Help Picking Out Engagement Ring Diamond

[Guestacct]

Hi to all!

I’ve been reading the site now for this past week and have appreciated all the advice so far. I was ready to purchase a diamond but after talking to her best friend (probably should of done first!) I’ve realized it’s not the type she would like.

She would like a pear shaped diamond or oval in a solitaire style setting. I have been looking at WF or JA for rounds with specific cut dimensions learned from reading here. I had felt comfortable going to a J color in a round with a halo setting and an ideal cut. Now, I’m a bit unsure as to how go forward. I looked at the opulent ovals at AV but it seems like the size is sacrificed for the cut? True or no? Ideally, I’d like her to the largest stone possible that’s eye clean; but, with special cut stones like a pear or oval how should I value the cut? So far, I just know to avoid the bow tie! Budget is preferably around $7500. Thanks for the help and reading!

 

[Guestacct]

https://www.augustvintageinc.net/co...cts/1-068ct-h-vs1-august-vintage-oval-1587743

The oval I was looking at. Very nice but I went to gemsize and very small compared to the pear shapes at blue nile.

A little above the budget but
https://www.bluenile.com/build-your...DiamondDetails&action=newTab&catalogView=true

Is that one eye clean? I can see spots but it says vs2?

https://www.bluenile.com/build-your...DiamondDetails&action=newTab&catalogView=true

This one is in the budget; however, is this a good stone? Unless it’s obvious I have a hard time figuring out which have bow ties

 

[Guestacct]

https://www.adiamor.com/Diamonds/1....-Cut-Pear-Diamond/D42367974?&refer=pricescope

This one has a J color; for a pearl diamond is that to low with a white gold solitaire setting? Does anyone have an experience with Adiamor?

 

[lovedogs]

I love the August Vintage ovals! If that's an option I would definitely choose it. But of course I'm not her, so unclear how set she is on a pear.

For both ovals and pears, you can't really pick by the numbers, you have to go by video and images. There are some posters on here that are experts at fancy shapes (@rockysalamander is one, I think).

 

[Kaycee2018]

https://www.adiamor.com/Diamonds/1....-Cut-Pear-Diamond/D42367974?&refer=pricescope

This one has a J color; for a pearl diamond is that to low with a white gold solitaire setting? Does anyone have an experience with Adiamor?

My ering upgrade is from Adiamor. I had no issues. They are a drop shippers, meaning they don’t have most of their stones in-house, which is not unusual. They were not able to provide scope images of my stone (though in some cases, they can provide those depending on who has the stones), but they did provide hearts and arrows images. Their upgrade policy isn’t as generous as most branded super ideal vendors, but is pretty standard among online retailers. Their pricing seems to be competitive and they have a good return policy. I’m thrilled with my diamond and would have no reservations purchasing from them again. GL

 

[Guestacct]

Thanks lovesdogs and Kaycee for your responses. After thinking on it, I’m leaning towards pear cut. I know she for sure likes that cut and I still want to keep it a surprise. Good to know about Adiamor. Any thoughts on a J color with a pearl? I found another J on B2C and an I there as well. Here’s the I, compared to the J posted on B2C it’s also an upgrade on clarity as well for $900 more. With lower cost settings there I’d still be somewhat in budget.
https://www.b2cjewels.com/dd/12014792/1-51-carat-pear-diamond-i-color-vvs1-clarity

Any thoughts on this one compared to the earlier blue nile diamonds and Adiamor one I posted? Do any of these look good/am I on the right track? Should I lower the size to get a better cut/clarity/service?

Thanks to all!

 

[Kaycee2018]

Thanks lovesdogs and Kaycee for your responses. After thinking on it, I’m leaning towards pear cut. I know she for sure likes that cut and I still want to keep it a surprise. Good to know about Adiamor. Any thoughts on a J color with a pearl? I found another J on B2C and an I there as well. Here’s the I, compared to the J posted on B2C it’s also an upgrade on clarity as well for $900 more. With lower cost settings there I’d still be somewhat in budget.
https://www.b2cjewels.com/dd/12014792/1-51-carat-pear-diamond-i-color-vvs1-clarity

Any thoughts on this one compared to the earlier blue nile diamonds and Adiamor one I posted? Do any of these look good/am I on the right track? Should I lower the size to get a better cut/clarity/service?

Thanks to all!

