back with a bigger budget

[R_M]

Hello everyone,

Back in a little over a year, I'm ready to purchase the ring.

From my experience with the wonderful people on this forum, I've decided I want to go with the best hearts and arrows I could get at my budget.

My budget is $2000~2300 (twice my budget last year XD) with the setting included.



If you could help me find one, as I trust your opinons over mine, I'd really appreciate it.

Thank you

 

[chrono]

I presume you want a high performing diamond in addition to the H&A pattern. Note that perfect H&A does not automatically mean the diamond will be a great performer although the reverse tends to be true.

Carat (or mm) size?
Colour and clarity limits?
Platinum or gold setting? Plain solitaire or something with accent diamonds?

 

[R_M]

I presume you want a high performing diamond in addition to the H&A pattern. Note that perfect H&A does not automatically mean the diamond will be a great performer although the reverse tends to be true.

Carat (or mm) size?
Colour and clarity limits?
Platinum or gold setting? Plain solitaire or something with accent diamonds?

Yes, the former would be correct.

I'm looking for 0.5~0.7 range since that already puts me at 1200~ 1500+ for the diamond alone. I'd like the color to be at least I, and clarity to be at least VS1 or VS2.

I'm really not sure which setting to go for, but I'm open to some suggestions and going from there as far as style is concerned. I'd prefer white gold setting so that the budget isn't broken, and the diamond is still pretty. (plus gf hates platinum since they're hard to readjust the ring size later or something...-_-

 

[RockyRacoon]

Here's an option that meets your criteria:

.628ct, I, VS2
http://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-3186635.htm
+
14k White Gold 6 Prong Solitaire Engagement Ring
http://www.whiteflash.com/engagement-rings/solitaire/6-prong-tiffany-style-solitaire-engagement-ring-582.htm


Ask for a first-time buyer discount.

That should be very close to your budget, and you'll have a top-notch cut in a classic setting!

 

[R_M]

Here's an option that meets your criteria:

.628ct, I, VS2
http://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-3186635.htm
+
14k White Gold 6 Prong Solitaire Engagement Ring
http://www.whiteflash.com/engagement-rings/solitaire/6-prong-tiffany-style-solitaire-engagement-ring-582.htm


Ask for a first-time buyer discount.

That should be very close to your budget, and you'll have a top-notch cut in a classic setting!

how big is the first time buyer's discount?

also, what is your opinion on this setting: http://www.whiteflash.com/engagement-rings/diamond-settings/rounded-open-cathedral-diamond-engagement-ring-626.htm

and this diamond: http://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-3222845.htm

 

[swingirl]

http://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-3253480.htm

I'd consider a slightly larger stone and keep the setting less expansive with the idea that someday you could upgrade.

 

[R_M]

Great point. Thanks!

 

[RockyRacoon]

http://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-3253480.htm

I'd consider a slightly larger stone and keep the setting less expansive with the idea that someday you could upgrade.

I didn't suggest this stone, as it has a AGS 2 score for Polish, which takes the stone to AGS 1. Not a deal breaker, but not an AGS000, either.

Might be worth checking out, but I would give Whiteflash a call and let them know you may be interested in these two stones and if they can give you a side-by-side comparison analysis. Only they will be able to judge if the AGS 2 will be an issue.

If the AGS 2 Polish is not a detractor, it may be the better stone!

 

[R_M]

http://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-3253480.htm

I'd consider a slightly larger stone and keep the setting less expansive with the idea that someday you could upgrade.

I didn't suggest this stone, as it has a AGS 2 score for Polish, which takes the stone to AGS 1. Not a deal breaker, but not an AGS000, either.

Might be worth checking out, but I would give Whiteflash a call and let them know you may be interested in these two stones and if they can give you a side-by-side comparison analysis. Only they will be able to judge if the AGS 2 will be an issue.

If the AGS 2 Polish is not a detractor, it may be the better stone!

I thought I did my fair share of diamond studies to get out of the noob state, but I have no idea what AGS stands for.
Would you mind explaning what you said in a noob friendly version?

 

[RockyRacoon]

http://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-3253480.htm

I'd consider a slightly larger stone and keep the setting less expansive with the idea that someday you could upgrade.

I didn't suggest this stone, as it has a AGS 2 score for Polish, which takes the stone to AGS 1. Not a deal breaker, but not an AGS000, either.

Might be worth checking out, but I would give Whiteflash a call and let them know you may be interested in these two stones and if they can give you a side-by-side comparison analysis. Only they will be able to judge if the AGS 2 will be an issue.

If the AGS 2 Polish is not a detractor, it may be the better stone!

