Halo Ring + Stone on a $5,000 Budget

[MikeThisIs]

Thank you for your detailed reply Gypsy. Certainly some food for thought!

The fact it shows up huge is definitely a benefit, particularly with my budget. If it favors white that is fine, as long as its bright and sparkles to the eye! I have it on hold for a few days so will have a think about it and continue looking for any comparable stones for the price.

 

[Gypsy]

Make sure you compare spread (dimensions) not just weight!

 

[Gypsy]

I'm going to amend one thing said:

I said: "Most 70 pointers do NOT face up at 5.8."

I will amend that to say: "Most well cut 70 pointers with great performance, like this one, do NOT face up at 5.8"

 

[MikeThisIs]

Hi Gypsy,

Just curious to find out your thoughts on the following diamond in comparison?

http://www.bluenile.com/au/diamond-details/LD05087097

Works out to be about $100 more expensive, 0.73.

 

[MikeThisIs]

I'm really torn on what to do with this stone! I have extended the hold until tomorrow. They definitely cannot provide a Idealscope but have confirmed the stock in their inventory.

Such a tough decision! Would appreciate any other opinions or advice!? Or if anyone would recommend what they perceive to be a 'better' stone for a similar price point? (Up to $2900 Australian Dollars).

 

[Gypsy]

Hi Gypsy,

Just curious to find out your thoughts on the following diamond in comparison?

http://www.bluenile.com/au/diamond-details/LD05087097

Works out to be about $100 more expensive, 0.73.

Sorry I thought I responded to this.

I think this new one is a great stone. Ask if eyeclean and if the fluorescence is having any negative effect. If the answer is no.. then it's a contender. Can they get you a picture of this one too?

 

[MikeThisIs]

Back again!

So I've reassessed by budget and requirements a little and really want to get the stone now below $2,250 USD.

I've found the following at JA - http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/0.61-carat-h-color-vs1-clarity-sku-385516

And this one at WF - http://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-3063795.htm

Would appreciate any comments on this diamond? Also, if anyone would be happy to suggest another stone from any of the vendors that ship to Australia, that would be appreciated.

Currently looking to pair it with this ring setting from JA (however am looking at other settings also - http://www.jamesallen.com/engagement-rings/halo/18k-white-gold-pave-halo-and-shank-diamond-engagement-ring-round-center-item-17444

 

[Niel]

hows about ( I know its an I but at .6 cts I truly don't think youll notice a difference between an H and an I)

http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/0.60-carat-i-color-vs1-clarity-ideal-cut-sku-287530
Also I do believe they still offer a "referral" or "preferred customer" discount- though I don't think they call it a pricescope discount anymore, id still ask...

What other settings were you considering?

 

[MikeThisIs]

hows about ( I know its an I but at .6 cts I truly don't think youll notice a difference between an H and an I)

http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/0.60-carat-i-color-vs1-clarity-ideal-cut-sku-287530
Also I do believe they still offer a "referral" or "preferred customer" discount- though I don't think they call it a pricescope discount anymore, id still ask...

What other settings were you considering?

Thanks for the suggestion Niel. The stone looks good and comes out at a 0.9 on the HCA. The other ring I very much like is the Ritani French Set Halo - https://www.ritani.com/engagement-rings/french-set-halo-diamond-band-engagement-ring-in-14kt-white-gold/6115

I am contemplating just purchasing the diamond overseas however and getting the ring custom made here in Melbourne which will cost around $2,000 AUD.

 

[Niel]

I saw this at JA too.... If they do still offer the discount this should be in budget


http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/0.60-carat-e-color-si1-clarity-ideal-cut-sku-385474

they don't have the cert listed but they say its AGS, id get more info, but I bet its an AGS 0, just based on how its listed on there site.

ETA, are you only considering 18k or are you open to 14k

 

[heididdl]

I have been obsessed with your Ritani selection for a long time When my nephew was looking I went into NYC and tried it on and it is perfection. That being said. with an Ering I would still focus on the center stone as your Goal. As gorgous as the halo is you don't know want to spend so much on a setting. Settings can be changed as styles come in and out. So I agree with some of the other opinons and I'd get a beautiful but less expensive setting with a gorgous ideal cut diamond in the center.

 

[MikeThisIs]

I saw this at JA too.... If they do still offer the discount this should be in budget


http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/0.60-carat-e-color-si1-clarity-ideal-cut-sku-385474

they don't have the cert listed but they say its AGS, id get more info, but I bet its an AGS 0, just based on how its listed on there site.

