Close to buying: Need Advice

[EastCoast]

Ahhh! Im about ready to buy my first diamond, and am second guessing myself. I have the ring design complete and have picked a great jeweler that has plenty experience with my halo style of design. I need to finalize a few decisions, so I wanted to run it by all you experts before paying the big bucks

. For diamonds, I have a feeling lots of you are going to tell me to go with a lesser color/clarity and get a bigger stone. I do not want anything bigger than 0.88carats (and neither does she) due to the halo design I''m using and my GF''s small fingers. This smaller stone saves me a bit of money, so I''m split as to where I should spend it. I can either get nicer color/clarity, or I can have the ring done in platinum instead of white gold. Which would you suggest? I have a very delicate ring design (thin shank w/ halo), so part of me wants the stronger metal. But the other part wants to just get a nicer stone... which is where you all come in. Please vote for either 1) platinum (rather than white gold) or 2)nicer stone (0.85-E/VS1 instead of 0.85-G-SI1/VS2). If you vote for the diamond, here are some options I''ve looked at. Feel free to comment on the choices as well. I have a preference between these diamonds, but I''m presenting them to you in no particular order for some unbiased feedback. Thanks!!

Choice 1 -
http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/E-VS1-Premium-Cut-Round-Diamond-1191795.asp?b=16&a=12&c=77&cid=131

Choice 2
http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/G-VS1-Ideal-Cut-Round-Diamond-1204031.asp

Choice 3
http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/F-VS1-Ideal-Cut-Round-Diamond-1193299.asp

Choice 4
http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/G-VS2-Ideal-Cut-Round-Diamond-1204035.asp

 

[:)]

Choice #2 (0.86 G VS1) in platinum.

 

[Lorelei]

Date: 1/17/2009 11:11:10 AM
Author:
Choice #2 (0.86 G VS1) in platinum.

Ditto that!

 

[EastCoast]

Just curious, but why did you pick #2 over #3, they are priced about the same, have similar HCA performans, but #3 is higher color? Im not arguing, just trying to learn... Thanks for the quick responses!

 

[Cocosgirl]

#2 for sure! look at those arrows

!

 

[Ellen]

Date: 1/17/2009 11:23:27 AM
Author: Lorelei

Date: 1/17/2009 11:11:10 AM
Author:
Choice #2 (0.86 G VS1) in platinum.

Ditto that!

No.

Thritto that.

 

[Ellen]

Date: 1/17/2009 12:24:02 PM
Author: EastCoast
Just curious, but why did you pick #2 over #3, they are priced about the same, have similar HCA performans, but #3 is higher color? Im not arguing, just trying to learn... Thanks for the quick responses!

The angles (very important!) are just smack dab in a premo spot, no ifs, ands, or buts.

That's not to say 3 wouldn't be nice, but this way there is no guessing!

 

[Rock_of_Love]

White gold is nice, but remember it does get a tinge of yellow with age. Kind of looks antiquey, I think. If you GF and you like that about white gold, than it is not a problem. But, if you want it to retain the silver color, I would stick with platinum.

 

[EastCoast]

Date: 1/17/2009 12:30:23 PM
Author: Ellen

Date: 1/17/2009 12:24:02 PM

Author: EastCoast

Just curious, but why did you pick #2 over #3, they are priced about the same, have similar HCA performans, but #3 is higher color? Im not arguing, just trying to learn... Thanks for the quick responses!

The angles (very important!) are just smack dab in a premo spot, no ifs, ands, or buts.

That''s not to say 3 wouldn''t be nice, but this way there is no guessing!

What specifically about the angles is better? You say #2 is in the premo spot, are you referring to the AGS ideal candidate range? On the Holloway calculator, #3 has a better "Total visual performance" ranking. Im a bit confused about what exactly I should look for. Im pretty sure Im going with platinum now, and leaning towards #2. Just want to understand the differences between #2 and #3 before I commit. I really appreciate all the advice!

