Favorite size for upgraded diamond?

[reds]

I know that this is individual but wanted to ask experts and buyers too, what appears to be the most common carat size that individuals upgrade too? Also, I have read in this great site(by the way)that after a while many people feel that the size shrinks. I have a 4.5 ring size and would like this to be my last diamond. This is a size only question. Know what cut and clarity that are optimal. Thanks for everyone''s opinions. Reds

 

[fire&ice]

HI

Rather than focus on ring size, the length of your fingers & size of your hands are more a determining factor as to what looks good on you. I have a friend w/ a smaller size ring finger w/ piano type long fingers - she could carry a very large stone.

As for size, I would first find out what is important to you. My original search was for a 2carat stone. I did not want to revisit this 20 years from now & went w/ 3c stone. It is about as large as my hands can handle w/o looking dopey.

Try on some sizes & keep in mind settings (& cut) can influence how "big" the diamond looks.

And yes, shrinkage happens quickly. It's not that the stone looks "small" - you just get used to it.

Good luck!

 

[Bagpuss]

I agree with fire&ice. It depends on the size of your hands and the length of your fingers, but if it's of any help to you, I have small hands with short fingers and 2ct looked just right to me. I have a 3ct sim ring which I love to wear in the evening but I wouldn't go that big for an e-ring which I'd be wearing all day every day.
The setting can also have an effect on what size feels right. My e-ring is very low set. I find high set rings are more noticeable but less easy to wear all the time.

 

[reds]

Thanks. It is very hard to find 2-3 ct sizes to try on. @ not as hard but anything bigger is a ? My ring space on my finger is @3/4 of an inch-any suggestions?

 

[Hest88]

One thing you can do is buy a couple of CZs in various sizes and road test them for awhile.

 

[valeria101]

I guess any size of ring is OK for certain uses. My ring finger is size 3.5 and a 4.5 ct cabochon gem on top fits like glued (this has about 9-10mm sides, as is a sugar-loaf cut)! I wanted a ring I could both work on the computer and in the garden with... and this is it. For fun a 50ct aqua fits nicely too. No diamonds around here though...

 

[NewYorker]

I think 2 ct is perfect IMO. I won't be upgrading because then it just wouldn't be my e-ring anymore, but for those who do - I think 1.5-2ct looks great!

 

[diamondlil]

My guess would be that many that upgrade are shooting for that full 1 carat. If you can afford a larger stone, I would go for it. I'm with NewYorker, 2 carat is perfect, but I do wear a 5 1/2 ring size. On a 4 1/5 maybe 1 1/2 carat would be equally as nice. It also depends on your style. A few of my friends think my 2 carat is way over the top, but they do agree it suits "my" style.

You are right about it being difficult to find anything in the 2 carat range to try on. Some of the higher end "maul" stores have them, but I certainly would not pay their prices, and they don't always have 2-ish carats in all shapes. They tend to stick with round and maybe a few princess in that size. If you are looking for a pear, marquise, or the more unique cuts, you're chances of finding some to try on is slim.

Have you ever gone to a gem show? It's a great place to try on a ton of different options even if you don't feel comfortable purchasing there. Once you have an idea in your mind of the size, I would recommend one of the online vendors listed through this site to help you find the right stone in your budget.

Good luck.

Diamondlil

 

[reds]

Are any gem shows avalaible to public. I live in New Jersey-any close to here?. Also are the prices in New York as good as internet because I am wondering if I should take a road trip to The Diamond District in New york. Went to 2 stores in Philadelphia and prices were pretty high.Started my research after my visit there. Thanks for info. reds

 

[diamondsman]

I agree ,since you are a size 4.5 you don't want the stone to be too big, From my experience I recommend not going over a 3 carat diamond,The hottest diamonds these days are the princess cut diam.and the rounds.

good luck

 

[diamondlil]

Reds,
The gem and jewelry shows are open to the public. I live in the Washington, DC, area and travel to DC, Baltimore, and Virginia to go to these shows. My girlfriends and I make a day of it whenever a show is scheduled. It's like an enormous candy store!!!

