Help me choose a Three stone Anniversary Diamong ring $4500 budget

[DVDIT]

I have started my hunt for a beautiful anniversary rings for my beloved wife of 20 years. I have set the budget around $4500 but willing to go up to $5500 and eat peanut butter and jelly for dinner for a few months. I have found many rings in my budget but I am having a hard time choosing. I want to get her the biggest diamond my budget allows without sacrificing sparkle. I have chosen Platinum as the setting, and the cut being the most important factor, I have decided to get excellent/ideal cut. My question is should I go with SI clarity and I-color and go for the biggest I can afford OR go with VS2 and H color, all other being equal? Which would give the biggest impact for the naked human eye. There in no doubt she would choose the one that would give the most wow factor. I am not interested in any quality that only shows up under magnification. I just want an eye-clean, biggest and one that gives the most sparkle within my budget. I am looking for at least .9 carat for the center but I am clueless on what to choose for the sides. I am open to any suggestion. Thank you much for your help.

 

[D&T]

ok, there are lots of variables - you have a budget set- GREAT! but now comes the challenging parts right?

- are you going custom three stone setting? or will this be a stock setting?

- If you are going stock settings, some jewelers have preset sidestones which is included in the setting price, others you will have to select the sidestones. Sometimes I like to work backwards - I will select a setting and then what ever leftover goes towards the stones (usually I like the other way around)

- you''ll knock off some $$ on eye clean SIs and I is great color choice....
- sidestones - do you want thise all to be about the same size? or do you want the center to POP more and the sides to be more like accents?

 

[D&T]

ok... just from one vendor you can get this:
http://www.whiteflash.com/round_ideal_cut/Round-Ideal-Cut-cut-diamond-2097577.htm $2900 ish

with these side stones:

http://www.whiteflash.com/round/Round-cut-diamond-2176271.htm $660 ish

http://www.whiteflash.com/round_ideal_cut/Round-Ideal-Cut-cut-diamond-2174179.htm $670 ish

But you'd have to ask WF rep to see if the sidestones match though, but just an example here
The rest onto a setting.

but I don't know what the proportions you are interested in (personal preference), th sidestones are 1/2 of the center.


ETA: here is a nice three stone thread to give you some ideas design, and proportions
https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/3-stone-ring-girls-are-you-out-there.75486/

 

[DVDIT]

D&T,

Thanks for your input. I am mostly concerned about the color and clarity as I can save a lot of money there but wasn't sure if I-color and SI clarity is good enough for the naked eye.

I am going to build my own... as for the setting, I have chosen a platinum which is going to run me about $930-1000. I want the center to have more pop so I was thinking of .9 carat for the center (might go bigger if budget allows) and .31 -.41 for the sides. Should I keep the sides as the same color, cut and clarity as the center ?

 

[stone-cold11]

2 grades off for the side stones is acceptable.

 

[D&T]

Date: 9/14/2009 4:44:07 PM
Author: DVDIT
D&T,

Thanks for your input. I am mostly concerned about the color and clarity as I can save a lot of money there but wasn't sure if I-color and SI clarity is good enough for the naked eye.

I am going to build my own... as for the setting, I have chosen a platinum which is going to run me about $930-1000. I want the center to have more pop so I was thinking of .9 carat for the center (might go bigger if budget allows) and .31 -.41 for the sides. Should I keep the sides as the same color, cut and clarity as the center ?

I really the .30 sidestone range as it will give a nice presence but will allow your center to take...well center stage. I am planning on a three stone next year myself, and just think the .30 sides is a nice touch without overpowering your Center.

Like SC - mentioned, If I were you, you could get the J sidestones .31 carat range ( I think WF has som Expert selection stones that are about $400 a piece, this way you can get more center with your $$), and you will probably not notice any drastic differences from the top view at all.


ETA:

here are the sidestones I would choose if you decided to go with WF on your center if its I or J center...

http://www.whiteflash.com/round_ideal_cut/Round-Ideal-Cut-cut-diamond-2176296.htm
http://www.whiteflash.com/round_ideal_cut/Round-Ideal-Cut-cut-diamond-2176295.htm


ETAA: and the nice thing about these sidestones, are that they are upgradable

You can always upgrade to a larger three stone in the future!

check into their upgrade policy - its phenomenal.

 

[DVDIT]

Stone-cold11,

Two grades of what? clarity, color, cut ?

 

[DVDIT]

D&T,

Thanks for the links. I was looking at Blue nile only as I don''t know any other reputable online dealers.

 

[stone-cold11]

2 grades of color and clarity. Cut always go for the best.

 

[DVDIT]

I called an online vendor and talked to a CS rep. He says since I have chosen a platinum setting, I should look no lower than an H-color and VS2 clarity. Is that the way to go? I really wanted to go with I-color and SI2 or SI1 and go for the biggest carat my budget allows.

 

[D&T]

Date: 9/14/2009 7:58:39 PM
Author: DVDIT
D&T,

Thanks for the links. I was looking at Blue nile only as I don't know any other reputable online dealers.

