Help a newbie thread - Advice On ~1 Carat Round E.Ring

kingsky · Feb 19, 2014

Hello! First, I just have to say I am so glad to be part of this amazing PS community. You guys are awesome! With so much information here, it is a godsend for a newbie like me. Now, the time has come for me to propose, and I am looking for a diamond that will make the GF happy (happy wife, happy life, right?)

, and of course at a budget that I am comfortable with.

I have read so much here for the past few weeks, and it can get a little overwhelming for me. With my limited knowledge, I try my best to give you what I am looking for and feel free to give me your advice and suggestions please. So PS experts, here we go...

HER only criteria - 1 carat round diamond (she can compromise and go slightly below 1c)

From what I read so far, here's what I think I should be looking at for a budget of about 6-8k (excluding settings) - budget is not fixed and can go up or down though. But I definitely won't mind something more "wallet-friendly"

. As this diamond purchase stuff is so new to me (and my biggest online purchase so far), I am not confident to rely on my limited knowledge

. So I think I should ask the experts (and experienced ones) here before I make a decision.

Thank you all for your help, I really appreciate that.

Best,
kingsky

Tekate · Feb 19, 2014

check High Performance Diamonds also, he is having a sale. Beautiful rings come from there.

SgrPlum12 · Feb 19, 2014

Don't rule out Whiteflash's Expert Selection category! You can get essentially the same look (still AGS 0) and save a considerable amount of money. You could possibly increase the carat weight too by considering one of their ES's. Good luck in your search!

artdecolover71 · Feb 19, 2014

The thing about GOG is, they are a store in real life and their customer service/attention outweighs any negatives of their website in my opinion. Even if you don't buy from them, I would take advantage of their youtube channel and watch their educational videos.

Sakuracherry · Feb 19, 2014

You picked out many beautiful diamonds. You are definitely on the right track! What kind of setting does your girlfriend want? It's best to get a setting and a diamond from the same vendor.

MarionC · Feb 19, 2014

Don't know if this has been mentioned, but 1.00 is a magic number for a price increase and slightly below 1ct you can get a better deal, I believe.

Andelain · Feb 19, 2014

What's your budget?

gktops · Feb 19, 2014

Pretty nice deal here:
http://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-2962072.htm#

And even though SI1, barely any inclusions pictured, as well as verified eye clean.

TC1987 · Feb 19, 2014

GOG's site provides a lot of info for each stone. I have bought two from them. Are you having probs searching?

go to:
Diamond Search
Round
ct wt .95 - 1.25ct or whatever
colors D - H or whatever
clarity VVS1 to SI1 or whatever
price $6000 - $8500 or whatever

Then when you get results, you can use Hide/Show Columns to add more info like the AGS/ GIA cut grades, bank wire price, table size, stone depth, symmetry grade, etc.

Looking at in-house stones only, he doesn't seem to have a lot listed on the web site. But being in NY on Long Island, he may have more but they are just not listed yet.

listed but no price http://goodoldgold.com/diamond/11269/

I haven't compared lately, but it used to be that 1.25 range sold for only about a 10% premium over 1ct range. But looks lots bigger. If she can tolerate I or J or lower, then that opens up even more options.

ecf8503 · Feb 19, 2014

TC1987|1392826213|3618571 said:
listed but no price http://goodoldgold.com/diamond/11269/

$7,825. Just add it to your cart to see the price, then zero out your cart.

Don't throw the baby out with the bath water. You may not like their site (they are working on a new one I believe); Good Old Gold is a stellar outfit. I've purchased from them and can't recommend them enough.

Gypsy · Feb 19, 2014

ecf8503|1392842360|3618772 said:
TC1987|1392826213|3618571 said:

listed but no price http://goodoldgold.com/diamond/11269/

Click to expand...

$7,825. Just add it to your cart to see the price, then zero out your cart.

Don't throw the baby out with the bath water. You may not like their site (they are working on a new one I believe); Good Old Gold is a stellar outfit. I've purchased from them and can't recommend them enough.

GOG is one of our best vendors with the least complaints about ANYTHING. I would not disqualify them just because you don't like their site.

kingsky · Feb 19, 2014

Wow!! Thanks for all the help, I can't thank you guys enough!!

Great to hear that I am on the right track. From my search so far, I guess I am mostly looking at diamonds from Whiteflash and BGD (probably also GOG now with all the support they got here).
I will take a closer look at my shortlist but feel free to let me know which you think are the better ones.

