Anyone need help with their tractor?

[UltradogMN]

I'm a carpenter in real life but am really, really good at helping people diagnose and fix their tractors. Especially the Fords.
Am a member of a few online forums for that.
But now I find myself a complete neophyte in a different endeavor which is finding a ring for my girl.
I'm constitutionally incapable of going to some place like Kay or Shane Co. and paying full retail for something.
So I'm trying to cram enough into my head about the 4 Cs so I don't get taken advantage of in this DIY ring thing.
I've talked to a couple of jewlers about a ring and was pleasantly surprised to learn that a simple gold solitare setting isn't real expensive.
But I'll confess I'm over my head when it comes to picking a stone.
We are not ostentatious people so the stone doesn't have to be huge, probably can't on my budget.
That lack of ostentation is mostly why we've deceided on a solitare.
So many rings I've looked at that were entirely encrusted with little stones just look cheap to me.
I know that with tractors, diamonds and some body parts, bigger is supposed to be better but I also know I have to sacrifice something.
So what I'd like to find is a good, clean stone with plenty of sparkle even if it isn't so large.
I've got about $6000 saved up for the stone. Might be able to go a tad more. The rest has to go for the setting and a band.
So to cut to the chase here (finally)
Are there nice, honest people here who could direct me to a couple of particular stones on this site that would suit my purposes?
Is it safe to buy from one of the sellers listed here?
If it helps, should you ever need help with the clutch, injectors or wiring on your tractor I'd be glad, even eager, to give something back.
TIA
Jerry

 

[hawk25]

Well I'm a big city type of guy, so I won't need help with a tractor, but other PSers and I would be happy to help

Did you have a shape of diamond in mind? Princess, round, etc...

 

[marymm]

Hi Jerry -
Your budget is quite healthy and you'll be able to find a gorgeous, well-cut, clean, sparkly stone.
To help us direct you better though, please let us know:

Are you looking for a round diamond, or another shape?
Do you have a color preference - colorless (D/E/F) or near-colorless (G/H/I)?

For example, looking very quickly at Brian Gavin Diamonds, an online vendor based in Texas which is reputable and well-regarded here on PS, there is a beautiful colorless 0.794ct D-VS2 Hearts and Arrows Round priced at $5410 (if you pay by wire), which will face up apx 5.95mm - http://www.briangavindiamonds.com/d.../0.794-d-vs2-round-diamond-ags-c-104064610060; and there is also a larger, near-colorless diamond, 0.926ct I-VS2 Hearts and Arrows Round priced at $6110 (wire price), which will face up apx 6.25mm - http://www.briangavindiamonds.com/d...ls/0.926-i-vs2-round-diamond-ags-104064191014.

The size difference between the two would be visible, as would be the color difference. Both stones are ideal-cut however, and would be outstanding performers. And of course there are other stones and other vendors, but if you are looking for a round brilliant, and want ideal-cut (or ideal-cut equivalent), your budget should allow for between 0.78 and 0.95ct depending on color and clarity choices.

If you went with BGD, maybe pair the diamond with BGD's tiffany half-round solitaire, priced at $850, a classic, simple ring setting which will go well with any wedding band - http://www.briangavindiamonds.com/e...ffany-style-half-round-18k-white-gold-5478w18.

Other highly regarded online diamond vendors include WhiteFlash, Good Old Gold, James Allen, High Performance Diamonds, and Engagement Rings Direct.

 

[hawk25]

Your budget is quite nice, don't worry! I worked with a budget half of that for my stone and did very well

I was going to suggest that 0.926ct stone from BGD, but it seems marymm beat me to it. The I color would definitely be noticeable compared with a D color, so you'll have to let us know your preferences. I personally draw the line at H color, but it seems I'm more color sensitive than a lot of people. When I pull up the 0.926ct stone, I'm showing a wire price of $6003, so even better

Just wanted to throw another option out there from BGD. If you don't mind fluorescence and a lower color, here's a J SI1 1.114ct from their Blue line, wire price listed at $6157. http://www.briangavindiamonds.com/d...1.114-j-si1-round-diamond-ags-bl-104064812010

It's listed as eye clean, but you'll have to contact BGD and tell them your definition of eye clean for them to check. For example, I believe their eye clean definition is from 10 inches viewing from the top only, while I define it as 6 inches viewing from all sides. A J color is where most people start to see color, but the fluorescence will help make the stone appear whiter in light that has UV in it (direct sunlight for example). I know you said you don't care so much about size, but just wanted you to know it's an option, and they really are all great performing stones. It measures at 6.66 x 6.67mm

 

[diamondseeker2006]

Love your post! If I ever need tractor repair, I am looking you up!

