Finally time to choose MY ROCK!

[gladyskristen]

We''re finally ready to get a rock (no setting yet) for my e-ring!

Our budget is $1200 for the stone alone. I like princesses cos the squarish look just appeals to me more, but a RB faces up bigger for the same weight. I''m just so afraid tt if i get a princess, it''ll look v small!

Can anyone show me some light?

 

[neatfreak]

Some light with what?

Yes, if you get a princess it will look MUCH smaller than a round at that size. But if what you really want is a princess, that''s what you should have! If you get an X-factor princess you''ll save a teensy bit of weight because of the cut corners and might be able to afford something a tad bigger with your budget thus increasing the face up size a bit since you don''t notice the corners anyway once it''s set.

I would stick with WF and look at some ACA princesses and X-factors in your budget. You can get about .5 carat for that money if you''re careful and those babies will throw off incredible light which makes them have more of a "presence" than most .5 carat rings you see around.

But a round will look bigger...

 

[gladyskristen]

I had my eyes on this stone for a long time, but cos of the cut corners, I'm not so sure abt how big it'll look.

Shape: X-Factor
. Carat: 0.591
. Depth %: 70.3
. Table %: 68.1
. Crown Angle: 32.3
. Crown %: 11.2
. Pavilion Angle: 54.9
. Pavilion %: 54.1
. Girdle: Thin to Ext-Thk
. Measurements: 4.80-4.75X3.34
. Polish: Very Good
. Symmetry: Very Good
. Culet: Pointed
. Fluorescence: Negligible

Will this look bigger or smaller than a round of 5.3mm diameter? I tried on a round of this size and it looked rather substantial to me.

 

[E B]

Definitely go for the princess if that''s what you like.

This one looks nice:

.51ct I, VS1 ACA Princess $1159

 

[gladyskristen]

Yeah, i think i shud b looking for a gd princess rather than a round.

I''m hoping to get a princess tt''s as big as possible, at least H, SI2 and has gd light return. Can anyone help me source for some? And mayb some comments on the stone tt i posted earlier on?

I just emailed WF regarding that X-factor. Hope i get a reply soon!

 

[E B]

I don't know a lot about princesses, but this might be one to ask about:

.56ct G, SI1 AGS-0 Ideal $1,192

 

[neatfreak]

Date: 5/27/2007 4:33:51 PM
Author: gladyskristen
I had my eyes on this stone for a long time, but cos of the cut corners, I'm not so sure abt how big it'll look.


Shape: X-Factor

. Carat: 0.591

. Depth %: 70.3

. Table %: 68.1

. Crown Angle: 32.3

. Crown %: 11.2

. Pavilion Angle: 54.9

. Pavilion %: 54.1

. Girdle: Thin to Ext-Thk

. Measurements: 4.80-4.75X3.34

. Polish: Very Good

. Symmetry: Very Good

. Culet: Pointed

. Fluorescence: Negligible


Will this look bigger or smaller than a round of 5.3mm diameter? I tried on a round of this size and it looked rather substantial to me.

The cut corners don't influence it really, it's the measurements you really need to look at. See how the measurements are 4.80-4.75? That means that it's about 4.75x4.75 give or take. And that 5.3 round is, yes you guessed it, 5.3x5.3. So as you can see, there is a significant difference in size between the two, a bit more than 1/2mm on each of two sides which is a lot at that size. So if I were you, I would try to see if you can try on a stone about 4.75x4.75, that will give you a much better idea of what size your stone will be.

I looked a bit, and you've certainly found the best x-factor OR princess, in your budget, sizewise. This one is facing up quite bit for it's size and the ASET image looks great. I think WF probably is closed today and tomorrow because today is Sunday and Monday is a holiday here. But I would call them and reserve it ASAP. Lurkers sometimes steal stones and since that one is facing up so nicely, there might be a good chance of that.

 

[jstarfireb]

It''s true that princesses face up smaller than rounds...but if you want a princess, get a princess! Rounds have a lot going for them but just weren''t "me," so I got a princess despite the smaller face-up size per carat.

What do you think about a 3-stone princess ring? Maybe something with 0.5 center and 0.25 or smaller sides? That would save you some money while giving you a bit more finger coverage. Ignore this if they don''t appeal to you (I for example wanted a solitaire).

