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HELP!!! Just started on buying first diamond....

tduenas4520

Rough_Rock
Joined
Jul 14, 2016
Messages
88
WOW. I thought this would be a simple process. Check out a few jewelry stores, see their setting styles, pick the one with the best price, and be on my way. NOPE.

In my research, I have found many many useful informational pages and after lots of reading and knowing my girlfriend. I have made a few decisions, but need to know if they are possible. I will list below what I am searching for and maybe some of you may help me in my endeavor to find the perfect ring.

SETTING STYLE: 3-Stone seems to be what she leans towards. She also likes "vintage" designed rings. She wants to be different.
CUT: She loves the Pear, Oval and Emerald (my favorite). Hates halo's.
Clarity: VS2+ I believe will get me the best value.
Color: H or G will yield the best value I believe.
Carat: Here is where it gets tricky. I originally wanted a 1.5ct stone, 2.0 ctw. But I know I cannot get there.
Cost:Originally had a budget of 5-6K for it, which I believe I can get there with a 1.25ct ring. But you guys are the masters. Lead me in the right direction.

Thank you!
 
Q

Queenie60

Guest
I suggest that you contact Yekutiel at ID Jewelry. Tell him your budget and roughly what you're looking for. He will educate you along the way and be very honest in guiding you based on your budget. Very easy to work with and honest. Good luck - I hope you find what you are looking for. :wavey:
 

tyty333

Super_Ideal_Rock
Premium
Joined
Dec 17, 2008
Messages
27,198
What kind of 3 stone are you picturing? Baguette sides? That's about the only thing I can picture with pears and emeralds. Ovals
could take moons. I guess emeralds could take step cut traps. So what are you picturing so we know how much needs to go towards
the setting. These kind of sides are somewhat expensive. It may be less expensive to go vintage so you can spend more on the center stone and get closer to the size you want.

Edit...do you have any pictures you can post of rings that she likes?
 

tduenas4520

Rough_Rock
Joined
Jul 14, 2016
Messages
88
https://www.jamesallen.com/engagement-rings/vintage/14k-rose-gold-art-deco-geometric-diamond-engagement-ring-item-51389

That ring, with an asscher cut is what I am after. If I can get some discounts, I may be able to swing a 1.25ct, I color or better, VS2 clarity or better center stone. I was told the Rose Gold will allow me to get a lower color stone, so that I may reach my 1.25ct goal.

Although james allen does seem to have higher prices and lower quality cuts than others I have seen on the Pricescope search function, but the fact I have a HD photo plus expert advise makes it easier to purchase a rock, sight unseen.

I was
 

Gypsy

Super_Ideal_Rock
Joined
Aug 8, 2005
Messages
40,225
That's a terrible setting choice given what you described. It's masculine, looks like a superbowl ring and has a halo, which you said she hates.

You really do need help. Okay.



I will post suggestions for you. Just... don't do anything by yourself. You need guidance. And you are not going to buy an asscher for who wants an oval, EC or pear.
 

starrylight

Shiny_Rock
Joined
Sep 25, 2012
Messages
166
Would you be open to a vintage ring?
 

Gypsy

Super_Ideal_Rock
Joined
Aug 8, 2005
Messages
40,225
So, forget asschers. That's a horrible choice for A) someone who likes elongated cuts (that's what all the cuts she likes have in common) and b) anyone on a tight budget.

So just STOP. You are not translating her likes correctly into corresponding rings. She is asking for a convertible hatchback and you are buying her a Hum-Vee.

So here's what you are going to do. Just, forget choosing anything on your own, please.

You are going to get THIS setting: http://www.stuller.com/products/build/122105/9140557/?groupId=119121 In whatever color metal the LADY has specified.

DO NOT PICK ROSE GOLD UNLESS SHE SPECIFICALLY REQUESTED IT. If she DID NOT pick rose gold, then you want WHITE metal. Okay? Whatever the best metal and alloy is that fits your budget. If that metal is 14kt white gold, then pick the X1 alloy option from Stuller (through IDJ) as it will not require plating. White metal looks the best on most skin tones, rose gold does NOT and many people just do not like it.

And you are going to get that setting from Yekutiel at ID Jewelry. AND you are going to send him an email with that link in it. AND then call him. And you are going to ask him to have it hand engraved for her. Okay? That is going to cost a MAXIMUM of 2000 with the diamond sidestones. Yekutiel might even be willing to do that style for you custom himself, instead of from Stuller, which would be a great option as well. BUT STICK TO THAT STYLE. Do NOT get jiggy with it.

