Beginner help - diamond engagement ring

[rkuk]

Hi all

I have no doubt these questions will have been asked before. Last year me and my better half were lucky enough to be in Philadelphia and popped into Tiffany's. We seen a lovely ring but it is so expensive for my budget. Recently I contacted the store for the details on the ring to see if I can get something similar in the UK. The ring was:

Novo Princess Cut: Sku# 60765847 0.70Ct E VVS2, and looked like this.



I really liked it and my dearest loved it. It really sparkled.

So I have been looking to find something similar but of course cheaper. Through the research I am overwhelmed by the amount of work needed to ensure you get a good product, - it seems much more than the advertised 4 c's. Through my research I began looking at Dubai as a place to get something as reading suggests it is better for price than in comparison to the UK. However, I have found a friendly person in Dubai who suggests a princess cut isn't quite as easy to judge (well words to that effect to me) who recommended this site for some help.

My aim is to buy a ring similar to the above picture which really does sparkle. I would really like;
1.0ct (or as close as)
Princess cut
Platinum band with set diamonds on the shoulders
Size: N
The other details such as clarity / colour / etc all seem to vary based on the cut i.e. you can 'get away with lesser values as they can be forgiving?' that being the case makes it very hard for a complete novice to search and understand the overall ring. Any person's usual search would be to just look for the 'best' cut / colour / carat / clarity in each part of the specification. That's what I started doing, until I started hearing about table specs / culets and ratios. Even hearing all that, it is still hard to compare that like for like.

So that's where I am currently. If people can help to break down my specifications, give any recommendations / advise on what to buy and where from that would be really welcomed.

I have heard various stories of people buying rings in Thailand and Turkey who have all got a bargain compared to UK prices and when they are revalued in the UK they are significantly more expensive. However these people will not have considered any of the work that I have looked into, so perhaps they were just lucky. I am not as confident in taking such a blind risk so I am looking for the help. Even my other half says 'just buy one lol' but I think she would be impressed with the outcome from my effort.

A friend at work showed me her engagement ring, all she could talk about was the '1 carat' must have, but the stone looked like a dull piece of glass. There was absolutely no sparkle at all to my naked eye. I want to avoid that.

I would be so grateful for help, please keep it in laymans terms i.e. 'diamonds for dummies'
Thanks, and sorry for the long post!!

 

[gm89uk]

Do you have a set budget?

 

[rkuk]

Hi gm89uk

My budget is around £3,500 / USD 4,600 give or take a few hundred. I know this is tight, but hopefully I am able to buy something nice and sparkly around these sorts of figures.

 

[ac117]

Hi gm89uk

My budget is around £3,500 / USD 4,600 give or take a few hundred. I know this is tight, but hopefully I am able to buy something nice and sparkly around these sorts of figures.

Does your budget include duties/VAT?

If it does not, here are a couple of excellent combinations but you'd have to add approx. 20% to the total for import fees. Whiteflash is a highly regarded vendor here with an excellent upgrade policy (should that be a possibility in the future).
https://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/princess-cut-loose-diamond-3644843.htm
https://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/princess-cut-loose-diamond-3638397.htm
https://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/princess-cut-loose-diamond-3699540.htm
Setting: https://www.whiteflash.com/engageme...en-cathedral-diamond-engagement-ring-1539.htm

https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/princess-cut/1.11-carat-i-color-vs1-clarity-sku-2634285
https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/princess-cut/1.02-carat-i-color-vs2-clarity-sku-5048363
https://www.jamesallen.com/engageme...ite-pave-cathedral-engagement-ring-item-49519

 

[rkuk]

Does your budget include duties/VAT?

If it does not, here are a couple of excellent combinations but you'd have to add approx. 20% to the total for import fees. Whiteflash is a highly regarded vendor here with an excellent upgrade policy (should that be a possibility in the future).

Hi ac177 ,

Thank you so much for replying and having searched for me.

No the budget does not include the approx 20% tax , also the budget was for the stone and the ring in total . Double frown face .

