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Engagement Ring Purchased - Help Needed

Z

Zach3859

Rough_Rock
Joined
Aug 19, 2013
Messages
9
Okay, this is my very first post on this forum and I need help to ensure I purchased a solid diamond engagement ring for my girlfriend, which I plan to propose to on Labor Day weekend in Boston. Did I make a solid purchase? I spent $7,000 total on the engagement ring at a local jeweler which includes the center stone of .90 carat weight and an 18KT white gold band with six round diamonds which total .36 carats.

The center stone is triple X GIA certified and includes the following proportions:

Carat Weight: .90 carat, round brilliant
Color: H
Clarity: VS2
Cut: Excellent
Total Depth: 63.1%
Table Size: 57%
Crown Angle: 35.0
Crown Height: 15.0%
Pavilion Angle: 41.4
Pavilion Depth: 44.0
Girdle: Medium to slightly thick
Polish: Excellent
Symmetry: Excellent
Fluorescence: None

Thanks in advance for all of your help.

img_1382__1_.jpg
 
I always sort of hesitant to respond to these types of threads. Asking questions after the purchase isn't always in your best interest. Are you asking now because you have doubts about the stone? If so, are you able to return the stone for your money back, or exchange the stone for another?
 
Christina...|1376943644|3506122 said:
I always sort of hesitant to respond to these types of threads. Asking questions after the purchase isn't always in your best interest. Are you asking now because you have doubts about the stone? If so, are you able to return the stone for your money back, or exchange the stone for another?
Click to expand...

Ditto this. I really wish you'd found PS prior to the purchase, but... that's the way it goes sometimes. OP, find out if the stone can be returned as soon as possible. It didn't score well at all on the HCA, which predicts the stone's performance, so I fear you may have overpaid. ::)

HCA Analysis:
Light Return: Very Good
Fire: Fair
Scintillation: Fair
Spread for weight: Good
Total Visual Performance 5.0 - Good - Only if price is your main criterion

Ideally, you shoot for <2.0 on the HCA. It's not a selection tool, but used to weed out.
 
Thank you for your responses. I posted this question because I want to ensure that I received a solid stone and overall decent value. I did a good amount of research prior to my purchase, but to be quite honest I'm still rather ignorant.

The local jeweler I purchased the ring from did offer me a 45 day return/exchange policy. This is precisely why I posted my original question.

Now if I may ask, if this wasn't a solid overall purchase, what should I do now and how can I ensure that I purchase a quality stone?

Thanks.
 
Purchasing with the ability to return was very smart! :bigsmile:

Using the HCA is a great start. You can find that here...https://www.pricescope.com/tools/hca

As msop mentioned, look for stones that score under 2. This means that they are worthy of further investigation. HCA is only a rejection tool, it was not designed to select stones, only to predict a stones likely performance based on 4 measurements and making other assumptions about the stone that may or may not be accurate.

Once you've found a stone that scores well, you would request ideal scope images. You can find more information about that here...
https://www.pricescope.com/tools/ideal-scope

idealscope is a reflector technology that tells us more about the light the diamond is returning and if there is any obvious leakage around or under the table of the diamond. If your stone has a good ideal scope image then the next step would be to view the stone with your own eyes in a variety of lighting conditions to see how it performs and if you find the stone appealing....if so, your done! Congratulations! If not, then start at step one again. wash, rinse, repeat as necessary. :D
 
Oh, I just wanted to mention that the GIA H VS2's that I found with reputable online vendors were averaging right around $5k. Did your purchase include the stone and the setting or just the stone? Did your local jeweler offer you any upgrade, trade in or buy back options? Are you willing to consider a reputable online vendor?

