Diamond questions from a newcomer

[flamingoezz]

My mother offered up my grandmothers ring (think she wants me to get hitched much). I found a setting i think my GF would love and want to figure out if the diamond is up to par -- I wouldn't want to give my girlfriend a crappy diamond. would a jeweler be able to give me an idea what the four C's of the diamond are, or would I need to bring it to someone else? I'm not looking for a certificate or anything...just an idea what I have. I live in Central NJ if that helps..

a few more specific questions:

This is the band I'm looking at:
http://www.jamesallen.com/engagement-rings/pave/platinum-052ct-three-row-pave-set-rounded-diamond-engagement-ring-11115p.html

the side diamonds are F-G color..does that mean the main diamond I put in should be rated at least G? obviously the main attraction should be the most stunning.

In case the my grandmothers diamond isn't so nice, can anyone recommend a few diamonds in my range that would go well -- I think my ceiling for ring and diamond is around $6,000 (a couple hundred over won't kill me)...my girlfriend would prefer beauty over size -- but I also don't want something that looks insignificant due to the width of the band. My searches have been centering around .7 - .9 carat, G-H, SI1 eye-clean, and as excellent a cut as I can get. If I should be looking for something else to pair with this band, I'm open to suggestions.

Thanks a ton!!

 

[Alexiszoe]

Hi,

I don't think a jeweler can tell you very much, since some of them are not gemologists and as they have a vested interest in getting your business, I am not sure if it is a good idea to approach them for this. Your best bet would be to send it to an appraiser to get an idea of what you have and what it is worth. There are several highly respected appraisers here such as Neil Beaty and Dave Atlas who can do it for you - you can check out their website for more information.

www.gemlab.us - Neil

www.datlas.com - Dave

The setting you pointed out is about 1/2 the cost of your budget - how about putting the money into the diamond and having it set in a simple solitaire instead? This would be useful since it gives you the most bang for your buck, and in the event that she doesn't like the setting, it can be changed down the road.

 

[LibbyLA]

We like pictures here . Can you post some photos of your grandmother's ring? If so, make sure to include one that's straight from the top and another that's straight from the side. There are people here who may be able to tell you something about it, although not the specifics of color, clarity, etc. But you may have an old European cut diamond or a similar treasure.

liz

 

[flamingoezz]

@Alexis

thanks for the links.

personally, i don't think she'd want a huge diamond. except for a few items, her earrings, etc are from like H&M...she gets expensive brand-name handbags as gifts and uses her same old bags. she's not at all materialistic, so i think rather than a huge gem, she'd prefer something less gaudy, but looks nice.

and if later she does want to upgrade, james allen will buy back the diamond at 100% and we can pick her out a $7,000 rock and just pay the difference.


@Libby

my mother has the ring right now..I'll have it in hands in 3 weeks or so and can post some photos then...can't tell you much other than what she told me on the phone -- it's a 3 stone ring, and the diamond is not huge or anything. I'm not super hopeful that I hit the jackpot here..i think the sentimental factor of putting her diamond in my engagement ring would be nice..but I'm also trying to get any idea of my other avenues as even if the diamond is of nice quality, if it is only .5 carat or so, I wouldn't use it.

 

[TC1987]

the side diamonds are F-G color..does that mean the main diamond I put in should be rated at least G? obviously the main attraction should be the most stunning.

Those are very small diamonds in that setting that you showed from JA. You could probably go as low as I color and not have a problem. Once you go below I, the body tint of the diamond vs. the white of the platinum is probably going to be more of an issue than the body color of the center diamond vs. that of the pave' diamonds.

 

[Alexiszoe]

flamingoezz,

I don't think James Allen has a 100% buy back policy - they have a 100% trade up policy where the diamond "can be exchanged at 100% credit for any replacement diamond of at least 2x or greater in value".

http://www.jamesallen.com/about-us/risk-free-retail.html#returnpolicy

Very few vendors I know offer buy back policies, and that usually ranges between 65% to 80% on select stones that meets their criteria.

 

[flamingoezz]

the side diamonds are F-G color..does that mean the main diamond I put in should be rated at least G? obviously the main attraction should be the most stunning.

