shape
carat
color
clarity

Another new guy here, needing help!

lruelas

Rough_Rock
Joined
Oct 18, 2015
Messages
19
Hi guys, I've been snooping around for a few days and have learned a whole lot about engagement rings, I need some help and reassurance. My budget is around 8k - 12k and I'm pretty much set on either Tiffany (dont torch me yet) or White Flash online ordering. I'm looking for a cushion cut, White Flash only has virtual selections available for this cut which means I need to pay it in full before they can receive it in-house. I'm worried about ordering the diamond online without being able to see it's shine in person.

I was quoted a few rings at Tiffany's and it looks like I can get larger diamond with a few colors and clarity levels higher on the chart if I go with White Flash (I'm aware of Tiffany's higher costs). I'm torn between grabbing a nicer diamond online, or the wow factor of the blue box delight. Any help would be greatly appreciated, below are the Tiffany and WF diamonds in my sights.

Tiffany Novo Ring -
http://www.tiffany.com/engagement/rings/tiffany-novo-2389/1carats-35389156?search_params=param+0/0/0/0/0/1

Some quick quotes they gave me
.89 H VS2 $9,200
.96 F SI1 $10,900
1.01 I VS2 $12,900
.98 H VS1 $11,100

White Flash

1.30 E VVS1 $9,200 - http://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/cushion-cut-loose-diamond-3579064.htm
1.51 E VS1 $10,900 - http://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/cushion-cut-loose-diamond-3578847.htm
1.40 ct E VS1 $9,100 - http://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/cushion-cut-loose-diamond-3539955.htm
1.22 ct E VVS1 $8,000 - http://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/cushion-cut-loose-diamond-3533667.htm

How do you people make a decision on a single ring with a million options out there!! :errrr:
 

southLA504

Rough_Rock
Joined
Sep 7, 2015
Messages
78
Hi and welcome and good luck on your process, I recently just went through the same process as u looking for a ring lol. I did a bunch of extensive research and finally found something I liked.

As for you there are a few things you should consider.

1. You are going to pay more simply for the Tiffany's name brand. So you need to decide, what's more important in your opinion to your girlfriend. Having a ring that is from Tiffany's, or spending the same amount, and getting a bigger or nicer diamond. My girlfriend couldn't care less if it was a name brand for I opted for the 2nd option.

2. What is more important to you, size, color, or clarity? I didn't add cut because I believe you should only buy excellent cut diamonds.

3. Is your girlfriend really into to diamonds and know her stuff? I ask because if she is, then I can understand a very high clarity like VS1, but if she isn't, the casual observer would never notice the difference between a VS1 or an SI1. So you'd be paying more for the VS1 just to know it is a VS1 but really wouldn't be able to tell unless you know what ur looking for, or have a loupe, Especially in a 1 carat, the smaller the diamond, the less important the clarity. I think in a 1 carat, an eye-clean SI1 would be fine. This would allow you to take the money you would have spent on the vs2, and apply it to things like carat size or color.

As for color, again, things like carat size factor in and if u know what ur looking for. If you have a 1 carat you can get away with lower color grades. The price jump from an I color to a G color is huge, but the color difference is not very noticeable.

Do you know what do you think would be most important to her? If it's a name brand, the size, the color, or the clarity?

Hope this helps.
 

southLA504

Rough_Rock
Joined
Sep 7, 2015
Messages
78
Also for example, when I took my girlfriend looking for diamonds, we found a 1.4 carat H SI1, and a 2.1 carat J SI2. Both stones were eye-clean, and as far as color, both were very white and she couldn't tell the difference at all, same for the clarity; therefore, I went with the bigger stone obviously.
 

lruelas

Rough_Rock
Joined
Oct 18, 2015
Messages
19
I feel she's definitely a Tiffany type of girl, but getting a rock .5 size larger and colorless might leave her thinking Tiffany Who? :shifty:

I guess I was looking at higher clarity's online because i don't know what to expect if I were to go with a Si1, the slight inclusions may be in more visible areas perhaps, but I'd say the color is most important. While looking at an H or I stone alone, it appears colorless, but next to an E, I myself can definitely see the crisp colorless difference.

