Help Picking a Stone - Engagement in Three Weeks!

[Chrisg123]

Good afternoon all,

My girlfriend is a regular poster on this site, and has spent months showing me pictures of stones posted here and dropping "hints". Since I've decided its now time to pop the question, I was hoping I could tap into your collective genius and find an awesome diamond. I'm keeping this post purposely vague, since she has been misled and thinks we won't be engaged until the new year (much to her chagrin).

Location: Toronto, Ontario, Canada (this means for many vendors I need to add $1700 bucks or so of duty to the price of the ring, although some include this in the price like Blue Nile)
Budget: Up to $16,000 CAD ($12,500 USD)
Setting: Very simple rose gold band less than 2mm with no engravings or pave. I figure about $500. Prefer 14k for durability

This leaves about $10,000 USD /$13,000 CAD for the stone itself.

Shape: Modified Cushion in an approximately squarish shape (although she also loves standard and elongated Cushions and if I found a beautiful stone in either, would be more than pleased)
Cut: Looking for an amazing stone - at least very good for cut/polish/sym. Triple X would be ideal. Not sure what to look for in respect to fluorescence in a cushion.
Colour: She is dark skinned and this is being set in rose gold. She's also not color sensitive. I think I'd go as low as K. I or J would be preferable.
Clarity: As long as it's eye-clean, neither of us care. Would definitely be fine with eye-clean SI2 stones (although I've had trouble finding them)
Carat: Looking for 2 CT Plus, and as large as possible, while respecting the cut and eye-clean requirements

Some Candidates:
1. https://www.brilliantearth.com/rings/cyorings/view_diamond/5685758/?sid=
2. https://www.brilliantearth.com/rings/cyorings/view_diamond/5667229/?sid=
3. https://www.brilliantearth.com/rings/cyorings/view_diamond/5667485/?sid=
4. https://www.brilliantearth.com/rings/cyorings/view_diamond/5677826/?sid=
5. https://www.bluenile.com/ca/diamond...AMONDS&track=viewDiamondDetails&action=newTab
6. https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/cushion-cut/2.22-carat-j-color-vs2-clarity-sku-3656623
7. https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/cushion-cut/2.01-carat-j-color-vvs1-clarity-sku-3742302
8. https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/cushion-cut/2.00-carat-j-color-vvs1-clarity-sku-4713715

Not sure what the communities thoughts are on these stones, also open to any recommendations you guys have.

Obviously, I'm looking to get a good value and stretch the budget as far as possible. Open to a stone from any source and of any origin, as long as it can be shipped to Canada in the next three weeks and is either AGS or GIA certified.

Thank you guys so much for your help! I promise to keep you updated on the purchase, and provide a hand shot after the proposal!

Thanks,
Chris

 

[ac117]

Of course choices, these are my favorites:
https://www.brilliantearth.com/rings/cyorings/view_diamond/5667229/?sid=
https://www.brilliantearth.com/rings/cyorings/view_diamond/5667485/?sid=

This one, while nice, has a bit more mush than I prefer around the table but I just wanted to point out that it's available from another vendor for less:
https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/cushion-cut/2.01-carat-j-color-vvs1-clarity-sku-3742302
https://enchanteddiamonds.com/diamo...-Carat-J-Color-VVS1-Clarity-Diamond-204109134

I'll also add these:
https://enchanteddiamonds.com/diamonds/view/C201-383981013?
https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/cushion-cut/2.01-carat-j-color-vs2-clarity-sku-3141190 (ASET here: https://enchanteddiamonds.com/diamo...1-Carat-J-Color-VS2-Clarity-Diamond-428694093)
https://enchanteddiamonds.com/diamonds/view/C201-727695231?
https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/cushion-cut/2.02-carat-j-color-si1-clarity-sku-4639750
If you want to prioritize higher color, this one seems like it'd be eye clean but I'd ask JA to double check that there aren't transparency issues: https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/cushion-cut/2.01-carat-i-color-si2-clarity-sku-4667189
https://enchanteddiamonds.com/diamonds/view/C201-169705853?

You could ask if they could get you an ASET on this stone, which would be larger than the rest and elongated: https://enchanteddiamonds.com/diamonds/view/C222-79017Z852?

ETA: I didn't go as low as a K bc cushions may show more color than rounds, for example, so a J is the lowest I'd recommend going.

 

[WinkHPD]

Since she has been dropping hints, are you going to share possible diamonds with her to be sure you do not make an error?

