Help beginner pick a stone for a solitaire engagement ring

[briandk]

I'm in Europe and therefor concentrating my search to 77diamonds.com which looks to be the best option here (25% import duty/tax if I order from the US).

Now unfortunately I can't see the actual stone before ordering, so I'd like some help at least checking that what I am looking at isn't totally wrong.
My max price for the stone is around $2300/£1500 and I am looking at J coloured, EX cut GIA certified stones around 0.70-0.75.
The stone wtill be set in a yellow gold ring like shown here: http://media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/736x/81/98/b2/8198b2fc59a45c9bf63a8c2bdafe8188.jpg, so I think J should be ok. As for clarity I'm looking at VS2/VS1 to try and keep the chance of visible inclusions down. I don't actually think my girlfriend would be annoyed of small visible flaws, so perhaps I should consider S1 also?


0.73c, GIA J VS2: http://www.77diamonds.com/certificateReport.aspx?reportId=1179718486&carat=0.73 at $2253 - this one scores 1.0 on the HCA tool.
0.75c, GIA J VS2: http://www.77diamonds.com/certificateReport.aspx?reportId=2127458122&carat=0.75 at $2190 - 2.6 hca
0.79c, GIA J VVS2: http://www.77diamonds.com/certificateReport.aspx?reportId=2176765175&carat=0.79 at $2240 - 2.7 hca

I plan to propose in February when we go to Miami on vacation, so I guess I could buy from the US if I could pick it up there, but I would prefer to have it arranged and all sorted out before so I don't risk standing there without a ring.

Any input about those diamonds or alternatives will be greatly appreciated.

 

[WillyDiamond]

Re: Help beginner pick a stone for a solitaire engagement ri

Personally, I never heard of 77diamonds.com, but does not mean they are not reputable.
If you are coming and proposing in Miami, perhaps you could use the PS vendors such as WF, BGD, BE, etc and save that 25% fee and get more bang for your buck. Could the ring be shipped to someone in Miami? A friend?
Best of luck.

 

[briandk]

Re: Help beginner pick a stone for a solitaire engagement ri

They seem to be quite prominent here in Europe and I only find good reviews for them, so I am not so worried about that part, but of course they do not have the advanced picture/video features that some US sites have. The only US based friend I have is in Portland, so not really an option to have it shipped to him and I think having it shipped to a hotel is a bit risky.

 

[RockyRacoon]

Re: Help beginner pick a stone for a solitaire engagement ri

They seem to be quite prominent here in Europe and I only find good reviews for them, so I am not so worried about that part, but of course they do not have the advanced picture/video features that some US sites have. The only US based friend I have is in Portland, so not really an option to have it shipped to him and I think having it shipped to a hotel is a bit risky.

Have you thought about possibly having the package held at a FedEx location? I know GOG will ship to the major FedEx locations and then the package can be held for pick-up.

I don't know if this is an option for you, but in case it is, it may be a good way to avoid any concerns you have about shipping.

 

[briandk]

Re: Help beginner pick a stone for a solitaire engagement ri

So, I went to the jamesallen site and chatted with an agent, they say they can ship to a fedex office, so that is a possibility.

 

[RockyRacoon]

Re: Help beginner pick a stone for a solitaire engagement ri

So, I went to the jamesallen site and chatted with an agent, they say they can ship to a fedex office, so that is a possibility.

What is your total budget?

We'll see what we can find for you, based on that.

 

[briandk]

Re: Help beginner pick a stone for a solitaire engagement ri

Thanks. Total budget is around $3300.

 

[RockyRacoon]

Re: Help beginner pick a stone for a solitaire engagement ri

Here are a couple of options, both coming from very well-respected vendors who will be able to ensure you have a ring you're happy with, right when you pick it up. The setting should be similar to the one you had linked:

BGD
.77ct, H, SI1
http://www.briangavindiamonds.com/diamonds/diamond-details/0.770-h-si1-round-diamond-ags-bl-104061421014
OR
.738ct, G, SI1
http://www.briangavindiamonds.com/diamonds/diamond-details/0.738-g-si1-round-diamond-ags-bl-104076040046
+
4-prong Yellow Gold Setting
http://www.briangavindiamonds.com/engagement-rings/solitaire/four-prong-solitaire-14k-yellow-gold-5342y14

Whiteflash
.72ct, H, VS2 - AGS000
http://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-3114514.htm
+
4-prong Yellow Gold Setting
http://www.whiteflash.com/engagement-rings/solitaire/4-prong-tiffany-style-solitaire-engagement-ring-588.htm


They may be stretching your budget a BIT, but any of these options will result in a great looking ring.

Best of luck!

 

[briandk]

Re: Help beginner pick a stone for a solitaire engagement ri

Thanks I will look at those. You don't think SI1 will be a problem? I think she will appreciate fire and size the most but easily visible inclusions would probable bother me at least.

 

[RockyRacoon]

Re: Help beginner pick a stone for a solitaire engagement ri

Thanks I will look at those. You don't think SI1 will be a problem? I think she will appreciate fire and size the most but easily visible inclusions would probable bother me at least.

I've purchased a number of SI1 stones and they've all been eye-clean. Just talk to the vendor before making a purchase, as they can inspect the stone in person and let you know exactly how eye-clean it is (from a certain distance / angle, etc.).

I'd reach out to both vendors and see what they're able to do for you!

 

[Lookinagain]

Re: Help beginner pick a stone for a solitaire engagement ri

The WF stone states that it is eye clean.

 

[WillyDiamond]

Re: Help beginner pick a stone for a solitaire engagement ri

Email Lesley at BGD and she will tell you if it is eye clean.
They will also ship to the FEDEX depot, hold for pickup.