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confused about setting and color/clarity

G

Groom2Be

Rough_Rock
Joined
Oct 11, 2013
Messages
13
Hey Everybody new to the forums but researching for a while. I have narrowed down the colors of H or I leaning towards H but if you guys can talk to me and let me know I's are just as good i will be happy. H SI is 1.08 carat, I S2 is 1.25 carat. My GF does not know anything about diamonds and was fine with a G Si2 good grade cut but my OCD kicked in and i was not happy with it. Also i was looking at the Brian Gavin Signature/BLUE and was stuck between an S1 or maybe even an S2 since she enjoyed the Si2 at a local jeweler.

Finally the setting i am confused to a couple of settings:

http://www.whiteflash.com/engagement-rings/diamond-settings/elena-rounded-pave-diamond-engagement-ring-2389.htm

http://www.whiteflash.com/engagement-rings/diamond-settings/rounded-pave-halo-diamond-engagement-ring-2456.htm

if anybody has real pictures of these settings that would be great.

Also at Brian Gavin i was told Nuvelas are popular but i have to see it in person to make a decision. If anybody has any settings that resemble those from white flash purchased from Brian Gavin that would also be great.
 
to your question about color. i did a poll recently with people on here, keep in mind they are very diamond enthusiasts... and 80% said they would find an I color attractive

[URL='https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/poll-do-you-find-i-colored-mrb-attractive.191976/']https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/poll-do-you-find-i-colored-mrb-attractive.191976/[/URL]

plus, you said its a blue right? that will help it look whiter in some lighting.

AND, for a woman who isnt too diamond knowledgeable, size is usually the first thing they look at, and a 1 ct vs a 1.25, a 1.25 will be noticeably bigger.

And in regards to clarity, in my mind, if you are trying to maximize size with your budget, try just to go for eye clean. If you can find an si2 thats eye clean, all the better. However, i would try hard to buy a stone thats eye clean.
 
If it came down to a choice between a smaller H or a larger I, all other things being equal, I would choose the I color. Face-up, it's white. And from the side, it might be a little creamy-white but it's not yellow. ( I say that about round diamonds. Princess, Asscher, or other deep cut, I would say "look at it first.") I range is where many people can start to see tint. Noticing it is not necessarily bothered by it, though. Diamonds are graded face-up, and face-up, it's white. If you look at an unmounted H or I face-down, it might scare you. But the H, to me, is definitely white when mounted, even from the side.

SI2 is okay with me, but just be sure that it's eye-clean enough to not get on her nerves later. I am fine with slightly or sometimes eye-visible inclusions so long as they are discrete and it takes some effort or specific combo of, say, tilt and lighting, to see it. Clarity is what I personally will compromise on. My opinion after 20 years of diamond rings is that you can't keep the thing clean when it's on your hand, so it's kind of a waste to pay for perfect clarity. Spectators will notice, cut, size, and color, not necessarily in that order. Clarity has to be scrutinized up close, so that's why it's ranked lowest on my list.

[URL='https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/e-ring-pics.145064/']https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/e-ring-pics.145064/[/URL]
^ There's an I 1.35ct strong blue. I don't think it would look that tinted in real life though. I have a .85 ct old diamond that was graded I and it has medium to strong blue fluor, and I have never seen any tint in it face-up since I bought it in 1993, LOL. After a few years of hanging around PS and looking at a lot of higher color diamonds in stores, I learned to see tint from the side.

Larger than what you are looking at, and remember that 1) the color gets more concentrated as the diamond gets larger, 2) diamonds reflect colors of their surroundings, like maybe a beige awning or yellow walls, and 3) you can never really judge color from photos on a computer screen because there are too many variables.

These two threads might be helpful:
[URL='https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/i-color-stones-in-platinum.9689/']https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/i-color-stones-in-platinum.9689/[/URL]
[URL='https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/is-there-thread-for-i-color-stones.39886/']https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/is-there-thread-for-i-color-stones.39886/[/URL]

Solitaire settings are more durable and lower maintenance than pave' settings. But I think it's best to let her pick, since settings are a highly individual preference.
 