NEXT you are going to get one of these stones for that setting with the 4k you have left over:
https://enchanteddiamonds.com/diamonds/view/O101-3854Z0859
https://enchanteddiamonds.com/diamonds/view/O96-393Z48203 My favorite
https://enchanteddiamonds.com/diamonds/view/O96-569741467
https://enchanteddiamonds.com/diamonds/view/O96-5907Z7659

First ask Yekutiel if he can get the stone for you, if not order from ED.

Okay? That's your best plan of action. AND it perfectly captures what you relayed above as her desires.

Oval is the best stone choice for you. It gives you the most bang for your buck as ovals face up very large for their carat weight and are very flattering to the hand, plus she specifically listed it as a shape she likes. And frankly asschers are by far the WORST choice you could have made for a stone as they face up tiny and again... are SQUARE not elongated as she likes.

This will get you very close if not OVER your 1.25 ctw goal.
 

tduenas4520

Rough_Rock
Joined
Jul 14, 2016
Messages
88
WOW. You all are a wealth of knowledge. I am lucky to have found this site. I have just began my search for a ring, and I've built a list of comments my GF has made about rings. I also am lucky enough to have her have a Pinterest, a site that let's people save photos of things they lIke (in this case, engagement rings). Below is the comments she has made about rings.

-HATES solitaires
-HATES having the same ring as everyone else.
-LOVES being the best
-Her favorite cut is pear, followed by oval, followed by emerald (which is why I thought an Asscher would work, as it's just a square emerald)
-HATES round cuts
-LOVES antiques
-LOVES white or rose gold equally
-HATES halos, but it seems only halos that are real tight to the center stone at an attempt to make it look larger. Some separation is OK, according to her pinterest.

I will post photos of her pinterest page in hopes you diamond gurus may send me in the right direction even more than you have.
 

tduenas4520

Rough_Rock
Joined
Jul 14, 2016
Messages
88
The top photo is the most recent

screenshot_2016-07-15-18-15-43_1_.png

screenshot_2016-07-15-18-15-49_1_0.png

screenshot_2016-07-15-18-15-54_1_.png

screenshot_2016-07-15-18-16-03_1_.png
 

tduenas4520

Rough_Rock
Joined
Jul 14, 2016
Messages
88
BTW I want to get close to the 1.25 Carat stone, over 1.5 for the CTW. If that is possible.
 

Gypsy

Super_Ideal_Rock
Joined
Aug 8, 2005
Messages
40,225
tduenas4520|1468634173|4055945 said:
BTW I want to get close to the 1.25 Carat stone, over 1.5 for the CTW. If that is possible.

No. It's not possible without huge sacrifices to color. Which we really do not advise in fancy shapes. You aren't getting a 1.25 center WHITE center in a FANCY shape (they show color more so you HAVE to stick to higher color).

If you look on the last image you posted you'll see that she has an oval (Ritani Bella Vita) with round sides pinned. Which is what I picked for her. So that's your best bet.

You are looking at a minimum of 1200 for any setting that fits her style in the type of quality that you would need for everyday wear. And that would be for a simple pave shank. As you can see, she has a strong preference for three stones. Those cost more. NONE of those images show the asscher look you were going for or the huge bulky setting you were looking it.


You need to be realistic. If you had an 8k budget, sure we could get you a 1.25 carat oval in a nice setting in her style. But on a 6k budget, given her setting preferences, it's just not likely to happen.

Looks like she likes rose gold as well as white gold.

I can look around a little more and see how much we can maximize your budget. Now that you've shown us her Pinterest account (great move) I actually am going to suggest a couple more settings and see if we can get her a lovely setting she will like that will give the illusion of more size.
 

Gypsy

Super_Ideal_Rock
Joined
Aug 8, 2005
Messages
40,225
Okay, so the first thing I feel like I have to bring up is that... you really need to have a talk with her about expectations for engagement rings and budgets. A really HONEST talk, which is fabulous preparation for marriage.

Almost all of the rings your lady pinned show stones over 2 carats... WELL over two carats (I see SEVERAL over 5 carats).

So I am concerned about that.

A lot of people have no idea what diamonds cost, so that is often an issue. But we STRONGLY recommend honest communication when there are concerns like this. So I am going to just say that you need to speak with her about the fact that her ring is likely going to have a stone that is SIGNIFICANTLY smaller than those she seems to prefer.
 

Gypsy

Super_Ideal_Rock
Joined
Aug 8, 2005
Messages
40,225
Next I am going to propose this setting for her:
http://www.maevona.com/engagement-rings-c-4/iris-dia-pear-prd-mva60-iri-dia-pe/
or this one:
http://www.maevona.com/iris-dia-oval-prd-mva60-iri-dia-ov/

With a pear shaped center stone or an oval. She actually has pinned "non traditional" halos and I think this would give her the bigger look she wants and still be budget friendly to you.