Since you are bringing diamonds in from the U.S .to Canada the cost of customs becomes an issue if she is not happy and wants to return the diamond.

Make sure you get good pictures and a video if you can so that you are more sure that the diamond is what you are looking for.

Good luck with your search!

Wink

 

[Chrisg123]

Ac117 - Thanks so much for your assistance. That large stone from enchanted is amazing. Is that 100 cut score a marketing gimmick, or does it actually mean its a nicer stone than the other enchanted diamonds in the list? I take it enchanted is a reputable vendor? I contacted them yesterday for an ASET on that stone - will post results when I get them, however, their production center is apparently closed for holiday and they won't have it done until next week. I still think I'll be able to get the stone before June 9th though. I'm going to keep looking in the meantime, but that 2.22 CT is definitely filling my head.

Wink - Her best friend, whom she's known forever, is conspiring with me on this. Will get her input. Worst case scenario, I'll file the forms with customs for the duty to be returned.

Thanks again to both of you, and to the community, for your help. The search continues.

 

[ac117]

Ac117 - Thanks so much for your assistance. That large stone from enchanted is amazing. Is that 100 cut score a marketing gimmick, or does it actually mean its a nicer stone than the other enchanted diamonds in the list? I take it enchanted is a reputable vendor? I contacted them yesterday for an ASET on that stone - will post results when I get them, however, their production center is apparently closed for holiday and they won't have it done until next week. I still think I'll be able to get the stone before June 9th though. I'm going to keep looking in the meantime, but that 2.22 CT is definitely filling my head.

Wink - Her best friend, whom she's known forever, is conspiring with me on this. Will get her input. Worst case scenario, I'll file the forms with customs for the duty to be returned.

Thanks again to both of you, and to the community, for your help. The search continues.

ED is a reputable vendor so I wouldn't worry about that. As for their "cut score", it's controversial around here as many people stand by the fact that there's no science to back it up vs. Joshua from ED who stands by their 'proprietary algorithm'. I'd focus more on the light return images and videos for fancy cuts, as well as your own eyes since beauty is truly in the eye of the beholder and what you like, might not be what I like for exmaple, and vice versa.

I'd ask ED if they could hold the stone until they could request an ASET so it's not bought out from under you. Will keep an eye out for others.

 

[WinkHPD]

ChrisG,

Wink - Her best friend, whom she's known forever, is conspiring with me on this. Will get her input. Worst case scenario, I'll file the forms with customs for the duty to be returned.

Having the co conspirator be one of her best friends is always a GREAT idea. You will get great advice on the right diamonds here. Be sure to ENJOY the search, it is part of your new memory set you are building.

Wink

 

[Chrisg123]

Thanks again.

I've been corresponding more with Enchanted re that 2.22 CT stone. They can't hold it, but will get the ASET done first thing on Monday if it's available.

One issue with enchanted is they don't have the setting I'm looking for. Girlfriend is in love with absolutely plain and thin (1.7 - 1.9 mm) rose gold settings, very traditional, with four either white or matching prongs. All of theirs are a little too modern or intricate.

They are looking into sourcing a plain setting, or making one customs (I hope that won't be $$$). All of this is slightly worrying me in respect to the planned timeline for engagement on June the 9th.

Assuming the ASET comes back ok, any more comments on this stone? https://enchanteddiamonds.com/diamonds/view/C222-79017Z852?. I'd have it set long ways to maximize finger coverage.

To be honest, they all sort of look the same to me. I'm just looking for the best performing stone I can get for the $.

 

[ac117]

Thanks again.

I've been corresponding more with Enchanted re that 2.22 CT stone. They can't hold it, but will get the ASET done first thing on Monday if it's available.

One issue with enchanted is they don't have the setting I'm looking for. Girlfriend is in love with absolutely plain and thin (1.7 - 1.9 mm) rose gold settings, very traditional, with four either white or matching prongs. All of theirs are a little too modern or intricate.

They are looking into sourcing a plain setting, or making one customs (I hope that won't be $$$). All of this is slightly worrying me in respect to the planned timeline for engagement on June the 9th.

Assuming the ASET comes back ok, any more comments on this stone? https://enchanteddiamonds.com/diamonds/view/C222-79017Z852?. I'd have it set long ways to maximize finger coverage.

To be honest, they all sort of look the same to me. I'm just looking for the best performing stone I can get for the $.