 
A few questions. What's the budget all in? 10k?

Also, does it have to be from Brian gavin? Or are you open to other vendors?

Lastly, what kind of setting? Halo? No halo? Doesn't matter as long as there are diamonds in the band?
 
Niel|1381508635|3535888 said:
A few questions. What's the budget all in? 10k?

Also, does it have to be from Brian gravin? Or are you open to other vendors?

Lastly, what kind of setting? Halo? No halo? Doesn't matter as long as there are diamonds in the band?
Click to expand...

http://www.whiteflash.com/engagement-rings/diamond-settings/elena-rounded-pave-diamond-engagement-ring-2389.htm

http://www.whiteflash.com/engagement-rings/diamond-settings/rounded-pave-halo-diamond-engagement-ring-2456.htm
Those are the settings i had in mind or something of similar style.

The max budget would be 10K. I like the stones from Brian gavin, i always though about JA, and maybe Whiteflash. The reason i was going to go with Brian Gavin was because i was pre approved for financing and i was going to pay some cash and finance the rest.
 
Groom2Be|1381508799|3535893 said:
Niel|1381508635|3535888 said:
A few questions. What's the budget all in? 10k?

Also, does it have to be from Brian gravin? Or are you open to other vendors?

Lastly, what kind of setting? Halo? No halo? Doesn't matter as long as there are diamonds in the band?
Click to expand...

http://www.whiteflash.com/engagement-rings/diamond-settings/elena-rounded-pave-diamond-engagement-ring-2389.htm

http://www.whiteflash.com/engagement-rings/diamond-settings/rounded-pave-halo-diamond-engagement-ring-2456.htm
Those are the settings i had in mind or something of similar style.

The max budget would be 10K. I like the stones from Brian gavin, i always though about JA, and maybe Whiteflash. The reason i was going to go with Brian Gavin was because i was pre approved for financing and i was going to pay some cash and finance the rest.
Click to expand...

What are the components of those settings that you like? They're fairly different from one another. With the first setting, I would be aware that the three-sided pave is hard to wear a wedding band with because the diamonds on the side of the band will chew up any stones or metal that you put them against. Most people with rings like this end up having to wear spacer bands to absorb the brunt of those diamonds.
 
Just another thing to keep in mind, it's generally recommended to use the same vendor for both the setting and the stone. It saves you from having to insure the diamond in case the vendor who's setting the stone damages it (rare, but it happens).

If you end up finding one from WF, also keep in mind that they have a flex pay policy, where you put a certain amount down (something like 20%) and pay the rest in 3 equal monthly payments. You can take it a step further, and pay for the stone first on the flex pay, and then start paying for the setting whenever you're ready (can be on a new flex pay schedule), so you can spread it over a potential 8 months straight (or longer if you delay paying for the setting), and it doesn't deal with your credit approval or anything. I found it very helpful when I bought mine.
 
So is JA out of the question now? Because I found a few things that might work perfect. But don't post them if they went worm for you.
 
UberClaire|1381508998|3535895 said:
http://www.briangavindiamonds.com/diamonds/diamond-details/1.247-h-si2-round-diamond-ags-bl-104064814008

This one has a black carbon inclusion that I doubt very much will be eye-clean.

http://www.briangavindiamonds.com/diamonds/diamond-details/1.237-i-si2-round-diamond-ags-104064814012

This one also has dark inclusions -- I don't think this stone would be eye-clean.
Click to expand...

This is why i asked you guys the professional. I never considered buying the ring online but heard good things. Shes a big fan of Halo's and Pave styles.

http://www.whiteflash.com/engagement-rings/diamond-settings/elena-diamond-engagement-ring-1364.htm since this is not 3 sided i guess something like this or like the halo i had in the other link.
 
Niel|1381510021|3535907 said:
So is JA out of the question now? Because I found a few things that might work perfect. But don't post them if they went worm for you.
Click to expand...

