Engagement Ring...She wants 1 CTW... HELP!

[paramount]

Basically heres the deal. Want to propose to my girlfriend soon. She has always mentioned that she wants at least 1 carat, white gold, solitare or this type of setting:http://www.bluenile.com/diamond-engagement-ring-white-gold_17884. Unfortunately my budget limits me to ~8500.

I've been trying to search Blue Nile and I went to Jared today. I've got a few questions for you experts.

Is Jared marking up diamonds alot? I looked at a peerless diamond which looked beautiful but the diamond alone (8900) was more than my budget, and the sales reps were like used car salesman, I got out of there.

Can I trust buying at blue nile even though they dont have a lifetime warranty program? I know they are well established in the diamond community but I am skeptical about buying a diamond that I've never seen in real life. Is there a big difference between ideal and signature ideal at blue nile?

And honestly, does the color and clarity matter if the diamond is considered "eye-clean"? I'm never taking out the microscope thats for sure.

Any other hints or tips please let me know.

 

[Gypsy]

Your budget is PERFECT for what you want. Seriously!!! Hold on, I'll get you some great options.

 

[paramount]

I forgot to mention she wants a round.

 

[Gypsy]

http://www.briangavindiamonds.com/diamonds/diamond-details/1.030-i-si1-round-diamond-ags-bl-104057888005#!prettyPhoto[gallery2]/2/ Ideal cut gorgeous round brilliant diamond, bright and brilliant. Medium Blue Fluorescence with no bad effect (each BGD Blue is examined individually to make sure of this). EASILY compete with a Peerless. Ask if eyelcean (but I'm betting it is since it's a Blue Line stone).

Information about Florescence. https://www.pricescope.com/wiki/diamonds/diamond-flourescence


Setting:
http://www.briangavindiamonds.com/engagement-rings/pave-and-side-stones/fishtail-pave-with-truth-head-18k-white-gold-5360w18 Gorgeous high quality setting.

All under budget too!

No as long as it is eyeclean, you are fine!!! Don't worry.

 

[paramount]

So should I stay away from Blue Nile? Why do you guys like Brian Gavin?

 

[Gypsy]

So should I stay away from Blue Nile? Why do you guys like Brian Gavin?

I have no issue with Blue Nile as a company. But they are a drop shipper. They don't have many of their stones in and never see them. They can't provide you with pictures of the stones, examine them for you, provide an Idealscope for you.

Brian Gavin can do all of that. And they personally examine each stone of the Blue Line. I like that and it gives me confidence and makes me feel comfortable when I am spending a ton of money sight unseen.

I've pesonally bought from BGD several times and every purchase has been surprise free. And even if there was a slight issue it was fixed promptly and happily. I know they want their customer's to be happy. Plus, I've taken their metal work to appraisers and to Tiffany and their metal work (settings, etc.) are as good if not better quality as Tiffany and other high name brands.

This will help you understand what companies like BGD are about: [URL='https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/likelihood-of-finding-a-signature-super-ideal-diamond.174235/']https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/likelihood-of-finding-a-signature-super-ideal-diamond.174235/[/URL]


I should also mention that the Blue Line stones quality for upgrade policies, if that's something you care about. Blue Nile doesn't offer anything like that.

As for lifetime guarantee... that's what insurance is for. You need to insure you purchase. And Jewelers Mutual is one company that can do that for you.

 

[Dandi]

As usual, nice work Gypsy!!!

 

[paramount]

Thanks Gypsy. Unfortunately I was looking at financing it and I'm not sure Brian Gavin can do that.

 

[Dancing Fire]

So should I stay away from Blue Nile? Why do you guys like Brian Gavin?
b/c they are inhouse stones.Brian can loupe a few stones for you while talking to him over the phone.

 

[webdiva]

Paramount - listen to Gypsy, she knows what she's talking about! And that's a gorgeous setting!

Look at the thread earlier today about Costco - you'll see similar diamonds/settings but at a slightly higher budget. Gypsy really came through with a STUNNING diamond. Brian personally cuts the stones, he doesn't just sell them. He's a genius with cut - which gets you the best, sparkliest stone. Her friends will think it's bigger because it'll sparkle so much!

I see the financing question now - Good Old Gold finances for 6 months.
http://goodoldgold.com/financing/

How long did you need to finance this

 

[webdiva]

Here are some other options:

Good Old Gold finances for 6 months - I found an AGS000 (ideal cut - not as super awesome as Brian's but pretty darn good) 1 carat for $5400 - http://www.goodoldgold.com/diamond/8801/

Good old gold can find you a beautiful setting for $1500-ish (maybe less).

Brings down your total cost.

 

[marymm]

I like Gypsy's suggestion above - that BGD Blue stone and diamond setting would be beautiful!

If you still prefer that BN setting you posted, and you're okay with I color, here's a sweet BN 1.02ct I-VS2 AGSO Ideal diamond coming in at $6499 - http://www.bluenile.com/round-diamond-1-carat-ideal-cut-i-color-vs2-clarity_LD02521249 - no fluor unlike the BGD diamond above but should be a beauty stone...

