shape
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First time buyer advice

brian_andreww

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Jan 12, 2016
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Good evening everyone. I am getting ready to purchase an engagement ring, and I was hoping to get some advice on the stone I was looking at. As far as parameters go, I am looking at the following:

Shape: Radiant
Cut: Ideal - excellent
Carat: .9 - 1.1
Clarity: VS1 or better
Color: G or better
Polish: very good - excellent
symmetry: very good - excellent

Ultimately, I am looking for something that is tasteful, but it doesn't need to be an IF, perfectly colorless stone since neither myself nor my significant other will be looking at it under a 10x scope on a regular basis. It will be set in platinum, if that helps. I like the look of this stone, and it is on hold for the time being:

http://www.b2cjewels.com/dd-7459233-0.95-carat-Radiant-diamond-G-color-IF-clarity.aspx

Does anyone see any issues with this stone? Doing a bit of searching it looks like my best option, but I also recognize that I am out of my element here. I appreciate any advice!
 

Gypsy

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Did she specifically ask for a radiant? Or is this your idea?
 

brian_andreww

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Radiant is my call. She gave me an idea on the band, but the stone was left up to me. She likes square stones, but super square stones in a boxy setting. I thought the radiant would be a good choice, with some nice sparkle.
 

canuk-gal

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HI:

Welcome.

Is this stone yours, as it appears "sold".

cheers--Sharon
 

Gypsy

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I would revise your suggestion. Radiants are A) Hard to shop for B)Rare as hens teeth for good ones C) face up very small for their carat weight as most have depths in the 70's.


SO I'm going to revise your list to say you want a cushions. Cushions are more sparkly than radiants, IMO, easier to shop for, and there is a lot of stock available for them.

So, I highly suggest a cushion. And you don't need VS1 clarity in either a radiant or a cushion. Eyeclean VS2 is more than sufficient.

What type of setting does she want? And what is your budget
 

AdaBeta27

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I don't know anything about radiants. You need ASET images and actual inspection by a live person, which makes them hard to buy online, much harder that round brilliant H&A stones. I think a hearts & arrows cushion would be a much safer pick and would have a square look but superb H&A symmetry and light performance. Brian Gavin Diamonds and Good Old Gold both sell their own lines of cushion / squarish hearts & arrows diamonds.

Radiant would not be my choice. Most of them have "cracked ice" look, as opposed to a structured facet pattern. And I think of radiants as more of a 1980s / 1990s look. Princess cut is falling off in popularity, too.

eta: Here's a Brian Gavin. http://www.briangavindiamonds.com/diamonds/diamond-details/1.006-h-si1-cushion-diamond-ags-104083556019
They are square. There is something unusual about how the dimensions are stated. iirc, and I may not, one dimension is side to side, the other is a diagonal, and the third is the depth. There is a discussion thread on here someplace about it. I'm sure somebody else recalls exactly.
 

Gypsy

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brian_andreww|1452644242|3975040 said:
Radiant is my call. She gave me an idea on the band, but the stone was left up to me. She likes square stones, but super square stones in a boxy setting. I thought the radiant would be a good choice, with some nice sparkle.


That stone is not square. It's a rectangle. Don't buy a rectangle for someone who wants a square.


Cushion is what you should be shopping for. Release the hold on that stone and let's find you something that will wow her in a good way.
 

AdaBeta27

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Gypsy|1452644893|3975049 said:
That stone is not square. It's a rectangle. Don't buy a rectangle for someone who wants a square.

Cushion is what you should be shopping for. Release the hold on that stone and let's find you something that will wow her in a good way.

^ Gypsy knows what she's talking about. She gave you good advice, there.
 

brian_andreww

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Thank you very much for the recommendations. This is exactly the type of feedback I was looking for. Cushion cut were a second choice, followed by asscher.

As far as setting, I was looking at this with the setting lowered: http://www.b2cjewels.com/Diamond-Accent-Settings/Vintage-Pave-Set-Diamond-Engagement-Ring-Platinum-(5-8-cttw)-5465-1.aspx

Her guide was as follows:

no - bezel around a single stone, "swoopy-swirly" bands (her words), solitare, color stones, super square stones, plain band without detail unless not much is showing, a thick or boxy band, or a super high setting

yes - side stones, baguette accent stones, milgrain edging

She also said that she likes specific halos. "HALO: You are going to find a lot of these because they are popular right now. I have noticed the ones I like almost ALWAYS have bezel around them. I said not to get that with a single diamond, but every halo I like has it. It’s a metal or milgrain line that separates the little diamonds from the big diamond. I like halo rings when you can tell the ring around the center stone is different than the diamond inside the ring. I saw a round diamond with a hexagon halo around it that was pretty cool. I tend to like cushion cut with halo a lot too."