I’m sorry, but know little-to-nothing about fancy cuts. My limited understanding is that fancy cuts can show color more (so a J in a pear might appear more tinted than in a MRB) and fancy cuts aren’t as easy to pick based on cut stats (scope images and seeing them IRL are more reliable ways to pick them). Hopefully some fancy cut experts can offer some assistance.

 

[rockysalamander]

Pears and ovals will show more color than a round. Unless the wearer is open to visible tint in a diamond, I'd limit your search to H and above for modern cuts if you want it to read as "White".

Old cuts are actually better at hiding color and this one is a fabulous version. This is a very safe (wow) color and clarity. I love the flour. This vendor is very reputable, but has a short return window. She can make or provide a great setting. You want a V-prong on the tip.
https://www.jewelsbygrace.com/1-03ct-antqiue-pear-shape-diamond-gia-d-vs1 (8.11 x 5.76x 3.26)

Another old cut that is HUGE and lovely. The vendor here is great with cut, can shoot you a video and makes great setting. This will show some color, but less so than a modern cut pear of the same color rating. Maybe a bit too much for some
http://www.diamondsbylauren.com/index.php/jewelry/254ct-m-n-si2-pear-diamond-r8326 {12.55 x 7.35 x 4.00 }

Hang tight. It can be quiet on the weekends, but some of the fancy lovers will chime in. Pear are a hard shape to find, so be patient and know that it will take time. I like both of these. JA will let you request 3 ASET images per email from which is originates. Put these on hold if you want to pursue.

https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/pear-shaped/1.20-carat-f-color-vs2-clarity-sku-5117855 {This is nice, not stupendous, but there is a lot of facet movement throughout. The round looks very much like a nice round. 9.11*6.00*3.80}

https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/pear-shaped/1.20-carat-g-color-si1-clarity-sku-5558922 {Another one that is nice. A lot of movement, the bowtie is a bit more persistent. But should be pretty in person. 9.13*5.88*3.68}|

 

[ringo865]

If you know that she has Pinterest, she may have pinned dozens of inspiration pics for engagement rings. You could investigate that to determine which shape she has more frequently pinned. IDJewelry in nyc has helped many people get super nice fancy cut rings. Their website is not comprehensive. You’d have to call - ask to speak with Yuketiel. Then tell him you’re on pricescope and your budget/specs. Check out their Instagram for what they have created in fancy shaped rings. Good luck!

 

[Rpb]

Another vendor you might want to check is www.diamondsbylauren.com they do specialized in fancy shapes and I am sure they can help you out with something spectacular.

 

[AprilBaby]

I had an I color pear and the tint was unacceptable. I can’t see tint in rounds.

 

[Guestacct]

Thanks for all the replies and help!

I really appreciate the time you took to look for alternatives rockysalamander! Never would of thought to look at places you suggested. The 2.56 is wow! Although the SI2 is scary. I’m not sure I know what eye clean is yet.

Ringo, awesome advice. I found her Pinterest and sure enough there was an album with wedding photos and rings. About 6-7 rings listed. No pears! They were all round or cushion (I think all round but some were to far away,) and oval. The settings were pave or solitaire with one very thin halo with a halo. A bit unsure as to which to look for. I seem to remember a while back ago she mentioned pear, and her best friend says she likes pears for sure and also ovals. However, the Pinterest was half and half oval to round. The pins are also over three years ago though. So, ovals are back on the table! Haha.

How do you all feel about the trade off between size (face up,) and cut? The 1.2 pears listed by rockysalamander seem to have a much larger surface area than the opulent ovals at 1.06 carat at AV. However, I read the ovals there look larger because of the sparkle?

Thanks for all the replies by the way! Ive removed the I and J stones from consideration as a result (outside of the large SI2 stone.) Although, worries about whether the eye clean test there and what it would like in white gold. I’ll check out diamondsbylaura as well!

 

[lovedogs]

Thanks for all the replies and help!

I really appreciate the time you took to look for alternatives rockysalamander! Never would of thought to look at places you suggested. The 2.56 is wow! Although the SI2 is scary. I’m not sure I know what eye clean is yet.

Ringo, awesome advice. I found her Pinterest and sure enough there was an album with wedding photos and rings. About 6-7 rings listed. No pears! They were all round or cushion (I think all round but some were to far away,) and oval. The settings were pave or solitaire with one very thin halo with a halo. A bit unsure as to which to look for. I seem to remember a while back ago she mentioned pear, and her best friend says she likes pears for sure and also ovals. However, the Pinterest was half and half oval to round. The pins are also over three years ago though. So, ovals are back on the table! Haha.

