E-Ring Search / <$30k

[Gypsy]

I just remembered something!!!

Diamondseeker, one of our most helpful members here (I think she commented on this thread earlier, actually) is selling her August Vintage Round.

It's actually one of my favorites ever cut (the faceting differs on them a bit). I remember falling in love with it when she was choosing it, and wishing I could buy it when she decided it was time to part with it.

http://loupetroop.com/listings/loose-stones-diamond/2-dot-29-ct-i-vs1-avr-august-vintage-round-from-gog

It's being held at Good Old Gold. So if you've been talking to them, just mention this stone to them. It's the PERFECT size for you at 8.4mm. And it would look freaking AMAZING in either the pave solitaire you liked earlier, or in a fabulous three stone. It is likely GOG can match your two sidestones at 30-40 points. Or you could go with pears or baguettes (a classic art deco match for the faceting) for the three stone by Steven. Steven does the prettiest three stones I have ever seen.

Anyway, just wanted to mention this as I think the stone is a great value at the price it is being sold at and it's a great fit for you, since I had already mentioned a bunch of similar (but smaller) stones.

Here's all the information on the stone:
http://www.goodoldgold.org/diamond/9582/

 

[Niel]

I just remembered something!!!

Diamondseeker, one of our most helpful members here (I think she commented on this thread earlier, actually) is selling her August Vintage Round.

It's actually one of my favorites ever cut (the faceting differs on them a bit). I remember falling in love with it when she was choosing it, and wishing I could buy it when she decided it was time to part with it.

http://loupetroop.com/listings/loose-stones-diamond/2-dot-29-ct-i-vs1-avr-august-vintage-round-from-gog

It's being held at Good Old Gold. So if you've been talking to them, just mention this stone to them. It's the PERFECT size for you at 8.4mm. And it would look freaking AMAZING in either the pave solitaire you liked earlier, or in a fabulous three stone. It is likely GOG can match your two sidestones at 30-40 points. Or you could go with pears or baguettes (a classic art deco match for the faceting) for the three stone by Steven. Steven does the prettiest three stones I have ever seen.

Anyway, just wanted to mention this as I think the stone is a great value at the price it is being sold at and it's a great fit for you, since I had already mentioned a bunch of similar (but smaller) stones.

Here's all the information on the stone:
http://www.goodoldgold.org/diamond/9582/

I just came here to recommend that stone!

 

[chrono]

Here's another really nice EC though:
https://enchanteddiamonds.com/diamonds/view/Emerald/GIA-Certified-2-45-Carat-F-Color-VVS2-Clarity-Diamond-C4Z16E Really pretty stone. Light performance is as nice as the one at GOG. And is another A+.

I really like this one - great ASET, nice steps and the ratio is appealing to me, not to mention the cool F colour.

 

[Shellcm]

Can I ask why no yellow gold? My friends who wear yellow gold would definitely want a yellow gold ering.

 

[Lmwsp13]

All, thank you so much for the feedback and recs. Lacking any conviction (and not wanting to waste the group's time on a wild goose chase), I decided to bring my gf into the process today. She'd be happy with anything but I want her to love what she gets. From our trip to a B&M today:

1. Cushion is the top choice
2. Very close to the cushion (in terms of preference) is the round (Tiffany Harmony setting?) set very low only
3. She did not care at all for the round cut set in the standard (high-set) setting. Least favorite of all. Too big, clunky, awkward...
4. Emerald nice but a no-go.

I'm going to pull the trigger on a cushion in the next 2 weeks or so. Would love to get your recommendations.

My parameters:
- <25k for the diamond
- awesome cut
- f/g
- vs2 or better
- will solitaire it, no halo

Thanks!

 

[LLJsmom]

Bringing your GF into the process is a great choice. So glad she will be getting what she likes.

Not sure what kind of cushion she likes. These seem nice.

https://www.victorcanera.com/diamonds/npy8tq-2.05-g-vs1-modern-cushion

http://www.goodoldgold.com/ecommerce/2ct-f-vs2-signature-modern-cushion-diamond.html

http://www.goodoldgold.com/ecommerce/2-01ct-g-vs2-premium-vintage-cushion-diamond.html

ERD has lots of cushions, but no asets. You should contact them directly. BGD has some in the virtual inventory. You should contact them too.

