E-Ring Confused and Dizzy

[Hephephippo]

Hi everyone,

This is my first post here and seeking help after being utterly confused, lost and overwhelmed by diamond selections. I want to keep the process as simple as possible so would be grateful for all your help.

Being the stingy, best value for money type of person that I am, I'm researching on my E-Ring. I want to preface by saying I know this is coming as we have been talking of starting a family soon and stuff. The BF went to my friends for E-Ring help and friends, knowing I know what the bf is up to, asked me for what I want. Basically what I want is best value for money. The bf went to diamond district in NYC and big name stores recently and friends said he was informed but overwhelmed.

After reading and some research, there is a lot to consider but def want a high performance diamond and think online is the best way to go in stretching the dollar to the best possible ring. So I'm going to drop a hint (and friends will tell him precisely actually).

I know I want either a round brilliant or emerald cut ring, at least 2 carats (prefer 2.3 or so to be honest but have to give a minimum size in order to accommodate price impact from the color and clarity specs). I def want tiny diamonds (grading does not matter) around the stone. Set in white gold or platinum (either is fine). I know his budget is minimum 20k and maximum 35K but that would include the setting cost.

I also know he is determined to stick in the DEF color range. At the end of the day, we both need to be happy and we'd like a ring that shines, a brilliant diamond.

I read about gradings, idealscope (?) But still confused because as you read through the forums you learn new things without context and let's face it, indexing and searches are never straightforward and organized in forums like this.

Dear community, please help me. It may not be help in finding the diamond but help in pointing me on where to begin -- where to read first in terms of grading/assessing a diamond beyond the 4Cs.

Thank you in advance and apologies for this long post.

 

[Matthews1127]

If you are interested in high performance, reach out to High Performance Diamonds @Wink, and WhiteFlash.
Emerald Cuts, reach out to Good Old Gold, and @Karl_K/ @Rockdiamond.
Another option is Yoram @ Gemconcepts.net.
http://instagram.com/gemconcepts
He is a highly respected cutter, who deals in diamonds; unique stones. He’s amazing!! He knows a thing or two about step-Cuts.
What style are you considering for your setting? CvB and Victor Canara
http://instagram.com/victorcanera
would be my top choices, depending on where you purchase your stone...

 

[whitewave]

You mentioned you want highly performing diamonds, so does that mean you have researched and want to stay in the ideal and super ideal ranges, or just super ideal (like crafted by infinity sold by high performance diamonds and A Cut Above sold by Whiteflash?)

This will help us. For super ideals, I personally will also consider eye clean SI2 since they have been vetted to not greatly impact performance (or in the least you can have them doublecheck that and get back to you).

I would assume about 4K for a setting with some kind of pave or melee or halo etc.

So you are looking for DEF around 2.3 carats (2+ range) and MRB or emerald cut (no super ideal grading for those) with a total budget of 20-35k.

Is that all correct? This will be fun!!

 

[whitewave]

And I agree with everything @Matthews1127 wrote

 

[Kayelle]

I have no suggestions for you (being a newbie myself) but I am soooo jealous of your budget!

 

[whitewave]

i would contact Wink or Melissa at HP diamonds to double check their inventory.

Here is one to look at tonight. They can send a video: https://www.hpdiamonds.com/en-us/diamonddetail/HPD9333

They can also make any setting you want.

I am about to pass out as it is past my bedtime. Maybe someone else has time to pull from other places.

 

[Karl_K]

ECs and RB diamonds are very different looking cuts.
wear what you love.
The first step is to figure out what you love.

 

[Hephephippo]

I have no suggestions for you (being a newbie myself) but I am soooo jealous of your budget!

Wanted to reply to this first and say, don't be. Don't be caught up with the $ value but the love put into it. Don't compare yourself to others and don't keep up with the Joneses (or Kardashians!!).

He has a bigger budget because he's in his late 30s, saved a great deal and is super money savvy at an early age. At the end of the day, we both agreed that this gem is our first investment -- an emergency fund if we face trouble in our older years, that I'd be ready to sell without any qualms because love and family matter more than material possessions.

So the ring is symbolic of him putting trust in me, in terms of some of his money, that one day I'll bail our family out if we face some sort of dire need... Now if my boo can afford 10k and gave me a 10k ring, his trust in me of what he worked hard for, is far greater in value than a 100k ring from a billionaire who spends without the bat of an eyelash.

 

[Hephephippo]

ECs and RB diamonds are very different looking cuts.
wear what you love.
The first step is to figure out what you love.

