Help a diamond newbie with a ~0.5ct princess..

[SBOB]

So, finally propose to the gf on the weekend and decided to let her choose the ring..

From the budget it looks like something like a platinum solitaire with a 0.4->0.5ct diamond would suit..(probably under the 1k mark for the diamond, so far from a huge budget but hopefully enough to get something presentable)

From my reading over the last few days princess cuts only have proper grading with AGS otherwise its rely on images or the sites 'opinion' on the cut..

Having done a quick search on the desired cut angles (from the wiki) and looking at AGS ideal cut princess diamonds a couple have come up that I was hoping an expert could chime in wether I am on the right path or not...(found from the search function on here)

Are any of the following (which are on bluenile but AGS Ideal0 cuts) a good option? (Bluenile seems cheaper on the platinum mounting so at the moment is one of the preferred choices)... Am I on the right track for a decent buy with the limited $?

http://www.bluenile.com/princess-diamond-1-carat-or-less-very-good-cut-g-color-vvs2-clarity_LD01842126
http://www.bluenile.com/princess-diamond-1-carat-or-less-very-good-cut-g-color-vs1-clarity_LD01842119


Thanks for any help or wisdom that can be imparted

 

[slg47]

So, finally propose to the gf on the weekend and decided to let her choose the ring..

From the budget it looks like something like a platinum solitaire with a 0.4->0.5ct diamond would suit..(probably under the 1k mark for the diamond, so far from a huge budget but hopefully enough to get something presentable)

From my reading over the last few days princess cuts only have proper grading with AGS otherwise its rely on images or the sites 'opinion' on the cut..

Having done a quick search on the desired cut angles (from the wiki) and looking at AGS ideal cut princess diamonds a couple have come up that I was hoping an expert could chime in wether I am on the right path or not...(found from the search function on here)

Are any of the following (which are on bluenile but AGS Ideal0 cuts) a good option? (Bluenile seems cheaper on the platinum mounting so at the moment is one of the preferred choices)... Am I on the right track for a decent buy with the limited $?

http://www.bluenile.com/princess-diamond-1-carat-or-less-very-good-cut-g-color-vvs2-clarity_LD01842126
http://www.bluenile.com/princess-diamond-1-carat-or-less-very-good-cut-g-color-vs1-clarity_LD01842119


Thanks for any help or wisdom that can be imparted

yes I think you are on the right track with AGS0!

 

[chel180]

What is your budget if you are willing to share. Then maybe we can suggest a few stones for you.
by choosing AGS0 you will get the best cut possible. In short the better the cut the more sparkly the stone. And its all about sparkle! You may also want to consider expert/signature selection from some of the PS preferred vendors as these also have superior cuts.

You should also look out for ASET images as the are the pictures that will show you just how much light return/sparkle you can expect from each stone, but unfortunetly not all vendors offer them.

I would also suggest you look towards the lower end of the color scale (H-J) and clarity (VS1-SI1) to get the biggest rock within you budget. Don't worry these will still look perfectly white to untrained eyes and nice and clean. From you're description you seem like you want the best bang for the buck.

If you want a simple yet elegant solitaire setting you should budget $650-$850 for the setting. This would maximise your spend for the diamond as most of us on here would recommend that you do.

 

[SBOB]

What is your budget if you are willing to share. Then maybe we can suggest a few stones for you.
by choosing AGS0 you will get the best cut possible. In short the better the cut the more sparkly the stone. And its all about sparkle! You may also want to consider expert/signature selection from some of the PS preferred vendors as these also have superior cuts.
.

under the $1000 mark is likely to be the cut-off mark for the stone budget, based on the pricing of the ring.

so, any alternative suggestions from those above would be more than welcome..