How do you all feel about the trade off between size (face up,) and cut? The 1.2 pears listed by rockysalamander seem to have a much larger surface area than the opulent ovals at 1.06 carat at AV. However, I read the ovals there look larger because of the sparkle?

Thanks for all the replies by the way! Ive removed the I and J stones from consideration as a result (outside of the large SI2 stone.) Although, worries about whether the eye clean test there and what it would like in white gold. I’ll check out diamondsbylaura as well!

I think you need to ask her friends (or her directly, if possible) what she wants. Ovals, rounds, and pears are very different. I loved pears (still do!), but didn't like them on me as an engagement ring, because I felt like they didn't look "engagement-like" on me. I think finding the right stone cut is really important, because some people have very strong preferences.

 

[sledge]

I think you need to ask her friends (or her directly, if possible) what she wants. Ovals, rounds, and pears are very different. I loved pears (still do!), but didn't like them on me as an engagement ring, because I felt like they didn't look "engagement-like" on me. I think finding the right stone cut is really important, because some people have very strong preferences.

Good idea just asking her, as her opinion is the most relevant. Sometimes friends get it wrong.

I'm guessing you want to keep it a surprise, so if you have a buddy that is considering getting engaged have him text you pictures of a round, oval and pear ring. Let your girl "catch you" looking and when she asks what's going on, advise her Johnny is proposing and asked your input on what type of ring. Tell her you don't know squat. Ask her if she has an opinion and why. Then (with her watching) respond back to Johnny with your opinion of what he should do. Tell her to keep it quiet as it's a surprise and Johnny still doesn't know for sure what shape he is going to buy.

Later, buy Johnny a few beers for helping you.

 

[Guestacct]

Thanks @sledge and @lovedogs. Definitely trying to keep the surprise. With something so sentimental and lasting though, it’s tough not to ask! Sledge that was a great plan but may have wasted that opportunity. I somehow got the conversation around to that yesterday without trying to give to much away!

Her comment was that if I ever proposed she’d prefer for it to be a classic style ring (that’s not to ornate or flashy,) that’s an uncommon shape, but not a Marquise. And, that she’s prefer for me to pick and surprise her. Her Pinterest said has Ovals, and her best friend said oval or a pear (and that she heard pear the most.)

Honestly, rings are not my thing (go figure right?) I see the car analogy a lot here. To me an oval and a pear are a F150 and Chevy Truck. Please help me if I’m missing something.

If I go with oval, I’d try to get an AV.
https://august-vintage-inc.myshopif...cts/1-092ct-f-si1-august-vintage-oval-1739181
These just seem way better than the others. Worried about how high it would sit in a setting and small appearance face up.

The pear seems the safer bet; but unfortunately there’s not an AV pear cut. There doesn’t seem to be a clear cut “great” option. I like @rockysalamander’s choices like
https://www.jamesallen.com/mobile/l...ed/1.20-carat-g-color-si1-clarity-sku-5558922.

And,
1: https://www.bluenile.com/diamond-details/LD10091568
2: https://www.bluenile.com/diamond-details/LD10752997
3: https://www.bluenile.com/diamond-details/LD11368839

4: https://www.jamesallen.com/mobile/l...ed/1.20-carat-d-color-vs2-clarity-sku-6193283

I was hoping to purchase this week to make sure I have before the holidays. Do any pears stand out among these? I was hoping to narrow down between two or three and go from there.

Thanks for any help you can give!

 

[Guestacct]

One more!

https://www.b2cjewels.com/dd/12100864/1-27-carat-pear-diamond-h-color-if-clarity

This is the second IF I saw; why the disparity in price? There was a similar cut to this at VS2 for $500 less? Am I missing something?

 

[quaddio]

Pears and ovals will show more color than a round. Unless the wearer is open to visible tint in a diamond, I'd limit your search to H and above for modern cuts if you want it to read as "White".

Old cuts are actually better at hiding color and this one is a fabulous version. This is a very safe (wow) color and clarity. I love the flour. This vendor is very reputable, but has a short return window. She can make or provide a great setting. You want a V-prong on the tip.
https://www.jewelsbygrace.com/1-03ct-antqiue-pear-shape-diamond-gia-d-vs1 (8.11 x 5.76x 3.26)

Another old cut that is HUGE and lovely. The vendor here is great with cut, can shoot you a video and makes great setting. This will show some color, but less so than a modern cut pear of the same color rating. Maybe a bit too much for some
http://www.diamondsbylauren.com/index.php/jewelry/254ct-m-n-si2-pear-diamond-r8326 {12.55 x 7.35 x 4.00 }

Wow Rocky how do you find such amazing diamonds?!?! I love these two - maybe prettiest pears I ever saw.