Thank you @Karl_K I was going based on look! They both look appealing to me and I'd love either one I know they are very different but they both appeal to me!

 

[Hephephippo]

If you are interested in high performance, reach out to High Performance Diamonds @Wink, and WhiteFlash.
Emerald Cuts, reach out to Good Old Gold, and @Karl_K/ @Rockdiamond.
Another option is Yoram @ Gemconcepts.net.
http://instagram.com/gemconcepts
He is a highly respected cutter, who deals in diamonds; unique stones. He’s amazing!! He knows a thing or two about step-Cuts.
What style are you considering for your setting? CvB and Victor Canara
http://instagram.com/victorcanera
would be my top choices, depending on where you purchase your stone...

Thank you for these links--- looking Through them now. Also, update that I just learned that BF's budget max of 35k would include my wedding band -- I think he got this idea into his head because when he went to the diamond district in NYC they were trying to sell him a matching band too. I don't care if he buys them together but frankly I think the E-ring should have all the bling and the wedding band can be basic small diamonds eternity band without costing so much. Am I wrong?

As for setting -- I don't know the proper terms. I have not come across a thorough guide on that yet. I want halo? (little low grade diamonds around a center stone) and half pave (little low value diamonds on the band?)

I don't know if that made sense? I personally cafe for the center diamond, and don't care much for the tiny diamonds around and think they are more decorative, for my purposes.

 

[Matthews1127]

Thank you for these links--- looking Through them now. Also, update that I just learned that BF's budget max of 35k would include my wedding band -- I think he got this idea into his head because when he went to the diamond district in NYC they were trying to sell him a matching band too. I don't care if he buys them together but frankly I think the E-ring should have all the bling and the wedding band can be basic small diamonds eternity band without costing so much. Am I wrong?

As for setting -- I don't know the proper terms. I have not come across a thorough guide on that yet. I want halo? (little low grade diamonds around a center stone) and half pave (little low value diamonds on the band?)

I don't know if that made sense? I personally cafe for the center diamond, and don't care much for the tiny diamonds around and think they are more decorative, for my purposes.

All makes sense: you want your center stone to be the star, as it should be!!

 

[Hephephippo]

You mentioned you want highly performing diamonds, so does that mean you have researched and want to stay in the ideal and super ideal ranges, or just super ideal (like crafted by infinity sold by high performance diamonds and A Cut Above sold by Whiteflash?)

This will help us. For super ideals, I personally will also consider eye clean SI2 since they have been vetted to not greatly impact performance (or in the least you can have them doublecheck that and get back to you).

I would assume about 4K for a setting with some kind of pave or melee or halo etc.

So you are looking for DEF around 2.3 carats (2+ range) and MRB or emerald cut (no super ideal grading for those) with a total budget of 20-35k.

Is that all correct? This will be fun!!

Yes, correct. Thank you @whitewave and glad you find fun in this process!! looking forward to your inputs.

 

[pokypup]

Never heard of a stingy person with a $20k-$35k budget!

 

[Hephephippo]

Never heard of a stingy person with a $20k-$35k budget

Well it's not my money. But I think what I meant by stingy is, he better be getting his money's worth for that budget and not be ripped off (like buying from a big name store -- debeers/tifanny where a lot of the cost goes to brand name rather than quality) hehe

 

[scarsmum]

look up Victor Canera Emilya if you like a round diamond. There are a couple for sale on Loupe troop that would fit an over 2 carat diamond, if you liked it and wanted to save a little. Just suggesting that one because it is a truly stunning setting. For diamonds, you can start searching at Rare Carat to get a sense of prices across different criteria and suppliers. I know there are favoured suppliers here on PS, but you never know who might have access to the right diamond for you. I wouldn't rule many suppliers out. You do, however, need to consider other aspects like upgrade and return policies.

 

[Alexiszoe]

I would also like to highlight ID Jewelry (who are based on the NY diamond district) for picking out beauties that are value for money.

They picked out an amazing 5 carat Asscher cut at a great price (which a PSer picked up, there's a thread on here somewhere) as well as @ILikeShiny's beautiful 3 carat asscher cut diamond! Here's her thread: https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/we-chose-a-diamond-and-it-glows.230784/

They have a good eye for diamonds in general, so I would suggest giving them a call and see what they can come up with.

 

[pokypup]

Well it's not my money. But I think what I meant by stingy is, he better be getting his money's worth for that budget and not be ripped off (like buying from a big name store -- debeers/tifanny where a lot of the cost goes to brand name rather than quality) hehe

I understand. Savvy may be a better word. You want value for money.