SgrPlum12|1392813564|3618466 said:
Don't rule out Whiteflash's Expert Selection category! You can get essentially the same look (still AGS 0) and save a considerable amount of money. You could possibly increase the carat weight too by considering one of their ES's. Good luck in your search!

Gypsy|1392843283|3618780 said:
ecf8503|1392842360|3618772 said:

TC1987|1392826213|3618571 said:

listed but no price http://goodoldgold.com/diamond/11269/

Click to expand...

$7,825. Just add it to your cart to see the price, then zero out your cart.

Don't throw the baby out with the bath water. You may not like their site (they are working on a new one I believe); Good Old Gold is a stellar outfit. I've purchased from them and can't recommend them enough.

Click to expand...

GOG is one of our best vendors with the least complaints about ANYTHING. I would not disqualify them just because you don't like their site.

With so much support for GOG, I will definitely take a second look at them and those diamonds from Whiteflash's Expert Selection.

Jimmianne|1392821883|3618531 said:
Don't know if this has been mentioned, but 1.00 is a magic number for a price increase and slightly below 1ct you can get a better deal, I believe.

Yeah, I do know that and that's why I am including diamonds from 0.9c to above 1c in my search.

Andelain|1392822211|3618534 said:
What's your budget?

I do not have a fixed budget. But I am looking at diamonds (excluding settings) in the range of 6k to 8k.

Best,
kingsky

Gypsy · Feb 19, 2014

Short list:
http://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-3034169.htm
http://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-2953769.htm
http://www.briangavindiamonds.com/diamonds/diamond-details/1.022-h-vs2-round-diamond-ags-bl-104068959042
http://goodoldgold.com/diamond/11269/

Do any of the above vendors have a setting you prefer?

Or, maybe I should ask... what kind of setting has she said she wants, and I can help you with which vendor has the nicest choices of that type.

kingsky · Feb 21, 2014

Gypsy|1392865053|3619028 said:
Short list:
http://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-3034169.htm
http://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-2953769.htm
http://www.briangavindiamonds.com/diamonds/diamond-details/1.022-h-vs2-round-diamond-ags-bl-104068959042
http://goodoldgold.com/diamond/11269/

Do any of the above vendors have a setting you prefer?

Or, maybe I should ask... what kind of setting has she said she wants, and I can help you with which vendor has the nicest choices of that type.

Thanks Gypsy!! Very good recommendations there!

By the way, how long can I reserve a diamond on Whiteflash (WF)?

It seems weird that my search on WF always generate less than 10 results no matter how much I played with the parameters. It's like WF only wants me(us) to choose from the few diamonds instead of giving me more options (I could get more results when I used PS search for both ACA and Expert Select). Maybe I should just use the diamond search on PS instead.

As for the settings, I can tell WF has the most selections that suit what I am looking for. My budget for settings should be about $2k max.

Here's what I THINK she (she's pretty petite by the way, maybe a ring size 4 to 5.5) would like:
Platinum
Solitaire settings (maybe something "Tiffany" inspired with pave or from Tacori?)
I am looking at Halo too but it's hard to find something nice with my budget

1. http://www.whiteflash.com/engagement-rings/solitaire/contemporary-tiffany-style-solitaire-engagement-ring-1415.htm
2. http://www.whiteflash.com/engagement-rings/solitaire/classic-tiffany-style-knife-edge-solitaire-engagement-ring-734.htm
3. http://www.whiteflash.com/engagement-rings/diamond-settings/legato-sleek-line-pave-diamond-engagement-ring-1120.htm - this one you just posted in another thread caught my attention

4. http://www.whiteflash.com/engagement-rings/solitaire/tacori-40-15rd-sculpted-crescent-millgrain-solitaire-engagement-ring-3238.htm

Opinions please?

Gypsy · Feb 21, 2014

Why you are not sure about her setting preferences?

You just have to ask her mom, cousin, best friend... sister... and they will probably be happy to snoop for you.

And if she has a pinterest page you can snoop yourself.

Or ya know. You can ask her.

2k is a good budget.

But you need more direction.

Plain solitaire. Pave shank. Halo.

Too many options and you want her to love this since you are spending so much money.

So find a way to find out EXACTLY what she wants. Your budget is great. Now do your research and let's make sure you knock this out of the park.

kingsky · Feb 22, 2014

Roger that sir!! I'll try to ask her and update here again.

