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Changed my mind: WF instead of Tiffanys

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playaparguito

Rough_Rock
Joined
Nov 13, 2007
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6
Hi there,
Some weeks ago I posted some questions about buying a ring from Tiffanys. Now after having read this forum over and over again, I changed my mind. I will NOT buy a Tiffany ring. Reasons for that are plenty but the trigger was the experience with their sales people. They only randomly answer their emails and did never respond to my repeated questions to tell me the specs of some stones. Also, I went to Tiffs in my city and looked directly at some diamonds. Even directly in the store they could not or did not want to tell me the exact specifications of the diamond (the sales guy made the impression to me that he did not even know what I meant by “specifications” other than the Cs). Maybe I was just unlucky with the people I spoke to, but anyway, the decision is made.

While reading around the forum I got the impression, that I would get most for my budget at Whiteflash. I like it that it is very transparent there and that you get every information available about the stone. Also their sales people on the phone were extremely helpful and polite. So I am almost ready to close the deal. Still I have some questions and would like to know your opinion on some stones I seleted

Thanks for replying to both parts.

PP

Stones:

http://www.whiteflash.com/hearts_arrows/A-Cut-Above-H-A-cut-diamond-471538.htm

http://www.whiteflash.com/hearts_arrows/A-Cut-Above-H-A-cut-diamond-283253.htm

http://www.whiteflash.com/hearts_arrows/A-Cut-Above-H-A-cut-diamond-283266.htm

http://www.whiteflash.com/hearts_arrows/A-Cut-Above-H-A-cut-diamond-283244.htm

Questions

-Is it enough to have a stone that is „eye clean“ or will a SI1/SI2 stone have significantly less fire and brilliance?

-Will people be able to spot the inclusions when looking at an “eye clean” stone at very close distance?

-When I read along the forum I get the impression that most members here buy at Whiteflash. Is there a certain reason for that, e.g. have other online vendors less rigid examination rules? For example many here say that Superbcert has the best Tiffany setting but no one seems to buy the diamond there.

-I learned somewhere on the forum that the fact that a diamond has H&A cut does not imply that it also has a perfect fire/brilliance. What is the reason then to have an H&A cut at all? I thought it would imply an especially well cut diamond.

-Is an AGS certificate as reliable as a GIA? Or is one of them less rigid?

-What is the difference between platinum and white gold setting (other than price)? Would it be wise to go with white gold? (I would like to spend as much of the money as possible for the stone)

-And last: does someone here have pictures of the Classic Tiffany setting of WF and the Narrow-V-Neck setting? I still don’t know which to take in case I will order at WF and they have only few photos on their website.
 
Here is a pic of the WF Tiffany style:

whiteflash1 tiffany knife edge.jpg
 
Date: 12/9/2007 3:43:06 PM
Author:playaparguito

-Is it enough to have a stone that is „eye clean“ or will a SI1/SI2 stone have significantly less fire and brilliance?
Yes. You should still have great fire and brilliance from a well cut stone. The people at WF can be your "eyes" to find the best one for you.


-Will people be able to spot the inclusions when looking at an “eye clean” stone at very close distance?
No. That's why it's called eye clean.

-When I read along the forum I get the impression that most members here buy at Whiteflash. Is there a certain reason for that, e.g. have other online vendors less rigid examination rules? For example many here say that Superbcert has the best Tiffany setting but no one seems to buy the diamond there.
Dunno.

-I learned somewhere on the forum that the fact that a diamond has H&A cut does not imply that it also has a perfect fire/brilliance. What is the reason then to have an H&A cut at all? I thought it would imply an especially well cut diamond.
Correct. The explanation is too long for me to type. There should be some info on the tutorial section here. I also was reading about the issue on the FAQ section of the Eightstar site. I'm sure somebody else will chime in.

-Is an AGS certificate as reliable as a GIA? Or is one of them less rigid?
They are both good. Some would argue that AGS is better. I'm sure somebody else will chime in.

-What is the difference between platinum and white gold setting (other than price)? Would it be wise to go with white gold? (I would like to spend as much of the money as possible for the stone)
I would go with platinum.


-And last: does someone here have pictures of the Classic Tiffany setting of WF and the Narrow-V-Neck setting? I still don’t know which to take in case I will order at WF and they have only few photos on their website.
See above post.
Click to expand...
 
