Help me find a gorgeous e-ring please!

[MarionC]

Sorry if I missed this in your thread, but did you and your friend look at the diamond outside, in sunlight, in shade, etc.?
Almost everything looks uber-sparkly in the store, but can have disappointing performance once you get away from the "sales lights".

 

[busines4u]

Yes I took the diamond outside and looked at it in the sunlight. I also stepped back away from their counter inside to view it outside of their bright spot lights. Everything appeared to check out okay!

I did not take it into the shade though outside to see how it looked. I am going back yet again tonight with my mother as she wants to check it out. I will certainly be sure to find some shade to see what it looks like.

 

[Texas Leaguer]

Yes I took the diamond outside and looked at it in the sunlight. I also stepped back away from their counter inside to view it outside of their bright spot lights. Everything appeared to check out okay!

I did not take it into the shade though outside to see how it looked. I am going back yet again tonight with my mother as she wants to check it out. I will certainly be sure to find some shade to see what it looks like.

Make sure you get the stone nice and clean before you inspect it. The pictures earlier seemed to show a film on the diamond, possibly from handling while placing the diamond into the holder. Oil from your fingers will do that (especially if you use hand lotion). Judging from the cert I would not think the stone would look as cloudy as it did in the holder and even in the hearts and arrows pics.

 

[busines4u]

Yes I took the diamond outside and looked at it in the sunlight. I also stepped back away from their counter inside to view it outside of their bright spot lights. Everything appeared to check out okay!

I did not take it into the shade though outside to see how it looked. I am going back yet again tonight with my mother as she wants to check it out. I will certainly be sure to find some shade to see what it looks like.

Make sure you get the stone nice and clean before you inspect it. The pictures earlier seemed to show a film on the diamond, possibly from handling while placing the diamond into the holder. Oil from your fingers will do that (especially if you use hand lotion). Judging from the cert I would not think the stone would look as cloudy as it did in the holder and even in the hearts and arrows pics.

I think the pictures appeared that way was also contributed to the fact that I had a really difficult time getting my camera to focus on just the diamond. I was holding the ring in my fingers when I took the diamond and in the picture you can see my fingers crystal clear, but the diamond did look cloudy. I am bringing a digital camera with me tonight so that I can manually focus the camera. I will post them on here for everyone to see. I also want to snap a few pictures of this mysterious "something" found above the culet and below the girdle. I will also inspect this under the scope to get a better idea of what it actually is.

Thanks for the tip! I will certainly have them clean it before we inspect it.

I also have a call into AGS to see what they will be willing to do for me if anything.

 

[D_]

Sounds like a girdle reflection.

 

[busines4u]

Sounds like a girdle reflection.

Is this something that is normal? Or something I should be concerned about?

EDIT: After checking the forums on here this is normal and is nothing to worry about, assuming it is a girdle reflection

 

[busines4u]

Here are some pictures I took. They still don't do the diamond justice as they still look blurry/cloudy. These things are very hard to take pictures of!

Also AGS does have a light performance map that they are going to send via mail (not sure why they couldn't just provide me with a digital copy) Do you think this will suffice or should I try and get an Ideal Scope?

 

[busines4u]

The platinum light performance diamond quality document came in and I got to view the ASET

Below is an image of the light performance. Please let me know what you think of it. In my opinion it looks pretty good but I'm pretty new to reading these and value any and all opinions.

 

[D_]

It looks really good

 

[busines4u]

It looks really good

Thanks for the feedback! Is there any concern that this is a "computer generated" image of the diamond and not a physical representation of the diamond itself?

 

[tyty333]

The stone/ring look beautiful! And YES, they are very difficult to photograph. I usually take about 50 shots and maybe get 3
that I like (bad odds)!

 

[VRBeauty]

I'd be concerned about those floating arms getting caught in things - like a very nice sweater, for example. Could the end of each arm be "tacked" to the basket somehow?

 

[Texas Leaguer]

It looks really good

Thanks for the feedback! Is there any concern that this is a "computer generated" image of the diamond and not a physical representation of the diamond itself?

Here is a short thread where this question is discussed:
[URL='https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/aset-included-in-ags-certificate.215530/']https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/aset-included-in-ags-certificate.215530/[/URL]

 

[busines4u]

I'd be concerned about those floating arms getting caught in things - like a very nice sweater, for example. Could the end of each arm be "tacked" to the basket somehow?

I too am concerned about this. Especially since she is a nurse and is always working with her hands. I'll have to inquire about what it would take to get each arm tacked to the basket somehow. I really wish that the ring was made of platinum vs 18K white gold.