I like the white flash site as it has the pictures of what the stones look like under the special scope (forget what this is called off the top of my head) but it shows all the flaws and imperfections.

It looks as though I need to revisit either my wishes, or the budget, or possibly both to get somewhere I am happy with. I read being under the 1.0ct will bring the price down quite a bit. Also, I was reading about the 'spread' of the diamond on the tutorial page on this site, that's looks like something I need to consider when sizing the stone as it seems between the cut and the spread they are the key factors that show the diamond off?

More suggestions are welcomed by everyone.
Thanks and keep them coming.

 

[rkuk]

ps I noticed the colour was I in some of the stones you suggested, is that a bit low? (not being rude in asking - just curious)

 

[diamondseeker2006]

The ideal princess cut stones from Whiteflash are the best way to insure that you get a well cut princess cut. I'd probably try to get G-H in a princess cut, personally, but you'll have to go under 1 ct to stay within your budget.

https://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/princess-cut-loose-diamond-3520045.htm

They have several possibilities for settings. These can be made for princess cuts.

https://www.whiteflash.com/engageme...eek-line-pave-diamond-engagement-ring-422.htm

https://www.whiteflash.com/engageme...o-micro-pave-diamond-engagement-ring-1011.htm

 

[rockysalamander]

Color and the ability to see it varies greatly. Round diamonds are good at hiding tint. Princess cuts are in the middle of the range. But, with your goals, you'll have to decide on what is a priority. Think about your girl and color. Does she use world like greige, fawn, ecru, stone and mushroom or would she say beige? Does she need to have just the perfect shade of shoe to match an outfit or does she keep is pretty basic? Is she in an artistic field?

Princess cuts weigh more than a round to achieve the same spread. What that means is that for a given amount of money, you can buy a round of larger spread than a princess. At this size, there is about 0.7 mm difference. That is meaningful in diamonds. I'm not suggesting you buy a round without consulting your future FI, but you can get more size if that is important.

5.98 mm size = 0.82 carat round or 1.18 carat princess
5.54 mm size = 0.64 carat round or 1.04 carat princess

Here are a few princess options putting a price cap at around $3000 usd.
https://www.goodoldgold.com/diamond...GIA-I-SI1-diamond-stock-10174-cert-1139592846 (5.15 mm)

https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/princess-cut/0.90-carat-i-color-vvs2-clarity-sku-4888006 (5.2 mm)
https://www.b2cjewels.com/dd/11356181/Princess-Diamond-H-Color-VVS2-Clarity (5.23 mm; good diamond prices if the ASET supports this, but not a fan of their settings}

In comparison, for the same $3000 usd, here is a round for the same budget but larger spread. Spread is not "the" thing for everyone, but I just wanted to address you notes comment above about spread.
https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-di...i-color-vs2-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-5027730 (5.98 mm)
https://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-3974692.htm (5.8 mm)

 

[rkuk]

The ideal princess cut stones from Whiteflash are the best way to insure that you get a well cut princess cut. I'd probably try to get G-H in a princess cut, personally, but you'll have to go under 1 ct to stay within your budget.

I've heard about these 'A cut above' diamonds. Reading the white flash website they suggest they are the elite stones. How much do they differ to that of stones on the site that are regular? I found one from 'a cut above' and one that is 'virtual' which I think means the company don't have the stone in the shop but can get it in? Is there likely to be much difference between them? Is the 'a cut above range' THAT good? There's around USD 1000 between them in price.

Link here.

 

[rkuk]

Color and the ability to see it varies greatly. Round diamonds are good at hiding tint. Princess cuts are in the middle of the range. But, with your goals, you'll have to decide on what is a priority. Think about your girl and color. Does she use world like greige, fawn, ecru, stone and mushroom or would she say beige? Does she need to have just the perfect shade of shoe to match an outfit or does she keep is pretty basic? Is she in an artistic field?

