Help interpreting size comparison photo...

[Dreamer_D]

Date: 3/18/2010 7:09:24 PM
Author: vanderaf

Date: 3/18/2010 6:32:36 PM
Author: dreamer_d


Jill, thank you! I read back through your threads... we have the same hands and finger size

Here was something I wrote in one of your threads: ''What size leap are you considering? I went from a .80J to a 1.17K and I am very happy with the result. To be honest, though, I think I will go back to a J on my next upgrade, but that will depend a little on the $$ difference between a J and a K. Ever practical I am! Its mostly a ''mind clean'' thing since in reality I don''t think there is a difference in visual appearance between the two.''

I have noticed that with each of my upgrades I think the diamond is much better than the last one... and then something starts to bug me. Really, I know, it is size. I want a BIG ring and for me that feeling of BIG doesn''t hit until about 1.75ct. Maybe even 2ct. I do think that if I hit that *perfect* size I will feel satisfied, like you. And if not I will sell my diamond and get a life

Your comment about the thinner shank hits home. I think perhaps I will take that into consideration when I am resetting my diamond. I just have not tried the *perfect* setting yet!

I am with Jill on this by getting a J as it will still be white and you will have your dream size...and if that doesn''t work, you can always become a serial upgrader! LOL...It''s a good thing I don''t have the funds to purchase a diamond right now because I would definitely be a serial upgrader!

How is this defined? I think it is too late

... .80ct J/VS2, 1.17ct K/SI1, 1.20ct G/SI2... next?

 

[jill_s]

Date: 3/18/2010 6:32:36 PM
Author: dreamer_d
Jill, thank you! I read back through your threads... we have the same hands and finger size

Here was something I wrote in one of your threads: ''What size leap are you considering? I went from a .80J to a 1.17K and I am very happy with the result. To be honest, though, I think I will go back to a J on my next upgrade, but that will depend a little on the $$ difference between a J and a K. Ever practical I am! Its mostly a ''mind clean'' thing since in reality I don''t think there is a difference in visual appearance between the two.''


I have noticed that with each of my upgrades I think the diamond is much better than the last one... and then something starts to bug me. Really, I know, it is size. I want a BIG ring and for me that feeling of BIG doesn''t hit until about 1.75ct. Maybe even 2ct. I do think that if I hit that *perfect* size I will feel satisfied, like you. And if not I will sell my diamond and get a life

Your comment about the thinner shank hits home. I think perhaps I will take that into consideration when I am resetting my diamond. I just have not tried the *perfect* setting yet!

Dreamer - Reading your posts kept reminding me of my diamond buying journey and what I had finally figured out. I really do feel like once you get that size you''re after, you will be satisfied. If it were me, I would try to get as close to 2ct. as possible. A 1.75ct will eventually shrink and I think you''ll appreciate that extra spread. And I would also recommend waiting on the perfect setting until you have a perfect or near-perfect stone, unless the setting could be accommodated for a larger stone without much harm.

As I was reading your post, I was also thinking about the clarity of my diamond stones. The first J was a grade setting cloudy SI2. I told myself that one of the main reasons I was upgrading was to have a better performing diamond. Then I went to the K SI1 which was completely eyeclean but too tinted for my liking. When I jumped to my current J, I would have loved an SI1 but the inventory just wasn''t there so I got the SI2 instead. There is a small dark crystal off the table of my stone that I can see about 30% of the time if I look really hard for it when holding the stone about 4 inches from my face. So you could argue that it''s not 100% eye-clean, but I can tell you that I''m much more willing to live with that (and save the $1-2k to upgrade the clarity to SI1) now that I have the perfect size. I''m certain that no one but me will ever see that little speck. So, all that to say, don''t completely rule out SI2s. You might be willing to live with a little speck if the size is where you''d like. If your current stone was a 1.75ct, would you still be wanting to upgrade for clarity?

I''m still trying to figure out what the perfect setting is for our finger/hand types. There is something so beautiful about classic, graceful solitaires paired with a diamond band. I think I''ve decided that when I do my final reset, it will be a 2mm wide, 6-prong (because they do make the diamond appear larger - I''ve had both 4-prong and 6-prong and prefer the 6-prong) solitaire much like the old Lockes signature setting that a couple of PSers have. I''ll probably have BGD custom make it for me. Not sure if that''s something you''ve considered, but I think it would be just smashing...especially paired with your Dream band!