 

[sledge]

If I go with oval, I’d try to get an AV.
https://august-vintage-inc.myshopif...cts/1-092ct-f-si1-august-vintage-oval-1739181

I really like the F color but the perfectionist in me has a problem with the fact this only has an AGS1 excellent cut.



This particular AV oval has an Ideal 0 cut and higher clarity, but is only an H color. Size is nearly the same. And so is price. By the way, did you notice you can save 5% off the purchase price by entering BLACKFRIDAY during checkout?

Also, look at the computer generated ASET on the lab reports. Notice the uniformity of the H stone compared to the F stone?

https://august-vintage-inc.myshopif...cts/1-02ct-h-vvs2-august-vintage-oval-1862992

 

[sledge]

As far as your dilemma on oval or pear, I'd choose the oval. Mainly because I'm just not a fan of pears. Every time I see one my brain sees the alien face and it drives me bonkers.

However, if that was the path I decided to go down...hands down I'd go for an old cut like @rockysalamander linked earlier on. IMO, they are just more beautiful and (for me) makes the shape bearable.

Since you like car analogies, you may or may not appreciate this one. I love old muscle cars; however, not many Fords make my list. Most love the older Mustangs; however, I'm not as attracted to them as others. Yet, the '67 Fastback Shelby GT500's give me goose bumps.

For me, these old cuts are like those fastback Shelby's. And the modern pears are like an 80's Camaro -- yawn.

 

[amoline]

As far as your dilemma on oval or pear, I'd choose the oval. Mainly because I'm just not a fan of pears. Every time I see one my brain sees the alien face and it drives me bonkers.

You might have just ruined pear cut diamonds for me for a long time.

 

[LaylaR]

You might have just ruined pear cut diamonds for me for a long time.

Oh boy. That's going to be hard one to un-see for me too. Aliens creep me out.

 

[bmfang]

The 1.02 H VVS2 that @sledge mentioned above is a better option than the F SI1. For me, there is a noticeable difference in light performance between the two (the F at a number of angles looks darker than the H does).

 

[sledge]

You might have just ruined pear cut diamonds for me for a long time.

Oh boy. That's going to be hard one to un-see for me too. Aliens creep me out.

Sorry ladies, didn't meant to ruin pears for you.

The 1.02 H VVS2 that @sledge mentioned above is a better option than the F SI1. For me, there is a noticeable difference in light performance between the two (the F at a number of angles looks darker than the H does).

Thanks buddy, I agree. It looks much better in the video. I'd still like to have the F color, but not at the expense of the cut.

 

[amoline]

Sorry ladies, didn't meant to ruin pears for you.

No worries, but not a lady here. (Though the pear cut may still be ruined).

 

[sledge]

No worries, but not a lady here. (Though the pear cut may still be ruined).

Eeek...very sorry. I had no idea. Just assumed and we know what that does.

FWIW I'm a guy too. There aren't many of us here.

 

[bmfang]

Eeek...very sorry. I had no idea. Just assumed and we know what that does.

FWIW I'm a guy too. There aren't many of us here.

Me three. There’s prolly a few of us guys who aren’t in the trade and have been posting here long-term(-ish).

FWIW, I actually like the look of the 80s Camaro. Different strokes for different folks I guess...

 

[sledge]

Me three. There’s prolly a few of us guys who aren’t in the trade and have been posting here long-term(-ish).

FWIW, I actually like the look of the 80s Camaro. Different strokes for different folks I guess...

Indeed there are a few of us but not too many. Oddly enough as much as I post here I don't think my fiancee would ever do so. How about your wife? Also, my fiancee is constantly worried I am shopping for a new diamond for her, lol. I'm pretty sure none of the ladies here would have an issue with that situation if they thought their husbands were shopping for them.

LOL, as far as the Camaro, I'm not a fan either and was being sarcastic. I used the two examples to point out how I really liked old cuts (Shelby) but how I viewed pears as a boring "sports car". Really....did any true performance vehicles with powerful motors or sexy looks come from the 80's? I think around 200hp was the max during that generation unless you got into super sports cars (Ferrari, Lambo, Porsche, etc).

