower your color down to I/J range to max out on size, but focus on getting a well cut diamond.

 

[mobius8]

I would be pretty apprehensive about doing ebay, but it seems like if they are an established seller with a good feedback history....I don't know.
I suppose I am still waiting for some magic deal to fall in my lap.

I will check all the reputable bargain online sellers again I suppose.

 

[kcoursolle]

Beware of things that seem too good to be true, they probably are. I would take a really well cut stone from a reputable vendor any day over a dodgy big stone from ebay.

 

[mobius8]

Logical enough.
I would love to deal locally, but all the local guys seem to be jerking me around on price so I suppose I will go with an online retailer.

 

[kcoursolle]

I''ve had really good experience with whiteflash.com and jamesallen.com, and many here love the folks at goodoldgog.com. These are about the best prices you can get and still have a very reputable experience, definitely cheaper than the local B&M''s too!

 

[Lorelei]

Hi Mobius, I remember you!

I would take KC''s advice, stick with a known online vendor.

 

[dockman3]

Hey Mobius-

As to your original question about color, my ring has a D center stone with G side stones. Here''s a link to some pics

https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/shameless-bragging-but-i-love-this-ring.88222/

I can''t see any color difference in the pictures, but when I hold it in certain lights IRL I can tell just the faintest difference in color. Now that just might be my mind playing tricks on me because I know that there is a color difference, but its so small that 99.9% of the time I will never see a difference.

 

[Allison D.]

Hi, Mobius:

Regarding the color differential: I think there are too many variables to know for sure how well the stones would match. Color grading standards vary depending on which lab you use (or if you use one at all), so what one lab calls a D might be an F by a more lenient lab. When you enter the realm of stones with no grading report, you''re relying on the expertise of the person you''re dealing with.

Without using a consistent baseline, there''s really no way to know in advance how well they will match. Beyond that, cut also has a significant impact in the equation. A well-cut D center would blend well with two well-cut G sidestones if the stones would earn those same color grades under AGS/GIA criteria.

Given your circumstances and your desire to be frugal, the most frugal thing you can do is buy smart and limit your risk of putting money into something you might potentially be unhappy with. I''d be leery of buying from anyplace (including ebay) where you won''t have a generous return policy. I''d recommend sticking with a reputable you feel comfortable with who has a reasonable return policy; that would be the safest course of action, I believe.

 

[mobius8]

Just as an update, for anyone who may care.
I''ve had this setting for a while, bought it ''cause she said the liked it when we saw it in a store (it has round stones), then all she talked about was princess so I was nervous about using the setting. Well I have since found out that she snooped around and found the setting, so now it''s out in the open. She claims to love it (of course she probably wouldn''t tell me otherwise), and she is now somewhat involved in the final selection.
This did however take away the surprise reaction from her that I would get out of the experience, which has been pretty depressing.
So that''s where I stand.

 

[chel180]

please don''t buy from ebay, i have heard lots of horror stories (forged certs/ cracked diamonds/ illegal-blood diamonds/ simulants) Its just not worth the risk. Best of luck in your search.

x

 

[mobius8]

Alright.
I''m getting excited now.
I finally got payment lined up for the center stone.
I got an offer in the mail for an AMEX with 15months of 0% APR. I applied and got approved for more than enough to cover my stone so NOW IT''S TIME TO SHOP!!!
I want to purchase in the next month or so and am planning on a new years proposal.

Just as a recap, I have a setting with 2 side stones @ .40 ea and then 20 tiny pave stones around the band at .40 total.
I had initially thought 1.8 for the center stone. Then I reconsidered due to head size and was thinking 1.7-1.75
Now I am wondering if I am visually going to get my moneys worth between a 1.5 and a 1.75
I also think I want G-H color and SI1 eye clean clarity. With VG or EX polish and symmetry and a really nice cut.
My budget is 10k. I have heard good things about online retailers like whiteflash, so I think that''s the way that I will go. I can save money on the stone and save from paying sales tax.

THOUGHTS AND INPUT ARE APPRECIATED AND NEEDED

 

[Cleo]

Can I just clarify if you are looking for a round or a princess centre stone?

x x x

 

[mobius8]

Date: 8/14/2008 12:12:43 AM
Author: Cleo
Can I just clarify if you are looking for a round or a princess centre stone?


x x x

Sorry, Round Brilliant

 

[Cleo]

I found this one for you:

1.59ct H SI1 from Whiteflash''s Expert Selection range at $10,672 (you may get a Pricescopers discount off this).

