Bang for your buck...

[Dreamer_D]

Date: 4/20/2010 10:44:28 AM
Author: Sizzle

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!

Thanks for the commisseration! How did your upgrade process go? I assume that Brian had to find a diamond for you? Did it take long?

 

[Dreamer_D]

Date: 4/20/2010 10:53:09 AM
Author: 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?

...

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!

I am not going to make my decision until I see what Brian is able to come up with for me I think. A lot will depend on how "mind clean" the available options are for me. And I doubt this will be my final upgrade

If it was, then I would get a non-upgradable stone! But I would like it to be a diamond I love and will adore for many years.

I agree that it is not worth spending the money unless it is something I really love.

 

[Dreamer_D]

Date: 4/20/2010 11:32:45 AM
Author: sarap333

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...

Yes, you see the conundrum correctly!

As I said, I think that my decision ultimately needs to be based on what Brian can find for me. I know if I give him enough time he will find me one of those elusive *truly* eye clean H SI2s in the size I want, or I will have saved enough money to just buy a higher clarity and color diamond

But waiting is so hard!

 

[steph72276]

Dreamer, if it were me, I would ask Brian if they could rework the head on the Legato to fit a bigger stone, then go for the big upgrade. That way you still have a beautiful (one of my favorites!) setting while you save up for the 3 stone.

 

[cara]

A while back I (in the living vicariously through ps mode) was all for you getting a three-stone, since you seemed happyish with your stone, not wanting to break the bank, and desiring of blingy finger coverage. But...

Your subsequent posts have convinced me that these were all wishful tide-me-overs, and what you really want is some more size on your center. Yes with a nice blingy setting if possible.

Go with the biggest eyeclean, color-mind clean stone you can afford in Brian's next batch. Get over the 1.5 carat hump, make *sure* you are okay with the color/clarity since we have already figured out you are not a J/SI2 mostly-eyeclean kinda gal, and get a stone you can be happy with for awhile, even if it is not the most perfect be-all end all stone. Do not go with a non-upgradeable option.

Then, at your leisure, figure out how to set it properly. Maybe in the short term your Legato head can be reworked, or you find a decent solitaire on ebay, or cheapo 3-stone or something, but if you have to wear your rock in a cheapo solitaire for awhile while you save up for a nice 3-stone I don't think you will be a sad puppy. For me too 1.7 ct is substantial enough that it makes a difference.

(One reason I am not for the 3-stone plan with your current stone is the proportions. For me personally, I would want a bigger center with those sides

or, slightly smaller sides with that center, if I were getting a three stone. But I am also not *currently* lusting after finger coverage on my engagement ring. I would go larger in the center but keep the solitaire setting, or go for a blingy 5-stone if I wanted finger coverage. But that is for *me*.)

 

[Dreamer_D]

Date: 4/20/2010 12:15:55 PM
Author: FL Steph
Dreamer, if it were me, I would ask Brian if they could rework the head on the Legato to fit a bigger stone, then go for the big upgrade. That way you still have a beautiful (one of my favorites!) setting while you save up for the 3 stone.

I will definitely ask about this! This shank started out being made for a .80ct diamond, though, so I really don''t think it can be augmented again. When I had the head changed this last time it did not work out very well, and the setting is now a bit messed up generally. They were going to fix it, but I decided to hold off since I was going to change out the stone anyways...

I am now wondering if they will be able to put a simple basket head into this shank. I will look into it!

I am thinking something like this if I do a cheapy: http://www.since1910.com/engagement-rings/cathedral-solitaire-setting-for-larger-diamonds-2-6mm-gr16mtg-set-2085.aspx so it would not be so horrible. I like basket settings!

 

[Dreamer_D]

Date: 4/20/2010 12:20:59 PM
Author: cara
A while back I (in the living vicariously through ps mode) was all for you getting a three-stone, since you seemed happyish with your stone, not wanting to break the bank, and desiring of blingy finger coverage. But...

Your subsequent posts have convinced me that these were all wishful tide-me-overs, and what you really want is some more size on your center. Yes with a nice blingy setting if possible.

Go with the biggest eyeclean, color-mind clean stone you can afford in Brian''s next batch. Get over the 1.5 carat hump, make *sure* you are okay with the color/clarity since we have already figured out you are not a J/SI2 mostly-eyeclean kinda gal, and get a stone you can be happy with for awhile, even if it is not the most perfect be-all end all stone. Do not go with a non-upgradeable option.

