Help with a 5ct+ ring

[bpc]

Hi - looking for an engagement ring, think 5ct+ pear, oval or emerald cut would be great. Am wary of buying without seeing pictures or ASETs, but also can't find much inventory on sites other than Blue Nile. JA has a few, but I also don't know if I am doing enough to check out the diamond just by spinning it around 360 and seeing if there are visible blemishes or bowties/blackness. Is it possible that the diamonds that look better (less bowtie for example) is simply that way because the angles used don't expose them?

Also, are the settings on JA appropriate for a larger diamond? There aren't any photos of how a larger diamond would look.

Budget is flexible, but 75-200k is what I've been looking at. I care mostly about the aesthetics and optical performance of the diamond and am less hung up on the specific ratings. I can make out some flaws on most of the stones with pictures, but it's hard for me to understand whether they're visible without 20x magnification.

The budget is a big range, but it's not the case that I have to max out the budget. I understand generally the higher the price the better quality I may get, but if there is something that is just really good value for what it is (aesthetically/optically) I'm happy with that even if it's on the low end of the range. Basically 5ct will get her me past her friends, and beyond that I just want a good deal and a good looking ring.

I found some possible options, but am having a hard time figuring out how to compare/contrast. Any help would be much appreciated

http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/pear-shaped/5.07-carat-i-color-if-clarity-sku-759854
http://www.goodoldgold.com/ecommerce/6.01ct-i-vvs2-emerald-cut-diamond.html
http://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/oval-cut-loose-diamond-3552208.htm
http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/emerald-cut/6.28-carat-i-color-vs2-clarity-sku-318376
http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/oval-cut/5.14-carat-f-color-vs2-clarity-sku-209485
https://enchanteddiamonds.com/diamonds/view/Pear/GIA-Certified-6-02-Carat-D-Color-VS2-Clarity-Diamond-2NFCG3
https://enchanteddiamonds.com/diamonds/view/Pear/GIA-Certified-5-01-Carat-D-Color-VS2-Clarity-Diamond-TYZ5Z4
https://enchanteddiamonds.com/diamonds/view/Pear/GIA-Certified-5-68-Carat-E-Color-SI1-Clarity-Diamond-M5YX3A
https://enchanteddiamonds.com/diamonds/view/Oval/GIA-Certified-5-17-Carat-I-Color-VS1-Clarity-Diamond-RFEP5L
https://enchanteddiamonds.com/diamonds/view/Emerald/GIA-Certified-6-06-Carat-J-Color-IF-Clarity-Diamond-DK2SZ9
https://enchanteddiamonds.com/diamonds/view/Emerald/GIA-Certified-5-41-Carat-E-Color-SI1-Clarity-Diamond-U53WHK

Another question. A 5ct+ brilliant cut is just too big for a finger, right? That's the main reason why I didn't consider a round diamond.

Finally, if I'm looking to spend six figures, am I crazy for shopping online? I feel like it's much easier to get ripped off in person though as I am a first time buyer, live abroad, and wouldn't have sufficient time to really research and decide.

Thanks in advance

 

[bpc]

A few more on BlueNile with generic pictures:
http://www.bluenile.com/hk/diamond-details/LD06382660?track=Detlink1
http://www.bluenile.com/hk/diamond-details/LD04393342?track=Detlink2
http://www.bluenile.com/hk/diamond-details/LD05913993?track=Detlink3

 

[Gypsy]

If you are serious and want a fancy that big, and a transaction that large, then you need to call Good Old Gold.

You need to ask them to call in stones for you. And you need to FLY THERE and see the stones in person. I would stick to G or better and eyeclean. And ask for the best performance they can find you.

Spending 100k plus without shopping in person is mindblowing to me.

They are in Long Island. Make a trip of it.

 

[Gypsy]

Best stones you picked:
https://enchanteddiamonds.com/diamonds/view/Pear/GIA-Certified-6-02-Carat-D-Color-VS2-Clarity-Diamond-2NFCG3 (15 x 10 though? That's freaking huge).

http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/oval-cut/5.14-carat-f-color-vs2-clarity-sku-209485

You can order both and return the one you don't want.

But I highly suggest you just work with GOG, fly there and pick a nice stone for yourself.

 

[Gypsy]

Stone to consider (although, again, I would go to GOG):
http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/emerald-cut/5.02-carat-g-color-vs1-clarity-sku-729393



Here's what I don't get though. Why 5 carats?

You are looking at fancies. You are comparing stones that are 8x10 to stones that are 15x10. That's a big difference.