 

[Lmwsp13]

Thanks LLJ, I need to do a bit of research on the cut before being able to short-list but these are all very nice and in the strike zone. Thank you again

 

[Gypsy]

I will post some later! Very smart choice.to bring her in on it!

 

[Lmwsp13]

I will post some later! Very smart choice.to bring her in on it!

Thank you! I look forward to seeing what you uncover

 

[Gypsy]

Okay. So, is this the harmony setting she likes? http://www.ebay.com/itm/like/172041340387?ul_noapp=true&chn=ps&lpid=82

So what I am getting is a pave solitiare with a very low profile head. Cushion center stone.


I really think you will be just as happy with a G as an F and it will expand you selection of nice stones. A G even in a 2 or 3 carat stone is going to be seriously white. So if you don't mind I am going to post some G's for your consideration.

So these are the nicest diamonds I found with an ASET posted. You can easily afford any of them. PLEASE REMEMBER: when comparing cushions do NOT compare WEIGHT. Compare dimensions.

https://enchanteddiamonds.com/diamonds/view/Cushion/GIA-Certified-2-01-Carat-F-Color-VS1-Clarity-Diamond-DXB1NQ
https://enchanteddiamonds.com/diamonds/view/Cushion/GIA-Certified-2-09-Carat-G-Color-VS1-Clarity-Diamond-CYC1UH
https://enchanteddiamonds.com/diamonds/view/Cushion/GIA-Certified-2-01-Carat-G-Color-VVS2-Clarity-Diamond-Q3FZBG
https://enchanteddiamonds.com/diamonds/view/Cushion/GIA-Certified-2-0-Carat-E-Color-VS2-Clarity-Diamond-2XDN5V
https://enchanteddiamonds.com/diamonds/view/Cushion/GIA-Certified-2-01-Carat-E-Color-VS2-Clarity-Diamond-2LNYRZ

As for settings. I am wondering if she's actually like a low profile split shank. But I'll post a few options for you.

 

[Gypsy]

Nice low profile pave settings. You can afford a top quality setting so that's what I'm going to post for you.

These all have two views so you can see how low they are set:
http://www.stevenkirsch.com/engagement/solitaire/r0206.html
http://www.stevenkirsch.com/engagement/solitaire/r0216.html
http://www.stevenkirsch.com/engagement/solitaire/r0219.html
http://www.stevenkirsch.com/engagement/solitaire/r0225.html


http://www.jewelsbygrace.com/erika-winters-bridal/minna-solitaire-engagement-ring-setting#.VpxvElL8dLM
http://www.jewelsbygrace.com/erika-winters-bridal/grace-solitaire-engagement-ring-setting#.VpxvGlL8dLM You can add pave to the shank.
http://www.jewelsbygrace.com/erika-winters-bridal/laurel-solitaire-engagement-ring-setting#.VpxvHlL8dLM Personal favorite for a cushion.


https://www.victorcanera.com/rings/engagement/the-jocelyn-pave-solitaire
https://www.victorcanera.com/rings/engagement/the-evelyn-with-open-profile
https://www.victorcanera.com/rings/engagement/tapered-shank-pave-solitaire
https://www.victorcanera.com/rings/engagement/the-jocelyn-with-scalloped-basket

 

[Gypsy]

You can also just send that ebay listing to Steven and ask him to make a setting 'inspired by' the Tiffany Harmony and specify that your lady wants a low profile setting that allows a flush fit band.

And that may be the route you chose to go.

 

[Lmwsp13]

Okay. So, is this the harmony setting she likes? http://www.ebay.com/itm/like/172041340387?ul_noapp=true&chn=ps&lpid=82

So what I am getting is a pave solitiare with a very low profile head. Cushion center stone.


I really think you will be just as happy with a G as an F and it will expand you selection of nice stones. A G even in a 2 or 3 carat stone is going to be seriously white. So if you don't mind I am going to post some G's for your consideration.

