Can I be pointed in the right direction?

[AshJac]

Hello to all of you! I am brand new. A long-time lurker... still very confused by the myriad of info out there.

From what I have been able to gather, CUT seems to be the PSers consensus on the most important of the four "C''s" when buying a quality diamond.

With that being said, here''s what I KNOW we want for an engagement ring:

*A white/fairly colorless solitaire diamond that''s at least one-carat (a three-stone setting is also possible, but we still want at least one-carat for the center stone);
*A round-cut diamond (cushion cut would also be a viable option; she doesn''t care that much for Princess, Emerald, Ascher, Marquise, Pear or Heart); and,
*A titanium, platinum or white gold band (she doesn''t want "gold" colored). Can be a Tiffany-style band (simple, elegant) or have diamonds all around... were not that picky on that part.

After that, we''re lost. I guess my question is, kind, generous PSers, would you please let us know your advice on what numbers (for lack of a better word) we should look for? In other words, what dimensions/pavilion, etc. would make a GREAT CUT? Our budget is flexible, but we would love to stay at/below $10K.

I think that''s what we''re missing... we want this to endure over generations and want a desirable cut for lasting beauty. After that, providing this is not "against the rules" can you point us in the right direction to a QUALITY merchant? I don''t have any ideas, but it seems most of you would readily recommend James Allen, Whiteflash, and Good Old Gold. Any others?

THANK YOU SO VERY MUCH for your time and help. We thank you in advance!!!

 

[neatfreak]

Here are some numbers to keep in mind. To make it easier, stick with AGS Ideal cuts or GIA excellent cuts. Then use these numbers to compare, and run them through the HCA (under TOOLS above). Anything with a score under 2 is good, and once it's under 2, lower isn't better.

Courtesy of Lorelei:

The combos for crown and pavillion angles at the steeper and shallower ranges may need further examination.

depth - 60 - 62 ( although you can go deeper if all else is right, suggest a max of 62.6%)

table - 54 - 57%

crown angle -shallower 34 - 35% getting a bit steeper = further eval

pavillion angle - shallower 40.5 - 40.9 or 41 getting a bit steeper= further eval

girdle thin to slightly thick, medium, slightly thin are all fine, avoid extremes such as thin to ex thick.

All those vendors are great. I would add Engagement Rings Direct and Winfield's Jewelers to that list.

 

[AshJac]

Thank you, thank you, thank you, neatfreak (and Lorelei, too)!

Any other responses, tips, suggestions, etc. GREATLY APPRECIATED!

Oh, I thought of one more thing... we have NEVER bought a diamond... are prices stated on vendors'' web pages negotiable? We can pay cash, too... if we did, what percentage-off discount, if any, do you think we could negotiate?

Thanks for the generosity of your time and knowledge!

-AshJac

 

[neatfreak]

Date: 11/9/2008 9:08:54 PM
Author: AshJac
Thank you, thank you, thank you, neatfreak (and Lorelei, too)!


Any other responses, tips, suggestions, etc. GREATLY APPRECIATED!


Oh, I thought of one more thing... we have NEVER bought a diamond... are prices stated on vendors'' web pages negotiable? We can pay cash, too... if we did, what percentage-off discount, if any, do you think we could negotiate?


Thanks for the generosity of your time and knowledge!


-AshJac

Most prices on PS vendors websites aren''t negotiable, but you will often see a "bankwire" price (or if you don''t, ask when you call) which will be a few percent lower, usually 2-5%.

My pleasure. At first glance I thought your SN was my hubby because part of his first and middle names are in your SN!

 

[mercoledi]

I would try this stone if eye-clean in this setting.

Stone: 6439
Setting: 2650 in platinum
Total: 9089

White gold and other settings can save you a few hundred dollars too if you wanted to go for a larger stone in a simple solitaire.

 

[Lorelei]

Date: 11/9/2008 9:08:54 PM
Author: AshJac
Thank you, thank you, thank you, neatfreak (and Lorelei, too)!

Any other responses, tips, suggestions, etc. GREATLY APPRECIATED!

Oh, I thought of one more thing... we have NEVER bought a diamond... are prices stated on vendors' web pages negotiable? We can pay cash, too... if we did, what percentage-off discount, if any, do you think we could negotiate?

Thanks for the generosity of your time and knowledge!

-AshJac

Thanks Neat!

Along with the suggested proportions Miss Neat posted, here are a couple of additions.

depth - 60 - 62% - although my personal preference is to allow up to 62.4 - 62.6%
table - 54- 57%
crown angle - 34- 35 degrees
pavilion angle - 40.6- 41 degrees
girdle - avoid extremes, look for thin to slightly thick, thin to medium etc
polish and symmetry - very good and above

note - with crown and pavilion angles at the shallower ends ( CA 34- PA 40.6) and steeper ( CA 35- PA 41) check to make sure these angles complement in that particular diamond - eyeballs, Idealscope, trusted vendor input - check as appropriate!

Also ' cliff's notes' from John P to assist further.

As the above implies, configurations depend on each other. A little give here can still work with a little take there.

"With that said, here's a "Cliff's Notes" for staying near Tolkowsky/ideal angles with GIA reports (their numbers are rounded): A crown angle of 34.0, 34.5 or 35.0 is usually safe with a 40.8 pavilion angle. If pavilion angle = 40.6 lean toward a 34.5-35.0 crown. If pavilion angle = 41 lean toward a 34.0-34.5 crown.