I thought I did my fair share of diamond studies to get out of the noob state, but I have no idea what AGS stands for.
Would you mind explaning what you said in a noob friendly version?

AGS is just the grading lab. Other grading labs you might hear about include GIA and (the much worse) EGL. AGS, in addition to grading color and clarity, provides a grade for quality of cut. As opposed to the GIA 'Excellent' grade, of which there are many sub-optimal stones, AGS uses stricter cut grade guidelines to make their classifications.

'0' is the top score AGS gives to each of its three categories of evaluation:
Light Performance
Polish
Symmetry

In addition, AGS gives a summary score, called the 'Cut Grade.' Again, '0' is the best score possible.

People will often refer to AGS000 stones, which means the stone scored the top grade in all three categories of evaluation.

Hope that is helpful!

 

[R_M]

http://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-3253480.htm


AGS is just the grading lab. Other grading labs you might hear about include GIA and (the much worse) EGL. AGS, in addition to grading color and clarity, provides a grade for quality of cut. As opposed to the GIA 'Excellent' grade, of which there are many sub-optimal stones, AGS uses stricter cut grade guidelines to make their classifications.

'0' is the top score AGS gives to each of its three categories of evaluation:
Light Performance
Polish
Symmetry

In addition, AGS gives a summary score, called the 'Cut Grade.' Again, '0' is the best score possible.

People will often refer to AGS000 stones, which means the stone scored the top grade in all three categories of evaluation.

Hope that is helpful!

Hey, thanks for the explanation.

I didn't care much for the settings at whiteflash, and went ahead and found a smaller stone with a prettier setting at brian gavin. I followed your advice and selected a loose diamond with AGS0 rating, sig ideal hearts and arrows.

Could you take a look at it and let me know if these two would be a good choice for a ring??


http://www.briangavindiamonds.com/diamonds/diamond-details/0.513-j-vs2-round-diamond-ags-c-104070178146

http://www.briangavindiamonds.com/engagement-rings/solitaire/tapered-tiffany-style-half-round-18k-white-gold-5540w18


Thanks so much in advance.

 

[Asscherhalo_lover]

At that price point and diamond size you could buy her the original pre loved! http://loupetroop.com/listings/ring...um-vvs1-diamond-solitaire-orig-boxes-and-cert

This seller is NOT ME, this is just something I saw on one of our popular personal re-sale websites. I believe the seller is a member, worth checking out!

 

[swingirl]

Hey, thanks for the explanation.

I didn't care much for the settings at whiteflash, and went ahead and found a smaller stone with a prettier setting at brian gavin. I followed your advice and selected a loose diamond with AGS0 rating, sig ideal hearts and arrows.

Could you take a look at it and let me know if these two would be a good choice for a ring??


http://www.briangavindiamonds.com/diamonds/diamond-details/0.513-j-vs2-round-diamond-ags-c-104070178146

http://www.briangavindiamonds.com/engagement-rings/solitaire/tapered-tiffany-style-half-round-18k-white-gold-5540w18


Thanks so much in advance.

I like your selection. Nice stone and nice setting.

 

[RockyRacoon]

http://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-3253480.htm


AGS is just the grading lab. Other grading labs you might hear about include GIA and (the much worse) EGL. AGS, in addition to grading color and clarity, provides a grade for quality of cut. As opposed to the GIA 'Excellent' grade, of which there are many sub-optimal stones, AGS uses stricter cut grade guidelines to make their classifications.

'0' is the top score AGS gives to each of its three categories of evaluation:
Light Performance
Polish
Symmetry

In addition, AGS gives a summary score, called the 'Cut Grade.' Again, '0' is the best score possible.

People will often refer to AGS000 stones, which means the stone scored the top grade in all three categories of evaluation.

Hope that is helpful!

Could you take a look at it and let me know if these two would be a good choice for a ring??


http://www.briangavindiamonds.com/diamonds/diamond-details/0.513-j-vs2-round-diamond-ags-c-104070178146

http://www.briangavindiamonds.com/engagement-rings/solitaire/tapered-tiffany-style-half-round-18k-white-gold-5540w18


Thanks so much in advance.

Nice stone. BGD is a great vendor!

I would try to stay above J, if at all possible, unless you know how color-sensitive the recipient is.

If you have to stay at the same price point, here's an option, just a touch smaller, with better color and fluor (which will help it appear 'whiter' in sunlight and a few other lighting situation):
.503ct, I, VS2
http://www.briangavindiamonds.com/diamonds/diamond-details/0.503-i-vs2-round-diamond-ags-bl-104076040033

Here's an option that is less than $100 more, but adds some size, if you wanted to stay at 5.2mm diameter. This is probably the option I would choose:
.532ct, I, VS2
http://www.briangavindiamonds.com/diamonds/diamond-details/0.532-i-vs2-round-diamond-ags-bl-104076040036

 

[R_M]

Thanks for the suggestion. Would love to get her an original tiffany, but I don't know how she feels about receiving a pre-loved diamond. An acquaintance of mine attempted that before and she showed distaste towards the idea of it being used.