For ovals, the choices are still the same stones above. Plus this one at 4300 and 1.10 carats (since the oval version of the Maevona setting is 1700 that made this one in budget) : https://enchanteddiamonds.com/diamonds/view/O110-675205451 and at 8x6 that's a nice big stone for the budget!

This would be a great choice if you went for a pear: https://enchanteddiamonds.com/diamonds/view/P101-049459242 and that's 9 x 5.5 and gives you a LOT of size for the budget.

If you HAVE funds (not credit, actual cash) to increase your budget, then we can go bigger. But for a 6k budget. I am going to recommend one of the two settings here from Maevona as they will give you a halo 'boost' without the traditional halo look. And either the pear here, or one of the ovals I posted.

Even an 1.5k would probably get you an I color 1.25 carat. BUT I do NOT recommend you going over budget unless you REALLY can afford it.

And with the oval and pear I posted here, plus that Maevona setting I think you are going to be REALLY happy with the SIZE (not weight) of the rings you get for your original budget of 6k. And SIZE is what you wear on your finger, not weight. Those are REALLY nice sized stones.
 

Gypsy

Super_Ideal_Rock
Joined
Aug 8, 2005
Messages
40,225
tduenas4520|1468639355|4055978 said:
https://www.jamesallen.com/mobile/loose-diamonds/emerald-cut/1.20-carat-h-color-vs1-clarity-sku-1790296

https://www.jamesallen.com/mobile/engagement-rings/side-stones/14k-rose-gold-pave-trio-engagement-ring-item-50413

Thoughts?

My thought is you still have no idea what a good diamond looks like. Or what your lady wants.

That EC one of the worst I have ever seen. See all that black? That's all light leakage. That's one ugly rock. And that setting doesn't suit her at all.


I know YOU like step cuts. But this isn't about you. Or FOR you. And step cuts do the exact OPPOSITE of what you want. They face up SMALL for their weight. Ovals and pears face up LARGE for their carat weight. Plus step cuts show color more. So that H in a step cut is going to be more tinted than a well cut brilliant cut and look more yellow.

That EC at 1.2 carats is SMALLER than the .96 ovals I picked for you. The EC is 7 x 5.25mm. And ALL of the ovals I picked for you are larger than that. SIZE matters not WEIGHT.

You aren't listening to me. I really wish you would. :nono:
 

ac117

Ideal_Rock
Premium
Joined
Apr 28, 2014
Messages
4,060
Listen and read through what Gypsy has taken the time to post for you. The emerald cut you chose is a poor performer and is actually SMALLER than the ovals and pear she chose. Pay attention to DIMENSIONS and NOT carat weight. You're focusing too much on hitting the 1.2 carat mark and are not letting the experts here help you. That setting is also nothing like any she has posted.

Eta: Ah, just saw you said the same thing Gypsy :wavey:
 

tduenas4520

Rough_Rock
Joined
Jul 14, 2016
Messages
88
Forgive my ignorance. Just want a nice diamond and I must be paying attention to the wrong numbers.

The reason I am after 1.25 carats is as I mentioned, she likes to be different then everyone. All her friends received 1 carat rings, and as you can see she likes BIG diamonds and very non-modern settings.

I will be taking all advice and help to heart, I promise. But like everyone, I have a budget and want the best.
 

Gypsy

Super_Ideal_Rock
Joined
Aug 8, 2005
Messages
40,225
Again this is a SMALLER stone BY A LOT than the pear and the oval I picked for you above, but since you are set on getting a step cut this one here, IF EYECLEAN, might be a unicorn: an eyeclean SI1 step cut. Which makes it a good value. And it's got very nice performance.

https://enchanteddiamonds.com/diamonds/view/E121-740845359


Again, this stone while HEAVIER, is MUCH SMALLER than the oval and the pear I posted for you. BUT if you want a step cut then it's your best bet.

If you pair it with this setting: http://www.maevona.com/engagement-rings-c-4/snowdrop-dia-em-prd-mva59-sno-em/ It puts you only 150 over budget.

Though if you have the money, this setting is REALLY a better fit for her: http://www.maevona.com/engagement-rings-c-4/iris-dia-emerald-prd-mva60-iri-dia-em/

I would get this one in WHITE not pink metal. Why? It will make the stone look larger.


You can see what this setting would cost (without the center stone): http://www.beverleyk.com/vintage/r10373.html It's her taste, though I don't know if she would like the east west orientation of the stone.
 

Gypsy

Super_Ideal_Rock
Joined
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Messages
40,225
tduenas4520|1468640427|4055984 said:
Forgive my ignorance. Just want a nice diamond and I must be paying attention to the wrong numbers.

The reason I am after 1.25 carats is as I mentioned, she likes to be different then everyone. All her friends received 1 carat rings, and as you can see she likes BIG diamonds and very non-modern settings.