Then, at your leisure, figure out how to set it properly. Maybe in the short term your Legato head can be reworked, or you find a decent solitaire on ebay, or cheapo 3-stone or something, but if you have to wear your rock in a cheapo solitaire for awhile while you save up for a nice 3-stone I don''t think you will be a sad puppy. For me too 1.7 ct is substantial enough that it makes a difference.

(One reason I am not for the 3-stone plan with your current stone is the proportions. For me personally, I would want a bigger center with those sides

or, slightly smaller sides with that center, if I were getting a three stone. But I am also not *currently* lusting after finger coverage on my engagement ring. I would go larger in the center but keep the solitaire setting, or go for a blingy 5-stone if I wanted finger coverage. But that is for *me*.)

Yup, true. I think I need to accept that this is something I want and give myself permission to spend money on it. That is hard for me for some reason. There are more logical things to spend the money on -- flooring for our home, a new bath/shower. We want those things too! But I want this more right now

It does have to end. I am pretty sure this is the last time I get to hijack DH''s bonus money for something so frivolous.

 

[Clairitek]

Just wanted to pipe up here for a moment- I think that setting has a lot of style for the price! If I were you, I''d for the largest stone you can get your hands on now with the cheapie setting. Then go for a reset later on... say when your son starts kingergarten? Or some sort of milestone. Maybe getting your nth publication accepted??

 

[Dreamer_D]

Date: 4/20/2010 12:42:47 PM
Author: Clairitek
Just wanted to pipe up here for a moment- I think that setting has a lot of style for the price! If I were you, I'd for the largest stone you can get your hands on now with the cheapie setting. Then go for a reset later on... say when your son starts kingergarten? Or some sort of milestone. Maybe getting your nth publication accepted??

I'm thinking tenure

, though that might be too far away. Maybe reinstatement at 3 years.

And I agree the setting is nice for the price. I actually think it is the same as the "fine line" setting from whiteflash, or very close at least. It is from www.uniquesettings.com actually, if I am not mistaken, so BGD should be able to order it for me if I go that route.

 

[suzannea]

If you are not happy with the quality of your stone now- and it''s a nicely cut stone- then I can''t see how you would be happy with another stone of lower quality. Go for the three stone- I think you will be very happy based on what you''ve been saying here- I know it''s just the draw of the possible big diamond that is pulling you- but get the nice 1.2 and 3 stones- I bet you won''t look back. Good luck!!

 

[cara]

Date: 4/20/2010 12:33:34 PM
Author: dreamer_d

Date: 4/20/2010 12:20:59 PM
Author: cara
A while back I (in the living vicariously through ps mode) was all for you getting a three-stone, since you seemed happyish with your stone, not wanting to break the bank, and desiring of blingy finger coverage. But...

Your subsequent posts have convinced me that these were all wishful tide-me-overs, and what you really want is some more size on your center. Yes with a nice blingy setting if possible.

Go with the biggest eyeclean, color-mind clean stone you can afford in Brian''s next batch. Get over the 1.5 carat hump, make *sure* you are okay with the color/clarity since we have already figured out you are not a J/SI2 mostly-eyeclean kinda gal, and get a stone you can be happy with for awhile, even if it is not the most perfect be-all end all stone. Do not go with a non-upgradeable option.

Then, at your leisure, figure out how to set it properly. Maybe in the short term your Legato head can be reworked, or you find a decent solitaire on ebay, or cheapo 3-stone or something, but if you have to wear your rock in a cheapo solitaire for awhile while you save up for a nice 3-stone I don''t think you will be a sad puppy. For me too 1.7 ct is substantial enough that it makes a difference.

(One reason I am not for the 3-stone plan with your current stone is the proportions. For me personally, I would want a bigger center with those sides

or, slightly smaller sides with that center, if I were getting a three stone. But I am also not *currently* lusting after finger coverage on my engagement ring. I would go larger in the center but keep the solitaire setting, or go for a blingy 5-stone if I wanted finger coverage. But that is for *me*.)

Yup, true. I think I need to accept that this is something I want and give myself permission to spend money on it. That is hard for me for some reason. There are more logical things to spend the money on -- flooring for our home, a new bath/shower. We want those things too! But I want this more right now

It does have to end. I am pretty sure this is the last time I get to hijack DH''s bonus money for something so frivolous.

