Bang for your buck...

[Dreamer_D]

Ok, I am still torn about my current diamond project.

I have set aside a budget of $5k to put towards this project. Combined with my upgrade, my total budget it $11k. I mention this because I want to put this decision into perspective for people. This is a lot of money for us, and though we could save more money, I am frankly not sure I want to direct more funds towards this project at this point in our lives. So this is a fixed amount. And I want to get the best bang for our buck!

On the one hand, this budget will allow us to upgrade my 1.2ct. G SI2 to approximately a 1.7ct H/I SI2, set into the cheapest of cheapo settings. This would be a size increase of approximately .85mm. Less of a size increase is not worth it to us, lower color is not acceptable to us. Pros: Bigger diamond. Cons: unattractive setting, dropping color which I am not wild about, SI2 clarity which will be hard to find a *truly* eye clean stone. I would love the bigger diamond, but I worry that this option is a potential money pit leading to potential color/clarity upgrades and definite extra expense for a setting, ideally a three-stone.

On the other hand I could upgrade clarity to a 1.2ct G SI1 and set it into a three stone with .55ct sides

Yes, we would go for bigger side stones! Pros: ideal color, perfect setting, dream three-stone, 10mm of extra finger coverage. Cons: Smaller center diamond. I worry I will not be happy with the smaller diamond. On the other hand, this could be a good "stick it" place where I would be happy with my ring in all respects except size, and could just love it until we have the funds to upgrade to what I really want -- a 1.8ct G SI1 in a three stone.

Whenever I compare these options in my mind, this image from Belle crops up: It is a 1.25ct diamond in a three stone next to a 1.79ct solo stone. To me, the three-stone had more presence... but diamond prices are going up, buying the big rock now will cost less in the long run...

What do you think?

 

[Karl_K]

If your si2 is eyeclean and well cut why move to a g/si1? just change the setting and add the side stones if you go that route....

 

[lucky_D]

Dreamer, is the $11g total, including what you would get for your current. OR is it the value of the stone PLUS $11g.

Having had a 1.7 stone w/ a cheapo setting, I would say the 3 stones. You would get amazing finger coverage. Also, what is the cut of your stone? IF its not ideal, then you could spend some to make it ideal. I think since you eventually want a 3 stone, I would get a nice 3 stone that would lend itself to later add a bigger diamond if you find it to be an investment worth doing. I think if you don''t have a diamond that serves the stone justice, you will quickly bore tired of it. This is from my experience, I think tis all personal taste. Most people used to think my current stone was round 1.2 ct. Not that much bigger than a one ct. since it was not set in a setting to do it justice.

 

[luv2sparkle]

Dreamer, what is it in your heart of hearts you long for: bigger carat size or more finger coverage? I am hearing from you that you want that bigger size/color/clarity option. I personally would go with the
biggest size in the color and clarity you want. I would go to a vendor that has a great upgrade policy. You wear the diamond now and work up to the dream size.

I did this with my first upgrade. It just so happens it was a 1.7, it was a great size and I knew there was a possibility that that might be as large as I went. I was okay with that, if it was as close as I could come
to 2+ carat mark. It is easier to accept the cost increase in small increments. Your not taxing your family with using all your available cash and it doesn''t feel like such a big hit.

You can always get a new setting down the road, they are not as costly as a diamond upgrade.


I vote get the best/biggest stone you can now and put it on hold for a year and see how you feel. You will enjoy the size upgrade, and some vendors would let you trade straight across if you want better
color/clarity as well.

 

[Dancing Fire]

i have always been a solitaire man.

 

[Dreamer_D]

Date: 4/20/2010 1:08:12 AM
Author: Karl_K
If your si2 is eyeclean and well cut why move to a g/si1? just change the setting and add the side stones if you go that route....

It is not eye clean enough for me

 

[Dreamer_D]

Date: 4/20/2010 1:12:15 AM
Author: lucky_D
Dreamer, is the $11g total, including what you would get for your current. OR is it the value of the stone PLUS $11g.

Having had a 1.7 stone w/ a cheapo setting, I would say the 3 stones. You would get amazing finger coverage. Also, what is the cut of your stone? IF its not ideal, then you could spend some to make it ideal. I think since you eventually want a 3 stone, I would get a nice 3 stone that would lend itself to later add a bigger diamond if you find it to be an investment worth doing. I think if you don''t have a diamond that serves the stone justice, you will quickly bore tired of it. This is from my experience, I think tis all personal taste. Most people used to think my current stone was round 1.2 ct. Not that much bigger than a one ct. since it was not set in a setting to do it justice.