 

[Dreamer_D]

Date: 3/19/2010 12:36:42 AM
Author: jill_s
Dreamer - Reading your posts kept reminding me of my diamond buying journey and what I had finally figured out. I really do feel like once you get that size you're after, you will be satisfied. If it were me, I would try to get as close to 2ct. as possible. A 1.75ct will eventually shrink and I think you'll appreciate that extra spread. And I would also recommend waiting on the perfect setting until you have a perfect or near-perfect stone, unless the setting could be accommodated for a larger stone without much harm.

As I was reading your post, I was also thinking about the clarity of my diamond stones. The first J was a grade setting cloudy SI2. I told myself that one of the main reasons I was upgrading was to have a better performing diamond. Then I went to the K SI1 which was completely eyeclean but too tinted for my liking. When I jumped to my current J, I would have loved an SI1 but the inventory just wasn't there so I got the SI2 instead. There is a small dark crystal off the table of my stone that I can see about 30% of the time if I look really hard for it when holding the stone about 4 inches from my face. So you could argue that it's not 100% eye-clean, but I can tell you that I'm much more willing to live with that (and save the $1-2k to upgrade the clarity to SI1) now that I have the perfect size. I'm certain that no one but me will ever see that little speck. So, all that to say, don't completely rule out SI2s. You might be willing to live with a little speck if the size is where you'd like. If your current stone was a 1.75ct, would you still be wanting to upgrade for clarity?

I'm still trying to figure out what the perfect setting is for our finger/hand types. There is something so beautiful about classic, graceful solitaires paired with a diamond band. I think I've decided that when I do my final reset, it will be a 2mm wide, 6-prong (because they do make the diamond appear larger - I've had both 4-prong and 6-prong and prefer the 6-prong) solitaire much like the old Lockes signature setting that a couple of PSers have. I'll probably have BGD custom make it for me. Not sure if that's something you've considered, but I think it would be just smashing...especially paired with your Dream band!

So many smart thoughts here. I keep thinking that it will be years until my next upgrade, and then it ends up being more like 6 months

I have an SI2 now as you know, and I can see the one inclusion if I look for it in almost any lighting from about 5 inches, at an angle. In some lighting, like diffuse outdoors in the shade, I can actually see it much further away, like 10 inches or so, but I have only seen this once

. Technically eye clean, yes. Would I care if it was 1.75ct? Ummmmm. No. I don't think so. So it is food for thought. I think I would feel the same way about a slight tint which is why J is on my radar again.

I might just save my pennies and watch the diamond inventory and strice when a looker pops up.

Settings... interesting thoughts on the 6 prong. But then you can't see the side of the diamond! I love seeing the side. I am loving this setting by Sholdt right now: http://www.pearlmansjewelers.com/jewelry-designers/sholdt-jewelry/rings/34ZZ1/ Here is a thread with a 1.3ct: https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/sholdt-fremont-solitaire.110087/ If I opt to "rest" at sub 1.5ct for a while before jumping to the almost 2ct mark, this is the setting I might go with because I can enjoy the pavilion of a near colorless stone.

My dream band is scratching the prongs of my solitaire!

I don't think there is any way to prevent this

 

[jill_s]

One last thought on seeing the side of your stone. I like that too, but since I opted for a lower color, I decided that the 6 prongs do a better job of masking the color so I see it less...which means that I don''t think about the color of my stone, I just enjoy the big sparkles! I really can''t wait to see what you decide.

 

[Dreamer_D]

Date: 3/19/2010 1:22:17 AM
Author: jill_s
One last thought on seeing the side of your stone. I like that too, but since I opted for a lower color, I decided that the 6 prongs do a better job of masking the color so I see it less...which means that I don''t think about the color of my stone, I just enjoy the big sparkles! I really can''t wait to see what you decide.

Yes! I would choose a different setting depending on the color for sure. Six prong or x-prong if it is lower color.

 

[Firestone]

You have been through upgrades already and know the pitfalls of lower color and clarity. As much as you desire a larger stone, why don''t you hold off until you can get your perfect stone with the size, color and clarity you really want. How much fun can it be purchasing another upgrade knowing that you plan on upgrading again?