 

[busines4u]

It looks really good

Thanks for the feedback! Is there any concern that this is a "computer generated" image of the diamond and not a physical representation of the diamond itself?

Here is a short thread where this question is discussed:
[URL='https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/aset-included-in-ags-certificate.215530/']https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/aset-included-in-ags-certificate.215530/[/URL]

Thanks for sharing the link. This thread helped a good bit.

 

[Coralfish]

Hi,

As you are not yet tied into the diamond I feel it is okay to mention that in every picture it has a greasy/cloudy look. Is the diamond clean? I am still worried about 'clouds not shown'.
Please have them ultrasonic the diamond, then take it outside/inside next to a GIA/AGS VS1 or higher.
Then and only then a slight cloudiness may show up. It is not always obvious without a comparable to a layperson's eye.

How much is the Jared setting?

With a 9.5k budget and limited time I would buy this

http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/1.36-carat-h-color-vs2-clarity-ideal-cut-sku-584228

get it discounted to 9k with the advantage discount (just ask in chat or on the phone), and set it with something like this. You can ask them if they'll change the bezel to a claw prong.

http://www.jamesallen.com/engagement-rings/tension/14k-white-gold-pave-bypass-bezel-set-diamond-engagement-ring-item-9225

or

http://www.jamesallen.com/engagement-rings/solitaire/18k-white-gold-regal-halo-engagement-ring-item-22555

 

[busines4u]

I'm planning on taking this ring to an appraiser tomorrow to have a gemologist give me his opinion on the whole thing in it's entirety. Reason being I lost my trust in Jared's with the first 2 diamonds they tried to sell me as well as the lies I was told. Suddenly I'm getting a bigger stone 1.3 vs 1.2 and better clarity SI1 vs SI2 for the same exact price. This raised a red flag for me and I would feel better getting another set of eyes on it to be sure everything checks out.

Any opinions on going this route? I hope to have the appraiser give me his opinion on it and if everything checks out okay I will send it off to AGS to have the number inscribed on it. My concern is that the appraiser will tell me that there is something wrong with the ring/diamond (when there really isn't) to get me to return it and by a ring/diamond from him instead? I'm told that he is trustworthy and will be honest regardless. The appraisal costs $85, does that sound reasonable?

 

[Coralfish]

To add to my post above, this is even closer. You can ask if they'll discount the setting by 10 or 15 percent as you're buying the diamond from them. I mean they have a sale of up to 25% on settings a few times a year so it won't hurt to ask.

http://www.jamesallen.com/engagement-rings/pave/14k-white-gold-modern-bypass-micropave-diamond-engagement-ring-item-50669


This one too but tis rather bold

http://www.jamesallen.com/engagement-rings/tension/14k-white-gold-spiral-solitaire-engagement-ring-item-1880

 

[Coralfish]

Crikey, I read that price wrong! Sorry, I thought it said 9.2k and it is 9.9k. Oops

In that case, I'd go for this one with the advantage discount

http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/1.20-carat-h-color-vs1-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-534386

With this

http://www.jamesallen.com/engagement-rings/pave/14k-white-gold-modern-bypass-micropave-diamond-engagement-ring-item-50669

And puts the whole shebang under budget.


Re appraiser - please

i) do as above with the ultrasonic'd diamond

ii) make sure you are still within the return period and they are not just stringing you out timewise till you can't return it anymore.

iii) if diamond is still not hazy or cloudy next to a vs1 or higher (make sure the comparison diamond has negligible flouresence, just to mitigate for any extra effects) then possibly take it to an appraiser.

I don't feel comfortable that you basically only have one diamond to pick from. I feel you feel slightly railroaded and you shouldn't feel like that.

 

[busines4u]

Hi,

As you are not yet tied into the diamond I feel it is okay to mention that in every picture it has a greasy/cloudy look. Is the diamond clean? I am still worried about 'clouds not shown'.
Please have them ultrasonic the diamond, then take it outside/inside next to a GIA/AGS VS1 or higher.
Then and only then a slight cloudiness may show up. It is not always obvious without a comparable to a layperson's eye.

How much is the Jared setting?