I've decided to stick to no more/less than 1 to 1.5 carat size
 

marymm

Ideal_Rock
Premium
Joined
Apr 21, 2010
Messages
5,520
OP - a couple of questions for you:

1. Does your GF *dream* of the Tiffany blue box? If so, I think you should stick with Tiffany.

2. If you think your GF wants a Tiffany Novo-like engagement ring, then I'd recommend you look at cushions at Brilliantly Engaged, Good Old Gold, and maybe Brian Gavin Diamonds - all of these vendors have a cushion selection already in-house and provide videos, photos, and Aset images. James Allen is another choice with a lot of cushions, many in-house but some via virtual inventory, and those that are in-house James Allen can also provide you with Asets. I'll look at JA and see if anything looks promising within your specs.

If you want to stick with a Tiffany Novo-like setting, Brilliantly Engaged I believe has done similar settings already so if you found a cushion there, you could have them do the setting as well. Here's a couple of BE cushions that might be worth checking out further:

http://www.brilliantlyengaged.com/1.01-carat-f-vs1-x-factor-cushion-cut-diamond-gid-561475.html
http://www.brilliantlyengaged.com/1.51-carat-g-vvs2-x-factor-cushion-cut-diamond-gid-539181.html

I really like the 1st one, which is a nice size, and leaves you enough left for a lovely pave Novo-like setting. I also like the 2nd one, which is the largest, but also the most expensive and may be out of budget. Both should face up very white and very clear.

WhiteFlash is an excellent vendor particularly for super-ideal round brilliants, but personally I wouldn't use them for a fancy cut (like a cushion) unless I was doing a trade-in with them.
 

southLA504

Rough_Rock
Joined
Sep 7, 2015
Messages
78
lruelas|1445200712|3939652 said:
I feel she's definitely a Tiffany type of girl, but getting a rock .5 size larger and colorless might leave her thinking Tiffany Who? :shifty:

I guess I was looking at higher clarity's online because i don't know what to expect if I were to go with a Si1, the slight inclusions may be in more visible areas perhaps, but I'd say the color is most important. While looking at an H or I stone alone, it appears colorless, but next to an E, I myself can definitely see the crisp colorless difference.

I've decided to stick to no more/less than 1 to 1.5 carat size

Well the color difference between an E and an I is huge, it's a difference of 4 color grades and also E is in the colorless range and I is in the near colorless range. The difference between those 2 are definitely going to be noticeable. Now the difference between 2 near colorless grades like G and H, very little.

I think the best thing to do is to go look at some diamonds yourself in person and see what color grade is the lowest ur looking to go, while still achieving the color you want. Say you go look at a G, H and an I. Say the H color to u is sufficient compared to the G and u can't tell the difference, but with the I you can. You could opt for the H and save some money compared to the G.

As for clarity, make sure to ask the online vendor if the stones are eye-clean. If they are you can go with the lower clarity, if not then you don't want to.
 

telephone89

Ideal_Rock
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Messages
4,223
I think you would need to suss out if she'd rather have a smaller tiffany or a larger/high colour non branded. That answer varies from person to person - I know for myself, I'd rather have the larger unbranded.

I'd agree with marymm, you can open up your online options a bit.
 

marymm

Ideal_Rock
Premium
Joined
Apr 21, 2010
Messages
5,520
Here's some cushions I found at James Allen that I think meet your prereqs:

http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/cushion-cut/1.05-carat-d-color-vs2-clarity-sku-632214
http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/cushion-cut/1.21-carat-e-color-vs1-clarity-sku-597864

http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/cushion-cut/1.01-carat-e-color-vs2-clarity-sku-620431
http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/cushion-cut/1.01-carat-f-color-vs2-clarity-sku-586167

My favorite of these 4 is #3, the #620431 - I prefer this type of facet pattern (it is called an 8-main pattern and I think more closely resembles the Tiffany cushion as compared to other facet patterns). Plus, it faces up at 6mm square, which is a lovely size I think.

With James Allen, you only get 3 Asets total, so if you think you're interested in any/all of these, it makes sense to come up with 3 solid options that you'd like to see Asets on, although JA will let you get only 1 Aset if you stick to your guns.
 