So these are the nicest diamonds I found with an ASET posted. You can easily afford any of them. PLEASE REMEMBER: when comparing cushions do NOT compare WEIGHT. Compare dimensions.

https://enchanteddiamonds.com/diamonds/view/Cushion/GIA-Certified-2-01-Carat-F-Color-VS1-Clarity-Diamond-DXB1NQ
https://enchanteddiamonds.com/diamonds/view/Cushion/GIA-Certified-2-09-Carat-G-Color-VS1-Clarity-Diamond-CYC1UH
https://enchanteddiamonds.com/diamonds/view/Cushion/GIA-Certified-2-01-Carat-G-Color-VVS2-Clarity-Diamond-Q3FZBG
https://enchanteddiamonds.com/diamonds/view/Cushion/GIA-Certified-2-0-Carat-E-Color-VS2-Clarity-Diamond-2XDN5V
https://enchanteddiamonds.com/diamonds/view/Cushion/GIA-Certified-2-01-Carat-E-Color-VS2-Clarity-Diamond-2LNYRZ

As for settings. I am wondering if she's actually like a low profile split shank. But I'll post a few options for you.

Thanks Gypsy, these all look great. Do you have a preference among them? Also, is there nothing worthy of consideration in the 2.2 - 2.5 range? How about this one: https://enchanteddiamonds.com/diamonds/view/C231-5DMEF2

Too much leakage?

And I'm definitely cool with G color.

Do we prefer a 1:1 l:w ratio?

Which facet pattern is preferred?

Is this crushed ice / "mush"?
https://enchanteddiamonds.com/diamonds/view/C252-L2FFPT

Regarding setting, I may have been mistaken. I believe Novo Is the one we saw. She didn't really have a strong opinion on setting, only communicating that she didn't care for the settings on which the diamonds sit high.

I'll probably go with VC or Steven, per your recommendation, but wanted to get your thoughts on these LM designs.
https://leonmege.com/portfolio/custom-work/engagement/true-antique-cushion-401-solitaire-ring-detail
https://leonmege.com/portfolio/custom-work/engagement/401-solitaire-round-diamond-micro-pave-detail

Her ring size is 4.5 so we'll look for something more delicate.

Thanks!

 

[Gypsy]

I think both of those Leon's are beautiful, but both have the cathedral shank is a design I don't recommend for your lady, I'll explain why below. On this board we have largely stopped recommending him for a variety of reasons, chief among them that a few people had their stones come loose in their settings. And what I can politely call "differences in customer service philosophy." Steven worked with Leon before he started his own business and can do pretty much anything Leon can, and from personal experience I can recommend both his quality and his customer service. As for Victor, I have spoken to him about a potential project before and he was excellent in terms of customer service, and I know people personally who have used him and having seen his work in person it is gorgeous.

So... take from that what you will.

The G is the crushed ice faceting. Like a radiant. But in cushion shape. I personally am not a fan of this faceting. Come people like it though. For me it is mostly 'mush' in the center there, yes.

If she liked the Novo, then the other faceting is most similar. As for the 2.3 it's a very nice stone. It is losing light under the table facets at least head on, but it isn't an awful amount. I certainly would be fine with buying it if the size (dimensions) were enough bigger to justify it. That's a choice only you can make as it is personal.

Novo makes more sense.

Here is a gorgeous Novo like setting, just as an FYI, as it is my personal favorite of that style and I have worked happily with BGD on a number of projects and can attest to their quality: http://www.briangavindiamonds.com/engagement-rings/pave-and-side-stones/legera-pave-platinum-5861p

I think your lady has a preference for that kind of head. And not a cathedral head.

Here's what I mean:
http://www.briangavindiamonds.com/engagement-rings/pave-and-side-stones/legera-pave-platinum-5861p Head comes right from shank.

http://www.briangavindiamonds.com/engagement-rings/solitaire/classic-truth-solitaire-platinum-5369p Shank comes up to meet head. and https://leonmege.com/portfolio/custom-work/engagement/true-antique-cushion-401-solitaire-ring-detail look at the video

I think that's what you lady was referring to about the style of the head being up high, especially if she likes the Novo. Because one of the defining features of that design is that it is not a cathedral. Some people don't like that look.

 

[Gypsy]

This would be a Novo like Leon design:
https://leonmege.com/portfolio/custom-work/solitaires/401-solitaire-true-antique-cushion-diamond-detail
https://leonmege.com/portfolio/custom-work/solitaires/solitaire-engagement-ring-modern-cushion-detail And with one of the 2 carat modern cushions, that's exactly what the ring will look like, proportionally as that is a 2 carat modern cushion. Do you like this one?