My budget is flexible. I would like to stick around $6k, but that is not set in...stone (pun intended).

Thank all of you for the advice so far. So let's start from the beginning.
 

Gypsy

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Okay so bear with me. My computer just broke when I posting stones for you, and I had to switch to my husband's, which I hate and hates me. So...I'm feeling frustrated.

While I look (again!) for stones for you take that list of what your lady does and does not want in a setting and break it down for me like this:

DOES NOT WANT:
1
2
3
4

DOES WANT:
1
2
3

MAY WANT, BUT DOESN'T HAVE TO HAVE:
1
2
3.

Also let me know if you budget can stretch to 7k total. Because that is going to make a difference on whether or not the setting has a halo.

:wink2:
 

JDDN

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This is off topic but....Gypsy you are AWESOME.

Thread jack over. I'm amped to see what gorgeous cushion halo/solitaire transpires in this thread.
 

brian_andreww

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Looking at her list, she gave more advice on what not to buy than what she actually likes. There is no universal under her likes, but I think in general it sounds like she likes more vintage bands or traditional style. That is definitely open to interpretation. I released the hold on the previous stone and I am now searching for cushions. Also, yes I can stretch the budget to $7k.

DOES NOT WANT:
1. bezel around a single stone
2. solitaire ring
3. colored stones
4. any odd shaped stones (hearts, teardrops, etc.)
5. yellow gold
6. A plain metal band with no detail, unless not much of it is showing
7. swoopy-swirly designs
8. very thick/boxy band
9. a super high setting
10. no extremely square/boxy/hard line stones

DOES WANT:
2. metal detailing on the band
4. milgrain edging

MAY WANT, BUT DOESN'T HAVE TO HAVE:
1. halo with metal bezel or milgrain edging around the center stone
2. side/accent stones
3. diamonds on the band
 

Gypsy

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Stones I recommend (I picked JA because posters have been having a lot of problems with B2C recently):

http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/cushion-cut/1.00-carat-e-color-vs1-clarity-sku-597848
http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/cushion-cut/1.00-carat-g-color-vs1-clarity-sku-749018
http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/cushion-cut/1.00-carat-f-color-vs1-clarity-sku-603932
http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/cushion-cut/1.01-carat-g-color-vs1-clarity-sku-803615 Another that caught my eye.
http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/cushion-cut/1.01-carat-g-color-vvs2-clarity-sku-621809
http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/cushion-cut/1.00-carat-f-color-vs1-clarity-sku-814166
http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/cushion-cut/1.01-carat-f-color-si1-clarity-sku-848338 Hearts and arrows cushion. Should be perfectly eyeclean.
http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/cushion-cut/1.00-carat-f-color-vvs2-clarity-sku-597767 This one really caught my eye.

Remember not to compare weight, but rather dimensions.

Narrow it down the ones you like. Put them on hold. Now JA won't get you ASETs for all of them. Long story short, they'll tell you some of them are overseas and they can't get you that. Tell them you are also looking at Enchanted diamonds and they have ASETs for all your stones. (I'll post some stones from them in a minute) and tell them to do their best on the ASETs.
 

Gypsy

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Gypsy

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brian_andreww|1452649250|3975108 said:
Looking at her list, she gave more advice on what not to buy than what she actually likes. There is no universal under her likes, but I think in general it sounds like she likes more vintage bands or traditional style. That is definitely open to interpretation. I released the hold on the previous stone and I am now searching for cushions. Also, yes I can stretch the budget to $7k.

DOES NOT WANT:
1. bezel around a single stone
2. solitaire ring
3. colored stones
4. any odd shaped stones (hearts, teardrops, etc.)
5. yellow gold
6. A plain metal band with no detail, unless not much of it is showing
7. swoopy-swirly designs
8. very thick/boxy band
9. a super high setting
10. no extremely square/boxy/hard line stones

DOES WANT:
2. metal detailing on the band
4. milgrain edging

MAY WANT, BUT DOESN'T HAVE TO HAVE:
1. halo with metal bezel or milgrain edging around the center stone
2. side/accent stones
3. diamonds on the band


This is very clear. Thank you. Your lady did a great job of clarifying her tastes. And you did a fabulous job of relating her instructions!
 

brian_andreww

Rough_Rock
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Thank you very much for posting those stones! I have narrowed the james allen stones down to the following:

http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/cushion-cut/1.00-carat-f-color-vvs2-clarity-sku-597767
http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/cushion-cut/1.01-carat-g-color-vs1-clarity-sku-803615

I also like the hearts and arrows stone, but at the 20x I see a significant mark, so I am chatting online with one of their specialist to get more info on that stone. I called and asked about ASET reports, and all 3 stones are overseas and the representative said that there is no way to get the report. I tried to be persuasive, but she said that it was just not possible.
 