ETA: I found this very similar setting on JA for $1000, assuming we found you a stone in that $5k range I mentioned earlier, you could save yourself about a grand, or go up in size a bit. food for thought. ;))

http://www.jamesallen.com/engagement-rings/side-stones/14k-white-gold-common-prong-six-round-diamond-engagement-ring-item-745
 
Christina thanks so much for all of your advice and input. However, one of my main concerns about purchasing online is that I'm in a bit of a time crunch (I only have 9 days before we go on vacation in Boston where I plan on popping the question). Additionally, by purchasing online I don't get to see the stone in person. Also, to top things off I paid in cash so I'm sure a refund may take a week or two. :confused:

Therefore, I think it may be easier just to replace the stone with the jeweler I originally purchased the engagement ring from. Could you please take a look at their site http://www.fullersjewelry.com/diamonds/loose-diamond-search.html/ and help me choose a stone. The prices are obviously ore expensive than an online store but I'm pretty sure I can negotiate for a better price.

If you think I would be better served by just returning the ring and then purchasing a new ring online, by all means I will. However, given my scenario and time constraints, I honestly think it may be easier going back to my local Dallas jewelry store.

Thanks again for your help in this stressful and expensive purchase.
 
Christina...|1376946448|3506142 said:
Oh, I just wanted to mention that the GIA H VS2's that I found with reputable online vendors were averaging right around $5k. Did your purchase include the stone and the setting or just the stone? Did your local jeweler offer you any upgrade, trade in or buy back options? Are you willing to consider a reputable online vendor?

ETA: I found this very similar setting on JA for $1000, assuming we found you a stone in that $5k range I mentioned earlier, you could save yourself about a grand, or go up in size a bit. food for thought. ;))

http://www.jamesallen.com/engagement-rings/side-stones/14k-white-gold-common-prong-six-round-diamond-engagement-ring-item-745
Click to expand...

My purchase included the stone and the setting, plus any applicable charges.
 
Zach3859|1376949407|3506167 said:
Therefore, I think it may be easier just to replace the stone with the jeweler I originally purchased the engagement ring from. Could you please take a look at their site http://www.fullersjewelry.com/diamonds/loose-diamond-search.html/ and help me choose a stone. The prices are obviously ore expensive than an online store but I'm pretty sure I can negotiate for a better price.

If you think I would be better served by just returning the ring and then purchasing a new ring online, by all means I will. However, given my scenario and time constraints, I honestly think it may be easier going back to my local Dallas jewelry store.
Click to expand...

Hey Zach :wavey:

I took a look at all the GIA stones that fell into the following categories: Excellent cut (not XXX, but at least cut), >0.85 ct, H or better, VS2 or better, <$6500.

There were approximately 6 or 7 stones that fit into those criteria, however... the HCA scores were not good on any of them. Actually, none were even close to 2 -- more like 4.4 and up. Most of the stones had really big tables. Since you have a 45 day return policy, would you consider proposing with the original diamond until you could find one you loved? I know you can't physically see the stones online, but vendors like BG, JA and WF offer photos and videos (JA) of the stones. Additionally, you have the benefit of having the stones looked at by trusted associates. You can also have JA hold up to 3 stones for consideration.

I think the absolute best benefit of using a PS vendor is that the veterans can help you every step of the way, giving you confidence in your purchase, while maximizing your budget. ;))
 
Yeah, 9 days doesn't leave a lot of time to work online. I think it could be done though, so if we don't have any luck with you local vendor we could explore that option. I've seen WhiteFlash pull a ring together in under a week, so if you were to work with a vendor with in house options, it may not be such a stretch. But, lets keep that on the back burner since you are more comfortable working locally, and by the way there are also benefits to that! :))

I'm going to take a look and see what I can find right now...I do have to run out for a short bit, so if I don't post right away, I will before morning, I promise. I'm sure others will take a look for you as well.
 
msop04|1376951108|3506191 said:
Zach3859|1376949407|3506167 said:
Therefore, I think it may be easier just to replace the stone with the jeweler I originally purchased the engagement ring from. Could you please take a look at their site http://www.fullersjewelry.com/diamonds/loose-diamond-search.html/ and help me choose a stone. The prices are obviously ore expensive than an online store but I'm pretty sure I can negotiate for a better price.

