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Good or bad value?

Really curious what you found out about this setting. I have a girl that is hard to please as well, and from an outsider looking in this seems to fit your bill -- except the price tag. Seems like you should be able to easily shave $1,000 or so by going white gold and eliminating those diamonds on the lower half of the ring. I say this because most settings I've been looking at is always a $600-800 upcharge for platinum, and the side stones have to be worth a few hundred bucks at least.

Either way, it's a beautiful ring and IMO more classy than the two you narrowed it down to. But rings are very subjective.

In regards to the diamond size, as a friend, I'd tell you to NOT get hung up on the size. Focus on the cut, color and clarity. The bigger the stone the more important that clarity will be as you don't want your girl showing off her ring and people seeing crud in it. And if well cut and sparkly, that will more than make up for the other lacking characteristics.

A 1.3 or 1.4ct well cut ring in the right setting will likely impress way more than a mediocore 1.5ct in the wrong or not well done setting. Not to mention, you will have more diamonds being poorly cut to just hit that magical 1.5ct number. Don't buy into the hype.

Get educated and know the value and quality you bring to the table, regardless of the diamond size. ;)2

starrysim said:
I saw this today and thought of this thread. I haven't followed the thread closely, so I'm not sure if it's within price range, but I thought I'd post it anyway, for inspiration if nothing else.

http://www.loveaffairdiamonds.com/the-meadow-solitaire-setting/
Click to expand...
 
farrahlyn said:
So, i had a look at their Facebook page and it's all very modern stuff. As @rockysalamander said, this setting you want is not something just any run of the mill jewelry store can do properly without looking like a crazy mess. If she likes that specific Ken & Dana setting, why go custom?
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Because it will not be that exact setting. I'm taking the general layout of the setting and altering it. While I really like the prongs, under gallery, girdle style on it. I am most likely going to change it to branches instead of antlers and will be changing the leaves on the shoulder to something else "still working on that part". So it's a great layout to work off of. I'm not ruling suggestions on who to work with on this either.

I've just been more focused on getting the diamond locked down with what little time I have to do the research and then will be 100% focused on the setting if that makes sense.
 
tboom1446 said:
Because it will not be that exact setting. I'm taking the general layout of the setting and altering it. While I really like the prongs, under gallery, girdle style on it. I am most likely going to change it to branches instead of antlers and will be changing the leaves on the shoulder to something else "still working on that part". So it's a great layout to work off of. I'm not ruling suggestions on who to work with on this either.

I've just been more focused on getting the diamond locked down with what little time I have to do the research and then will be 100% focused on the setting if that makes sense.
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GOTCHA. I missed where you're going with the CVB/LAD Meadow setting. lol! it is STUNNING. Totally understand wanting to get the diamond locked it first.

Definitely contact Caysie about using this setting as an inspiration and see what you're looking at as far as cost with your changes.
 
I'm so confused. You are not going with LAD you are having S&V in Chicago make an "inspired by" setting based off the LAD setting, yes?? I think the question was have you see examples of this type of setting made by S&V as it is not a standard type of setting that could be beautifully and tastefully executed by any jeweler.

The photo of the yellow gold solitaire you posted....is that an example of work the jeweler has done that made you feel comfortable they could execute the setting you're after? The green stone in the YG solitaire has engraving on the band. That is very different than the rustic branch look you're after. It is made with an entirely different skill set. Doesn't mean they can't do it, but that ring doesn't tell you what I think you'd want to know when going custom. We always, always advise people to see examples of the exact type of setting they want before hand. Saves a lot of money and heartache.
 
Bingo. There is a difference in the lowest bidder, and the lowest QUALIFIED bidder. I have no horse in this race, but I'd want some reassurance the jeweler doing the custom work has performed under similar time constraints, detail levels, etc. Additionally I would want some references to speak with that will tell you the real story.

Not to sound rude, or that money isn't important -- but the reality is talking to the original creator will likely land you a price similar and you won't have the concerns if they can pull it off as they've already done it. Many times we pay for what we get, and some things aren't worth skimping on. Guess it's all about risk assessment in the end. I'd rather pay a few hundred more and KNOW what I'm getting then not be certain.

Just my 2 cents. In both cases, what is the return policy with your local jeweler and the online vendor that inspired you? I'm willing to bet the local guy is pretty stringent. The online vendor might give you more flex. Just food for thought in case you don't love what you designed and/or the quality isn't up to your standards.