JA could work i was on their website this morning actually. Im more than happy to see

Hawk25 yea i was talking to victoria from Whiteflash she mentioned something to the likes of 1415 every month. I might give her a call back and see if she has anything else that she can do.
 
http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/1.21-carat-i-color-vs1-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-204068


This has a crystal at the center but is VS2 so I assume eye clean. Just something to ask.


http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/1.33-carat-i-color-vs2-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-232979

I'd ask them to do this with claw prongs and a 6 prong head, but even in plat keeps you under budget.

http://www.jamesallen.com/engagement-rings/pave/14k-white-gold-rounded-pave-engagement-solitaire-item-8116

if you like these I'd ask the to put both on hold while they see if the bigger one is eye clean
 
 
Thanks again guys for the links. So they are all nice, and i found out that JA does offere pricescope discount which i was unaware. The upgrade policy is horrendous but the return policy is gracious. Ill look at them closer when i leave work.
 
Groom2Be|1381518778|3536002 said:
Thanks again guys for the links. So they are all nice, and i found out that JA does offere pricescope discount which i was unaware. The upgrade policy is horrendous but the return policy is gracious. Ill look at them closer when i leave work.
Click to expand...

Yeah the upgrade policy isn't amazing. But what's nice is I do believe its for any shape so in 10 years if she wants a big emerald cut you aren't limited. And the way diamond prices increase, I don't think its as bad as it seems, unfortunately for us.

If you like the 3 recommended have them reserve them noe so no one swoops in and steals them while deciding.
 
BGD's upgrade policy is you must upgrade at least two: size, color, or clarity. You'll want to leave yourself some wiggle room.
 
Groom2Be|1381776746|3537604 said:
after thinking it over the weekend i decided to go with Brian since those were the diamonds that really caught my eye. I was talking to jamie about an hr ago about the diamonds and she recommend this diamond....

http://www.briangavindiamonds.com/diamonds/diamond-details/1.213-j-vs2-round-diamond-ags-104063219008

Personally i never planned on going to a J but she asured me theres no yellow tint. Do you guys think i should go with this diamond or go down in size of diamond for a higher color?
Click to expand...

That's a gorgeous stone! I'm a J owner myself (see avatar), but I would recommend a halo that doesn't expose the sides so much (since that's where any body color will be most evident). A J is a great way to maximize your budget, giving a nicer cut/larger stone or just save money in general! ;)) If the BG rep told you there is no yellow, then I'd take her word for it. :))

I see the J you reserved even has a bit of fluorescence, so that's a plus! I'm very happy with my J, but only you can decide if they're good for you. Here's a link to photos of mine in different lighting situations. Also, keep in mind that the larger the stone, the more body color will show, so yours will be whiter than mine. They are posted about 1/3 of the way down in page 2 and are colorful and larger, so you can't miss them! :bigsmile:

GIA XXX, 2.43 ct, J/SI1 (eye clean)
https://www.pricescope.com/forum/ro...-and-cartier-and-frustrations-t194212-30.html
 
JulieN|1381777945|3537618 said:
BGD's upgrade policy is you must upgrade at least two: size, color, or clarity. You'll want to leave yourself some wiggle room.
Click to expand...

Thanks for posting this JulieN... good info for future purchases! Does he allow you to put the full purchase price toward the upgrade? Can you include the price of the setting as well if you'd like a different one?
 
JulieN|1381777945|3537618 said:
BGD's upgrade policy is you must upgrade at least two: size, color, or clarity. You'll want to leave yourself some wiggle room.
Click to expand...

Thanks definitely did not see that policy. Good to know.

msop04 said:
Groom2Be|1381776746|3537604 said:
That's a gorgeous stone! I'm a J owner myself (see avatar), but I would recommend a halo that doesn't expose the sides so much (since that's where any body color will be most evident). A J is a great way to maximize your budget, giving a nicer cut/larger stone or just save money in general! ;)) If the BG rep told you there is no yellow, then I'd take her word for it. :))

I see the J you reserved even has a bit of fluorescence, so that's a plus! I'm very happy with my J, but only you can decide if they're good for you. Here's a link to photos of mine in different lighting situations. Also, keep in mind that the larger the stone, the more body color will show, so yours will be whiter than mine. They are posted about 1/3 of the way down in page 2 and are colorful and larger, so you can't miss them! :bigsmile:

GIA XXX, 2.43 ct, J/SI1 (eye clean)
https://www.pricescope.com/forum/ro...-and-cartier-and-frustrations-t194212-30.html
Click to expand...
Click to expand...