Which is why you should get over the 1.5 ct hump now, since I don''t think you will feel happy and settled with less. Get that size in some color/clarity combo you can live with and be happy with for years. Get the perfect setting later, tied to some milestone when you can justify throwing another chunk of money at your sparkly.

 

[february2003bride]

Bigger diamond solitaire first and then save up and get the three stone of your dreams! You know what you want: a 1.80 center stone in a three stone setting. Make the leap to the larger diamond first in an el-cheapo setting. Wear it while you save for the three stone setting and make sure that the 1.80 is the size you absolutely want. You may have to do it in stages, but once it''s done, it''ll be exactly what you want. I wouldn''t worry about wearing a cheapy setting because its just a temp. Once you''re done with it, scrap it!

 

[Clairitek]

Date: 4/20/2010 12:48:37 PM
Author: dreamer_d

Date: 4/20/2010 12:42:47 PM
Author: Clairitek
Just wanted to pipe up here for a moment- I think that setting has a lot of style for the price! If I were you, I'd for the largest stone you can get your hands on now with the cheapie setting. Then go for a reset later on... say when your son starts kingergarten? Or some sort of milestone. Maybe getting your nth publication accepted??

I'm thinking tenure

, though that might be too far away. Maybe reinstatement at 3 years.

And I agree the setting is nice for the price. I actually think it is the same as the 'fine line' setting from whiteflash, or very close at least. It is from www.uniquesettings.com actually, if I am not mistaken, so BGD should be able to order it for me if I go that route.

That sounds like an excellent goal! I can't wait to order my PhD 5-stone ring from WF! Its also partly a 1st anniversary gift. At least thats what I tell my husband. When I got my first publication accepted last fall I opened up two lovely bottles of wine. Well worth the wait!

That setting is pretty darn similar to the fine line. Isn't that their version of the Cartier 1895 plain solitaire?

Why yes, yet it is. Cartier on the left, Since1910 setting on the right in the picture. Couldn't get the WF one in there easily.

 

[Dreamer_D]

Date: 4/20/2010 12:54:48 PM
Author: suzannea
If you are not happy with the quality of your stone now- and it''s a nicely cut stone- then I can''t see how you would be happy with another stone of lower quality. Go for the three stone- I think you will be very happy based on what you''ve been saying here- I know it''s just the draw of the possible big diamond that is pulling you- but get the nice 1.2 and 3 stones- I bet you won''t look back. Good luck!!

It is only the eye visible inclusion that bothers me. If I could not see it, I would be happy with the SI2 rating.

 

[Dreamer_D]

Date: 4/20/2010 12:59:22 PM
Author: Clairitek

Date: 4/20/2010 12:48:37 PM
Author: dreamer_d

Date: 4/20/2010 12:42:47 PM
Author: Clairitek
Just wanted to pipe up here for a moment- I think that setting has a lot of style for the price! If I were you, I''d for the largest stone you can get your hands on now with the cheapie setting. Then go for a reset later on... say when your son starts kingergarten? Or some sort of milestone. Maybe getting your nth publication accepted??

I''m thinking tenure

, though that might be too far away. Maybe reinstatement at 3 years.

And I agree the setting is nice for the price. I actually think it is the same as the ''fine line'' setting from whiteflash, or very close at least. It is from www.uniquesettings.com actually, if I am not mistaken, so BGD should be able to order it for me if I go that route.

That sounds like an excellent goal! I can''t wait to order my PhD 5-stone ring from WF! Its also partly a 1st anniversary gift. At least thats what I tell my husband. When I got my first publication accepted last fall I opened up two lovely bottles of wine. Well worth the wait!

That setting is pretty darn similar to the fine line. Isn''t that their version of the Cartier 1895 plain solitaire?

Why yes, yet it is. Cartier on the left, Since1920 setting on the right in the picture. Couldn''t get the WF one in there easily.

What are you doig your PhD in? I did not get a fancy ring for my PhD because we got married in the same month, but I did get an upgrade when I got this job last spring!

Thanks for posting those photos. I apparently have expensive taste

I think it is a really great solitaire for the money.

I like this one too, which is even less expensive and has a 2mm shank: http://www.since1910.com/engagement-rings/four-prong-solitaire-basket-setting-2mm-gr6fnd4-set-2080.aspx The other one has a 2.5mm shank.

 

[yssie]

Dreamer -


From your posts it really sounds like you want that 1.7 centrestone - you sound SO excited about it! And maybe you're trying to drum up an equal amount of excitement for an alternative with a smaller centre?


