Hearts on Fire???

[justicesuitor]

Diamond aficionados,

I have waited far too long and she has been far too patient. With law school graduation just a few weeks away, a balance sheet that is tolerable to look at, and a position waiting for me in New York, I am intent upon indicating my commitment in the most meaningful way.

So, what stone is worthy of her? My only three parameters are (1) round (2) in a simple platinum Tiffany-style setting, and (3) knee-weakening. I visited a jeweler today who gave me a 1-hour tutorial and introduced me to the impeccably cut Hearts on Fire diamonds.

Now, here''s where the distasteful subject of money comes in. I have a little over 10K socked away specifically for this occasion. I don''t know how high interest rates are these days, but assuming they''re not totally unreasonable and that I pass the requisite credit-score-checking, I would feel comfortable financing another 10K or so. Maybe 15, but I start getting queasy when thinking of digits much higher than that.

The jeweler, Kert, indicated his belief that clarity was the most dispensable of the Cs. I''m awaiting an e-mail from him that will list a few options for me, and will post it later this weekend, but one example he showed me was a 1.23 ct Hearts on Fire SI1 for about 20K. He estimated that bringing it up to a VVS1 would add another 8K, but protested ever-so-slightly that the difference to my eyes would be negligible if anything.

Am I pursuing the right route or should I search for a GIA-ideal-rated diamond online? Any preliminary suggestions before I post my second chapter?

 

[Kelli]

If the SI1 is eye-clean (which many are) there will be NO visible difference between that and a VVS1 or 2. You''re guaranteed eye-clean at VS2 or above, so IMHO there is no need at all to go above VS2, or really, an eye-clean SI stone. You are DEFINITELY on the right track in wanting to give her an impeccably well cut stone!

Hearts on Fire stones are beautiful, BUT you can easily get just as beautiful of a stone online for much less money. Or, if you''re willing to spend the same amount, end up with a larger stone which most girls won''t protest to.

Check out Infinity diamonds, GoodOldGold Hearts and Arrows, Whiteflash ACAs, and Brian Gavin diamonds. They all have H&A diamonds that are just as beautiful as HoF, but without the huge pricetag. Also, a lot of people on this board LOVE to help guys shop. They''ll most likely even find a few stones for you to look at!

 

[Kelli]

http://www.whiteflash.com/hearts_arrows/Whiteflash-ACA-cut-diamond-1466941.htm

I couldn''t resist.

A 1.5 ct in your budget, which will most definitely face up larger than a 1.23, and it''s definitely eyeclean with VS2. This is just one example though. Also, if you''re willing to go lower in color, you''d be surprised how much prices go down. A stone in a cut that good won''t show color, even in the near colorless range.

 

[stone-cold11]

And don't go into debt for a diamond. Just buy what you can afford now, all the vendors recommended has an upgrade policy that will allow you to trade back the stone for the next stone.

For example, if you buy this 1.24c F SI1 for 9.8k now.
http://www.highperformancediamonds.com/index.php?page=view-id-diamond-infinity&id=222

Once you get the a job and decide to upgrade, to maybe this 1.79 H SI1 for 17.9k, you will only need to pay an extra 8k.
http://www.highperformancediamonds.com/index.php?page=view-id-diamond-infinity&id=553

 

[Kelli]

Good point stonecold! LOL I wasn''t trying to put you into debt justice, just show you what you could get for about the same price. You really could get exactly what you were looking at for what you already have saved and not have to finance at all.

 

[vintagelover229]

Whiteflash has a great upgrade policy and so do a lot of the vendors on here. I dont recommend going into debt for a ring, esp. when you have a great budget to begin with, and your going to want to start your life with her, which will be a house, etc. (i dont know if you have these things already, but I''m just making a point that there are other things that you could use the $$$ for later on other than a diamond ring)

Here is a beautiful setting
http://www.whiteflash.com/Engagement-Rings/Styles/Solitaire/-Sleek-Lines--Diamond-Solitaire_688.htm

and a beautiful stone, make sure its eyeclean though
http://www.whiteflash.com/hearts_arrows/Whiteflash-ACA-cut-diamond-1982316.htm
and thats under the 10K. If your wanting to spend the full...