Those are very small diamonds in that setting that you showed from JA. You could probably go as low as I color and not have a problem. Once you go below I, the body tint of the diamond vs. the white of the platinum is probably going to be more of an issue than the body color of the center diamond vs. that of the pave' diamonds.

Thanks for the input.
I was hoping to go with a G, but realistically have been searching H's mostly to stay within budget. With an excellent cut, I didn't think I'd have an issue with the H, but if you're saying I is acceptable that makes me feel even better.

 

[flamingoezz]

flamingoezz,

I don't think James Allen has a 100% buy back policy - they have a 100% trade up policy where the diamond "can be exchanged at 100% credit for any replacement diamond of at least 2x or greater in value".

http://www.jamesallen.com/about-us/risk-free-retail.html#returnpolicy

Very few vendors I know offer buy back policies, and that usually ranges between 65% to 80% on select stones that meets their criteria.

I think I understood that correctly and maybe just mis-spoke..so if i buy a diamond at the specs I mentioned now for $3500 or so, I'd be able to basically trade it to them years down the line for $3500, and spend the additional $3500 for a diamond valued at $7000..correct?

 

[Alexiszoe]

I think I understood that correctly and maybe just mis-spoke..so if i buy a diamond at the specs I mentioned now for $3500 or so, I'd be able to basically trade it to them years down the line for $3500, and spend the additional $3500 for a diamond valued at $7000..correct?

Yes. Although with diamond prices, sometimes it might make more sense for you to sell it on your own to get a better value

 

[bunnycat]

flamingoezz,

I don't think James Allen has a 100% buy back policy - they have a 100% trade up policy where the diamond "can be exchanged at 100% credit for any replacement diamond of at least 2x or greater in value".

http://www.jamesallen.com/about-us/risk-free-retail.html#returnpolicy

Very few vendors I know offer buy back policies, and that usually ranges between 65% to 80% on select stones that meets their criteria.

I think I understood that correctly and maybe just mis-spoke..so if i buy a diamond at the specs I mentioned now for $3500 or so, I'd be able to basically trade it to them years down the line for $3500, and spend the additional $3500 for a diamond valued at $7000..correct?

that's about right. Just also remember that diamond pricing isn't a stable bet. Depending on the trend in diamond prices, years later you might be inclined to upgrade only to find out that your double won't buy that much of an upgrade in a stone. With that in mind, I'd be inclined to go with a slightly simpler pave setting that wasn't half your budget and look for a stone on the larger end of what you have in mind (towards .9).

I also wouldn't base what she might like in a ring on what she likes or doesn't in a handbag. I have little to no use for designer handbags, and the only fancy shoes I am interested in are Tango shoes, but I do like a nice diamond and am a sucker for sparklies. That at least is something I can enjoy for years without worrying too much about it wearing out or breaking. Also, if you guys are on the younger side right now, tastes do change. People change. And if she's never had an important piece of jewelery like this will be, she may not actually know what her preferences are until she's done more than try things on in a store.

 

[flamingoezz]

that's about right. Just also remember that diamond pricing isn't a stable bet. Depending on the trend in diamond prices, years later you might be inclined to upgrade only to find out that your double won't buy that much of an upgrade in a stone. With that in mind, I'd be inclined to go with a slightly simpler pave setting that wasn't half your budget and look for a stone on the larger end of what you have in mind (towards .9).

I also wouldn't base what she might like in a ring on what she likes or doesn't in a handbag. I have little to no use for designer handbags, and the only fancy shoes I am interested in are Tango shoes, but I do like a nice diamond and am a sucker for sparklies. That at least is something I can enjoy for years without worrying too much about it wearing out or breaking. Also, if you guys are on the younger side right now, tastes do change. People change. And if she's never had an important piece of jewelery like this will be, she may not actually know what her preferences are until she's done more than try things on in a store.

i do also think this is nice though I'm not a fan of the head that holds the diamond in place.
http://www.whiteflash.com/engagement-rings/diamond-settings/legato-micro-pave-diamond-engagement-ring-1012.htm

i think that setting would make a .9 diamond look pretty huge though...and like i said, while most girls want a huge rock to flaunt, my girlfriend isn't the type.

 

[JulieN]

Does she have above average size fingers? That band is pretty substantial, did you see it with diamonds in your size range?