The shows advertise in the weekend section of the newspaper (like the Post) so keep your eyes open for them in your area of NJ. They are held at convention centers and expo centers all over the country. The shows I go to are The International Gem and Jewelry Show, Inc. (www.intergem.net). I don't think this particular company does shows in NJ, but I'd bet there are others out there who do (If any others out ther know of them, please pipe in at any time.)

I have purchased the majority of my jewelry at these shows. The prices are excellent, but you definitely need to educate yourself before dealing with these vendors. For me, the shopping at the shows and bargaining is part of the fun, but I know this would not appeal to many people -- quite possibly most people. In my opinion, the New York diamond district is similar as far as needing a good education and bargaining skills. As a matter of fact, the majority of the vendors at the shows are from the LA and NY diamond district.

Anyone else out there have an opinion on the gem and jewelry shows? I have not read anything about them here on Pricescope.

Diamondlil

 

[fire&ice]

Hest's idea about trying on CZ's is a good one. One of the people on the board ordered CZ for about $5-10 a piece in a couple of sizes.

When I was searching for my perfect size, I had no problem finding "rings" w/ diamonds in the two to three carat range to try on. Go to the better jewelry stores. They should have some for you to look at.

There is no clear cut answer to what size. Go w/ your desire & gut. Also, consider your circumstance & area. If you live in a town where the average diamond ring is 1/3c, I think you need to consider the impact of the stone. The older one is the easier it is to carry off a large stone.

 

[NewYorker]

I'm actually going to the Diamonnd District in NY today to get a diamond for a friend's mother. You should know a little about diamonds before going and always look at it under a loupe. I'm bringing my ideal scope to check the quality of the cut too. But, if it sparkles enough and you don't see any inclusions without the loupe and the color looks good and the price is good - then I buy it. I'm not looking for the absolute best diamond in the world - just a really good looking one for a good price. You can find that on 47th St. (It helps if you bring any diamonds you own to compare them for color and sparkle.) I would check it out if I were you since you live in NJ - you may not end up buying one, but you'll have a fun time checking them all out and dealing with the salesmen (ha ha).

 

[canadiangrrl]

I agree with F&I. It really does depend on your individual cirucumstances. Finger size can also play a role.

Personally, I wouldn't go larger than, let's say, 1.35. My finger size is 5.5, and my fingers are long. I don't like the look of a larger diamond on my hand. Plus, as I sit here in my office in jeans and a Janis Joplin t-shirt (pretty much standard for me) I'm thinking that a 2 carat diamond just isn't in keeping with my personal style.

 

[Mara]

It really depends on your personal style. I love large diamonds, and I am not a really fancy person in general...and I would easily get a 3c if I could. That to me would be THE pinnacle upgrade stone. But barring being able to get that...2.5c definitely. Nothing smaller for an upgrade for me. Right now I have a 1.35c looking diamond and I think its beautiful but of course, a little too small!

I have a size 5.5 finger (size 6 knuckle!). I love admiring larger stones, over 2c mostly.

Try to find an antique jeweler near you. It's a great way to try on the larger stones and sometimes you can find really gaudy fun stuff!! I tried on a 5c cushion cut stone, beautiful and very thin band (1mm!), put it on and of course it looked like glass...really tacky. But it was so pretty by itself. So 5c is definitely too big!

Ha Ha.

Have fun trying on things! Also I agree with the CZ route...go on eBay and buy a few rings for something like $15 each. Get a 2c, a 2.5c and a 3c...see what you think, wear them around for a few days each and see what you think. Shrinkage will happen as your eye gets used to your stone and seeing it on your hand daily. So factor that in..I applaud F&I's idea of going with the 3c stone and just having it all done!

Congrats! Upgrades are fun.

 

[fuffi]

As my jeweler is fond of saying:

"Always go a little bigger than what you're comfortable with - we grow into our diamonds dawling..."

 

[diamondsman]

I like the thought of fuffi's jeweler.
there is always the shrinkage effect


I still stand by my thought of not more than 3.00 ct.

good luck

 

[jenntheten]

I'm a huge fan of the 2ct. mark (3 would be even BETTER!--That's my "upgrade dream" in many many years...) I think 2ct. is a good compromise between TOO BIG and PLENTY BIG.