Gypsy

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You are going to have to get your setting from a different vendor regardless of which vendor you buy the stone from. None of them have a setting that has the quality, style and affordability I would want to wear personally, with her list.

So that means you will have to buy the stone. Then get insurance (10 minute online process, I promise) from Jewelers Mutual and then send it to the setting vendor for setting. I know it seems like a big extra step, but do remember that this is a once in a lifetime purchase and she's worth it.

I'm going to assume your budget leaves us up to 2.7k max for a setting. Especially since you mentioned platinum.

Now, I am going to link you a couple settings. But not too many because I don't want to overwhelm you.

I think your lady would REALLY adore Beverly K' settings. Like just flip for them. Plus they are high quality and high value in terms of price. I feel like this one is a home run for her in platinum: http://www.beverleyk.com/engagement-rings/r9663-a-d-d-cz.html You



For a halo, call Brilliantly Engaged for a custom quote for this setting:

bezeled_cushion_halo.jpg
 

Gypsy

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This setting: http://www.briangavindiamonds.com/engagement-rings/three-stone/emerald-and-baguette-18k-white-gold-5449w18 Tell them to add "hand engraving all over the shank" and also "to add milgrain to the bezels of the baguettes". Both are finish details that she wants and very easy to add:
http://www.briangavindiamonds.com/engagement-rings/three-stone/emerald-and-baguette-18k-white-gold-5449w18

And this setting, again Beverly K, http://www.greenwichjewelers.com/shop/designers/beverley-k/products/k-cushion-cut-engagement-ring-with-diamond-halo-and-band Just tell them you want the stone bezel set with milgrain around the bezel when you get quotes (get GOG and Pearlman's quotes, not this place, the price will be better).
 

Gypsy

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I would ask BE for a quote for a custom version of this setting: http://www.bluenile.com/build-your-own-ring/petite-milgrain-diamond-engagement-platinum_42081?elem=img&track=product with the following changes "a low profile integrated basket for the center stone and hand engraving all over."



Okay? Those are the settings.

You lady wants a vintage setting, that is not a plain solitiare, with hand engraving and milgrain in platinum, that will not overpower her center stone and leave it the star.
 

Gypsy

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brian_andreww|1452651988|3975141 said:
Thank you very much for posting those stones! I have narrowed the james allen stones down to the following:

http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/cushion-cut/1.00-carat-f-color-vvs2-clarity-sku-597767
http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/cushion-cut/1.01-carat-g-color-vs1-clarity-sku-803615

I also like the hearts and arrows stone, but at the 20x I see a significant mark, so I am chatting online with one of their specialist to get more info on that stone. I called and asked about ASET reports, and all 3 stones are overseas and the representative said that there is no way to get the report. I tried to be persuasive, but she said that it was just not possible.


I like both, but the F captures my attention each time I see it. And the price difference is negligible.
 

brian_andreww

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wow, i think the beverly k ring blew ME away! that is pretty stunning. first, let me talk about stones. after talking with the JA rep, i think i have narrowed it down to the 1.00 CARAT F-VVS2 on their website. since there is no ASET image available for that stone, what are your thoughts on that stone versus one of the Enchanted Diamonds stones? if i order the stone from JA, will they obtain the stone and then provide the image for review?

i am completely fine with the insurance process. it is definitely worth it for a purchase like this.

as for settings, i am still working through them, but i definitely see a few that are amazing. the beverly k rings in general are rather stunning. i wish they had more pictures of the rings on their website. i also like the brian gavin emerald w/baguette ring. i think it could be a front runner with the added detail of milgrain and hand engraved finishing detail. choice, choices. i think i am going to email brian gavin, GOG, and pearlman's. i am going to see what the latter two can do for the original beverly K you referenced.
 

Gypsy

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=) =) =) I'm happy you like the settings. The Beverly K line is huge. Feel free to poke around iKt. I kept it down to two as I didn't want to overwhelm you.

