Assistance with Ring Purchase (Halo with Emerald)

[krish82]

By the way, here are a few more stones that you might like and that will fit into y our budget.

14k white gold setting: $1,150 + diamond >>>>

1st suggestion (my favorite): 0.61ct. I love this stone because it does face up bigger (bigger measurements), IF clarity, so nothing to worry about inclusions at all and an E color! I think that's a plus, but it has medium fluorescence, so I'm not sure how you feel about that, although it won't affect the diamond much at all unless it has a very strong fluorescence. $1,707 + (setting) $1,150= $2,857 http://www.adiamor.com/Diamonds/E-IF-Affinity-Cut-Emerald-Diamond/D17905785 I recommend this one for a safe bet for clarity, and it is a gorgeous stone!

2nd suggestion: 0.61ct. The same carat weight, but smaller in measurements, VVS2 in clarity, E color as well and only has a faint fluorescence, so this won't affect your stone in anyway except that it will slightly glow in a dark environment with a blue light. I also don't think you'll have a problem with the clarity that high at all, you can have them check it, and if you decide to buy it, you can check it yourself (which is a good thing), and you can always return it no questions asked if you don't like it. $1,299 + (setting) $1,150= $2,449 (still within your old budget) http://www.adiamor.com/Diamonds/E-VVS2-Affinity-Cut-Emerald-Diamond/D20631706 I recommend this one for its quality and price. Also just recently graded by GIA.

3rd suggestion: 0.51. Has almost the same qualities as my 2nd suggestion, but a bit smaller and more expensive most likely due to high clarity and has no fluorescence at all. $1,493 + $1,150= $2,643 http://www.adiamor.com/Diamonds/E-VVS1-Affinity-Cut-Emerald-Diamond/D15110347 Although a beautiful stone, I'm not sure it it's worth paying for...

Ok I think I'm done for now lol. Good luck!

 

[msop04]

By the way, here are a few more stones that you might like and that will fit into y our budget.

14k white gold setting: $1,150 + diamond >>>>

1st suggestion (my favorite): 0.61ct. I love this stone because it does face up bigger (bigger measurements), IF clarity, so nothing to worry about inclusions at all and an E color! I think that's a plus, but it has medium fluorescence, so I'm not sure how you feel about that, although it won't affect the diamond much at all unless it has a very strong fluorescence. $1,707 + (setting) $1,150= $2,857 http://www.adiamor.com/Diamonds/E-IF-Affinity-Cut-Emerald-Diamond/D17905785 I recommend this one for a safe bet for clarity, and it is a gorgeous stone!

2nd suggestion: 0.61ct. The same carat weight, but smaller in measurements, VVS2 in clarity, E color as well and only has a faint fluorescence, so this won't affect your stone in anyway except that it will slightly glow in a dark environment with a blue light. I also don't think you'll have a problem with the clarity that high at all, you can have them check it, and if you decide to buy it, you can check it yourself (which is a good thing), and you can always return it no questions asked if you don't like it. $1,299 + (setting) $1,150= $2,449 (still within your old budget) http://www.adiamor.com/Diamonds/E-VVS2-Affinity-Cut-Emerald-Diamond/D20631706 I recommend this one for its quality and price. Also just recently graded by GIA.

3rd suggestion: 0.51. Has almost the same qualities as my 2nd suggestion, but a bit smaller and more expensive most likely due to high clarity and has no fluorescence at all. $1,493 + $1,150= $2,643 http://www.adiamor.com/Diamonds/E-VVS1-Affinity-Cut-Emerald-Diamond/D15110347 Although a beautiful stone, I'm not sure it it's worth paying for...

Ok I think I'm done for now lol. Good luck!

krish, will this vendor provide anything other than a sample image in the same cut and a cert, because there isn't anything to go on via the website? Will they send an ASET or shoot a video if requested by a potential buyer maybe? Or do you have to actually purchase the stone to see it IRL, then return if you're not satisfied?

 

[krish82]

Hope the Adiamor mounting is still in the running since it offers what I think of as simply V-cut pavé, but what Adiamor calls "French cut pavé":
http://www.adiamor.com/blog/index.php/2014/03/18/what-is-french-cut-pave/
More distinctive, shows less metal than the more common style of pave & there's a bit of angularity (if that's a word) to it that I think would complement an EC center stone very nicely.