Thank you once again for guiding me here, and no words can describe how grateful I am.

Gypsy · Feb 22, 2014

GOOD MAN! I'll be here when you get back with that!

kingsky · Feb 25, 2014

Hello all, I'm back! How are you guys?

Well, I asked the GF directly and here are some examples of what she likes (all images courtesy of Tiffany & Co

):

1. Round Brilliant With Channel-set Band
http://www.tiffany.com/Engagement/Item.aspx?mcat=148203&groupSKU=GRP10016#p+1-n+1000-c+-s+-r+-t+-ni+1-x+-pu+-f+false+1-lr+-hr+-ri+-mi+-pp+

2. Round Brilliant With Channel-set Band
http://www.tiffany.com/Engagement/Item.aspx?mcat=148203&groupSKU=GRP10020

3. Lucida® with Diamond Band
http://www.tiffany.com/Engagement/Item.aspx?mcat=148203&groupSKU=GRP10056

So based on the above, what do you think are the best platinum settings available from Whiteflash with a budget of $2k (can stretch to S$2.5k max)?

I have yet to finalize which diamond but I am still looking out for diamonds with the following attributes:
- A cut above selection
- 1c and up
- G to H
- VS2 to SI1
- EYE CLEAN is a must. (seems like some ACA diamonds do not have the "eye clean" logo, so can I assume they are not?)
- lower than $8k for diamond only

Please let me know if you have any further recommendations and/or advice for me.
Thank you so.......much!

Have a gr8 day!!

Best,
kingsky

kingsky · Feb 25, 2014

kingsky|1393320707|3622557 said:
Hello all, I'm back! How are you guys?

Well, I asked the GF directly and here are some examples of what she likes (all images courtesy of Tiffany & Co ):

1. Round Brilliant With Channel-set Band
http://www.tiffany.com/Engagement/Item.aspx?mcat=148203&groupSKU=GRP10016#p+1-n+1000-c+-s+-r+-t+-ni+1-x+-pu+-f+false+1-lr+-hr+-ri+-mi+-pp+

2. Round Brilliant With Channel-set Band
http://www.tiffany.com/Engagement/Item.aspx?mcat=148203&groupSKU=GRP10020

3. Lucida® with Diamond Band
http://www.tiffany.com/Engagement/Item.aspx?mcat=148203&groupSKU=GRP10056

So based on the above, what do you think are the best platinum settings available from Whiteflash with a budget of $2k (can stretch to S$2.5k max)?

I have yet to finalize which diamond but I am still looking out for diamonds with the following attributes:
- A cut above selection
- 1c and up
- G to H
- VS2 to SI1
- EYE CLEAN is a must. (seems like some ACA diamonds do not have the "eye clean" logo, so can I assume they are not?)
- lower than $8k for diamond only

Please let me know if you have any further recommendations and/or advice for me.
Thank you so.......much!

Have a gr8 day!!

Best,
kingsky

My apologies to all. I just went ring shopping with the GF and she changed her mind on the ring settings that she prefers. She originally wanted something similar to those I posted above but when we were at Tiffany & Co (just), she found them too "distracting" and the sides stones were like competing with the center stone's bling-nesss (does it make sense?

) Anyway, so after the visit, she prefers the simple Tiffany solitaire settings (and probably pair with a more bling wedding band next time), but I know she thinks it is too common and still wants something "unique" or different from others. So question, which settings should I choose now?

Gypsy · Feb 25, 2014

I will post settings later tonight for you.
But first, ask her if she has a preference for 4 or 6 prongs for the setting.

kingsky · Feb 26, 2014

Thanks Gypsy!

She has no preference for 4 or 6 prongs for the setting.

Gypsy · Feb 26, 2014

One stones one carat and under I prefer 4 prongs. Because you see more of the stone and less prong.

I'd go for one of these:

http://www.briangavindiamonds.com/engagement-rings/elegance-18k-white-gold-5415w18
http://www.briangavindiamonds.com/engagement-rings/grace-18k-white-gold-5414w18
http://www.briangavindiamonds.com/engagement-rings/solitaire/v-prong-thin-shank-18k-white-gold-5686w18

But I like this one best:
http://www.briangavindiamonds.com/engagement-rings/solitaire/eternal-grace-18k-white-gold-5704w18 See the diamonds on the basket? That's the view she will see the most often. So it's just for her, the small amount of bling that does nothing to take away from the center.

