Buying my girlfriends engagement ring in next few days

[Big daddy 48]

Just a little tip... Your jeweler is someone you should run from. I am in the auto business as well. I own a body shop and have for many years but I also am a diamond buyer. I have some feed back of my own to furnish you with. Some people on here might not agree with me but here''s the truth. Your budget is low. For you to be looking for a GIA or certified stone, I personally find that nuts! I think you should be looking for something on line, enhanced, etc. You could get a 1.00CT TW SI1, G Color, for around $1,500.00. Now I don''t want you being offended as far as my honesty but I just wanted to give you a helping hand.

 

[Big daddy 48]

As far as a jewelers loop. it''s a good idea. Here is one listed on eBay. It''s not a fancy one with lights and sirens as others will tell you that you need but it will do the same job. It is a perfect beginners loop. eBay item #220457064477. Most appraisers and people use a 10 times loop. I own one but prefer a 20. This one listed is a 20 and costs you under 20! Hope I was able to help.

 

[Lorelei]

Date: 8/9/2009 12:28:30 PM
Author: Big daddy 48
Just a little tip... Your jeweler is someone you should run from. I am in the auto business as well. I own a body shop and have for many years but I also am a diamond buyer. I have some feed back of my own to furnish you with. Some people on here might not agree with me but here's the truth. Your budget is low. For you to be looking for a GIA or certified stone, I personally find that nuts! I think you should be looking for something on line, enhanced, etc. You could get a 1.00CT TW SI1, G Color, for around $1,500.00. Now I don't want you being offended as far as my honesty but I just wanted to give you a helping hand.

Sorry, why would he want to give his GF a fracture filled diamond for an engagement ring? Also many CE diamonds are not well cut and Matt has already said he wants a well cut quality diamond for his girl, a CE diamond won't cut it.

 

[Lorelei]

Date: 8/9/2009 12:24:17 PM
Author: arcticcatmatt
^ Heck yeah if you want! Would help me out a ton! I pretty much need what we have talked about. You guys have taught me that cut is more important than size. I would rather have a great cut .51 than a crap cut .75.

Clarity S1 and up
Color J and up (hopefully I and up)
GIA rated to be safe
Size, depends on budget of 1,000
Cut - has to fall within the guidelines you posted
Round cut (I think you call that hearts and arrows)

It appears that ring is 600 on the site. If I do not have to pay tax I can go up to 1,000 on a diamond. That would put me at 1600 total. I am not aware of any warranty costs from James Allen.

The only thing I am worried about is not being able to find a local jeweler who will treat this as his own if something were to go wrong with the ring. I have to look at the warranty from James Allen. Local guys will fix it if I buy it from them but will James Allen? Don't know. Also, is James Allen the place where I can get a PS discount?

No problem Matt, lets see what we can find....H&A is a type of precision cut so although some might come up there is often a premium for these so just a well cut diamond might fit the bill possibly.

Ok here we are, check with all SI clarity grades that they are eyeclean to your standards.

http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/J-SI1-Ideal-Cut-Round-Diamond-1230465.asp ask for Idealscope for this one

http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/I-SI1-Ideal-Cut-Round-Diamond-1239045.asp request hearts image for this

http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/H-SI2-Ideal-Cut-Round-Diamond-1246832.asp ask for Idealscope

 

[Big daddy 48]

Matt has also said the money he is working with, that''s a fracture filled budget. All I am doing is stating my opinion. If he wants to get a bang for his buck he is not going to do it with a non enhanced stone. He is working with a $1500 budget for the whole package. There is no other way, unless he saves more, to get anything worthy with a descent color and clarity. He can always upgrade in the future.

 

[Lorelei]

Date: 8/9/2009 1:04:04 PM
Author: Big daddy 48
Matt has also said the money he is working with, that's a fracture filled budget. All I am doing is stating my opinion. If he wants to get a bang for his buck he is not going to do it with a non enhanced stone. He is working with a $1500 budget for the whole package. There is no other way, unless he saves more, to get anything worthy with a descent color and clarity. He can always upgrade in the future.