Fawn, ecru, stone most likely. She keeps things relatively basic. I see where you're going with trying to suit the ring to her. I like that idea. She doesn't work in a creative field as such, she works in business management. I think I know what she likes as when we look for things I generally pick them out and she likes them. She has changed her mind a few times such as saying she likes the ring I showed above (which is what she really does like overall as the one in Tiffany's really did sparkle greatly) but when we were in another shop being shown some horrendous rings, she said she liked the halo rings in there. She was clearly won over by the sales assistant who was giving all the spiel. The stone was nowhere near what I'm considering.

Princess cuts weigh more than a round to achieve the same spread. What that means is that for a given amount of money, you can buy a round of larger spread than a princess. At this size, there is about 0.7 mm difference. That is meaningful in diamonds. I'm not suggesting you buy a round without consulting your future FI, but you can get more size if that is important.

5.98 mm size = 0.82 carat round or 1.18 carat princess
5.54 mm size = 0.64 carat round or 1.04 carat princess

This is another good piece of advice. To be honest I would like to get her a round ring as I feel there is more security in sourcing one on a level playing ground, however she is adamant she wants a princess / square stone.

https://www.b2cjewels.com/dd/11356181/Princess-Diamond-H-Color-VVS2-Clarity (5.23 mm; good diamond prices if the ASET supports this, but not a fan of their settings}

How would we know about the ASET? Do they publish this info?

In comparison, for the same $3000 usd, here is a round for the same budget but larger spread. Spread is not "the" thing for everyone, but I just wanted to address you notes comment above about spread.
https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-di...i-color-vs2-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-5027730 (5.98 mm)
https://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-3974692.htm (5.8 mm)

Thank you for this, I think the spread is something important for me, if I'm grasping this correctly and following the tutorial on this site. If the spread is good, then a smaller, better cut diamond could outshine a larger stone and appear physically bigger?

Some of the platinum bands appear more expensive than I thought on these sites. Perhaps I could buy a stone and then get it manufactured in the UK, although I'm possibly opening myself up to more problems? I'm quite enjoying learning something new, and I like some of the maths / science behind it, but it's still very complex to a newby!!

 

[diamondseeker2006]

I've heard about these 'A cut above' diamonds. Reading the white flash website they suggest they are the elite stones. How much do they differ to that of stones on the site that are regular? I found one from 'a cut above' and one that is 'virtual' which I think means the company don't have the stone in the shop but can get it in? Is there likely to be much difference between them? Is the 'a cut above range' THAT good? There's around USD 1000 between them in price.

Link here.

Oh, most all diamond vendors list stones from suppliers that they don't hav in stock. A Cut Above stones are ideal cut princess cut stones. You generally will not find stones that well cut in virtual listings, but you can find a good one. But if looking for a non-ideal cut stone, look at James Allen because they have videos. You look at a vendor like Whiteflash because of their outstanding in-house stones. Just compare the look and diameter of a generic princess cut to the A Cut Above stones. Sometimes a stone is cut deeper and faces up like a smaller weight stone. You don't encounter that with ideal cut princess cuts.

 

[rkuk]

A Cut Above stones are ideal cut princess cut stones. You generally will not find stones that well cut in virtual listings, but you can find a good one.

So that might be what I need to do. To our untrained eyes (me and Mrs rkuk that is! ).

Just compare the look and diameter of a generic princess cut to the A Cut Above stones. Sometimes a stone is cut deeper and faces up like a smaller weight stone. You don't encounter that with ideal cut princess cuts.

Do you mean the cut of it can make it look smaller than what is it?

 

[diamondseeker2006]

Do you mean the cut of it can make it look smaller than what is it?

Absolutely, and that is true of all diamonds. You want a stone cut to have good light performance. Some diamonds are cut for weight as that increases the price. Stones that are too deep may not have good light return, and also, you don't want to pay for weight that doesn't increase the diameter such as a thick girdle or excessive depth. If you are looking at .80 princess cuts, then pull up a couple A Cut Above princess cuts of the same weight and compare them.