 

[Dreamer_D]

Date: 3/19/2010 1:27:31 AM
Author: Firestone
You have been through upgrades already and know the pitfalls of lower color and clarity. As much as you desire a larger stone, why don''t you hold off until you can get your perfect stone with the size, color and clarity you really want. How much fun can it be purchasing another upgrade knowing that you plan on upgrading again?

That is the sickness

It is fun.

But point taken

 

[softly softly]

Date: 3/18/2010 6:32:36 PM
Author: dreamer_d
Jill, thank you! I read back through your threads... we have the same hands and finger size

Here was something I wrote in one of your threads: ''What size leap are you considering? I went from a .80J to a 1.17K and I am very happy with the result. To be honest, though, I think I will go back to a J on my next upgrade, but that will depend a little on the $$ difference between a J and a K. Ever practical I am! Its mostly a ''mind clean'' thing since in reality I don''t think there is a difference in visual appearance between the two.''


I have noticed that with each of my upgrades I think the diamond is much better than the last one... and then something starts to bug me. Really, I know, it is size. I want a BIG ring and for me that feeling of BIG doesn''t hit until about 1.75ct. Maybe even 2ct. I do think that if I hit that *perfect* size I will feel satisfied, like you. And if not I will sell my diamond and get a life

Your comment about the thinner shank hits home. I think perhaps I will take that into consideration when I am resetting my diamond. I just have not tried the *perfect* setting yet!

Dreamer from reading your posts I really do get the impression that the driving force behind your diamond quest is size. I can relate, as I mentioned in an earlier thread I realised I was this way myself. I think if you are going with a Brian Gavin diamond you are already streets ahead in terms of quality and you may just find that the J colour bothers you less than you think. So my two cents for what it''s worth is to go for the 1.5 J in a different setting - the Grace perhaps - and see how you feel with a larger diamond in a more delicate setting.

 

[anitabee]

i remember you going on about how the k color was driving you nuts! you had to change that. now that you''re thinking of dropping down to a j AND getting a much bigger diamond? isn''t it true that the larger the diamond, the more the color shows? be careful. personally, h/i is my color limit and i remember you getting so bothered by your k which really is ONLY one color down the spectrum.

you''re getting antsy. i''m very similar to you. i''ve been there before. i say wait. wait until you can get it all! the diamond you''ve got is already damn big! esp by bc standards (we''re both west coasters

your perspective has been skewed by pricescope. i think you shouldn''t settle for something that''ll just end up probably driving you nuts. i can easily see tint in j color diamonds.

if you really have to do it, keep the color to AT LEAST an h/i and don''t be so concerned about getting the craziest whopper of a rock. others would probably see that it''s HUGE but they would be able to tell that it''s a kind of yellow whopper!

my 2 cents worth!

 

[Dreamer_D]

Date: 3/19/2010 9:23:30 AM
Author: anitabee
i remember you going on about how the k color was driving you nuts! you had to change that. now that you''re thinking of dropping down to a j AND getting a much bigger diamond? isn''t it true that the larger the diamond, the more the color shows? be careful. personally, h/i is my color limit and i remember you getting so bothered by your k which really is ONLY one color down the spectrum.

you''re getting antsy. i''m very similar to you. i''ve been there before. i say wait. wait until you can get it all! the diamond you''ve got is already damn big! esp by bc standards (we''re both west coasters

your perspective has been skewed by pricescope. i think you shouldn''t settle for something that''ll just end up probably driving you nuts. i can easily see tint in j color diamonds.

if you really have to do it, keep the color to AT LEAST an h/i and don''t be so concerned about getting the craziest whopper of a rock. others would probably see that it''s HUGE but they would be able to tell that it''s a kind of yellow whopper!

my 2 cents worth!

WHat can I say, Antia, I am fickle AND crazy

But you may be right! I will not do anything until I am totally sure and I will go look at diamonds in person first too.

softly I think I am sold on the more delicate setting, there are just a few details I will want to make sure are present to like it.

 

[Bella_mezzo]

FYI-printing the diamond size charts and cutting really does help. A little tape and some fine scissors work and you can see the difference pretty well. I did it for my five stone (so times 5!) and it gave me the same perception for the stones as seeing them in person.