With a 9.5k budget and limited time I would buy this

http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/1.36-carat-h-color-vs2-clarity-ideal-cut-sku-584228

get it discounted to 9k with the advantage discount (just ask in chat or on the phone), and set it with something like this. You can ask them if they'll change the bezel to a claw prong.

http://www.jamesallen.com/engagement-rings/tension/14k-white-gold-pave-bypass-bezel-set-diamond-engagement-ring-item-9225

or

http://www.jamesallen.com/engagement-rings/solitaire/18k-white-gold-regal-halo-engagement-ring-item-22555

The Jared setting is $1999. In total the ring will cost me $9600-$9700 with tax included.

I agree with what you said in that the diamond looks greasy/cloudy which is why I am taking it to an appraiser/gemologist to get their opinion on it. I think that the pictures do not do justice for the ring. I don't think that the diamond looks cloudy in real life either (although I never compared it next to a VS1 either). Being that the cert says "additional clouds not shown" makes me raise my eye brows. There is hardly any markings on the diamond and it is graded as an SI1, which is a concern I think.

 

[Coralfish]

If you will go down to 'I', I'd kick none of these out of bed for eating crackers (with a wearier look at a couple of the SI1s' tables). There is even an F in the mix (though it is a 60 60 stone - these have a slightly different flavour with, broadly, less fire and more light return and slightly better spread), and 1.41ct I VS2

http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/?CaratFrom=1.20&CaratTo=15&Color=I,H,G,F,E,D&Cut=TrueHearts&PriceFrom=&PriceTo=&ViewsOptions=Images&TabSelected=3&DiamondID=608823,581027,584240,247011,584263,584258,559060,534386,564622,584239

And to reiterate, I like this even better than your Jared setting, 720 in 14k white gold or 1170 in platinum

http://www.jamesallen.com/engagement-rings/pave/14k-white-gold-modern-bypass-micropave-diamond-engagement-ring-item-50669



I think 1999 for their setting is rather overpriced.

Here are some comparables in the twisty pave family:

http://www.jamesallen.com/engagement-rings/pave/14k-white-gold-twisted-pave-shank-contemporary-solitaire-item-6859
http://www.jamesallen.com/engagement-rings/pave/18k-white-gold-pave-crossover-engagement-ring-item-22573
http://www.jamesallen.com/engagement-rings/pave/14k-white-gold-twin-pave-cross-over-diamond-engagement-ring-item-49496
http://www.jamesallen.com/engagement-rings/halo/14k-white-gold-pave-twist-diamond-engagement-ring-item-52598
http://www.jamesallen.com/engagement-rings/halo/14k-white-gold-twisted-pave-halo-engagement-ring-item-41065
http://www.jamesallen.com/engagement-rings/pave/14k-white-gold-pave-diamond-infinity-engagement-ring-item-49479
http://www.jamesallen.com/engagement-rings/tension/14k-white-gold-bypass-pave-set-diamond-engagement-ring-item-295
http://www.jamesallen.com/engagement-rings/halo/18k-white-gold-floral-scallop-twisted-engagement-ring-item-22582
http://www.jamesallen.com/engagement-rings/pave/14k-white-gold-love-knot-diamond-engagement-ring-item-41058
http://www.jamesallen.com/engagement-rings/pave/14k-white-gold-enclosed-pave-halo-item-8100


Not that you or anyone else asked! But if it was my 2k to spend on a setting, this week (!) I'd go for this
http://www.jamesallen.com/engagement-rings/channel-set/14k-white-gold-baguette-diamond-engagement-ring-item-50120

At a push, I suppose I could be talked into this
http://www.jamesallen.com/engagement-rings/vintage/vintage-inspired-open-row-pave-diamond-engagement-ring-item-49486

 

[busines4u]

Crikey, I read that price wrong! Sorry, I thought it said 9.2k and it is 9.9k. Oops

In that case, I'd go for this one with the advantage discount

http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/1.20-carat-h-color-vs1-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-534386

With this

http://www.jamesallen.com/engagement-rings/pave/14k-white-gold-modern-bypass-micropave-diamond-engagement-ring-item-50669

And puts the whole shebang under budget.


Re appraiser - please

i) do as above with the ultrasonic'd diamond

ii) make sure you are still within the return period and they are not just stringing you out timewise till you can't return it anymore.

iii) if diamond is still not hazy or cloudy next to a vs1 or higher (make sure the comparison diamond has negligible flouresence, just to mitigate for any extra effects) then possibly take it to an appraiser.

I don't feel comfortable that you basically only have one diamond to pick from. I feel you feel slightly railroaded and you shouldn't feel like that.