 

[fuffi]

You also have to consider in the 'distraction factor'. If you wear a large diamond and your hand is near you face, be prepared for people to look at IT when they speak to you and not at your eyes.

 

[fire&ice]

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On 9/12/2003 6:40:35 PM fuffi wrote:

You also have to consider in the 'distraction factor'. If you wear a large diamond and your hand is near you face, be prepared for people to look at IT when they speak to you and not at your eyes.

----------------

I had a young man whistle at me yesterday in the dept. store.

Only to find out he was whistleing at my ring.

Hey, I'll take the compliment any way I can.

 

[fire&ice]

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On 9/12/2003 4:21:17 PM canadiangrrl wrote:

I don't like the look of a larger diamond on my hand. Plus, as I sit here in my office in jeans and a Janis Joplin t-shirt (pretty much standard for me) I'm thinking that a 2 carat diamond just isn't in keeping with my personal style.

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Hah! I am most comfortable in my jeans, a t-shirt & my 3c!

 

[Mikesgirl]

How big was THAT diamond? I'm sure that it was the combination that was impressive.

 

[ringbling17]

hi,
I just got my 10 year anniversary gift.
I have a .75 RB OMC that I wore as an e-ring for a while, but knew that when it was time for my 10 year, I had to have at least a 1.25.
That's actually what I had in mind for my 10 year anniversary.
I wound up getting a 1.5 carat diamond, but before I got it, I purchased a 2 carat simulant (to wear for fun) a week before.
I should never have done that. Once I got the real diamond and compared sizes (1.5 to 2.0), I knew I should have bought a 2 carat.
So, I exchanged my 1.5 for a 2 carat diamond.
I am much happier now.
I feel the same way as Mara, the pinnacle upgrade would be a 3 carat diamond, but I feel lucky to have what I have.
And rather than upgrading this new diamond, I will most likely get a
large sapphire three stone for the next important anniversary (15th).
Also, I really think certain people can carry off certain sizes better. I look like a teenager, I dress very casually and I drive a beat up car, so I don't think a 3 carat would look right on me. Neither would a 6 carat diamond bracelet or 2 ctw. diamond studs. Of course, I would take one and all in a heartbeat, but it's just not me.
I also agree with Fire&Ice about size and age. I think certain sizes can be carried off better with older women and just look more believable.
My co-worker and I were talking about diamonds and she told me that she waited for her 20 year anniversary to get her 3 carat diamond. For her 30th anniversary, she got a 5 carat eternity band. Now, she is looking for diamond studs in the 3 ctw. range, for her 35th anniversary.
Here is something to think about, is it considered an upgrade if you buy a new stone and keep the old one? I don't really consider it an upgrade because I still have my .75 diamond e-ring. I just consider my new 2 carat as a 10th anniversary gift.
What do you guys think?

 

[fire&ice]

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On 9/14/2003 10:31:53 AM kayla17 wrote:

is it considered an upgrade if you buy a new stone and keep the old one? I don't really consider it an upgrade because I still have my .75 diamond e-ring. I just consider my new 2 carat as a 10th anniversary gift.
What do you guys think?

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I guess semantics to some. I have all of of mine. The family ring is in the safety deposit box to pass on when the time is right. My orig. e-stone has been set in a moderne setting by a jeweler that I collected his work from the 1950's. All of the rings have morphed into something more in line w/ our life as it happened.

Personally, I couldn't give up my orig. diamond. But, I'm not attached to it as my one & only engagement ring. Hubby always called it my "starter" stone. He knew of my love of those dopey carbon pieces when he married me. In other words, he knew *exactly* what he was getting into.

I do have my original wedding ring even though it is yellow gold w/ my platinum "e-ring". Never thought about changing that out.

 

[reds]

Actually, truth be told I am keeping my original diamond also. Too sentimental. But that is why a 3 carat is too expensive for me right know but I also found out that I have a 4 ring size. So think 2.25-2.5 will look really nice. Now considering an oval again because so one i liked today but have never seen one in this size. Largest I have been able to try on is 1.5. I also know there are chunky ones and slim ones which I prefer. Any thoughts? Thanks gang