Help need!! $5,500 budget for ering.

[sirrtuan]

Hi everybody,
I really need your help. I''m trying to propose at the end of this month since it''s the 9 years anniversary. I have a budget of $5500 for the ring.
What is the best I can do for $5500? The setting that I want is Vatche Royal Crown setting in platinum. I would like a round stone H&A if possible.
I did a lot of research but I''m not confident enough to make this decision by myself.
Thanks in advance.

 

[honey22]

Welcome! The cost of plat is very high and is going to considerably eat into your budget. Would you consider whitegold so you can maximise your stone? You can always do a reset later into platinum? Just a suggestion?

 

[arjunajane]

Honey beat me to it - you have a reasonable budget, but plat will probably take almost half of it. I can almost garauntee most girls would like a nicer stone rather than more expensive metal if it were a trade off.
I will have a look for some stones for you, but do you have any idea what you're aiming for? ie.size, colour,clarity, etc?

ETA:
here are some choices from GOG:

0.81 G VS1 $4076 http://goodoldgold.com/diamond/4412/
no images yet, but just email and they will do them. Looks good from the #'s.

0.77 I vs1 ~$3100 http://goodoldgold.com/diamond/4626/

0.77 H Vs2 ~$3200 http://goodoldgold.com/diamond/4627/
this would likely be my choice so far, but of course there is more in your budget to go larger if you wish.

Have you emailed GOG or WF to find you something? This is usually the easiest and most successful route imho.

 

[sirrtuan]

Thank for the quick reply.
Here is my prefered spec:
H&A
Colro =F-G
Clearity =VS1-VS2
carat = 0.75 - 0.99
I saw Vatche RC platinum at quest jewelers for $1600. Is it still too much?

 

[arjunajane]

Date: 7/11/2008 1:57:25 AM
Author: sirrtuan
Thank for the quick reply.
Here is my prefered spec:
H&A
Colro =F-G
Clearity =VS1-VS2
carat = 0.75 - 0.99
I saw Vatche RC platinum at quest jewelers for $1600. Is it still too much?

Thats ok

Yes that price seems reasonable for that setting in plat - but you have to decide will you be buying your diamond and setting from the same vendor?
To my knowledge Quest doesn''t sell stones?

GOG are also a rep for vatche, perhaps you can ask marie their settings person for a quote?

 

[sirrtuan]

GOG and WF price was higher than quest.

 

[honey22]

It''s totally up to you to decide if $1600 for the setting is too much. In my honest opinion, with a budget of $5500, I would prefer to put a cap on the setting at $1000 max, but that''s just me.

The stones AJ picked out will all be winners, I think the G VS1 is such a great colour clarity combo too! A H&A stone from GOG would be awesome, they are handpicked to be great cuts, you can''t go wrong there!

You can always reset the stone later into a more expensive setting if your budget allows it. But I second the notion that I would much rather a bigger stone and a simple wgold setting, instead of a plat setting.

 

[february2003bride]

Date: 7/11/2008 2:13:27 AM
Author: arjunajane

Date: 7/11/2008 1:57:25 AM
Author: sirrtuan
Thank for the quick reply.
Here is my prefered spec:
H&A
Colro =F-G
Clearity =VS1-VS2
carat = 0.75 - 0.99
I saw Vatche RC platinum at quest jewelers for $1600. Is it still too much?

Thats ok

Yes that price seems reasonable for that setting in plat - but you have to decide will you be buying your diamond and setting from the same vendor?
To my knowledge Quest doesn''t sell stones?

GOG are also a rep for vatche, perhaps you can ask marie their settings person for a quote?

Quest does sell diamonds, but I don''t think they provide the additional pictures and information the way GOG and WF do. Of course if you live near Quest, then you have the advantage of actually seeing their diamonds in person. They can also call in a diamond as well.

 

[arjunajane]

Date: 7/11/2008 8:11:05 AM
Author: february2003bride

Date: 7/11/2008 2:13:27 AM
Author: arjunajane

Date: 7/11/2008 1:57:25 AM
Author: sirrtuan
Thank for the quick reply.
Here is my prefered spec:
H&A
Colro =F-G
Clearity =VS1-VS2
carat = 0.75 - 0.99
I saw Vatche RC platinum at quest jewelers for $1600. Is it still too much?