 

[Dreamer_D]

Date: 3/19/2010 10:41:32 AM
Author: Bella_mezzo
FYI-printing the diamond size charts and cutting really does help. A little tape and some fine scissors work and you can see the difference pretty well. I did it for my five stone (so times 5!) and it gave me the same perception for the stones as seeing them in person.

Oh, I have done that i nthe past! 1.2 and 1.5 are not on the charts I have. I know the size will be noticable, though, it is color I am grappling with. And money! I think I have reached a decision, but I am going to sit on it and see how it feels for a few days. Then I will either still think it is right or change my mind again

 

[gardengloves]

Date: 3/17/2010 9:14:39 PM
Author: dreamer_d

Date: 3/17/2010 9:00:24 PM

Author: vanderaf

Date: 3/17/2010 8:50:31 PM

Author: dreamer_d

Date: 3/17/2010 8:42:59 PM

Author: vanderaf

Boy, I wish I took pictures of my OEC before Brian recut it due to a chip. It was 7.35mm before the recut and my ering diamond is 7mm and there was a very noticable size difference to me. I was actually surprised at how much larger it seemed to me. On the cusp of BIG. Maybe Brian can take a picture of a 1.20 and a 1.5 side by side for you?

I am sure he would take pictures for me, but I am still in precontemplation and don''t want to bug them

How big is your OEC now that it has been recut? Did you cut it as an old style or in a new style?

It turned out to be 7mm after the recut and 1.27 carats which is the exact same carat and mm size as my ering which is pretty funny. Brian said it was in very bad shape so he had to recut it to a modern brilliant. He did a phenominal job. I hated to recut it but it had to be saved. I have been following your thread because my diamond is close to the same size as yours. I reset to a 3 stone 8 years ago for more bling coverage but If I really had a choice I would love just one big diamond. I also feel that 2 carats would be too large for me and would be happy with something just shy of it. I love my 3 stone but I think that Pricescope has ruined me! LOL... My sister wears 2.5 carats and it looks great on her and ridiculous on me.

And that is why I think I am going to nix the three-stone idea. The $1000 I would pay for side stones I would much rather ''invest'' in my center diamond since I have now resigned myself to eventually upgrading to the 1.7-1.8ct range, G/H SI1. When I was trying on rings, that size looked ''big'' to me. Anything smaller looks nice, but I didn''t get that BIG feeling. My first diamond was a .80ct, and when I went up to a 1.2ct I certainly though it looked bigger, but still not BIG.

What I am puzzling over now is whether I should stick with a G/H color in the 1.2-1.3ct range (with a new setting), or jump the 1.5ct mark and go down to a J color (with a new setting too) and then upgrade color as I am able. Although it would be nice to jump to an H color over the 1.5 mark, it ain''t gonna happen. I am pushing my luck even contemplating a J color 1.5ct!

Pluses of option 1: less money (about $700), higher color.

Minusus of option 1: smaller diamond. Would I want to upgrade sooner and thus waste a setting? Will diamond prices rise a lot by the time I make the big leap?


Pluses of option 2: Bigger diamond. Can use the same setting for color upgrades over the coming years. Bigger leap now while diamond prices are (presumaly) lower. Canadian dollar is par.

Minus of option 2: lower color. Would it really bug me so much? I love my G, but I love big diamonds more

.


Anyways, people hae given their opinions to me but in the end I guess I need to decide for myself. Drat!

Dreamer,

I am very excited for you, I''ve advocated for this in many of your threads. I think you will appreciate the size jump and a J is a great, gorgeous color. I am so glad you are considering this move. As you say, you can always upgrade from color if it bothers you, ( but my bet, you will be quite pleased), but you will have the dimensions and size factor that you will just love, and admire and be pleased pink with in the interim. This is a great option, if you want size girl, go for it, cause the urge will not go away until its satisfied. This I know. Years down the line, with big stone in hand, you can change settings, upgrade color, or whatever your heart desires, but satisfy the main urge that I sense from your posts, and totally understand, and support- move up in diamond size. You will not regret it. So happy this is what you are now considering.