 

[Ellen]

Date: 1/17/2009 12:52:05 PM
Author: EastCoast

Date: 1/17/2009 12:30:23 PM
Author: Ellen

Date: 1/17/2009 12:24:02 PM

Author: EastCoast

Just curious, but why did you pick #2 over #3, they are priced about the same, have similar HCA performans, but #3 is higher color? Im not arguing, just trying to learn... Thanks for the quick responses!

The angles (very important!) are just smack dab in a premo spot, no ifs, ands, or buts.

That''s not to say 3 wouldn''t be nice, but this way there is no guessing!

What specifically about the angles is better? You say #2 is in the premo spot, are you referring to the AGS ideal candidate range? On the Holloway calculator, #3 has a better ''Total visual performance'' ranking. Im a bit confused about what exactly I should look for. Im pretty sure Im going with platinum now, and leaning towards #2. Just want to understand the differences between #2 and #3 before I commit. I really appreciate all the advice!

Not really.

While it gets an EX in spread, look where the x falls, it''s outside of both boxes. You want it, ideally, in the overlap of AGS/GIA (where #2 falls). The reason it gets a better spread, is because it''s a bit shallower than many stones, but that doesn''t make it better. The very best cut stones only get Very Good. (just the way it is)

It also has crown angles that are leaning towards the shallow side. That will make for a very brilliant (white light) diamond, but it most likely will therefore lack some fire. The second diamond will be a very nice mix of both.

You can do a search on here for the crown/pavilion relationship if you want to know more.

 

[EastCoast]

Date: 1/17/2009 1:14:48 PM
Author: Ellen

Date: 1/17/2009 12:52:05 PM

Author: EastCoast

Date: 1/17/2009 12:30:23 PM

Author: Ellen

Date: 1/17/2009 12:24:02 PM


Author: EastCoast


Just curious, but why did you pick #2 over #3, they are priced about the same, have similar HCA performans, but #3 is higher color? Im not arguing, just trying to learn... Thanks for the quick responses!

The angles (very important!) are just smack dab in a premo spot, no ifs, ands, or buts.

That''s not to say 3 wouldn''t be nice, but this way there is no guessing!

What specifically about the angles is better? You say #2 is in the premo spot, are you referring to the AGS ideal candidate range? On the Holloway calculator, #3 has a better ''Total visual performance'' ranking. Im a bit confused about what exactly I should look for. Im pretty sure Im going with platinum now, and leaning towards #2. Just want to understand the differences between #2 and #3 before I commit. I really appreciate all the advice!

Not really.

While it gets an EX in spread, look where the x falls, it''s outside of both boxes. You want it, ideally, in the overlap of AGS/GIA (where #2 falls). The reason it gets a better spread, is because it''s a bit shallower than many stones, but that doesn''t make it better. The very best cut stones only get Very Good. (just the way it is)


It also has crown angles that are leaning towards the shallow side. That will make for a very brilliant (white light) diamond, but it most likely will therefore lack some fire. The second diamond will be a very nice mix of both.

You can do a search on here for the crown/pavilion relationship if you want to know more.

Thanks for your patience with me, your answer is very helpful. Now I just need to gather up the guts to buy it.

 

[JulieN]

another vote for number 2!

 

[Ellen]

Date: 1/17/2009 3:15:53 PM
Author: EastCoast

Date: 1/17/2009 1:14:48 PM
Author: Ellen

Not really.

While it gets an EX in spread, look where the x falls, it's outside of both boxes. You want it, ideally, in the overlap of AGS/GIA (where #2 falls). The reason it gets a better spread, is because it's a bit shallower than many stones, but that doesn't make it better. The very best cut stones only get Very Good. (just the way it is)


It also has crown angles that are leaning towards the shallow side. That will make for a very brilliant (white light) diamond, but it most likely will therefore lack some fire. The second diamond will be a very nice mix of both.

You can do a search on here for the crown/pavilion relationship if you want to know more.

Thanks for your patience with me, your answer is very helpful. Now I just need to gather up the guts to buy it.

You're welcome! And that should have said, "crown and pavilion angles that are leaning". Not sure what happened there, but I think you got what I was saying anyway!

I had one other thought, that I'll mention. JA's upgrade policy is not as lenient as most. Do you forsee an upgrade in the future, and would that be a problem? If you do, we might try finding something somewhere else. If not, you are good to go. It will be ok.