Thats ok

Yes that price seems reasonable for that setting in plat - but you have to decide will you be buying your diamond and setting from the same vendor?
To my knowledge Quest doesn''t sell stones?

GOG are also a rep for vatche, perhaps you can ask marie their settings person for a quote?

Quest does sell diamonds, but I don''t think they provide the additional pictures and information the way GOG and WF do. Of course if you live near Quest, then you have the advantage of actually seeing their diamonds in person. They can also call in a diamond as well.

TY february for clarifying. I wasn''t sure.
But as you say, the average buyer with minimal education could be better served buying through WF and GOG.

 

[sirrtuan]

If I decided to go with white gold Vatche RC($1,050).
What kind of stone can I get?
I guess what I''m asking is what kind of stone can I get from white gold VS platinum?

Thank you.

 

[arjunajane]

Date: 7/11/2008 8:28:30 AM
Author: sirrtuan
If I decided to go with white gold Vatche RC($1,050).
What kind of stone can I get?
I guess what I'm asking is what kind of stone can I get from white gold VS platinum?

Thank you.

probably more like 1ct vs 0.75ish..
I am not addressing cut as of course we would just make sure you get the best cut, and colour/clarity will be around G/H vs/si1

 

[Ellen]

Quest''s diamonds are less, because they don''t sell super cut stones. Personally, I''d rather have a great cut, smaller stone. You can easily lower your specs a bit, if you go with a super cut stone. H-I, SI1-SI2 would get you bigger, or allow you to get the setting in Platinum. They will still face up quite white, and there are many out there that are eyeclean.

3038. with bankwire

http://goodoldgold.com/diamond/4201/

3153. And a G.

http://goodoldgold.com/diamond/4357/

3218.

http://goodoldgold.com/diamond/4627/

Just a thought!

 

[sirrtuan]

Date: 7/11/2008 9:40:46 AM
Author: Ellen
Quest''s diamonds are less, because they don''t sell super cut stones. Personally, I''d rather have a great cut, smaller stone. You can easily lower your specs a bit, if you go with a super cut stone. H-I, SI1-SI2 would get you bigger, or allow you to get the setting in Platinum. They will still face up quite white, and there are many out there that are eyeclean.

3038. with bankwire

http://goodoldgold.com/diamond/4201/

3153. And a G.

http://goodoldgold.com/diamond/4357/

3218.

http://goodoldgold.com/diamond/4627/

Just a thought!

Can you explain to me what is the different between H&A stone VS AGS000 stone?
For example, WF sale ACA H&A stone what is the different between their stone VS AGS000 stone from bluenile or Quest.

 

[Ellen]

Date: 7/11/2008 11:20:12 AM
Author: sirrtuan

Can you explain to me what is the different between H&A stone VS AGS000 stone?
For example, WF sale ACA H&A stone what is the different between their stone VS AGS000 stone from bluenile or Quest.

I can try! WF''s ACA''s are cut to extreme exacting standards. They are very tightly cut, tried and true performers. The same with most of the stones GOG carries. Jon hand picks his stones, and he is very picky about what he carries.

AGS0 stones have a range within that category, from what I would call an "ok" diamond, meaning it won''t be a dog, but it won''t be the best, all the way to super cut. I don''t think Quest is super picky about what they carry. I''m not saying their stones are horrible, I just don''t think they focus on H&A quality. And without more info, which they don''t seem to give, there''s no way to know if they did. And I don''t think BN focuses on H&A quality as strictly either, just AGS0.

I just prefer getting the best, and then knowing it will be a great performer across the board.

 

[JoeNewbie11]

Have you gone to any local jewelers to look at diamonds with your lady yet? If not, I would highly recommend doing that before making such a big purchase. The reason being you need to find what her tastes are: does size matter most? how color sensitive is she? will an eye-clean SI diamond suffice? These are all important questions to find answers for because it will guide you on what your diamond specifications will be.

If you find she can go down in color to say and I color and down in clarity to say an eye-clean SI diamond, you can get a larger ideal cut stone or a better setting for your budget.

 

[february2003bride]

Date: 7/11/2008 8:28:30 AM
Author: sirrtuan
If I decided to go with white gold Vatche RC($1,050).
What kind of stone can I get?
I guess what I'm asking is what kind of stone can I get from white gold VS platinum?

Thank you.