They should be able to get you a simple Stuller setting that suits your needs...https://www.stuller.com/products/bu...dationSource=CategoryBrowse#/mounting-options
https://www.stuller.com/products/bu...dationSource=CategoryBrowse#/mounting-options
https://www.stuller.com/products/12...yId=16448&recommendationSource=CategoryBrowse

 

[TreeScientist]

They should be able to get you a simple Stuller setting that suits your needs...https://www.stuller.com/products/bu...dationSource=CategoryBrowse#/mounting-options
https://www.stuller.com/products/bu...dationSource=CategoryBrowse#/mounting-options
https://www.stuller.com/products/12...yId=16448&recommendationSource=CategoryBrowse

Agreed, good advice @ac117! Pretty much any jeweler in America has access to Stuller settings and can acquire them without much hassle.

I like the first one in this list. Classic, medium height solitaire setting with a nice width for your girlfriend (1.7mm).

 

[diamondseeker2006]

Ac117 - Thanks so much for your assistance. That large stone from enchanted is amazing. Is that 100 cut score a marketing gimmick, or does it actually mean its a nicer stone than the other enchanted diamonds in the list? I take it enchanted is a reputable vendor? I contacted them yesterday for an ASET on that stone - will post results when I get them, however, their production center is apparently closed for holiday and they won't have it done until next week. I still think I'll be able to get the stone before June 9th though. I'm going to keep looking in the meantime, but that 2.22 CT is definitely filling my head.

Wink - Her best friend, whom she's known forever, is conspiring with me on this. Will get her input. Worst case scenario, I'll file the forms with customs for the duty to be returned.

Thanks again to both of you, and to the community, for your help. The search continues.

Just be aware that Enchanted mostly lists virtual stones that are listed by many other vendors. They only have a few that say they are in their NY showroom. The last two stones I recommended from them were wonderful...except...when Enchanted checked on the stones, they were already sold. They do not keep their site updated like they should. I wouldn't count on a stone from them if you need a stone before June 9th. I think that would be a mistake.

Also, don't go less than 2mm on the ring. Gold wears away over time, and I know from experience that my original ring was worn down to about a mm at the base after wearing it for years.

 

[Chrisg123]

Just be aware that Enchanted mostly lists virtual stones that are listed by many other vendors. They only have a few that say they are in their NY showroom. The last two stones I recommended from them were wonderful...except...when Enchanted checked on the stones, they were already sold. They do not keep their site updated like they should. I wouldn't count on a stone from them if you need a stone before June 9th. I think that would be a mistake.

Also, don't go less than 2mm on the ring. Gold wears away over time, and I know from experience that my original ring was worn down to about a mm at the base after wearing it for years. I'll check and see if I see any good diamonds that haven't been posted, but I will tell you that a decent 2 cts stone for $12,500 USD is going to be tough.

Thank you so much for your reply and for your offer of help. I’ll definitly look for rose gold
Settings In the 2.0 to 2.2 mm range, as I’m sure she'll want to wear it daily, and I want it to last. I guess I’m lucky she has rather larger hands (size 7) so the setting will look dainty (as she prefers) either way.

Thanks for you offer of help in looking at some
Stones. If you think it’ll be impossible to get what I’m looking for within budget, I’ll have to reevaluate.

 

[diamondseeker2006]

Before I read your whole fisrt post carefully, I mistakenly thought you were looking for rounds which are higher than cushions, partly because they face up larger. So you can get 2 cts in J color, although I think I color is better in a cushion because sometimes the tint is easier to see in places where the color is concentrated. So I will show you a few I color stones. Great modern cushions are really hard to find, but these are pretty decent.

https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/cushion-cut/2.01-carat-i-color-vs1-clarity-sku-3823686

https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/cushion-cut/2.01-carat-i-color-vs2-clarity-sku-4997561

Here are some SI1s, but you'd have to ask if they are totally eyeclean:

https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/cushion-cut/2.01-carat-i-color-si1-clarity-sku-4590242

https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/cushion-cut/2.01-carat-i-color-si1-clarity-sku-3216859

https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/cushion-cut/2.01-carat-i-color-si1-clarity-sku-4288619

I definitely agree with you that a 2-2.2mm ring shank will look thin on a size 7 finger (or most fingers).

 

[tkyasx78]

You have some great options!!! I cant wait to see the what you pick!

 

[Chrisg123]

Hey all,

I'm still looking at that stone at enchanted. Waiting until Monday to get an ASET image. I've been looking around online in the meantime.

I've noticed the same stone is available at Blue Nile and James Allan at a slightly higher price. I know Blue Nile has a price match guarantee.