I'd love to see you actually view in hand at least several ECs so you can have somewhat of a real life basis for comparison (ECs aren't stamped out like widgets ) I could be mistaken since pics and a video can't tell the whole story, but the cut of the JA .61 carat, D-VVS1 doesn't thrill me, based on what's appearing on my computer screen. So that might be the reason it hasn't sold in the 5+ years since GIA issued the report on it.

(Note too that JA refrained from providing some info in the listing, like the table-depth percentages; you have to go to the GIA report itself to find those out. I'm definitely not a stickler for such & would never urge anyone to buy/not buy on the basis of this kind of thing, especially with ECs, but thought you might want to be aware of the not-great stats.)
https://www.pricescope.com/wiki/diamonds/emerald-cut-diamond

I beg to differ. The cut on that stone is fab, so I'm a little confused about your statement -- it throws light like crazy and has almost no dark spots at all. Also, the GIA date doesn't mean it hasn't sold since then, it just means that's when it was graded. Someone could have easily upgraded or sold it. The date means nothing like you are suggesting. I would say that it was a good stone for the budget, but I would love to have this EC for myself! I would be very interested to see an example of what you consider to be a better cut than this. Furthermore, you can't judge fancies by numbers, so what if it's got a big table and is a little deep? It obviously doesn't affect the stone's performance negatively, because it looks great!

BTW... there's not a lot more you can ask from a vendor besides a photo AND video -- most don't even have a photo. Very few sites list ASETs... What info did JA not list, since everything that is listed on other stones is filled in... it is on rare occasion that they list crown and pavillion angles/percentages. I'm no expert, but I've seen enough of JA's stones to know that everything that's listed (and anything that's not) can easily be found on the cert... so no trickery there. It seems like you don't want the OP to get that stone for some reason. If you can find one with a cut that "thrills" you a little more, please take the time to find and post -- I want the OP to have a nice stone, regardless.

I wish the EC-gurus would chime in, as I certainly don't want to lead anyone astray.

EDIT: I do agree that seeing any stone IRL is always best, but since that isn't really possible for the OP, there are very few things that beats the photo and video option at JA.

msop04 the reason why most people will not go with a larger table percentage when it comes to emerald cut is because it usually means a flat crown, and that will effect/kill the brilliance of the diamond, unless you are more into that mirror like look of the emerald cut. I like the mirror look of emerald cut that's why I'm obsessed with them lol, but I'd love some brilliance and dramatic flashes of lights as well. although big tables will still sparkle, a great proportion will give better flashes of light. Again, with emerald cuts though, it's more of a personal preference on how you want it to look like, like square, rectangle, flat crown etc., unlike round brilliants. Also, I think TheOneHC want the typical emerald cut shape.

 

[krish82]

By the way, here are a few more stones that you might like and that will fit into y our budget.

14k white gold setting: $1,150 + diamond >>>>

1st suggestion (my favorite): 0.61ct. I love this stone because it does face up bigger (bigger measurements), IF clarity, so nothing to worry about inclusions at all and an E color! I think that's a plus, but it has medium fluorescence, so I'm not sure how you feel about that, although it won't affect the diamond much at all unless it has a very strong fluorescence. $1,707 + (setting) $1,150= $2,857 http://www.adiamor.com/Diamonds/E-IF-Affinity-Cut-Emerald-Diamond/D17905785 I recommend this one for a safe bet for clarity, and it is a gorgeous stone!

2nd suggestion: 0.61ct. The same carat weight, but smaller in measurements, VVS2 in clarity, E color as well and only has a faint fluorescence, so this won't affect your stone in anyway except that it will slightly glow in a dark environment with a blue light. I also don't think you'll have a problem with the clarity that high at all, you can have them check it, and if you decide to buy it, you can check it yourself (which is a good thing), and you can always return it no questions asked if you don't like it. $1,299 + (setting) $1,150= $2,449 (still within your old budget) http://www.adiamor.com/Diamonds/E-VVS2-Affinity-Cut-Emerald-Diamond/D20631706 I recommend this one for its quality and price. Also just recently graded by GIA.