ETA, are you only considering 18k or are you open to 14k

You can really see the colour difference in that image in comparison to the H and I can't you!

I would consider 14k also for the setting

 

[Niel]

I saw this at JA too.... If they do still offer the discount this should be in budget


http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/0.60-carat-e-color-si1-clarity-ideal-cut-sku-385474

they don't have the cert listed but they say its AGS, id get more info, but I bet its an AGS 0, just based on how its listed on there site.

ETA, are you only considering 18k or are you open to 14k

You can really see the colour difference in that image in comparison to the H and I can't you!

I would consider 14k also for the setting

Right. Sure can.

I think if you compromise with a 14k setting to get that e, you'd be putting your money towards things you can see, which I think is important when you have a limited budget.

 

[MikeThisIs]

I saw this at JA too.... If they do still offer the discount this should be in budget


http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/0.60-carat-e-color-si1-clarity-ideal-cut-sku-385474

they don't have the cert listed but they say its AGS, id get more info, but I bet its an AGS 0, just based on how its listed on there site.

ETA, are you only considering 18k or are you open to 14k

You can really see the colour difference in that image in comparison to the H and I can't you!

I would consider 14k also for the setting

Right. Sure can.

I think if you compromise with a 14k setting to get that e, you'd be putting your money towards things you can see, which I think is important when you have a limited budget.

I've asked them for the certificate and images for the 'e' stone you have recommended with JA. They will come back this week some time. I will post the results up on this thread once I have them

 

[Niel]

I saw this at JA too.... If they do still offer the discount this should be in budget


http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/0.60-carat-e-color-si1-clarity-ideal-cut-sku-385474

they don't have the cert listed but they say its AGS, id get more info, but I bet its an AGS 0, just based on how its listed on there site.

ETA, are you only considering 18k or are you open to 14k

You can really see the colour difference in that image in comparison to the H and I can't you!

I would consider 14k also for the setting

Right. Sure can.

I think if you compromise with a 14k setting to get that e, you'd be putting your money towards things you can see, which I think is important when you have a limited budget.

I've asked them for the certificate and images for the 'e' stone you have recommended with JA. They will come back this week some time. I will post the results up on this thread once I have them

Smart.

If you went for that stone, what's the most you'd be able to pay for a setting?

 

[MikeThisIs]

I saw this at JA too.... If they do still offer the discount this should be in budget


http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/0.60-carat-e-color-si1-clarity-ideal-cut-sku-385474

they don't have the cert listed but they say its AGS, id get more info, but I bet its an AGS 0, just based on how its listed on there site.

ETA, are you only considering 18k or are you open to 14k

You can really see the colour difference in that image in comparison to the H and I can't you!

I would consider 14k also for the setting

Right. Sure can.

I think if you compromise with a 14k setting to get that e, you'd be putting your money towards things you can see, which I think is important when you have a limited budget.

I've asked them for the certificate and images for the 'e' stone you have recommended with JA. They will come back this week some time. I will post the results up on this thread once I have them

Smart.

If you went for that stone, what's the most you'd be able to pay for a setting?

That would put me up to about $3000 AUD after the duty payment. So ideally less than $1500 AUD, however could try and stretch up to $2,000.

 

[Niel]

So about 1300 us? Is that before VAT?

 

[MikeThisIs]

So about 1300 us? Is that before VAT?

Let's say up to $1300 USD before duty charges.

 

[Niel]

So about 1300 us? Is that before VAT?

Let's say up to $1300 USD before duty charges.

a tad over, but the example photo they use is a stone about .6 cts and I think the proportions are nice .

http://www.jamesallen.com/engagement-rings/halo/14k-white-gold-cushion-outline-pave-engagement-ring-item-49493

otherwise I think this one is a high quality than their cheapest ones

http://www.jamesallen.com/engagement-rings/halo/14k-white-gold-petite-diamond-halo-engagement-ring-item-41066

 

[MikeThisIs]

So about 1300 us? Is that before VAT?

Let's say up to $1300 USD before duty charges.

a tad over, but the example photo they use is a stone about .6 cts and I think the proportions are nice .

http://www.jamesallen.com/engagement-rings/halo/14k-white-gold-cushion-outline-pave-engagement-ring-item-49493

otherwise I think this one is a high quality than their cheapest ones

http://www.jamesallen.com/engagement-rings/halo/14k-white-gold-petite-diamond-halo-engagement-ring-item-41066

I hadn't really considered the cushion shaped halo as I preferred the round, however I have seen the JA one before and the more I look at it the more I like it to be honest. Definitely worth considering.