Forget carat weight. What SIZE do you want? That's the important thing.

 

[Gypsy]

This is what I mean.

You don't NEED a 5 carat oval if you are fine with a 5 carat EC.

This 4 carat oval: http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/oval-cut/4.03-carat-g-color-vs2-clarity-sku-324373 Is larger than that 5 carat EC. It's 11x9.

And this pear is 4.75 and it's 13x9: http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/pear-shaped/4.75-carat-f-color-si1-clarity-sku-491284 (Pretty stone, may be eyeclean)

SO what dimensions do you want in a stone? Forget weight.

 

[Gypsy]

And personally, I'd look at cushions and OECs too. Not a RB.

 

[bpc]

If you are serious and want a fancy that big, and a transaction that large, then you need to call Good Old Gold.

You need to ask them to call in stones for you. And you need to FLY THERE and see the stones in person. I would stick to G or better and eyeclean. And ask for the best performance they can find you.

Spending 100k plus without shopping in person is mindblowing to me.

Thanks for all the replies - I'm serious, for better or worse we have some friends that got married recently and will make a big deal of these things. It's an ego thing for me unfortunately; I don't think she cares that much but I'd like to surprise her.

Regarding eye clean - when WF certifies a stone as eye clean is that reliable? I may need this in the next few weeks, so a trip may be out of the question.

 

[bpc]

Best stones you picked:
https://enchanteddiamonds.com/diamonds/view/Pear/GIA-Certified-6-02-Carat-D-Color-VS2-Clarity-Diamond-2NFCG3 (15 x 10 though? That's freaking huge).

http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/oval-cut/5.14-carat-f-color-vs2-clarity-sku-209485

What do you base that on? The certificate or is it something in the picture?

 

[bpc]

You are looking at fancies. You are comparing stones that are 8x10 to stones that are 15x10. That's a big difference.

Forget carat weight. What SIZE do you want? That's the important thing.

Good point - I didn't realize there was such a big difference in size. I'm not sure about size, but this seemed cool:

http://img.allw.mn/content/wedding/2012/10/beyonce-wedding-ring.jpg

Obviously hers is much bigger in carat weight, but I thought something larger would look better rectangular than round and I'm looking for a similar ratio of length to width I think.

 

[bpc]

I haven't been able to find any OEC inventory, but isn't it pretty similar to RB? Sorry for all the questions and thanks again

 

[Gypsy]

Describe her to me. Taste is clothes, handbags, furniture. What brands does she like?

What is.your timeline.

And NO. Do not put a 100k plus stone in .JA.stock setting! You are.going to need a custom setting.

Have you looked.at First.Dibs for a ring?

 

[Gypsy]

Nevermind, didn't see a thing on first dibs that would be worth buying within your requirements.

That said...if you need a ring in a hurry you will need at least 2weeks at this time of year for the setting, if you sre buying something other than a complete ring.

For a pear that 6 carat D stone is a very lovely stone and it will be showy and will give you the huge look you want. Plis you get D color bragging rights. Tje ASET for a pear is a strong one.

 

[bpc]

Am I looking at First Dibs just for styles of settings? Doesn't seem like necessarily a great value to buy from there.

Style is simple and elegant, doesn't want too much going on. I think a solitaire platinum setting would be her preference. Did you see the picture I posted? I think a much less expensive version of that while smaller has similar look/ratios would be perfect.

Thanks

 

[Gypsy]

http://www.stevenkirsch.com/ call.Steven and see if he can do.a setting for you.in your.timeline.

 

[Gypsy]

Am I looking at First Dibs just for styles of settings? Doesn't seem like necessarily a great value to buy from there.

Style is simple and elegant, doesn't want too much going on. I think a solitaire platinum setting would be her preference. Did you see the picture I posted? I think a much less expensive version of that while smaller has similar look/ratios would be perfect.

Thanks

I.did
It's. Lovely.
Steven Kirsch can do a great.setting like that.

IMO you.will.need.a 6 carat.emerald.to.get.that.largrr look. If you.want.size.and.show.then.an.oval.or.pear.will.give.you.more.face.up.size.for.the.money.

Sorry.typimg on my phone.

 

[Gypsy]

Best stones you picked:
https://enchanteddiamonds.com/diamonds/view/Pear/GIA-Certified-6-02-Carat-D-Color-VS2-Clarity-Diamond-2NFCG3 (15 x 10 though? That's freaking huge).

http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/oval-cut/5.14-carat-f-color-vs2-clarity-sku-209485

What do you base that on? The certificate or is it something in the picture?

