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Finding a diamond from Shane Co.

crashprime

Rough_Rock
Joined
Jul 16, 2013
Messages
52
After lots of back and forth, and a lot of consideration, I have selected my setting. I'm in love with it and it's everything I wanted, and nothing more. It fits my budget and I feel very good about it.

http://www.shaneco.com/Catalog/QuickViewWithZoom.aspx?ST=Halo&X=41045747&AC=true

Picture's don't do it justice. It really is delicate and beautiful.

I "temporarily" selected a diamond in store.

http://www.gia.edu/cs/Satellite?pagename=GST%2FDispatcher&childpagename=GIA%2FPage%2FReportCheck&c=Page&cid=1355954554547&reportno=2156009831

I didn't have a cert. to look at closely, so I "assumed" some things about what Shane Co. would consider to be their signature ideal cut. What they call a "Shane Classic". Maybe I am using the HCA tool incorrectly, but for the price Shane is asking for this stone, I feel like I should be within TIC range / Excellent. Instead it's scoring a 5.0 - Good - Only if price is your main criterion. They're asking $2325. That's not even close to "price is my main criterion" for that carat weight.

How can GIA give the cut a "Ex/Ex" grade, but HCA is at 5.0?

Anywho, I am comfortable all the way down to .50 SI1 J as long as it's well cut. Is this realistic to shoot for? Obviously more carat weight is fine, but I am trying my hardest to stick with Shane Co. for my center. I know there will be SOME mark-up, but I want to at the very least find a good performance stone if I'm going to overpay.
 
You're right, you can find a better performing stone for less money.

http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/0.63-carat-g-color-si1-clarity-ideal-cut-sku-213411

the above would also come with an additional discount for being a PS member. It's just an example of what you can find if you are willing to shop online instead of with a BM store. Have you considered purchasing the setting from Shane and having them set an outside diamond? We usually recommend that you use the same vendor for both stone and setting but if you have your heart set on the Shane then you could purchase the stone online, insure and then have Shane set it for you
 
I'm setting an outside stone in the same Shane Co. setting. I've been looking for an alternative setting for weeks, and there's nothing out there. My alternative was a custom design.

Christina picked out some beautiful stones for you. I'd look into getting one of those and having Shane Co set it for you.

Also, look into getting insurance from Jewelers Mutual or Perfect Circle. They'll insure the stone while it's being set, as Shane will make you sign a waiver of liability.
 
You and I are on the same path GoSounders, but I am going to try my hardest to get my center stone from them just to keep everything together and to get their warranty/upgrade policy.

Here's a question to the rock experts out there:

http://www.gia.edu/cs/Satellite?pagename=GST%2FDispatcher&childpagename=GIA%2FPage%2FReportCheck&c=Page&cid=1355954554547&reportno=2146660456

HCA 2.6
.71 J SI2
Depth 64.2 %
Table 54 %

vs.

http://www.gia.edu/cs/Satellite?pagename=GST%2FDispatcher&childpagename=GIA%2FPage%2FReportCheck&c=Page&cid=1355954554547&reportno=5136939490

HCA 1.2
.71 J SI2
Depth 58.8 %
Table 59 %

Both eye clean.

HCA 1.2 vs HCA 2.6

To me the 2.6 falls a lot closer to AGS0 range ... but scores outside the ideal range.

Am I putting too much faith in the HCA thing?
 
A bit too much faith. It's only 1 indication of performance. The HCA 1.2 has a large table, which might not be to your liking.

Best course of action would be to call in those stones to your Shane Co and go look at them with an Idealscope/ASET.

By the way, Shane still gives the full warranty if they set your stone, it just doesn't cover the center stone replacement portion of the warranty. If you have a good insurance policy, that should be protected against anyway.
 
So I am having those stones brought in. Piece of mind is priceless. Do most jewelry stores like that have ASET/IdealScope available for their customers?
 
Nope, almost none do. Shane Co almost certainly doesn't (it would render 80% of their stock as poorly cut). I suggest you buy one online. As you say, peace of mind is priceless. In this case, it's only $36 shipped.

http://www.ideal-scope.com/
 
GoSounders, what wedding band did you choose to go with that setting?
 
I looked at that one in store and felt it was sort of thin and cheapened the e-ring. I'll watch to see what you find haha. :bigsmile:
 
I know there will be SOME mark-up, but I want to at the very least find a good performance stone if I'm going to overpay.