ONE THING ABOUT THE SETTING TO ASK HER: Is it important to her that her wedding band fits flush? If so, that Beverly K is a question mark as there is no side view. So check into that. The BGD ring I think either DOES accomodate a flush fit band, or can easily be modified by them to do so. ;))

I don't know what JA will do with respect to that stone after you buy it. It will ASET well. Probably as well as this one: https://enchanteddiamonds.com/diamonds/view/Cushion/GIA-Certified-1-0-Carat-F-Color-VVS2-Clarity-Diamond-3FW5XJ But, it's nicer to have the certainty of the actual ASET when you are spending thousands!

And they are the same size.
Basically, I'd support whichever vendor has better policies and treats you better. Because those diamonds are so similar you could just flip a coin. So it leaves it down to the vendor, for me. 8)
 

alamana

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Joined
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Messages
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I am going to have a very hard time waiting to see this ring. It's going to be gorgeous! I'm in love with that halo (I'm a bezel-if-there's-a-halo girl too), but all of the settings Gypsy suggested would be amazing.

You must promise pictures! Including hand shots!
 

brian_andreww

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i will definitely post pictures once i get the ring. the actual big day isn't for another month, but i can post some hand shots after that :D i currently am working with someone at brian gavin to have a custom design made. i sent emails to the rep with pictures, and i am waiting for more information. the design is going to be similar to the beverly k design with more pronounced, tapered side stones. i would like to give a big thanks again to everyone, with a special emphasis on my thanks to gypsy. you have definitely went above and beyond.
 

Gypsy

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Perfect. I have worked on custom projects with BGD, always happily. So you are in great hands!

It's going to look amazing.
 

brian_andreww

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as far as the loose stone goes, i should have the stone shipped to me, then I insure it using jewelers mutual, then i ship it to the designer. is that correct? do i insure the stone with UPS when i ship it to the jeweler, or does the insurance policy cover the shipping to/from the jeweler? i reviewed the website, and all i saw was the following blurb: "We also cover loose stones while they are being set by your jeweler. This is important if you purchase your stone elsewhere and then work with your jeweler to set it." i also tried calling them to confirm their policy, but the office was closed. i also was curious if i then upgrade the policy after the ring is set. since i will be proposing out of the country, i figured it might be good to do so prior to the trip.
 

brian_andreww

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it looks like i ran into a little snag. brian gavin can't create a custom ring in time for me, which means i need to go with a non-custom design. does anyone want to weigh in on the following:

http://www.briangavindiamonds.com/engagement-rings/pave-and-side-stones/halo-engagement-ring-platinum-5441p

http://www.brilliantearth.com/Enchant-Halo-Diamond-Ring-Platinum-BE1M4676-1153398/?did=1806797&is_tab=1
http://www.brilliantearth.com/Felicity-Diamond-Ring-Platinum-BE163-1152855/?did=1806797&is_tab=1
http://www.brilliantearth.com/Fancy...latinum-BE1FBH1-1151475/?did=1806797&is_tab=1

http://www.beverleyk.com/r9663-a-d-d-cz.html

i have someone at GoG getting me more pictures and information on the Beverly K ring. if anyone has other settings they recommend, i would love to see them. i would also love to know if anyone has seen a ring like the one attached (halo with baguettes).

screen_shot_2016-01-15_at_22.png
 

Gypsy

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brian_andreww|1452913479|3976659 said:
it looks like i ran into a little snag. brian gavin can't create a custom ring in time for me, which means i need to go with a non-custom design.
Why? And what's the issue with just going with this one:
http://www.briangavindiamonds.com/engagement-rings/three-stone/emerald-and-baguette-18k-white-gold-5449w18
With the addition of milgrain and hand engraving both of which are easy finish details? Ask to talk to Brian or Lesley, there is no reason they shouldn't be able to do that!! That gets my first vote.


I would do either of these if you can't do that. Pick EITHER a halo or baguettes. I would not combine the two into a frankenring. Also the pave on that halo you posted is the wrong style for you lady. She's going to want a brightcut pave with milgrain, not a french style. Do not pick the wrong type of pave, the BGD halo above has the right pave.
 

brian_andreww

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i am going out of the country with my significant other on vacation february 10th, and i asked the representative if the ring could be available by the 9th. her response was, "Unfortunately, we will not be able to meet your deadline as production on our custom-settings run approximately 5-6 weeks. We will not be able to CAD out the design until we receive your stone here at our office - This would leave us a ver y tight time-frame." i understand that this is a quick turn around time for a custom design, but i thought they offered rushed services for a fee.
 

JDDN

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Sorry if I missed it, but which vendor are you referring to? Which setting?
 
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