3rd suggestion: 0.51. Has almost the same qualities as my 2nd suggestion, but a bit smaller and more expensive most likely due to high clarity and has no fluorescence at all. $1,493 + $1,150= $2,643 http://www.adiamor.com/Diamonds/E-VVS1-Affinity-Cut-Emerald-Diamond/D15110347 Although a beautiful stone, I'm not sure it it's worth paying for...

Ok I think I'm done for now lol. Good luck!

krish, will this vendor provide anything other than a sample image in the same cut and a cert, because there isn't anything to go on via the website? Will they send an ASET or shoot a video if requested by a potential buyer maybe? Or do you have to actually purchase the stone to see it IRL, then return if you're not satisfied?

I have talked to TheOneHC about this. It is his choice where to buy the stone, I'm just suggesting. The reason I am suggesting this is because I have bought a stone from them, and we didn't ask for a photo because we wanted to see it in person, and with the no questions asked policy when returning seem to be easy enough for us. I have also compared their prices from other online store, and this has been the cheapest in comparison (at least from those sites that I found like JA, Blue Nile etc.). I also found Blue Nile selling an exact the same stone as adiamor (the same GIA# etc.) but blue nile was selling this for a couple hundred more. Anyway, what we did was to get the stone checked twice! and it is what they say it is .

 

[msop04]

msop04 the reason why most people will not go with a larger table percentage when it comes to emerald cut is because it usually means a flat crown, and that will effect/kill the brilliance of the diamond, unless you are more into that mirror like look of the emerald cut. I like the mirror look of emerald cut that's why I'm obsessed with them lol, but I'd love some brilliance and dramatic flashes of lights as well. although big tables will still sparkle, a great proportion will give better flashes of light. Again, with emerald cuts though, it's more of a personal preference on how you want it to look like, like square, rectangle, flat crown etc., unlike round brilliants. Also, I think TheOneHC want the typical emerald cut shape.

Oh yes, it's definitely a personal preference. I saw that stone and it threw light at all angles in the video, and although the table is larger, that doesn't make it a dud. Also, the EC checked his boxes. The only other EC's suggested that were good were by Gypsy. The only problem was that they were a little bit expensive. Since OP's gone up to $3K, maybe they should be thrown back in? I'd be interested in seeing the other stones on adiamor, but as you know, it's just not possible.

I was serious when I mentioned that someone should post some stones with much better cuts to show why the stone I suggested is an inferior stone. Oh... and they have to be in budget. More for my education than anything.

 

[msop04]

I have talked to TheOneHC about this. It is his choice where to buy the stone, I'm just suggesting. The reason I am suggesting this is because I have bought a stone from them, and we didn't ask for a photo because we wanted to see it in person, and with the no questions asked policy when returning seem to be easy enough for us. I have also compared their prices from other online store, and this has been the cheapest in comparison (at least from those sites that I found like JA, Blue Nile etc.). I also found Blue Nile selling an exact the same stone as adiamor (the same GIA# etc.) but blue nile was selling this for a couple hundred more. Anyway, what we did was to get the stone checked twice! and it is what they say it is .

That's good that they will "check" the stone for you, but how do you know if they share your preference? Wouldn't it have been better to see an image or video of it so that you could form your own opinion, since you have to buy fancies with your eyes.

So... (back to the original questions)
-- will this vendor provide anything other than a sample image in the same cut and a cert?
-- will they send an ASET or shoot a video if requested by a potential buyer maybe?
-- do you have to actually purchase the stone to see it IRL, then return if you're not satisfied?

 

[msop04]

OP, although I'm biased to the D/VVS stone and think it looks amazingly bright, you should get her what she wants... if your FF likes more rectangular ECs, you should revisit Gypsy's:
http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/emerald-cut/0.71-carat-g-color-vs2-clarity-sku-282954 $2160
http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/emerald-cut/0.70-carat-f-color-vs2-clarity-sku-298096 $2200

Either would leave you with about $800-850 for a halo setting.