 

[vanderaf]

Date: 3/18/2010 8:16:55 PM
Author: dreamer_d

Date: 3/18/2010 7:14:00 PM
Author: vanderaf

Date: 3/18/2010 12:47:18 PM
Author: dreamer_d

Date: 3/18/2010 6:15:11 AM
Author: vanderaf
If it were me I would get the size you want and go down to a J and then upgrade the color later. There is a vast difference from J and K. The diamond Brian cut for me into one of his signature diamonds was graded a J by AGS and it looked plenty white to me. With the setting you want you would not see the side. I have a diamond pendant that is a K and it drives me batty. I am always scrubbing it trying to make it look cleaner and whiter but the J just looks white and sparkly. My ering is a GIA graded E and from the top there was not a huge difference between the two. The BGD stone out performs my ering so that was a contributing factor. I think that going for your dream size and setting will really put you at ease. I do love my 3 stone and I would not switch it back to a solitaire because I would be downgrading the bling factor and I could not handle that. I think that it is a good option if you are not upgrading your center stone to the size you want. In order for me to upgrade I would have to buy a new ring outright and I would keep this one for sentimental reasons.

Thanks for the comments vanderaf. I think I need to go see some Js in person. I know it will not be a G, but that is ok as long as it is not a K. I do love the icy G color, but I also love size, and something has to give at this point in time. I just don''t have the spare 10k lying around to get the size and color I would like

Does your recut qualify as an upgrade stone?

Probably not but I could never trade in my grandmothers diamond anyway.

Maybe Gradma wouldn''t mind, did she love bling? Kidding! It is wonderful you have her diamond, albeit the ''extreme makeover'' version!

Grandma loved bling! I have her other oec ring which is perfectly in tact in the art deco setting. The other one definitely had an exteme makeover! It even has a new mounting because the other one was in bad shape...but at least I know that is was still hers. I presented both options to Brian...trying to fix it or recut and he said even if he tried to fix it it would still be in bad shape so we recut it. It''s too bad I can''t morph both diamonds into one big one!

 

[vanderaf]

LOL! I made it up but I guess you would qualitfy as a serial upgrader!

 

[Dreamer_D]

Here is a photo that Mara asked for comparing a 1.28ct G to a 1.60ct J.

 

[Dreamer_D]

And a more realistic size.

 

[Dreamer_D]

And here is a 1.17ct diamond next to a 1.5ct diamond, courtesy of JulieN.

 

[LtlFirecracker]

I would call that a noticeable size difference, but not a dramatic one.

 

[heliotrope]

I am so glad to hear other people have done the cut out paper stone thing too

I even got one of those special rulers with circles cut out in mm so I could lay it over my size 7 finger and draw on circles to test the stone size on my fingers!! and might I add that ruler was an awesome way of testing out bezel widths too - just draw on a bigger circle - hilarious!!

it''s how I worked out I wanted at least 1.5ct stone as a minimum from the start (I did end up with a 1.59ct OMC - but it is a squished kind of round - in a way...)

and I also agree re: the band width - mine is just 1.8mm and really makes the stone pop - I get people with 2cts comparing their rings to mine and being surprised up close that in fact theirs is bigger (of course it is!!)

both before and after I got my ring - I have looked at so many rings here and I still feel delicate settings for the over 1.2ct mark make a stone look big

once you get to 2cts though - you need a thicker setting to keep it from toppling over!! I still think that size is massive!!

I can not help out with the dreaded DSS or serial upgrade syndrome though

 

[jill_s]

DD - I''m eagerly awaiting what you decide to do. So you may be considering a 1.5ct? Girl, we need some details!

 

[Dreamer_D]

Date: 4/7/2010 10:09:04 AM
Author: jill_s
DD - I''m eagerly awaiting what you decide to do. So you may be considering a 1.5ct? Girl, we need some details!

I am still completely and totally conflicted over the whole thing! In the meantime, the CAN dollar is now on par with the US dollar, so the near future is the time to make the move!

BGD also does not currently have any potentials in inventory, so I am waiting for their next shipment whenever that might be! I imagine in the next month but who knows.

My heart wants to buy the biggest diamond I can possibly afford for my budget. That would be a 1.6-1.7ct J SI1/SI2. My head tells me that I might not be happy with the color and/or clarity and then I would be stuck spending more money or being unhappy with my purchase

And my husband doesn''t want me to go so low in color. And I can only afford a 1.5ct I SI1 if we wanted "higher" color, but it that even worth it? My husband also worries about a big diamond looking stupid or ostentatious. I worry about this a little too. For goodness sakes, no one I know wears more than a .5ct! He thinks we should wait 10 years to get the big honkin'' rock, and I think maybe he is right. But he will support what I want to do.