Also, how does resizing work for platinum settings? is this going to be an added expense, and if so, how much?

 

[R_M]

I like your selection. Nice stone and nice setting.

Thank you!

 

[R_M]

http://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-3253480.htm


AGS is just the grading lab. Other grading labs you might hear about include GIA and (the much worse) EGL. AGS, in addition to grading color and clarity, provides a grade for quality of cut. As opposed to the GIA 'Excellent' grade, of which there are many sub-optimal stones, AGS uses stricter cut grade guidelines to make their classifications.

'0' is the top score AGS gives to each of its three categories of evaluation:
Light Performance
Polish
Symmetry

In addition, AGS gives a summary score, called the 'Cut Grade.' Again, '0' is the best score possible.

People will often refer to AGS000 stones, which means the stone scored the top grade in all three categories of evaluation.

Hope that is helpful!

Could you take a look at it and let me know if these two would be a good choice for a ring??


http://www.briangavindiamonds.com/diamonds/diamond-details/0.513-j-vs2-round-diamond-ags-c-104070178146

http://www.briangavindiamonds.com/engagement-rings/solitaire/tapered-tiffany-style-half-round-18k-white-gold-5540w18


Thanks so much in advance.

Nice stone. BGD is a great vendor!

I would try to stay above J, if at all possible, unless you know how color-sensitive the recipient is.

If you have to stay at the same price point, here's an option, just a touch smaller, with better color and fluor (which will help it appear 'whiter' in sunlight and a few other lighting situation):
.503ct, I, VS2
http://www.briangavindiamonds.com/diamonds/diamond-details/0.503-i-vs2-round-diamond-ags-bl-104076040033

Here's an option that is less than $100 more, but adds some size, if you wanted to stay at 5.2mm diameter. This is probably the option I would choose:
.532ct, I, VS2
http://www.briangavindiamonds.com/diamonds/diamond-details/0.532-i-vs2-round-diamond-ags-bl-104076040036

Thank you! how big of a difference is there in size between .51 and .532? is it very minimal, or significant enough to make that extra $100 jump?

 

[RockyRacoon]

http://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-3253480.htm


AGS is just the grading lab. Other grading labs you might hear about include GIA and (the much worse) EGL. AGS, in addition to grading color and clarity, provides a grade for quality of cut. As opposed to the GIA 'Excellent' grade, of which there are many sub-optimal stones, AGS uses stricter cut grade guidelines to make their classifications.

'0' is the top score AGS gives to each of its three categories of evaluation:
Light Performance
Polish
Symmetry

In addition, AGS gives a summary score, called the 'Cut Grade.' Again, '0' is the best score possible.

People will often refer to AGS000 stones, which means the stone scored the top grade in all three categories of evaluation.

Hope that is helpful!

Could you take a look at it and let me know if these two would be a good choice for a ring??


http://www.briangavindiamonds.com/diamonds/diamond-details/0.513-j-vs2-round-diamond-ags-c-104070178146

http://www.briangavindiamonds.com/engagement-rings/solitaire/tapered-tiffany-style-half-round-18k-white-gold-5540w18


Thanks so much in advance.

Nice stone. BGD is a great vendor!

I would try to stay above J, if at all possible, unless you know how color-sensitive the recipient is.

If you have to stay at the same price point, here's an option, just a touch smaller, with better color and fluor (which will help it appear 'whiter' in sunlight and a few other lighting situation):
.503ct, I, VS2
http://www.briangavindiamonds.com/diamonds/diamond-details/0.503-i-vs2-round-diamond-ags-bl-104076040033

Here's an option that is less than $100 more, but adds some size, if you wanted to stay at 5.2mm diameter. This is probably the option I would choose:
.532ct, I, VS2
http://www.briangavindiamonds.com/diamonds/diamond-details/0.532-i-vs2-round-diamond-ags-bl-104076040036

Thank you! how big of a difference is there in size between .51 and .532? is it very minimal, or significant enough to make that extra $100 jump?

There is about a .1mm difference between these two stones. That's the thickness of a sheet of paper. At this size, it might be noticeable.

I would call or do an online chat with BGD and ask them to pull both stones and give you a side-by-side analysis. There may be a clear winner, when seeing the stones in person and they can tell you that easily.

Should be a great ring!