Would you be willing to consider looking at I colour stones? I think within your budget you''ll have a better chance of getting up towards that 1.75ct mark if you''d accept an I colour.

For example:

1.70ct I SI1 from the same range at $11,270 (before discount).

x x x

 

[LaraOnline]

Date: 6/26/2008 12:19:25 PM
Author: mobius8
Just as an update, for anyone who may care.

I''ve had this setting for a while, bought it ''cause she said the liked it when we saw it in a store (it has round stones), then all she talked about was princess so I was nervous about using the setting. Well I have since found out that she snooped around and found the setting, so now it''s out in the open. She claims to love it (of course she probably wouldn''t tell me otherwise), and she is now somewhat involved in the final selection.

This did however take away the surprise reaction from her that I would get out of the experience, which has been pretty depressing.

So that''s where I stand.

Kind of OT

don''t worry mobius! It''s better to involve her!
And try not to be upset with her, because you''ve been taking aaages

and she probably just couldn''t stand the suspense!
This is her whole future we''re talking about here!
Do you know, I once turned down a proposal because the guy presented me with a ring and I didn''t like it!
(Well, kinda!)
Getting her in on the deal just might make your life a little easier.


If you''re looking for ''the deal'' why go for one so *cough* large. Does she have large fingers?

Have fun shopping!!

 

[mobius8]

Date: 8/14/2008 1:26:03 AM
Author: Cleo
I found this one for you:


1.59ct H SI1 from Whiteflash''s Expert Selection range at $10,672 (you may get a Pricescopers discount off this).


Would you be willing to consider looking at I colour stones? I think within your budget you''ll have a better chance of getting up towards that 1.75ct mark if you''d accept an I colour.


For example:


1.70ct I SI1 from the same range at $11,270 (before discount).


x x x

I don''t think I want to go down to an I. I would probably rather go smaller if I had to.
What is this pricescopers discount? I am unfamiliar.

 

[mobius8]

Date: 8/14/2008 6:40:38 AM
Author: LaraOnline

Kind of OT


don''t worry mobius! It''s better to involve her!

And try not to be upset with her, because you''ve been taking aaages

and she probably just couldn''t stand the suspense!

This is her whole future we''re talking about here!

Do you know, I once turned down a proposal because the guy presented me with a ring and I didn''t like it!

(Well, kinda!)

Getting her in on the deal just might make your life a little easier.



If you''re looking for ''the deal'' why go for one so *cough* large. Does she have large fingers?

Have fun shopping!!

I am OT? Sorry.

Yes, It has been taking a while. But to be fair, I did purchase the setting very early in our dating.

I''m not catching the subtlety in regards to the large stone. Is the stone not large enough?
I just always had it in my head that I would get my wife to be a 2. Ever since I was a kid.
A 2 won''t work in this particular setting without replacing the head, so I am downsizing.
She will be fine with whatever size, but certainly won''t mind larger. She would not want anything larger than 2

I don''t think that she has large fingers. I believe her ring size is 6.5 or 7
That may be large for a woman, I''m not sure. They appear very slender and dainty to me.

Why am I looking for ''the deal''?
Cause I''m a cheap bas**rd. I eat at the same place for lunch every day with a coupon for $1.50

 

[mobius8]

I just noticed that AMAZON sells loose stones and seems to have decent pricing.
Anyone ever had dealings with them?
I want to go with a very reputable merchant.

 

[dockman3]

Hi Mobius,

If it were me making such a big purchase, I certainly wouldn''t do it at Amazon. Not that I don''t like Amazon, and I regularly shop there for DVDs and books, but not diamonds. Only buy diamonds from someone who sells diamonds full time and who knows diamonds inside and out.

You will visually see a difference between 1.75 and 1.5. Whether or not you want to spend the extra is up to you. G-H and SI1 is a great combo and should stretch your dollar as far as it can be stretched. You can just email WF or GOG and tell them what you want and they''ll come back with some suggestions for you. This might be a great way to go.

Good luck with your search, and keep us posted!

 

[mobius8]

Date: 8/14/2008 9:03:35 AM
Author: dockman3
Hi Mobius,


If it were me making such a big purchase, I certainly wouldn''t do it at Amazon. Not that I don''t like Amazon, and I regularly shop there for DVDs and books, but not diamonds. Only buy diamonds from someone who sells diamonds full time and who knows diamonds inside and out.


You will visually see a difference between 1.75 and 1.5. Whether or not you want to spend the extra is up to you. G-H and SI1 is a great combo and should stretch your dollar as far as it can be stretched. You can just email WF or GOG and tell them what you want and they''ll come back with some suggestions for you. This might be a great way to go.