Hopefully this works: http://www.jamesallen.com/engagement-rings/sold/pave/8375/Pave-Diamond-Rings.html

 

[flamingoezz]

Does she have above average size fingers? That band is pretty substantial, did you see it with diamonds in your size range?

Hopefully this works: http://www.jamesallen.com/engagement-rings/sold/pave/8375/Pave-Diamond-Rings.html

no, i would say average size fingers at most...probably slighter smaller than average.

yes, thanks..to me, the .82 looks pretty proportional..heck, even the .73 looks pretty good.

any thoughts on this diamond? i can't spot the flaws even with the loupe and it would bring my total to just under $6,500..still do-able
http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/H-VS2-Excellent-Cut-Round-Diamond-1531589.asp

 

[Alexiszoe]

The diamond you posted has a HCA score of 0.7 and it's an Ideal Cut, so in terms of performance the stone you picked seems fantastic! If you really like it, I suggest calling JA and having it put on hold quickly and have their GG look at it. There are others who look at these forums and might reserve it before you do.

I would only say with the settings you have picked, it is not going to be an everyday ring - pave and micro pave rings are delicate, and if she wants to wear it everyday she has to be careful or baby it. You might also have to be prepared that stones from the setting will go missing and having to have missing stones replaced periodically.

 

[flamingoezz]

The diamond you posted has a HCA score of 0.7 and it's an Ideal Cut, so in terms of performance the stone you picked seems fantastic! If you really like it, I suggest calling JA and having it put on hold quickly and have their GG look at it. There are others who look at these forums and might reserve it before you do.

I would only say with the settings you have picked, it is not going to be an everyday ring - pave and micro pave rings are delicate, and if she wants to wear it everyday she has to be careful or baby it. You might also have to be prepared that stones from the setting will go missing and having to have missing stones replaced periodically.

How long will places normally hold a diamond...I'm a month or maybe even two(!) from purchase.

 

[Alexiszoe]

I think JA can place a hold for 24 hours or until their GG looks at it - you would have to talk to them to clarify. They also have free shipping and free returns within 60 days, so alternatively you could buy it from them now and wait till then to decide.

 

[flamingoezz]

I think JA can place a hold for 24 hours or until their GG looks at it - you would have to talk to them to clarify. They also have free shipping and free returns within 60 days, so alternatively you could buy it from them now and wait till then to decide.

thats a bit tight on time...I think the best thing i can do is keep looking for rings until I get my grandmothers ring and determine whether I'll use her diamond or not.

You've got me a little worried about durability of the JA setting I liked now..would the side stones scratch the wedding band if it was just a plain platinum ring?

Any recommendations on similar settings but only 1 row of pave diamonds? I REALLY like the basket design of the one I posted. Not a huge fan of many single row paves I have seen (I've visited whiteflash, bluenile, and some designer brands)..

 

[flamingoezz]

I got the ring this weekend. Diamond is a bit on the small side..maybe someonoe can tell me if it is a rare cut?

 

[04diamond<3]

It's hard to tell, but it doesn't seem to have much faceting...can you get a better picture? If your girlfriend would want something with better quality, I'd get her a new diamond. Maybe turn grandmas ring into a pendent, or keep as a right hand ring....would your GF be ok with a stone that small? I'd think that's about a half carat max....I guess you could have it re-cut, but then you'd loose carat weight. It's a less expensive option, and a cutter can turn that into a hearts and arrows stone...up to you...

 

[flamingoezz]

i'm working with an iphone here...i took about 5 pictures and that was one of the best. is there a method for getting better shots of diamonds?

honestly, she wouldn't likely care about the size of the stone..but i DO want to get her something nicer. im on the verge of custom making a ring with whiteflash with a .824 ct diamond thanks to the info from people here. i chose the JA head i liked with a (hopefully) more durable single row pave.

at this point, i just want to see if the stone is an old cut or something rare...and if it is, i'll find another use for it. could i find a mate and make earrings out of it?

 

[JulieN]

Estimate how many mom across it is. Might be a candidate for recut. did you clean it? Might look better.