Any comments on which retailer to buy from?

Here are the links:

https://enchanteddiamonds.com/diamonds/view/C222-79017Z852?

https://www.bluenile.com/diamond-de...wTab&refTab=DIAMONDS&track=viewDiamondDetails

https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/cushion-cut/2.22-carat-j-color-vs1-clarity-sku-4732698

 

[HappyNewLife]

Hey all,

I'm still looking at that stone at enchanted. Waiting until Monday to get an ASET image. I've been looking around online in the meantime.

I've noticed the same stone is available at Blue Nile and James Allan at a slightly higher price. I know Blue Nile has a price match guarantee.

Any comments on which retailer to buy from?

Here are the links:

https://enchanteddiamonds.com/diamonds/view/C222-79017Z852?

https://www.bluenile.com/diamond-de...wTab&refTab=DIAMONDS&track=viewDiamondDetails

https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/cushion-cut/2.22-carat-j-color-vs1-clarity-sku-4732698

If you think she (or you) will ever want to upgrade, I'd probably go with the vendor with the best upgrade policy. Also, Blue Nile will price match. They also probably have the setting you want. I'd probably reach out to them NOW.

 

[Chrisg123]

Thanks HappyNewLife,

Blue Nile won't provide ASET images on any stone that is not their signature collection.

James Allan will - I've reached out to them and they said they can get me an ASET image within 24 hours.

This is not the normal way I like to operate. I usually select a single small retailer and work with them on pruchases - however, the timeline Enchanted is laying out for me (ASET Image on Monday and then 15 business days to make the setting) isn't my preferred choice.

Chris

 

[Chrisg123]

Hey all - I just got the ASET on the diamond I'm looking at!

Here's a link to the stone. https://www.bluenile.com/diamond-de...wTab&refTab=DIAMONDS&track=viewDiamondDetails

The ASET is attached. Does anyone want to interpret this for me (My apologies for my ignorance)? I'm looking for an outstanding quality stone.

 

[HappyNewLife]

see if this helps:

https://enchanteddiamonds.com/education/how-to-read-an-aset-image

 

[Chrisg123]

Thanks HappyNewLife - It sort of does. If I understand correctly this stone (having little white or black), lots of red and green is "Very Good".

I'm also trying to figure out what type of cushion this is per your link (https://enchanteddiamonds.com/education/shapes/cushion).

 

[HappyNewLife]

I think it's an x-factor. There's definitely an X in the video. You'd be able to tell if it's a crushed ice - it literally looks like shards inside the diamond.

 

[ac117]

It's got some mush around the table, which I expected from the video. There's a decent amount of red and green pretty evenly distributed, with minimal leakage. I would give it a B/B+ in terms of the ASET, but I will say that elongated cushions usually have the same issues. The top cushions with minimal mush/leakage I find are usually 1-1.05 ratio.

 

[sledge]

** no links to affiliate sites please**

Average - Mediocore Light Return

Above Average – Very Good Light Return

Strong – Ideal Light Return

 

[Chrisg123]

Firstly, I just want to thank each and every member of this community, and especially those who have commented in this thread. While this is my first foray into this forum, I participate in several other online boards, and I've rarely seen the quality and quantity of help offered here given to a new poster.

Secondly, I am writing off that 2.22 CT stone I was looking at. The "mush" as ac117 put it, is something I'd like to avoid. I really want the sparkle/fire/brilliance of this stone to blow my girlfriend away (and perhaps some of her friends and family as well).

As such, i've reviewed most of the other stones suggested. These three caught my eye - two have ASETs already posted, and I've reached out to brilliant earth in respect to getting an ASET of the third.

I'd appreciate your comments on the performance/quality of these three.
1. https://enchanteddiamonds.com/diamonds/view/C201-383981013?
2. https://www.brilliantearth.com/rings/cyorings/view_diamond/5667485/?sid=
3. https://enchanteddiamonds.com/diamonds/view/C201-169705853?

I hope you all have a wonderful Thursday!

 

[rockysalamander]

How about these?
https://www.goodoldgold.com/diamond...GIA-I-SI1-diamond-stock-16230-cert-2181110786
https://www.goodoldgold.com/diamond..._modern-N-GIA-F-VS2-diamond-stock-16420-cert-

 

[ac117]

Firstly, I just want to thank each and every member of this community, and especially those who have commented in this thread. While this is my first foray into this forum, I participate in several other online boards, and I've rarely seen the quality and quantity of help offered here given to a new poster.