There's a Vatche Royal Crown at Pearlman's right now in their pre-owned section for $350.00. Mrs. Salvo had posted a link in another post.

ETA: http://www.pearlmansjewelers.com/jewelry-specials/previously-owned-jewelry/rings/117PO1/0/

 

[sirrtuan]

Date: 7/11/2008 12:11:48 PM
Author: february2003bride

Date: 7/11/2008 8:28:30 AM
Author: sirrtuan
If I decided to go with white gold Vatche RC($1,050).
What kind of stone can I get?
I guess what I''m asking is what kind of stone can I get from white gold VS platinum?

Thank you.

There''s a Vatche Royal Crown at Pearlman''s right now in their pre-owned section for $350.00. Mrs. Salvo had posted a link in another post.

ETA: http://www.pearlmansjewelers.com/jewelry-specials/previously-owned-jewelry/rings/117PO1/0/

Can the jeweler alter size 5.5 to 4?

 

[sirrtuan]

Date: 7/11/2008 11:57:13 AM
Author: JoeNewbie11
Have you gone to any local jewelers to look at diamonds with your lady yet? If not, I would highly recommend doing that before making such a big purchase. The reason being you need to find what her tastes are: does size matter most? how color sensitive is she? will an eye-clean SI diamond suffice? These are all important questions to find answers for because it will guide you on what your diamond specifications will be.

If you find she can go down in color to say and I color and down in clarity to say an eye-clean SI diamond, you can get a larger ideal cut stone or a better setting for your budget.

I went to a couple of jewelers but not with my gf. I want this to be a surprise.
My gf doesn''t know anything about diamond and she doesn''t wear any jewery.
I just want to give her the best ring that I could for my budget.

That''s why I''m here since I''m not confidence enough to make this purchase.

What is the pros and cons of white gold vs platinum?

 

[RxTechRN2b]

If you have your heart set on platinum then I say go for it. At your budget you can still get a 0.75 carat diamond which is a respectable size, and the visual difference between that and 1 carat is not huge. Not all girls care about having a huge stone, and if your girlfriend doesn''t wear jewelry I suspect she would be more comfortable with something understated, anyway. I have platinum and gold jewelry, and much prefer the platinum. It feels so much heavier and never needs replated (white gold will), and does not wear away like gold. Platinum just "displaces" when scratched. It doesn''t stay shiny, though -- it develops a wonderful patina.

 

[Ellen]

Date: 7/11/2008 12:56:47 PM
Author: RxTechRN2b
If you have your heart set on platinum then I say go for it. At your budget you can still get a 0.75 carat diamond which is a respectable size, and the visual difference between that and 1 carat is not huge. Not all girls care about having a huge stone, and if your girlfriend doesn''t wear jewelry I suspect she would be more comfortable with something understated, anyway. I have platinum and gold jewelry, and much prefer the platinum. It feels so much heavier and never needs replated (white gold will), and does not wear away like gold. Platinum just ''displaces'' when scratched. It doesn''t stay shiny, though -- it develops a wonderful patina.

This pretty much explains it, though I''ll add, you can have platinum repolished if she likes the shiny look.

If you do a search on here, you should get lots of threads debating this.

 

[kcoursolle]

Date: 7/11/2008 12:11:48 PM
Author: february2003bride

Date: 7/11/2008 8:28:30 AM
Author: sirrtuan
If I decided to go with white gold Vatche RC($1,050).
What kind of stone can I get?
I guess what I'm asking is what kind of stone can I get from white gold VS platinum?

Thank you.

There's a Vatche Royal Crown at Pearlman's right now in their pre-owned section for $350.00. Mrs. Salvo had posted a link in another post.

ETA: http://www.pearlmansjewelers.com/jewelry-specials/previously-owned-jewelry/rings/117PO1/0/

I second buying this baby!! You can spend most of your budget on the stone then and get a stone that is 1 carat or larger. You can always upgrade the setting down the road to platinum if you want to. This might be a great option for you!!! What a steal on this setting!

ETA: it can easily be re-sized to the size you need and pearlmans can do this for you. It will probably cost an additional $50 or so.

 

[sirrtuan]

Date: 7/11/2008 2:45:13 PM
Author: kcoursolle

Date: 7/11/2008 12:11:48 PM
Author: february2003bride

Date: 7/11/2008 8:28:30 AM
Author: sirrtuan
If I decided to go with white gold Vatche RC($1,050).
What kind of stone can I get?
I guess what I''m asking is what kind of stone can I get from white gold VS platinum?

