Engagement ring help needed - 1.5, G, SI1 Diamond

[Madison2]

Mike, you made the decision to buy the diamond and have it set with the halo. The ring is gorgeous and as long as you are happy thats all that matters. I think your lady is going to love it!
Good Luck on the proposal and I wish you all the best!

 

[SweetAsscher]

I'm sure your future fiance will love the ring. It came out very pretty and I think the diamond looks great in the setting. Don't stress too much off the diamond cut, it really comes down to preference. This forum happens to be home to many cut nuts, but just because we are very particular about cut doesn't mean that it is number one priority for everyone else. If you ask for opinions here, you will get tons of feedback on how to get the best performing diamond for your money. It seems you are happy with your stone, you didn't get a bad deal, and the diamond is good enough for your tastes so it's a win for you! good luck with the proposal!
Here's a little clip that I thought was a great example on comparing excellent cut vs very good.
http://youtu.be/bBgneMbH7_I

 

[ChrisES]

I'm sure your future fiance will love the ring. It came out very pretty and I think the diamond looks great in the setting. Don't stress too much off the diamond cut, it really comes down to preference. This forum happens to be home to many cut nuts, but just because we are very particular about cut doesn't mean that it is number one priority for everyone else. If you ask for opinions here, you will get tons of feedback on how to get the best performing diamond for your money. It seems you are happy with your stone, you didn't get a bad deal, and the diamond is good enough for your tastes so it's a win for you! good luck with the proposal!
Here's a little clip that I thought was a great example on comparing excellent cut vs very good.
http://youtu.be/bBgneMbH7_I

Of all the GOG videos I have seen, I think that one has the most entertaining commentary! Very informative as well.

 

[mike899]

Thanks again. One thing is for sure. When my next friend is ready for a ring I will be ready to help him. I am just happy the search is over for now. Gonna give it to her on Easter it I think. Everyone I have shown it to was blown away, but obviously none are experts

 

[mike899]

I know I am kind of going off topic here, but what is the deal with the fluorescent rating? Are they good or bad? I believe my jeweler explaining to me they were bad, but in trolling this forum i see a lot of people looking for them as a positive.

 

[mike899]

Just want to give some follow up on this ring, I went for a formal appraisal today in NYC.

In short the appraiser said i got a great diamond for great price.

To me the diamond doesn't look dark, just slightly. I asked him his opinion on the depth and darkness. He said the depth is deeper than desired but he said i have a very nice high crown that offsets the pavillion in terms of light return. Followed it up with that he didn't see darkness as any issue in my diamond, he sees diamonds come in where the entire center is "dead" and the eye is drawn right to it, this diamond doesn't have this issue.

I also asked about the HCA score, he replied "sounds like you have been on pricescope, everyone thinks they are an expert on there" (ha). He explained the HCA is great tool for finding good buys, as someone said "more diamond for your buck" but it doesn't always mean your diamond will out perform another. He went on to say i have found a great "very good" cut in terms of light return.

anyway the appraisal was great, got some useful information. Wish I had another diamond to buy.

 

[mike899]

here is a shot i got from the appraisal, the top looks dark, but the lighting was coming from the top and slightly behind the diamond

 

[ariel144]

As for the 64% .. personally It's the perfect size . Looking.. I don't want it to look any bigger.

i give up your helpless when it comes to educating you about diamonds..

LOL, yes, just what I was thinking...too much in a hurry...just like a guy. I was going to suggest these great performers from GOG, but oops! too late!

http://www.goodoldgold.com/diamond/8792/

http://www.goodoldgold.com/diamond/8265/

http://www.goodoldgold.com/diamond/9041/

http://www.goodoldgold.com/diamond/9091/

I'm sure she will love the ring.

 

[ariel144]

Just want to give some follow up on this ring, I went for a formal appraisal today in NYC.

In short the appraiser said i got a great diamond for great price.

To me the diamond doesn't look dark, just slightly. I asked him his opinion on the depth and darkness. He said the depth is deeper than desired but he said i have a very nice high crown that offsets the pavillion in terms of light return. Followed it up with that he didn't see darkness as any issue in my diamond, he sees diamonds come in where the entire center is "dead" and the eye is drawn right to it, this diamond doesn't have this issue.