Niel

Super_Ideal_Rock
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Jul 23, 2012
Messages
20,044
telephone89|1445201741|3939655 said:
I think you would need to suss out if she'd rather have a smaller tiffany or a larger/high colour non branded. That answer varies from person to person - I know for myself, I'd rather have the larger unbranded.

I'd agree with marymm, you can open up your online options a bit.

Also always consider you can get a Tiffany wedding band with a non branded e ring
 

lruelas

Rough_Rock
Joined
Oct 18, 2015
Messages
19
Thanks, I like the sites you mentioned as they show pictures of the actual stone you are receiving, I didnt realize there were so many different cuts on a cushion cut. Just what I needed, more websites and options to fumble through :doh:
 

southLA504

Rough_Rock
Joined
Sep 7, 2015
Messages
78
just get a non tiffany's ring and put it in a tiffany's box lol, that's an option :)
 

Niel

Super_Ideal_Rock
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lruelas|1445203052|3939660 said:
Thanks, I like the sites you mentioned as they show pictures of the actual stone you are receiving, I didnt realize there were so many different cuts on a cushion cut. Just what I needed, more websites and options to fumble through :doh:

To add to your search, take a look at antique cushions.

I found this one, if the status of a high color high clarity appeals to here , worth considering.

Plus this company that sells this diamond sells this brand of setting, you could get that setting in platinum, with that stone at your max budget (with some finagling in price with JA one place or another)

http://www.danhov.com/view-all-256/danhov-classico-single-shank-engagement-ring-cl138
http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/cushion-cut/1.01-carat-e-color-vvs1-clarity-sku-145381

Danhov is not to the level of Tiffany. But it is a brand


Just another suggestion
 

lruelas

Rough_Rock
Joined
Oct 18, 2015
Messages
19
Just when I feel I'm narrowing it down, I'm nailed with many more options lol, thanks guys (sort of :wall: )
 

alamana

Shiny_Rock
Joined
Sep 18, 2015
Messages
195
FWIW: I have several friends/relatives with Tiffany engagement rings who were thrilled out of their mind with that little blue box -- and then sad as could be when they realized how much bigger/better the center stone could have been for the same (or even a smaller) budget if their fiancé had gone online and done his homework instead. Which is what you are doing here. So I vote against Tiffany's.
 

telephone89

Ideal_Rock
Premium
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Messages
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lruelas|1445206710|3939671 said:
Just when I feel I'm narrowing it down, I'm nailed with many more options lol, thanks guys (sort of :wall: )
Take a look through and see what facet pattern appeals to you. Then we can focus in more on colour and carat (and cost!) for you.
 

AdaBeta27

Brilliant_Rock
Premium
Joined
Sep 7, 2004
Messages
1,077
alamana|1445207360|3939673 said:
FWIW: I have several friends/relatives with Tiffany engagement rings who were thrilled out of their mind with that little blue box -- and then sad as could be when they realized how much bigger/better the center stone could have been for the same (or even a smaller) budget if their fiancé had gone online and done his homework instead. Which is what you are doing here. So I vote against Tiffany's.

+1 to that. Long term, I think most women would pick size and cut over things like it being a branded diamond. We've discussed Tiffany's round brilliants on here quite a bit, and the consensus is that Tiffany's specs for cut are more lenient than some of the signature stones that the Pricescope vendors offer. So I'd go for bang for buck over the Tiffany name, unless the Tiffany offering is actually superior to the competition.

Does it have to be a cushion? Cushions (most of them) are deep and face up small for carat weight. Most rounds, unless you are looking at antique cuts and modern antique makes like August Vintage, are not over 61-62% depth. It's also far easier to pick a RB online by the specs than it is to pick a cushion.
 

lruelas

Rough_Rock
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Oct 18, 2015
Messages
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yep, while window shopping last year she pointed out she likes the cushion cuts as her "dream ring"
 

Niel

Super_Ideal_Rock
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lruelas|1445212023|3939689 said:
yep, while window shopping last year she pointed out she likes the cushion cuts as her "dream ring"
Well a cushion it is then!