I had a gold solitaire for many years and think it is a lovely, classic choice!

There are several great vendors here that are trustworthy and who carry very fine quality stones. I personally have bought mine from Good Old Gold and WhiteFlash and highly recommend both!

Here are some that I like:

http://www.goodoldgold.com/diamond/10559/

http://www.goodoldgold.com/diamond/10609/

http://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-2696779.htm

http://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-2930357.htm

 

[Niel]

If you are looking to get the most bang for.your buck stick to a stone that's eye clean and try for that to be around vs2,si1

And as someone who is very frugal, I will suggest a jkl range of colors. Not too yellow, just not blinding white. Saves you lots and still had the same sparkle factor. See them in person first, if you can, to get a sense of if you like the color. I personally love it. And if you're putting it yellow gold, you'd be safe in that range.
For example.

http://www.goodoldgold.com/diamond/10281/
Leaves you so much for a solitaire! Or a three stone (though I know you want plain, but still an option) or you could find other ones even bigger.....

Just an option.

 

[hawk25]

Actually Jerry, it would be helpful if you told us whether it would be white or yellow gold. Like Niel said, if it's yellow gold you can go down in color a bit

 

[UltradogMN]

Actually Jerry, it would be helpful if you told us whether it would be white or yellow gold. Like Niel said, if it's yellow gold you can go down in color a bit

Sorry,
Yellow gold.
I understand it would allow stepping down a bit in the color range.

 

[E B]

and there is also a larger, near-colorless diamond, 0.926ct I-VS2 Hearts and Arrows Round priced at $6110 (wire price), which will face up apx 6.25mm - http://www.briangavindiamonds.com/d...ls/0.926-i-vs2-round-diamond-ags-104064191014.

Love this one.

Jerry, you sound like good people. Hope you find just what you're looking for!

 

[Niel]

Actually Jerry, it would be helpful if you told us whether it would be white or yellow gold. Like Niel said, if it's yellow gold you can go down in color a bit

Sorry,
Yellow gold.
I understand it would allow stepping down a bit in the color range.

Awesome! I love love love yellow gold.

To the group, is there any AVRs in a l range? That might be perfect.

Jerry, I do suggest staying j or under. Maximize size and you won't miss the color in a yellow setting.

 

[RockyRacoon]

I'd check out these two:
J AVR - over 1 ct! (verify that it's eye clean, as it is SI2) - $5,758
http://www.goodoldgold.com/diamond/9593/

K BGD Blue - over 1 ct! (I've been eye-ing this one for awhile) - $5,875
http://www.briangavindiamonds.com/diamonds/diamond-details/1.064-k-vs1-round-diamond-ags-bl-104063639004

 

[UltradogMN]

You guys are awesome.
I know this doesn't matter but for what it's worth; I just turned 60 and this will be my first time getting hitched.
She's 57, was married for many years but was widowed.
I've known her for 25 years and all she ever had was a simple gold band.
I'm hoping to make up for some of that. Nothing too showy but a little bit of pizzaz.

 

[Mayk]

You guys are awesome.
I know this doesn't matter but for what it's worth; I just turned 60 and this will be my first time getting hitched.
She's 57, was married for many years but was widowed.
I've known her for 25 years and all she ever had was a simple gold band.
I'm hoping to make up for some of that. Nothing too showy but a little bit of pizzaz.

You have made my day! I can't wait to see what you buy for your bride-to-be!

 

[diamondseeker2006]

You guys are awesome.
I know this doesn't matter but for what it's worth; I just turned 60 and this will be my first time getting hitched.
She's 57, was married for many years but was widowed.
I've known her for 25 years and all she ever had was a simple gold band.
I'm hoping to make up for some of that. Nothing too showy but a little bit of pizzaz.