It is 11g total, the value of my current diamond plus $5k. My current diamond is a BGD signature cut, so it is smokin'' hot cut wise and I adore the color. But it is not as eye clean as I would like so I will move up to an Si1 if I stay in this size.

 

[Dreamer_D]

Date: 4/20/2010 1:32:48 AM
Author: luv2sparkle
Dreamer, what is it in your heart of hearts you long for: bigger carat size or more finger coverage? I am hearing from you that you want that bigger size/color/clarity option. I personally would go with the
biggest size in the color and clarity you want. I would go to a vendor that has a great upgrade policy. You wear the diamond now and work up to the dream size.

I did this with my first upgrade. It just so happens it was a 1.7, it was a great size and I knew there was a possibility that that might be as large as I went. I was okay with that, if it was as close as I could come
to 2+ carat mark. It is easier to accept the cost increase in small increments. Your not taxing your family with using all your available cash and it doesn''t feel like such a big hit.

You can always get a new setting down the road, they are not as costly as a diamond upgrade.


I vote get the best/biggest stone you can now and put it on hold for a year and see how you feel. You will enjoy the size upgrade, and some vendors would let you trade straight across if you want better
color/clarity as well.

I can''t afford to upgrade and keep the color and clarity where I really want. The only way to make a jumo in size for the main stone is to drop color and or clarity. But I hear you -- invest in the main stone.

As to what I want... *BIG BLING* I am a three-stone gal at heart and love the finger coverage. But I want my cake and eat it too

Big center stone in a three stone. I suppose the question is which part of the equation to tackle first, knowing that is my goal. I don''t think I want to go above 2ct, so the 1.7 range is my ideal size for the main diamond.

 

[lucky_D]

Is an I diamond out of the question? I have noticed that if you jump from SI1 to VS2, the color of it disappears. Also, I like the warmth of the diamonds, it makes it less CZish for me. I used to have an I and can not tell the difference from my H diamond.

Also, what about a 1.5 center stone and two .4 side stones?

 

[lucky_D]

Also, if you want big bling, then IMO the more diamonds you have, the bigger bling you get!

 

[Phoenix]

Dreamer, I vote for the larger stone (this is what you really want and this is what I''ve already said you should get). Eventually, you can add sidestones to it. My heart is telling me that Dreamer isn''t going to rest easy until she gets the size she wants!

I did a quick look on BGD site and I see no SI2 available in that range, but that doesn''t mean that Brian can''t source you one. I''d ask him to look for one with white/ clear twinning wisps. Those are quite hard to see (even with a loupe). I think Kristie got something like that from them. You probably already knew all this!

 

[Dreamer_D]

Date: 4/20/2010 2:05:41 AM
Author: Phoenix
Dreamer, I vote for the larger stone (this is what you really want and this is what I''ve already said you should get). Eventually, you can add sidestones to it. My heart is telling me that Dreamer isn''t going to rest easy until she gets the size she wants!

I did a quick look on BGD site and I see no SI2 available in that range, but that doesn''t mean that Brian can''t source you one. I''d ask him to look for one with white/ clear twinning wisps. Those are quite hard to see (even with a loupe). I think Kristie got something like that from them. You probably already knew all this!

He is already looking for me

I am waffling as I wait and wondering if it is worth the $5k for the extra .85mm, when the bling of a three stone would be so much more substantial...

There is actually a non-signature stone out there that looks almost perfect as far as SI2s go, but it is non-upgradable and losing that option is too scary for me

Brian said the wait could be long, though, and that makes me sad on top of it all

And waiting just gives me more time to double think any of my supposed decisions. BGD won''t get a big batch of new stones until the end of May, so until then I don''t *really* know what I can get for my budget. It is all a little vague and leaves too much time for my wheels to turn and confuddle me.

 

[Phoenix]

Date: 4/20/2010 2:14:51 AM
Author: dreamer_d

Date: 4/20/2010 2:05:41 AM
Author: Phoenix
Dreamer, I vote for the larger stone (this is what you really want and this is what I''ve already said you should get). Eventually, you can add sidestones to it. My heart is telling me that Dreamer isn''t going to rest easy until she gets the size she wants!

I did a quick look on BGD site and I see no SI2 available in that range, but that doesn''t mean that Brian can''t source you one. I''d ask him to look for one with white/ clear twinning wisps. Those are quite hard to see (even with a loupe). I think Kristie got something like that from them. You probably already knew all this!