Thanks for the tips so far

 

[chel180]

This was a very quick search (I'm off out) so are over budget but gives you some idea of whats out there:

These are WF ideal cuts and as you can see from the ASET they are very nice
http://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/princess-cut-loose-diamond-2668205.htm
http://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/princess-cut-loose-diamond-2668213.htm
http://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/princess-cut-loose-diamond-2675104.htm

With James Allen they will take ASETS for you but you are limited to 3 for free so only ask for the ones you really like. I would not my one of these without seeing the ASET first>
http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/E-VS1-Ideal-Cut-Princess-Diamond-1417385.asp
http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/J-VS2-Ideal-Cut-Princess-Diamond-1397356.asp

Depending on the setting maybe you could put a a bit more of the setting budget into the ring. If you went for this ring thats $350
this is one of the cheapest, decent quality, from a seller with good reputation: classic/elegant
http://www.whiteflash.com/engagemen...-solitaire-engagement-ring-for-princess-8.htm

this one can be purchased thru most PS vendors and would add some serious bling/size to you centre stone if you fancy that kind of thing. Its called a 'halo' setting.
http://bridal.gabrielny.com/style/ER8280W44JJ

Let me know you thoughts and I'll do a revised/thorough search tomorrow if you'd like.

 

[SBOB]

thanks for those..
the wf ones do look good but they do nudge the budget up 50%
and they don't seem to have any 'imaged' diamonds under that price point, which was why i had thought the ags ideal0 cut diamonds at BN were possibly a 'budget orientated' wise pick..

the setting is the style i think she prefers, but I think platinum will be the metal of choice (which takes up more of the $ )

 

[tyty333]

Can you tell us what the setting looks like and how much it cost?

 

[SBOB]

Can you tell us what the setting looks like and how much it cost?

sorry, should have been more specific..
the 'solitaire' style setting is (i believe), her preference at the moment

so options like these have been considered ($555 and $675 respectively)
http://au.bluenile.com/solitaire-diamond-engagement-ring-platinum_1
http://au.bluenile.com/diamond-ring-platinum-solitaire_3804

 

[chel180]

Can you tell us what the setting looks like and how much it cost?

sorry, should have been more specific..
the 'solitaire' style setting is (i believe), her preference at the moment

so options like these have been considered ($555 and $675 respectively)
http://au.bluenile.com/solitaire-diamond-engagement-ring-platinum_1
http://au.bluenile.com/diamond-ring-platinum-solitaire_3804

Those settings should be easy to find with most vendors. Usually its cheaper to buy your ring from the same place you buy your stone. Some offer a dicount if you buy the setting and diamond together.

 

[chel180]

thanks for those..
the wf ones do look good but they do nudge the budget up 50%
and they don't seem to have any 'imaged' diamonds under that price point, which was why i had thought the ags ideal0 cut diamonds at BN were possibly a 'budget orientated' wise pick..

the setting is the style i think she prefers, but I think platinum will be the metal of choice (which takes up more of the $ )

AGS0 suggests a better stone but does not guarantee it. I haven't personally purchased from BN but I believe they don't photograph or provide ASETs for stones. That means you will need to asset how nice it is yourself. That is too much risk for me personally, buying a stone unseen.

Also could you share the stones you've found at BN so we can see what you are considering?

 

[SBOB]

AGS0 suggests a better stone but does not guarantee it. I haven't personally purchased from BN but I believe they don't photograph or provide ASETs for stones. That means you will need to asset how nice it is yourself. That is too much risk for me personally, buying a stone unseen.

Also could you share the stones you've found at BN so we can see what you are considering?

No, BN don't supply photos which I guess is the main downside.

Those 2 links in the first post where contenders based upon the measurements and AGS0 cut.

I just used the PS search and narrowed it down to under 1k and AGS.. the ones at jamesallen are 'unavailable'..

 

[chel180]

No, BN don't supply photos which I guess is the main downside.

Those 2 links in the first post where contenders based upon the measurements and AGS0 cut. You would still be buying without an ASET which I would not do myself or would recommend to you.

I just used the PS search and narrowed it down to under 1k and AGS.. the ones at jamesallen are 'unavailable'.you mean to you budget or for purchase at JA?

 

[chel180]

so options like these have been considered ($555 and $675 respectively)
http://au.bluenile.com/solitaire-diamond-engagement-ring-platinum_1 $595
http://au.bluenile.com/diamond-ring-platinum-solitaire_3804 $720

Those settings should be easy to find with most vendors. Usually its cheaper to buy your ring from the same place you buy your stone. Some offer a dicount if you buy the setting and diamond together.

