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Bigger diamond or better setting. 1-1.3 oval or cushion help

W

Wmiod

Rough_Rock
Joined
Jun 28, 2015
Messages
58
Hi everyone.

I just spent a long time writing a huge post sharing a pretty traumatic diamond buying story but the internet swallowed it up. anyway, long time lurker (6mo) and this is my first post. looking for an upgrade for my 5 yr Anniv. Original E-ring we as a thin stacking band with a tiny diamond, it was perfect then for our lives and is now too fragile and frankly, it doesn't fit where I am in life. I want something bigger and that can actually be worn...of course people I hang out with wear 1-2 carats so I can't deny that has been a factor.

I consider myself a combo of classic and Bohemian. I've been looking at rings from Anna Sheffield for a very long time. She's an alternative designer from New York City and I love her designs. But her prices are too expensive for what the rings are. Gemstones and black diamonds etc. I finally decided on something that I want. Cue the diamond buying saga (basically almost got swindled).

Now I need your help to select a diamond/setting. I feel pretty jaded about the entire process. but I really want this for my Anniv coming up! Realistically, my budget is more in the 1 to 1.3 Carat depending on where you look. basically, 5k (I've got Kids, a mortgage, etc)

I have been a long time fan of elongated cushions, BuT have recently become smitten with ovals. I am considering both.

Desired specs:
Oval or elongated cushion
1-1.3
J
Vs2
giA
18k rose gold basket setting.
I am a size 5. 5.25 in the summer.
My wedding band is a Tiffany a novo band in Rose gold.

I like this look (NOT the place I almost got swindled):
http://www.laurenbjewelry.com/Products/2106-lepozzi-135-ct-oval-rose-gold-engagement-ring.aspx

I would totally get it from here but its outside my price range.

I found cheaper diamonds on Adiamor, but felt hesitant because it's online. I like the conflict free aspect of a Brilliant Earth, but their diamonds are a little pricier and their rose gold Lissome setting I like is only 14k rose gold (not 18).

do I go for smaller diamond and the setting I like, or bigger diamond with more plain setting?




-Confused.
 
Re: Bigger diamond or better setting. 1-1.3 oval or cushion

With your budget, I would contact ID Jewelry. There is a guy with a thread right now with a similar budget and they are helping him with a 1 ct diamond and halo setting.

An oval has the advantage of facing up larger than a cushion. If you could add a halo, you'd really increase your size appearance. I don't realistically see how you'll be able to go higher than 1 carat including a setting, and that will be with a low color and clarity diamond, which may be problematic in an oval since color may concentrate in areas. I'd hesitate to go lower than I color, and you may detect tint in that.

IDJ carries Gabriel and Co settings which are nice quality and among the more affordable settings. By all means tell them you are a Pricescope member and want a well cut diamond. If you just want a plain solitaire with a diamond shank, I am sure they have additional options. The halo will really allow you to have the appearance of a 1.5-2.0 stone, though, if that is your real desire. You might have to up your budget a little, though, or wait a little longer and save for what you really want.

Here are some oval settings:

https://eshop.gabrielny.com/products-bridal/attStoneHeadshape-OV
 
Re: Bigger diamond or better setting. 1-1.3 oval or cushion

Thanks for your feedback.

I am really aiming for a solitaire setting and am really willing to compromise on the band to get the desired diamond size. I am okay with J color as it is being set in rose gold. Currentlyy getting info on this oval:

http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/oval-cut/1.20-carat-j-color-vs2-clarity-sku-472562

To be placed in the cheapest 18k rose gold setting I can find (Ill save for the setting I want later):

http://www.adiamor.com/Engagement-Rings/Solitaire/Custom-Fit-Basket-Solitaire-Setting-15mm/RoseGold/1720


Thoughts?
 
Re: Bigger diamond or better setting. 1-1.3 oval or cushion

Don't buy stone and setting from 2 different places as you'll end up paying extra to have your stone set. It will just be a pain.

Call IDJ because they can probably get that stone (and similar ones) and give you a lower price. Plus they can probably get a setting at a discount as well.
 
Re: Bigger diamond or better setting. 1-1.3 oval or cushion

I would put most of my budget into the diamond, personally. Settings can always be changed as trends change. Rose gold is trending now but may not be in 10 years, so you can update your setting later if you want.

I love Lauren B settings. I am considering one of their diamond scarf settings for the upgrade I am working on now! :)

I have been smitten by ovals lately as well, but haven't come across one I felt a connection with yet. I love their shape and large face up appearance. Two that my jeweler brought in for me to look at had the bow tie phenomenon so I'm back to cushions again.
 
Re: Bigger diamond or better setting. 1-1.3 oval or cushion

Thanks for the feedback. I didn't realize a nice oval was like finding a needle in a haystack, seriously. And you can't ever buy them blindly because of the bow-tie. I think I may end up with cushion based on this very fact. Every single oval in my price range on James Allen has a bow-tie effect that feels significant to me.
 
Re: Bigger diamond or better setting. 1-1.3 oval or cushion

Unfortunately, buying a good cushion is the same experience as buying a good oval. Most tend to be leaky under the table, not to mention the many different flavours of cushions from chunky, splintered ice, modern, hearts and arrow and more. Cushions also cannot be bought by the numbers alone and needs pictures, a video and ASET imaging.
 
Re: Bigger diamond or better setting. 1-1.3 oval or cushion

Wmiod|1435635226|3896636 said:
Thanks for the feedback. I didn't realize a nice oval was like finding a needle in a haystack, seriously. And you can't ever buy them blindly because of the bow-tie. I think I may end up with cushion based on this very fact. Every single oval in my price range on James Allen has a bow-tie effect that feels significant to me.
Click to expand...


Don't you hate budgets??! It seems as if everytime I come across a diamond that is exactly what I want, I look at the price tag and its $1-2k over my budget. So close, yet just out of my grasp. Ugh! Trying to be patient and wait for the right one for the right price!
 
Re: Bigger diamond or better setting. 1-1.3 oval or cushion

Chrono|1435669333|3896739 said:
Unfortunately, buying a good cushion is the same experience as buying a good oval. Most tend to be leaky under the table, not to mention the many different flavours of cushions from chunky, splintered ice, modern, hearts and arrow and more. Cushions also cannot be bought by the numbers alone and needs pictures, a video and ASET imaging.
Click to expand...


This is so true! I tend to be drawn to the crushed ice/modified brilliant flavor of cushions.
 
Re: Bigger diamond or better setting. 1-1.3 oval or cushion

My friend had a $5k budget and ended up getting above a 1 carat excellent cut princess cut with a halo - one of ID Jewelery's in house settings for under budget. With that in mind, I would definitely contact them - they really get you the most bang for your buck while being cognizant of a buyer's budget.
 
Re: Bigger diamond or better setting. 1-1.3 oval or cushion

If you are going for size, stick with ovals! As someone else said, well cut cushions are also hard to find, AND they generally face up smaller due to their greater depth!

Ask IDJ to find you two or three good ones to choose from around J color and in budget. I keep telling you this because they do nice discounts and can work with this kind of budget. I think going to K color is going to be a mistake, because color tends to concentrate in certain faceted areas and it just isn't going to be so pleasing to look at. That stone looks like a very nice cut, though.
 
Re: Bigger diamond or better setting. 1-1.3 oval or cushion

I agree and did not pursue the K. I found some great stones on there for a great price. Emailed and waiting to hear back.
 
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