Not necessarily a fracture filled budget unless he wants a huge diamond for the money, it doesn't appear that he does and is aware of what size and quality he can get for his budget, he can get a lovely diamond which is well cut and good quality for his money - I have just found some good ones for him in fact.

 

[Big daddy 48]

Like I stated earlier, I knew I would get bad feed back from my opinion but I have seen how these guys get ripped off because of a certificate and they have no idea how to buy. A fracture filled stone fits his budget better. You have found him stones that fit his budget, great

Everyone on here is great when it comes to helping out. I was trying to lend a helping hand as well.

 

[Lorelei]

Date: 8/9/2009 1:11:02 PM
Author: Big daddy 48
Like I stated earlier, I knew I would get bad feed back from my opinion but I have seen how these guys get ripped off because of a certificate and they have no idea how to buy. A fracture filled stone fits his budget better. You have found him stones that fit his budget, great

Everyone on here is great when it comes to helping out. I was trying to lend a helping hand as well.

I understand that but fracture filled diamonds are not for everyone and they are not popular here - especially for an engagement ring and as for getting ripped off, we have a whole army of dedicated consumers here helping other consumers avoid the various pitfalls! The consumers here do this for love and the joy they get in helping, no other reason and because they want to help new buyers avoid falling into the same traps they did. Personally I believe CE diamonds have a place but not for a young man who wants to get his girl a beautiful stone for their engagement ring unless they state otherwise. Also as I said previously many of these are not well cut and it is cut which is essential for the beauty of the diamond, no point presenting a lady with a big diamond if it doesn't sparkle, that is the single most important thing we hear from unhappy buyers - that their stone doesn't do anything.

 

[Lorelei]

Matt, also click below the price on each diamond I linked as that will list the Pricescope benefits for you.

 

[Big daddy 48]

Some CE diamonds shoot off a great sparkle. It''s all a matter of opinion. I do agree with you on one thing. The people on here are dedicated and very helpful as your being to Matt. I think what you guys do is amazing. I love this forum and have got great advice. I know that most of you are not CE friendly and I respect that. It was just an opinion, that''s all. Keep doing what your doing because I personally feel that people like you who dedicate there time and knowledge for free is a great thing for people like Matt and others.

 

[Big daddy 48]

Matt,

One piece of advice that I will furnish you with that no one on here could disagree with. When purchasing a micro pave setting, know your GF size before buying it. If the ring is stock at 6 1/4 and your GF is a size 5 you need them to CUSTOM MAKE it for you. If you size a micro pave setting more than a 1/2 of size, stones WILL pop out in the future. I am VERY familiar with micro pave. Your in good hands over here. These people are full of knowledge and will direct you to where you need to be.

 

[treefrog]

Hey Matt,

That ring looks great. So does the countertop and backsplash! That''s quite a job. I''d say you have your hands full with all of this! I used a black epoxy stain-proof grout from Laticrete (Lowe''s) on mine. Great stuff but if you happen to be using it, you can keep it in the freezer to get a little extra working time from it.

Back on course...
In addition to the 3 diamonds Lorelei posted above, all of the ones previously suggested appear to still be available as well. At least one of those has been suggested a few times.

Yes, the price on those links show the Pricescope discount. FedEx shipping is also included. I think they''re based out of NY/MD so I don''t think you need to pay tax to them unless you live in NY. There is a 30 day return policy, upgrade policies, etc. To see the specifics, follow one of the above links to a diamond and then click under "Pricescope price" where it says "Click for Pricescope benefits!"

Treefrog

 

[Big daddy 48]

If I were to pick any of these three, just my opinion of course, it would be #2.

 

[Dancing Fire]

Date: 8/9/2009 12:28:30 PM
Author: Big daddy 48
Just a little tip... Your jeweler is someone you should run from. I am in the auto business as well. I own a body shop and have for many years but I also am a diamond buyer. I have some feed back of my own to furnish you with. Some people on here might not agree with me but here''s the truth. Your budget is low. For you to be looking for a GIA or certified stone, I personally find that nuts! I think you should be looking for something on line, enhanced, etc. You could get a 1.00CT TW SI1, G Color, for around $1,500.00. Now I don''t want you being offended as far as my honesty but I just wanted to give you a helping hand.

bad advise !!