Oh my goodness! That is wonderful! You can see that I have an AVR in my avatar picture and they are beautiful stones! (Although my picture is taken highly magnified, so naturally it doesn't look exactly like the picture in real life viewing!)

I think the one posted is beautiful if the inclusions are eyeclean. http://www.goodoldgold.com/diamond/9593/

I would not go below J color, though. Color is one thing you can see. I think I-J is fine with yellow gold. Be sure the prongs are white gold or platinum, though.

Just thought about this...GOG will take a video for you of a few stones which is really helpful! That way you could compare the AVR with the regular round brilliants if the other two I posted above interest you.

 

[hawk25]

That sounds amazing, congratulations!

A few PSers have suggested a August Vintage Round, which is basically a diamond cut to have broad flashes of light compared to the smaller but higher frequency flashes of light from a traditionally cut round. They are exclusive to Good Old Gold. I personally haven't seen one, but they are supposedly very nice, just a different look. Do you have a preference between the two? Here's a video that compares them side by side:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zgcvxvyX1cY

 

[luvmysparklies]

Jerry-
I love your post! Who'd think of a tractor and a diamond the same post. LOL!
Anyway, perhaps I missed it, did you state if you prefer a round? Or are you also looking at other shapes?
Looks like the others have posted some really nice options for you. I will expand on the "high performance diamonds" suggestion and post a few from that site (it is Wink Jones' site). I just recently had a chance to view a beautiful (gasp) I1 stone that was over a carat, F color and totally eye clean (H&A cut too)...

Here is a link to the actual stone I reviewed:
http://www.highperformancediamonds.com/index.php?page=view-id-diamond-default&id=26

Here is the link to the thread with my own pics of the stone:
[URL='https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/wink-jones-value-select-diamonds-wow.190916/']https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/wink-jones-value-select-diamonds-wow.190916/[/URL]

Here is a nice K color stone:
http://www.highperformancediamonds.com/index.php?page=view-id-diamond-default&id=28

Here is a G color in VS2 clarity:
http://www.highperformancediamonds.com/index.php?page=view-id-diamond-default&id=9

All the above are from his "Value Select" line. Very pretty H&A cuts with a lower cost so you can have $$ leftover for a nice setting.

All the vendors that have been suggested are trustworthy and have some dynamite stones. I applaud you for your research and we are glad you found pricescope!!

 

[Niel]

heres the one i like, seems to be on the higher end for a K, so faces up nice.... VERY nice size, and good clarity. I personally do not see any reason to avoid a K in Modern rounds, or an L in AVRs...

http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/1.22-carat-k-color-vvs2-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-25566


but sense they will let you pull three, id have them compare that stone with these

http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/1.23-carat-k-color-vvs2-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-25429

(this one im not sure of the "color patch" that isnt listed but still, theyll look at 3)

http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/1.23-carat-k-color-vs2-clarity-sku-180268

a videos to consider.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3vI3Tkd3VQU&feature=c4-overview&playnext=1&list=TL5emjYAbrB4w

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ziZ1S8ZlZEE

and jsut remember, you dont look at a diamond upside down, or on a white background.

 

[VRBeauty]

Add me to the AVR/AVC vote! I think an August Vintage Round or August Vintage Cushion would be perfect for someone who prefers an understated look. They are essentially a modern re-creation of antique cuts that incorporate what we now know about the the angles that maximize light return. These branded cuts do cost a bit more, but they also have the advantage of looking good in the lower color color ranges.

 

[Niel]

heres a nice thread with lots of yellow gold, notice probably at least half of these are j or lower

[URL='https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/show-me-the-yellow-gold-bling.162375/page-4']https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/show-me-the-yellow-gold-bling.162375/page-4[/URL]

 

[AprilBaby]

Since I'm a little younger than her by a tad I would say for a second wedding I would rather have a diamond band engagement ring than a solitaire. Whiteflash has some gorgeous ACA bands well under your price range. Something like an eternity band or a 5 stone with a plain gold wedding band. Just a thought

 

[doberman]

Well, we have a very nice Kubota actually....but it's running fine, just had it serviced! My husband was out dragging fallen trees off the paths with it yesterday.

As for diamonds, your budget's perfect. I'm a little bit younger than your lady, but I think a solitaire is the way to go, particularly since you describe the effect of many diamonds as "encrusted" A solitaire is classic.