If you think I would be better served by just returning the ring and then purchasing a new ring online, by all means I will. However, given my scenario and time constraints, I honestly think it may be easier going back to my local Dallas jewelry store.
Click to expand...

Hey Zach :wavey:

I took a look at all the GIA stones that fell into the following categories: Excellent cut (not XXX, but at least cut), >0.85 ct, H or better, VS2 or better, <$6500.

There were approximately 6 or 7 stones that fit into those criteria, however... the HCA scores were not good on any of them. Actually, none were even close to 2 -- more like 4.4 and up. Most of the stones had really big tables. Since you have a 45 day return policy, would you consider proposing with the original diamond until you could find one you loved? I know you can't physically see the stones online, but vendors like BG, JA and WF offer photos and videos (JA) of the stones. Additionally, you have the benefit of having the stones looked at by trusted associates. You can also have JA hold up to 3 stones for consideration.

I think the absolute best benefit of using a PS vendor is that the veterans can help you every step of the way, giving you confidence in your purchase, while maximizing your budget. ;))
Click to expand...


OP, would you be willing to change your criteria slightly if we found one that looked like it would perform well?

quick work msop! :))
 
msop04|1376951108|3506191 said:
Zach3859|1376949407|3506167 said:
Therefore, I think it may be easier just to replace the stone with the jeweler I originally purchased the engagement ring from. Could you please take a look at their site http://www.fullersjewelry.com/diamonds/loose-diamond-search.html/ and help me choose a stone. The prices are obviously ore expensive than an online store but I'm pretty sure I can negotiate for a better price.

If you think I would be better served by just returning the ring and then purchasing a new ring online, by all means I will. However, given my scenario and time constraints, I honestly think it may be easier going back to my local Dallas jewelry store.
Click to expand...

Hey Zach :wavey:

I took a look at all the GIA stones that fell into the following categories: Excellent cut (not XXX, but at least cut), >0.85 ct, H or better, VS2 or better, <$6500.

There were approximately 6 or 7 stones that fit into those criteria, however... the HCA scores were not good on any of them. Actually, none were even close to 2 -- more like 4.4 and up. Most of the stones had really big tables. Since you have a 45 day return policy, would you consider proposing with the original diamond until you could find one you loved? I know you can't physically see the stones online, but vendors like BG, JA and WF offer photos and videos (JA) of the stones. Additionally, you have the benefit of having the stones looked at by trusted associates. You can also have JA hold up to 3 stones for consideration.

I think the absolute best benefit of using a PS vendor is that the veterans can help you every step of the way, giving you confidence in your purchase, while maximizing your budget. ;))
Click to expand...

Thanks msop for all of your great input. I would be okay with returning the ring prior to popping the question. However, I'm not comfortable popping the question and returning the ring afterwards. I really want to pop the question considering I've made prior arrangements (5 star hotel, reservations, etc) to ensure that the proposal would be a memorable one. :twirl:

In an ideal world, I would love to find another diamond within a few to several days. Again, I appreciate all of the help. Also, I'm quite sure I could negotiate a better price if I were to exchange the stone at Fuller's. Its unfortunate that they don't have all of the stones available in their store viewable online.

I'm not deadset on continuing my purchase at Fuller's, although it seems like a much easier alternative given how little time I have remaining before our trip.
 
Zach3859|1376953522|3506213 said:
Thanks msop for all of your great input. I would be okay with returning the ring prior to popping the question. However, I'm not comfortable popping the question and returning the ring afterwards. I really want to pop the question considering I've made prior arrangements (5 star hotel, reservations, etc) to ensure that the proposal would be a memorable one. :twirl:

In an ideal world, I would love to find another diamond within a few to several days. Again, I appreciate all of the help. Also, I'm quite sure I could negotiate a better price if I were to exchange the stone at Fuller's. Its unfortunate that they don't have all of the stones available in their store viewable online.