 

[krish82]

I have talked to TheOneHC about this. It is his choice where to buy the stone, I'm just suggesting. The reason I am suggesting this is because I have bought a stone from them, and we didn't ask for a photo because we wanted to see it in person, and with the no questions asked policy when returning seem to be easy enough for us. I have also compared their prices from other online store, and this has been the cheapest in comparison (at least from those sites that I found like JA, Blue Nile etc.). I also found Blue Nile selling an exact the same stone as adiamor (the same GIA# etc.) but blue nile was selling this for a couple hundred more. Anyway, what we did was to get the stone checked twice! and it is what they say it is .

That's good that they will "check" the stone for you, but how do you know if they share your preference? Wouldn't it have been better to see an image or video of it so that you could form your own opinion, since you have to buy fancies with your eyes.

So... (back to the original questions)
-- will this vendor provide anything other than a sample image in the same cut and a cert?
-- will they send an ASET or shoot a video if requested by a potential buyer maybe?
-- do you have to actually purchase the stone to see it IRL, then return if you're not satisfied?

lol We got my stone checked from different vendors, not Adiamor, and we also had the GIA laser inscription checked.
Again, I personally did not ask for a picture because to me I wouldn't really know what I'll be looking at anyway... because slight inclusions are difficult to see even with pictures or videos unless you are looking into a VS1 or lower, so yes I guess you have to see it in real life then return it if you don't like it, which in my case we did not, since we had a couple of independent jewelers check it for us. Again, it's up to OP where he is going to purchase his stone, these are JUST suggestion.

 

[msop04]

lol We got my stone checked from different vendors, not Adiamor, and we also had the GIA laser inscription checked.
Again, I personally did not ask for a picture because to me I wouldn't really know what I'll be looking at anyway... because slight inclusions are difficult to see even with pictures or videos unless you are looking into a VS1 or lower, so yes I guess you have to see it in real life then return it if you don't like it, which in my case we did not, since we had a couple of independent jewelers check it for us. Again, it's up to OP where he is going to purchase his stone, these are JUST suggestion.

Ahhh, I see! I wasn't so much worried about seeing inclusions... I wanted photos/videos to see the faceting pattern and light return. Some look totally dark in the middle, some have "mush" in the corners, some look blank on the table, then some will be lovely.

 

[msop04]

When it comes right down to it, there is no way to know what the stone's faceting will look like without a photo/video. You can judge it's color and clarity, but that's about it.

The adiamor site had some good prices on their stones, but all they show is the same perfect sample photo of an EC stone, and it was verified that they dont do ASETS. To me, that is buying totally site unseen... which is a gamble. I'd like to know what I'm getting before having to purchase it... otherwise, it's just a waste of time for me and the vendor to have to keep buying stones and sending them back.

When you can see what the stone looks like online, you will at least know if it's a contender based on inclusions, faceting, and IRL performance. I really don't know why all these big online vendors won't just offer that to help showcase their stones?

 

[Gypsy]

I don't suppose you'd consider this: http://www.costco.com/Emerald-Shape-Diamond-Ring-%280.95ctw%29-14kt-White-Gold.product.100083153.html

 

[Gypsy]

A lifetime wear setting costs as much as your whole budget.

You are pretty much going to have to choose between your center stone and the setting.

Either you get a nice setting and get a CZ for the center until you can afford a real center (not advised). Or you will need to get the stone now, and the setting later.

 

[MollyMalone]

resale, upgrade (slaps self on forehead] - you're right, msop, genuine thanks for calling me out on that brain-fart comment of mine re the GIA report.

The Note too was intended to mean "in addition to the D color, size, and VVS1". But even if that didn't come through, surely I made it clear that I agree with you, msop, that ECs shouldn't be "judged by numbers". They are not totally irrelevant, however, no matter what and whom. If that were true, GIA wouldn't assess such things as table-depth percentages in fancies & vendors wouldn't ever relay the stats.

What I feel is most important re the diamond selection is that TheOneHC get his hands on some ECs before deciding on The One. There is a measure of subjectivity in all this. E.g., this other JA EC, which is one of those that Gypsy linked early in this thread, appeals to me
http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/emerald-cut/0.71-carat-g-color-vs2-clarity-sku-282954

But I can comfortably say that because I've had enough "up close and personal" examination of ECs in real life to have a good sense of what I like-value in an EC & make the translation between that and most pics-videos. My late father-in-law was in the jewelry trade & passionate about diamonds, so he took great delight in giving me diamond tutorials and quiz-like "challenges" that were lots of fun even tho' I've always liked colored gems better. Few are fortunate enough to have the benefit of that kind of exposure, nor do they need it. But the prospect of people purchasing the first diamond (or 1 of few) they have ever actually seen in hand is one that pains me. (I realize that's unavoidable in some situations, but this doesn't sound like one of them.)