Tomorrow (8/25) is my last day to return the ring, which is why i'm rushing to get it to an appraiser to have it checked out. They told me that if I was a couple of days past that date they will still allow me a full refund, but I'ld rather not take any chances. I have not brought the ring out of the store yet. Tonight will be my first time.

 

[Coralfish]

Hi busines4u

My gut feeling is that you should scrap this and start over. I think you can do a lot better and the looming deadline is not helping your thought process. I say this from experience. The diamond is not a bargain and neither is the setting.
By no means trust them re. being a couple of days over your return date!

It sounds like they are not giving you a discount on the setting in return for buying a diamond from them. I can see no reason to be tied to this diamond.

Ps I edited my post just above yours to show a variety of twisted prong settings. Please go back and have a look. I can look at other manufacturers too. If you feel able, perhaps show them to your intended and see whether she even prefers any to the jared setting. They are almost all cheaper than it, and almost all nicer, of course in my opinion, but just in terms of the fluidity and wearability of the design.
Even if she wants the Jared setting, I would still start again with the diamond. What was your general feeling about the stone options at James Allen?

In any case, what is your gut feeling about what to do re. the stone in hand.

Edited again to say:

If for any reason you really are set on this combination, insist on returning it today and rebuying it, to begin your ?30 day return period again. After all, you have not had the 30 (or 60, I don't know, sorry) full evaluation period with this particular stone.

 

[Texas Leaguer]

Hi,

As you are not yet tied into the diamond I feel it is okay to mention that in every picture it has a greasy/cloudy look. Is the diamond clean? I am still worried about 'clouds not shown'.
Please have them ultrasonic the diamond, then take it outside/inside next to a GIA/AGS VS1 or higher.
Then and only then a slight cloudiness may show up. It is not always obvious without a comparable to a layperson's eye.

How much is the Jared setting?

With a 9.5k budget and limited time I would buy this

http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/1.36-carat-h-color-vs2-clarity-ideal-cut-sku-584228

get it discounted to 9k with the advantage discount (just ask in chat or on the phone), and set it with something like this. You can ask them if they'll change the bezel to a claw prong.

http://www.jamesallen.com/engagement-rings/tension/14k-white-gold-pave-bypass-bezel-set-diamond-engagement-ring-item-9225

or

http://www.jamesallen.com/engagement-rings/solitaire/18k-white-gold-regal-halo-engagement-ring-item-22555

The Jared setting is $1999. In total the ring will cost me $9600-$9700 with tax included.

I agree with what you said in that the diamond looks greasy/cloudy which is why I am taking it to an appraiser/gemologist to get their opinion on it. I think that the pictures do not do justice for the ring. I don't think that the diamond looks cloudy in real life either (although I never compared it next to a VS1 either). Being that the cert says "additional clouds not shown" makes me raise my eye brows. There is hardly any markings on the diamond and it is graded as an SI1, which is a concern I think.

Normally this comment alone does not raise red flags for transparency issues. But since cloud is listed first under keys to symbols, it is also a grade setting feature. It may not be a problem, but with the combination of the way the cert reads with some of the photos you have posted, you definitely want a specific opinion on the transparency aspect from a qualified, independent appraiser.

 

[busines4u]

Hi busines4u

My gut feeling is that you should scrap this and start over. I think you can do a lot better and the looming deadline is not helping your thought process. I say this from experience. The diamond is not a bargain and neither is the setting.
By no means trust them re. being a couple of days over your return date!

It sounds like they are not giving you a discount on the setting in return for buying a diamond from them. I can see no reason to be tied to this diamond.

Ps I edited my post just above yours to show a variety of twisted prong settings. Please go back and have a look. I can look at other manufacturers too. If you feel able, perhaps show them to your intended and see whether she even prefers any to the jared setting. They are almost all cheaper than it, and almost all nicer, of course in my opinion, but just in terms of the fluidity and wearability of the design.
Even if she wants the Jared setting, I would still start again with the diamond. What was your general feeling about the stone options at James Allen?

In any case, what is your gut feeling about what to do re. the stone in hand.

Edited again to say:

If for any reason you really are set on this combination, insist on returning it today and rebuying it, to begin your ?30 day return period again. After all, you have not had the 30 (or 60, I don't know, sorry) full evaluation period with this particular stone.

They are not giving me any break on the setting and charging me the sticker price for it, to make up for the cost of the diamond they are discounting me at. They said that diamond alone is 12K and they are bringing the price down to $8800 and then I have $1000 in rewards that will bring it further down to 7800. The rest is for the setting & tax.