 

[EastCoast]

I don''t think she''ll ever want an upgrade - she specifically told me she doesnt want a huge diamond. And if she does, we could always use this on in a necklace or something... so Im not too worried about that. So what do you do when you buy a diamond? DO you recommend always having it sent to an appraiser before sale? If so should I have them ship it directly there so I done have to worry about it getting damaged on the way there? Also, can anyone recommend a good appraiser in the Milwaukee WI area? There are no WI appraisers listed on pricescope

. Once I buy it, is there anything I should do (other than oogle) before the 30 day money back guarantee is up? Im really excited!!

 

[Lorelei]

Date: 1/18/2009 6:23:48 PM
Author: EastCoast
I don''t think she''ll ever want an upgrade - she specifically told me she doesnt want a huge diamond. And if she does, we could always use this on in a necklace or something... so Im not too worried about that. So what do you do when you buy a diamond? DO you recommend always having it sent to an appraiser before sale? If so should I have them ship it directly there so I done have to worry about it getting damaged on the way there? Also, can anyone recommend a good appraiser in the Milwaukee WI area? There are no WI appraisers listed on pricescope

. Once I buy it, is there anything I should do (other than oogle) before the 30 day money back guarantee is up? Im really excited!!

You can purchase the diamond and get an appraisal during the return period, you can either have it set and get an appraisal on the finished ring or have the diamond sent loose to an appraiser, then get it set.

 

[EastCoast]

I just got back IdealScope images (see Below). The lady I am workign with at JamesAllen says she likes the idealscope of #3 better that #2. I personally thought #2 was brighter and looked more like what the tutorials suggest. I know you all seemed to like #2 better from the angles, but now the James Allen lady has me worried. What are your thoughts on the idealscopes? Thanks!!

Idealscope for #2 (1204031.PG) - attached

 

[EastCoast]

and #3 (1193299.JPG)....

 

[diamondseeker2006]

Definitely #2. Beautiful!

(And you really don''t need an appraisal since the stone is certified. Just take the stone to a jeweler who does appraisals and ask them to verbally verify that your stone is the one on the lab certificate. Get an appraisal after the stone is set, or better yet, have JA set the stone before they send it.)

 

[:)]

I still like #2 the best. #3 looks painted
http://www.goodoldgold.com/4Cs/NewCutGrading/Painting/ (in case you aren''t familiar with painting)

Any chance of getting them shipped to an appraiser near you where you can look at them yourself and make the choice? Did the person from JA look at the actual diamonds side by side, or just the IS pics?

 

[CharmyPoo]

#2 and platinum all the way!

 

[EastCoast]

Im going to the jewelers today to finalize my ring design. Im assuming they will want me to pay before they start, so I''m preparing for the negotiation. I am using an online diamond, but a B&M jeweler to make the ring. Do people normally negotiate the price of the shank/halo, or just the diamond? Can anyone give me advice on how much they were able to negotiate? I realize this depends on the original asking price, but Im just curious. I am also being charged a mounting fee for the online diamond, so that is another consideration. Thanks!

 

[:)]

If you are having a custom design done, I would have assumed the mounting fee was included. I can understand a mounting fee for a ready made setting that you are plopping your internet diamond into, but I am sort of surprised they are charging extra for mounting for a custom designed piece (instead of just incorporating it into the price quote for the custom piece).
You can certainly at least try to negotiate on price for the setting - it is hard to estimate how much you can negotiate but you can go get a quote at more than one jeweler for your design to see which jeweler you are more comfortable with and feel the price is fair.
I would not pay for all of it upfront - an initial downpayment is absolutely understandable, even with additional payments along the way, but IMO the final payment should be on receipt of the finished product (kind of like when you have a contractor working on your house - you keep making agreed upon payments at little agreed upon points until the work is done)

 

[Gypsy]

Well, I have a few comments. Your ring design is similar to mine.

Execution makes a big difference. If you go to this thread, you'll see my ring, and a link to Excel diamonds who is setting a ring inspired by mine. I would make sure you've seen the pave work and previous custom designs by this jeweler.

