Help me choose a diamond band!

[cliniquelove83]

Hi all I posted this is in rocky talky but haven''t had many responses and I need to act asap so ... I work in the medical field and have been looking for a relatively inexpensive diamond band to wear instead of my e-ring. This will not be my wedding band but I would like a nice looking temp in the mean time! Initially I went to some chain retailers but the price points on simple bands were atrocious. Today I stumbled across two bands advertised on my local craigslist. Both seem legit, with paperwork etc and the asking prices were reasonable. I would like your input, especially on price, thanks!

Ring 1: 14K white gold, 5 stone ring, 0.30 tcw, color H/I, SI2, asking price $330

Ring 2: Platinum, 7 stone ring, 0.70 tcw, color F/G, SI2, $400 ... this one seems a little too good to be true for price, but it is used

 

[cliniquelove83]

second contender ...

 

[lilyfoot]

I think they''re both very pretty; obviously the second one is the "better" deal (if the stats check out).

I would contact the seller about the second one, and check it out in person. You''ll be able to verify whether or not you''re interested then.

 

[movie zombie]

2nd one: looks sturdier. i don''t like the first one at all: too much gap between stones.

mz

 

[lilyfoot]

Date: 6/18/2010 1:22:53 PM
Author: movie zombie
2nd one: looks sturdier. i don''t like the first one at all: too much gap between stones.

mz

Ok, I took this to be the design of the ring .. if this is actually NOT done on purpose, then I wouldn''t suggest buying that one either.

 

[diamondringlover]

The 2nd one is a really good deal, I bought a 5 stone off ebay used and its 18k .75ct and it was $500, you can get some really good deals on used rings...if wearing a used ring dont bother you

 

[cliniquelove83]

Thanks for the responses, I think I''m picking the second one. I''m going to have the seller sign a document saying that I can return the ring if any of the stats prove to be incorrect on independent appraisal ... the price seems to be a little too good to be true, esp if it is set in platinum.

 

[marcy]

I like the second one better.

 

[Miss Sparkly]

Where''s the first one from?

 

[Tacori E-ring]

I have the first band (or at least a VERY similar design) and there are little horizontal "bars" between the stones. It looks VERY deliberate IRL. I think it is a sweet little band.

 

[cliniquelove83]

Tacori, would you happen to have a pic of your band? You have me curious now!

 

[cliniquelove83]

diamondrnglover! you encouraged me to look on ebay and what do I find but ... a 14K 5-stone, approximately 1 carat, G/H, SI2/3 for not much more than the other rings I was looking at! I admit it was a splurge but a great find nonetheless, the seller seems reputable but I will have it appraised to verify stats! yay! I''m so excited for new finger bling!!!

 

[cliniquelove83]

another

 

[Dandi]

Looks gorgeous!!!

 

[diamondringlover]

Date: 6/22/2010 1:42:43 AM
Author: cliniquelove83
diamondrnglover! you encouraged me to look on ebay and what do I find but ... a 14K 5-stone, approximately 1 carat, G/H, SI2/3 for not much more than the other rings I was looking at! I admit it was a splurge but a great find nonetheless, the seller seems reputable but I will have it appraised to verify stats! yay! I''m so excited for new finger bling!!!

Very nice

I do like ebay, sometimes a little to much, lol, congrats on the great find, it is a pretty ring!

 

[Tacori E-ring]

Pretty ring! I have never done the ebay thing but everyone seems to get awesome deals. I am not sure I have a pic on my computer but if not I will take one tomorrow. I feel like it was from Rogers and Hollands (or something like that) does that sound familiar?

 

[gemgirl]

Date: 6/22/2010 1:42:43 AM
Author: cliniquelove83
diamondrnglover! you encouraged me to look on ebay and what do I find but ... a 14K 5-stone, approximately 1 carat, G/H, SI2/3 for not much more than the other rings I was looking at! I admit it was a splurge but a great find nonetheless, the seller seems reputable but I will have it appraised to verify stats! yay! I''m so excited for new finger bling!!!

I like the second choice better because the stones are closer together.

Please know that neither GIA or AGS support an SI3 clarity grade. SI3s were an invention of EGL (not as highly a respected lab) to help I1s sound more palatable to potential customers. You can read about SI3s in this old PS thread.
https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/si3-clarity.4363/

Having said that, if SI3s are OK with you, that''s perfectly fine. It''s a pretty ring. We''re just all for being a well informed consumer.

 

[cliniquelove83]

Thanks, gemgirl. I did notice this, I''m going to visually inspect and if the inclusions bother me I''m returning it. Further, I''m going to have it checked out by my jeweler since I am by no means an expert. That said I have seen some very nice (usually small) I1s on PS from time to time so here''s to wishing ... I should have an update with photos in 2-3 days since they just shipped the ring.

 

[cliniquelove83]

So, the ring arrived today. I''m not sure if I''ll keep it, I''m hoping PS can help a gal out. I am impressed by the finger coverage but feel the style of the ring is a little dated. I took it to a mall jeweler (will take it to mine tomorrow when I have some extra time after work) and she felt that 3 stones were SI2 and the other 2 were likely I1. The stones are somewhat flat, the inclusions aren''t that noticeable but it doesn''t seem to shine the way high clarity diamonds do. It is set in 14k white gold and there is some yellowing on sides of the band due to wear/age. I spent $600, the woman I spoke with today seemed to think it was a good deal because of the high tcw (around 1 ct). I know it really depends if I like it, just wondering what your thoughts are. I have 7 days to return it ... help! I''ve attached some photos.

 

[cliniquelove83]

another

 

[cliniquelove83]

in the light ...

 

[cliniquelove83]

another

 

[cliniquelove83]

almost there...

 

[cliniquelove83]

last one, mirror pic. ring looks a little dull here.

 

[radiantquest]

I am not speaking from an expert standpoint here, but I think that is very pretty and you got a reasonable price. You said that you were looking for something inexpensive and temporary. This seems perfect for your needs. I know that you want to make sure that you got what you paid for and want to make sure that you are not going to lose diamonds so I think taking it to your jewler is a good idea. As long as he says they are diamonds and in the S1-S3 range, in my opinion it was a good find.

I like it and I would wear it. I dont think it looks bad even in the pictures and we all know that diamonds look way better IRL.

 

[lknvrb4]

I think it looks pretty and very white!

 

[lilyfoot]

Unless the photos are lying to me, your ring looks very pretty. I don't feel that it looks outdated at all. I also think you paid a good price.

However, if you are not "feeling" it, then return it. $600 is nothing to sneeze at!