 

[Lula]

I think all of the stones have good potential, and when you get Idealscopes for all of them, that will help narrow it further.

As for clarity enhanced stones, as a woman, I would NOT want one for an engagement ring. That''s just my opinion, but you''ll find that many women feel the same way I do, if you ask around or read the posts on PS about CE stones.

IMHO, you mostly see men on here touting CE''s (big stone, not much money). I haven''t seen a thread on PS about CE stones authored by a woman, but maybe I''m wrong.

If, for some reason, you do want a CE stone, make darn sure your fiancee would be happy with a CE stone and that she knows exactly what they are!

 

[arcticcatmatt]

I appreciate all the input! You guys should rename this website DiamondFanatics! I love it.

I have no interest in a diamond that has been altered to make it better but thank you for the EC recommendation. I understand that my budget and GIA should not go together but looking at these online diamond websites, it seems to be a non issue. I just want to make sure I am getting what I am paying for and GIA confirms that (unlike the local place that tried to sell me a low quality stone for premium money).

My budget would be higher had I not just spent thousands in cash on my kitchen.. my budget would also be higher if I didn't have a 10% pay cut for the past 4 months.. and last but not least my budget would be higher if I would take loans out and not pay for everything in cash.

But it is what it is

What is the difference between Ideal cut and true hearts cut? My girl LOVES when you rotate a diamond and it sparkles. I forget what you call this, I think it is speculation? I need whatever gives me max sparkle. I just spent time looking at your links and doing my own research. I believe I have it narrowed down to three.


.60 ideal
.54 hearts
.57 ideal

Should I ask for an idealscope for the two ideals and a hearts image for the one then post them here? Sucks, I am in NY, looks like I might have to pay tax. Might want to look at the white?website to save 200 bucks in tax.

Given this is going in a white gold ring, J color is not suggested (so I read on other sites). Just I and above. Oh I got another one for you guys. My jeweler told me that if I buy it in their store with their warranty, they will replate it for free and it will need replating every few years.

I am going to a jewelry shop tommorrow to look at the difference between a .5 carat and .7 carat.

 

[Dancing Fire]

Date: 8/9/2009 5:47:44 PM
Author: sarap333
I think all of the stones have good potential, and when you get Idealscopes for all of them, that will help narrow it further.

As for clarity enhanced stones, as a woman, I would NOT want one for an engagement ring. That''s just my opinion, but you''ll find that many women feel the same way I do, if you ask around or read the posts on PS about CE stones.

IMHO, you mostly see men on here touting CE''s (big stone, not much money). I haven''t seen a thread on PS about CE stones authored by a woman, but maybe I''m wrong.

If, for some reason, you do want a CE stone, make darn sure your fiancee would be happy with a CE stone and that she knows exactly what they are!

not me ! if my wife found out that i gave her a CE stone she would divorce me.

 

[Lula]

Articcatmatt,
I'm so glad you're not interested in CE stones! Not for this ring!

Your budget is just fine; it's a lot of money to spend on jewelry (which is a luxury item) so you are approaching this in a sane way -- getting the best quality you can without going into debt.

You will want to wait until you get the certifications and Idealscopes from James Allen, and then post them here. If you haven't already done so, e-mail or call James Allen and ask them to put the stones you're interested on hold while you're considering them. They will hold them for you for no charge, I believe.

Saving on sales tax is a definite plus to buying online. So you will definitely want to check Whiteflash's website (or ask the stone searching mavens here to help you) to see what they have in your price range. Check their settings page to see what's available in your price range. It's easier to get the setting and the stone from the same vendor, but it is possible to have a stone from one vendor set by another vendor if you can't find the stone and setting from one source.

You may also want to see what Good old Gold has in your price range (I think they're in New Jersey ??? but I'm not sure).