 

[foxinsox]

This is another good piece of advice. To be honest I would like to get her a round ring as I feel there is more security in sourcing one on a level playing ground, however she is adamant she wants a princess / square stone.

If she wants a square stone and isn’t necessarily in love with a princess (you need to be very careful to protect those corners and sometimes that can make for a setting that’s scratchy), you could look at a hearts and arrows cushion or set a round in a squared off halo like this lovely subtle one from Tacori. That way you can look at other shapes and potentially sizes if you’re not finding what you want in a princess.

 

[GolfingGreen]

Hi! Everyone has given you such great advice and suggestions!
@ac117 @diamondseeker2006 @rockysalamander ... how do you guys find these diamonds so fast?! You are the pros!

@rkuk If I may offer some thoughts and share my experience when I was looking for a diamond ring...
It seems sparkle is an important factor, and for me, sparkle is the number one factor.
At one point, I too thought I wanted to square shaped stone. I looked at Princess cut. I loved the square shape as it was unique. I thought rounds were boring, but a round stone has sparkle that the princess did not have. Also, I have other rings with princess cut stones, and I found myself always "wiping" them because I thought they were dirty. That was really when it dawned on me that princess cut does not sparkle as much as the round.

Above all else, I wanted sparkle. In the end, I purchased a round diamond in a simple solitaire setting. I love it and the sparkle it produces. To me, there is not other cut that sparkles quite like a round.

The Tiffany Novo ring above you posted also comes in a round diamond setting. I expect you may have already looked at it, but maybe go back to Tiffany and take another look to compare both rings and really look at and stare at the sparkle.

Just a thought. Congratulations to the both of you!

 

[ac117]

Sorry, I've been outside all day gardening and putting together a grill...oh the joys of home ownership

I agree that you should clarify with your SO if she just wants a square shape or if she wants a princess in need particular. They aren't very popular (not that it matters if it's what she wants) but they also face up SUPER small for their weight ('spread' like you mentioned earlier). Tiffany also carries cushions, which are also square if you get one with a ratio of 1-1.05 and I agree with miki moto that you should go back and compare.

I don't have time to post more examples tonight but here's one to show you a square cushion that gets you the 1 carat mark, better color, faces up larger than the princesses posted and for less: https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/cushion-cut/1.01-carat-h-color-si1-clarity-sku-3649481

 

[rkuk]

If I may offer some thoughts and share my experience when I was looking for a diamond ring...

You may indeed!

It seems sparkle is an important factor, and for me, sparkle is the number one factor.
At one point, I too thought I wanted to square shaped stone. I looked at Princess cut. I loved the square shape as it was unique. I thought rounds were boring, but a round stone has sparkle that the princess did not have. Also, I have other rings with princess cut stones, and I found myself always "wiping" them because I thought they were dirty. That was really when it dawned on me that princess cut does not sparkle as much as the round.

Above all else, I wanted sparkle. In the end, I purchased a round diamond in a simple solitaire setting. I love it and the sparkle it produces. To me, there is not other cut that sparkles quite like a round.

The Tiffany Novo ring above you posted also comes in a round diamond setting. I expect you may have already looked at it, but maybe go back to Tiffany and take another look to compare both rings and really look at and stare at the sparkle.

Just a thought. Congratulations to the both of you!

Thank you for this. Having read about the princess diamonds, and in particular how they can scuff I have been attempting to convince my other half (subtly) that a round might be better. As much as she says she wants a square stone when we talk about it she is actually really open to the round ones too. She just wants something really sparkly and big (doesn't everyone). This is where the spread may come to the advantage here, after reading the tutorial on the site I think it's important. I honestly know she will be pleased with whatever I get her, as she will know I have gone to effort and put a lot of though into it. Plus everything I point out in shops etc she always likes. So I'm opening my search up to a round diamond, that will sparkle and look larger than what is is. Thank you for the feedback and the congratulations.

 

[rkuk]

Sorry, I've been outside all day gardening and putting together a grill...oh the joys of home ownership

See, I would be much better to help you with that whilst you guys search for diamonds.