GIA "EX" in cut is great at its heart, but it ranges a bit wider than some people prefer, particularly in deep combinations (pavilion > 41 with crown > 35)."

 

[AshJac]

I haven''t been on this for awhile, but THANK YOU to the responders!

OK, I think I am finally ready to BUY... but believe it or not, I hate shopping (even for diamonds; I''m sorry!). And I am still just OVERWHELMED. I know many of you longtime PSers LOVE, LOVE, LOVE to pick out suitable rocks for newbies (e.g. post links on what you''d recommend within their parameters). May I be so bold as to request that you help me out in this regard?

I now know what you recommend for cut. I know I am interested in a round (or similar). And now I know what vendors you''d readily recommend: Whiteflash, James Allen, Engagement Rings Direct, Good ol'' Gold and Winfield Jewelers.... but I just plain do not know what the best rock for my money would be.

Wonderful PSers... would you send me links on diamonds you''d feel confident recommending??? Again, budget is 10K (give or take a thousand in either direction), band can be Tiffany-style or encrusted, setting can be a solitaire or a three-diamond, but she definitely wants the center to be a HIGH quality 1.0 carat stone or better.

Thank you, thank you, thank you in advance for possibly saving my hide!

 

[Lorelei]

Date: 1/7/2009 2:02:16 AM
Author: AshJac
I haven't been on this for awhile, but THANK YOU to the responders!

OK, I think I am finally ready to BUY... but believe it or not, I hate shopping (even for diamonds; I'm sorry!). And I am still just OVERWHELMED. I know many of you longtime PSers LOVE, LOVE, LOVE to pick out suitable rocks for newbies (e.g. post links on what you'd recommend within their parameters). May I be so bold as to request that you help me out in this regard?

I now know what you recommend for cut. I know I am interested in a round (or similar). And now I know what vendors you'd readily recommend: Whiteflash, James Allen, Engagement Rings Direct, Good ol' Gold and Winfield Jewelers.... but I just plain do not know what the best rock for my money would be.

Wonderful PSers... would you send me links on diamonds you'd feel confident recommending??? Again, budget is 10K (give or take a thousand in either direction), band can be Tiffany-style or encrusted, setting can be a solitaire or a three-diamond, but she definitely wants the center to be a HIGH quality 1.0 carat stone or better.

Thank you, thank you, thank you in advance for possibly saving my hide!

Of course we will help! May I just clarify if the 10k budget is for the whole ring or just the diamond? By high quality do you mean you want to stay with D -G colour for example and VVS/ VS clarity?

 

[AshJac]

Thanks for your offer of help!

The approx. 10K budget should be out-the-door for the whole ring, and we want a platinum band. D-G color and VVS/VS clarity would be nice; but can I make some concessions in those areas w/a really GREAT cut?? Esp. w/a round brilliant?

Thanks Lorelei!

 

[swingirl]

Date: 11/9/2008 9:41:41 PM
Author: mercoledi
I would try this stone if eye-clean in this setting.


Stone: 6439

Setting: 2650 in platinum

Total: 9089


White gold and other settings can save you a few hundred dollars too if you wanted to go for a larger stone in a simple solitaire.

Did you check this out?

 

[Lorelei]

Date: 1/8/2009 3:18:21 AM
Author: AshJac
Thanks for your offer of help!

The approx. 10K budget should be out-the-door for the whole ring, and we want a platinum band. D-G color and VVS/VS clarity would be nice; but can I make some concessions in those areas w/a really GREAT cut?? Esp. w/a round brilliant?

Thanks Lorelei!

Most welcome!

Miss Merc has a great combo for a three stone ring with top cut diamond if you want to go that way!

I have had a look and found this one firstly from Wink Jones, a lovely Infinity hearts and arrows priced at $7, 240. This leaves you room for a platinum setting which Wink can easily provide. Of course white gold will be less. It is H SI1, if eyeclean to your standards ( check with Wink, he is a great guy) could be a great pick and H will still be extremely white.

http://www.craftedbyinfinity.com/index.php?pid=63&lang=eng&sid%5B%5D=539&src=loupe

This appears to be new from GOG, no images loaded yet but definitely worth keeping an eye on!

http://www.goodoldgold.com/diamond/5353/

This one is bigger at 1.30 ct ( check it is eyeclean) and you could swing it with a simple solitaire setting.

http://www.goodoldgold.com/diamond/4974/

Whiteflash ( check eyeclean as with all SI clarities)

http://www.whiteflash.com/hearts_arrows/Whiteflash-ACA-cut-diamond-1848216.htm#

http://www.whiteflash.com/hearts_arrows/Whiteflash-ACA-cut-diamond-1844707.htm

http://www.whiteflash.com/hearts_arrows/Whiteflash-ACA-cut-diamond-1844705.htm


Theres a few to be going on with along with Merc's lovely pick, if you need any more suggestions let us know!

 

[AshJac]

Sorry to be MIA!

I bought one! And she said yes! Yea!

THANK YOU SO VERY MUCH for all the help! I truly could not have done any of this without your expert help and advice.

I decided on this one:

http://www.whiteflash.com/hearts_arrows/Whiteflash-ACA-cut-diamond-1844705.htm

... in a pave setting. I would like to post photos... haven''t figured out how to do that yet!(?)

Again, thank you. I will try and show it off when I can, but the transaction went very smoothly and we are VERY SATISFIED! Love the ring, it turned out beautiful! Again, thank you PSers!!!

 

[Lorelei]

FANTASTIC choice, many congrats!!!