Entering the market for an E-Ring - Looking for assistance!

[Chuck55]

Hello all,

I'm planning on buying an engagement ring withing the next month or two. I have only started browsing online and trying to learn about diamonds over the last few days, but I was able to find a lot of good resources on this site (both in the forums and in articles, etc). The members of this forum seem to be extremely helpful, so I am hoping to get some of that help for my shopping experience!

Unfortunately, I am still at the stage where I don't know enough about diamonds to really narrow it down to what I should be looking at. In terms of what I have decided, I'm thinking this ring will have:

- a simple white gold/platinum setting (looking to spend $500-$1000)
- a single round diamond, 1.5 carat or greater
- a total price of around $10,000 -$11,000

As for the diamond, I think size is the most important characteristic, and I would be fine with inclusions and/or a lower quality colour. However, it would be nice to see a size by side comparison of a few different $10,000 diamonds, perhaps 1.5, 1.75 and ~2.0 carats, so that I could get a better sense of the tradeoffs for "going bigger". Does any have a photo or link that would have this kind of comparison? Maybe after I see a few comparisons, my preferences would change.

My other question is - when using the diamond search tool on this site, certain retailers "B2C Jewels, USA Certed" seem to have diamonds that always show up at the top of the list and offer decent "bang for your buck", but people on this forum seem to prefer vendors such as jamesallen, briangavin, whiteflash. I have read that these latter site, along with maybe bluenile, are the way to go, but I am wondering if there are certain vendors that I should prefer/avoid.

Lastly, if anyone has maybe been searching for diamonds in this price range and/or has links or recommended diamonds that they would like to share with me, please post a reply!

Thanks all.

 

[farmer gal]

Re: Entering the market for an E-Ring - Looking for assistan

You could request idealscope images for the following

http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/J-VS2-Excellent-Cut-Round-Diamond-1452050.asp

http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/I-SI1-Excellent-Cut-Round-Diamond-1511717.asp



Here is one from GOG

http://goodoldgold.com/diamond/9696/

 

[canuk-gal]

Re: Entering the market for an E-Ring - Looking for assistan

HI:

Is this a for a "Christmas" proposal?

You could narrow it down even further by asking your intended: what does she want/desire?

cheers--Sharon

 

[Chuck55]

Re: Entering the market for an E-Ring - Looking for assistan

Is this a for a "Christmas" proposal?

It "might" be

You could narrow it down even further by asking your intended: what does she want/desire?

But that would ruin any surprise, wouldn't it???

 

[sonnyjane]

Re: Entering the market for an E-Ring - Looking for assistan

Is this a for a "Christmas" proposal?

It "might" be

You could narrow it down even further by asking your intended: what does she want/desire?

But that would ruin any surprise, wouldn't it???

Better than being "surprised" with something you don't like but will live with the rest of your life!

 

[sakari_8]

Re: Entering the market for an E-Ring - Looking for assistan

Hi

For the amount of Money you want to spend (500-1000) I think you could get decent 4-prongs or 6-prongs setting in Platinum.
I see the prices of usacerted & b2cjewels are better than most of the other stores, wherever you choose to buy, important thing is
to buy from the store who has the good reputation and better price, you must always look for following things in the store before purchasing :

1) 30 Return Policy
2) Free Shipping
3) Free Return Shipping
4) Upgrade policy (in case)
5) Warranty on Jewelry
6) Store should have good Testimonies

I checked on b2c jewels & usacert, thought of sharing with you, go through the links below to know more about them

USA CERT
http://www.usacerteddiamonds.com/why_buy.htm
http://www.usacerteddiamonds.com/usagia/fifaq.html

B2C Jewels
http://www.b2cjewels.com/ReturnPolicy.aspx
http://www.b2cjewels.com/lifetime_upgrade.aspx
http://www.b2cjewels.com/freeshipping.aspx
http://ivouch.com/b2cjewels-com

Wherever you buy from it is completely your choice, but it sure helps to diligently check the credentials

 

[Chuck55]

Re: Entering the market for an E-Ring - Looking for assistan

You could request idealscope images for the following

http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/J-VS2-Excellent-Cut-Round-Diamond-1452050.asp

http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/I-SI1-Excellent-Cut-Round-Diamond-1511717.asp

Thank you for the suggestions farmer gal. I've requested the ideal scope images for these and one other diamond, and will post the same once I get them.