If you are at all interested in any of the diamonds linked to in this thread, you should contact the vendor(s) as soon as possible to reserve the stone while you make your inquiries. Good luck!

 

[Gypsy]

Pearlman's Jewelers also offers Financing. www.PearlmansJewelers.com ask for Julian and tell him Gypsy and the PS ladies sent you and see what he proposes for you. A nice GIA Ex/Ex with a good idealscope (and he can provide you with that) in a lovely setting is what you want. They can do that for you.

Alternately you can use a good credit card with 0% financing and PAY IT OFF (key part here) if you can qualify.

 

[paramount]

The color as an I... is that okay?

 

[paramount]

Any thoughts on this one... been looking at it for a while: http://www.bluenile.com/build-your-own-diamond-ring?forceStep=DIAMONDS_STEP&track=tab#diamonds_forceStep=DIAMONDS_STEP|builder=BYOR|pid=LD02521319

 

[webdiva]

The color as an I... is that okay?

For rounds, yes. Especially if it has fluorescence. Most of the diamonds in mall stores are an I or lower. They look white, right?

 

[Gypsy]

Any thoughts on this one... been looking at it for a while: http://www.bluenile.com/build-your-own-diamond-ring?forceStep=DIAMONDS_STEP&track=tab#diamonds_forceStep=DIAMONDS_STEP|builder=BYOR|pid=LD02521319

It's a 60/60 which is a different flavor or round brilliant. It's not bad or good, just different. I wouldn't buy an SI2 from a drop shipper. I like this one and would suggest you get this one: http://www.bluenile.com/round-diamond-1-carat-ideal-cut-i-color-vs2-clarity_LD02521249 The color will be fine in an AGS0.

 

[paramount]

Ah... I appreciate the help guys... any other stones you think are solid at 1 carat on blue nile?

 

[Gypsy]

http://www.bluenile.com/round-diamond-1-carat-signature-ideal-cut-h-color-si1-clarity_LD02492876 Nice in every way. And Blue Nile Signature are usually eyeclean ( I think they are screened for that). The price isn't showing up for me. What does it say for you?

Get the setting in whitegold to save money and it should work in budget, as long as the price of it works for you.

 

[paramount]

That ones 7400...

any thoughts on this one? http://www.bluenile.com/build-your-own-diamond-ring?first_step=diamond&forceStep=DIAMONDS_STEP#diamonds_forceStep=DIAMONDS_STEP|builder=BYOR|pid=LD02466370

 

[Gypsy]

That ones 7400...

any thoughts on this one? http://www.bluenile.com/build-your-own-diamond-ring?first_step=diamond&forceStep=DIAMONDS_STEP#diamonds_forceStep=DIAMONDS_STEP|builder=BYOR|pid=LD02466370

Might not be eyeclean. Call them and see if they can tell you about that one.

7400 for the other one http://www.bluenile.com/diamond-engagement-ring-white-gold_9937 this for a 1000. So, that's at budget?

 

[paramount]

gypsy one more question... AGS vs GIA grading... any difference? Seems the GIA only has excellent cut while AGS has ideal cuts.

 

[milton333]

gypsy one more question... AGS vs GIA grading... any difference? Seems the GIA only has excellent cut while AGS has ideal cuts.

AGS specifically grades for light performance, GIA does not (at least, not at this time). There is a lot wider variation in GIA's excellent cut. Many GIA excellent cuts do not score highly on the HCA tool here for evaluating a stone's expected performance. Personally, I'm a big fan of AGS ideals. However, GIA gets far more stones to grade, so there are plenty of "ideal" stones graded by GIA under it's ex cut grade. IMO, I'd buy an AGS ideal sight unseen with no other info. I wouldn't buy a GIA ex without pics, idealscope, or having it shipped to me loose for evaluation before being set.

ETA: Regarding financing, I second the suggestion above to put it on a credit card if you need financing.

 

[Gypsy]

gypsy one more question... AGS vs GIA grading... any difference? Seems the GIA only has excellent cut while AGS has ideal cuts.

AGS specifically grades for light performance, GIA does not (at least, not at this time). There is a lot wider variation in GIA's excellent cut. Many GIA excellent cuts do not score highly on the HCA tool here for evaluating a stone's expected performance. Personally, I'm a big fan of AGS ideals. However, GIA gets far more stones to grade, so there are plenty of "ideal" stones graded by GIA under it's ex cut grade. IMO, I'd buy an AGS ideal sight unseen with no other info. I wouldn't buy a GIA ex without pics, idealscope, or having it shipped to me loose for evaluation before being set.

ETA: Regarding financing, I second the suggestion above to put it on a credit card if you need financing.

This is essentially correct. I would take a chance on a GIA stone, but only with a good return policy and an idealscope at home. They are like 25 bucks so it's worth the investment. I do feel AGS0's are the safest bet when buying from Blue Nile or another vendor that doesn't provide idealscope images.