I think this is what she has in mind when she says Novo and not sitting up high.

 

[Lmwsp13]

Don't you think the novo has the cathedral shank? Here is the link:
http://www.tiffany.com/engagement/rings/tiffany-novo-2389?origin=engagement&search_params=param+0/0/0/4003/0/0&origin=engagement&search_params=param+0/0/0/4003/0/0

Believe the part that she liked was the pave bridge to the stone, making it look as though it were set lower. Thoughts?

 

[Lmwsp13]

This would be a Novo like Leon design:
https://leonmege.com/portfolio/custom-work/solitaires/401-solitaire-true-antique-cushion-diamond-detail
https://leonmege.com/portfolio/custom-work/solitaires/solitaire-engagement-ring-modern-cushion-detail And with one of the 2 carat modern cushions, that's exactly what the ring will look like, proportionally as that is a 2 carat modern cushion. Do you like this one?


I think this is what she has in mind when she says Novo and not sitting up high.

I like these both, a lot, but don't you think the cathedral gives the appearance of a lower set stone vs the uniform shank?

 

[Gypsy]

Okay that's weird Ive actually tried on the Novo, at Tiffany, and it waa not cathedral. It looked like this: https://www.google.com/search?q=novo+tiffany+profile&tbm=isch&prmd=ivns&ei=3cKcVqLFDNCojwOfrbeoCg&start=60&sa=N#mhpiv=12

Ao maybe they've changes the design. Weird. Wrll get what you prefer then. Just mske sure to specify "loe profile". Also if a fkush fit straight wedsing bns is important to her specify that toi.

 

[DC519]

I'll second that rec for Brian Gavin Diamonds Novo. So gorgeous!

Really looking forward to what you end up choosing!! This one pretty ring in the making!

 

[JDDN]

I think the cathedral does make the center stone appear lower. It also sort of decreases the relative height of the head since only the top half of the head is exposed (from where the cathedral meets the head) if that makes sense. You should definitely specify that you want the stone set LOW.

Here are two examples of solitaires that have the arcing cathedral as opposed to the swooping up cathedral. You could ask BGD if they could do either with a pave shank.



http://www.briangavindiamonds.com/engagement-rings/solitaire/melissa-platinum-5366p


http://www.briangavindiamonds.com/engagement-rings/solitaire/melanie-platinum-5374p/?build=ring

 

[Lmwsp13]

Thanks all and happy Friday. Will be sure to revisit setting once I lock down a stone. Speaking of which, Gypsy, how does this look:

https://enchanteddiamonds.com/diamonds/view/Cushion/GIA-Certified-2-26-Carat-G-Color-VS1-Clarity-Diamond-LP6MS6 (ASET no included)

 

[Gypsy]

Thanks all and happy Friday. Will be sure to revisit setting once I lock down a stone. Speaking of which, Gypsy, how does this look:

https://enchanteddiamonds.com/diamonds/view/Cushion/GIA-Certified-2-26-Carat-G-Color-VS1-Clarity-Diamond-LP6MS6 (ASET no included)

Big, and with promise. Optical symmetry is a bit off, but probably be fine in person.

Will they get you an ASET? Either before you buy or after you buy but before they ship? I would definitely ask about that.

 

[klownzy]

Hey op, I'm just curious if you've talked about size with your gf? My gf sounds very similar to yours (Hispanic, simple, jeans/shirt, modest upbringing) and she does not even want a 1ct because she thinks it's too big (she does like quality though). She wears minimal jewellery and never flashy so this didn't come as too much of a surprise for me. Im currently in the market for a round diamond with a simple solitaire setting. I'm debating between platinum and rose gold (rose gold looks really nice with olive skin). Just wanted to throw my experience out there as something to consider if you haven't talked about diamond size

 

[Gypsy]

Hey op, I'm just curious if you've talked about size with your gf? My gf sounds very similar to yours (Hispanic, simple, jeans/shirt, modest upbringing) and she does not even want a 1ct because she thinks it's too big (she does like quality though). She wears minimal jewellery and never flashy so this didn't come as too much of a surprise for me. Im currently in the market for a round diamond with a simple solitaire setting. I'm debating between platinum and rose gold (rose gold looks really nice with olive skin). Just wanted to throw my experience out there as something to consider if you haven't talked about diamond size

It also depends on your metro area and what your friends/social circle have. Also cushions face up relatively small for their carat weight. In the Bay Area two carat stones are as common as LV handbags and everyone (and their mother) drives a lexus, prius, bmw or mercedes.