A three-stone has a lot more presence than a solitaire, but I've definitely noticed that the centrestone looks substantially smaller when flanked like that - and this is coming from a fanatically loyal three-stone-ist. Even 0.3 sidestones made my 2c look substantially smaller on the finger than it did loose.


I'd definitely wait to see what Brian brings in come May

 

[Dreamer_D]

Date: 4/20/2010 1:12:32 PM
Author: yssie

I''d definitely wait to see what Brian brings in come May

GAH... May is so far off!

How long did it take you to locate your upgrade?

 

[Lula]

Date: 4/20/2010 1:00:14 PM
Author: dreamer_d

Date: 4/20/2010 12:54:48 PM

Author: suzannea

If you are not happy with the quality of your stone now- and it''s a nicely cut stone- then I can''t see how you would be happy with another stone of lower quality. Go for the three stone- I think you will be very happy based on what you''ve been saying here- I know it''s just the draw of the possible big diamond that is pulling you- but get the nice 1.2 and 3 stones- I bet you won''t look back. Good luck!!

It is only the eye visible inclusion that bothers me. If I could not see it, I would be happy with the SI2 rating.

If you are mind clean with the SI2 rating, and it''s just the nature of the inclusion, then it does seem like a good decision to maximize size now. Because I do agree, Brian will find you an eyeclean SI2 in the size/color you want. I do love the basket settings that have been posted and think any of them would look great with a plain band or your eternity band.

Reading the most recent posts, I think what struck me is that if you go with the three-stone now, when you finally do find the perfect 1.7, the additional increase in mm that you gain from going up in size on the center stone will not be as striking as it would be if you stick with a solitaire and go from 1.20 to 1.70.

I think the wow factor of the 1.7 in a nice basket setting will more than make up for the time you have to wait to put it in a three-stone.

But I guess the question is how long do you want to wait until the perfect 1.70 G-H eyeclean SI2 comes along, and how much more will it cost you to wait (if price increases are indeed on the way?).

Hmm...now I''m undecided!

 

[Jax172]

From someone who upgraded their diamond 7 times before even being married - you are not going to be completely happy until it is exactly what you want.

I think the real problem is deciding which you can live with until you save some more money to get the second part done. Would you rather have a 3 stone with a smaller center diamond for a few years or a large center diamond as a solitaire? Finally which are you more likely to have money for sooner? What is the cost of the 3 stone dream setting? What do you expect the cost of a diamond upgrade to be in the future and which can you see yourself saving enough for first?

Personally if the perfect center stone presented itself - I''d get the big rock now and save for the setting - those perfect stones (large eye clean S1 in G color) that you are looking for are hard to find because they do present a great value for the size/look you get. Wait to see what they can offer you in May and in the mean time look around at more at soliare settings. There might be a more simple one that you can afford that has some bling (diamond set in band, etc...) that can hold you over until you can afford the two smaller diamonds and setting.

Just my suggestion! Good luck!

 

[steph72276]

Dreamer, I actually really like that setting you posted, not bad at all! I would still check with Brian to see if he could put another head on your setting to see which one would be more cost effective and go for the big upgrade! I also would wait to see what he gets in in May. It will be here before you know it and he might find the perfect combo for you! Keep us posted.

 

[Dreamer_D]

Date: 4/20/2010 1:15:40 PM
Author: sarap333


But I guess the question is how long do you want to wait until the perfect 1.70 G-H eyeclean SI2 comes along, and how much more will it cost you to wait (if price increases are indeed on the way?).

This is the question. Brian seems to think we are not talking eons here, but really there is no way to predict. The longer it takes the more money I am socking away from my person "whatever" money account, so it will probably offset to a degree. And then if it takes too long I could perhaps afford an SI1 anyways.

 

[luv2sparkle]

Dreamer, my setting came from Unique settings as well, so Brian and Lesley will be able to get which ever one you pick as well. They are both lovely.

 

[Dreamer_D]

Date: 4/20/2010 1:17:52 PM
Author: Jax172
From someone who upgraded their diamond 7 times before even being married - you are not going to be completely happy until it is exactly what you want.

I think the real problem is deciding which you can live with until you save some more money to get the second part done. Would you rather have a 3 stone with a smaller center diamond for a few years or a large center diamond as a solitaire? Finally which are you more likely to have money for sooner? What is the cost of the 3 stone dream setting? What do you expect the cost of a diamond upgrade to be in the future and which can you see yourself saving enough for first?