 

[krish82]

A lifetime wear setting costs as much as your whole budget.

You are pretty much going to have to choose between your center stone and the setting.

Either you get a nice setting and get a CZ for the center until you can afford a real center (not advised). Or you will need to get the stone now, and the setting later.

I don't think that a lifetime setting necessarily need to cost $3,000? I have rings that have lasted a very very long time, the same with my mom's rings, and they are still very nice and have had it for 29 years, and if they want this to be their forever ring (like what he said they wanted) it's not bad to pay half and half. I don't really see it as a waste of money if both will cost around the same amount, especially that his fiancé doesn't really care about the size of the stone, and with his $3,000 budget, he can definitely get a very nice ring. I also think wanting to upgrade or not is a very personal thing for the couple. I know I will never upgrade mine .

 

[msop04]

resale, upgrade (slaps self on forehead] - you're right, msop, genuine thanks for calling me out on that brain-fart comment of mine re the GIA report.

The Note too was intended to mean "in addition to the D color, size, and VVS1". But even if that didn't come through, surely I made it clear that I agree with you, msop, that ECs shouldn't be "judged by numbers". They are not totally irrelevant, however, no matter what and whom. If that were true, GIA wouldn't assess such things as table-depth percentages in fancies & vendors wouldn't ever relay the stats.

What I feel is most important re the diamond selection is that TheOneHC get his hands on some ECs before deciding on The One. There is a measure of subjectivity in all this. E.g., this other JA EC, which is one of those that Gypsy linked early in this thread, appeals to me
http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/emerald-cut/0.71-carat-g-color-vs2-clarity-sku-282954

But I can comfortably say that because I've had enough "up close and personal" examination of ECs in real life to have a good sense of what I like-value in an EC & make the translation between that and most pics-videos. My late father-in-law was in the jewelry trade & passionate about diamonds, so he took great delight in giving me diamond tutorials and quiz-like "challenges" that were lots of fun even tho' I've always liked colored gems better. Few are fortunate enough to have the benefit of that kind of exposure, nor do they need it. But the prospect of people purchasing the first diamond (or 1 of few) they have ever actually seen in hand is one that pains me. (I realize that's unavoidable in some situations, but this doesn't sound like one of them.)

No problem, Molly!! I just didn't want to steer the OP in the wrong direction!! I was interested to know what you didn't like about the faceting on the JA D/VVS stone? I realize it has a large table, but it doesn't appear to affect the performance... and let's be honest... OP's on a strict budget, so we can't have everything perfect.

 

[msop04]

A lifetime wear setting costs as much as your whole budget.

You are pretty much going to have to choose between your center stone and the setting.

Either you get a nice setting and get a CZ for the center until you can afford a real center (not advised). Or you will need to get the stone now, and the setting later.

I don't think that a lifetime setting necessarily need to cost $3,000? I have rings that have lasted a very very long time, the same with my mom's rings, and they are still very nice and have had it for 29 years, and if they want this to be their forever ring (like what he said they wanted) it's not bad to pay half and half. I don't really see it as a waste of money if both will cost around the same amount, especially that his fiancé doesn't really care about the size of the stone, and with his $3,000 budget, he can definitely get a very nice ring. I also think wanting to upgrade or not is a very personal thing for the couple. I know I will never upgrade mine .

I think what Gypsy is saying is that to have a "top-notch" halo setting, the OP would have to spend somewhere in the ballpark of $2000-3000 or more... so the reality is that his FF may end up having to reset anyway, and would probably want to do so with a larger stone. This is why spending additional money on a setting that may or may not last 50 years was deemed wasteful. Although I can't speak for adiamor (since it's not one of the "tried and true" trusted PS vendors), the Gabriel setting is the best quality for the price, AND it will allow the OP to have extra funds for a larger stone.