I'm not deadset on continuing my purchase at Fuller's, although it seems like a much easier alternative given how little time I have remaining before our trip.
Click to expand...

I totally understand where you're coming from about returning it after the fact... Wow!! Sounds like you've got an awesome proposal planned -- lucky girl!! =) As far as renegotiating a price... I wouldn't bother. I'd rather get a great stone at the budget I set than to pay less for an inferior stone. Just my opinion though. :halo:

It would be easier to exchange there, but I'm not sure it would be worth it if you couldn't find a stone and/or you weren't 100% happy with the purchase. After all, it's only a good deal if you get what you want.

I would take Christina up on her offer to look for you. She is a veteran and I would personally trust her to lead me in the right direction. :)) As mentioned before, some of the vendors are very fast!
 
Okay, I've found the following three stones which fall at or below 2.0 on HCA grading:

1. .90 Carat H VS1 – Stock #40235313 - $6,456
2. .90 Carat F VS2 – Stock #40235151 - $6,856
3. .90 Carat F VS1 – Stock #40234714 - $7,353

With the limited information available on Fuller's website would any of these stones be worthy of purchasing? Also, how would I go about looking at these stones through an ideal scope?
 
Zach3859|1376953522|3506213 said:
In an ideal world, I would love to find another diamond within a few to several days.
Click to expand...

Zach, this is soooo possible!! If we were to find you a diamond tonight, I'll bet a ring could be made and shipped within a week!
 
Zach3859|1376956984|3506237 said:
Okay, I've found the following three stones which fall at or below 2.0 on HCA grading:

1. .90 Carat H VS1 – Stock #40235313 - $6,456
2. .90 Carat F VS2 – Stock #40235151 - $6,856
3. .90 Carat F VS1 – Stock #40234714 - $7,353

With the limited information available on Fuller's website would any of these stones be worthy of purchasing? Also, how would I go about looking at these stones through an ideal scope?
Click to expand...

I will look at them when I get home, I promise!! :))

I only did up to $6500, so I hope these are great!!!
 
very strange. Ok, stock # is 55787310
 
Rockyracoon made some nice suggestions, however they are going to be over budget with the setting unless you decided to go with a classic solitaire, which is a nice option, but perhaps not really what you, or more importantly she wanted.

I agree with msop that we could still go the online route, but I'm just getting back to the search from your vendor so maybe we will find a few more options. Sorry the link didn't work, I should have checked before I took off. Ok, I'm back to searching for you.

I didn't see if you responded to being flexible in your criteria....are you ok with an eye clean stone that may be a color grade lower than I? I would just mention that a well cut stone will appear whiter than a less well cut stone and wouldn't have any problem suggesting that you drop to a GIA I color in a round brilliant with ideal light performance. The other thing that I wanted to mention is that it's likely that your vendor will not be able to provide ideal scope images of the stones we select for you to view, so you are going to have to feel confident enough to view the stones and compare them side by side to the stone you currently have. We can help guide you in how to best view them, but you are going to have to trust your eyes. ;)) The good news is that even if you feel that you made a bad decision, you will still have the 45 day return to back you up....I know it isn't ideal to return the stone after the proposal, but at least it's an option if you start second guessing yourself.
 
Ok, this could make it really easy for you. This stone is graded by AGS, it's an AGS0 stone. What that means for you is that the stone has already been evaluated for light performance and determined to be ideal! :praise: assuming that it's within budget and available it could be a fantastic option for you. I would call and try to get this held asap!

stock #55001320

edit: you will need to ask if the stone is eye clean, but the primary inclusion is twinning wisps which is good so long as it doesn't interfere with the stones light performance, but since it's been graded AGS0 that is unlikely. I'm quite excited about this stone so I hope it works out for you, but I will keep looking.
 