 

[rockysalamander]

The best prices for diamonds and most jewelry is to buy pre-owned. I've found a bunch of stones and set rings to give you an idea. There were not many ECs, but a lot of asschers and old cuts. I also threw in a few other cuts/shapes. Let us know what you think.

{click on the videos tab to see this antique strut their stuff}
http://www.jewelsbygrace.com/laurel-solitaire-engagement-ring-207
http://www.jewelsbygrace.com/3-76ctw-emerald-cut-diamond-ring-by-leon-mege-gia-h-vs
http://www.jewelsbygrace.com/2-02ct-vintage-asscher-cut-diamond-gia-e-vvs2
http://www.jewelsbygrace.com/2-29ct-old-european-cut-diamond-gia-f-vs1
http://www.jewelsbygrace.com/2-51ct-emerald-cut-diamond-gia-g-vs2
http://www.jewelsbygrace.com/1-67ct-old-european-cut-diamond-gia-e-vs2
http://www.loveaffairdiamonds.com/2-01ct-asscher-cut-diamond-gia-g-vvs2/
http://www.diamondsbylauren.com/ind...j-vvs2-cushion-cut-gia-remarkable-stone-r5435
http://www.diamondsbylauren.com/index.php/jewelry/loose-diamond-114-vvs2-emerald-cut-gia-report {a little smaller than your goal, but gorgeous setting and diamond which they can likely replicate the setting with a bigger stone}

If you like ovals, this is a GREAT price for a stunning ring and diamond.
https://loupetroop.com/listings/rings-natural-diamond-center/steven-kirsch-and-gog-oval-halo

 

[Hephephippo]

I understand. Savvy may be a better word. You want value for money.

Hahaha you are right! Savvy was definitely the better word... I don't know why I said stingy. Haha

 

[tyty333]

The setting you are looking for is called a "pave" setting (little diamonds on it.) Like this?
https://www.jamesallen.com/engageme...ench-cut-six-prong-engagement-ring-item-49518

Thread with lots of pictures of Emerald cuts
https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/emerald-cuts-asschers-a-collection.113993/
https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/show-me-your-emerald-cut-rings.29470/

There are a lot of rounds on Pricescope...

Best bang for your buck would be down to an "I" color (I know he said DEF) and down to eye-clean SI1
for a round (you'll have to stay at VS level or higher for emerald).
Here are some Super Ideal Branded rounds
https://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-3864682.htm
https://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-3893621.htm

If you can talk him into a G , which is very white in a super ideal, you can hit 2 carats
https://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-3907534.htm

In an Emerald cut you can get something like this (just an example)
https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/emerald-cut/2.09-carat-e-color-vvs2-clarity-sku-3506451

 

[tyty333]

Here is a virtual size difference between the emerald I posted and the largest WF stone on a size 6 finger...


Really depends on the look you are after though.

 

[srke]

At the end of the day, we both agreed that this gem is our first investment -- an emergency fund if we face trouble in our older years, that I'd be ready to sell without any qualms because love and family matter more than material possessions.

If this is something you're factoring in, you may also want to consider the buyback policy of whoever you purchase from.

 

[tyty333]

If you are looking for a lot of info on diamonds...there is a lot of info at the Pricescope->Knowledge pulldown menu.

For rounds you can also look here...
https://www.whiteflash.com/ Whiteflash-> Education pulldown menu option and
Whiteflash-> Diamonds pulldown - > "The Cs of Diamond Education" and all the "A Cut Above" options

Its a little harder to find info on Emerald cuts. We have several Pricescopers that own them and we can help you pick out a nice one but
I dont have anywhere specific to point you for info (maybe someone else does?)

Things I look for in a nice emerald (beyond color/clarity)...
- they must flash all the way down into the center (this will eliminate a lot of stones)
- must have fairly equal size steps
- must have nice outline with nice windmills
- cant have too many steps turned "off" (black) at once when the stone is facing you
- must have a nice ASET image with lots of red

(I'm sure others can add to that list)

 

[tyty333]

If this is something you're factoring in, you may also want to consider the buyback policy of whoever you purchase from.

Ditto...

Unfortunately, diamonds are like cars, once you drive them out of the showroom they are not worth what you paid for them. There are different
numbers to their value on the second hand market...anywhere between 1/2 to 3/4 depending on the stone. Rounds are easier to get rid of. So
not really an "investment". There are dealers that will buy back at 70% but I dont know if thats a life time deal or just for the first year or so.

 

[BlingDreams]

I would also like to highlight ID Jewelry (who are based on the NY diamond district) for picking out beauties that are value for money.