You should note that the above rings will have a slightly different prong/head shape to accommodate a princess due to the pointy corners. The prongs will need to be thicker/wider and may need to be "V" shaped to protect the corners. Here are some more similar settings made for princesses:
http://www.whiteflash.com/engagemen...olitaire-engagement-ring-for-princess-428.htm $675 plat
or
http://www.jamesallen.com/engagement-rings/solitaire/platinum-diamond-solitaire-ring.html (this one comes with a round head or a princess one, see pictures of actual rings with different diamonds on bottom right hand side) $880 plat

Where are you located? As someone might be able to suggest somewhere local for you to go in a see rings irl.

 

[marygrace]

I think it is a safe bet to buy an AGSL 000, even if the diamond cannot be seen beforehand. I trust AGSL reports.

I prefer the comfort fit solitaire as it looks as if it would sit more flush with a wedding band.

Good luck!

 

[SBOB]

I just used the PS search and narrowed it down to under 1k and AGS.. the ones at jamesallen are 'unavailable'.you mean to you budget or for purchase at JA?

unavailable as in not available for purchase...

 

[SBOB]

You should note that the above rings will have a slightly different prong/head shape to accommodate a princess due to the pointy corners. The prongs will need to be thicker/wider and may need to be "V" shaped to protect the corners. Here are some more similar settings made for princesses:

Where are you located? As someone might be able to suggest somewhere local for you to go in a see rings irl.

Thanks,
Yeah I noticed on the BN site which shows photos of recent purchases that the prongs wrap around the corners..

Located in Australia (Newcastle to be exact)...

 

[chel180]

I've done a bit more hunting and I've found a couple of really nice diamonds

http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/H-VS1-Ideal-Cut-Princess-Diamond-1417655.asp

$90 over budget

http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/J-VVS2-Ideal-Cut-Princess-Diamond-1450587.asp

on budget

My recommendation is that you call JA (as of now the stones are available, I just checked) and put them on hold and request ASETs images. Many people lurk on PS and snap up any recommended stones so please put the stones on hold 1st thing you do, and then you have time to consider them with no obligation. If the images are nice I would buy one of them, they are both bigger than the BN stones, visually very pleasing and ideal cut. According to the numbers the ASETs should be very good, but that needs checking with the image. (I prefer the H VS1 on paper, its higher in color and super pretty)

If it was me I would not buy without an ASET and photo, especially as you are the other side of the world so sending it back after customs etc is not easy. If your preference is for BN and buying unseen then all I can say is to buy an AGS0 and a VS2 or above as they are almost always eye clean, SI1's are too much of a risk. Out of the BN stones I would have the 0.46 G VVS2, according to the number its my personal preference and its slightly bigger. I could only find 3 AGS0 dimonds at BN in your price range.

JA: H VS1, $1090 + Plat setting, $880 = $1970 Total (plus another 1.5% discount is you pay my wire transfer)
BN: G VVS2, $949 + Plat setting, $596 = $1545 Total (plus another 1.5% discount is you pay my wire transfer)

You may also want to consider these are they are from Australian sellers so no import tax/customs duties (I have no experience with these companies)
http://www.diamondexchange.com.au/index.php?route=product/loose_diamond&loose_diamond_id=20844
http://www.jogiadiamonds.com.au/dia...=2&price=1100&sort=rank3&page=1&submit=Search

 

[SBOB]

chel,
thanks for the replies and sorry for the late response..

Took the fiancé window shopping/trying on this weekend at the local retailers and, as would be expected by a female, she changed her mind on the type/style of diamond/ring that she likes/wants
I should have predicted it


So, now I need to adjust my research to round diamonds, and probably in the 0.4-0.49 ct range and most likely from james allen (that size fits into the ~$1k price range and the 2mm knife edge platinum setting which that have seems to be the style that suited her finger and smaller diamond size)

I will do some looking and try and increase my knowledge to narrow down that selection, though if anyone happens to read this and has some suggestions from their lists feel free to point me in their direction so I can know what things to look for....

Thanks

 

[SBOB]

updated thread relating to RB diamond
[URL='https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/help-me-not-make-a-bad-choice-on-a-0-4-0-49ct-rb.172949/']https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/help-me-not-make-a-bad-choice-on-a-0-4-0-49ct-rb.172949/[/URL]

any wisdom, feel free to impart it there

 

[Amys Bling]

switching gears to a round??

 

[SBOB]

switching gears to a round??

female changing her mind which is to be expected

 

[Amys Bling]

switching gears to a round??

female changing her mind which is to be expected

We reserve the right to change our mind at any point in time