Here is the big rub, and I'd love to here other PriceScopers' opinions:
I believe you can get a decent stone from Shane if you try for their "Select" series, but perhaps nothing like the "look" you would get with a WF "Cut Above" diamond or BrianGavin Signature diamond - and a diamond from one of those vendors (or GOG or IDJ or ERD) would probably actually cost less (and in most states, no sales tax either). I've found almost no B&M jewelers where I could pay more for a great diamond (because they don't have them) and many many where I could pay a premium, for less.

crashprime|1375803671|3497593 said:
You and I are on the same path GoSounders, but I am going to try my hardest to get my center stone from them just to keep everything together and to get their warranty/upgrade policy...
I had the same dilemma, but since I couldn't get a great stone anywhere "in person" outside of Tiffany's or a few DeBeers jewelers (I think their forevermark stones are spectacular, but at a "real" premium) I will order my whole ring from "out of State" and my fiancee will purchase my wedding band at the store where she wants her ring cleaned and inspected (for insurance, once per year).
Additionally, what are you getting with their warranty that you wouldn't get with an outside insurance policy (that, yes, you will have to pay between 1% and 2% per year for the coverage)? Warranty is a good sales tool for them, and a no-hassle way to get a diamond replaced - but what are the odds of you losing a diamond? In the really rare case that you lose a diamond you didn't buy from Shane, you have the added stress of dealing with your insurance company - I'll take that chance.
As far as upgrades go, what is the chance you will upgrade? And if you do, if you trade in your Shane diamond they will give you the purchase price for your "old" diamond but not discount the new diamond - they will give you more than your diamond is worth and you will in turn give them more than their "new" diamond is worth. Ultimately you really save very little, or nothing.
If you upgrade and haven't purchased your diamond from Shane, then you have to trade in or sell your existing diamond for half (let's say), but you purchase your new diamond for a lot less too.
PLUS, you've had many years pleasure of wearing a diamond that is spectacular until you upgrade; or, you have many many years of enjoyment from wearing a spectacular ring if you never upgrade.

Finally, many of the sponsors here would probably be glad to price to you their version of the (beautiful) setting you selected from Shane, and then provide a center stone that is truly stunning. Maybe for $3000. I'd contact one of them and just ask what they could do for "this" setting and their top designated .6 or .7 carat center stone. You might be surprised, and almost certainly would end up with a better product.
 
DelsFan said:
I know there will be SOME mark-up, but I want to at the very least find a good performance stone if I'm going to overpay.

Here is the big rub, and I'd love to here other PriceScopers' opinions:
I believe you can get a decent stone from Shane if you try for their "Select" series, but perhaps nothing like the "look" you would get with a WF "Cut Above" diamond or BrianGavin Signature diamond - and a diamond from one of those vendors (or GOG or IDJ or ERD) would probably actually cost less (and in most states, no sales tax either). I've found almost no B&M jewelers where I could pay more for a great diamond (because they don't have them) and many many where I could pay a premium, for less.

crashprime|1375803671|3497593 said:
You and I are on the same path GoSounders, but I am going to try my hardest to get my center stone from them just to keep everything together and to get their warranty/upgrade policy...
I had the same dilemma, but since I couldn't get a great stone anywhere "in person" outside of Tiffany's or a few DeBeers jewelers (I think their forevermark stones are spectacular, but at a "real" premium) I will order my whole ring from "out of State" and my fiancee will purchase my wedding band at the store where she wants her ring cleaned and inspected (for insurance, once per year).
Additionally, what are you getting with their warranty that you wouldn't get with an outside insurance policy (that, yes, you will have to pay between 1% and 2% per year for the coverage)? Warranty is a good sales tool for them, and a no-hassle way to get a diamond replaced - but what are the odds of you losing a diamond? In the really rare case that you lose a diamond you didn't buy from Shane, you have the added stress of dealing with your insurance company - I'll take that chance.
As far as upgrades go, what is the chance you will upgrade? And if you do, if you trade in your Shane diamond they will give you the purchase price for your "old" diamond but not discount the new diamond - they will give you more than your diamond is worth and you will in turn give them more than their "new" diamond is worth. Ultimately you really save very little, or nothing.
If you upgrade and haven't purchased your diamond from Shane, then you have to trade in or sell your existing diamond for half (let's say), but you purchase your new diamond for a lot less too.
PLUS, you've had many years pleasure of wearing a diamond that is spectacular until you upgrade; or, you have many many years of enjoyment from wearing a spectacular ring if you never upgrade.

Finally, many of the sponsors here would probably be glad to price to you their version of the (beautiful) setting you selected from Shane, and then provide a center stone that is truly stunning. Maybe for $3000. I'd contact one of them and just ask what they could do for "this" setting and their top designated .6 or .7 carat center stone. You might be surprised, and almost certainly would end up with a better product.