Thank you.

There''s a Vatche Royal Crown at Pearlman''s right now in their pre-owned section for $350.00. Mrs. Salvo had posted a link in another post.

ETA: http://www.pearlmansjewelers.com/jewelry-specials/previously-owned-jewelry/rings/117PO1/0/

I second buying this baby!! You can spend most of your budget on the stone then and get a stone that is 1 carat or larger. You can always upgrade the setting down the road to platinum if you want to. This might be a great option for you!!! What a steal on this setting!

ETA: it can easily be re-sized to the size you need and pearlmans can do this for you. It will probably cost an additional $50 or so.

If I decided to do it. what is the process?
Do I get the stone then send it to pearlmans or do I get the setting then send it to GOG or WF?

 

[mercoledi]

I believe you have the setting sent to GOG/WF. They will charge you a setting fee, but the diamond will be under their warranty while it''s being set. Once it''s set you should have it appraised and insured. This may vary by vendor so you''d be best served by calling WF/GOG to find out.

 

[Ellen]

Date: 7/11/2008 3:03:32 PM
Author: mercoledi
I believe you have the setting sent to GOG/WF. They will charge you a setting fee, but the diamond will be under their warranty while it''s being set. Once it''s set you should have it appraised and insured. This may vary by vendor so you''d be best served by calling WF/GOG to find out.

Yes, have GOG set the stone.

 

[kcoursolle]

Date: 7/11/2008 3:01:02 PM
Author: sirrtuan

Date: 7/11/2008 2:45:13 PM
Author: kcoursolle

Date: 7/11/2008 12:11:48 PM
Author: february2003bride

Date: 7/11/2008 8:28:30 AM
Author: sirrtuan
If I decided to go with white gold Vatche RC($1,050).
What kind of stone can I get?
I guess what I''m asking is what kind of stone can I get from white gold VS platinum?

Thank you.

There''s a Vatche Royal Crown at Pearlman''s right now in their pre-owned section for $350.00. Mrs. Salvo had posted a link in another post.

ETA: http://www.pearlmansjewelers.com/jewelry-specials/previously-owned-jewelry/rings/117PO1/0/

I second buying this baby!! You can spend most of your budget on the stone then and get a stone that is 1 carat or larger. You can always upgrade the setting down the road to platinum if you want to. This might be a great option for you!!! What a steal on this setting!

ETA: it can easily be re-sized to the size you need and pearlmans can do this for you. It will probably cost an additional $50 or so.

If I decided to do it. what is the process?
Do I get the stone then send it to pearlmans or do I get the setting then send it to GOG or WF?

As the others mentioned, have pearlmans send the setting to GOG for them to set the stone. You want to stone to be covered while it''s being set. Either pearlmans or GOG could re-size the ring I suppose.

 

[Ellen]

Hey, come to think of it, didn''t mrss post that Pearlman''s will actually insure someone else''s stone while being set? I''m pretty sure she did. If I can find it, I''ll let you know for sure.

 

[sirrtuan]

Thanks everyone, I decided that I will get the settting from pearlman.
Now I have a budget around 5,000 for the stone. Please help me find the diamond.

Thanks.

 

[Deelight]

If you go for the setting at Pearlmans this stone is in your budget and should be give or take a mm the right size for the setting .

You would need to check whether it was eyeclean though .

http://www.goodoldgold.com/diamond/4088/

ETA: oops it is $42 overbudget

 

[Ellen]

sir, I emailed mrss, and she has confirmed that Pearlman''s does insure a stone from other vendors when setting.



I found a couple other candidates to add to deelights, if eyeclean.

http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/H-SI2-Ideal-Cut-Round-Diamond-1111985.asp

http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/H-SI2-Ideal-Cut-Round-Diamond-1112005.asp

The diameter is listed wrong on the info page on this second one. Correct info on grading report.

 

[sirrtuan]

Another question, Should I get the ring resize by Pearlman or get it done from the place that I''ll get the stone from?

I''m looking at all the stones that everyone suggested. They all looked really nice but I would like see if I can get something in a range of F-G VS1-Vs2. Is that possible? I rather go for quality VS size.

Thank you.