Here is another stone that is slightly bigger and still under the 10K mark
http://www.goodoldgold.com/diamond/5249/

and this one if its eyeclean is going to look the same as the stone above, but much cheaper
http://www.goodoldgold.com/diamond/4585/

IMO in rounds, the "sweet spot" is an eyeclean si1 or si2 and I color. If you can find a H&A, or AGS ideal cut diamond with those, you can get close to 1.5 carats with you budget. Good luck!

 

[ring_hunter24]

It''s important to mention that it''s common knowledge for Pricescope veterans (as I learned quite quickly) that the signature rounds from Whiteflash or GoodOldGold and other PS vendors are just as good as HoF, and much less expensive! So you won''t be sacrificing quality at all.

 

[LaraOnline]

Date: 4/25/2009 1:19:08 AM
Author: redrose229

IMO in rounds, the 'sweet spot' is an eyeclean si1 or si2 and I color. If you can find a H&A, or AGS ideal cut diamond with those, you can get close to 1.5 carats with you budget. Good luck!

I think your vendor that you visited was steering you the right way. He seems to be operating in a professional manner, so no problems there. His advice in relation to clarity seems correct. SI1 can be eye-clean - but please, specify you are looking for eye-clean from the sides as well! Often, what can appear eyeclean from a top view may have clear marks visible from the side. I would prefer to avoid that. I have a terror of black inclusions!!!

Of the four 'c's, cut is definitely the most important. I have never actually seen a branded HoF diamond, but by all accounts, quality is not a problem when it comes to HoF!!
Value for money wise, you might be able to pick up a beautifully cut diamond for less though. Cut makes a MASSIVE difference, and can ensure you get the most bang for your buck colour and size wise as well, as well-cut diamonds do not waste weight on heavy girdles etc!

Carat weight would be the next thing to examine. I think a good face-up size (and 1.2 is generally seen as a generous and elegant diamond size) sounds good, but tbh I don't think too many ladies on this board would knock back 'too much' of a good thing, if you know what I mean!

It's simply a matter of how you intend to priorities your 4cs. Many girls go for cut, then carat, then colour, then clarity.

However, personally, I think I must be a little colour sensitive. I looked at G colour for myself, but in the end settled for a smaller diamond, in the colourless range (F).

The larger a diamond gets, the slightly more relaxed the grading parameters can become on colour and clarity, just for your info.

Looking at diamonds IRL can do wonders for your sense of confidence in your purchase, and can help solidify what it is you really want.

I would only look at diamonds with either a GIA or AGS grading certificate, other grading labs can be less reliable. AGS is seen as the 'slightly higher power' when it comes to cut grade.

If you really want to get the best for your girl I would set the budget for myself, and not let others in on your secrets relating to cash vs credit sales.

Once you have set your budget, I would consider the vendor carefully, as a good ongoing relationship with a vendor can add an extra dimension to your engagement ring experience. For example, I prefer to go with a vendor that has an 'upgrade' policy, meaning that if I eventually tire of my diamond's shape, or stats, I can change.

I would also choose a vendor that has good manufacturing services, so that wedding bands or eternities - even mothering jewellery - can be made up to match the ring.

Going custom for the setting requires a strong direction from you in what you do or do not want, however it can mean (managed properly) that you get EXACTLY what you want. It can also mean the finished quality of the piece can be better than a cast piece.

I basically went with a stock setting, although handmade specifically for me, with additional instructions about how the diamond was to be set (high enough for me to see the culet, please!!) and I also had the width of the shank shaved down to match 'the dream'.

Final touch for the setting: I would consider having a loving message engraved on the inside of the ring, a lovely touch that she will respond to for years to come!

All the best, good luck with your 'diamond journey', your eventual purchase, and your proposal!

 

[Lorelei]

Date: 4/25/2009 1:49:06 AM
Author: ring_hunter24
It''s important to mention that it''s common knowledge for Pricescope veterans (as I learned quite quickly) that the signature rounds from Whiteflash or GoodOldGold and other PS vendors are just as good as HoF, and much less expensive! So you won''t be sacrificing quality at all.

Ditto - also it is standard advice here not to go into debt for a diamond. Kel no worries!

Justice if you prefer HoF then that is the way to go, they are very beautiful diamonds but more expensive usually than some of the branded h&a you will find online.