So my head says to get a 1.25ct G SI1 and set it in a three stone with .25ct sides, a ring style I simply *adored* when I tried it on, and love and enjoy such a big blingy ring until I can upgrade to the size and color I want in about 5 years-- and then set *that* diamond into the three stone!

But then my heart worries I will not be happy with the size

I''ve said it all before. Nothing new to add

But one day I will just make the decision and go for it.

 

[Dreamer_D]

Date: 4/7/2010 2:48:02 AM
Author: LtlFirecracker
I would call that a noticeable size difference, but not a dramatic one.

I agree.

 

[Dreamer_D]

Date: 4/7/2010 6:43:34 AM
Author: heliotrope
I am so glad to hear other people have done the cut out paper stone thing too

I even got one of those special rulers with circles cut out in mm so I could lay it over my size 7 finger and draw on circles to test the stone size on my fingers!! and might I add that ruler was an awesome way of testing out bezel widths too - just draw on a bigger circle - hilarious!!

it''s how I worked out I wanted at least 1.5ct stone as a minimum from the start (I did end up with a 1.59ct OMC - but it is a squished kind of round - in a way...)

and I also agree re: the band width - mine is just 1.8mm and really makes the stone pop - I get people with 2cts comparing their rings to mine and being surprised up close that in fact theirs is bigger (of course it is!!)

both before and after I got my ring - I have looked at so many rings here and I still feel delicate settings for the over 1.2ct mark make a stone look big

once you get to 2cts though - you need a thicker setting to keep it from toppling over!! I still think that size is massive!!

I can not help out with the dreaded DSS or serial upgrade syndrome though

It is massive! I have only seen one diamond like that being worn in real life.

 

[jill_s]

Date: 4/7/2010 11:51:43 AM
Author: dreamer_d

Date: 4/7/2010 10:09:04 AM

Author: jill_s

DD - I''m eagerly awaiting what you decide to do. So you may be considering a 1.5ct? Girl, we need some details!

I am still completely and totally conflicted over the whole thing! In the meantime, the CAN dollar is now on par with the US dollar, so the near future is the time to make the move!


BGD also does not currently have any potentials in inventory, so I am waiting for their next shipment whenever that might be! I imagine in the next month but who knows.


My heart wants to buy the biggest diamond I can possibly afford for my budget. That would be a 1.6-1.7ct J SI1/SI2. My head tells me that I might not be happy with the color and/or clarity and then I would be stuck spending more money or being unhappy with my purchase

And my husband doesn''t want me to go so low in color. And I can only afford a 1.5ct I SI1 if we wanted ''higher'' color, but it that even worth it? My husband also worries about a big diamond looking stupid or ostentatious. I worry about this a little too. For goodness sakes, no one I know wears more than a .5ct! He thinks we should wait 10 years to get the big honkin'' rock, and I think maybe he is right. But he will support what I want to do.


So my head says to get a 1.25ct G SI1 and set it in a three stone with .25ct sides, a ring style I simply *adored* when I tried it on, and love and enjoy such a big blingy ring until I can upgrade to the size and color I want in about 5 years-- and then set *that* diamond into the three stone!

But then my heart worries I will not be happy with the size

I''ve said it all before. Nothing new to add

But one day I will just make the decision and go for it.

DD - I thought you mentioned in another thread that you saw a setting that you loved while you were out a few weekends ago. What was that? I still owe you a report-back on the Sholdt settings. My DD was sick last week, and I''ve been sick this week, so I''m hoping to get there soon. I promise a full report sometime soon!

BTW, I was seaching BGD''s website, and I saw this one. I''m sure you''ve seen it? Would this work as a 3-stone option?

http://www.briangavindiamonds.com/diamond/diamond-detail/?product_id=AGS-1040398080001

 

[Dreamer_D]

Yes, the three stone is the setting I will do if I stick with my present size and higher color. It looks wonderful. My dream ring at this point in my life is a 1.6ct diamond in a three stone, which is why I am toying with an upgrade and save up for the three stone later. At this point in my life, about 1.6-1.7ct is the maximum size I would be comfortable wearing.

I saw that diamond from BGD it looks awesome. They have a few contenders in the 1.2ct range.