I can't remember if anyone suggested that you e-mail Lesley at Brian Gavin Diamonds, with your budget and specifications, but they are in Texas (I believe) too, so you would not have to pay sales tax with them either

Don't be shy about asking for help in searching for stones/settings. There are people on this site that are very, very good at finding beautiful diamonds in ANY budget, and it will save you time searching the web. (I see you're kind of busy with other projects !!!).

 

[arcticcatmatt]

^ Thanks for the tips. No CE stone for my girl. I would only get her a cheap crap quality stone if they were going in earrings.

She has even told me if I spend too much she will kill me (me and her are both very budget aware). She knows my budget WAS 1200.. I have since upped it to 1500ish. My cousin just dropped 3 grand at a big box store for his 6 months ago. My girlfriend said it was a beautiful ring but cost way to much money, especially since he had to sell his deceased mothers car to pay for it.

I just want this thing to sparkle like it is its job and bring a smile to her face when she shows it to her friends without feeling embarassed of its size. I realize a 1500ish ring is not going to put a dent in some of the 3-7,000 dollar rings some girls have, but I need to do my best to make it compare to them at least, if that makes sense.

I went to whiteflash, they are out. Price tag is more than JA
http://www.whiteflash.com/Engagement-Rings/Styles/Diamond-Settings/-Petite-Open-Cathedral--Engagement-Ring_1211.htm

Oh, and Amanda is a size 5.. I have had her sized at two places in the last 4 months.

I will get the information I need on those 3 stones asap.

 

[needbling]

Arcticcatmatt,

I can''t help much with the diamond selection as I too am a newbie but I thought I''d put my 2 cents in on your budget. When we got married my husband did the same thing as you and spent what he had without borrowing money. We did the same with our wedding and we did not owe a cent on anything after it was all over (including the honeymoon). We were on a VERY tight budget as well but did not believe in getting into debt to get married. My ring cost $850. It was a 1/4 carat solitaire in a very unique setting and I OFTEN got compliments on it from complete strangers. It just goes to show you don''t have to break the bank to have a beautiful ring. We''ve been married for 11 years and we now have the money to upgrade and I am getting a little over a 1 carat (thank goodness I''ve learned so much here as I know I''m getting a far better diamond than I would have ever found on my own). A .5 or .70 carat diamond will look very nice and even more so if your girlfriend has small hands. All of that being said keep in mind as well that once the wedding is all over the two physical things left that you''ll have to cherish (besides, of course, each other) are the wedding photos and wedding rings. These two items might be worth that extra splurge or cutting back on other things, but nothing to completley blow your budget on. Just my 2 cents.

 

[arcticcatmatt]

^ Thank you very much for that reply. My girlfriend is 5'2" and very tiny hands. She even told the jeweler "nope not that one, it is way to big for my tiny hands).

I need to go look at a .5 carat and see just how big/small it actually is. I think a .5 carate in that vintage style thin band would look sweet. The thing about her is she wants it set as low as possible. So if I order from JA I hope that is an acceptable request. She hates rocks that stick way up in the air and snag everything (so she says).

You should hear the story that was told to me by the lady in the store. A guy had 3 kids with is wife, no money. He saved his lunch money for 4 months and came up with about 400 bucks. He got her a diamond ring with it for engagement. I guess he had a big drinking problem he was getting over. The new fiance came into the store and thanked the sales woman and told her the story about how special that ring was to her and that she thought her man was drinking again but wasn't. She said they were both in tears. Hey, I am not a sentimental type of guy but that was pretty neat!

Our wedding won't be much. We are both sick of the big old church weddings and 20,000 dollar weddings that exist in our familys.. we have talked before and have considered going to Hawaii or somewhere nice (I wanted up north snowmobile trip!!!, she said NO), and eloping. We would invite our family and closest friends and extend the word that we FULLY understand if they didn't come. So far, we got huge feedback that everyone said they would come and it would be awesome. We both agreed that it would be more fun to spend a week in a great spot with family and friends to celebrate it with us, we all get a vacation! Then when we get home, have a simple reception. Oh, and 135 to rent a tux and 200 dollar dresses make her mad. I hate buying that stuff. Don't get me wrong, we are not classless, but weddings have become to indutrialized and lost their love and purpose. I don't forsee our wedding being anything ordinary at all.

