Help on an Engagement Ring...diamond and process...

[ButterRex]

Hello....

I''ve been reading this forum for the past couple weeks, trying to get an idea of what I need to know to buy an engagement ring.
I''ve stopped by one Mall Jeweler and one local jeweler

I quickly realized that the mall jeweler was going to cost me a lot more than what i can get online. I quickly checked out a local jeweler who said a custom 14k Gold setting and be made for me for only $275....which seems a lot cheaper than what I could get online...at Whiteflash or James Allen.

Since I''m under the belief that you can get more value online for a diamond than in a B&M store....i thought I could get a loose diamond from Whiteflash or James Allen and let the local jeweler set it. Do you guys believe it''s worth the trouble? If I do this, do i get the diamond appraised before i take it to the local jeweler and then once again after I get it set?

I''m looking at two diamonds right now. Would you guys be able to suggest one? How come the Virtual Loupe on the James Allen diamond looks yellowisH? Is that just lighting or should I expect it to look yellowisH in person?

Thanks for any help I can get.

One from White Flash: http://www.whiteflash.com/hearts_arrows/Whiteflash-ACA-cut-diamond-2145452.htm#
Shape: Whiteflash ACA
. Carat: 1.174
. Depth %: 61.5
. Table %: 56
. Crown Angle: 34.7
. Crown %: 15.1
. Star : 53
. Pavilion Angle: 40.8
. Pavilion %: 43
. Lower Girdle %: 76
. Girdle: Thin to Medium Faceted
. Measurements: 6.76-6.79X4.17
. Light Performance: 0
. Polish: Ideal
. Symmetry: Ideal
. Culet: Pointed
. Fluorescence: Negligible
One from James Allen: http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/H-VS2-Ideal-Cut-Round-Diamond-1253592.asp?b=16&a=12&c=77&cid=131
Shape: Round
Carat weight: 1.13
Cut: Hearts & Arrows Ideal
Color: H
Clarity: VS2
Certificate: AGS

Depth: 61.7%
Table: 56.0%
Polish: Ideal
Symmetry: Ideal
Girdle: Thin to medium
Culet: None
Fluorescence: Negligible
Measurements: 6.69*6.72*4.14

Crown Angle: 34.6°
Crown %: 15.30
pavilion Angle: 40.9°
pavilion %: 43.20

 

[TripleG]

There is a great video on here somewhere (Can''t find it right now) on the differences of diamond colors. You should run through that to see yourself if you can tell the difference between colors. I find myself to be color sensitive, so I can see the yellowish tint in a G, very slight but I can see it. With an H I can definitely see it if its in a white gold/platinum setting. The question is, do you want colorless or will you like some color tone to it. Some people prefer it, and if you are putting it in to a yellow gold setting you wont be able to notice it. Also, you or your future FI may not notice it, so going with an H will let you get the size you want.

In regards to the setting I''m sure others will give you great advice on what you *should* do. As to what I would do, personally if I am spending that kind of money I want it installed so to speak by the vendor where I am getting my diamond from. Just personal preference that the two are coming together properly and they understand what my needs are. That definitely depends on if the custom setting you are talking about is not available anywhere, but I would find that with enough search or explaining it here the PS''ers could help you find where to purchase your setting from.

In regards to appraisals. If you get the diamond first, and decide to get it set then the appraisal pre setting is good because the appraiser can get the full information about the diamond. Once it is set, it is my understanding some items are harder to be exact on, especially depending on how much the setting is covering up the diamond.

Hope that helps.

 

[Regular Guy]

Date: 8/18/2009 10:45:32 PM
Author:ButterRex

....i thought I could get a loose diamond from Whiteflash or James Allen and let the local jeweler set it. Do you guys believe it''s worth the trouble? If I do this, do i get the diamond appraised before i take it to the local jeweler and then once again after I get it set?

As suggested, this is the more conservative approach. Is it necessary...maybe not. But if you''ve got the time, it adds safety. And, while you''re at it, at least consider insuring it with JM before your local jeweler sets it. You can read other threads, and below my signature, for why, but in the unlikely event there is damage to the diamond when set, JM uniquely can cover.

 

[Lorelei]

An H colour won't be yellowish, it will be just the lighting or surroundings in that photo, if you are unsure go and check some out in person, try Jareds for their AGS0 Peerless range or Hearts on Fire if there is a dealer near you, this will give you a better idea of your own colour preferences.

 

[ButterRex]

Thanks guys... I guess another question is how often do people view diamonds online before purchasing? It''s quite difficult to do this when you aren''t in the same state as the vendor. Do people have it shipped to a local independent appraiser? Does that mean I end up paying shipping both ways and multiple times if I view a few diamonds? And do you usually pay full price just to b able to view it through and appraiser or do they have some progra usually where you only pay money if you decide to keep it?

Thanks again for the replies!