Unfortunately I am not able to show these other settings to my intended as this is going to be a surprise. I agree that they are more reasonably priced and they will be much friendlier to work with. I could also upgrade to platinum as well, which I think may be better in the long run.

I feel pretty good about the diamond in hand. It looks beautiful, its larger than what I was going to get, the clarity is better, it is a G color SI1. I'm not crazy about the setting as the prongs I feel will be a pain and we will end up swapping the setting out in the future anyways (maybe)? I think that it is overpriced to compensate for the "discount" on the stone. I like the warranty that they will provide, where if anything were to happen to the side stones they will be fixed free of charge, free dippings etc. They do everything in house usually the same day, which is nice and local

I don't think I have the option to return it today and repurchase later. I'm sure they will tell me that my rewards will go away and they would charge me an extra $1000 on the diamond.

I did have a chance to look over the settings you picked out and I really liked the ones below. The true question is would SHE like them too. She does not like the halo settings so I ruled those out. She originally picked out a "lilly" setting so I really like the last one.

http://www.jamesallen.com/engagemen...-micropave-diamond-engagement-ring-item-50669
http://www.jamesallen.com/engagemen...d-pave-shank-contemporary-solitaire-item-6859
http://www.jamesallen.com/engagemen...ass-pave-set-diamond-engagement-ring-item-295

 

[busines4u]

Hi,

As you are not yet tied into the diamond I feel it is okay to mention that in every picture it has a greasy/cloudy look. Is the diamond clean? I am still worried about 'clouds not shown'.
Please have them ultrasonic the diamond, then take it outside/inside next to a GIA/AGS VS1 or higher.
Then and only then a slight cloudiness may show up. It is not always obvious without a comparable to a layperson's eye.

How much is the Jared setting?

With a 9.5k budget and limited time I would buy this

http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/1.36-carat-h-color-vs2-clarity-ideal-cut-sku-584228

get it discounted to 9k with the advantage discount (just ask in chat or on the phone), and set it with something like this. You can ask them if they'll change the bezel to a claw prong.

http://www.jamesallen.com/engagement-rings/tension/14k-white-gold-pave-bypass-bezel-set-diamond-engagement-ring-item-9225

or

http://www.jamesallen.com/engagement-rings/solitaire/18k-white-gold-regal-halo-engagement-ring-item-22555

The Jared setting is $1999. In total the ring will cost me $9600-$9700 with tax included.

I agree with what you said in that the diamond looks greasy/cloudy which is why I am taking it to an appraiser/gemologist to get their opinion on it. I think that the pictures do not do justice for the ring. I don't think that the diamond looks cloudy in real life either (although I never compared it next to a VS1 either). Being that the cert says "additional clouds not shown" makes me raise my eye brows. There is hardly any markings on the diamond and it is graded as an SI1, which is a concern I think.

Normally this comment alone does not raise red flags for transparency issues. But since cloud is listed first under keys to symbols, it is also a grade setting feature. It may not be a problem, but with the combination of the way the cert reads with some of the photos you have posted, you definitely want a specific opinion on the transparency aspect from a qualified, independent appraiser.

I do want to point out that I don't believe the person I am taking this to is considered an independent appraiser. He has his own store and sells jewelry. Perhaps I am wrong in this statement though. His name is Alan Rodriguez. http://www.julzbyalan.com/

 

[Coralfish]

Ok sure.

Re. appraiser, I don't know much about appraisals but I think I'd want an independent who just does appraisals... did you check the pricescope appraiser list for one in your area?

Hopefully a PSer has some more feedback on this topic...

The last JA you linked to is good in that there are no prongs to catch on gloves. It has a slightly high profile so may sit higher off the finger.

If the setting is likely to be switched out anyway, is there the option of placing the diamond in Jared's cheapest setting for the proposal? 2k is a lot to eat down the line.

Anyway it sounds like you are more or less happy. You are going into the appraisal (or at least coming out of it) fully 'armed' with information and alternatives now.

As a final contribution, I always have to ask myself when posting, if it was me, what would I want to know, or wish I'd been told before purchase, and what would I do with the budget.

If it was my 9.7k budget (actually 9.8k, as $100 for an AGS inscription [and any posting/return post fees] is an absolute must), if wishing to stay at H and above, I would buy, at the wire price:

http://highperformancediamonds.com/shop/diamonds/HPD7121/?shop=yes
or
http://highperformancediamonds.com/shop/diamonds/HPD7481/?shop=yes

With the cheapest of the three JA settings, only because you prospectively may change it down the line so the investment of more in the setting seems unwise at this point.