They picked out an amazing 5 carat Asscher cut at a great price (which a PSer picked up, there's a thread on here somewhere) as well as @ILikeShiny's beautiful 3 carat asscher cut diamond! Here's her thread: https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/we-chose-a-diamond-and-it-glows.230784/

They have a good eye for diamonds in general, so I would suggest giving them a call and see what they can come up with.

Aw, thanks @Alexiszoe!

@Hephephippo - I had a great experience with IDJ. We let them know ahead of time the carat/color/clarity we were interested in as well as our budget and when we arrived they had six diamonds meeting our requests to show us; while we were there, they called in another two from surrounding diamond stores since we liked the specs on paper. We were treated with patience, given all the information we wanted, never pressured, and we truly felt they wanted us completely satisfied. We also loved that their pricing was transparent, so no need to haggle. We walked out VERY happy with what we'd gotten and the price we'd paid.

All of that being said, step-cut stones are tricky. There are no "ideal" parameters as there are with rounds. There are guidelines, but even the experts on here will tell you they've seen amazing emeralds and asschers that have fallen outside of those guidelines. So a lot of choosing a great step-cut is with your eyes and the assistance of ASET images to confirm what you're seeing. Plus with emeralds you have other considerations such as l/w ratio and thickness of windmills, so be sure you give guidance on those too.

Keep in mind as well that a 2ct emerald cut faces up smaller than a 2ct round, because emerald cuts are deeper so there's less surface area (the top); to get the same surface spread you'd need to go to probably around a 2.5 emerald cut. The upside is that emerald cuts are usually less expensive, so a larger emerald might be available for the same size as a smaller round.

The two looks you're considering (emerald and round) are SO different though. How much have you looked at them in person? Are you SURE there's not one you prefer over the other?

If you do decide on a round, I'd agree that High Performance Diamonds (HPD) or Whiteflash (WF) would be the two vendors you're most likely to find what you're looking for.

For best value though, @rockysalamander is spot on about getting a pre-loved diamond/setting. Great deals can always be found that way.

Good luck with your search!

 

[Matthews1127]

If you are looking for a lot of info on diamonds...there is a lot of info at the Pricescope->Knowledge pulldown menu.

For rounds you can also look here...
https://www.whiteflash.com/ Whiteflash-> Education pulldown menu option and
Whiteflash-> Diamonds pulldown - > "The Cs of Diamond Education" and all the "A Cut Above" options

Its a little harder to find info on Emerald cuts. We have several Pricescopers that own them and we can help you pick out a nice one but
I dont have anywhere specific to point you for info (maybe someone else does?)

Things I look for in a nice emerald (beyond color/clarity)...
- they must flash all the way down into the center (this will eliminate a lot of stones)
- must have fairly equal size steps
- must have nice outline with nice windmills
- cant have too many steps turned "off" (black) at once when the stone is facing you
- must have a nice ASET image with lots of red

(I'm sure others can add to that list)

Re: Step Cuts: reach out to @Karl_K at Diamonds By Lauren, and Yoram at GemConcepts. These guys have raised the bar on Step Cuts, and have MAD knowledge. They are an amazing resource, and can help you find what you’re looking for!

http://www.diamondsbylauren.com/index.php/categories/loose-diamonds/page-25/

http://instagram.com/gemconcepts

 

[partgypsy]

If you are interested in resale value I know Wink (High performance diamonds) offers a 100% trade up policy, and a 80% buy back guarantee. You can't beat that.
You will have sticker shock, but all of their diamonds will knock you socks off and look bigger than their carat size. There are two 2.31 H SI1 diamond, but it is currently on hold. Even if you are color sensitive, feel anything H and above will be safe.

https://www.hpdiamonds.com/en-us/diamonddetail/HPD8605
https://www.hpdiamonds.com/en-us/diamonddetail/HPD7776

 

[whitewave]

Places to look on instagram:

August vintage (new and exciting-- just fun to look at)

HP diamonds

Whiteflashdiamonds

Gemconcepts

Cvb.inspired.design

Check out the Octavia asscher cut sold by diamonds by Lauren

 

[whitewave]

Never heard of a stingy person with a $20k-$35k budget!

My DH and I are super stingy, but when we want something, we buy the best that we can afford. We are picky about what we spend our money on-- so this makes total sense to me.

 

[doberman]

I think prudent is a better term here than stingy. Stingy implies cheap, prudence implies care. I like everything that @Matthews1127 mentioned upthread, but I would add Leon Mege for setting design. I know that some people have had issues with him in the past, but in my dealings with him he was great.