I'm contemplating upping my budget a bit, but I'll think about it more while waiting for these IS images to come in.

Better than being "surprised" with something you don't like but will live with the rest of your life!

I'm not overly concerned with this as she's not the type of person who would be overly picky abouot a ring. In any event, I don't think there would be too much risk in picking a round diamond with a simple white gold/platinum solitaire setting. My personal thought is that the surprise moment would be worth any risk. I know a lot of girls might disagree with me on this point though

 

[princesss]

Re: Entering the market for an E-Ring - Looking for assistan

You could request idealscope images for the following

http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/J-VS2-Excellent-Cut-Round-Diamond-1452050.asp

http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/I-SI1-Excellent-Cut-Round-Diamond-1511717.asp

Thank you for the suggestions farmer gal. I've requested the ideal scope images for these and one other diamond, and will post the same once I get them.

I'm contemplating upping my budget a bit, but I'll think about it more while waiting for these IS images to come in.

Better than being "surprised" with something you don't like but will live with the rest of your life!

I'm not overly concerned with this as she's not the type of person who would be overly picky abouot a ring. In any event, I don't think there would be too much risk in picking a round diamond with a simple white gold/platinum solitaire setting. My personal thought is that the surprise moment would be worth any risk. I know a lot of girls might disagree with me on this point though

What about her? Have you two talked about whether she likes the idea of a surprise or not? If she does, have you consulted her friends about what shape she likes? Even if they're not picky, every woman I know has a preference, and if she loves princess cuts there is a lot wrong with picking a round diamond.

 

[Chuck55]

Re: Entering the market for an E-Ring - Looking for assistan

Although I was originally looking at rounds only, I have been browsing a few threads showing rings with cushion diamonds in halo settings. A lot of these are quite impressive and it's making me consider the same!

There are a few threads where this particular cushion was discussed: http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/K-IF-Good-Cut-Cushion-Diamond-1471593.asp

This thread has an ASET of the diamond: https://www.pricescope.com/forum/ro...k-of-this-antique-cut-cushion-t174602-60.html

In addition, the older threads here mention the price being over $8,000 at that point, so it appears to have dropped. Would there be anything to be concerned about with this stone (ASET or otherwise) that might be the reason for a price drop, or is this lookin like a good buy? Or, could I do a bit/much better by spending a few grand more?

Thanks

 

[ariel144]

Re: Entering the market for an E-Ring - Looking for assistan

Although I was originally looking at rounds only, I have been browsing a few threads showing rings with cushion diamonds in halo settings. A lot of these are quite impressive and it's making me consider the same!

There are a few threads where this particular cushion was discussed: http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/K-IF-Good-Cut-Cushion-Diamond-1471593.asp

This thread has an ASET of the diamond: https://www.pricescope.com/forum/ro...k-of-this-antique-cut-cushion-t174602-60.html

In addition, the older threads here mention the price being over $8,000 at that point, so it appears to have dropped. Would there be anything to be concerned about with this stone (ASET or otherwise) that might be the reason for a price drop, or is this lookin like a good buy? Or, could I do a bit/much better by spending a few grand more?

Thanks

Yes, that stone looks and sounds awesome. First JA had it stated as an "IDEAL CUT", which I believe it truly is. A "cushion brilliant" in the mid 60% depth and mid 50% table, with beautiful faceting. They have lowered the price which is great too. It is an "high K" color and most likely faces up white. also the measurements compare to the face up size of many 2ct stones. I can't believe it is still available. Cushion brilliants are like finding a needle in a haystack anymore. Set in an antique setting I think you would have a winning combination. They have a great return policy so you should at least look at the stone and see if you like it.

Here is what the gemologist said

"I'm happy to tell you that this diamond is exceptionally bright and has great fire, brilliance, and scintillation. It has a rather round outline and a higher "K" color. This is a gorgeous cushion cut that will give you a fantastic sparkle and look beautiful mounted in any setting. I recommend it highly for your purchase and believe you'll be very happy with it when you see it for yourself. "

I've been looking for that thread, thanks. Hope you found "the one".