I would also consider
http://highperformancediamonds.com/shop/diamonds/HPD7401/?shop=yes
and
http://highperformancediamonds.com/shop/diamonds/HPD7366/?shop=yes

I am most impressed with the technology and thought behind CBI diamonds and Wink who is the USA agent comes well recommended.

http://www.infinitydiamonds.be/

 

[Coralfish]

Another cut artisan I should mention is Brian Gavin

I would consider
http://www.briangavindiamonds.com/diamonds/diamond-details/1.194-f-si1-round-diamond-ags-104077631003

and

http://www.briangavindiamonds.com/diamonds/diamond-details/1.201-h-vs2-round-diamond-ags-104080749002

again at the wire price. That would require a minimally priced stock setting

http://www.briangavindiamonds.com/engagement-rings/solitaire/six-prong-solitaire-14k-white-gold-5351w14

or have them call in one of these lower-priced settings for you

http://www.stuller.com/browse/mountings/bridal/solitaire/?showAll=False&bestSellers=False&facetValues[0].First=cat&facetValues[0].Second=3|10979|11040|*&sortby=priceasc&pageSize=36&page=1


Of course if you mention Brian Gavin you also have to mention Whiteflash, who have been here on your thread being very helpful,
here is an 'A Cut Above'

http://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-3236289.htm


Edited to say, you can purchase a setting from JA, or they'll set an outside stone for $100, but please make sure it's insured first.
And having gone through the thread again I realise you've had suggestions re. whiteflash and bg. I agree with you that the best thing to do's to find an independent appraiser re the clouds, and please try and get a comparable VS1 or better without fluorescence and ultrasonic both stones, and view them side by side.
And if they say they'll extend your return policy by a couple of days ask for it in writing when you go and collect the ring today.
And - if the diamond really does turn out to be good value, perhaps buy Jared's cheapest setting as others have suggested, then the rest can go toward the setting you both really like.


Good luck!

 

[busines4u]

I went to the appraiser yesterday to have it inspected and he was quite impressed with the quality of the diamond. We compared it next to a VS1 stone and both looked comparable, indicating that the cloudiness seen in the pictures above was not to be a concern. Once I told him my story about what all I've gone through and Jared's price fluctuations he asked me what they were charging me for everything. When I told him he was quite shocked at the price I was paying (in a good way). He said that the quality/size of the stone I had and the price I was paying would be very tough to beat and that he could not even attempt to offer me anything. He also stated that whatever I did personally to Jared's worked out in my favor as if they were to offer this kind of deal to other customers regularly then they would not be in business very long. He did agree that the setting was a bit pricey but that for the size of the stone and the fire/brilliance/sparkle that this thing puts off, it well worth the total package.

He told me to let go of the anxiety I was having about this ring (apparently it was easy for him to tell). He assured me that the diamond was eye clean from his trained eye and that it did not appear to be cloudy in the slightest bit. The color looked great and he told me I would be crazy not to take this ring for the price they are offering it to me. Given the lifetime of dippings/service/warranty he thinks that it is an excellent buy and he congratulated me on negotiating a very reasonable price with Jared's who tends to be over priced.

I know I went back and forth many times on this decision and ultimately I ended up buying locally and with a setting that my intended other may not like down the road. But as others have said and the appraiser mentioned this yesterday, to let her make that decision. She picked that setting out for a reason and to strip her from that would be a bit selfish as she would always wonder/want that setting. I think I will let her make that call and if she likes it then great, if not then so be it and we can trade it in and get something different. But ultimately this decision will be up to her once she starts (hopefully) wearing it.

I think a little piece of me will always wonder what a stone that is a true hearts & arrows would look like next to the one that I currently have. But given my budget and the size of the stone I am getting in comparison to the sacrifices I would have to make (color/size) to get a H&A, I am hoping that I wouldn't be able to tell much of a difference.

I would like to thank everyone who contributed to this thread and offered advice. Without you I would not have been able to be where I am at today. I feel like I left everyone down as I ended up buying locally instead of through the internet like the title of my post even requested.

 

[MarionC]

Congratulations!
You did a lot of work to pick out this diamond and it's great that you are happy with. Don't feel that you have let anyone down.
These PSers [including myself] are a very picky bunch of diamond enthusiasts.

The only draw back I can think of is that many of our online vendors will buy back a diamond in the first year and also offer a life-time trade-up.
But when you are making a once in a lifetime purchase as you are, those options may not be apropos.
Enjoy!