I also asked about the HCA score, he replied "sounds like you have been on pricescope, everyone thinks they are an expert on there" (ha). He explained the HCA is great tool for finding good buys, as someone said "more diamond for your buck" but it doesn't always mean your diamond will out perform another. He went on to say i have found a great "very good" cut in terms of light return.

anyway the appraisal was great, got some useful information. Wish I had another diamond to buy.

Well, that certainly is very good news....yes, I'm learning not to have much confidence in that HCA score...will not accurately tell you if the stone performs well. Good for you...you certainly knew what your eye saw. I agree...the peeps on here are all "experts" LOL...but honestly trying to help, based on the limited knowledge available without seeing a stone.

 

[ariel144]

I know I am kind of going off topic here, but what is the deal with the fluorescent rating? Are they good or bad? I believe my jeweler explaining to me they were bad, but in trolling this forum i see a lot of people looking for them as a positive.

Based on Jonathan on GOG, florescence is not bad on 99% of stones. It is only that 1% that will look cloudy because of fl. It can make a diamond in a lower color look whiter and thus be very good. It can give a stone in certain lighting a blue hue which is very appealing. Would love to find a stone with blue fl. Here is a great example "hubba hubba" is right!:

http://jewelsbyericagrace.smugmug.com/Jewelry/Rings-Antique-Vintage/356ct-Loose-Old-European-Cut/19804036_Qxwpx5#!i=1556511305&k=CmXtKxG

 

[mike899]

Just want to give some follow up on this ring, I went for a formal appraisal today in NYC.

In short the appraiser said i got a great diamond for great price.

To me the diamond doesn't look dark, just slightly. I asked him his opinion on the depth and darkness. He said the depth is deeper than desired but he said i have a very nice high crown that offsets the pavillion in terms of light return. Followed it up with that he didn't see darkness as any issue in my diamond, he sees diamonds come in where the entire center is "dead" and the eye is drawn right to it, this diamond doesn't have this issue.

I also asked about the HCA score, he replied "sounds like you have been on pricescope, everyone thinks they are an expert on there" (ha). He explained the HCA is great tool for finding good buys, as someone said "more diamond for your buck" but it doesn't always mean your diamond will out perform another. He went on to say i have found a great "very good" cut in terms of light return.

anyway the appraisal was great, got some useful information. Wish I had another diamond to buy.

Well, that certainly is very good news....yes, I'm learning not to have much confidence in that HCA score...will not accurately tell you if the stone performs well. Good for you...you certainly knew what your eye saw. I agree...the peeps on here are all "experts" LOL...but honestly trying to help, based on the limited knowledge available without seeing a stone.

yea i know, i appreciate all the help i received on the forum.

one other thing...
ever since i have been looking for a ring i have been stalking every girl at works ring. I have been shocked how great every girls ring looks, always bursting with light (i work in an office). So yesterday for the appraisal i had the ring with me, i decided just to open it up and take a peak at it in different lighting. I couldn't believe how much the ring was glowing in that light, the was so much light coming off the ring. I guess it has something to do with the office flourescent lighting.

 

[totheleft]

Hi Mike! I was on these forums under a different name about.. um.. 6.5 years ago when I was just getting engaged.

My (now husband) and I ended up buying a diamond before I found Pricescope. I have no doubt that it's not the perfect diamond people here want. I have never posted the report (or even looked it up, though I have copies of it at home and it is certified). My diamond is 1.50 carats, princess cut, VS1 (though I can sort of see an inclusion if I look at it from underneath?), G color.

I have no doubt it's not a fantastic diamond, only because I'm not sure most of us day-to-day ever see one. People here are experts; I am not, you are not, your girlfriend is not. It's like, I'm a professional photographer and a lot of "photography" DRIVES ME NUTS because it's awful, poorly lit, poorly composed, etc. But the person who took the photo likes it, and that's what matters.

So, all this to say - I LOVE my engagement ring. I have no idea how good it is in Pricescope comparisons, and I'm not sure I'd want to know. Same with your girlfriend - she'll never know the difference, I'm sure. I think in the long run maybe you could have made a *better* choice, but you're not comparing your ring side-by-side with other rings, and you love how yours looks. I'm sure your girlfriend will, too. It's a gorgeous ring; if it's "dark" at all, it just adds to the almost vintage look of a halo setting. Beautiful.