Also, I''d recommend buying from a place with a good upgrade policy, so that when you have a bigger budget, you can trade up to a bigger stone.

Here''s an example of a 1ctw 3-stone princess (I''d buy from a different vendor since BN has no upgrade policy, but just for size comparison):
http://www.bluenile.com/product_details.asp?oid=6245&catid=138&filter_id=0&nav1=band_channel.asp&page=1&col=2&row=2&pos=5&set_shape=

The WF 3-stone trellis ring is very nice and can probably be customized with smaller side stones if you get a 0.5ct center stone:
http://www.whiteflash.com/Engagement-Rings/Styles/3Stone/3-Stone-Trellis-Ring_1135.htm

 

[MWG]

Hi,

I see that the posters are pointing you to Whiteflash for an X-Factor. You will not be dissatisfied with a X-Factor from Whiteflash. In fact, I have seen an X-Factor princess in person and they are the prettiest princess cut diamonds that I have ever seen and I am not a fan of the princess cut, but I was impressed.

Since you are working with a small budget.....nothing wrong with that...... actually, if you are young and starting out.....I think it is great to be smart and not put yourself in debt too big.

The advice of working with a company that offers lifetime upgrades is the way to go. You dont have to buy it all at once, because if you do....then it is over and done with and now nothing to do.

Good Luck and Congratulations

MWG

Also, great advice, if you want a princess cut, then buy a princess cut. Get what will make you "mind clean" about your ring.

 

[gladyskristen]

Oh no NeatFreak, u''re scaring me!
It''s not convenient for me to call them cos i''m located in Singapore. But once they reply me, i''ll check tt it''s eyeclean and reserve it ASAP! I hope no lurkers steal my stone! I can''t see to find anything else tt''s close to tt size...

 

[neatfreak]

Good for you! BUT if by chance someone does nab it and you can wait a bit, WF can find you another stone, you might just need to wait until a new shipment comes in.

GOOD LUCK!

 

[gladyskristen]

Lesley from WF is the best! I told her tt I wun b able to pay for the stone til mid-June, but she told me tt she''ll make an exception for me and hold the stone til then cos i like it so much!

Of cos, tt''s provided we can confirm that we 100% want this stone. She''ll then do up the invoice and hold the stone for us til we pay in mid-June. BF and i are gonna take some time these few days to sort things out financially to make sure we can pay for the stone in mid-June, and if we can, it''s mine to keep!

I''m crossing my fingers and praying hard now for my BF to give the green light...

 

[kcoursolle]

Date: 5/28/2007 1:47:45 PM
Author: gladyskristen
Lesley from WF is the best! I told her tt I wun b able to pay for the stone til mid-June, but she told me tt she''ll make an exception for me and hold the stone til then cos i like it so much!

Of cos, tt''s provided we can confirm that we 100% want this stone. She''ll then do up the invoice and hold the stone for us til we pay in mid-June. BF and i are gonna take some time these few days to sort things out financially to make sure we can pay for the stone in mid-June, and if we can, it''s mine to keep!

I''m crossing my fingers and praying hard now for my BF to give the green light...

It''s beautiful, what a lovely stone!! It has a very nice IS image, very little leakage for a fancy. I''m glad she''s able to hold it for you, I hope you come back in mid june with some pictures!!!

 

[jstarfireb]

Nice stone! Out of curiosity, what's the size, color, and clarity? Is it the one you posted the numbers for earlier?

 

[gladyskristen]

Yup, it's the one i posted earlier.
Altho it's an SI2, according to Lesley, it's TOTALLY eyeclean. And the fact tt it's an F colour rocks!
I also wanted to know whether it's eyeclean from other views cos I like a setting with a very open gallery, so she said she'll check and let me know tmr.