I'll leave it to the experts here to point out individual stones, but I will say that if you are not very color sensitive, you can do an H/I color and if you don't mind seeing inclusions when you look at the stone under a loupe, you can go for SI1 clarity. These are both good ways to save $ and get a larger stone. Furthermore, certain shapes(pear, round) will look larger than others(princess, cushion). But perhaps larger isn't important, that's up to you.

I have a D diamond and an H diamond, one's an SI1, the other a VS2. They are both beautiful. The cut is what is most important in a diamond. Use the diamond search function at the top of the page to get an idea of prices. And while I think it's fine to get a setting at a B&M store, particularly since you want a simple solitaire, get the stone online! Good old Gold has some great videos online that talk about diamonds and they sell top notch stones. You might want to start there.

Good luck - let us know how it goes.

 

[Cluless]

Jerry first off Congrats! I love you're post. I'm also a little younger than you're lady but not by much mind you. This is what I would do. Get this
http://www.ebay.com/itm/CRAZY-UNIQUE-TOP-QUALITY-ANTIQUE-ESTATE-2-81CT-LARGE-DIAMOND-EMERALD-18K-RING-/171071703605?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item27d4ab0a35

I personally love the centre diamond put it in a solitaire and use the emeralds to make a band best of both worlds within budget, but hey that's just me. Good luck to you!

PS. This is a reputable vendor I have personally bought from them and am more than satisfied with my purchase.

 

[Mayk]

Jerry... you have gotten a lot of advice... thought I would pile on although not an expert at picking stones...

Diamondseeker recommended not going lower than a "J".. I agree for a engagement ring.. unless you go with an August Vintage diamond which happens to look awesome in an engagement ring setting.. also.. since your bride to be has been used to something very simple a solitaire setting feels like it would be very fitting. A very nice step up without being too over the top... Your budget is awesome for doing this very well with a top cut diamond and a simple setting!!! Classic for the young and not as young and forever in style!

 

[Mayk]

Jerry... you have gotten a lot of advice... thought I would pile on although not an expert at picking stones...

Diamondseeker recommended not going lower than a "J".. I agree for a engagement ring.. unless you go with an August Vintage diamond which happens to look awesome in an engagement ring setting.. also.. since your bride to be has been used to something very simple a solitaire setting feels like it would be very fitting. A very nice step up without being too over the top... Your budget is awesome for doing this very well with a top cut diamond and a simple setting!!! Classic for the young and not as young and forever in style!

 

[hawk25]

I feel as though we're bombarding you with choices... Sorry Jerry!

Were you planning on just getting the loose stone and getting it set locally? Or did you want the entire package done at one vendor? Generally it's recommended to get everything done at one vendor, so you don't have to worry about a local jeweler damaging the stone and the whole insurance mess.

Between the vendors everyone has suggested (Brian Gavin, Whiteflash, Good Old Gold, James Allen, etc) is there one that has the setting you would want? There are a lot of solitaires out there, with a few small differences between them which you may or may not like.

You might have to narrow down what you want in a diamond or vendor for us to better help you, or else we'll keep throwing out random stones for you, which won't be as much help

 

[Lula]

Since I'm a little younger than her by a tad I would say for a second wedding I would rather have a diamond band engagement ring than a solitaire. Whiteflash has some gorgeous ACA bands well under your price range. Something like an eternity band or a 5 stone with a plain gold wedding band. Just a thought

I'm a little younger than your lady as well, but I married later in life, and I agree 100% with AprilBaby.

As we age, our hands tend to get larger and thicker looking, and solitaires, unless they are quite large, may look kind of awkward. I've found that three-stones and five-stone rings look much more attractive on my hands. If you live in a rural community (I'm smack-dab in the middle of John Deere country myself, though I live in a college town) a larger diamond solitaire may look out of place. Whiteflash and Brian Gavin Designs and High Performance Diamonds (you can find links to all these businesses under the Resources tab in the blue toolbar above) all carry high-quality diamonds and have made beautiful three-stone, five-stone, and seven-stone bands, as well as eternity bands. You'll be able to give her a beautiful ring that's well within your budget.