Good luck with your search, and keep us posted!

That sounds great. I didn''t know the retailers had shopping assistants/salespeople that would help you find what you wanted.
Great advice.

 

[dockman3]

Date: 8/14/2008 9:07:46 AM
Author: mobius8

Date: 8/14/2008 9:03:35 AM

Author: dockman3

Hi Mobius,



If it were me making such a big purchase, I certainly wouldn''t do it at Amazon. Not that I don''t like Amazon, and I regularly shop there for DVDs and books, but not diamonds. Only buy diamonds from someone who sells diamonds full time and who knows diamonds inside and out.



You will visually see a difference between 1.75 and 1.5. Whether or not you want to spend the extra is up to you. G-H and SI1 is a great combo and should stretch your dollar as far as it can be stretched. You can just email WF or GOG and tell them what you want and they''ll come back with some suggestions for you. This might be a great way to go.



Good luck with your search, and keep us posted!

That sounds great. I didn''t know the retailers had shopping assistants/salespeople that would help you find what you wanted.

Great advice.

They sure do, which is why people around here love them so much!

Now that I''m thinking about it, I''m not 100% positive that WF does. I know GOG does because I''ve contacted them before about it and they were great, and I''m 95% sure I''ve read about other people doing this with WF, but there''s about 5% of me that thinks I''m thinking of something else. But it never hurts to email them and find out. I''m sure they''ll take care of you.

 

[Ellen]

Couple thoughts.

1. Have you seen a very well cut I in person? If not, take a visit to a jeweler who sells Hearts on Fire and/or AGS0, and look at some. By themselves, in natural lighting. (not under jewelers lights) See what you think.

2. Make sure WF (if that's who you want to go with) will set the stone in your setting, I'm not positive on their policy with that type of situation.

 

[mobius8]

Date: 8/14/2008 9:35:14 AM
Author: Ellen
Couple thoughts.


1. Have you seen a very well cut I in person? If not, take a visit to a jeweler who sells Hearts on Fire and/or AGS0, and look at some. By themselves, in natural lighting. (not under jewelers lights) See what you think.


2. Make sure WF (if that''s who you want to go with) will set the stone in your setting, I''m not positive on their policy with that type of situation.

What is AGSO?
Can I mix a stone like that or a HOF and have them match my sidestones that are traditional brilliant cut?

I will ask about mounting with WF. I have also e-mailed the jeweler I bought the setting from to see if they would do it, and for how much.

 

[Ellen]

Date: 8/14/2008 3:04:14 PM
Author: mobius8

Date: 8/14/2008 9:35:14 AM
Author: Ellen
Couple thoughts.


1. Have you seen a very well cut I in person? If not, take a visit to a jeweler who sells Hearts on Fire and/or AGS0, and look at some. By themselves, in natural lighting. (not under jewelers lights) See what you think.


2. Make sure WF (if that''s who you want to go with) will set the stone in your setting, I''m not positive on their policy with that type of situation.

What is AGSO?
Can I mix a stone like that or a HOF and have them match my sidestones that are traditional brilliant cut?

I will ask about mounting with WF. I have also e-mailed the jeweler I bought the setting from to see if they would do it, and for how much.

Hi mobius,

That is a stone that is graded by the AGS (American Gem Society) lab, and has earned a zero in light performance. They are very well cut stones.

I have read on here that going two color grades either way should be acceptable. But you might enquire with WF about it to be certain, should they set your stone.

One thought about the jeweler you got the setting from, they most likely (but you can ask) won''t cover the stone, should something happen to it while setting. (but the online vendors will)

If WF will not set it, GOG would be another option. I know they will set their stones in other settings.

 

[AprilBaby]

Back to your original question...I have a 3 stone ring with 2 sides each .40 G color (uncerted like you). I looked at D center and in store light it was fine but when I went outside there was a BIG obvious difference to me. I ended up with a H 1.21 center (GIA) Stick to a closer color in my opinion.

 

[mobius8]

Date: 8/14/2008 7:34:15 PM
Author: AprilBaby
Back to your original question...I have a 3 stone ring with 2 sides each .40 G color (uncerted like you). I looked at D center and in store light it was fine but when I went outside there was a BIG obvious difference to me. I ended up with a H 1.21 center (GIA) Stick to a closer color in my opinion.

Thanks AprilBaby
That was great advice.
I think I''m pretty settled on an H unless some thing significant sways me another direction.

 

[mobius8]

I finally got around to taking some pictures of my setting.

But.....I can't figure out how to post them.
Oh well.