 

[TheOneHC]

So here are my thoughts...

I want to definitely look at some EC's in person, therefore, I will request a representative from JA to send me three diamonds to view in front of me, which are these:
http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/emerald-cut/0.71-carat-g-color-vs2-clarity-sku-282954
http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/emerald-cut/0.61-carat-d-color-vvs2-clarity-sku-165574

And for the third one could someone recommend one that is a bit more affordable that is similar to http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/emerald-cut/0.71-carat-g-color-vs2-clarity-sku-282954 in terms of stats? But maybe in lower carats perhaps to fit my budget?

For the Adiamor diamond, I am particularly interested in http://www.adiamor.com/Diamonds/E-VVS2-Affinity-Cut-Emerald-Diamond/D20631706 due to its stats and great price. They will send me info on this from an expert, including a picture which I will post here for everyone's review

Now for the setting, the Adiamor French cut pave seems a bit more expensive than than that from Gabriel and Co due to Adiamor would have to custom make it, making it a range of $1500 - $1700. Is it worth it to spend an extra $300 - $500 on the Adiamor's setting? Even with the knowledge that it shows less metal?
Also though, my fiance loves skinny metals, which of the two is skinnier? Gabriel and Co's setting seems to be a bit thick? Is it thicker to alot extent? If not, how much thicker is it?

Thanks to everyone for the continous responses

 

[msop04]

So here are my thoughts...

I want to definitely look at some EC's in person, therefore, I will request a representative from JA to send me three diamonds to view in front of me, which are these:
http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/emerald-cut/0.71-carat-g-color-vs2-clarity-sku-282954
http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/emerald-cut/0.61-carat-d-color-vvs2-clarity-sku-165574

And for the third one could someone recommend one that is a bit more affordable that is similar to http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/emerald-cut/0.71-carat-g-color-vs2-clarity-sku-282954 in terms of stats? But maybe in lower carats perhaps to fit my budget?

For the Adiamor diamond, I am particularly interested in http://www.adiamor.com/Diamonds/E-VVS2-Affinity-Cut-Emerald-Diamond/D20631706 due to its stats and great price. They will send me info on this from an expert, including a picture which I will post here for everyone's review

I think that a very good idea to view them in person. You may find that something that is not particularly our preference may really be lovely to you... and vice versa.

Now for the setting, the Adiamor French cut pave seems a bit more expensive than than that from Gabriel and Co due to Adiamor would have to custom make it, making it a range of $1500 - $1700. Is it worth it to spend an extra $300 - $500 on the Adiamor's setting? Even with the knowledge that it shows less metal?Also though, my fiance loves skinny metals, which of the two is skinnier? Gabriel and Co's setting seems to be a bit thick? Is it thicker to alot extent? If not, how much thicker is it?

Thanks to everyone for the continous responses

Only you can decide if it's "worth it" to spend any additional money... your finances/budget = your decision <--- really helpful, huh? Should you decide to go with a vendor other than adiamor, do you know if they will set outside stones? If they will, and you love their setting, then that's what I would do. If they do not set ouside stones, and you decide to go with a vendor other than adiamor, then I would go with the Gabriel & Co. The Gabriel & Co. will not be thick by any stretch of the imagination. Both would be lovely. The adiamor setting is very pretty, but is 1.6 mm, which is dangerously thin for an ering - esp in white gold. Most don't recommend thinner than 1.8 for an everyday ring, such as an ering. Remember that each time you replate (although much less with 14K), a small amount of gold will be lost in the polishing. I couldn't find the width of the Gabriel ring, but I would say it's 1.8-2.0 -- I may be wrong, it could be thinner. Maybe someone can find out...

 

[msop04]

OP, I did the LiveChat on the adiamor website... this is the conversation. (I fibbed a little about a "family stone," because it's not necessary that they know where you got it... )

Please wait for a site operator to respond.

You are now chatting with 'Mark'

Mark: Hello, how may I assist you today?

msop: Hello! Does adiamor set outside stones? There is a setting that I want to purchase, but I have a family stone that I will not part with...

msop: If you do not set outside stones, would you sell the setting by itself?