I will be taking all advice and help to heart, I promise. But like everyone, I have a budget and want the best.

I know. And I REALLY want to help you get that. And I really do understand. Your lady has big bling tastes and you have a budget you have to stick to. And I want to get you the biggest LOOK for that budget that I can, and make sure it's something she will really love.

Pick one of these stones. And then we can discuss settings. Seriously. I would not steer you wrong. For your budget these give you a lot of size.

For ovals, the choices are still the same stones above. Plus this one at 4300 and 1.10 carats : https://enchanteddiamonds.com/diamonds/view/O110-675205451 and at 8x6 that's a nice big stone for the budget!

This would be a great choice if you went for a pear: https://enchanteddiamonds.com/diamonds/view/P101-049459242 and that's 9 x 5.5 and gives you a LOT of size for the budget.
 

Gypsy

Super_Ideal_Rock
Joined
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Messages
40,225
So I was at a local jeweler and I tried this ring on yesterday. It was beautiful, well made and it is your lady's style. I fell head over heels and it is not my style AND I don't tend to favor rose gold. But it was so lovely, it MADE me like it.

img_12299.jpg


It is VERY affordable: https://www.simongjewelry.com/product/tr529-engagement-ring/

And I think in rose gold with an oval OR even a pear, it might be the PERFECT ring for her. Either in white metal (which I think would make the center stone look bigger) or rose gold it would be stunning.

It says that it can accommodate different shaped centers. I do think a nice oval (set north/south) would be the best fit.
 

tduenas4520

Rough_Rock
Joined
Jul 14, 2016
Messages
88
You can see more photos/larger photos by seeing her pinterest page @briejimenez

I will be looking deeply into making the right decision. I feel the oval will present the best ring.

Regarding the setting, I am not sure if she will like the heart designed prongs. None of the photos in her pinterest showed that. .
 

Gypsy

Super_Ideal_Rock
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Messages
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That's a good point on the heart prongs.

Does she have a best friend you can recruit to do some 'sleuthing'?

Or a sister, or cousin, or... well, any female that won't blab to her but will find out what she thinks?
 

tduenas4520

Rough_Rock
Joined
Jul 14, 2016
Messages
88
I just saw the Gabriel NY setting and loved it. That and the ring in your photo... Totally her style.

You all might benefit by her instagram as well. Maybe her look/style inspires a different ring.

Brianna_jimenez_71

Now you will know why I'm searching for the best :lol:
 

Gypsy

Super_Ideal_Rock
Joined
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I have no idea how to use instagram. Sorry.

I will look on pinterest for her though.
 

Gypsy

Super_Ideal_Rock
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Okay so she does like halos. She's just selective about which type.

As for her look, she likes bling. Big fan.

I am really liking the Simon G for her.


All the settings she likes are in the 3-4k range. BUT... If you went for a smaller center diamond. You can get her one of her dream settings.

http://www.heidigibson.com/designs/the-oval-gatsby-petite 3k for the all diamond semi mount. Holds a half carat center.


Or you can order the center stone from this place and get her dream ring:
http://www.heidigibson.com/designs/the-rhapsody Complete with the center stone it is RIGHT a your budget of 6k.

That is a vintage style (one I NEVER thought would be back in fashion) called a Ballerina ring.


Her link did give me one thought. It's a long shot. But I'm going to investigate it.
 

Gypsy

Super_Ideal_Rock
Joined
Aug 8, 2005
Messages
40,225
So here is an idea.

You said she really want something unique. And nice quality.

Well, if you went for this light pink fancy diamond (pink diamonds are MUCH more expensive than white ones):
http://www.diamondsbylauren.com/index.php/jewelry/loose-pink-diamond-50ct-faint-pink-vs1-pear-shape-diamond-gia-r6674

With this petite version of one of the settings she really likes:
http://www.heidigibson.com/designs/rhapsody-petite In rose gold.


It's would give her bragging rights because she would have a pink diamond that is a nice size 6.5x4.5mm. It gives her a setting from a designer she really likes with a really big look. And it comes in at budget for you.
 

Gypsy

Super_Ideal_Rock
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Gypsy

Super_Ideal_Rock
Joined
Aug 8, 2005
Messages
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I have a more controversial idea as well.

This seller is one of the best ones on ebay for vintage pieces. This ring gives her a LOT of coverage.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Estate-12-000-5ct-Marquis-Baguette-Diamond-VS-H-14k-Gold-BALLERINA-Ring-/401017137737?hash=item5d5e7bea49:g:VKoAAOSwo0JWLW5x I doubt that center stone is a VS. It is probably an Si1. And I am positive it's an oval, not a marquise. But it's her style and give you a very large look. And it would be one of a kind.


You'd have to see if she likes it though.

ballerina.jpg
 
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