 

[diamondseeker2006]

GIA has graded many more stones that have ideal light performance than AGS, so it is a mistake to exclude them or consider them lower. In fact, we have seen repeatedly here that they sometimes can be stricter on color which is a major price factor. I'd far rather have a GIA I color than AGS. Although Gypsy's suggestion of I color with fluorescence is a good one. But you do need to go with a vendor that provides the testing of the stones preferably. So for one that does that and provides financing, I would suggest calling Good Old Gold. They can easlily get other stones in for you if they don't have one at the moment and they have tons of settings, so that will be no problem. They are a regular jewelry store as opposed to a drop shipper like BN.

 

[diamondseeker2006]

That ones 7400...

any thoughts on this one? http://www.bluenile.com/build-your-own-diamond-ring?first_step=diamond&forceStep=DIAMONDS_STEP#diamonds_forceStep=DIAMONDS_STEP|builder=BYOR|pid=LD02466370

You really can't buy strong blue fluorescence from a drop shipper. You have to have a dealer who can examine the stone in all kinds of lighting to be sure the fluor. doesn't have any negative effects. I actually recently bought a SBF stone from Good Old Gold, and they did check it out for me and found that it did not have any negative effects at all. SBF can really be a money saver, but you have to have a jeweler who will do the evaluation.

 

[rubybeth]

What kind of financing do you need? I'd be hesitant to use store financing in any case, but to each his own. I know Good Old Gold does financing, but maybe not for as long as Blue Nile does.

 

[marymm]

OP - Whiteflash is also a highly regarded PS vendor - maybe their 90-day payment Flex Plan would be helpful to you - the quoted info is from their FAQ page (http://www.whiteflash.com/about-diamonds/faq/):

"Any purchase of in-house diamonds and regular catalogue jewelry over $1,500 is eligible for the Whiteflash Flex Plan. The order may be placed with a 20% non-refundable down payment and three equal payments of the balance scheduled at 30 day intervals. (Prepayments may be made at any time.) Should any scheduled payment be more than 10 days late, the merchandise will be returned to stock and a store credit issued to the customer in the amount of the down payment. Any amount paid over the 20% down payment will be refunded.

The order will begin processing upon final payment of balance. Normal 30 day return privileges apply for all in-house diamonds and jewelry items from our catalogue. The 20% down payment portion of applicable returns for Flex Plan orders will be made in the form of store credit.

Diamonds from Virtual Selection category are not eligible for Flex Plan. Custom designs and catalogue items altered from their stated specifications (semi custom) are not returnable.

Customer’s interested in making a purchase using the Flex Plan should speak to their Whiteflash diamond consultant or contact customer service at 877-612-6770."

 

[webdiva]

ETA: Regarding financing, I second the suggestion above to put it on a credit card if you need financing.

It may be none of my business, but I have to say it since other gentleman will stumble upon this thread in the future, as well:
depending on how much you are financing - perhaps you should lower your budget. If you do, we can find you something stunning in any budget. If you need to finance, then $8500 is in fact NOT your budget and just what you can afford to finance. I know your fiancee has said she expects a 1 carat, but a lot of women in the real world (not on Pricescope) don't know the cost of a 1 carat and just say that. Hollywood has really raised the expectations of proposals and rings, and not realistic. In reality, Kim K paid for her own ring. I'm sure she loves you for YOU, and not the 1 carat she is "expecting".

IMHO, one should not start a marriage without sharing one's true finances with the other person. I feel this is the first of many financial decisions you'll be making as a couple, and if she is prudent she will work within the budget you can truly afford. I, myself, had a beautiful cz ring for almost 2 years while hubby built up the savings after we both paid for the wedding, house reno, etc. Many other pricescopers had less expensive but beautiful gemstone rings or smaller diamond rings as their first rings. Many of the rings you see on Pricescope today are 5, 10 and 20 year upgrades.

While I can't impose our budget/strategy on anyone else, I feel like I should share alternatives with new Pricescope readers since many men tie such emotion and pride to the engagement ring process and don't always have people in their lives who can give it to them straight. There's no "right" way to do an engagement, just what is right for YOU. If you like the element of surprise, the actual proposal can incorporate that. Whatever you decide, the pricescope community is there for you and can help you find the most beautiful ring possible.

 

[rubybeth]

ETA: Regarding financing, I second the suggestion above to put it on a credit card if you need financing.

It may be none of my business, but I have to say it since other gentleman will stumble upon this thread in the future, as well:
depending on how much you are financing - perhaps you should lower your budget. If you do, we can find you something stunning in any budget. If you need to finance, then $8500 is in fact NOT your budget and just what you can afford to finance.

Webdiva, I think you make some excellent points. When we were in the process of getting engaged, DH let me know his budget since we were both students ($1,000), and I was/am very pleased with the results that we got (half carat radiant solitaire from Whiteflash) but I'm even MORE pleased that we are financially on track to pay off our student loans by our 5 year wedding anniversary, primarily because we agree on personal financial strategies. I would have felt silly wearing a $8,500 ring with $50k in student loan debt, but maybe that's just me. We started off with a good sized emergency fund instead of a large ring, and it's worked well for us.