Also I would get the ASET on this stone and have the gemologist compare it to the 1.66 k and get his opinion on them both...see which one he favors.

http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/J-VVS2-Good-Cut-Cushion-Diamond-1490756.asp

 

[ariel144]

Re: Entering the market for an E-Ring - Looking for assistan

I would compare the JA stones to some on GOG

http://www.goodoldgold.com/diamond/9485/ (my favorites are the AVR's.)

http://www.goodoldgold.com/diamond/9057/

www.goodoldgold.com/diamond/9282/

http://www.goodoldgold.com/diamond/9290/

 

[Gypsy]

Re: Entering the market for an E-Ring - Looking for assistan

Also I would get the ASET on this stone and have the gemologist compare it to the 1.66 k and get his opinion on them both...see which one he favors.

http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/J-VVS2-Good-Cut-Cushion-Diamond-1490756.asp

The ASETs for this particular facet pattern (there have been 3 of them, I believe posted) have been pretty consistently underwhelming. Not saying that you shouldn't get one, just that the K is an exceptional stone, JA has a great return policy (60 days!), and I think you will end up with that one-- and if you do, have it sent to you unset and see what you think. Then worry about the setting.

Speaking of settings, do you have any in mind?

 

[Chuck55]

Re: Entering the market for an E-Ring - Looking for assistan

Speaking of settings, do you have any in mind?

Yes, I really like the "Ada" halo setting that is available from Engagement Rings Direct. What would be the recommended process for sourcing a setting if I bought the loose stone from JA? Would I have to send the stone to the shop I choose to buy a setting from? I am in Canada and I worry a bit about having additional taxes being payable if say, I received a stone and then sent it back to the US to get put in a setting.

Do you have any recommendations of settings similar to the ERD "Ada" halo setting? One of the other good things about buying that JA stone is that would would have more room in my budget to spend on a nicer setting.

 

[ariel144]

Re: Entering the market for an E-Ring - Looking for assistan

Also I would get the ASET on this stone and have the gemologist compare it to the 1.66 k and get his opinion on them both...see which one he favors.

http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/J-VVS2-Good-Cut-Cushion-Diamond-1490756.asp

The ASETs for this particular facet pattern (there have been 3 of them, I believe posted) have been pretty consistently underwhelming. Not saying that you shouldn't get one, just that the K is an exceptional stone, JA has a great return policy (60 days!), and I think you will end up with that one-- and if you do, have it sent to you unset and see what you think. Then worry about the setting.

Speaking of settings, do you have any in mind?

I've been wondering about that particular facet pattern...just haven't seen any ASETs on them yet. That is disappointing. But that 1.66 K IF has always been on my scope for beautiful cushions at a great price. I think it will be the one too. Faces up so large for the price too...an added big bonus.

 

[Chuck55]

Re: Entering the market for an E-Ring - Looking for assistan

Question - if I were to buy the stone from JA, would ERD be willing to set it in one of their "custom" settings? If so, would there be any issues with this that I should be concerned about or is this type of thing common?

 

[Gypsy]

Re: Entering the market for an E-Ring - Looking for assistan

Question - if I were to buy the stone from JA, would ERD be willing to set it in one of their "custom" settings? If so, would there be any issues with this that I should be concerned about or is this type of thing common?

Yes you can. And no you won't have any issues with those two companies.

 

[ariel144]

Re: Entering the market for an E-Ring - Looking for assistan

Here is how white a well cut K color can look>

[URL='https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/august-vintage-cushion-1-17-k-vvs2.178727/']https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/august-vintage-cushion-1-17-k-vvs2.178727/[/URL]

Did you reserve the 1.66 K IF from JA? It will look great in that setting from ERD. Can't wait to see it set and pictures on your fiance's hand.

 

[Chuck55]

Re: Entering the market for an E-Ring - Looking for assistan

I did reserve the JA stone, but then I spoke with Mark from ERD about settings, and he suggested that I let him show me a few other stones. I let the reservation lapse and will see what ERD has.