Mark: We do not...however we can build the ring specific to your diamond...so your local jeweler can set it for you.

msop: Thank you. I appreciate your time. Have a great day!

Mark: You as well.

Based on this information, I would go with the setting you love -- which sounds like the adiamor. The only caveat would be the width of the shank (she would need to be more careful, at least not hard on the ring -- no cleaning, washing dishes, working out, sleeping, etc with the ring on) and finding an EC that will fit into your budget.

Should you choose to go with the adiamor setting ($1150), you will still have about $1850 for the stone... which I think is an acceptable ratio of funds on a halo setting vs. diamond given your budget.

 

[msop04]

If you decide you like it, the JA 0.61 D/VVS stone would check the box as far as budget. With the PS discount, it would work out perfectly, actually.

It was meant to be, OP! LOL

 

[TheOneHC]

You're awesome msop! Thanks for finding that out for me

Also, she wouldn't want to do anything physical with it on haha so that's not a problem, though, very good info to know about the thiness of the setting. I like both of the setting equally -- the Gab & Co and Adiamor. But wouldn't the price of Adiamor be more around $1500 - $1700 since it would be considered as a custom setting? Also, where would I go to set it? To a local jeweler? How much does that cost to get it set then?

haha I would love to view the .61 out and that's my plan as I want to view atleast 3 diamond in person though I am still looking for a third one around .61 or a little bit more with a more rectangle shaped.. hmm..

 

[msop04]

You're awesome msop! Thanks for finding that out for me

Also, she wouldn't want to do anything physical with it on haha so that's not a problem, though, very good info to know about the thiness of the setting. I like both of the setting equally -- the Gab & Co and Adiamor. But wouldn't the price of Adiamor be more around $1500 - $1700 since it would be considered as a custom setting? Also, where would I go to set it? To a local jeweler? How much does that cost to get it set then?

haha I would love to view the .61 out and that's my plan as I want to view atleast 3 diamond in person though I am still looking for a third one around .61 or a little bit more with a more rectangle shaped.. hmm..

You're so welcome!

I'm not sure about the price... I was under the impression that all their rings are made custom?? I just looked at the price listed. You may have to inquire further on that one.

A local jeweler would set it, but I have no idea how much that would be. I would imagine $50-$75ish?? I am still looking for a more rectangular stone -- I have really only searched JA, because they have the videos (which I think is very important for ECs).

 

[msop04]

Adiamor is checking the price right now. I gave them the info for the JA 0.61 stone, but it wouldn't change much for any other stone similar to that size. BRB!!

 

[msop04]

GREAT NEWS!!! They only add $150 for the customization! Here's the info regarding the adiamor setting:

Please wait for a site operator to respond.

You are now chatting with 'Mark'

Mark: Hello, how may I assist you today?

msop: I am interested in the French Cut Halo setting in 14K. My diamond is approximately 5.4 x 4.7 mm... is the price still $1150?

msop: it's an emerald cut

Mark: What's the carat weight?

msop: 0.61 ct, but would need to be made for the dimensions to fit, not carat weight.

Mark: You're referring to R2940 correct?

msop: yes, that is correct

Mark: Understood, but it's also required for us to know the carat weight.

msop: i understand

Mark: Let me check with manufacturing....please give me a moment.

msop: sure

Mark: Great news ....we can certainly build the ring. It would be considered a customization. The additional cost is $150.00 non-refundable and 10% restocking fee for the setting only if it was to be returned or exchanged. 3 weeks to build.

msop: Great, thanks for checking on that for me. Is it okay if I save this conversation for my records when I'm ready to place the order (for pricing info, etc...)?

Mark: Absolutely. We can email to you as well.

Mark: What's your email?

msop: my actual email address, just in case it had to be verified to be legit... if you'd like me to forward it to you for your records, I would be happy to do so.

Mark: Perfect.

msop: Thanks again, Mark!

 

[TheOneHC]

That is indeed great news! Thank you msop! I may contact you about the email records
Do keep me updated if you do find me a 3rd diamond to inspect or anyone else in that matter

 

[msop04]

That is indeed great news! Thank you msop! I may contact you about the email records
Do keep me updated if you do find me a 3rd diamond to inspect or anyone else in that matter

Will do!