Honestly, I wouldn't mind buying stones from Blue Nile -if you know exactly what you are looking for measurements - angles and specs (blue Nile doesn't provide you all the images that is very helpful when you buy site unseen on diamonds) however if you are concerned with stones matching up, its always nice to have a rep look at them and having the diamonds in house like WF helps in making the right decision. Are you going to make the ring yourself? as in casting them and all? If not, I would also try giving whiteflash a try on their custom quote as well. Do a search on Whiteflash or WF rings, you'll see many posts about them. They are quite recommended, I have worked with them on more than a few occasions myself.

ETA: although there are many other vendors on here that I would not hesitate to work with as well, Such as Wink Jones, Goodoldgold, Excel, High performance diamonds, There are more, and I apologize that I missed many as well

 

[D&T]

Date: 9/14/2009 8:32:37 PM
Author: DVDIT
I called an online vendor and talked to a CS rep. He says since I have chosen a platinum setting, I should look no lower than an H-color and VS2 clarity. Is that the way to go? I really wanted to go with I-color and SI2 or SI1 and go for the biggest carat my budget allows.

what was their reasoning maybe that was the *safest* option so it would be eyeclean and still near colorless? in a well cut diamond I honestly cannot tell the difference from an H and I from the top view. Are you or your wife color sensitive? If you say you are Ok with an I and eyeclean SIs then I would find another vendor that will hear my wishes.

 

[Kaleigh]

Date: 9/14/2009 8:40:35 PM
Author: D&T

Date: 9/14/2009 8:32:37 PM
Author: DVDIT
I called an online vendor and talked to a CS rep. He says since I have chosen a platinum setting, I should look no lower than an H-color and VS2 clarity. Is that the way to go? I really wanted to go with I-color and SI2 or SI1 and go for the biggest carat my budget allows.

what was their reasoning maybe that was the *safest* option so it would be eyeclean and still near colorless? in a well cut diamond I honestly cannot tell the difference from an H and I from the top view. Are you or your wife color sensitive? If you say you are Ok with an I and eyeclean SIs then I would find another vendor that will hear my wishes.

Ditto. Maximize the stones by going eye clean SI''1s or even SI''2. I color should be fine as long as CUT is key for you.

 

[Logan Sapphire]

I have a three stone and my center is an E, while my sides are H. If you hold your face up to it very closely and stare, you can see a color difference. Otherwise in real life, I can''t see it at all.

 

[DVDIT]

Date: 9/14/2009 8:45:51 PM
Author: Kaleigh

Date: 9/14/2009 8:40:35 PM

Author: D&T

Date: 9/14/2009 8:32:37 PM

Author: DVDIT

I called an online vendor and talked to a CS rep. He says since I have chosen a platinum setting, I should look no lower than an H-color and VS2 clarity. Is that the way to go? I really wanted to go with I-color and SI2 or SI1 and go for the biggest carat my budget allows.

what was their reasoning maybe that was the *safest* option so it would be eyeclean and still near colorless? in a well cut diamond I honestly cannot tell the difference from an H and I from the top view. Are you or your wife color sensitive? If you say you are Ok with an I and eyeclean SIs then I would find another vendor that will hear my wishes.

Ditto. Maximize the stones by going eye clean SI''1s or even SI''2. I color should be fine as long as CUT is key for you.

He said H-color or above will complement the platinum setting. He also suggested to avoid blue fluorescence in colors above H. I wonder if I should go with an I-color with a strong blue fluorescence. Would that work on a platinum setting?

I am going to go with excellent /ideal cut for sure. Carat, clarity and color is where I will research more. From feedbacks I have received so far, I am leaning towards SI1 and i-h color. I have a few months before I buy so I will read up more. Of course, I welcome any additional input/suggestion from all.

 

[DVDIT]

Date: 9/14/2009 8:52:51 PM
Author: Logan Sapphire
I have a three stone and my center is an E, while my sides are H. If you hold your face up to it very closely and stare, you can see a color difference. Otherwise in real life, I can't see it at all.

Are you color sensitive? I thought all near colorless would not be visible to the naked eye. Being a newbie really s**k. I need to read more!!!

 

[D&T]

are you in the US by chance? if you are, one suggestion is to go to Jareds and view their Peerless collections, as those are Ideal AGS0 rated diamonds, to get an idea of color and ask to see if you can view those diamonds in their mounts perhaps, once on a mount you can tell whether you are color sensitive or not.

 

[DVDIT]

Author:[/b] Kaleigh

Date: 9/14/2009 8:40:35 PM

Author: D&T

Ditto. Maximize the stones by going eye clean SI''1s or even SI''2. I color should be fine as long as CUT is key for you.

I am strongly leaning that way.

 

[DVDIT]

Date: 9/14/2009 10:36:18 PM
Author: D&T
are you in the US by chance? if you are, one suggestion is to go to Jareds and view their Peerless collections, as those are Ideal AGS0 rated diamonds, to get an idea of color and ask to see if you can view those diamonds in their mounts perhaps, once on a mount you can tell whether you are color sensitive or not.