ETA: Here's a link with some photos of Niel's beautiful 5-stone ring, custom-designed by James Allen, another reputable vendor:
https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/my-ja-size-7-25-1-78tcw-graduated-5-stone-in-wg.190181/

ETA2: Wink from High Performance Diamonds has a new line of well-priced diamonds that he has vetted himself. Here's a nice size diamond at the high end of your budget, if you decide to stick with a solitaire http://www.highperformancediamonds.com/index.php?page=view-id-diamond-default&id=11 He's got photos and a video of the diamond. I think he's wearing a yellow shirt in the video -- an I color diamond is not yellow. He's a great guy who is of "grandfather age" and while I don't believe he owns a tractor, he is an avid outdoorsman.

 

[UltradogMN]

Wow,
A lot of great suggestions.
Yes a little overwhelming.
The ones I like the best are this one that was first suggested by marymm and endorsed by others
http://www.briangavindiamonds.com/diamonds/diamond-details/0.926-i-vs2-round-diamond-ags-104064191014
But I also liked the one suggested by luvmysparklies. Partly for the price, partly because he was convincing in his suggesting it and if the truth be known because we both live in geezervill and can't see the difference with our wrinkled, er, naked eyes anyway.
http://www.highperformancediamonds.com/index.php?page=view-id-diamond-default&id=26
Another twist to add to this is I asked the jewler if she could build the ring from the specs given at the Brian Gavin link.
She looked at it and said she could find me a comparable stone if I let her have a chance.
I reminded her about the 7% sales tax I'd have to pay and she said she'd keep that in mind.
A couple of hours later she said she could get one with a white occlusion instead of a black one which she didn't like in marymm's link for about $5700 with tax.
So I told her to ship it in but that I was making no promises.
It should be here tomorrow.
That's where it stands at this point.
So the question I have for you all is if that stone has a GIA number on it could you people look it up and tell me if the stone is comparable?
Or would you actually have to see it?
I know for a fact that the jeweler is in it to make a living and believe me, I don't fault anyone for that.
But I don't know if you people are doing this because you just like these pretty stones and your motives are altruistic or if there is a profit motive here too.
Any thoughts on that?

 

[RockyRacoon]

I know for a fact that the jeweler is in it to make a living and believe me, I don't fault anyone for that.
But I don't know if you people are doing this because you just like these pretty stones and your motives are altruistic or if there is a profit motive here too.
Any thoughts on that?

No one who suggested a stone has any stake in you choosing one over the other.

Many of us were able to receive help here when selecting our own engagement ring stone, and are happy to pay it forward.

Today, you... Tomorrow, me.

 

[Niel]

I know for a fact that the jeweler is in it to make a living and believe me, I don't fault anyone for that.
But I don't know if you people are doing this because you just like these pretty stones and your motives are altruistic or if there is a profit motive here too.
Any thoughts on that?

No one who suggested a stone has any stake in you choosing one over the other.

Many of us were able to receive help here when selecting our own engagement ring stone, and are happy to pay it forward.

Today, you... Tomorrow, me.

Just a genuine interest in someone getting the best stone for them at a fair price.

 

[Lula]

I know for a fact that the jeweler is in it to make a living and believe me, I don't fault anyone for that.
But I don't know if you people are doing this because you just like these pretty stones and your motives are altruistic or if there is a profit motive here too.
Any thoughts on that?

No one who suggested a stone has any stake in you choosing one over the other.

Many of us were able to receive help here when selecting our own engagement ring stone, and are happy to pay it forward.

Today, you... Tomorrow, me.

Pricescope rules prohibit any of us from receiving "kickbacks" of any sort from the vendors we recommend. Most of us recommend vendors we have worked with because we can personally vouch for them and their inventory. That said, all of the vendors recommended to you on this thread are reputable and very experienced, so you can buy online with confidence that you will not be getting sucked into some sort of scam. Most of us ended up buying online because we couldn't find what we wanted locally, so our frustrations led us here to PS.

To answer your question about your jeweler, yes, if you have the exact carat weight and the GIA report number, we can look up the diamond and give you our opinions on it. Make sure your jeweler is sticking with GIA "Excellent" cut grade stones -- the cut grade is important. It is no bargain if he/she is charging you the same price as the Brian Gavin stone if she's selling you a Very Good cut grade and the Brian Gavin diamond is an Excellent cut grade. Those are apples and oranges.