 

[MikeThisIs]

JA have just sent me the idealscope image. They also included another stone that was a 'D' colour at a similar price point.

Would appreciate some feedback on these! I've asked them for the AGS certificate also if possible, as they didn't provide this.

The comment they provided was as follows -


I am happy to inform you that Diamond 385474 has the best overall brilliance! It faces up very white and bright with a true E color. It is also eye-clean. Diamond 288940 is also an excellent choice with very good brilliance! It faces up white with excellent fire and sparkle. It is also eye-clean. Either diamond would be an excellent choice with 385474 standing out ever so slightly more.'

Links

E - http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/0.60-carat-e-color-si1-clarity-ideal-cut-sku-385474

D - http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/0.62-carat-d-color-si1-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-288940

Here is two others I have looked at on WF also at a similar price point

http://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-3114489.htm?source=pricescope

http://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-3059454.htm

 

[Niel]

That e looks perfect. If they will provide the cert with the sale I'd do that!

Now that they are offering 25% off though today on settings, are any other settings on the table?

 

[MikeThisIs]

Hopefully they will come back to me soon with the AGS certificate.

I've spoken to someone local here in Melbourne who is going to send me a design today. So chances are that I will get it custom made locally, probably similar in design to the Ritani setting that I really like.

 

[Niel]

Hopefully they will come back to me soon with the AGS certificate.

I've spoken to someone local here in Melbourne who is going to send me a design today. So chances are that I will get it custom made locally, probably similar in design to the Ritani setting that I really like.

Smart. Save a bit of money with shipping that way.

Just make sure you see examples of their finished work before committing. Make sure you like the quality.

But that e looks great!

 

[MikeThisIs]

I've just received the design images. This design would include a carat weight of 0.45. So in total, the ring would come out a 1.05 carat.


Any thoughts?

 

[Niel]

I think the shank needs to be 2mm at least, 1.8 mm can be a bit too thin.

Also cads are one thing, but finished products are what matter, do you have any photos of their finished work??

 

[MikeThisIs]

Looking at it and the measurements it's essentially a copy of the Ritani French Set Halo which was my favourite design - https://www.ritani.com/engagement-rings/french-set-halo-diamond-band-engagement-ring-in-14kt-white-gold/6115

She has quite delicate fingers, would 2mm not be too thick? Or is it more due to the strength factor to ensure that the ring is strong enough?

I've seen a few examples when I met with him last week and they look very good. He assures me that they will be better quality that the ones I have been looking at through WF, Ritani and JA. He's been very helpful thus far on my journey and I have no reason not to trust him. Plenty of people coming in and out of his office also for pickups and valuations etc...

 

[Niel]

2mm is very thin. It will still look thin on her hand. And yes vendors are making rings that thin, but still for durability reason most people suggest not to go below 2mm

Regardless of how helpful he's being, I still strongly suggest look at finished rings with similar details to what you want. From personal experience I can tell you, regardless of how nice they are, they may not produce settings up to your standards, so ask for pics or real life examples (even better!)

 

[Gypsy]

Please read this. [URL='https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/custom-jewelry-work-cad-and-cast-psa.175834/#post-3202426#p3202426']https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/custom-jewelry-work-cad-and-cast-psa.175834/#post-3202426#p3202426[/URL]

It's not the CAD you have to worry about, as Neil said. It's the actual benchwork and finishing.

 

[MikeThisIs]

Please read this. [URL='https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/custom-jewelry-work-cad-and-cast-psa.175834/#post-3202426#p3202426']https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/custom-jewelry-work-cad-and-cast-psa.175834/#post-3202426#p3202426[/URL]

It's not the CAD you have to worry about, as Neil said. It's the actual benchwork and finishing.

Thank you Gypsy, very interesting. The rings I looked at while in his office last week were very nice and looked well made to me, however I am not an expert in the slightest!

He also has a comparative diamond available which he has suggested at a similar price point that he can source. I've attached the GIA Cert and H&A images.

What would your thoughts be on this in comparison to the JA one I have on hold currently (who can't provide me with an AGS certificate until tomorrow at the earliest).