My truck has over 400hp, 3.92 gears and an 8 speed transmission. It will haul the mail and I bet out run several of the sports car of that generation.

 

[bmfang]

Indeed there are a few of us but not too many. Oddly enough as much as I post here I don't think my fiancee would ever do so. How about your wife? Also, my fiancee is constantly worried I am shopping for a new diamond for her, lol. I'm pretty sure none of the ladies here would have an issue with that situation if they thought their husbands were shopping for them.

LOL, as far as the Camaro, I'm not a fan either and was being sarcastic. I used the two examples to point out how I really liked old cuts (Shelby) but how I viewed pears as a boring "sports car". Really....did any true performance vehicles with powerful motors or sexy looks come from the 80's? I think around 200hp was the max during that generation unless you got into super sports cars (Ferrari, Lambo, Porsche, etc).

My truck has over 400hp, 3.92 gears and an 8 speed transmission. It will haul the mail and I bet out run several of the sports car of that generation.

The Mrs knows that I’m on PS but she ain’t interested. I’m more into these pieces of pressurised carbon than she is. Even now, she isn’t wanting any upgrades due to other financial priorities we have (and that includes saving up for bub’s primary/elementary school education).

Haha. The 5 series we use as our usual family car Spits out 190bhp (140kW) and 310lb-ft (420Nm) coming out of a twin turbo 2L diesel powerplant into an 8-speed ZF torque converter automatic transmission and that’s plenty enough power and torque for me. Been tempted to go for the 3L twin turbo diesel powerplant instead which puts out 195kW (261bhp) and 620Nm (458lb-ft) but I really don’t need that much power and torque on Australian suburban roads. Plus given diesel (and petrol/gasoline) over here in Oz is expensive, I’ll take fuel efficiency (and financial savings) over extra grunt that I can’t readily use on the road without losing my drivers license.

 

[Guestacct]

Thanks for all the help! These response are great, haha. Sounds like you can tow quite a bit @sledge ! I took yours and @bmfang advice and switched the ovals. I called Johnathan at AV today to talk and discuss potential settings. Plus, to use the diamond concierge service if I go with a pear.

I also liked @rockysalamander recommendations. Particularly the JA stone he listed I cited. The 2.56 was great, but her friend doesn’t think she’d like a diamond that large for everyday wear (I agree.) the other older stone I was concerned with th spot in the center? Does that change based on light reflection? @rockysalamander I’m curious to get your opinion on the B2C stone and the 3 from blue nile. I recall you said the two JA diamonds you listed were nice but not great. Are these better in your opinion?
https://www.bluenile.com/diamond-details/LD11368839

https://www.bluenile.com/diamond-details/LD10091568




https://www.b2cjewels.com/dd/12100864/1-27-carat-pear-diamond-h-color-if-clarity
The B2C diamond has 37% more face up volume than the oval (and the oval is cut amazing), that’s my main debate!

 

[rockysalamander]

All the stones you are considering are a very good size for an engagement. Keep in mind that the US average is something around 0.8 carats. Can you tell us what your girl does professionally and for hobbies? Is she very detail oriented and will notice fine difference in color or shape or is she more of a big-picture person?

In terms of shape, ovals are nice in that they can be set without any points in the setting. A pear requires a V-prong to protect the tip -- that makes them a bit more pointy than options for an oval. What kind of setting do you have in mind?

The problem with BN is that they flood the stone with light making it hard to evaluate fancy cuts. But, here goes.

https://www.bluenile.com/diamond-details/LD11368839
This not as good as the JA ones, IMHO. The tip areas is not flashing and the facets at 3'oclock never really get active.

https://www.bluenile.com/diamond-details/LD11368839
This is worse than the above BN stone. Facets show streaky light, not active on and off.

https://www.b2cjewels.com/dd/12100864/1-27-carat-pear-diamond-h-color-if-clarity
The video is shot with the stone in the wrong orientation. Hard to tell anything.

https://www.jewelsbygrace.com/1-03ct-antqiue-pear-shape-diamond-gia-d-vs1
Its a VS1. You are seeing dust on the surface, not an inclusion. If you mean the thing I'm pointing to, that is the culet. Old diamond cutter did not facet the bottom of the stone. This culet is part of the antique charm. I adore antique cuts and I love that they were individual cut by hand using a pattern loved by the individual cutter. But, you have to decide what your girl would like.