I know. I live here. Still it is a good conversation to have. Not putting the cushion in a halo setting and instead having it on a simple pave setting will go a long way against ostentation.

Lmw:
I think someone just bought that 2.26 though. In another thread.

 

[Lmwsp13]

Hey op, I'm just curious if you've talked about size with your gf? My gf sounds very similar to yours (Hispanic, simple, jeans/shirt, modest upbringing) and she does not even want a 1ct because she thinks it's too big (she does like quality though). She wears minimal jewellery and never flashy so this didn't come as too much of a surprise for me. Im currently in the market for a round diamond with a simple solitaire setting. I'm debating between platinum and rose gold (rose gold looks really nice with olive skin). Just wanted to throw my experience out there as something to consider if you haven't talked about diamond size

That's a great question. We haven't discussed it (I'm lucky to have gotten her shape preference) but she would likely view size as commensurate with how into it I am. For a cushion which, to gypsy's point, looks a little smaller face up, I think a 2ct checks that box without bringing ostentation into play. I'll go with a delicate non-halo pave band in platinum although I do agree with you in that rose gold looks great on olive skin. Good luck with your search and future engagement.

 

[Lmwsp13]

Hey op, I'm just curious if you've talked about size with your gf? My gf sounds very similar to yours (Hispanic, simple, jeans/shirt, modest upbringing) and she does not even want a 1ct because she thinks it's too big (she does like quality though). She wears minimal jewellery and never flashy so this didn't come as too much of a surprise for me. Im currently in the market for a round diamond with a simple solitaire setting. I'm debating between platinum and rose gold (rose gold looks really nice with olive skin). Just wanted to throw my experience out there as something to consider if you haven't talked about diamond size

It also depends on your metro area and what your friends/social circle have. Also cushions face up relatively small for their carat weight. In the Bay Area two carat stones are as common as LV handbags and everyone (and their mother) drives a lexus, prius, bmw or mercedes.

I know. I live here. Still it is a good conversation to have. Not putting the cushion in a halo setting and instead having it on a simple pave setting will go a long way against ostentation.

Lmw:
I think someone just bought that 2.26 though. In another thread.

Thanks for pointing that out. Put on hold first, ask questions later - lesson learned.

Wasn't the right rock...We'll find something better.

 

[Lmwsp13]

Hey all,

Wanted to get your expert opinions on the following, specifically (1) - (3). For comparison purposes, let's assume that (1) - (3) are the same price.

1) http://www.goodoldgold.com/ecommerce/2.01ct-h-vs1-platinum-square-cushion-handa-diamond.html
2) 2ct, G / VS1 pics shown below
3) https://enchanteddiamonds.com/diamonds/view/Cushion/GIA-Certified-2-01-Carat-E-Color-VS2-Clarity-Diamond-2LNYRZ
4) http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/cushion-cut/2.01-carat-f-color-vs1-clarity-sku-793507
5) any others that you may have seen?


thanks!

 

[Gypsy]

Hey all,

Wanted to get your expert opinions on the following, specifically (1) - (3). For comparison purposes, let's assume that (1) - (3) are the same price.

1) http://www.goodoldgold.com/ecommerce/2.01ct-h-vs1-platinum-square-cushion-handa-diamond.html
2) 2ct, G / VS1 pics shown below
3) https://enchanteddiamonds.com/diamonds/view/Cushion/GIA-Certified-2-01-Carat-E-Color-VS2-Clarity-Diamond-2LNYRZ
4) http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/cushion-cut/2.01-carat-f-color-vs1-clarity-sku-793507
5) any others that you may have seen?


thanks!

The E wins for me, hands down. It's just a lovely stone and a great value.

 

[Lmwsp13]

Thanks Gypsy, I found the video of the E on JA and those inclusions make me cringe.
http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/cushion-cut/2.01-carat-e-color-vs2-clarity-sku-763094

thoughts?

 

[Lmwsp13]

would appreciate your final thoughts on these 2:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tw1_bBRiqRE

left is G, right is H (H&A). Both VS1

similar but different facet patterns.

thanks!