Engagement Ring Process

[EagerBeaver]

Hello everybody,

I''ve decided it''s time

. I''m not sure if I can ask for help looking for a diamond and setting without doing research myself. Maybe you could guide me in the right direction as to what I need to look for.

I''m looking to create a solitaire with at least a 1 carat diamond. My budget is $3000 - $5000.

I''ve looked at WhiteFlash and James Allen but I''m not sure what the process is. Is it better to order online versus going to a local jewelery store? I don''t like how the local jewelers try to pressure you, it''s quite a turn off.

Let me know if you need any more information and I greatly appreciate your help.

Regards,
Bryan

 

[corkstone]

Bryan,

Congrats!

Is the $3000-$5000 price range for the stone alone, or the entire ring? Is that including tax?

Also, are you considering white gold, platinum, ect?

You have to give us alittle more to work with!

 

[Lorelei]

Date: 6/11/2008 1:00:54 PM
Author:EagerBeaver
Hello everybody,

I've decided it's time

. I'm not sure if I can ask for help looking for a diamond and setting without doing research myself. Maybe you could guide me in the right direction as to what I need to look for.

I'm looking to create a solitaire with at least a 1 carat diamond. My budget is $3000 - $5000.

I've looked at WhiteFlash and James Allen but I'm not sure what the process is. Is it better to order online versus going to a local jewelery store? I don't like how the local jewelers try to pressure you, it's quite a turn off.

Let me know if you need any more information and I greatly appreciate your help.

Regards,
Bryan

Welcome Bryan!

As Cork says, if you could give us a bit more info, that would help. Buying online can be a great way to go, many of us have done so with great success! Bascially cut is very important for the beauty of the diamond, not the shape, but the proportions of the diamond so that it gives the maximum sparkle. Consider what is the most important to you, for colour and clarity so that you can get the carat weight you want for the budget. A nice middleground could be VS2 to SI1 clarity and G or H colour will look very white, but this is a matter of preference.

To find diamonds, stick to AGS0 and GIA Excellent cut grades, as this will make finding a pretty stone easier. Also you might want to consider if you would like a branded hearts and arrows cut, this is not necessary to have a lovely stone, but some enjoy the pedigree and appearance of the h&a diamond.

Without knowing your exact budget, it is hard to know for sure, but here is an example of what you could get. Also verify with your vendor that your chosen diamond is eyeclean to your standards, if considering SI clarity.

http://www.goodoldgold.com/diamond/4088/

http://www.whiteflash.com/hearts_arrows/A-Cut-Above-H-A-cut-diamond-906718.htm#

 

[EagerBeaver]

Date: 6/11/2008 1:05:01 PM
Author: corkstone
Bryan,


Congrats!


Is the $3000-$5000 price range for the stone alone, or the entire ring? Is that including tax?


Also, are you considering white gold, platinum, ect?


You have to give us alittle more to work with!

Thank you for you quick response!

I''m assuming the the $3000-$5000 is for the diamond alone. I would prefer the band to be platinum or white gold. I would like the diamond to eye perfect.

 

[Lorelei]

Date: 6/11/2008 1:18:40 PM
Author: EagerBeaver

Date: 6/11/2008 1:05:01 PM
Author: corkstone
Bryan,


Congrats!


Is the $3000-$5000 price range for the stone alone, or the entire ring? Is that including tax?


Also, are you considering white gold, platinum, ect?


You have to give us alittle more to work with!

Thank you for you quick response!

I''m assuming the the $3000-$5000 is for the diamond alone. I would prefer the band to be platinum or white gold. I would like the diamond to eye perfect.

Platinum can be considerably more expensive than white gold, just a thought.

 

[dockman3]

Date: 6/11/2008 1:21:22 PM
Author: Lorelei


Platinum can be considerably more expensive than white gold, just a thought.

Yes, but platinum will not need to be replated over time.

 

[Lorelei]

Date: 6/11/2008 1:36:40 PM
Author: dockman3

Date: 6/11/2008 1:21:22 PM
Author: Lorelei


Platinum can be considerably more expensive than white gold, just a thought.

Yes, but platinum will not need to be replated over time.

True, although some WG pieces wear better than others, I just wanted to make our poster aware, if he isn't already, that there is a significant price difference between plat and WG, and he may need to take this into account with his budget.

 

[EagerBeaver]

Hi guys,

I've been doing some searching and found a few diamonds. Let me know what you think.

1)
http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/G-VS1-Premium-Cut-Round-Diamond-1071936.asp

2)
http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/F-SI1-Ideal-Cut-Round-Diamond-1111998.asp

3)
http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/F-VS2-Ideal-Cut-Round-Diamond-1130518.asp

4)
http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/G-VS1-Ideal-Cut-Princess-Diamond-1176569.asp

5)
http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/G-VS2-Ideal-Cut-Princess-Diamond-1109938.asp

6)
http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/G-VVS2-Ideal-Cut-Princess-Diamond-1176674.asp

 

[Lorelei]

I would pass on the first one, it is cut deep. The F SI1 looks promising, you would need to check it is eyeclean to your standards though and the third might be ok, ask for an Idealscope image on it if you are very interested in it.