Additionally - my ring looks AMAZINGGGGGGGGGGG in elevators and in flourescent light. And in jewelry stores.

 

[mike899]

couldn't agree with you more.. i loved the way mine came out and i bought it.. that's the purpose of the sale. I have gone through great measures now to make sure i wasn't ripped off and my diamond is legit. Completely satisfied with my ring.

On top of that.. Might get some flack for this. i know my diamond is "deep" but i see some of these diamonds that are shallow and cut for diameter. Well, they look cheap to me, like little pieces of shiny confetti. They look like the were cut to look bigger than they actually are IMO.

 

[Dancing Fire]

[quote="ariel144|

Well, that certainly is very good news....yes, I'm learning not to have much confidence in that HCA score...will not accurately tell you if the stone performs well. Good for you...you certainly knew what your eye saw. I agree...the peeps on here are all "experts" LOL...but honestly trying to help, based on the limited knowledge available without seeing a stone.[/quote]


yes i am one of them "EXPERTS" ... who was advising him not to purchase a 64% depth stone.

 

[Dreamer_D]

I'm not sure about the direction some of the posts are going in this thread. They remind me a little of people casting stones at those who value "edumacation" because they personally value street learning instead?

My perspective on this issue is that consumers should try to learn as much as possible befor plunking down huge sums of money. Buying a diamond is tricky because it is a very expensive item being sold by (usually) people who know a lot more than the buyer and who (often) selectively inform the buyer about issues that have a huge impact on the value of the diamond the buyer is considering. Add to this the fact that the diamond industry as a whole is geared towards basically fleecing buyers for as much as it can (cynical, yes, but I have been around this block a few times), and you get a real mine field for buyers to navigate.

I am truly amazed how most buyers just blindly spend thousands and tens of thousands without getting educated on what they are buying. I do not ascribe to the theory that "Oh, you are happy, that is all that matters" or the idea that "No one can tell the difference anyways!" Those are just not sentiments that enter my mind when it comes to multi-thousand dollar purchases. But to each their own I suppose.

 

[totheleft]

Dreamer, I think you all know a LOT - I was mostly saying that in my experience, ignorance was bliss (I'm sure my diamond ISNT perfect but there's nothing I can do about it, years later) - and that since the OP seems happy with his purchase, and it's too late to change his mind, it doesn't really *matter* if his decision was smart or not, because he can't undo it. So at least he's happy with it.

 

[Dancing Fire]

Dreamer, I think you all know a LOT - I was mostly saying that in my experience, ignorance was bliss (I'm sure my diamond ISNT perfect but there's nothing I can do about it, years later) - and that since the OP seems happy with his purchase, and it's too late to change his mind, it doesn't really *matter* if his decision was smart or not, because he can't undo it. So at least he's happy with it.

it wasn't too late when he was seeking for advise.

 

[mike899]

Aannnddd its not too late now, I can still return it so not sure what your point is. I love the ring , I love the look. I got a great price and was not fleeced as described.

Could I return the diamond and get a diamond that is slightly better cut, giving more diamter for the same price ? Yes.

But I am happy with the ring I bought. I asked the question to a professional gemologist that has an office in nyc on 5th ave b.c he is an expert, and he said there was absolutely no reason to trade this diamond in.

But hey you guys who have not seen the ring know better because you saw a depth over 62% and its standard to say its a bad diamond.

 

[steelmagnolia]

Aannnddd its not too late now, I can still return it so not sure what your point is. I love the ring , I love the look. I got a great price and was not fleeced as described.

Could I return the diamond and get a diamond that is slightly better cut, giving more diamter for the same price ? Yes.

But I am happy with the ring I bought. I asked the question to a professional gemologist that has an office in nyc on 5th ave b.c he is an expert, and he said there was absolutely no reason to trade this diamond in.

But hey you guys who have not seen the ring know better because you saw a depth over 62% and its standard to say its a bad diamond.