JDDN said:
I'm so confused. You are not going with LAD you are having S&V in Chicago make an "inspired by" setting based off the LAD setting, yes?? I think the question was have you see examples of this type of setting made by S&V as it is not a standard type of setting that could be beautifully and tastefully executed by any jeweler.

The photo of the yellow gold solitaire you posted....is that an example of work the jeweler has done that made you feel comfortable they could execute the setting you're after? The green stone in the YG solitaire has engraving on the band. That is very different than the rustic branch look you're after. It is made with an entirely different skill set. Doesn't mean they can't do it, but that ring doesn't tell you what I think you'd want to know when going custom. We always, always advise people to see examples of the exact type of setting they want before hand. Saves a lot of money and heartache.
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Lol I didn't mean to create confusion on the thread. I've been jumping on and off trying not to let the "fiance to be" catch me for one and work and is super crazy right now.

To summarize this now confusing thread here is where I'm at:

@JDDN & @sledge - I reached out to Love Affair Diamonds and got a response from Erica over there. Because I have not fully decided on how I am going to alter the setting I have focused mostly on the diamond. S&V is a local jeweler that I was recommended to. I will only consider using them if they can send me something more convincing than the photo I posted previously of the yellow gold solitaire. I would prefer to work with Love Affair Diamonds since I know for a fact they can handle the design. I honestly have not even asked Erica over there yet if she will work with me.

@ac117 recommended the following diamond which I currently have on hold:
https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-di...h-color-si2-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-4717739

@Lorelei & @rockysalamander Like this option & suggested I reach out to James Allen to get more information as to whether or not it is eye clean. Using their online messaging I asked if it was eye clean and they responded "Given that the diamond has multiple clouds, it will potentially look hazy under direct sunlight or UV light. I would recommending looking slightly lower in color. An I or J will still be nice and icy, and we can probably find a better clarity for you." @sledge seems to agree. I asked to send an IRL & IS which will take 24-48 hours to get. I will post what they send me as soon as I have it.

This diamond engagement ring will be perfect if it is the last thing I do!! lol
:pray:

Again, I can't thank you all enough. I'm excited, overwhelmed and still slightly conflicted. Which I will take over being confused, ripped off and full of buyers remorse any day. I'm thankful to have found PS :D
 
Yay, I'm so glad you like the LAD setting I posted. This isn't really my style, but I think this is one of the nicer ones I've seen. You should be able to decrease the cost by getting rid of the side diamonds. IMO it doesn't really go with the nature-inspired style anyway.
 
Poking around, this looks like a nice diamond (ideal cut, VS2 clarity!) and with that price you can either get the Love affairs diamond setting (which is beautiful) or the actual bark setting your intended asked for. You will not tell the difference between this and a 1.5 carat size. The only thing, is that the cert is off brand. Maybe others can comment how much of a concern this is. The first diamond I ever got (through Wink) was an igi and was actually a beautiful diamond. Gosh if I had extra money around I'm almost tempted for that price.

https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-di...rat-j-color-vs2-clarity-ideal-cut-sku-3988201
 
 
JDDN said:
This is what I'm finding when I keep it below $8K, although the two 1.5 carat stones are just slightly more.

https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-di...j-color-vs2-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-4307790

Would need to ask about the inclusion....
https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-di...j-color-vs2-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-4253854

Hits the 1.5 carat mark:
https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-di...j-color-si1-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-4321781

Also hits the 1.5 carat mark:
https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-di...j-color-si1-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-4771603
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My only concern with the stone is the color. I'm still conflicted over color vs clarity. As of right now I was trying not to go below an H. But at the 1.5 mark that leaves me with the SI2's which seems to be a semi dangerous game as it's hard to tell if they are eye clean. This is all with stones that are triple excellent.

So I guess the question is do I sacrifice color, clarity or swallow my pride and start looking at 1.4ct..
 
It's better to get a beautiful stone, than one who hits an arbitrary size. She also wants a lower setting.
 
tboom1446 said:
My only concern with the stone is the color. I'm still conflicted over color vs clarity. As of right now I was trying not to go below an H. But at the 1.5 mark that leaves me with the SI2's which seems to be a semi dangerous game as it's hard to tell if they are eye clean. This is all with stones that are triple excellent.

So I guess the question is do I sacrifice color, clarity or swallow my pride and start looking at 1.4ct..
Click to expand...

Hm okay later I’ll see if I can find some decent SI2’s. They do exist but take a bit more time and patience to find. I hope you’re not in a hurry!
 