He is already looking for me

I am waffling as I wait and wondering if it is worth the $5k for the extra .85mm, when the bling of a three stone would be so much more substantial...

There is actually a non-signature stone out there that looks almost perfect as far as SI2s go, but it is non-upgradable and losing that option is too scary for me

Brian said the wait could be long, though, and that makes me sad on top of it all

And waiting just gives me more time to double think any of my supposed decisions. BGD won''t get a big batch of new stones until the end of May, so until then I don''t *really* know what I can get for my budget. It is all a little vague and leaves too much time for my wheels to turn and confuddle me.

I know what you mean. Waiting is not good!

Do NOT go for the non-upgradeable stone. I repeat, do NOT!!

You might say May is not that far away, but when you''re waiting and have money burning in your pocket (to quote what you said in another thread, he he), it can seem like an eternity! Just be patient, I''m sure Brian won''t disappoint. I will hold your virtual hands with you, if you''d like!

 

[Lorelei]

Date: 4/20/2010 1:50:21 AM
Author: dreamer_d

Date: 4/20/2010 1:32:48 AM
Author: luv2sparkle
Dreamer, what is it in your heart of hearts you long for: bigger carat size or more finger coverage? I am hearing from you that you want that bigger size/color/clarity option. I personally would go with the
biggest size in the color and clarity you want. I would go to a vendor that has a great upgrade policy. You wear the diamond now and work up to the dream size.

I did this with my first upgrade. It just so happens it was a 1.7, it was a great size and I knew there was a possibility that that might be as large as I went. I was okay with that, if it was as close as I could come
to 2+ carat mark. It is easier to accept the cost increase in small increments. Your not taxing your family with using all your available cash and it doesn't feel like such a big hit.

You can always get a new setting down the road, they are not as costly as a diamond upgrade.


I vote get the best/biggest stone you can now and put it on hold for a year and see how you feel. You will enjoy the size upgrade, and some vendors would let you trade straight across if you want better
color/clarity as well.

I can't afford to upgrade and keep the color and clarity where I really want. The only way to make a jumo in size for the main stone is to drop color and or clarity. But I hear you -- invest in the main stone.

As to what I want... *BIG BLING* I am a three-stone gal at heart and love the finger coverage. But I want my cake and eat it too

Big center stone in a three stone. I suppose the question is which part of the equation to tackle first, knowing that is my goal. I don't think I want to go above 2ct, so the 1.7 range is my ideal size for the main diamond.

Get what you really want which is the bigger rock, I bet Brian will come up trumps, hang in there!!

 

[lknvrb4]

You said so yourself that you worry with the three stone that you will want a bigger rock. I say go for the bigger rock and keep saving for the dream three stone.

 

[sparklyforever]

how much $ would you need to get center stone AND setting of your dreams?
does it make sense to wait for a while for that?
not sure how much / how long.... but say it was one year....
may be worth the wait

 

[Mrs Mitchell]

You could get the bigger rock now and then set it in the ultimate three-stone when you have funds later. The question would be just how long that bigger solitaire would hold off the 3 stone craving for?

How would your existing stone look with sidestones? Where are the inclusions, exactly? Is it possible they would be less obvious to you in a three stone, where you might see less of the side view? Then you could upgrade the whole thing later, sidestones and all, so you get the look you want in the meantime, just slightly smaller.

 

[steph72276]

Don''t you have the Legato setting? Can the new stone fit into that setting? If so, I would go for the bigger center and just keep upgrading that until you get EXACTLY what you want and then work on saving for the 3 stone down the road. If it''s just going to go into a cheapo setting, I would not do it....you will not be happy with the setting and want to get a new one right away. How about something in the middle. Could you get a 1.5 with the color/clarity you want and do a little bit smaller sidestones?

 

[Bella_mezzo]

DD_I''d get the biggest, whitest, upgradeable diamond you can find and then set it in an inexpensive three stone setting--check ID jewelry and unique settings of NY, etc. then you have huge diamond in a blingy setting and you can upgrade to your dream setting later on.

 

[AprilBaby]

I agree, you will not be happy until you get the size center stone you want. Then you can save for the next project of adding side stones.