And she said that about this setting? Or does she like solitaire settings vor halos? Three stones?
 

cinnamonstick

Brilliant_Rock
Joined
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Messages
572
southLA504|1445198670|3939643 said:
1. You are going to pay more simply for the Tiffany's name brand. So you need to decide, what's more important in your opinion to your girlfriend. Having a ring that is from Tiffany's, or spending the same amount, and getting a bigger or nicer diamond. My girlfriend couldn't care less if it was a name brand for I opted for the 2nd option.
s.

Hi :) Congrats on soon to be! Awesome guy to be looking at Tiffanys! I own several items and really can appreciate the quality! I'm a a brand gal when necessary..... :) Keyword "when".

For me, I would rather have a diamond that is significantly larger that was not purchased at Tiffany's, than a smaller one that was. Just me tho :) You are not proposing to me lol...I'm too old for you anyway! Lol!

Cushion are incredibly beautiful! Could possibly be my favorite cut. They don't face up quite as large....but stunning cut :) :) I also didn't realize there were so many different cushion cuts as well. Interesting!! The shape choice is purely up to your GF. Every woman has her fav. Sounds like your GF loves a cushion. Can't blame her.

Vote against Tiffany's here also. Buy her something in a little blue box later. Maybe for your year anniversary.

GL. In good hands with the PSers!
 

lruelas

Rough_Rock
Joined
Oct 18, 2015
Messages
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I have no idea about the setting, I feel a three stone, halos, or even too thick of a band setting takes away from the center stone. I feel the small stones on the side setting looks best in my opinion.

I think I'm gonna have to drag her in and somehow wander into tiffanys or another diamond store to try to get some info out of her without making it too obvious :shhh:
 

Niel

Super_Ideal_Rock
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lruelas|1445228020|3939749 said:
I have no idea about the setting, I feel a three stone, halos, or even too thick of a band setting takes away from the center stone. I feel the small stones on the side setting looks best in my opinion.

I think I'm gonna have to drag her in and somehow wander into tiffanys or another diamond store to try to get some info out of her without making it too obvious :shhh:

Well I agree I think we might want her opinion on the matter
Does she have a pinterest?

Had you considered a solitaire and save the pave (small diamonds) for the (Tiffany) wedding band?
 

alamana

Shiny_Rock
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lruelas|1445228020|3939749 said:
I think I'm gonna have to drag her in and somehow wander into tiffanys or another diamond store to try to get some info out of her without making it too obvious :shhh:

I'm for this! My er is being made now -- and it's a pear. I went into the process wanting a cushion and changed my mind based on how diamonds of various shapes look on my hand. I think cushion is my favorite cut in theory, but I prefer the look of a pear or round on my hand.
 

lruelas

Rough_Rock
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Messages
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So I walked her into the Tiffany store and she really liked the Novo and the Soleste, she seems to want a single halo with a rectangular cushion diamond. She showed me a picture of a harry winston single halo ring that she liked. link below

http://www.harrywinston.com/en/one-cushion-cut-diamond-micropav%C3%A9-engagement-ring

What's killing me now, is that I don't know if she's expecting a Tiffany or Harry Winston ring (they are crazy expensive!) or if she would be okay with a custom made ring with the same design. She's a bit of a high maint. type of girl. Below are some quick quotes of the Tiffany novo I received recently.

.93 H VVS2 $11,100.00

.96 H VS1 $10,900.00

1.02 H VS1 $15,900.00

1.07 I VS1 $14,800.00

1.18 I VS2 $14,900.00

I found Victor Canera's emilya halo ring design and it looks perfect for what she'd like, the photos I've seen look amazing and I'll likely go this route and pray she's okay with it :roll:

https://www.victorcanera.com/rings/the-emilya-halo-solitaire-with-2ct-vintage-cushion

Now, I have found a couple modern cut cushions diamonds that I need some opinions on, I don't think vintage 'chunky' facets look good in halo setting. I can't find a good modern cushion below $10k on VC's website so I'm currently looking at good old gold. Thoughts on these two diamonds? Thanks

http://www.goodoldgold.com/ecommerce/1.28ct-f-vvs2-signature-modern-cushion-diamond.html
http://www.goodoldgold.com/ecommerce/1.50ct-i-vs2-signature-modern-cushion-diamond.html
 