I notice when searching on PS for diamonds it shows a lot of USA Certified and then takes you to a sloppy website with no photos. This place legit? They seem to have some decent options per the specs
 
No to a "good cut". "Good cut" is actually a bad cut. Cut is your friend. You want the diamond to sparkle and shine and be brilliant. A well cut diamond will do those things and will have edge to edge sparkle which will appear larger than a poorly cut diamond that is a little bigger.

Okay, both those stones you linked have CA of 35 and PA of 40.8. I would get an ASET to evaluate if you can't see in person. That combo could either be fine or not fine.

Options:
https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-di...i-color-si2-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-4717732


The crown angle and subsequently depth is outside the range we typically recommend but this stone could be very nice. You'd want an ASET to be sure.
https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-di...i-color-vs2-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-4803714
 
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How detail oriented to visual things is your girl? Does she see little things like a scratch on a table, a thread on the floor, a slight variation in a pattern? The more visually detailed she is, the more I think you should lean to minimize visual inclusions and stick with H color or a "high" I color. I know that is a problem for your 1.5 carat target, but the more you talk about her...that's the sense I get.
 
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USA Certified is totally legit. But, I don't recall that Martin will shoot ASET or IS images...someone correct me if I'm wrong. I think his prices are low as he is a no frills supplier from what I've read here. There is also only a 7 day return period from your date of receipt and I don't see any upgrade/buyback policy.
 
tboom1446 said:
Lol I didn't mean to create confusion on the thread. I've been jumping on and off trying not to let the "fiance to be" catch me for one and work and is super crazy right now.

To summarize this now confusing thread here is where I'm at:

@JDDN & @sledge - I reached out to Love Affair Diamonds and got a response from Erica over there. Because I have not fully decided on how I am going to alter the setting I have focused mostly on the diamond. S&V is a local jeweler that I was recommended to. I will only consider using them if they can send me something more convincing than the photo I posted previously of the yellow gold solitaire. I would prefer to work with Love Affair Diamonds since I know for a fact they can handle the design. I honestly have not even asked Erica over there yet if she will work with me.

@ac117 recommended the following diamond which I currently have on hold:
https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-di...h-color-si2-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-4717739

@Lorelei & @rockysalamander Like this option & suggested I reach out to James Allen to get more information as to whether or not it is eye clean. Using their online messaging I asked if it was eye clean and they responded "Given that the diamond has multiple clouds, it will potentially look hazy under direct sunlight or UV light. I would recommending looking slightly lower in color. An I or J will still be nice and icy, and we can probably find a better clarity for you." @sledge seems to agree. I asked to send an IRL & IS which will take 24-48 hours to get. I will post what they send me as soon as I have it.

This diamond engagement ring will be perfect if it is the last thing I do!! lol
:pray:

Again, I can't thank you all enough. I'm excited, overwhelmed and still slightly conflicted. Which I will take over being confused, ripped off and full of buyers remorse any day. I'm thankful to have found PS :D
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This is what I got back from James Allen on this diamond. What do you guys think?
4717739ID.jpg
 
Slight pavilion variation, but its other wise beautifully cut. Great sparkle and performance. Really nice in that regard and I love the H color. But...for me....I could not live with the inclusions at 2'oclock. They are prominent to my very picky wildlife biologist eyes.
 

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I think it's nice but that inclusion is going to potentially be problematic. I would not buy a stone with schmutzy inclusions unless you know with 100% certainty that your intended doesn't mind them.

Is it you or your girlfriend that wants to hit the 1.5 carat mark at an H color? Can you have a convo with her about your budget and would she rather go down a tad in size to be in the VS or SI1, H color combo? And ask her how she feels about potentially visible inclusions too.
 
The IS for the H is very nice - obviously not as precise as a super ideal, but that's not what you're looking for and this will be a solid performer. This meets your reqs of being over 1.5 and an H color. Personally, I think you could put a prong over or near the inclusion at 2 o'clock and barely be able to see it unless you're really looking (although many ppl don't even know what to look for). Some people prefer more mind clean in terms of clarity. Do you know what your SO would prefer?
 
ac117 said:
The IS for the H is very nice - obviously not as precise as a super ideal, but that's not what you're looking for and this will be a solid performer. This meets your reqs of being over 1.5 and an H color. Personally, I think you could put a prong over or near the inclusion at 2 o'clock and barely be able to see it unless you're really looking (although many ppl don't even know what to look for). Some people prefer more mind clean in terms of clarity. Do you know what your SO would prefer?
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To be perfectly honest, my SO is expecting me to present her with something from a gumball machine lol. I love her so much, I can't help but lead her to believe the budget is miniscule and she is more than okay with anything I present to her. It's definitely me pushing the bar. I'm in sales, she's an accountant, we keep our finances completely separate. I love to underpromise and over deliver. Especially with her because it's so so worth it.