 

[GolfingGreen]

You may indeed!


Thank you for this. Having read about the princess diamonds, and in particular how they can scuff I have been attempting to convince my other half (subtly) that a round might be better. As much as she says she wants a square stone when we talk about it she is actually really open to the round ones too. She just wants something really sparkly and big (doesn't everyone). This is where the spread may come to the advantage here, after reading the tutorial on the site I think it's important. I honestly know she will be pleased with whatever I get her, as she will know I have gone to effort and put a lot of though into it. Plus everything I point out in shops etc she always likes. So I'm opening my search up to a round diamond, that will sparkle and look larger than what is is. Thank you for the feedback and the congratulations.

Excellent! I think she will love a round and there is absolutely nothing like the sparkle of a round (I got sick of my princess stones). Well, if you are opening up to look at rounds, there are tons of experts here who can help you as you already know. Just say the price point, carat size, and poof... these lovely PSers know where all the good rocks are.

This is such a great thing you are doing to find her the perfect ring to make her happy... she is a lucky lady to have found you.

 

[rkuk]

Excellent! I think she will love a round and there is absolutely nothing like the sparkle of a round (I got sick of my princess stones). Well, if you are opening up to look at rounds, there are tons of experts here who can help you as you already know. Just say the price point, carat size, and poof... these lovely PSers know where all the good rocks are.

Yes, the posters on here are great. It was a member on here that I found on trip advisor who has also been great in emailing me, but as I get confused I end up asking more and going round in circles.

This is such a great thing you are doing to find her the perfect ring to make her happy... she is a lucky lady to have found you.

...well, when I look into things I like to always try and get the 'best deal' / value for money. I also like learning things, albeit I am struggling with the diamond topics - cars I'm much better at! Anyway, I'm certainly giving it more thought than she is and that's not just to save money - if anything I might end up spending more, but I'd rather that go on the quality. I know buying a round I won't be able to go 1.0ct though in my budget.

 

[sledge]

I understand halos weren't your first choice, but if you do the right shape of halo and combine with a round diamond, it will look squarish. You may get the look she likes with all the sparkle. Plus an added benefit is the halo makes the ring appear more substantial if that is a concern, or her thing.

 

[Bron357]

Just throwing this into the thread.
As you’ve discovered it’s going to be difficult to hit that 1 carat size, plus side diamonds, shipped to the U.K. with taxes for around $4,600 US.
I’m an unofficial eBay guru (14 years, over 1500 purchases - yikes).
Now, if you can get over the “pre loved” aspect (a professional polish and they look just like brand new) and can accept a slightly different style, eBay shopping can give you fabulous value for money.
You see, I’m a fabulous value for money type gal.
This one, $2,250 US is 1.5 carat in total. Looks big! Decent diamond H, Sl 1.

 

[babymar]

You may indeed!


Thank you for this. Having read about the princess diamonds, and in particular how they can scuff I have been attempting to convince my other half (subtly) that a round might be better. As much as she says she wants a square stone when we talk about it she is actually really open to the round ones too. She just wants something really sparkly and big (doesn't everyone). This is where the spread may come to the advantage here, after reading the tutorial on the site I think it's important. I honestly know she will be pleased with whatever I get her, as she will know I have gone to effort and put a lot of though into it. Plus everything I point out in shops etc she always likes. So I'm opening my search up to a round diamond, that will sparkle and look larger than what is is. Thank you for the feedback and the congratulations.

Like some others have mentioned, what about a round stone in a cushion shaped halo? That'll help give more spread to a smaller center stone and satisfy her square shape needs.

Here's a link to Victor Canera's Emilya with a cushion shaped halo: https://www.victorcanera.com/rings/engagement/the-emilya-with-petal-profile

You could make the shank and profile plain to keep cost down.

 

[sledge]

Like some others have mentioned, what about a round stone in a cushion shaped halo? That'll help give more spread to a smaller center stone and satisfy her square shape needs.