Very nice ring, definitely helps seeing a J. Great advice on the halo definitely will take it into consideration. No problem on the threadjack the more people learn the better for all of us.
 
JulieN|1381777945|3537618 said:
BGD's upgrade policy is you must upgrade at least two: size, color, or clarity. You'll want to leave yourself some wiggle room.
Click to expand...

Thanks definitely did not see that policy. Good to know.

msop04 said:
Groom2Be|1381776746|3537604 said:
That's a gorgeous stone! I'm a J owner myself (see avatar), but I would recommend a halo that doesn't expose the sides so much (since that's where any body color will be most evident). A J is a great way to maximize your budget, giving a nicer cut/larger stone or just save money in general! ;)) If the BG rep told you there is no yellow, then I'd take her word for it. :))

I see the J you reserved even has a bit of fluorescence, so that's a plus! I'm very happy with my J, but only you can decide if they're good for you. Here's a link to photos of mine in different lighting situations. Also, keep in mind that the larger the stone, the more body color will show, so yours will be whiter than mine. They are posted about 1/3 of the way down in page 2 and are colorful and larger, so you can't miss them! :bigsmile:

GIA XXX, 2.43 ct, J/SI1 (eye clean)
https://www.pricescope.com/forum/ro...-and-cartier-and-frustrations-t194212-30.html
Click to expand...
Click to expand...

Very nice ring, definitely helps seeing a J. Great advice on the halo definitely will take it into consideration. No problem on the threadjack the more people learn the better for all of us.
 
 
I like the 1.21ct AGS diamond better, for the fatter arrows and the steeper crown angle, and the more "contrasty" look it has in the photos.

I like the Elena better vs. the Elena Rounded. The less-bulky square shank will compliment that size of diamond better, and will be easier to pair with a wedding ring later.

Just my $0.02, LOL. :D
eta: I see that the WF lifetime upgrade policy includes ACA, Expert Selection, and Premium Select in-house diamonds. Make sure that your diamond is in-house, that it's eligible for upgrades, and then also print out the web page with that policy and file it in the safe or SD box or whenever you keep your papers. That's in case they change the policy later.
 
Groom2Be|1382024736|3539515 said:
Last question this week is the week i purchase the ring.

http://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-2978084.htm

http://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-2805427.htm

is the extra 500 worth it?

http://www.whiteflash.com/engagement-rings/diamond-settings/elena-diamond-engagement-ring-1364.htm (she never saw this one)

http://www.whiteflash.com/engagement-rings/diamond-settings/elena-rounded-pave-diamond-engagement-ring-2389.htm ( i know she loves this one)

do you think i should pay for the extra pave or go with the simpler look?
Click to expand...

I love the diamonds you posted -- very nice! My favorite is the 1.21 ct.

For the setting, I would go with the one she loves for that very reason. Also, the prongs are much nicer on the rounded setting. You will need to be careful when choosing a band, since the stones will eat away it it. I would probably get a very thin spacer (1 mm) to put in between the ering and wband. :))

You could always show her both and just see which one she likes best.
 
Thanks guys. I was leaning more towards the 1.21. I do not want her to know what i am getting her even though she knows i am looking. My worry about the pave is getting a spacer i do not think she would want that.
 
Groom2Be|1383139027|3547366 said:
http://www.whiteflash.com/engagement-rings/diamond-settings/harmony-diamond-engagement-ring-878.htm

update: everything is paid for her and went with the setting above should be getting next week. Im debating on if i should pay the extra for the Elena setting what do you guys think?

http://www.whiteflash.com/engagement-rings/diamond-settings/elena-diamond-engagement-ring-1364.htm

I also went with the 1.31 stone as Victoria from Whiteflash told me that it is the nicer diamond.
Click to expand...

I do like the second setting better, the cathedral makes the stone seem more sturdy, the first one makes it seem like the setting is just plunked on there
 
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