I'm quite the noob around here, but have spent a lot of time reading and educating myself, both through posts here and from extensive reading at Good Old Gold's website about diamonds/the optics of diamonds. Despite my very limited knowledge, I could tell from the posts from the "experts" here that they weren't trying to tell you your stone was a bad diamond based on the numbers alone. They were trying to tell you that if your goal was to keep the stone diameter *smaller* or *equal to* 1.5 ct, get a stone that is not just good enough but second to none, that you could have easily done so - AND SAVED MONEY AT THE SAME TIME - by choosing from many of the diamonds they linked, or using the vendors they suggested. No one was suggesting you get a better cut, BIGGER diameter for the same price, especially since you noted that wasn't what you wanted.

I think that being in that moment of having to choose a stone and setting it can be very stressful. You had essentially already done all of this prior to finding PS, had an Uh Oh moment and decided to ask for reassurance. When multiple posters pointed out they could get you a better looking stone for equal value, you then didn't want the conflict of backing out on the deal with the jeweler, and you were happy enough with what you had procured. And you know? That is all totally fine. I can see the excitement shine through when you talk about the ring, and you're pleased as punch that you did well enough. It's just that instead of saying thanks for all the assistance, I just really, really wanted to go with *this* stone despite it all, you are now coming off a bit smug due to your appraiser's single opinion and you still don't seem to truly understand what the "experts" were trying to teach you. I'd bet in any other situation you would never consider buying something "good enough" for the same amount of money that you could get "the absolute best", it seems odd you'd so staunchly defend your willingness to do so for something that should last a lifetime.

 

[SweetAsscher]

Aannnddd its not too late now, I can still return it so not sure what your point is. I love the ring , I love the look. I got a great price and was not fleeced as described.

Could I return the diamond and get a diamond that is slightly better cut, giving more diamter for the same price ? Yes.

But I am happy with the ring I bought. I asked the question to a professional gemologist that has an office in nyc on 5th ave b.c he is an expert, and he said there was absolutely no reason to trade this diamond in.

But hey you guys who have not seen the ring know better because you saw a depth over 62% and its standard to say its a bad diamond.

I'm quite the noob around here, but have spent a lot of time reading and educating myself, both through posts here and from extensive reading at Good Old Gold's website about diamonds/the optics of diamonds. Despite my very limited knowledge, I could tell from the posts from the "experts" here that they weren't trying to tell you your stone was a bad diamond based on the numbers alone. They were trying to tell you that if your goal was to keep the stone diameter *smaller* or *equal to* 1.5 ct, get a stone that is not just good enough but second to none, that you could have easily done so - AND SAVED MONEY AT THE SAME TIME - by choosing from many of the diamonds they linked, or using the vendors they suggested. No one was suggesting you get a better cut, BIGGER diameter for the same price, especially since you noted that wasn't what you wanted.

I think that being in that moment of having to choose a stone and setting it can be very stressful. You had essentially already done all of this prior to finding PS, had an Uh Oh moment and decided to ask for reassurance. When multiple posters pointed out they could get you a better looking stone for equal value, you then didn't want the conflict of backing out on the deal with the jeweler, and you were happy enough with what you had procured. And you know? That is all totally fine. I can see the excitement shine through when you talk about the ring, and you're pleased as punch that you did well enough. It's just that instead of saying thanks for all the assistance, I just really, really wanted to go with *this* stone despite it all, you are now coming off a bit smug due to your appraiser's single opinion and you still don't seem to truly understand what the "experts" were trying to teach you. I'd bet in any other situation you would never consider buying something "good enough" for the same amount of money that you could get "the absolute best", it seems odd you'd so staunchly defend your willingness to do so for something that should last a lifetime.

+1

I also got that smug tone from the posts, kind of like haha I proved you wrong.
The sad thing is everyone here was trying to help since that is the reason you came here. An opinion was asked, advice was given and apparently didn't sit well.
No one here wanted you to fail.

 

[gms2011]

My boyfriend and I have been lurking around here for a couple of months, learning about diamonds so he'll be more prepared when the proposal comes. I read this thread, and just felt compelled to comment.