Image, type of inclusion, experience with JA photo set up.

 

[Gypsy]

Ring you posted is a split shank pave. Stones that big need support. Look through Stevens site see what catches your eye.

 

[Gypsy]

https://encrypted-tbn1.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcRl7orIu2_QjxDTRgTBeYquxZ1ad9EIusBBdfNkN-hoJTXYBBkD... 5 carat pear ring. Gives you this size/proportion.

Versus big old oval look: https://encrypted-tbn1.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcRVkVrwPwjpbE5ffAAMOEGCTOrRve7YrUaUmlFnffAxoJLdkhcb +this one is 12/carats)

 

[bpc]

Wow - the oval actually looks much better proportionally. Do you have an estimate for the dimensions of that stone?

 

[Gypsy]

http://hauteliving.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/Victoria-and-David-Beckham-Engagement-Ring.jpg big pear (over 9 carats)

 

[Gypsy]

Wow - the oval actually looks much better proportionally. Do you have an estimate for the dimensions of that stone?

Nope but it is Blake Lively's stone I'm sure.you.can goggle.it. 12/carat light pink 2 million dollar.oval. its famous.

 

[Gypsy]

My advice: narrow done to one shape. Call GOG. They are in NY and will have access to lots of stones plus they do ASET, SARIn, Video...everything you need for a long distance buy. Ask for loveliest stone they can find. Go from there. Also contact Steven about setting.

 

[bpc]

I guess the first pear ring seems too pointy, whereas the second has much better proportions.

Is it safe to mail a diamond I buy online to a jeweler directly and then have the jeweler mail to me after setting?

 

[bpc]

http://www.rarepink.com/blog/beauty-blake-livelys-rose-gold-engagement-ring/#more-1094

Based on the drawings there I think her diamond is 1.6x L/W. And her diamond looks to be 1.4x the length of the 1ct version. If 1ct is 8mm then hers would be 12mm or so?

 

[acaw2015]

Honestly I don't really see why you *need* to buy something this expensive and important so quickly. Would you buy an expensive car over the Internet if you had never seen it before in real life? If you know what you want, sure, but it seems to me like you haven't even decided on the cut. With your budget it seems very strange to me to go about this in this way. Also, the design of the ring is very important to consider.

I really think you should take Gypsy's advice in calling GOG. Especially if you can't go to see the stone in person.

Also... in my experience mailing a stone is fine if it's insured, but a 5 ct+ diamond..? Everyone has their limit of what is comfortable. GOG sent me my 1 ct diamond by mail, but I was worried before I received it.

 

[bpc]

Thanks for the suggestions - I've reached out to GOG already. I just thought it'd be nice to have before Christmas. I can slow down if that's the clear advice. In fact it'd be a lot easier for me to go to Hong Kong to buy a diamond but I'm not sure I know enough to not get ripped off.

 

[MollyMalone]

Thanks for the suggestions - I've reached out to GOG already. I just thought it'd be nice to have before Christmas. I can slow down if that's the clear advice. In fact it'd be a lot easier for me to go to Hong Kong to buy a diamond but I'm not sure I know enough to not get ripped off.

Do you live in the US; if so, I'm wondering why you would go to Hong Kong instead of New York?

 

[diamondseeker2006]

You are in very safe hands with someone like Good Old Gold if you have contacted them. They will source you a beautiful diamond. I am of the opinion that you do not have to go there. They provide photos and videos of the stone and then it is pretty easy to choose. In fact, we will help you choose because some of us have been here a long time and know good diamonds. I would consider H and I color if it was the right stone. See the two diamonds I post below...one is H and the other I color.

Then GOG can hand carry the diamond to Steven Kirsch for you. You will have complications trying to send a diamond of that value yourself. This is the easiest way to do it if you are working with GOG.

As far as the diamond goes, I would personally stick with emerald cut from what you have said about her. I would not consider a pear in that size, and finding a good oval is so hard. I think EC is a very classy look, but as Gypsy said, you might need to go to closer to 6 cts in an EC as they can be cut deeper than some shapes. There are a few members here with 5 ct diamonds or close to 5 cts. I will post links to their threads for you just so you can see size. You'll get a lot of size appearance for your money with a round.

[URL='https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/my-4-5-ct-whiteflash-aca.210847/']https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/my-4-5-ct-whiteflash-aca.210847/[/URL]

And Phoenix's...

 

[bpc]

Asia