When Ocean made mine we had many discussions about halo tilt %, size of melee, how exactly the wires would work, etc. She did all of that to make sure what I was envisioning was the same as what she was.

My shank 2.1 and I wanted 1.8, frankly 2.1 is perfect. My diamond is an asscher and faces up 6 mm... so similar to size to a .80 round. Take a look at mine and make sure you want a much thinner shank.

I would DEFINITELY get platinum with the extra money.

https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/jaw-dropped-roflmao.104772/

Here's mine:

 

[EastCoast]

Date: 1/23/2009 10:28:57 PM
Author: Gypsy
Well, I have a few comments. Your ring design is similar to mine.


Execution makes a big difference. If you go to this thread, you''ll see my ring, and a link to Excel diamonds who is setting a ring inspired by mine. I would make sure you''ve seen the pave work and previous custom designs by this jeweler.


When Ocean made mine we had many discussions about halo tilt %, size of melee, how exactly the wires would work, etc. She did all of that to make sure what I was envisioning was the same as what she was.


My shank 2.1 and I wanted 1.8, frankly 2.1 is perfect. My diamond is an asscher and faces up 6 mm... so similar to size to a .80 round. Take a look at mine and make sure you want a much thinner shank.


I would DEFINITELY get platinum with the extra money.


https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/jaw-dropped-roflmao.104772/



Here''s mine:

I love you ring!!!! Those wires are incredibly delicate - you''ve given me something to aspire to. I love the melee too - perfectly sized and spaced. Excuse my ignorance, but what is halo tilt %? Is that the angle of the halo diamonds? I want mine slightly angled, but have never heard of tilt%. Thanks for the advice on the platinum... Im definitly going with it now. Do you know what alloy your ring is? Im looking at plat 950 with 5% iridium right now. If you dont mind me asking, I''d also be curous to know what you paid for the ring (prefferably without the center stone)? Anyway, thanks for the pictures, I''m a bit jealous of your design. I''ll post some pics once my design is done.

 

[Gypsy]

Thank you very much.

My melee are single cut, not full cut. They are G-H VS. The style of pave is 'french cut' and Ocean (my designer) is a master gold smith and did both the halo and the wires by hand (the shank is custom cast). I have .20 ctw in the halo. 1.3 mm is the diameter of the each of my melee diamonds.

Halo tilt %... from the side is the halo _____ complely flat, or is it tilted a bit?

My alloy is: 90% platinum, 10% iridium.

I paid 2000-2500. I highliy recommend my designer Ocean she's available though winkjones.com. Alternately, I'd recommend Leon Mage or Maytal Hannah.

Please trust me when I say, you want someone VERY good for your design.

Here's some additional inspiration for you. These wires, the gallery, (without the diamonds) remind me of your design.

 

[EastCoast]

Date: 1/23/2009 11:23:37 PM
Author: Gypsy
Thank you very much.


My melee are single cut, not full cut. They are G-H VS. The style of pave is ''french cut'' and Ocean (my designer) is a master gold smith and did both the halo and the wires by hand (the shank is custom cast). I have .20 ctw in the halo. 1.3 mm is the diameter of the each of my melee diamonds.


Halo tilt %... from the side is the halo _____ complely flat, or is it tilted a bit?


My alloy is: 90% platinum, 10% iridium.


I paid 2000-2500. I highliy recommend my designer Ocean she''s available though winkjones.com. Alternately, I''d recommend Leon Mage or Maytal Hannah.


Please trust me when I say, you want someone VERY good for your design.


Here''s some additional inspiration for you. These wires, the gallery, (without the diamonds) remind me of your design.

Thank you so much for all your replies - you are helping me tremendously! What is the tilt size of the first ring you posted (the one with the incredible wire work)? Thats just about exactly what I want mine to look like (though I wont copy you, I promise

. I think Im a fan of the v-cut micropave that leon mege does http://www.artofplatinum.com/4images/details.php?image_id=466, but now I''m considering french cut too...

 

[EastCoast]

In case anyone wants to see the wax version of my ring, here it is:

 

[Lorelei]

Its going to be a lovely ring!