I am located in DC. I will find a Jareds, if there is one, and check it out. Thanks for the tip. You guys rock!

 

[stone-cold11]

JA has an office near DC, in New Market, MD. Maybe get an appointment with them?

 

[Lorelei]

Date: 9/15/2009 8:59:14 AM
Author: DVDIT

Date: 9/14/2009 10:36:18 PM
Author: D&T
are you in the US by chance? if you are, one suggestion is to go to Jareds and view their Peerless collections, as those are Ideal AGS0 rated diamonds, to get an idea of color and ask to see if you can view those diamonds in their mounts perhaps, once on a mount you can tell whether you are color sensitive or not.

I am located in DC. I will find a Jareds, if there is one, and check it out. Thanks for the tip. You guys rock!

You could try James Allen but I think they prefer to make appointments for those who wish to actually buy from them, not for casual comparison purposes so much and I don't think they offer a ' walk in ' service like stores do, an appointment would be needed. You could also try Hearts on Fire if there is a dealer near you and compare some of their diamonds, these would give you a good comparison.

 

[DVDIT]

I am going to check out Zales and Macy's just to get an idea of different sizes. I have pushed my budget a bit to $6000 and go on a diet (LOL) so I can get her 2.00 total carat. If I-color looks OK on a platinum, I might go for ideal/excellent cut, SI2, I-color, 1.1 - 1.15 carat center and .42 for the sides. Would that give a big wow factor with brilliance and sparkle?

 

[D&T]

Date: 9/15/2009 12:03:47 PM
Author: DVDIT
I am going to check out Zales and Macy's just to get an idea of different sizes. I have pushed my budget a bit to $6000 and go on a diet (LOL) so I can get her 2.00 total carat. If I-color looks OK on a platinum, I might go for ideal/excellent cut, SI2, I-color, 1.1 - 1.15 carat center and .42 for the sides. Would that give a big wow factor with brilliance and sparkle?

It will be blingy gorgeous

It will look just fine in platinum face up white beautifully - just be aware that if zales or macy's have these I color stones and incase you see a slight tint - just remember their stone is probably not a well cut stone at all, it should still face up white, just make a mental note that your stones that you pick from any of the PS vendor will be well cut and far better quality than that at the mall stores.

 

[DVDIT]

Date: 9/15/2009 12:09:07 PM
Author: D&T

Date: 9/15/2009 12:03:47 PM

Author: DVDIT

I am going to check out Zales and Macy's just to get an idea of different sizes. I have pushed my budget a bit to $6000 and go on a diet (LOL) so I can get her 2.00 total carat. If I-color looks OK on a platinum, I might go for ideal/excellent cut, SI2, I-color, 1.1 - 1.15 carat center and .42 for the sides. Would that give a big wow factor with brilliance and sparkle?

It will be blingy gorgeous

It will look just fine in platinum face up white beautifully - just be aware that if zales or macy's have these I color stones and incase you see a slight tint - just remember their stone is probably not a well cut stone at all, it should still face up white, just make a mental note that your stones that you pick from any of the PS vendor will be well cut and far better quality than that at the mall stores.

I have no plan to buy from department/mall stores. I have seen quite a few before and they all look dull me to. I can't visualize how big 2.00 total carat looks like, need to check it out in person. Whoever I buy it from, I will ask them to see if it is eye-clean and if it is, SI2 it is with I-color with strong blue florescence, if I can find one.
That statement, "blingy gorgeous", makes me feel gooooooooooood! Thanks, D&T.

 

[D&T]

Date: 9/15/2009 1:11:30 PM
Author: DVDIT

Date: 9/15/2009 12:09:07 PM
Author: D&T
It will be blingy gorgeous

It will look just fine in platinum face up white beautifully - just be aware that if zales or macy''s have these I color stones and incase you see a slight tint - just remember their stone is probably not a well cut stone at all, it should still face up white, just make a mental note that your stones that you pick from any of the PS vendor will be well cut and far better quality than that at the mall stores.

I have no plan to buy from department/mall stores. I have seen quite a few before and they all look dull me to. I can''t visualize how big 2.00 total carat looks like, need to check it out in person. Whoever I buy it from, I will ask them to see if it is eye-clean and if it is, SI2 it is with I-color with strong blue florescence, if I can find one.
That statement, ''blingy gorgeous'', makes me feel gooooooooooood! Thanks, D&T.

Just make sure the strong blue will not make the diamond look oily/cloudy looking. Some will exhibit this characteristics - not all but double check with vendor.

 

[DVDIT]

Just make sure the strong blue will not make the diamond look oily/cloudy looking. Some will exhibit this characteristics - not all but double check with vendor.

Will do.

 

[DVDIT]

How important are the following:

Crown Angle:
Crown %:
Pavilion Angle:
Pavilion %:

Blue Nile does not publish those figures on their website but I see them mentioned frequently in this forum.