Hey guys,
So I've been lurking the forums for awhile and think I'm pretty close to pulling the trigger on an engagement ring. We've been in many stores over the past couple months and my gf is in love with the Tiffany Novo, which was also my personal favorite.
So I've been working with a guy at Tiffany's for the past couple weeks trying to find a diamond that fits my criteria, which is 1.9-low 2 carat, VS1 or VS2, and I to H color. Apparently there has been a diamond shortage for Tiffany's nationwide, so it has been incredibly difficult to find a diamond that comes close to these targets. Also, Tiffany's increased prices nationwide last Friday. Looking at past forum postings, it seems that diamonds have seriously increased in price over the past two years - I thought we were in a bad economic environment? Looking at Tiffany prices, you'd never know! Random question - Have diamond prices nationwide (not just at Tiffany's) increased since '08 due to the rebound in commodity prices?
Anyways, I was able to get my hands on a Novo that is 2.10 carats, VVS2 and I color. I would of preferred a reduction in clarity for an increase in color, but in my short time looking at Tiffany rings, it seems that color commands a serious premium - thus, a 2.10 carat VS2 G would cost more than a VVS1 I color?
I almost pulled the trigger today but wanted to take a day to think about it before going through. A couple friends urged me to look at the "Solasfera Channel Ring" which has a similar setting as the Novo but has a circular Solasfera diamond vs the Novo cushion cut. In reviewing the Solasfera ring, it seems to be incredibly sparkly - perhaps even to the point of annoyance. Not sure what pricing is in these, but I'm guessing they are cheaper than Tiffany!
I also looked at Bluenile's Nouveau ring, which like the Solasfera Channel ring, is Novo inspired but uses a round diamond. However, I was expecting a significant price differential between Bluenile and Tiffany and in the 2 carat range, there isn't as much pricing difference as one would think - only a $5,000 difference when considering the aforementioned Tiffany vs a Bluenile 2 carat VS1 H. Given the intangibles that come with Tiffany - lifetime support and repair, trade-ins, etc - I think the $5,000 premium for Tiffany might be worth it (actually, taxes add to the Tiffany premium).
So not really sure what I'm looking for in terms of guidance. There are three points that are currently weighing heavily on my decision:
1. I'm leaning toward the Novo because my gf, while not obsessed with Tiffany, has always liked their stuff (she has many silver rings from them, some of which she's kept and valued for 8+ years). I know she'll like whatever I get her, but I would hate for her to have any regret now or years later when looking at a Novo in a Tiffany store. Do any of you who have engagements rings/are married, ever have ring envy post-engagement? Or is this stupid and doesn't really happen?
2. I also had a question on size - I was looking to get a 2.0 because (1) that's what I can afford and (2) I want to show commitment, etc. But on second though, I'm questioning if it will look ridiculous on her hands. My gf is a petite asian girl - weighs around 100 lbs and I think has a 4.75 finger. Will a 2 carat ring look obnoxious?
3. The major thing holding me back from pulling the trigger on this one is the color vs. clarity. I was hoping to get as white a diamond as possible (IE: that I could afford) while getting the lowest clarity that is near perfect (VS1 or VS2). I looked at an I vs H vs G in the store and when put together, I could tell the difference between the I and the G. But honestly, when looking at them individually, they all looked good to me. Is I considered dull and less sparkly? I'm not sure how to feel about an I color.
Thanks guys, I know this is a long post but I have really enjoyed reading these forums the past couple months and would really appreciate any thoughts on my situation.
-W
So I've been lurking the forums for awhile and think I'm pretty close to pulling the trigger on an engagement ring. We've been in many stores over the past couple months and my gf is in love with the Tiffany Novo, which was also my personal favorite.
So I've been working with a guy at Tiffany's for the past couple weeks trying to find a diamond that fits my criteria, which is 1.9-low 2 carat, VS1 or VS2, and I to H color. Apparently there has been a diamond shortage for Tiffany's nationwide, so it has been incredibly difficult to find a diamond that comes close to these targets. Also, Tiffany's increased prices nationwide last Friday. Looking at past forum postings, it seems that diamonds have seriously increased in price over the past two years - I thought we were in a bad economic environment? Looking at Tiffany prices, you'd never know! Random question - Have diamond prices nationwide (not just at Tiffany's) increased since '08 due to the rebound in commodity prices?
Anyways, I was able to get my hands on a Novo that is 2.10 carats, VVS2 and I color. I would of preferred a reduction in clarity for an increase in color, but in my short time looking at Tiffany rings, it seems that color commands a serious premium - thus, a 2.10 carat VS2 G would cost more than a VVS1 I color?
I almost pulled the trigger today but wanted to take a day to think about it before going through. A couple friends urged me to look at the "Solasfera Channel Ring" which has a similar setting as the Novo but has a circular Solasfera diamond vs the Novo cushion cut. In reviewing the Solasfera ring, it seems to be incredibly sparkly - perhaps even to the point of annoyance. Not sure what pricing is in these, but I'm guessing they are cheaper than Tiffany!
I also looked at Bluenile's Nouveau ring, which like the Solasfera Channel ring, is Novo inspired but uses a round diamond. However, I was expecting a significant price differential between Bluenile and Tiffany and in the 2 carat range, there isn't as much pricing difference as one would think - only a $5,000 difference when considering the aforementioned Tiffany vs a Bluenile 2 carat VS1 H. Given the intangibles that come with Tiffany - lifetime support and repair, trade-ins, etc - I think the $5,000 premium for Tiffany might be worth it (actually, taxes add to the Tiffany premium).
So not really sure what I'm looking for in terms of guidance. There are three points that are currently weighing heavily on my decision:
1. I'm leaning toward the Novo because my gf, while not obsessed with Tiffany, has always liked their stuff (she has many silver rings from them, some of which she's kept and valued for 8+ years). I know she'll like whatever I get her, but I would hate for her to have any regret now or years later when looking at a Novo in a Tiffany store. Do any of you who have engagements rings/are married, ever have ring envy post-engagement? Or is this stupid and doesn't really happen?
2. I also had a question on size - I was looking to get a 2.0 because (1) that's what I can afford and (2) I want to show commitment, etc. But on second though, I'm questioning if it will look ridiculous on her hands. My gf is a petite asian girl - weighs around 100 lbs and I think has a 4.75 finger. Will a 2 carat ring look obnoxious?
3. The major thing holding me back from pulling the trigger on this one is the color vs. clarity. I was hoping to get as white a diamond as possible (IE: that I could afford) while getting the lowest clarity that is near perfect (VS1 or VS2). I looked at an I vs H vs G in the store and when put together, I could tell the difference between the I and the G. But honestly, when looking at them individually, they all looked good to me. Is I considered dull and less sparkly? I'm not sure how to feel about an I color.
Thanks guys, I know this is a long post but I have really enjoyed reading these forums the past couple months and would really appreciate any thoughts on my situation.
-W