Engagement Ring Hunt

[disco_dan]

Hi everyone! Thanks for creating this forum, there really isn't anything else like it and for us uninitiated it is a godsend.

I am in the market for a diamond for an engagement ring and hoping some in this community might be able to point me in the right direction. I am generally working within the limits set out below and currently have my eye on this one here, but not yet confident in my ability to read ASET or Ideal Scope images.

Any and all thoughts and suggestions are welcome and appreciate your time!

Diamond Budget: $17,500 - $22,500
Setting Budget: $2,000 - $4,500
Total Budget: $19,500 - $27,000
Priorities: Shine/Fire, Cut, Color, Carat
Carats: 1.25-1.5
Clarity: VVS2+
Cut: Round
Color: E+
Setting style: Something in this neighborhood, in platinum:

https://www.danhov.com/danhov-eleganza-split-shank-engagement-ring-le110
https://blancamonrosgomez.com/collections/engagement/products/iris-ring

 

[the_mother_thing]

The link you posted isn’t working.

Here are a few to consider - All ACAs: https://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/compare.aspx?idnos=3963075,2668666,3802455,3952898,3964580

Given your specs, I would be super tempted to drop clarity to VS2, snag the 1.728 ct which is eye clean, and go with WF’s Katie setting: https://www.whiteflash.com/engageme...e-katie-pave-diamond-engagement-ring-1269.htm which still brings you under max budget by $2k but gets you a beautiful diamond & ring to show it off.

But that’s just me ... you may have reasons for wanting to stay under 1.5ct and going with VVS2 clarity, and that is perfectly fine!

 

[disco_dan]

Thanks for the quick reply! The one I was trying to link to you is on your list, the 1.41 ct. The 1.728 ct looks tempting, but it is probably a smidge too big for us.

Setting aside carat count, how would you say the 1.33 ct, 1.34 ct and 1.41 ct on your list compare?

https://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/compare.aspx?idnos=3963075,2668666,3802455,3952898,3964580

 

[the_mother_thing]

Thanks for the quick reply! The one I was trying to link to you is on your list, the 1.41 ct. The 1.728 ct looks tempting, but it is probably a smidge too big for us.

Setting aside carat count, how would you say the 1.33 ct, 1.34 ct and 1.41 ct on your list compare?

https://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/compare.aspx?idnos=3963075,2668666,3802455,3952898,3964580

Too big? Surely you jest

I would defer to other PSers to nit-pick the various characteristics & images of these options, but they’re all super ideals so each is among the ‘best of the best’. There are also other super ideal brand diamonds (e.g., HPD/CBI) to consider for more options. Of these options, IF it were me with your specs/budget (and you took out the option of that 1.7ct) I’d probably go with either the 1.41 because it’s about .2mm more in spread over the 1.33, or the 1.33 because it ticks all of your boxes and is just under your minimum diamond budget and all the numbers fall in line with PS recommendations (I’m including recommendations for lower half and star, which the other two are just outside of recommended specs).

And I get the 1.7 probably being too big (personally my comfort level max is at about a 1.5 ct myself but I could probably learn to live with it if it was a gift ), but I included it only to let you know that IF you wanted more size, it was attainable/available.

 

[the_mother_thing]

A couple of HPD CBI (super-ideal) options, though clarity is lower than your specs, but still in VS range so I would personally be happy with any of them as well. All are in or under your diamond budget.

1.40 ct E https://www.hpdiamonds.com/en-us/diamonddetail/HPD9692
1.34 ct D https://www.hpdiamonds.com/en-us/diamonddetail/HPD9697
1.32 ct D https://www.hpdiamonds.com/en-us/diamonddetail/HPD8137

 

[the_mother_thing]

Among all of these WF & HPD options, given your specs/budget, I’d be inclined to go with the HPD CBI 1.40 because I wouldn’t be overpaying for clarity that I probably won’t see with my eyes, and I’d be getting a great sized diamond in a high color that is an outstanding performer. And Wink is known for providing top notch customer service from diamond selection to setting and beyond the sale.

But see what others chime in with in terms of additional options or preferences among these options. It really is a balancing act though that is very personal to the buyer’s priorities, so only you can weigh them best for yourself. Good luck!

 

[tyty333]

Its really difficult to pick apart an ACA since they are highly vetted before they can even make it into the ACA line. Your best bet at this point is
to call Whiteflash, have them pull the 3 stones and talk you through them. They can tell you what they see. Also, since WF carries Danhov you
should be able to get that exact setting that you like.

Edit...if you were willing to drop to VS level than WF also has the following. I dont like to pay for anything I cant see but you may be looking for more "mind clean" at the VVS level.
https://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-3947655.htm

 

[farrahlyn]

Great suggestions on stones! Can we back up a minute on the setting? the two you posted are totally different. are these settings she has said she likes? do you have anything else to go off of?

 

[the_mother_thing]

Its really difficult to pick apart an ACA since they are highly vetted before they can even make it into the ACA line. Your best bet at this point is to call Whiteflash, have them pull the 3 stones and talk you through them. They can tell you what they see. Also, since WF carries Danhov you should be able to get that exact setting that you like.

Edit...if you were willing to drop to VS level than WF also has the following. I dont like to pay for anything I cant see but you may be looking for more "mind clean" at the VVS level.
https://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-3947655.htm

I agree; that 1.39 is a beaut and great comp to the 1.4 CBI. If the wearer loves that Danhov setting, it’s one stop shopping made easy!