Diamond bands - importance of cut

[gocanada]

Hi,

I was looking for a combo e-ring/wedding band that was a little different (NOT interested in the traditional solitaire) and just ordered the garland wedding band from Blue Nile - I loved the unique design and that it wasn't just some diamonds in a row. Specs on it are 2tcw (13 diamonds total), G, VS1, and average cut is only "good" which was not listed on the site, only on the certificate when it arrived. Now looking around, this cut grade seems pretty common for these kinds of diamond wedding bands but I still wonder if I'm missing out on some sparkle. When the diamond is only 0.1-0.2ct, is cut as important?
When I first opened it, in my living room with no lights on, and the blinds closed so only diffuse natural light, it just seemed so dull. When I moved to the dining room and turned the lights on, it sparkled well, which was a relief, and to be honest this is the first time I've looked at a diamond ring up close outside of jewelry store lighting, so I don't really know what to expect. Do even ideal cut diamonds look a little flat in some conditions?

 

[lbbaber]

In my opinion (which doesnt mean much), the cut of melee is VERY important. I had my e-ring melee changed while they were making it to Whiteflash's branded ACA (A Cut Above) melee....which means that they are all perfectly cut stones. They are only 2 and 3 pointers in the band and halo but THEY SPARKLE LIKE MAD (even in low lighting). When I compare it next to my friends rings with melee, there is a DRAMATIC difference. I never would have known this if I hadnt learned about it here at PS. I even made a thread in the beginning asking the very same question (look through my threads to see). I am SO glad I listened to PS and had them change it for me while they were making my ring.

I have looked at Blue Nile's garland ring online numerous times. It looks like SUCH a GORGEOUS ring. Too bad they dont use a better cut of stone. Can you return it or ask them to remake it with better melee??

Edited to add: I just re-read your post....All diamonds need lighting to sparkle....good performing diamonds will perform better in a broader range of lighting but even a perfectly cut stone will have moments when it is not blingy. Try looking at your ring in different situations/lighting... Several people here have said that their diamonds look best at Costco and Home Depot Maybe it was just the lighting? I hesitate though bc they are telling you outright that they are only "good" cut stones so you probably can do better but let your eyes be the ultimate judge!

 

[diamondseeker2006]

A member here had a similar ring made by Brian Gavin using excellent cut stones. It might cost a little more, but I for sure would rather have the better quality stones if I was spending that much.

 

[gocanada]

I have now been obsessively checking it under different light conditions and I am becoming more comfortable with the level of sparkle. And the design of it is really fantastic. It is certainly so much more beautiful than anything I saw here in a B&M (I don't live in a very large city either so that compunds the problem of finding ANYTHING locally.)
When ordering this from BN, I asked about making a 1.5tcw version (they currently sell 0.8 and 2) to try and save a little $$ but with the surcharge for custom work, it was going to be only 600$ less than the 2tcw and no returns or exchanges so it just seemed worth it to go with the 2tcw. Maybe remaking it with higher quality stones would involve less of a markup for the design part of it because they would be using the exact same setting?

 

[Todd Gray]

I'm a firm believer in diamond cut quality, even for diamond melee because the visual performance offered by better cut quality is visible even in smaller diamonds. There is an increase in the price of melee for diamond cut quality, so it will likely increase the production cost of the ring. Ask BN for a quote and see whether it is worth it to you to upgrade - it costs nothing to ask

 

[brellymom]

I have an eternity ring from Whiteflash with .09-.10 stones (can't remember which). The ACA cut is absolutely wonderful. THe diamonds are so sparkly. I would not settle for a lesser cut, even on smaller stones - not when you can get better. I am still amazed when I wear it how beautiful it is.

 

[stci]

I have a problem here. When you talk about melees, it's not .10 or more no?

For me, melees are really small diamond like .01-.05. Just of one ring, you have to check 15 or more diamond for the clarity, color and cut. Do you really think that the seller have time to do this? I say nooooooo!

They used tons of little diamonds each years to make little wedding band, eternity, half eternity, 3/4 eternity, shank and other.

I refuse to believe all those diamonds are check one by one. For me, when we talk about melees, we talk about different quality, color and cut in one ring. Don't you think? What is really important is the equal size for the bencher or the seller. Tell me if I'm wrong and proove me they check those stones one by one.

 

[Luminous-MB]

I mean, there is def a difference. There's melee that sparkles mad and then there's rock salt. You're probably in the middle ground, but as ibbaber suggested: let your eyes be the judge! It is a very beautiful band.