Battle of 2 Diamonds (GIA report and links provided)

[Dancing Fire]

But seriously, I think 1.5 ct on a size 3.5 finger is huge. But I guess it depends on the social circle... if everyone around her is sporting huge rocks, then pls don’t let her sport the smallest one around.

Yup, rule #1...

 

[MsShnooks]

It looks like with my size 7 fingers I’d need 2.5ct + for the same appearance as 1.5ct on finger size 3.5

 

[icy_jade]

It looks like with my size 7 fingers I’d need 2.5ct + for the same appearance as 1.5ct on finger size 3.5

I knew I needed a 3 ct... lol

 

[gktenegue]

I picked up my diamond on a US trip. Shipping to HK is also an option... or it was before the protests unrest and covid-19.

FWIW, I know people who will only buy branded stuff. For them only the brand matters, like pearls must be from Mikimoto or diamonds from Tiffany. But if it’s actually the quality of the diamond that matters, then I think either CBI or ACA is top notch, and I won’t get into the which is better argument... You can do some research on this site yourself. I went with CBI myself.

The bench that HPD uses is the same as Harry Winston, or it was last time. No idea if still the same bench now. Personally, I love blossom setting:

HP Diamonds

www.hpdiamonds.com

Ultimately, you have to decide what makes her happier... a branded diamond or a great diamond. A bit of a simplification but as mentioned, I do know people who will only go for branded stuff, no matter that other brands can offer better value, and/or quality for the same price.

Yeah, I did consider shipping to HK but with the virus situation I don’t I’ll be travelling much in the near future.

Thanks for the recommendations! Will definitely check out CBI AND ACA.

If i’m being honest I think my gf will prefer branded but I refuse to pay premium just because of brand and see the value of purchasing the ring online, hence the middle ground with the Zac Posen setting.

 

[gktenegue]

We did have Crazy Rich Asians... so anything goes.

I am wearing a 2 ct and it’s large by local standards. Every time I moan that I’m experiencing diamond shrinkage syndrome, my colleagues assure me that a 2 ct is big even on my size 7.5-8 finger.

But seriously, I think 1.5 ct on a size 3.5 finger is huge. But I guess it depends on the social circle... if everyone around her is sporting huge rocks, then pls don’t let her sport the smallest one around.

She would be one of the first few of her circle of friends to get a rock

 

[icy_jade]

Well, if you get a CBI or ACA, make sure you also get an ultrasonic machine and a good jewelry cleaner - she likely can easily “outbling” most of her peers.

 

[lovedogs]

Yeah, I did consider shipping to HK but with the virus situation I don’t I’ll be travelling much in the near future.

Thanks for the recommendations! Will definitely check out CBI AND ACA.

If i’m being honest I think my gf will prefer branded but I refuse to pay premium just because of brand and see the value of purchasing the ring online, hence the middle ground with the Zac Posen setting.

I think you should talk to her sb0it it. If she truly wants tiffany or another brand name (even knowing that it isn't the best quality for the price ) then that's what you should buy her. Zac posen isn't on the same level in terms of brand recognition as the ppl you say she wears (Gucci/LV), so I dont think you need to be locked into that setting. at the end of the day this is for her, and she needs to be happy with it.

 

[MsShnooks]

Are you going to get branded wedding bands? She’d probably love that and they aren’t that overpriced.

 

[gktenegue]

I think you should talk to her sb0it it. If she truly wants tiffany or another brand name (even knowing that it isn't the best quality for the price ) then that's what you should buy her. Zac posen isn't on the same level in terms of brand recognition as the ppl you say she wears (Gucci/LV), so I dont think you need to be locked into that setting. at the end of the day this is for her, and she needs to be happy with it.

I have spoken to her about it, and long story short i gave her an ultimatum; brand or carat. And she chose carat but knowing how she’s still a sucker fir brands, I had to get a little creative and I found that the Zac Posen might be a good compromise

 

[gktenegue]

Are you going to get branded wedding bands? She’d probably love that and they aren’t that overpriced.

