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Beginner seeking advice!

mmills06

Rough_Rock
Joined
Sep 14, 2011
Messages
7
Hello all,

First of all let me apologize ahead of time for my lack of knowledge or if I ask any dumb questions. I have been reading these forums for about a week now, trying to pick up what knowledge I can from you all and I have been overwhelmed with information! You guys are great! Anyway, I figured I would post to see if anybody can give me some insight to my specific situation. Here goes...

Budget: ~$4000
Timeframe: December 2011
Musts: Princess cut diamond, solitaire, white gold or platinum setting, "eye-clean" diamond
Likes: ~0.75c if possible, Near colorless (G-ish?)

I know I have not given much detail here, but I guess what I am looking for is advice for where to start really. Everybody talks about all of the different ER retailers on here like Blue Nile, James Allen, Good Old Gold, etc. but I am wondering which of these are the better choices and why.

Now I know that just about every girl loves a Tiffany's ring, and mine is no different. I do not plan on getting a ring from Tiffanys because I know I cannot afford something great from there, but I know this is a style that she likes so I am posting it as reference to the style.

http://www.tiffany.com/Shared/Engagement/Media/Products/SKU/GRP10047/24497259_d_1_1.jpg (Tiffany Princess Bezet)

I have a while to make a decision, but I am one of those people that likes to get as much information as possible and not just make a split second decision. So any advice or direction would be greatly appreciated. Thanks guys!
 

mmills06

Rough_Rock
Joined
Sep 14, 2011
Messages
7
I guess let me clarify my actual questions:

1. Where are the best retailers/why?
2. Can I find a ring of that size/quality for my price range?
3. Have any of you seen any settings similar to the Tiffany Bezet? I have looked, and all the bezel settings that I have seen are just not that great, but maybe somebody else has some insight?
 

stone-cold11

Super_Ideal_Rock
Joined
Sep 9, 2008
Messages
14,083
Prefer to buy from vendors that can provide images, preferably ASET image for princess. Else, safer to buy just AGS0 cut graded princess as AGS is the only lab the grades the cut performance of a princess, any other cut grade is given by the vendor and not necessary good.

This WF stone is the only one I found with an ASET image.
http://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/princess-cut-loose-diamond-2668207.htm
 

Regular Guy

Ideal_Rock
Joined
Jul 6, 2004
Messages
5,962
Excel is known for having attractive Tiffany replicas...

http://www.exceldiamonds.com/

Also, they know about cut, and can do photos, with ASET & IS both I'm pretty sure, after having brought diamonds in to review...

Ira Z.
 

farmer gal

Brilliant_Rock
Joined
Mar 26, 2011
Messages
1,063
These are H color, but they will still look gorgeous I would have them compare these three and have them provide asset images if they can.

http://www.exceldiamonds.com/Diamonds-1/AGS-Graded-Loose-Princess-Cut-0-76-Carat-H-Color-VS1-Clarity-60701.html

http://www.exceldiamonds.com/Diamonds-1/AGS-Graded-Loose-Princess-Cut-0-76-Carat-H-Color-VS1-Clarity-60703.html

http://www.exceldiamonds.com/Diamonds-1/AGS-Graded-Loose-Princess-Cut-0-76-Carat-H-Color-VVS2-Clarity-60704.html

Setting:

http://www.exceldiamonds.com/-Engagement-Rings-5/Inspired-by-Tiffany-Bezet-Princess-Diamond-Engagement-Ring-Replica--CME2576-1925.html?vid=2996464

Total would be 4133 with the most epensive diamond if you do 14k gold and I see they are running a discount you get 15% off your setting when you buy a diamond so it should come in less than that. I would call them about these diamonds if you are interested so someone else doesn't snatch them up :twirl:
 

dmz

Rough_Rock
Joined
Aug 14, 2009
Messages
95
I don't think there is any one "best" retailer. It really depends on what you're looking for. I recently had a very good experience with BGD. I would bet they can do a bezel ring like you want.

Here's an example round bezel (but the description states they can make it for any shape): http://www.briangavindiamonds.com/home/ring-details/?product_id=5365

Also, here's an example 0.73 ct F SI1 Princess: http://www.briangavindiamonds.com/diamond/diamond-detail/?product_id=AGS-8680207

When working your budget, consider pricescope discounts, wire discounts, and shipping charges. Not every retailer handles these the same way. You might also consider upgrade policies if that's important to you.
 

mmills06

Rough_Rock
Joined
Sep 14, 2011
Messages
7
Hey guys, thanks for all of your help so far, great suggestions! I guess I have a few follow up questions to some of the information from these replies. Do most retailers offer discounts for PriceScope, and they are all different? What is Wire Discount? Lastly, and I don't know if there is some unwritten rule for this or if it is just personal preference, but considering my budget, how much should I spend one the setting vs. the diamond? I guess in my head I was thinking about 3k for diamond and 1k for setting, does this seem reasonable? Thanks!
 

dmz

Rough_Rock
Joined
Aug 14, 2009
Messages
95
A wire discount is just for paying by bank wire. It saves the merchant credit card fees, which allows them to pass along some savings. (But your bank often charges YOU a fee to send a bank wire. You'd have to see if it's worth it.) Another thing to consider is that depending on where you live, you might have to pay sales tax.

I don't think there's any rule as to what ratio you spend on the diamond vs the setting. A bezel setting is going to tend to make the diamond look larger. Her ring size is going to make a difference as to how large the diamond looks. If this is a "forever" ring (i.e., no plans to upgrade), then I'd consider getting a setting you're happy with. Some people who plan on upgrading wait, and get their "dream" setting later.

Just as a visual reference, I attached a picture of BGD princess bezel earrings. It should give you an idea of what a BGD princess bezel ring might look like.

Hope that helps.

BrianGavin_PrincessBezelEar1_011911.jpg
 
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