Committed to a ering. Right Choice?

[mikediker]

Hi everyone,

I am looking for opinions/advice from the all the expert that visit this form. I am getting ready to propose to my girlfriend. I've been looking at diamonds but to be honest I exactly know what is the best. I've done my education/been educated but nothing compares to years worth of experience.

My budget for the center stone was 12k-13k. The GIA report number for the diamond I've committed to is 7178309580.

Carat: 1.7
Color: I
Clarity: SI2
Cut: Excellent
Polish: Excellent
Symmetry: Excellent
Fluorescence: None
Measurements: 7.71 - 7.76 x 4.67 mm

Depth: 60.4%
Table: 58%
Crown Angle: 34 degrees
Pavilion Angle: 40.6 degrees
Cutlet: None

Also I am looking at 18k white gold (X1) for the setting. I've been told that this is whiter/shinier than platinum and that it is more durable since platinum scratches and dents too easily? Is this true or should I go with platinum?

I really do appreciate all the help/suggestions in advance. What do you think a stone like this would be worth? Thanks everyone.

 

[Sophie2788]

I think platinum is probably the better choice for an engagement ring, but it's a personal choice. I choce 14k white gold however in only going to have this setting for maximum of one year and I know that so white gold saved me a few $

As for the stone is it eye clean?
I'm not overly fussed on the crown angle & the table % but if you've seen it and you like it then it's up to you a consumer.
I can't comment on the price you paid as I have not looked at stones in that size range.
Hopefully some experts will chime in

 

[ecf8503]

Scores well on the HCA. Now can you get an idealscope image? Is it eye clean?

 

[Gypsy]

The angles are very nice. If eyeclean then... strong choice. Any possibility of an idealscope image?

 

[SirGuy]

The stone looks like it has promise. As Gypsy mentioned, I'd check how eye clean it is, as an SI2 warrants further investigation there.

Images would help (Ideal-Scope, ASET, and magnified undoctored images).

Congrats on picking out a stone! A little education goes a long way, and second opinions usually don't hurt. Platinum is generally preferred for settings if you can swing it. For most it's less about appearance (compared to gold alloys or platings) than about durability.

What sort of setting are you considering, by the way?

Fun stuff!

 

[diamondseeker2006]

I think 14k X1 is fine if platinum is out of the budget. But platinum will be 90-95% pure platinum and 14k gold is only about 58% gold. So the platinum setting is far more valuable. I prefer platinum for all my rings. As long as you get the harder alloys of 90/10iridium or 95/5 ruthenium, it will be shiny and white.

 

[mikediker]

The stone is definitely eye clean. No doubts about that.

I chose the 18k white gold (X1) for the setting per the jeweler's advice. He said that it was the way to go since platinum is too malleable and not as durable in the long run. He also mentioned that the 18k white gold is brighter than platinum.

Platinum is not out of the budget by any means but I'd like something that is durable and withstand time for a while instead of something that needs constant polishing/maintenance. Of course I'd clean it twice a year but not something that needs monthly touch ups.

Is that not true? Should I just go with platinum?

Thanks for the insight!

 

[Tourmaline]

Yes, it's not true. I would go with platinum. Platinum is much more durable than white gold, although it may look a little scuffed over time, white gold would, too, and white gold is only white because it is plated with rhodium, which you would have to have redone from time to time. Platinum is MUCH better for an engagement ring. The jeweler probably makes more profit on the white gold

 

[mikediker]

The jeweler actually said that the 18k white gold (X1 alloy) is not rhodium plated. So no need to clean it as much.

So the general census is to go with platinum?

 

[artdecolover71]

For me, I only opt for white gold when I cannot afford platinum.

 

[doberman]

I have 18kt white gold alloyed with palladium. Have had it 1.5 years and it's still perfectly white no plating needed. Much depends on the alloy.