Hi, DelsFan - I just want to speak to a few of your points. I have 2 wedding bands from Shane Co and I have found their quality, warranty, and customer service to be outstanding. I will not comment on your opinions about buying the center diamond from Shane Co, since mine isn't from there either so it's not fair of me to say much of anything. However, I don't appreciate your comments about their warranty. Since I've utilized their warranty a few times already, I can honestly speak to how great it is. I would NEVER want to PAY for insurance coverage when Shane Co offers a warranty free of charge as long as you get it checked out 2 X/year. You not only get any diamonds that fall out replaced, you get free rhodium plating (with gold settings), polishing, cleaning, etc.

I don't mean to give you a hard time, but if crashprime loves the Shane Co setting, has done his own research on what his fiance wants, then I don't feel that it's right at all that you suggest he utilize a PS vendors to make a similar setting. You may not like Shane Co, and others might not, but many people do. There are many other excellent vendors besides those preferred here on PS. And even those preferred here on PS aren't perfect, no vendor is. Though from what I hear, VC probably is! :lol:
 
Regarding insurance vs warranty, Shane Co's warranty doesn't cover replacement in the case of loss or theft. Thus, it's still imperative to have insurance for an e-ring, so there is a bit of overlap between Shane's warranty and a good insurance policy. This is the reason to set an outside stone in a Shane Co setting. You can get the diamond quality/cost you desire (sentiment from DelsFan), with all the benefits of Shane's warranty (minus the center stone coverage) as well as the other free services that are conveniently located for many (sentiment from meganmomma). If you have a good, separate insurance policy, you won't need Shane to cover the center stone anyway. With all the back-and-forth shipping and miscommunication to online vendors we see here frequently, I think setting locally is very practical.
 
GoSounders said:
Regarding insurance vs warranty, Shane Co's warranty doesn't cover replacement in the case of loss or theft. Thus, it's still imperative to have insurance for an e-ring, so there is a bit of overlap between Shane's warranty and a good insurance policy. This is the reason to set an outside stone in a Shane Co setting. You can get the diamond quality/cost you desire (sentiment from DelsFan), with all the benefits of Shane's warranty (minus the center stone coverage) as well as the other free services that are conveniently located for many (sentiment from meganmomma). If you have a good, separate insurance policy, you won't need Shane to cover the center stone anyway. With all the back-and-forth shipping and miscommunication to online vendors we see here frequently, I think setting locally is very practical.

Hi, GoSounders! I agree with you on all points. I also have separate insurance for my settings and diamond should something bad happen like theft or loss. I was under the impression that DelsFan thought that Shane Co's warranty wasn't that good in general. But I agree with what you're saying. :)
 
I really do appreciate the words of advice meganmomma. I didn't take offense to anything DelsFan had to say, and advice is always appreciated. There's a good chance I end up setting and outside stone still. I'm working with Shane to find a good candidate for my budget, but I have a back-up plan with a gorgeous stone from Whiteflash that's super ideal.

The Shane setting is lovely and I don't want to bother messing around to get something close. I've looked at this setting in person and it's great. I've been looking at a LOT of settings in various stores from brand names to store brands to everything between and nothing comes close to this one until I am spending 2X for something compareable in design, carat weight, and look.

I've found a stone that might work for my budget and be a beautiful stone from Shane but I want to know what to watch/look for.

Some dirty specs:

0.71 carat J SI2 Very Good

Depth 58.8 %
Table 59 %
Crown Angle 32.5°
Crown Height 13.0%
Pavilion Angle 40.6°
Pavilion Depth 42.5%
Star Length 50%
Lower Half 80%
Girdle Medium, Faceted, 3.0%
Culet None
Fluorescence Medium Blue
Clarity Characteristics Twinning Wisp

From what I understand the Medium Blue fluorescence can actually help a lower color grade like a J appear to appear higher (the concept of Brian Gavin's "Blue" line). I also have talked to someone who has seen this diamond. They describe the "twinning wisps" to be very difficult to see under 10X magnification. The naked eye apparently will rarely see most twinning wisps and its an inclusion that will often be an eye clean SI2. Plugging those numbers into the HCA, it scores a very respectable 1.2.

Light Return Very Good
Fire Excellent
Scintillation Excellent
Spread Excellent

It falls into the lower left side of being outside GIA Ex / AGS Ideal. From what I understand that means it's table is a little larger than many other Tolkowsky cuts, and will show more of a window into the diamond (the little "hole" in the center will be bigger). It may also appear a bit darker. On the plus side, it will appear a bit larger for its carat weight due to this.

I am going to inspect this diamond in person, and I want to know what I should be watching out for. What's going to be easy for a novice to determine whether this is a good candidate for a center stone? Am I silly for wanting to take a look at this in person?
 
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