I am patiently waiting to see the exact amount my husband''s bonus will be. That is my budget and though we have a good guess about what it will be, we do not know exactly. Should be another week and then we will know! And then I will try to decide.

I big part of my problem is giving myself permission to spend money on something so frivolous. I grew up rather poor, and so spending anything greater than about $500 on a single things is a loooooong and difficult process for me. Even buying our dining table recently -- which we bought at an antique store and got a very good deal on -- was such a difficult decision! And that was only $600. So I know what I *want* to do. But being ok with that is a tough one for me.

 

[JeBri31508]

Date: 4/7/2010 1:14:40 PM
Author: dreamer_d
Yes, the three stone is the setting I will do if I stick with my present size and higher color. It looks wonderful. My dream ring at this point in my life is a 1.6ct diamond in a three stone, which is why I am toying with an upgrade and save up for the three stone later. At this point in my life, about 1.6-1.7ct is the maximum size I would be comfortable wearing.

I saw that diamond from BGD it looks awesome. They have a few contenders in the 1.2ct range.

I am patiently waiting to see the exact amount my husband''s bonus will be. That is my budget and though we have a good guess about what it will be, we do not know exactly. Should be another week and then we will know! And then I will try to decide.

I big part of my problem is giving myself permission to spend money on something so frivolous. I grew up rather poor, and so spending anything greater than about $500 on a single things is a loooooong and difficult process for me. Even buying our dining table recently -- which we bought at an antique store and got a very good deal on -- was such a difficult decision! And that was only $600. So I know what I *want* to do. But being ok with that is a tough one for me.

Dreamer--I am curious as to what 3 stone setting you are looking at going with...I''ve been looking at BGD for my upgrade, to put a 1.2 in the middle and .30''s on the sides but don''t know which kind of setting I want to use lol! I like to hear what other people are thinking about doing

 

[butterfly 17]

Hi DD,
Just wanted to chime in with my experience with upgrades. In general, when one upgrades for size, I never see them get the same color and clarity. For the most part I have noticed most of us upgrade size, but downgrade color/clarity or both.

I first purchased a F VVS2 1.51 ACA from Whiteflash. While I loved the color, I was a little unhappy with the size. Mind you, I did not get an e-ring when we first got married, this was actually for our 10th anniversary, so I was really psyched to finally be getting the diamond of my dreams.

I upgraded that diamond to a 2.03 G VS1 ACA and kept that diamond for 5 years. I always thought the 2 carat was a great size, just right, not too big, but not too small. But I think in my mind, I wanted to upgrade to just a little bit bigger to get it past the just right size and into the "big" size. lol I kept changing my settings and it still didn't make the diamond look "big". I had the Dvatche royal crown, then a leon mege, then a Ritani set. Still, it wasn't quite right.

I went ahead and traded in my 2 carat for a GIA certified non-H&A stone that was 2.38 HVS2. I was originally going to change my setting again, but changed my mind.
In the meantime, I returned my 2 carat GVS1 to WF only to find out that after it was sent back to AGS, it came back as an FVS1 and was now selling for $20k more than what I traded it in for. Should of kept the stone!

The 2.38 stone had faint fluorescence and I loved it. But was bugging me a little that it was not a H&A. But I never planned to upgrade it as the stone was super white (I think the fluor. added to the whiteness) and for practicality reasons, I didn't want to spend a certain amount on any ring I owned and this was almost to that point.

Jump in Maisie's thread about DSS and Mara posting about a 3 carat ACA on the WF website. Well, of course, I had to take a look at the 3 carat, and instead, I found my diamond, a 2.417 HVS2 ACA. Now, I have to admit, while I loved the 2.38, to be able to get a ACA with the same specs and diameter/carat weight was worth it to me. Did I mention that I also only paid a difference of about $600 to trade for the 2.4? It was basically a done deal.

So, I did it. I got the 2.4 and I can say that I am finally happy with the size. THis H does show a hint of color more than the 2.38, but I think it's because it's missing the fluorescence. For 99.17% of the time, I can say that this stone is super white.

So, I know how you feel and I am sure the right diamond will come around. I never dreamed back in 2003 when I first discovered pricescope that I would have traded in my diamond as many times as I have and end up with an H. I honestly came to this website with the intention of purchasing a D VS1 radiant cut and if you look at my earlier posts, you will see me posting threads about this.