So to answer your question, no 1.5ct is 100% not a requirement. However, she deserves the best I can provide. If you all honestly believe that a 1.4 with less inclusions is the more educated route than I am absolutely open to suggestions.

That being said we have two weddings coming up this year, I've decided how I'm going to propose and I need to finalize this project in less than 3 weeks.

I want her to be able to show it off to her friends, that might sound a little vein but it's me being honest.

I'm still waiting for LAD to respond. I'll be calling soon to see if I can get the ball rolling if not I could also use reputable setting suggestions. I've decided to simplify the band based on that original LAD nature design. No diamonds, most likely no shoulder additions, I am thinking platinum for less maintenance. Design perspective I just want a semetrical rustic tree bark texture throughout, if that makes sense. Doesn't quite roll if the tounge sounding as good as I'm picturing in my head :twirl:
 
Beautiful stone, will be fiery bc of the higher CA: https://www.bluenile.com/diamond-de...ATIONS&track=viewDiamondDetails&action=newTab
Nice 60/60: https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-di...i-color-si1-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-4544494
Another 1.5 option...https://enchanteddiamonds.com/diamo...nd&wire_price_max=8840#diamond=R151-2Z59Z76Z6
Or you could go slightly smaller but top of the line cut and always upgrade down the line...https://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-3970288.htm

I'm not sure going the custom route could be done in 3 weeks at this point. Keep in mind, you need to factor in a few days for purchasing the diamond and getting it shipped to you then shipping to whomever is making the ring.
 
Getting a completed ring in 3 weeks will hugely depend on the diamond availability and mostly the jeweler. That is really cutting it close if you want something that isn't a simple stock setting.

I'm going to put out one more option which I understand is iffy given your rush. Check out Anueva Jewelry's website and Insta account. They too make rustic branch type settings. I wonder if your GF would like a rose cut diamond. They have no pavilion (the bottom part of the diamond that comes to a point) so they face up very large for the carat weight and they also sit very low given the no pavilion. You can most definitely get to the 'size' you want within budget. This may not be at all what your GF likes, but I'm just putting it out there as the size/color/clarity will be in budget and Anueva may be able to get you a great stone quickly. She sources stones and makes the setting and doing both through one vendor will cut down time. Rose cuts have big facets and give an ethereal look and the flash the prettiest pastels. They are certainly not everyone's cup of tea, but those who love them adore them. Just an option of course and you would probably want to slyly see if your GF likes these stones, lol. Message her through Etsy if your interested.

https://www.instagram.com/anuevajewelry/?hl=en

https://anuevajewelry.com/collections/diamond-rings

https://www.etsy.com/shop/AnuevaJewelry


upload_2018-4-28_8-47-57.png
 
At this point, I also feel that dropping the size requirement and focusing on a beautiful ideal cut stone, is a better idea, and to select one soon. If she wears a lot of silver, I suggest staying with a white metal (white gold or platinum).
As far as being naturey and lower set,
I would just get the diamond, and go with these people, since you KNOW she likes it!
https://shop.kenanddanadesign.com/c...que-engagement-rings-nature-inspired-laurel-1 (42350 for 14K gold, 1995 for platinum).

However these are other styles that seem they would work, especially if you are in a time jam and they are not custom. At a later point, David Klass may be able to engrave them for you.
https://www.jamesallen.com/engageme...wisted-shank-contemporary-solitaire-item-6854 (white gold twisted shank 420 or 705 platinum - design is VERY similar to the one she picked out)
https://www.jamesallen.com/engageme...-white-gold-bypass-engagement-ring-item-22555 (bypass, reminds me of the twig ring 472)
https://www.jamesallen.com/engageme...modern-leaf-bypass-engagement-ring-item-50128 (asymmetrical, low set, has diamonds as "leaves" 825
http://www.maevona.com/ring-detail.html?rid=671 (rock rose, 650 (see if this could have engraving?)
http://www.maevona.com/ring-detail.html?rid=1519 (soay solitare 1K)
http://www.maevona.com/ring-detail.html?rid=2884 (fern classic, 1530)

The LAD ring is really nice, but would be custom.

I STLL like this stone. It may be discounted because it's tint looks more brown than yellow. But that doesn't bother me.
https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-di...i-color-vs1-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-4790990
I don't like the James Allen one you posted because of the clarity issues so if I had to choose I would choose the enchanted diamond. It should perform beautifully.
 
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