Help a noob searching for an engagement ring

[jgar030283]

I stumbled upon this forum a few days ago and I am certaintly lucky that I did. I am in the process of purchasing an engagement ring for my long time girlfriend. I've booked a surprise trip to Paris for the first weekend of November and plan to propose at that time. At the end of last year we went and looked at a number of engagement rings in some of the big box retailers so I have a good idea of what she would like.

I'm looking for a platinum solitaire setting with a round cut diamond 1-1.5ct. She's really into more the classic look and is conservative by nature. I've looked at some of the threads in this forum and people seem to have had really experiences purchasing from James Allen. Last night I looked around their website and really liked what I saw. Could any of you guys make some suggestions based on what I'm looking for? My budget is $7000-$8000. Thanks in advance for your input. I'm trying to learn as much as I can as quickly as I can and this forum has been great for me.

 

[oldminer]

You are going to have lots of choices, but I'd suggest looking in the 1.10ct to 1.20ct size and keep the range to G or H color, SI1 clarity in a GIA (3x) stone. That will just about get to the top end of your budget with the platinum mounting and be a very respectable diamond. You can go larger with a lower color, lower clarity, or less well cut diamond or any combination of compromises, but a very well cut G/H-SI1 will look just about the same to casual admirers as a fnely cut D-Flawless. Good luck!. Paris is a wonderful place to go for a proposal.

 

[E B]

Welcome!

You are going to have lots of choices, but I'd suggest looking in the 1.10ct to 1.20ct size and keep the range to G or H color, SI1 clarity in a GIA (3x) stone. That will just about get to the top end of your budget with the platinum mounting and be a very respectable diamond. You can go larger with a lower color, lower clarity, or less well cut diamond or any combination of compromises, but a very well cut G/H-SI1 will look just about the same to casual admirers as a fnely cut D-Flawless. Good luck!. Paris is a wonderful place to go for a proposal.

What he said! Though I couldn't find much in the 1.10-1.20 range staying in your budget WITH a setting. You can get a really nice 1 carat diamond, though. James Allen will allow you to request up to three idealscope images.

At the top of your budget with a setting, but looks beautiful:

http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/H-VS2-Ideal-Cut-Round-Diamond-1507985.asp

Check to see if eye-clean:

http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/G-SI1-Ideal-Cut-Round-Diamond-1519562.asp

This setting would be what I'd recommend based on your saying she likes a classic look. Very similar to the classic Tiffany setting. Just over $1k in platinum:

http://www.jamesallen.com/engagemen...olitaire-engagement-ring-handmade-17192w.html

Just some examples. Hope this helps a bit!

 

[jgar030283]

Thanks for the suggestions so far. This is a great forum.

 

[tyty333]

I went down in color to see if I could find you anything bigger...request idealscope images. Some of the numbers
are a little off but they still look good from the images. Idealscope will show if there is leakage.

http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/J-SI1-Excellent-Cut-Round-Diamond-1520183.asp
http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/I-SI1-Excellent-Cut-Round-Diamond-1439017.asp
http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/I-SI1-Ideal-Cut-Round-Diamond-1392279.asp a little over budget

 

[jgar030283]

Decided to boost my budget a bit. Ready to purchase. Thoughts on these three? Any input is appreciated. Looking for a G or H. VS1 or VS2. Ideal or excellent cut.


http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/H-VS1-Excellent-Cut-Round-Diamond-1501016.asp

http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/H-VS1-Ideal-Cut-Round-Diamond-1491856.asp

http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/H-VS2-Ideal-Cut-Round-Diamond-1418796.asp

Setting

http://www.jamesallen.com/engagement-rings/solitaire/platinum-six-prong-knife-edged-solitaire-engagement-ring-handmade-17192p.html

 

[starrylight]

Would she like the knife edge?
It's a bit extreme for me. Someone else might be able to chime in on if there would be a gap between the wedding ring and the setting.

 

[diamondseeker2006]

Decided to boost my budget a bit. Ready to purchase. Thoughts on these three? Any input is appreciated. Looking for a G or H. VS1 or VS2. Ideal or excellent cut.


http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/H-VS1-Excellent-Cut-Round-Diamond-1501016.asp

http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/H-VS1-Ideal-Cut-Round-Diamond-1491856.asp

http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/H-VS2-Ideal-Cut-Round-Diamond-1418796.asp

Setting

http://www.jamesallen.com/engagement-rings/solitaire/platinum-six-prong-knife-edged-solitaire-engagement-ring-handmade-17192p.html

Well, you have caught on quickly! Those are all nice diamonds and I have a setting almost just like that! It is a repro of the real Tiffany setting. I think it is an excellent choice, obviously!

The diamond choice is hard. The first stone (1.20) has the best spread at 6.9mm and it is going to appear a little larger than the other two. I normally prefer the measurements of a more traditional ideal cut, such as the others, but I don't like the depth on the 1.17. In this case, I think I'd go for size and get the 1.20 since it looks like a beautiful stone.