Personally if the perfect center stone presented itself - I''d get the big rock now and save for the setting - those perfect stones (large eye clean S1 in G color) that you are looking for are hard to find because they do present a great value for the size/look you get. Wait to see what they can offer you in May and in the mean time look around at more at soliare settings. There might be a more simple one that you can afford that has some bling (diamond set in band, etc...) that can hold you over until you can afford the two smaller diamonds and setting.

Just my suggestion! Good luck!

When I think of it this way, I think that the smarter move is to get the center stone now, since the price of diamonds in that size range will be going up more than will the under .50ct range.

 

[Dreamer_D]

Date: 4/20/2010 1:52:23 PM
Author: FL Steph
Dreamer, I actually really like that setting you posted, not bad at all! I would still check with Brian to see if he could put another head on your setting to see which one would be more cost effective and go for the big upgrade! I also would wait to see what he gets in in May. It will be here before you know it and he might find the perfect combo for you! Keep us posted.

All good advice!

 

[lucky_D]

I think a lot of the posts include things like, I would upgrade later and such. I could not determine what I wanted when I upgraded recently and before this upgrade, I had two others. When I made my decisions, I looked at this boards and what people did, I talked to my friends, I asked my mom and mom in law. I asked the jeweler for suggestion, etc. I think if you think of it as, you will never ever be able to upgrade again, what would you want your ring to look like? That might make it easier to decide. Don''t think of what you can do down the road, but what will make you happiest the longest.

 

[lizzyann]

Hi Dreamer, you said that you really long for a three stone so will you be happy if you go with a solitaire again even if it is larger than your current stone? 5K is a lot of money and you don''t want to spend the money, then think "it is nice but I really want this in a three stone?". Since you are thinking of going with the larger .55 sidestones, then maybe stick with the 1.2 GSI1, get the .55 sidestones, and then when you have the mula to upgrade the 1.2 to a 1.7 down the road, you will already have your .55 sidestones which will look beautiful with the larger stone too! This way you will get the three stone look now and not have to wait till later. Just by adding those .55 sidestones you are going to get so much more finger coverage. Then when you do get the larger center you will be done!!!!! Well for awhile anyways!!!!

 

[Mrs Mitchell]

Date: 4/20/2010 11:35:23 AM
Author: 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.

If you want to check the theory, I''ll wear it for ya in a three stone. I''m betting I could overlook the inclusion.

 

[Dreamer_D]

Date: 4/20/2010 2:43:17 PM
Author: lizzyann01
Hi Dreamer, you said that you really long for a three stone so will you be happy if you go with a solitaire again even if it is larger than your current stone? 5K is a lot of money and you don''t want to spend the money, then think ''it is nice but I really want this in a three stone?''. Since you are thinking of going with the larger .55 sidestones, then maybe stick with the 1.2 GSI1, get the .55 sidestones, and then when you have the mula to upgrade the 1.2 to a 1.7 down the road, you will already have your .55 sidestones which will look beautiful with the larger stone too! This way you will get the three stone look now and not have to wait till later. Just by adding those .55 sidestones you are going to get so much more finger coverage. Then when you do get the larger center you will be done!!!!! Well for awhile anyways!!!!

I wish I could predict how I would feel, then it would be very simple

 

[Dreamer_D]

Date: 4/20/2010 2:44:18 PM
Author: Mrs Mitchell

Date: 4/20/2010 11:35:23 AM
Author: 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.

If you want to check the theory, I''ll wear it for ya in a three stone. I''m betting I could overlook the inclusion.

I think I could overlook it to in the size I want

I do adore this diamond, it will be very sad to send it back.

 

[Dreamer_D]

Date: 4/20/2010 2:36:49 PM
Author: lucky_D
I think a lot of the posts include things like, I would upgrade later and such. I could not determine what I wanted when I upgraded recently and before this upgrade, I had two others. When I made my decisions, I looked at this boards and what people did, I talked to my friends, I asked my mom and mom in law. I asked the jeweler for suggestion, etc. I think if you think of it as, you will never ever be able to upgrade again, what would you want your ring to look like? That might make it easier to decide. Don''t think of what you can do down the road, but what will make you happiest the longest.

I agree that whatever I do has to be something that will make me happy *now* as well as in the long term, because you never know what the future holds financially and cannot bank on being able to afford another change in the future.

That is what it motivating this change in part now. There are aspects of this diamond and setting that are not great for me, and I think "What if I could never change it?"