Here's a link to Victor Canera's Emilya with a cushion shaped halo: https://www.victorcanera.com/rings/engagement/the-emilya-with-petal-profile

You could make the shank and profile plain to keep cost down.

Bingo, exactly what I had pictured earlier when I also suggested. Beautiful ring.

 

[LLJsmom]

Like some others have mentioned, what about a round stone in a cushion shaped halo? That'll help give more spread to a smaller center stone and satisfy her square shape needs.

Here's a link to Victor Canera's Emilya with a cushion shaped halo: https://www.victorcanera.com/rings/engagement/the-emilya-with-petal-profile

You could make the shank and profile plain to keep cost down.

The setting would be 75% the of his budget. Aren’t princess cuts cheaper than rounds? And the OP seems to care about performance. Should he focus on Best cut within his budget?

 

[babymar]

The setting would be 75% the of his budget. Aren’t princess cuts cheaper than rounds? And the OP seems to care about performance. Should he focus on Best cut within his budget?

He doesn't need to get the exact setting from Victor, just showing him an example of using a round in a cushion shaped halo. He could also always use Maytal or David Klass to create something similar and more in his budget with the best center stone possible.

 

[LLJsmom]

He doesn't need to get the exact setting from Victor, just showing him an example of using a round in a cushion shaped halo. He could also always use Maytal or David Klass to create something similar and more in his budget with the best center stone possible.

Yah dk would be cheaper but still take up about $1k am I wrong? She wants a 1 carat stone. He is wants well cut and looking at super ideal. I would go with simple setting and spend as much as I could on the rock.

 

[sledge]

The setting would be 75% the of his budget. Aren’t princess cuts cheaper than rounds? And the OP seems to care about performance. Should he focus on Best cut within his budget?

He doesn't need to get the exact setting from Victor, just showing him an example of using a round in a cushion shaped halo. He could also always use Maytal or David Klass to create something similar and more in his budget with the best center stone possible.

I thought the same thing @LLJsmom but as @babymar pointed out I assumed it was just an eye candy example. I haven't dug around yet, but I bet something similar is available on James Allen for much cheaper. Seems I saw one not long ago for about $1,000 or so but because I got a whacky girl that doesn't like ordinary I didn't pay too much attention.

 

[sledge]

Yah dk would be cheaper but still take up about $1k am I wrong? She wants a 1 carat stone. He is wants well cut and looking at super ideal. I would go with simple setting and spend as much as I could on the rock.

If he gets a smaller stone, maybe the halo makes it all look more impressive than the biggest super ideal with soli that he can afford?

Some alternate e-ring ideas w/ halos:

https://www.jamesallen.com/engagement-rings/halo/14k-white-gold-magnolia-engagment-ring-item-59118
https://www.jamesallen.com/engageme...gold-kite-set-halo-engagement-ring-item-59111
https://www.jamesallen.com/engageme...shion-outline-pave-engagement-ring-item-49493

I'd also contact David Klass from LA. He can probably take the last item and make without the pave on the ring itself and get the costs to $1,000 or less.

 

[babymar]

Yah dk would be cheaper but still take up about $1k am I wrong? She wants a 1 carat stone. He is wants well cut and looking at super ideal. I would go with simple setting and spend as much as I could on the rock.

If he gets a smaller stone, maybe the halo makes it all look more impressive than the biggest super ideal with soli that he can afford?

Some alternate e-ring ideas w/ halos:

https://www.jamesallen.com/engagement-rings/halo/14k-white-gold-magnolia-engagment-ring-item-59118
https://www.jamesallen.com/engageme...gold-kite-set-halo-engagement-ring-item-59111
https://www.jamesallen.com/engageme...shion-outline-pave-engagement-ring-item-49493

I'd also contact David Klass from LA. He can probably take the last item and make without the pave on the ring itself and get the costs to $1,000 or less.

Yea I was sort of assuming he'd have to come down on carat size to get the overall "look" of size and sparkle (and shape, assuming she still wants the square look but he wants to look at rounds as well).