For sure! We’re looking at Cartier

 

[Ibrakeforpossums]

I, too, recommend dropping clarity to gain size and/or color (in that order). Why pay for what you can't see? If not needed for mind-clean issues or bragging rights, I would recommend sticking to VS2 or eye clean SI1 (even eye clean SI2 from the right vendor). I voted for #2 over #1 in your poll, but honestly, I think you should go with one of the two that @doberman linked. You would gain a half mm in size, which is significant and still stay at a high color. Many people here would recommend that you drop significantly in color to gain even more size. I, personally, prefer colorless diamonds, but if your girlfriend has seen GIA graded diamonds in different color ranges and doesn't mind lower colors, you could gain even more size.

natasha-cupcake, I agree completely. Why pay for what you can't see?
BTW, what is that fabulous red stone in your photo here? There's a deep pinky brown diamond ring for sale on ebay that shows close to this in several photos. ( I made an offer, unaccepted, and decided to fix my car instead.)

 

[gktenegue]

@natasha-cupcake @MsShnooks @doberman @Dancing Fire @lovedogs @icy_jade

if you have the time please check out my 2nd thread that I just posted: https://www.pricescope.com/communit...blue-nile-diamond-aset-scope-included.255596/

i'm learning so much!

 

[natasha-cupcake]

natasha-cupcake, I agree completely. Why pay for what you can't see?
BTW, what is that fabulous red stone in your photo here? There's a deep pinky brown diamond ring for sale on ebay that shows close to this in several photos. ( I made an offer, unaccepted, and decided to fix my car instead.)

Just saw this @Ibrakeforpossums. The stone in my avatar is a padparadscha sapphire. Thanks for asking!

@gktenegue, I saw your other thread. You are quickly becoming a true blue, died in the wool Price Scoper. I love the diamonds you're looking at now and think the Blue Nile one is a nice diamond. I'm partial to the super ideal vendors for "as close to perfection as possible" diamonds, service, upgrade potential and general peace of mind. But I would not discount a lovely diamond from Blue Nile or similar vendor, if it met all of my criteria at a great price.

 

[Natylad]

I have spoken to her about it, and long story short i gave her an ultimatum; brand or carat. And she chose carat but knowing how she’s still a sucker fir brands, I had to get a little creative and I found that the Zac Posen might be a good compromise

I honestly believe that you have taken the right decision on this matter and you have found a way to get a beautiful diamond and a great branded setting for your future fiancee. Everybody's opinion here is valuable of course and you should take it under consideration but at the end of the day, other people's opinions are mainly based on their own preferences and priorities, which are not your girlfriend's preferences and priorities. An Astor Ideal diamond from Blue Nile will objectively be a very high quality diamond, super sparkly and beautiful and your idea to have it set on the Zac Posen setting is a perfect compromise, since you can't afford a Tiffany ring and your girl loves branded items and this brand is significant to her. I understand exactly why you took those decisions and i believe that they are the right ones for you and your lady, all things considered. Good luck!!!

 

[gktenegue]

I honestly believe that you have taken the right decision on this matter and you have found a way to get a beautiful diamond and a great branded setting for your future fiancee. Everybody's opinion here is valuable of course and you should take it under consideration but at the end of the day, other people's opinions are mainly based on their own preferences and priorities, which are not your girlfriend's preferences and priorities. An Astor Ideal diamond from Blue Nile will objectively be a very high quality diamond, super sparkly and beautiful and your idea to have it set on the Zac Posen setting is a perfect compromise, since you can't afford a Tiffany ring and your girl loves branded items and this brand is significant to her. I understand exactly why you took those decisions and i believe that they are the right ones for you and your lady, all things considered. Good luck!!!

Thank you SO much for your comment. I think you’re absolutely spot on when you say that it’s ultimately a ring for HER.

Did you get a chance to look at my latest post here? :https://www.pricescope.com/communit...mond-aset-scope-included.255596/#post-4702288

i would really appreciate it if you have any comments on this non-astor diamond i found on BN.

 

[Natylad]

Thank you SO much for your comment. I think you’re absolutely spot on when you say that it’s ultimately a ring for HER.

Did you get a chance to look at my latest post here? :https://www.pricescope.com/communit...mond-aset-scope-included.255596/#post-4702288

i would really appreciate it if you have any comments on this non-astor diamond i found on BN.

Hello again! Yes, i saw the 1.41 ct Blue Nile Ideal diamond at your other thread and i have one thing to say: Magnificent from every aspect! I absolutely approve of it. You will end up with a diamond bigger than the ones you were initially considering and with perfect specs, without compromising on the cut, because from all the information that you have provided for this diamond,it seems that its cut is also wonderful. Stick to your guns and get this diamond with the Zac Posen setting that you chose initially. My...intuition is telling me that this will be the perfect ring for your girl . I wish you the best of luck!