I was just in one last week. 9 people on each side (groomsman and bridesmaids) 15 tuxes rented to include users and such. Crazy huge wedding that I was in.

Sorry, I type 80 words a minute. Back to the rock, I messaged james allen and asked for the information on those 3 diamonds.

I also really need to know the difference between hearts and arrows vs. ideal. What do I want for max sparkle (speculation?)

 

[Lula]

Well, I don't blame your fiancee for not wanting a snowmobile wedding -- LOL -- but the destination wedding sounds fun!

After you've been to a few of those blow-out weddings, they lose their appeal, IMHO. The wedding couple is usually stressed out and too busy to spend much time with their guests.

I think I figured out what you mean by wanting your fiancee's diamond to have "speculation" -- the term is scintillation, and it is the shimmer and sparkle that diamonds have more than any other gemstone.

Good cut is the key to good scintillation, and good cut is also the key to a diamond being able to show sparkle across a wide range of lighting conditions, not just under spotlights. Good cut includes looking at the angles of the stone to make sure they compliment each other and also looking at the stone's ability to return light through tools like ASET and Idealscope (as you've been learning from the other posters).

You can read about hearts and arrows stones here
to determine if you want to pay the extra money to get a "true hearts and arrows" stone.

There are many stones out there that will sparkle just as much as a hearts and arrows stone, but will not show the precise pattern of hearts and arrows under the scope. These stones may show a hearts and arrows pattern under the scope, but the pattern may not be as precise as a true H&A stone.

The stone-hunters on Pricescope can help you find a high-quality, sparkling stone, either an H&A stone or a well-cut GIA or AGS stone that is not specifically hearts and arrows. It's up to you if you'd like to spend the extra to get a true H&A. Either way you will get a lovely stone.

Make sure to ask that the stone be set as low as possible; the jeweler should be able to accommodate this request.

 

[Big daddy 48]

Matt,

You said your from NY. Check this one out. It looks like it would suit you very well. It is also priced right. GIA CERTIFIED.
http://www.bluenile.com/round-diamond-1-carat-or-less-ideal-cut-d-color-si1-clarity_LD01272181?__fun_frm=i&filter_id=0

Or this one if you want to stay a hair under .50 CT TW. They will look the same next to each other size wise but you will be under that .5 mark.

http://www.bluenile.com/round-diamond-1-carat-or-less-very-good-cut-f-color-vs2-clarity_LD01385872?__fun_frm=i&filter_id=0

BOTH ARE GIA CERTIFIED AND LOCATED IN NY. Best of luck pal. I hope this helps you.

 

[ashleyvictoria]

I just read on their website that Good Old Gold is in NY also.

Here''s their contact info:
GOG
5278 Sunrise Highway
Massapequa Park, NY 11762
(516) 798-5151 ext 2


I really liked what I saw on their website, especially the educational information. Too bad I''m in Florida, not NY, as I would love to go into their store

.

 

[arcticcatmatt]

Thanks for the replies! I just spent 2 hrs looking at stones! You guys have created a monster!

Amanda caught me looking at them haha. She wanted to see. I looked at them under the loupe* and some had flaws right in the center. She hated those, she said that would show when looking right at it. She may be right as I seen the flaws without the magnification.

I found a few that fell into my price range and the flaws were by the edge and what not.

I will look more tomorrow. Getting late once again. Hopefully with your guys help I will have it narrowed down and purchased here in the next 3 days. Can''t wait!

I have decided, screw my local jeweler. You guys are right. If they tried to take me once, the heck with them and their "service". I am all about buying online if the seller stands behind their product if something happens (tightening stones).

 

[glitterata]

Great going, Matt! Looks like you''re learning a lot.