Secondly, I am writing off that 2.22 CT stone I was looking at. The "mush" as ac117 put it, is something I'd like to avoid. I really want the sparkle/fire/brilliance of this stone to blow my girlfriend away (and perhaps some of her friends and family as well).

As such, i've reviewed most of the other stones suggested. These three caught my eye - two have ASETs already posted, and I've reached out to brilliant earth in respect to getting an ASET of the third.

I'd appreciate your comments on the performance/quality of these three.
1. https://enchanteddiamonds.com/diamonds/view/C201-383981013?
2. https://www.brilliantearth.com/rings/cyorings/view_diamond/5667485/?sid=
3. https://enchanteddiamonds.com/diamonds/view/C201-169705853?

I hope you all have a wonderful Thursday!

Both ED stones are beautiful and will be top performers. You could see that their ASETs compare to the strongest in the chart sledge posted. I think you should decide based on the ratio she likes more. If she wants squarer, then the 2.01 J VVS1 is the way to go. If she wants slightly elongated, the 2.01 J VS1 is ever so slightly elongated. I don't remember if you mentioned her ring size but here's a comparison of both stones on size 6 fingers with dark skin tone so you could visualize the difference.



I will also post these 2 that I don't think I'd seen before:
https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/cushion-cut/2.11-carat-k-color-vs1-clarity-sku-3699226
https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/cushion-cut/2.01-carat-i-color-si2-clarity-sku-4929934

 

[Chrisg123]

Hey all,

I can't thank all of you enough for your help!

Time to provide a brief update.

I pulled the trigger on one of the stones from Enchanted on Friday!!! Link: https://enchanteddiamonds.com/diamonds/view/C201-169705853?

However, it was cross-listed on James Allen's site for slightly less. As an added bonus, James Allen should have it to me before the 9th of June, as I originally wanted!

Here's the James Allen link for the stone (you'll see the GIA report # matches) https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/cushion-cut/2.01-carat-j-color-vvs1-clarity-sku-4722882

I has the co-conspirator run James Allen's settings by my girlfriend - under the guise of planning her own engagement (how lucky am I that she and her bf are in the same place in life as me and mine?)

Here's the setting she chose: https://www.jamesallen.com/engageme...ife-edge-solitaire-engagement-ring-item-41232

Ordered it in rose gold, size 7 with a cute inscription. Here's some pictures/details. Now back to watching the Jame Allen order's progress constantly...

Happy Memorial Day to anyone reading from the US!

 

[Yimmers]

Congrats! Can't wait to see the pics on her hand!

 

[Luce]

Congratulations on a beautiful choice!

 

[ac117]

Hey all,

I can't thank all of you enough for your help!

Time to provide a brief update.

I pulled the trigger on one of the stones from Enchanted on Friday!!! Link: https://enchanteddiamonds.com/diamonds/view/C201-169705853?

However, it was cross-listed on James Allen's site for slightly less. As an added bonus, James Allen should have it to me before the 9th of June, as I originally wanted!

Here's the James Allen link for the stone (you'll see the GIA report # matches) https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/cushion-cut/2.01-carat-j-color-vvs1-clarity-sku-4722882

I has the co-conspirator run James Allen's settings by my girlfriend - under the guise of planning her own engagement (how lucky am I that she and her bf are in the same place in life as me and mine?)

Here's the setting she chose: https://www.jamesallen.com/engageme...ife-edge-solitaire-engagement-ring-item-41232

Ordered it in rose gold, size 7 with a cute inscription. Here's some pictures/details. Now back to watching the Jame Allen order's progress constantly...

Happy Memorial Day to anyone reading from the US!

Gorgeous choice!!! I really can't wait to see how it turns out! Please come back with pics!!

 

[Chrisg123]

Hey all,

Just thought I’d provide a brief update. Received the ring a few days ago and jumped the gun on the proposal. It still went splendidly, and she said yes.

Girlfriend (now fiancé) is beyond pleased with the ring. It’s everything either of or imagined it would be, and more! She’s gotten so many compliments on it already (including some by people she doesn’t know and who weren’t aware it was a brand new addition to her hand).

Anyway, I can’t thank you guys enough for your help. This community is amazing.

Special shout out to AC117 who held my hand through all of this.

Without further ado, some pictures:




Pardon the photography skills, we are still learning how to take photos with diamonds. If we get some pro-ish shots done by a family member with a nice camera and photography skills.

Chris