Two more AGS0 stones but over a ct!! :love:

stock # 48461180
stock# 54010500

I would really ask them to bring in one of these stones, assuming that you are confident that you can negotiate to within your budget. I would consider a plain solitaire as well, if that is what is necessary to get into one of these stones. You can always upgrade the setting in the future. These stones should really take the guess work out for you and perform better than 95% of stones on the market today. Let me know what you think and I will check in again tomorrow to see what your thoughts are.
 
Christina...|1376964403|3506301 said:
Two more AGS0 stones but over a ct!! :love:

stock # 48461180
stock# 54010500

I would really ask them to bring in one of these stones, assuming that you are confident that you can negotiate to within your budget. I would consider a plain solitaire as well, if that is what is necessary to get into one of these stones. You can always upgrade the setting in the future. These stones should really take the guess work out for you and perform better than 95% of stones on the market today. Let me know what you think and I will check in again tomorrow to see what your thoughts are.
Click to expand...

Wow! Christina, you've done it again!! I think either of these stones (and the AGS 0) would definitely be worth looking into!! Great find!! :appl:

OP, these look great! Go check them out!! =)
 
Aw, thanks msop! :oops: 8)

Fingers crossed that one of them will work out! I think that most of them were SI1's so they need to be checked to see if they are eye clean to OP's standards, but there is reason to be optimistic. Two of them I think were graded I for color, so OP will need to feel comfortable with that as well. One of the AGS stones had a depth of 62.7 or something like that, which really surprised me, but it didn't affect it's face up size so I think that it is still worth taking a look. I usually limit my search to about 62.3 or less, but if I remember correctly this one was 1ct and had a face up size of 6.46 approx. So, yeah, there is reason to feel hopeful! :))

OP, I forgot to mention that since most of these recommendations were AGS0's there is no need to run them through the HCA because they have already been evaluated for light performance. So, if you happen to have run them before you read this, don't panic if they scored higher than 2. I'll explain more later if you are confused by this.
 
I'm so confused now. :confused: I honestly feel like I'm more overwhelmed and less knowldgable than before I ever began my perfect engagement ring search.

Okay, I'll give Fuller's a call when the store opens at 10 a.m. However, I'm a little concerned about looking at a stone which is SI1 as well as AGS certified. I was just told that GIA is the gold standard in the diamond industry. I've heard that AGS focuses more on cut while GIA is more strict on color and clarity ratings.

Would any of the GIA stones which I mentioned above work? Additionally, I just looked at a 1.24 carat I color, VS2 stone which looks quite nice and scores 1.7 on HCA - Stock# 52092650.
 
AGS is stricter than GIA
 
OP I would like to present another opinion.

When selecting a diamond, there are various standards you can use to judge its cut. One is the lab report, and in this case GIA gave the diamond an Ex cut grade. Another is a tool like the HCA, which was designed by one of the owners of PS and is a great tool in many ways but it is not used widely in the diamond world. Another is your eyes. Another is imaging tech like an ideal scope or a microscope. All of these tools help you to exclude diamonds not worth considering further. Some also let you actually *select* diamonds, like the lab report. In all cases, though, the choice is yours as a consumer how narrowly you want to define "well cut". Selecting a GI Ex cut already means you have narrowed the pool considerably. You can narrow the pool further using tools like the HCA, which would exclude your current diamond from consideration. Or, you can choose NOT to narrow the pool any more and stick with what you have. The choice is YOURS and I do not think there is a decidedly wrong choice given that you already selected a GIA Ex cut and that you paid a fair price for the diamond and mount. Think about it and think about what you are after.

If you consider a replacement, be sure to compare it to your present stone and examine it with your eyes before you opt to switch! Actually, better yet, take your ring to Jared and compare it to an AGS0 cut stone (don't worry about color and clarity since those are not at issue). Can you see a difference? No? Stick with what you have. Yes? Pursue a switch.


AprilBaby|1377015094|3506616 said:
AGS is stricter than GIA
Click to expand...

On cut, yes. There is some talk on the boards about AGS being slightly less strict on color but there is no hard proof of this.
 
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