A few things:

1. The photos of the diamonds that you''re looking at online, the ones that show inclusions ("flaws") in the middle, are not what the diamond will look like in real life. They''re way, way, way bigger. They''re sitting still, not moving around sparkling. And they don''t show the dazzle that you will see in real life. They''re deliberately photographed that way to show you the inclusions as clearly and obviously as possible. So there''s a very good chance you (and Amanda!) will not see those inclusions in real life. Don''t dismiss those diamonds. Ask James Allan to have their gemologist look at the diamonds you''re considering and tell you if they''re "eye clean." (And discuss with her what she means by "eye clean" and whether it''s the same thing you mean.)

2. Don''t worry so much about finding someone local to do little things like check and tighten the prongs, replate the ring if it needs it, etc. Most jewelers are happy to do those things even if you bought the ring elsewhere, either for free or for a fee. For example, the jeweler I go to in my neighborhood just tightened the prongs on two rings for me last week for free. I didn''t buy either of them from him. Your local jeweler probably isn''t going to be replating your ring for free even if you buy it from her, but replating isn''t all that expensive.

3. Forget about buying a warranty from the jeweler. Instead, buy insurance from an insurance company. You can get a rider on your homeowner''s/rental insurance policy, or you might be able to buy a stand-alone policy from a company that specializes in jewelry insurance--search this board for more advice. Insurance is way more effective at covering you than a warranty from the jeweler.

 

[jet2ks]

Hey there ACMatt, this thread has lengthened considerably since I last checked it out.

I just want to offer some encouragement. Your budget is enough for a great diamond and ring--I had a similar budget and a (now) fiance that cares little about the diamond size. She will love any ring you give her, because it is from you. If you pick a ring that matches her style and personality, she''ll just have less to complain about later

You are being very smart in your shopping and avoiding the temptation to go into debt to get something bigger. The reward will come when she says "YES", probably with tears in her eyes.

SaraP gave great advice about H&A vs. ideal cut in her post above. Generally, you will spend more for a Hearts and Arrows diamond that is the same size as a truly ideal cut that falls just short of H&A. The difference in performance between them, though, would not be noticeable.

Best of luck with your decision.

 

[Lorelei]

Date: 8/9/2009 1:36:07 PM
Author: Big daddy 48
Some CE diamonds shoot off a great sparkle. It's all a matter of opinion. I do agree with you on one thing. The people on here are dedicated and very helpful as your being to Matt. I think what you guys do is amazing. I love this forum and have got great advice. I know that most of you are not CE friendly and I respect that. It was just an opinion, that's all. Keep doing what your doing because I personally feel that people like you who dedicate there time and knowledge for free is a great thing for people like Matt and others.

Thats very kind of you Big Daddy, thank you!

 

[treefrog]

Hey Matt,

Sorry to hear you got busted looking at diamonds.

Have you checked with James Allen to see if you''d be taxed. They have a Maryland office too and I''m not sure which they base their taxes on, maybe both. Either way, worth a phone call.

Also, please get a second opinion from the other... what do you call us... "diamondfanactics" on this diamond from TX based Whiteflash:
http://www.whiteflash.com/round/Round-cut-diamond-2116988.htm#

Should be low $900''s shipped and no tax with the PS discount.

Treefrog

 

[arcticcatmatt]

^ I will price check them again tonight for raw diamonds. Thanks!

JA wrote me asking for my name and phone number. They are getting the information I requested and have put the rocks on hold. I will post them when I get them. JA said I will have to pay sales tax since I live in NY unless they can ship to a PA address or a PA fedex location for me to pick up. If/when I order I am going to go that route.

I won't lie, I am getting a little excited. That, and Amanda got a new job today! She was laid off, then a temp till december (coming december), and now scored a perm job.

I simply cannot wait to put this ring on her finger.

I have been anti-marriage forever, but I don't think I have been more sure of anything else. Nobody is perfect in life and I have come to accept that and thank god so has she haha. We are a great match together (we have almost nothing in common!) and I cannot wait to make her mine.

I asked her via email what size rock she liked when we were looking. She said
"I would be happy with anything. I honestly do not care about the size of the diamond. I thought that .47 was a great size, if you could/want to get bigger WITHIN your budget then that is awesome too"

I added these to the list


.56 ideal
.52 ideal <-I like that