 

[flamingoezz]

i think around 5mm, so that puts it at about 1/2 carat

 

[CharmedOne]

Yes, about a half a carat. Is the stone scratched at all? Does the ring need to be cleaned. Maybe give it a bit of a soaking in some mild dish detergent and see if she sparkles more. It is hard to see the facets from the photo. I like the ring honestly but I am partial to the antique settings. If you want to get a bigger stone, I would have that ring polished up and maybe give it to her as the "Something old" at the wedding to wear as a right hand ring.

 

[flamingoezz]

it looks to be in pretty good shape..im sure it could be cleaned up a bit.

the ring is much bigger size than she wears. would probably need to size down at least two sizes to fit her ring finger (possibly more). I don't think i was going to re-use the ring, but rather find a use for the diamond(s) if i could.

would i be better off scrapping the platinum? or do you think a setting like that would be desirable to someone?

 

[webdiva]

it looks to be in pretty good shape..im sure it could be cleaned up a bit.

the ring is much bigger size than she wears. would probably need to size down at least two sizes to fit her ring finger (possibly more). I don't think i was going to re-use the ring, but rather find a use for the diamond(s) if i could.

would i be better off scrapping the platinum? or do you think a setting like that would be desirable to someone?

It's a pretty little thing and maybe save it for your kids? I don't think you'd get much for it to offset the cost of the new ring and I'm sure it has more sentimental value. You can definitely find something nice in your $6k budget in the size range you're looking for! Heck, that's almost $2k more than my ring!

However, that setting is pretty pricey at $2875 which leaves you about $3125 for the diamond. While some would advise to spend the majority on the diamond and upgrade when you have more budget - I do understand that the setting makes the ring.

Here's a .82 AGS000 (optimum light performance) for a little over your budget at $3400-ish - it's SI2 but ask the gemologist if it's eye clean. Consider the actual diamond will be the size of a pencil eraser:
http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/G-SI2-Ideal-Cut-Round-Diamond-1344169.asp

.8 AGS000 F SI2 for under your budget:
http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/F-SI2-Ideal-Cut-Round-Diamond-1519555.asp

.8 with a high HCA:
http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/H-VS2-Excellent-Cut-Round-Diamond-1539487.asp?b=16&a=12&c=77&cid=131

.8 again - looks like the inclusion could be prongable :
http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/G-SI2-Excellent-Cut-Round-Diamond-1538475.asp?b=16&a=12&c=77&cid=131

For goodness sakes, please put the ones you like on hold asap (it's free) - you can have up to 3 checked out by a gemologist.
Those last two are pretty darn nice and in budget.

 

[distracts]

I don't think a better picture will tell us anything until the entire thing has been cleaned.

If it's a rare stone or not, I would either make it into a pendant or give that ring to your girlfriend for her to wear as a right-hand-ring or an alternate e-ring or whatever. I like the idea of having it be her "something old" at the wedding. I think with a good cleaning and polishing it will be very pretty.

 

[webdiva]

Not sure if JA has access to Gabriel & Co settings, but IDJewelry and Good Old Gold do - here are some alternative settings that open up budget for different stones:
http://www.gabrielny.com/engaged/style/ER4196W44JJ - $1000 MSRP - likely discounted off that.
http://www.gabrielny.com/engaged/style/ER4017W44JJ - $1515
http://www.gabrielny.com/engaged/style/ER4197W44JJ - $1790
http://www.gabrielny.com/engaged/style/ER3905W44JJ - $1890

Which leaves you with $4200-ish to spend on a stone.
At GOG:
http://www.goodoldgold.com/diamond/9808/
http://www.goodoldgold.com/diamond/9959/
http://www.goodoldgold.com/diamond/9872/ - dropping down in color nets you a .9
http://www.goodoldgold.com/diamond/9706/
http://www.goodoldgold.com/diamond/8830/ - different optics - $3500-ish (add to cart to see)

 

[flamingoezz]

Thanks for the recommendations ya'll.

I've designed a ring based on the JA head, with a single row pave that is shaving over $500 off the cost of the JA ring listed earlier, which I'm putting towards my diamond.

I chose a .824 carat G VS2 ideal cut that is a little over my intended budget, but not going to starve me. hope it will look nice with the setting i chose.

if there are other recommendations of whiteflash diamonds, im open...but not for long. hopefully buying TODAY


I think the pendant is a great idea for the old ring. maybe for my niece or if me and the GF have kids.