Date: 12/9/2007 3:43:06 PM
Author:playaparguito
Hi there,
Some weeks ago I posted some questions about buying a ring from Tiffanys. Now after having read this forum over and over again, I changed my mind. I will NOT buy a Tiffany ring. Reasons for that are plenty but the trigger was the experience with their sales people. They only randomly answer their emails and did never respond to my repeated questions to tell me the specs of some stones. Also, I went to Tiffs in my city and looked directly at some diamonds. Even directly in the store they could not or did not want to tell me the exact specifications of the diamond (the sales guy made the impression to me that he did not even know what I meant by “specifications” other than the Cs). Maybe I was just unlucky with the people I spoke to, but anyway, the decision is made.

While reading around the forum I got the impression, that I would get most for my budget at Whiteflash. I like it that it is very transparent there and that you get every information available about the stone. Also their sales people on the phone were extremely helpful and polite. So I am almost ready to close the deal. Still I have some questions and would like to know your opinion on some stones I seleted

Thanks for replying to both parts.

PP

Stones:

http://www.whiteflash.com/hearts_arrows/A-Cut-Above-H-A-cut-diamond-471538.htm

http://www.whiteflash.com/hearts_arrows/A-Cut-Above-H-A-cut-diamond-283253.htm

http://www.whiteflash.com/hearts_arrows/A-Cut-Above-H-A-cut-diamond-283266.htm

http://www.whiteflash.com/hearts_arrows/A-Cut-Above-H-A-cut-diamond-283244.htm

Questions

-Is it enough to have a stone that is „eye clean“ or will a SI1/SI2 stone have significantly less fire and brilliance?

Clarity is personal preference. If WF has a stone in their ACA collection, it will have top brilliance. Just ask if the stone is eyeclean and how close.

-Will people be able to spot the inclusions when looking at an “eye clean” stone at very close distance?

Again, ask how close it is eyeclean.

-When I read along the forum I get the impression that most members here buy at Whiteflash. Is there a certain reason for that, e.g. have other online vendors less rigid examination rules? For example many here say that Superbcert has the best Tiffany setting but no one seems to buy the diamond there.

I would not necessarily say "most" members buy at WF. There are other great vendors such as Good Old Gold that have the same info. But I have bought from those two due to their top quality stones and the plentiful information they provide plus good customer service. That's how they get repeat customers. Superbcert is not a Pricescope vendor, so they may not get as many customers here. The PS vendors have a lot of incentive to keep PS customers happy because they know we will post our experiences here. That offers us protection as consumers.

-I learned somewhere on the forum that the fact that a diamond has H&A cut does not imply that it also has a perfect fire/brilliance. What is the reason then to have an H&A cut at all? I thought it would imply an especially well cut diamond.

It normally is a very well cut diamond. The AGS or GIA lab will grade it as ideal or excellent depending on a number of factors. But you can be assured that ACA stones are safe.
-Is an AGS certificate as reliable as a GIA? Or is one of them less rigid?
They are both safe. The GIA excellent is a wider range, however, and some stones are better than others within the excellent range.

-What is the difference between platinum and white gold setting (other than price)? Would it be wise to go with white gold? (I would like to spend as much of the money as possible for the stone)

Both have advantages and disadvantages. White Gold may occasionally have to be replated with rhodium to remain white and platinum will occasionally have to be professionally repolished to stay white and shiny. Platinum develops a gray patina that some people love and others hate. It really depends on your budget and her preferences. But I agree with getting the best stone you can.

-And last: does someone here have pictures of the Classic Tiffany setting of WF and the Narrow-V-Neck setting? I still don’t know which to take in case I will order at WF and they have only few photos on their website.

I think everyone here has the Classic and that is what I recommend. The post above has photos, I believe, of the old setting before WF refined it. I'll try to find a thread with the newer style for you.
Click to expand...
 
PS I think the new WF Classic Tiffany is probably as good as the SuperbCert.
 
Ooooh, DS, WF refined it? I hope you can find a pic!
 
Date: 12/9/2007 4:02:59 PM
Author: DiamanteBlu
Ooooh, DS, WF refined it? I hope you can find a pic!
Click to expand...
I am guessing that those pictures are of Solange''s 4 carat stone, and that was the old style setting. I''ll look now for the newer version.
 
So many questions!
2.gif


The SI1 stones I purchased from WF sparkle a bit more than my VS2 because they're better cut. A well-cut stone is your goal and clarity and color come in next! (I wouldn't go for an SI2, though. Most are happy with their purchases, but (personally) I'd rather have a stone that's clean from the side, not just the top!)

If you find the perfect eye-clean stone, NOBODY will be able to see the inclusions even when looking up close (or that is the case w/my two ACA and ES stones).

