GoSounders
Shiny_Rock
- Joined
- Jul 8, 2013
- Messages
- 181
Edit: Sorry for the wall of text. Specific questions are at the bottom.
Hey guys, I've been digesting tons of info for the last couple weeks, but I'm hoping to get some more specific insight from the community here. My girlfriend didn't tell me exactly what she wants in a ring, and I don't think she even knows exactly. I'm also planning it to be a surprise. So I'm looking for something that looks good to me that I think she'll enjoy. Here's where I started:
Budget: $5k out-the-door for everything
Shape: Cushion Cut
Size: about 1 carat
Color: I or better
Clarity: Eye clean, SI1-2 or better
Setting: something on the more delicate side
Timeline: very flexible
I started out my search at local jewelers, and was not impressed with most. I went to Shane Co., and even before educating myself on this site, their diamonds looked crappy and were either uncertified (they grade in-house) or had really terrible EGLI certs. I saw stones that were graded H VS2 by EGLI, and their in-house grade on the same stone was L I2.
Really crazy stuff. Their better stones were okay-looking, but lacked wow factor and seemed very overpriced.
However, Shane Co. had a nice selection of settings, and I found this halo setting:
http://www.shaneco.com/Jewelry-Catalog/Product-Detail.aspx?ST=Engagement%20Rings&X=41045747
I like the design, and it's reasonably priced. Shane Co has a very good warranty, and I like the idea of giving my girlfriend a hassle-free ring with free cleanings, free rhodium re-finishing, free re-sizing, and free repairs.
Also, it turns out Shane Co will set outside diamonds after they inspect it to make sure there's no risk in setting the diamond. They charge a setting and inspection fee totaling about $350 for this diamond size. This sounds reasonable. The only rub is that their warranty doesn't cover the center stone if it comes from outside, but I feel okay with that if they're looking at the setting every 6 months when it goes in for cleaning.
So I turned to the internet in search of a center stone. Blue Nile led to Lumera led to Pricescope led to Good Old Gold. I stumbled onto the Brellia cushion stones, and they struck a chord with me for the first time in my search. I'm working with Sarah and Matt at GOG, and they're very helpful. The thing is, there's no way I'm getting a 1 carat Brellia within my budget, so I'm looking at 3/4 ct stones for around $3k. Also, the selection of Brellias out there isn't so large, and doesn't turn over frequently. I figure the 5mmx5mm size (instead of 5.6x5.6 or larger) will still look good in the halo ring. When I get a chance, I'll go and measure the setting to get a better idea. She isn't the type to scoff at a small stone, so as long as it fills in the setting, it's all good.
So my questions are:
1. Does it make sense to sacrifice size for cut like I'm planning to?
B. Is 0.70 ct too small to get the benefit from the Brellia H&A cut? Would it be appreciably better than another well-cut cushion?
3rd. is there anything I need to look out for when having a jeweler set stones from elsewhere?
Lastly, is there an alternative stone/setting/method that would fit my needs better?
I look forward to your responses, thanks in advance.
Hey guys, I've been digesting tons of info for the last couple weeks, but I'm hoping to get some more specific insight from the community here. My girlfriend didn't tell me exactly what she wants in a ring, and I don't think she even knows exactly. I'm also planning it to be a surprise. So I'm looking for something that looks good to me that I think she'll enjoy. Here's where I started:
Budget: $5k out-the-door for everything
Shape: Cushion Cut
Size: about 1 carat
Color: I or better
Clarity: Eye clean, SI1-2 or better
Setting: something on the more delicate side
Timeline: very flexible
I started out my search at local jewelers, and was not impressed with most. I went to Shane Co., and even before educating myself on this site, their diamonds looked crappy and were either uncertified (they grade in-house) or had really terrible EGLI certs. I saw stones that were graded H VS2 by EGLI, and their in-house grade on the same stone was L I2.
However, Shane Co. had a nice selection of settings, and I found this halo setting:
http://www.shaneco.com/Jewelry-Catalog/Product-Detail.aspx?ST=Engagement%20Rings&X=41045747
I like the design, and it's reasonably priced. Shane Co has a very good warranty, and I like the idea of giving my girlfriend a hassle-free ring with free cleanings, free rhodium re-finishing, free re-sizing, and free repairs.
Also, it turns out Shane Co will set outside diamonds after they inspect it to make sure there's no risk in setting the diamond. They charge a setting and inspection fee totaling about $350 for this diamond size. This sounds reasonable. The only rub is that their warranty doesn't cover the center stone if it comes from outside, but I feel okay with that if they're looking at the setting every 6 months when it goes in for cleaning.
So I turned to the internet in search of a center stone. Blue Nile led to Lumera led to Pricescope led to Good Old Gold. I stumbled onto the Brellia cushion stones, and they struck a chord with me for the first time in my search. I'm working with Sarah and Matt at GOG, and they're very helpful. The thing is, there's no way I'm getting a 1 carat Brellia within my budget, so I'm looking at 3/4 ct stones for around $3k. Also, the selection of Brellias out there isn't so large, and doesn't turn over frequently. I figure the 5mmx5mm size (instead of 5.6x5.6 or larger) will still look good in the halo ring. When I get a chance, I'll go and measure the setting to get a better idea. She isn't the type to scoff at a small stone, so as long as it fills in the setting, it's all good.
So my questions are:
1. Does it make sense to sacrifice size for cut like I'm planning to?
B. Is 0.70 ct too small to get the benefit from the Brellia H&A cut? Would it be appreciably better than another well-cut cushion?
3rd. is there anything I need to look out for when having a jeweler set stones from elsewhere?
Lastly, is there an alternative stone/setting/method that would fit my needs better?
I look forward to your responses, thanks in advance.