First off, I want to thank those on Weddingbee for referring me here!
I am in the market for an engagement ring, and I am set on a round diamond set in a 6-prong Tiffany setting. I’ve done my research, visited some stores, asked her friend to narrow down what my girlfriend likes, and now, I just need to pull the trigger.
As this is a symbol of our pending marriage and life together, I decided not to skimp out and spend more than what my “practical” budget should be. Of course, I still want to be financially responsible. Therefore, I need help on how to get the best “bang for my buck”. I expect to spend about ~$4,000.
1. Are the stones on James Allen of the same quality as those in jewelry stores in the NYC Diamond District? In other words, is an excellent cut, H, .8, VS2 on James Allen the same as an excellent cut, H, .8, VS2 in stores? The stores seem to be about $500 more expensive, meaning I can get a better diamond (in terms of just specs). Is there a reason I should buy from a private jeweler?
2. Does anyone have the 6-prong setting listed on James Allen? https://www.jamesallen.com/engagement-rings/solitaire/14k-white-gold-six-prong-knife-edged-solitaire-engagement-ring-item-22590 How close is it to the actual Tiffany setting? In fact, do I even have the right setting picked out? How do you like it - looks, durability, wearability, convenience?
3. I studied the 4Cs (looking at .8, VS2, H, excellent), fluorescence, polish, symmetry, L/W ratio, and a member on Weddingbee suggested I use the HCA calculator to determine the sparkle. Is there anything else I should be taking into consideration?
4. Lastly, the settings on James Allen seem priced higher. Do you recommend buying the stone online and getting it set at a jeweler? Which would cost less? If anyone can recommend someone in the Diamond District, please let me know!
I am in the market for an engagement ring, and I am set on a round diamond set in a 6-prong Tiffany setting. I’ve done my research, visited some stores, asked her friend to narrow down what my girlfriend likes, and now, I just need to pull the trigger.
As this is a symbol of our pending marriage and life together, I decided not to skimp out and spend more than what my “practical” budget should be. Of course, I still want to be financially responsible. Therefore, I need help on how to get the best “bang for my buck”. I expect to spend about ~$4,000.
1. Are the stones on James Allen of the same quality as those in jewelry stores in the NYC Diamond District? In other words, is an excellent cut, H, .8, VS2 on James Allen the same as an excellent cut, H, .8, VS2 in stores? The stores seem to be about $500 more expensive, meaning I can get a better diamond (in terms of just specs). Is there a reason I should buy from a private jeweler?
2. Does anyone have the 6-prong setting listed on James Allen? https://www.jamesallen.com/engagement-rings/solitaire/14k-white-gold-six-prong-knife-edged-solitaire-engagement-ring-item-22590 How close is it to the actual Tiffany setting? In fact, do I even have the right setting picked out? How do you like it - looks, durability, wearability, convenience?
3. I studied the 4Cs (looking at .8, VS2, H, excellent), fluorescence, polish, symmetry, L/W ratio, and a member on Weddingbee suggested I use the HCA calculator to determine the sparkle. Is there anything else I should be taking into consideration?
4. Lastly, the settings on James Allen seem priced higher. Do you recommend buying the stone online and getting it set at a jeweler? Which would cost less? If anyone can recommend someone in the Diamond District, please let me know!