First, I hugely appreciate Pricescope, and the wealth of (free!) education on here, and the people who are willing to generously share their knowledge and experience. It's been a great learning process. It seems like the OP Mike has been fishing for compliments this entire thread; he asked for advice, didn't take it, bought a stone that **objectively** didn't maximize price-to-value ratio, and just comes off as very self-defensive. I know that what matters in the end are not objective numbers, but how much you and your fiance love the stone. I'm happy that you found a pretty ring and I'm sure she'll be thrilled with it. But the attitude of OP and a subsequent poster just rubs me the wrong way. It just smacks of ego and a lack of intellectual openness. I'm not saying that Pricescopers are "right," and that you're "wrong," it just seems like you're refusing to understand what other people are saying. Did you maximize your price-to-value ratio? No. But that doesn't mean you did a "bad" job.

Edit: And I also found it a bit puzzling when OP implied that he didn't want a stone that looked too big, but chose a halo setting. To each his own.

 

[mike899]

Just for the record i didn't start the smug remarks. I was mocked over and over for buying this diamond and then yes I defended myself. Human nature.

And it was not just simple helpful advice .. there were plenty of posts with tones of hoping/knowing I was ripped off. When I found out i wasn't did they get it back? 100% you're guys shit does stink.

As for all the other comments , its just the same on repeat. I'm happy and love my ring. I didn't settle. End of story.

 

[Madison2]

Aannnddd its not too late now, I can still return it so not sure what your point is. I love the ring , I love the look. I got a great price and was not fleeced as described.

Could I return the diamond and get a diamond that is slightly better cut, giving more diamter for the same price ? Yes.

But I am happy with the ring I bought.

 I asked the question to a professional gemologist that has an office in nyc on 5th ave

b.c he is an expert, and he said there was absolutely no reason to trade this diamond in.

But hey you guys who have not seen the ring know better because you saw a depth over 62% and its standard to say its a bad diamond.

I asked the question to a professional gemologist that has an office in nyc on 5th ave ;
Hi mike, I commented early on that I loved your ring and if you loved it thats all that matters. I need your help now; I need to an appraiser to look at my stone. I live in NYC and hoping you an give me the name of your appraiser. I really appreciate it!
Thanks in advance!

 

[mike899]

I just want to give a follow up for everyone that helped me. I proposed today and she said yes and absolutely loves the ring. she thinks its amazing and really thats all that matters.

we tried to get some more photos of the steep deep dark diamond.

 

[totheleft]

Congrats Mike I'm the one who said "if you're happy, that's awesome, congrats", but I'll add that you keep saying that they were trying to offer you a larger stone for the same price (or rather one that looked larger); that's not the case. They were saying you could probably get a 1.3 ct stonet hat LOOKED exactly as large (and less dark) as the one you bought.

That said, the 1.5 may have been a point that you wanted - so you could say you had a 1.5. Which is also fine.

Your ring is gorgeous! I love the halo look. Congrats on the engagement - and on a very pretty ring. Looks great on her finger!

 

[Madison2]

Hi Mike,
I am happy she said yes and she loves the ring! It is gorgeous! Is the stone round with a halo setting or is it a cushion cut diamond?
I can't really tell from the pics. But I can see it came out gorgeous and looks beautiful on her finger! Congrats to you both!

 

[ariel144]

[quote="ariel144|

Well, that certainly is very good news....yes, I'm learning not to have much confidence in that HCA score...will not accurately tell you if the stone performs well. Good for you...you certainly knew what your eye saw. I agree...the peeps on here are all "experts" LOL...but honestly trying to help, based on the limited knowledge available without seeing a stone.

yes i am one of them "EXPERTS" ... who was advising him not to purchase a 64% depth stone.[/quote]

I was too...trying to get him to purchase a different stone...and yes 64% depth is too deep for a modern round brilliant. I'm no expert when it comes to diamonds especially round brilliants. He came in asking for advice but was in a hurry...he's a guy...what can you say? I love the setting and I'm sure his fiance will love it too. Everyone is not as picky as PS-ers. I, personally do not care for the hearts and arrows faceting of the "perfect" round brilliant diamond. I'm sure they are awesome performers but not for me. He got a nice diamond for the price and is happy with the ring...in the end that is what counts.

 

[ariel144]

Congratulations Mike...have a happy life! Looks amazing on her hand!

 

[mike899]

The ring is a round brilliant in a square setting . It comes off as a cushion some times depending on how you glance at it. One angle I never got to see while inspecting it was from a far on het finger and it looks amazing on het finger. There is a ton of sparkle from a distance.

 

[mike899]

modified the lighting on the flower shot and did some cropping