 

[jill_s]

DD - I would think of this in 2 ways. First, since you ultimately want a 1.7ct with sidestones, if you had to get there in increments, what is going to give you the wow factor each time you were to upgrade? To go from your 1.2 to a 1.7 is a pretty big jump, so I think you'll definitely be able to notice the upgrade. And then after you saved more $$, if you made the 1.7 into a 3-stone, that would be a pretty big visual difference as well from just the 1.7 in a solitaire. If you went the alternate route, going to a 3-stone now would give you much more finger bling now, but when you upgraded the center stone down the road, I'm not sure the visual difference would be as much of a "wow". (On a side note - do you really want bigger side stones now? I thought you liked the smaller side stones visual proportions?)

Secondly, if for some reason this new ring does become your forever ring (because something prevents you from spending more $$ on your upgrades - changes in your financial situation, other financial priorities), which would be more desirable as a long-term ring - a 1.7 solitaire or a 1.2 three-stone?

My vote? Upgrade the center stone now and then continue saving for your dream 3-stone. Even if it takes a little while to round up the extra $$ for the upgraded setting, you will be very happy now with your 1.7 dream size stone.

 

[swingirl]

I agree with everyone who says concentrate on a big center stone that is exactly what you want. Save up for the 3-stone setting. The sizes of the side stones will be based on the main rock so you won''t want to upgrade the center stone after the setting is made.

 

[Sizzle]

Date: 4/20/2010 2:23:51 AM
Author: Phoenix

Date: 4/20/2010 2:14:51 AM

Author: dreamer_d

Date: 4/20/2010 2:05:41 AM

Author: Phoenix

Dreamer, I vote for the larger stone (this is what you really want and this is what I''ve already said you should get). Eventually, you can add sidestones to it. My heart is telling me that Dreamer isn''t going to rest easy until she gets the size she wants!

I did a quick look on BGD site and I see no SI2 available in that range, but that doesn''t mean that Brian can''t source you one. I''d ask him to look for one with white/ clear twinning wisps. Those are quite hard to see (even with a loupe). I think Kristie got something like that from them. You probably already knew all this!

I agree don''t go for the non upgradeabke stone. I did that and although my diamond is beautiful i''m kind of wanting a round now and because I chose the non upgrade stone that will ne''er be an option. I''ve been sad about it for the past week or so, but it''s my own fault

He is already looking for me

I am waffling as I wait and wondering if it is worth the $5k for the extra .85mm, when the bling of a three stone would be so much more substantial...


There is actually a non-signature stone out there that looks almost perfect as far as SI2s go, but it is non-upgradable and losing that option is too scary for me

Brian said the wait could be long, though, and that makes me sad on top of it all

And waiting just gives me more time to double think any of my supposed decisions. BGD won''t get a big batch of new stones until the end of May, so until then I don''t *really* know what I can get for my budget. It is all a little vague and leaves too much time for my wheels to turn and confuddle me.

I know what you mean. Waiting is not good!

Do NOT go for the non-upgradeable stone. I repeat, do NOT!!

You might say May is not that far away, but when you''re waiting and have money burning in your pocket (to quote what you said in another thread, he he), it can seem like an eternity! Just be patient, I''m sure Brian won''t disappoint. I will hold your virtual hands with you, if you''d like!

 

[legallyspoiled]

First, are you going to wait until BGD gets more stones in before you make a decision? Also, is it your intention that this will be your "final" upgrade?

If I were in your shoes, I would keep an eye out for anything but wait for BGD to get in their new batch of stones next month. I would only buy a center stone if there is something that meets all of your requirements for color, carat, and clarity. Otherwise, you probably aren''t going to be happy and will have to go through it all again.

It seems like what you really want is a three stone ring with a 1.8 center. If you can''t find your "ideal" center stone, than go ahead and get the side stones. It will give you more coverage and it will also get you accustomed to sporting 3 rocks instead of one. You will have two rocks down and one to go! Plus, it will give you some added time to tuck some extra cash away for the center stone that you really want.

In short, I don''t think it is worth $5k if it is not your ideal stone. If it is your ideal stone, than it is more than worth it.

Don''t settle Dreamer!