I chose WF for three diamond purchases because the prices are GREAT and I love that all the diamond info (ideal scope and ASET images) are right there in front of me. Some of the other popular vendors do not have all the info easily accessable and a few that do had higher prices. For some budget isn't as big of a factor, but for all three stones, I had to stick to an approximate amount.

A H&A will need to be viewed under an ideal scope, just like any other diamond, so you can verify if it's well cut.

From what I've read AGS is more reliable. The GIA stone I have (I get the impression) is graded as a G, but I think it's more of an H. I can see a bit of warmth from the side. But, I'm also very color sensitive I can EASILY see the difference between my E stone and my G.

For a wedding ring, I would go with platinum. It will not require rhodium plating every year and it cannot be damaged while in the pool, etc.
 
Re: platinum v. white gold. Platinum will scratch easily, it is a "malleable" metal. That will give it a frosted appearance over time. It can be polished, which will cost maybe $20 or so a visit. White gold is plated yellow gold. It can also scratch but is less easily scratched than platinum. Depending on your body chemistry and maybe environmental factors, the plating on the white gold will wear off over time (how fast it does varies), and the yellow will show through. The white gold can be re-plated or "dipped" for maybe $20. Platinum will not become less white over time. Platinum is a rarer metal, and some people like the symbolism of that. I have white gold rings and don''t find that they are yellowing (again, it may be my body chemistry or how I treat them), and WG is certainly more affordable.
 
yes, I know, I had a lot of questions;-) Even more impressed am I that so many people yet answered! You guys are fast! Thanks a lot.

To me it seems that the new Classic Setting is nice. The only thing is, the owners of the pictured rings seem to have quite hefty "rocks" and I am not sure how good this setting will look with my "beginner size" stone (0.6 to 0.8). I am a little concerned that there is too much metal for a relatively small stone.

And about the clarity issue: so you think it is enough to just ask the WF guys if its eye clean? Will they be honest? I mean they are sales people...

Anyway, thanks for the info and keep it coming;-)

PP
 
The great thing about this forum is that the vendors have very good reason to be honest since many people come back here to report their satisfaction! That is why I like buying from these vendors! I think a .60 to .80 stone would look fine! I am sure Tiffany sells plenty in that size range.
 
You can enlarge the diamond images and look to see if their are any inclusions under magnification. Well-cut stones are good at masking inclusions, but for your own piece of mind, why not look for one that''s clean under magnification just so you''re on the safe side? (oh and the second diamond down on your list does have inclusions in the center of the stone that show up in the enlargement. There are other stones with similar plot maps that are eye clean under magnification. Here''s an example:

http://www.whiteflash.com/hearts_arrows/A-Cut-Above-H-A-cut-diamond-292635.htm# )

I do think you can trust WF, but if you''re concerned have the diamond sent to you before setting and possibly even have an appraiser lined up so the diamond can be viewed. WF has a 10-day return policy.
 
I wont be able to examine the stone before the setting is made as I am planning to propose during a vacation and will have WF ship directly to the holiday location.

I read something about an "Elaineh modified setting". Does sb. know what kind of modifications were made for this?

And I found another stone. Do you think "I" will be good as well as a color (I mean white enough)?

http://www.whiteflash.com/hearts_arrows/A-Cut-Above-H-A-cut-diamond-471541.htm
 
Date: 12/9/2007 4:08:50 PM
Author: milton333
White gold is plated yellow gold.
Click to expand...

Not to be contrary but I beg to differ. White gold is NOT plated yellow gold. White gold and yellow gold differ in color because the pure gold [which is deep yellow]that is alloyed with different metals. The plating of white gold you are thinking of is rhodium.
 
Date: 12/9/2007 5:38:06 PM
Author: playaparguito
I wont be able to examine the stone before the setting is made as I am planning to propose during a vacation and will have WF ship directly to the holiday location.

I read something about an ''Elaineh modified setting''. Does sb. know what kind of modifications were made for this?

And I found another stone. Do you think ''I'' will be good as well as a color (I mean white enough)?

http://www.whiteflash.com/hearts_arrows/A-Cut-Above-H-A-cut-diamond-471541.htm
Click to expand...
Yes, see the pictures I posted above. That was someone who liked Elaine''s setting and bought it as well. WF began offering the modified version as a stock item. It makes the prongs more like the real Tiffany than the old one.

The I color stone looks lovely! Many people here have I and J color ACA''s and are happy.
 
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