Further Assistance

[trinity2002]

I am writing to ask for any additional insight or assistance anyone can provide me in purchasing a diamond for an engagement ring. I am more concerned about quality and not necessarily concerned about carat weight. I have learned as much as I believe I can and have scrutinized the diamonds as much as I can without having the diamonds in hand. I believe I have narrowed the selection of diamonds down to the following three:

Blue Nile 0.38 ct - $1815

http://www.bluenile.com/diamonds_details.asp?__fun_frm=i&track=btntext_viewselect&elem=img&pid=LD01222984&filter_id=1


Blue Nile 0.41 ct - $2981

http://www.bluenile.com/diamonds_details.asp?__fun_frm=i&track=btntext_viewselect&elem=img&pid=LD01236776&filter_id=1


Good Old Gold 0.37 ct - $2190

http://www.goodoldgold.com/diamond.php?d=3074&shape=1&ctMin=0.3&ctMax=0.7&clarity=3&color=1&priceMax=5000&resultsColumns=268435471&singleResult=1


However, as a first-time diamond purchaser, I would like any additional outside opinions or comments on the aforementioned diamonds prior to making the final purchase. Basically, if anyone can offer me any suggestions as to which diamond I should select and their justification, I would greatly appreciate the assistance. I thank you in advance your efforts.

Warmest Regards,
Kenneth

 

[Lynn B]

I would buy from GOG before I would buy from BN... just my humble suggestion. I think you'll get much more "personalized" service, plus GOG has a lifetime trade-up policy, not sure about BN. The staff at GOG will also happily pull the stone and give you honest feedback on it. Plus Jon has just about every toy and gadget to plug your stone into, and that's always fun!!!

 

[trinity2002]

Dear Lynn B:
I thank you for bringing that to my attention, as the trade-up/return policy is assuring for peace of mind and any later developments in our lives. I noticed that the Sarin, Diamcalc, and GIA reports each give different measurements that do alter their ratings on the HCA Analysis, although only very subtly. Which report is or measurements are more accurate. I apologize in advance, but I am a scientist that can''t help but analyze every parameter and all information possible.

Thanks,
Kenneth

 

[Lynn B]

Date: 1/5/2008 8:13:27 PM
Author: trinity2002
Dear Lynn B:
I thank you for bringing that to my attention, as the trade-up/return policy is assuring for peace of mind and any later developments in our lives. I noticed that the Sarin, Diamcalc, and GIA reports each give different measurements that do alter their ratings on the HCA Analysis, although only very subtly. Which report is or measurements are more accurate. I apologize in advance, but I am a scientist that can''t help but analyze every parameter and all information possible.

Thanks,
Kenneth

Oh, as a scientist, then, you can really appreciate this *silly* little hobby we all seem to have of splitting and re-splitting hairs!

Seriously, small variations in "the numbers" must be expected, and it is nothing to worry about. The general concensus is usually that the numbers on the cert rule.

 

[urseberry]

I''m curious as to why the diamonds you selected are all D IF? I love the bright white color of a D, but without a side-by-side comparison, my F looks perfectly white to me, and there is a whole thread full of J diamonds that face-up very white as well. As far as clarity goes, some SI1 diamonds and almost all VS2 and higher diamonds are free of inclusions to the unaided eye, and the imperfections can only be seen under magnification. Just wanted to let you know that you can purchase a larger diamond for the same price or lower if you decide to give up on the perfect D IF specifications. On this board, you will rapidly find most people consider cut to be the most important of the 4 Cs, since it determines the fire, brightness, scintillation, and general beauty of a diamond. If you haven''t already, I recommend that you read through the Advanced Tutorial at the top of the page, and spend some time browsing around the forums. Good luck with your search!

 

[urseberry]

Kenneth, I just reread your original post stating that you are more interested in quality than size. Sorry I missed that earlier! Does your future fiance also value quality over size? Also, what do you mean by quality? If you want the rarest grade of diamond, then it sounds like D IF is the way to go! I just wanted to let you know that without magnification, it is impossible to see the clarity difference between an IF and a VVS1 or even a VS2.

 

[diamondseeker2006]

Kenneth, my understanding is that the helium report is the most accurate. But be assured that the Good Old Gold stone is a very high quality stone! Like Urseberry, I would also consider VVS to VS1 clarity because you generally cannot see inclusions with a loupe in those levels.

This one would be wonderful if you wanted to stay with D and go to VS1 (which is an extremely clean stone):

http://www.goodoldgold.com/diamond/3890/

 

[trinity2002]

Urseberry & Diamondseeker2006,
I greatly appreciate the assistance. After much consideration and discussion, she and I both concluded that we wanted to find a diamond with exceptional grading and parameters at relatively little cost. In addition, we decided that after some years, if she so desires, that she can obtain any diamond to her liking, literally, if she feels that she requires a larger carat size or would opt for something different. Regardless, I would have no problem keeping the smaller diamond as part of my net assets. Since she is still in school as an undergraduate, we agreed that it would be most prudent for us to focus on our future wants (kids, home, extreme early retirement) and forgo any significant costs at this time, especially since I (we) will be paying for the wedding too. With respect to the diamond, I believe I will be going with the diamond from Good Old Gold. Do either of you have any suggestions as to a setting or where to find simple settings much akin to Tiffany style settings or perhaps with a knife edge?

Thanks,
Kenneth

 

[diamondseeker2006]

Kenneth, I totally respect your wishes in regard to your diamond choices! I think you are very wise. The stone I linked was just about the same price, so I was not suggesting spending more money; just wanted to clarify!

The Tiffany reproduction setting that is most often recommended here is through Excel:

http://www.exceldiamonds.com/-Engagement-Rings-5/Classic-Diamond-Engagement-Ring-640.html

The price will change depending on whether you go with gold or platinum.

 

[urseberry]

Kenneth,

That diamond from Good Old Gold looks fantastic. The BrillianceScope (Gemex) report is just insanely good. You should contact them as soon as possible to put it on hold. The Excel Diamonds setting that DiamondSeeker linked is outstanding, but you will have to check with them to see if they are willing to sell just the setting without a center diamond. If you''re just looking for a simple knife edge Tiffany style, I would get the setting through Good Old Gold. They list a few knife edge solitaires under their setting search, and may have more available. Give them a call. It makes life a lot easier to get the diamond and setting at the same place. That way, the vendor will set the diamond in the ring for you free of charge, and they will take responsibility for any damage that may happen during the setting process.

 

[diamondseeker2006]

I agree. Do ask Good Old Gold if they have similar settings. I know Excel will set stones they have not sold, but it is indeed easier to have the stone vendor set the stone.

 

[Ellen]

Date: 1/5/2008 8:13:27 PM
Author: trinity2002
Dear Lynn B:
I thank you for bringing that to my attention, as the trade-up/return policy is assuring for peace of mind and any later developments in our lives. I noticed that the Sarin, Diamcalc, and GIA reports each give different measurements that do alter their ratings on the HCA Analysis, although only very subtly. Which report is or measurements are more accurate. I apologize in advance, but I am a scientist that can''t help but analyze every parameter and all information possible.

Thanks,
Kenneth

Hi Kenneth,

I just wanted to point out that the HCA is really just an estimator. It''s a tool that will help determine (with limited info) if one should get more info on a stone. Once you have the kind of info GOG gives, the HCA''s job is long over.

The stone you picked is stunning and very well cut. You have absolutely no worries!