I don't know if you will be happy with a J though. I know the size is one thing, but if the K bugged you, I think the J will bug you too.

 

[Dreamer_D]

Date: 4/7/2010 1:21:07 PM
Author: JeBri31508
Dreamer--I am curious as to what 3 stone setting you are looking at going with...I''ve been looking at BGD for my upgrade, to put a 1.2 in the middle and .30''s on the sides but don''t know which kind of setting I want to use lol! I like to hear what other people are thinking about doing

Hey! Well I have tried on many different three-stone settings and the winner for me by far is the style where the sides are much smaller than the center and the center is set a little higher than the sides, which tuck under. The setting at BGD that is like this is this one: http://www.briangavindiamonds.com/home/ring-details/?product_id=5448 Whiteflash has a similar style that I attached so you can see how the ring looks face on. The three prongs on the sides also make them look a little like pears, and the overlap with the center stone makes them look a little like half moons. Anyways, I found this design was aweseom on my hand and actually had really good finger presence compared to a more typical three stone ring. The center really stands out in this design. I would do .25ct sides if I chose this design.

redfaerythinker recently got an upgrade that has a similar style too, but it is a trellis: https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/the-solution-for-dss.140099/

 

[Dreamer_D]

Date: 4/7/2010 1:34:32 PM
Author: butterfly 17
Hi DD,
Just wanted to chime in with my experience with upgrades. In general, when one upgrades for size, I never see them get the same color and clarity. For the most part I have noticed most of us upgrade size, but downgrade color/clarity or both.

I first purchased a F VVS2 1.51 ACA from Whiteflash. While I loved the color, I was a little unhappy with the size. Mind you, I did not get an e-ring when we first got married, this was actually for our 10th anniversary, so I was really psyched to finally be getting the diamond of my dreams.

I upgraded that diamond to a 2.03 G VS1 ACA and kept that diamond for 5 years. I always thought the 2 carat was a great size, just right, not too big, but not too small. But I think in my mind, I wanted to upgrade to just a little bit bigger to get it past the just right size and into the ''big'' size. lol I kept changing my settings and it still didn''t make the diamond look ''big''. I had the Dvatche royal crown, then a leon mege, then a Ritani set. Still, it wasn''t quite right.

I went ahead and traded in my 2 carat for a GIA certified non-H&A stone that was 2.38 HVS2. I was originally going to change my setting again, but changed my mind.
In the meantime, I returned my 2 carat GVS1 to WF only to find out that after it was sent back to AGS, it came back as an FVS1 and was now selling for $20k more than what I traded it in for. Should of kept the stone!

The 2.38 stone had faint fluorescence and I loved it. But was bugging me a little that it was not a H&A. But I never planned to upgrade it as the stone was super white (I think the fluor. added to the whiteness) and for practicality reasons, I didn''t want to spend a certain amount on any ring I owned and this was almost to that point.

Jump in Maisie''s thread about DSS and Mara posting about a 3 carat ACA on the WF website. Well, of course, I had to take a look at the 3 carat, and instead, I found my diamond, a 2.417 HVS2 ACA. Now, I have to admit, while I loved the 2.38, to be able to get a ACA with the same specs and diameter/carat weight was worth it to me. Did I mention that I also only paid a difference of about $600 to trade for the 2.4? It was basically a done deal.

So, I did it. I got the 2.4 and I can say that I am finally happy with the size. THis H does show a hint of color more than the 2.38, but I think it''s because it''s missing the fluorescence. For 99.17% of the time, I can say that this stone is super white.

So, I know how you feel and I am sure the right diamond will come around. I never dreamed back in 2003 when I first discovered pricescope that I would have traded in my diamond as many times as I have and end up with an H. I honestly came to this website with the intention of purchasing a D VS1 radiant cut and if you look at my earlier posts, you will see me posting threads about this.

I don''t know if you will be happy with a J though. I know the size is one thing, but if the K bugged you, I think the J will bug you too.

Butterfly, thank for your story! I have followed it in older posts. So you are another one who indeed did find her final resting place

in terms of upgrades when you hit that sweet spot. I think we all sot of have a mental limit of how much we are willing to spend, and perhaps a mental size limit too for what is practical. I am not there yet at all.

You are probably right about the J, but I think it is a mind clean thing more than anything.