 

[msop04]

Ok, so these are some that I found... hopefully some of the EC chicks/experts will give their opinions.

http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/emerald-cut/0.64-carat-e-color-vvs1-clarity-sku-280570 $1730, 5.9 x 4.09

http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/emerald-cut/0.56-carat-e-color-vvs1-clarity-sku-213902 $1570, 5.49 x 4.16 -- this one looked really pretty to my eyes, and is (IMO) the perfect proportion for an EC @ 1.32. The only thing I'm concerned with is how the "darkness" would translate IRL... However, it does have EX polish/EX symmetry...

http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/emerald-cut/0.57-carat-d-color-vs1-clarity-sku-254900 $1670, 6.30 x 4.23 -- this one is longer & thin... overall, it looks nice to my eyes.

Let me know what you think...

 

[msop04]

FWIW, I'm still standing by the 0.61 D/VVS -- large table and all!

 

[krish82]

A lifetime wear setting costs as much as your whole budget.

You are pretty much going to have to choose between your center stone and the setting.

Either you get a nice setting and get a CZ for the center until you can afford a real center (not advised). Or you will need to get the stone now, and the setting later.

I don't think that a lifetime setting necessarily need to cost $3,000? I have rings that have lasted a very very long time, the same with my mom's rings, and they are still very nice and have had it for 29 years, and if they want this to be their forever ring (like what he said they wanted) it's not bad to pay half and half. I don't really see it as a waste of money if both will cost around the same amount, especially that his fiancé doesn't really care about the size of the stone, and with his $3,000 budget, he can definitely get a very nice ring. I also think wanting to upgrade or not is a very personal thing for the couple. I know I will never upgrade mine .

I think what Gypsy is saying is that to have a "top-notch" halo setting, the OP would have to spend somewhere in the ballpark of $2000-3000 or more... so the reality is that his FF may end up having to reset anyway, and would probably want to do so with a larger stone. This is why spending additional money on a setting that may or may not last 50 years was deemed wasteful. Although I can't speak for adiamor (since it's not one of the "tried and true" trusted PS vendors), the Gabriel setting is the best quality for the price, AND it will allow the OP to have extra funds for a larger stone.

I probably misread, but I thought they weren't going to reset the ring at all and keep it as it is.

 

[krish82]

So here are my thoughts...

I want to definitely look at some EC's in person, therefore, I will request a representative from JA to send me three diamonds to view in front of me, which are these:
http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/emerald-cut/0.71-carat-g-color-vs2-clarity-sku-282954
http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/emerald-cut/0.61-carat-d-color-vvs2-clarity-sku-165574

And for the third one could someone recommend one that is a bit more affordable that is similar to http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/emerald-cut/0.71-carat-g-color-vs2-clarity-sku-282954 in terms of stats? But maybe in lower carats perhaps to fit my budget?

For the Adiamor diamond, I am particularly interested in http://www.adiamor.com/Diamonds/E-VVS2-Affinity-Cut-Emerald-Diamond/D20631706 due to its stats and great price. They will send me info on this from an expert, including a picture which I will post here for everyone's review

Now for the setting, the Adiamor French cut pave seems a bit more expensive than than that from Gabriel and Co due to Adiamor would have to custom make it, making it a range of $1500 - $1700. Is it worth it to spend an extra $300 - $500 on the Adiamor's setting? Even with the knowledge that it shows less metal?
Also though, my fiance loves skinny metals, which of the two is skinnier? Gabriel and Co's setting seems to be a bit thick? Is it thicker to alot extent? If not, how much thicker is it?

Thanks to everyone for the continous responses

I'm glad that you are able to get a picture from them! That is going to be a beautiful stone and in budget, also had the color and clarity that you prefer, and very good dimensions, now you just have to see the pics. The reason I recommended that stone is because of what you said you wanted, but I'm not sure if your fiance would also consider a more squarish shape like the one that you picked from JA.

About the setting, when I asked Kristina, the reason she gave me a $1,500 price is because the ring that I wanted to get made was fully custom made, 18k and consist more metal. The setting that you like is already in their website, so it will only be partially customize for the emerald cut and most likely won't cost that much more IF you do go for that setting. I think you can show your fiance and see which one she would prefer?