 

[Lula]

Date: 4/20/2010 12:59:07 AM
Author:dreamer_d
I would love the bigger diamond, but I worry that this option is a potential money pit leading to potential color/clarity upgrades and definite extra expense for a setting, ideally a three-stone.This is my biggest concern for you -- the expense of a new setting, and a bigger diamond you don't "love" because of too many color/clarity compromises


On the other hand I could upgrade clarity to a 1.2ct G SI1 and set it into a three stone with .55ct sides

Yes, we would go for bigger side stones! This is a great option and puts you in the three-stone setting you've been wanting (and that I think would look great on your hand!) Pros: ideal color, perfect setting, dream three-stone, 10mm of extra finger coverage. Ahem, "dream three-stone"! This is important terminology! Also, I love the idea of 10mm extra finger coverage -- that's huge! Cons: Smaller center diamond. I worry I will not be happy with the smaller diamond. I know you won't be happy with the size, but you will not have to compromise on color and clarity, and that is important, too On the other hand, this could be a good 'stick it' place where I would be happy with my ring in all respects except size, and could just love it until we have the funds to upgrade to what I really want -- a 1.8ct G SI1 in a three stone. Yes, yes, yes!!! Now, this is a worthy goal, and you'll get to wear a drop-dead gorgeous no-color-no-clarity-compromise dream three-stone ring in the meantime!

I may be one of the few dissenters here...

 

[Dreamer_D]

Date: 4/20/2010 6:51:34 AM
Author: sparklyforever
how much $ would you need to get center stone AND setting of your dreams?
does it make sense to wait for a while for that?
not sure how much / how long.... but say it was one year....
may be worth the wait

Another few thousand. I don''t know how long it would take to save, at least 10 months. And diamond prices will go up in that time, so I am not keene to wait if I am going to get the 1.7ct...

 

[Dreamer_D]

Date: 4/20/2010 7:05:01 AM
Author: Mrs Mitchell
You could get the bigger rock now and then set it in the ultimate three-stone when you have funds later. The question would be just how long that bigger solitaire would hold off the 3 stone craving for?

How would your existing stone look with sidestones? Where are the inclusions, exactly? Is it possible they would be less obvious to you in a three stone, where you might see less of the side view? Then you could upgrade the whole thing later, sidestones and all, so you get the look you want in the meantime, just slightly smaller.

The inclusions are on the table

We have considered this. This is a spectacular diamond if I do not look for the inclusions. But it is not mind clean for me, and if I am not 100% happy with my diamind I feel like the money is wasted. So I don''t think a three stone with this diamond would be a good option, though it would be economical.

 

[Dreamer_D]

Date: 4/20/2010 7:17:35 AM
Author: FL Steph
Don''t you have the Legato setting? Can the new stone fit into that setting? If so, I would go for the bigger center and just keep upgrading that until you get EXACTLY what you want and then work on saving for the 3 stone down the road. If it''s just going to go into a cheapo setting, I would not do it....you will not be happy with the setting and want to get a new one right away. How about something in the middle. Could you get a 1.5 with the color/clarity you want and do a little bit smaller sidestones?

I don''t think this setting will take another head, but perhaps it will.

The jumo over 1.5ct is the buggest cost, to going from 1.5 to 1.7 does not actually add much to the expense relatively speaking. I think it is go big or go home.

 

[Dreamer_D]

Date: 4/20/2010 9:09:47 AM
Author: Bella_mezzo
DD_I''d get the biggest, whitest, upgradeable diamond you can find and then set it in an inexpensive three stone setting--check ID jewelry and unique settings of NY, etc. then you have huge diamond in a blingy setting and you can upgrade to your dream setting later on.

Hmmm... this is a possibility I did not consider....

 

[Dreamer_D]

Date: 4/20/2010 9:52:26 AM
Author: jill_s
DD - I would think of this in 2 ways. First, since you ultimately want a 1.7ct with sidestones, if you had to get there in increments, what is going to give you the wow factor each time you were to upgrade? To go from your 1.2 to a 1.7 is a pretty big jump, so I think you''ll definitely be able to notice the upgrade. And then after you saved more $$, if you made the 1.7 into a 3-stone, that would be a pretty big visual difference as well from just the 1.7 in a solitaire. If you went the alternate route, going to a 3-stone now would give you much more finger bling now, but when you upgraded the center stone down the road, I''m not sure the visual difference would be as much of a ''wow''. (On a side note - do you really want bigger side stones now? I thought you liked the smaller side stones visual proportions?)

Secondly, if for some reason this new ring does become your forever ring (because something prevents you from spending more $$ on your upgrades - changes in your financial situation, other financial priorities), which would be more desirable as a long-term ring - a 1.7 solitaire or a 1.2 three-stone?

My vote? Upgrade the center stone now and then continue saving for your dream 3-stone. Even if it takes a little while to round up the extra $$ for the upgraded setting, you will be very happy now with your 1.7 dream size stone.

A good way of thinking of it.