Here are the specs once again:

0.591 Carat F SI2 X-Factor $1098 (after PS discount)
Report: AGS
. Shape: X-Factor
. Carat: 0.591
. Depth %: 70.3
. Table %: 68.1
. Crown Angle: 32.3
. Crown %: 11.2
. Pavilion Angle: 54.9
. Pavilion %: 54.1
. Girdle: Thin to Ext-Thk
. Measurements: 4.80-4.75X3.34
. Polish: Very Good
. Symmetry: Very Good
. Culet: Pointed
. Fluorescence: Negligible

 

[jstarfireb]

Very nice! I like an open gallery too. When you start thinking about settings...I''ve been suggesting this setting a lot, especially for a princess/x-factor:
http://www.whiteflash.com/Engagement-Rings/Styles/Solitaire/-Legato--Sleek-Line_1118.htm

I think your stone would look great in it! The "legato" head is also very popular with the micropave band:
http://www.whiteflash.com/Engagement-Rings/Styles/Diamond-Settings/The--Legato--with-Micro-Pave_1071.htm

 

[gladyskristen]

This is what i had in mind actually. Something more open than what you showed me. It's the HOF Seduction setting. Somehow i feel tt the double prongs and the tiny split shank gives the illusion of a larger stone. Correct me if i'm wrong.

BTW, i wear a size 4.5-4.75. I tried scaling the pic down to match the actual size of the stone, and i think that the stone-ring proportion should be roughly the same as the pic.

 

[kcoursolle]

That setting is gorgeous, I just love it!!!

Are you planning on getting a HOF setting or getting one made through WF? Whiteflash could make you one that is lovely, because the HOF setting is probably expensive. Also, brian knox could probably make one for your stone similar to this one except for a square stone: http://www.knoxjewelers.biz/index.htm?crn=266&rn=1054&action=show_detail His designs are very affordable!

 

[jstarfireb]

Wow, that setting is stunning and would look gorgeous with an X-factor. Promise us you''ll post photos when you''re done!

 

[neatfreak]

I do love that setting, but I actually think that the thick band will make the center stone look smaller. But I would only not get it if your goal is to maximize the "size" of your diamond. If that''s your goal I would go with the thinnest band possible, not one as thick as the stone.

 

[Gypsy]

This setting by knox is close. I would just ask them to adapt it to your X factor. It would probably be cheaper than WF doing it from scratch.

 

[gladyskristen]

Thanks for ur suggestions.

Actually I intend to get it done here in Singapore, partly due to cost and partly due to the fact that I want an exact size measured and made for me. As you can see, I only know tt I'm size 4.5-4.75 and don't know my exact size.

There's a custom jeweler recommended by some Singaporean here on PS who can get me a 18k WG setting for SGD$300+(USD$200) and in platinum for SGD$600+($400), inclusive of setting fee. I'll also have the peace of mind of getting to see the setting in person before accepting it rather than risking having to send it back.

Will definitely post pictures once I receive the stone and again when I get the ring!

We're both students, so finances are tight. He at first said to wait til next year, but now that I've found a great stone, he wants to make it happen for me, and tt's so sweet of him. Just pray hard tt boyfriend says we can 100% pay for the stone in mid-June! *cross fingers*

 

[gladyskristen]

BTW, shud I get the setting in 18K WG or platinum?

I know that platinum will stay white forever, but will dull over time and need polishing. My concern is tt the split shank portion might be hard to polish without removing the stone. Also, there are many jewelers in Singapore that don't work with/are not familiar with platinum. The common metal used here is 18K WG, and 14k WG is unheard of.

The reason why I felt tt 18K WG might be a better choice is cos I think that if the split shank portion dulls, I can simply get it plated, rather than having to repolish it. Pls correct me if I'm wrong.

 

[gladyskristen]

Dear BF says YES! We're getting this stone!

We'll be wiring money over in mid-june, so I'll be back with photos soon!

 

[kcoursolle]

Date: 5/30/2007 11:55:17 AM
Author: gladyskristen
Dear BF says YES! We''re getting this stone!

We''ll be wiring money over in mid-june, so I''ll be back with photos soon!

Yay!!!!!! Congratulations, I can''t wait to see your pics!!!!

 

[grapegravity]

I would get plat prongs and 18kt white gold shank... that''s how my ring is right now... plat is more durable, and I likem the look of 18kt white gold... it appears more shining to me than plat... My friend has her e ring in plat, and hers got dull in no time, where mine is still shining and the shank still scratchless...