Niel

Super_Ideal_Rock
Premium
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lruelas|1445629498|3941425 said:
So I walked her into the Tiffany store and she really liked the Novo and the Soleste, she seems to want a single halo with a rectangular cushion diamond. She showed me a picture of a harry winston single halo ring that she liked. link below

http://www.harrywinston.com/en/one-cushion-cut-diamond-micropav%C3%A9-engagement-ring

What's killing me now, is that I don't know if she's expecting a Tiffany or Harry Winston ring (they are crazy expensive!) or if she would be okay with a custom made ring with the same design. She's a bit of a high maint. type of girl. Below are some quick quotes of the Tiffany novo I received recently.

.93 H VVS2 $11,100.00

.96 H VS1 $10,900.00

1.02 H VS1 $15,900.00

1.07 I VS1 $14,800.00

1.18 I VS2 $14,900.00

I found Victor Canera's emilya halo ring design and it looks perfect for what she'd like, the photos I've seen look amazing and I'll likely go this route and pray she's okay with it :roll:

https://www.victorcanera.com/rings/the-emilya-halo-solitaire-with-2ct-vintage-cushion

Now, I have found a couple modern cut cushions diamonds that I need some opinions on, I don't think vintage 'chunky' facets look good in halo setting. I can't find a good modern cushion below $10k on VC's website so I'm currently looking at good old gold. Thoughts on these two diamonds? Thanks

http://www.goodoldgold.com/ecommerce/1.28ct-f-vvs2-signature-modern-cushion-diamond.html
http://www.goodoldgold.com/ecommerce/1.50ct-i-vs2-signature-modern-cushion-diamond.html


I thought he wont set stones from good old gold?
Or is that just AVCs? (I'm not asking you op, seeing if another person can chime in)
 

lruelas

Rough_Rock
Joined
Oct 18, 2015
Messages
19
This is the only thing I 've found from a post in 2012, not sure if anything has changed since then:


"Jonathan Weingarten from Good Old Gold and I have had several exchanges recently about our relationship as competitors selling antique cushions in the online marketplace. With the imminent release of our Canera Antique Cushions, Mr. Weingarten has expressed discomfort with continuing to send his August Vintage® Cushions ("AVC") to a competitor for setting and design services. Out of respect for his position, we will be altering our policies with regard to setting AVCs. Regretfully, we will no longer be offering our settings and design services for AVCs. However, we will still accept diamonds other than the AVC line from Good Old Gold for setting and continue to accept antique style and true vintage cushions from other vendors for our settings." -- Victor Canera.

[URL='https://www.pricescope.com/forum/rockytalky/vendor-s-sharing-the-same-sandbox-t180538.html']https://www.pricescope.com/forum/rockytalky/vendor-s-sharing-the-same-sandbox-t180538.html[/URL]
 

Niel

Super_Ideal_Rock
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lruelas|1445635860|3941453 said:
This is the only thing I 've found from a post in 2012, not sure if anything has changed since then:


"Jonathan Weingarten from Good Old Gold and I have had several exchanges recently about our relationship as competitors selling antique cushions in the online marketplace. With the imminent release of our Canera Antique Cushions, Mr. Weingarten has expressed discomfort with continuing to send his August Vintage® Cushions ("AVC") to a competitor for setting and design services. Out of respect for his position, we will be altering our policies with regard to setting AVCs. Regretfully, we will no longer be offering our settings and design services for AVCs. However, we will still accept diamonds other than the AVC line from Good Old Gold for setting and continue to accept antique style and true vintage cushions from other vendors for our settings." -- Victor Canera.

[URL='https://www.pricescope.com/forum/rockytalky/vendor-s-sharing-the-same-sandbox-t180538.html']https://www.pricescope.com/forum/rockytalky/vendor-s-sharing-the-same-sandbox-t180538.html[/URL]

That makes sense, sense there is no way to know if you bought a non branded stone from him
 
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