Gypsy · Feb 26, 2014

At WF:

http://www.whiteflash.com/engagement-rings/solitaire/legato-sleek-line-solitaire-engagement-ring-728.htm
http://www.whiteflash.com/engagement-rings/solitaire/charis-solitaire-engagement-ring-by-vatche-1606.htm
http://www.whiteflash.com/engagement-rings/solitaire/caroline-solitaire-engagement-ring-by-vatche-251.htm Also have diamonds on the basket and my personal favorite of these listed.

Gypsy · Feb 26, 2014

At GOG.

GOG is also a Vatche dealer. So they can get both these from WF for you if you want :
http://www.whiteflash.com/engagement-rings/solitaire/caroline-solitaire-engagement-ring-by-vatche-251.htm (again, my favorite)
http://www.whiteflash.com/engagement-rings/solitaire/charis-solitaire-engagement-ring-by-vatche-1606.htm

I also like Style: LES002.3 here : http://goodoldgold.com/SettingsGallery/

kingsky · Feb 27, 2014

Gypsy|1393401141|3623262 said:
At WF:

http://www.whiteflash.com/engagement-rings/solitaire/legato-sleek-line-solitaire-engagement-ring-728.htm
http://www.whiteflash.com/engagement-rings/solitaire/charis-solitaire-engagement-ring-by-vatche-1606.htm
http://www.whiteflash.com/engagement-rings/solitaire/caroline-solitaire-engagement-ring-by-vatche-251.htm Also have diamonds on the basket and my personal favorite of these listed.

Thanks again Gypsy! You're the best!

You're pretty spot on! I love the Legato Sleek Line and the Vatche Caroline from WF too. She's petite, about 5 ft and wears a Tiffany ring size 4.5 (Is the ring sizing the same at WF?), so I think the 2 settings will definitely complement her very well.

So finally, One last step - time to decide on the stone!

I've contacted WF and they provided me with some suggestions (eye clean). I have finally narrowed down to these few, so which would you guys pick? WF recommends the "I" color one but I am not sure whether if I should drop the color to an "I" (I'd prefer at least a "H" actually). Including settings, I am looking at a budget of no more than $10k (so I'll probably get a better stone and a cheaper settings since it is hard to find a good 1c ACA under $8k and eye-clean)

Comparing the 5 ACA stones (with idealscope): http://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/compare.aspx?idnos=3016682,3043084,3060881,3059436,2930368

Now comparing the idealscope of the 5 ACAs (starting from left to right):
1 (1.107c)

2 (1.01c)

3 has no idealscope images available yet

4 (1.176c)

5 ("I" color) (1.086c)

Also, there's a new stone (6th) not listed on WF yet (which I am very interested in) - AGS-1.081ct H SI1 ACA $7,995.00

Shape and Style: Round Brilliant
Measurements: 6.56 - 6.60 x 4.07 mm
Fluorescence: Negligible
AGS 000
Table: 56.3%
Crown Angle: 34.5
Crown Height: 15.1%
Girdle: Faceted, 1.5% to 3.9%
Pavilion Angle: 40.9
Pavilion Depth: 43.3%
Star Length: 51%
Lower Girdle Length: 76%
Total Depth: 61.9%

Comments?

If you were me, which one would you choose?

THANK YOU ALL IN ADVANCE!

Gypsy · Feb 27, 2014

Looks like 2 of them are sold. I'd take the G personally.

ame · Feb 27, 2014

ame · Feb 27, 2014

And FWIW, I prefer 6 prongs on a round. More secure, keeps the stone looking round and makes the stone look bigger with the outline of the prongs extending a little past the stone visually. Esp if you set it a little higher.

kingsky · Feb 28, 2014

Thanks Gypsy and ame!!

Sorry, I thought the 2 stones were just pending listing, not sold out.

I read about High Performance Diamond here but as I am about to make my purchase so I want to limit my scope now, and WF has my preferred settings (Legato and Caroline - thanks Gypsy again!!).

Gypsy, I already shortlisted the G stone plus another 2 Expert Selection (ES) ones - http://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/compare.aspx?idnos=3034169,3016682,3033759

Are the 2 ES stones good? I will have to decide soon (plan to propose at the end of March.. Shhh...

) and see whether if it is worth to go for ACA.

Help a newbie thread - Advice On ~1 Carat Round E.Ring

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