Help with diamond ring options

[lalantha]

H VS1 0.816

 

[the tree sees]

Yup, thanks for confirming that, Lorelei. I was pretty sure I''d read that.

 

[lalantha]

H VS1 0.856

 

[Lorelei]

 

[lalantha]

ASET images posted for:

G VS1 0.802 

H VS1 0.856 

H VS1 0.816 


I don''t have them for:

F VS1 0.752 

G SI1 0.801

 

[lalantha]

As usual, a very nicely put reply Lorelei - thanks. I think I''m learning to get over the technical nature of selecting the diamond (it''s probably something to do with being an engineer!). I think if I can get a stone that will wow my wife, even though it''s not technically ''perfect'', it''ll have the desired effect.

I will visit Indira (1st July) and go from there. I know I run the risk of missing out on a good diamond with BGD, but I''m hoping they replenish (as it were) quickly.

Date: 6/22/2009 4:39:29 PM
Author: Lorelei
If all of the above suggested by Lesley are Brian Gavin Signature h&a then they should all be top notch cut which I would expect have been cut to Brian''s specifications and standards and approved by him. For us to get a comparison of each we need Idealscope and ASET images as Jason noted. Really it isn''t possible for consumers to speculate as to the differences between Infinity and BG Signature Ideals, the BG are a new line plus we are only consumers and haven''t seen these diamonds to compare, nor do we have the expertise to speculate on any differences, or the pros and cons between them. Suffice to say both Infinity and BG h&a are among the finest cut diamonds in the world.


As for clarity, it depends on you, if you would prefer VS then go with that if you feel that is a better representation of the emotion you feel as you gift this diamond to your wife.


As to who to go with, whether BGD or Dr Marchant, really it comes down to who has what you want at the time you want it. If BGD have the setting you prefer, go with them. If you would rather view in person and choose from there, then Dr Marchant is the one to go with. Or visit with Indira and decide from there once you have compared both vendors offerings. There isn''t a right or wrong answer, and you certainly can''t go wrong with either!

 

[the tree sees]

Hold on, I need my shades.

Lalantha, you can''t go wrong. I''d go with the H VS1 .856, if only bc it''s bigger

 

[lalantha]

Wow! I hadn''t see the heart-prongs - very cool and very nice. I don''t think I''ll copy it though, out of respect to Cheradrian. But it has made me think even more about going with BGD and making the ring a bit unique...

Date: 6/22/2009 4:47:09 PM
Author: the tree sees
It''s a spectacular setting, isn''t it? There was a thread on it earlier, apart from here. Very cool.

Don''t feel like you have to buy the setting with the stone--I''ve even read of some ppl buying the stone and proposing with a temporary setting, to purchase the final one with their SOs. But it seems like being able to purchase them both at the same time makes the process flow even more smoothly.

 

[Lorelei]

They are all superb ASET images! I understand with being an engineer how it is with the technical side, numbers and measurements! Yes we see a lot of that here but from the consumer point of view we can''t pin beauty all down to numbers and angles, however they certainly have their place. You are looking at some of the best cut diamonds in the world here, so you can''t get it wrong - your wife will end up with a beautiful stone! It will all unfold the way it is meant to, your diamond is out there - whether it is with Lesley or Indira we don''t know yet but you can have every confidence that you are approaching this in the right way and will get a fantastic result!

 

[Lorelei]

Oh those prongs are incredible....

 

[lalantha]

You two are getting me pretty excited about that one - it''s so tempting to just go for it!

Date: 6/22/2009 5:01:56 PM
Author: the tree sees
Hold on, I need my shades.

Lalantha, you can''t go wrong. I''d go with the H VS1 .856, if only bc it''s bigger

Date: 6/22/2009 5:06:11 PM
Author: Lorelei
They are all superb ASET images! I understand with being an engineer how it is with the technical side, numbers and measurements! Yes we see a lot of that here but from the consumer point of view we can''t pin beauty all down to numbers and angles, however they certainly have their place. You are looking at some of the best cut diamonds in the world here, so you can''t get it wrong - your wife will end up with a beautiful stone! It will all unfold the way it is meant to, your diamond is out there - whether it is with Lesley or Indira we don''t know yet but you can have every confidence that you are approaching this in the right way and will get a fantastic result!

 

[the tree sees]

 

[lalantha]

Well, it''s amazing what sleeping on an idea can do. I''ve come to realise that I really LOVE the Truth setting and (I know I sound like a schmuck for this) I also love the heart shaped prongs (Cheradrian - please say if you have strong objections).

Given that time is also a factor for me (I don''t have much free!) I think I prefer to work with a single vendor (BGD) and design the ring I want. I''ve got a huge apology to fire off to Indira today.

.

So, I''ve decided on the setting (Yay!) - I just need to decide between yellow gold or pure platinum.

As for the diamond, I''ve decided on:

o BGD H&A cut (obviously)
o In the near-colorless band
o Eye-clean
o the biggest stone I can afford

The 0.856 is top of the list at the moment.

What do you guys think? Silly move?

BTW: when shipping from BGD to the UK, am I correct that VAT is now 15% and FedEx charge a fee for processing the taxes? Does anyone know offhand what that fee is?

 

[Lorelei]

Date: 6/23/2009 2:16:42 AM
Author: lalantha
Well, it's amazing what sleeping on an idea can do. I've come to realise that I really LOVE the Truth setting and (I know I sound like a schmuck for this) I also love the heart shaped prongs (Cheradrian - please say if you have strong objections).

Given that time is also a factor for me (I don't have much free!) I think I prefer to work with a single vendor (BGD) and design the ring I want. I've got a huge apology to fire off to Indira today.

.

So, I've decided on the setting (Yay!) - I just need to decide between yellow gold or pure platinum.

As for the diamond, I've decided on:

o BGD H&A cut (obviously)
o In the near-colorless band
o Eye-clean
o the biggest stone I can afford

The 0.856 is top of the list at the moment.

What do you guys think? Silly move?

BTW: when shipping from BGD to the UK, am I correct that VAT is now 15% and FedEx charge a fee for processing the taxes? Does anyone know offhand what that fee is?

No! I am sure Indira will be fine, both are super vendors and it does come down to who has what you want at the time you need it! That is the nature of the business!

Shipping, yes 15% VAT and I believe 2.5% import duty, I will get confirmation for you in a while.

 

[Indira-London]

Date: 6/23/2009 2:16:42 AM
Author: lalantha
Well, it's amazing what sleeping on an idea can do. I've come to realise that I really LOVE the Truth setting and (I know I sound like a schmuck for this) I also love the heart shaped prongs (Cheradrian - please say if you have strong objections).

Given that time is also a factor for me (I don't have much free!) I think I prefer to work with a single vendor (BGD) and design the ring I want. I've got a huge apology to fire off to Indira today.

.

So, I've decided on the setting (Yay!) - I just need to decide between yellow gold or pure platinum.

As for the diamond, I've decided on:

o BGD H&A cut (obviously)
o In the near-colorless band
o Eye-clean
o the biggest stone I can afford

The 0.856 is top of the list at the moment.

What do you guys think? Silly move?

BTW: when shipping from BGD to the UK, am I correct that VAT is now 15% and FedEx charge a fee for processing the taxes? Does anyone know offhand what that fee is?

Hello Lalantha
Congratualtions on getting bpth a beautiful diamond and a beautiful setting from a highly respected team in Lesley and Gavin.

I must admit that the Truth setting both with and without the heart prongs is simply stunning!

I was going to write to you thins morning anyway to say that as there are no 0.8+ carat Infinity diamonds in your specifcation currently available that I think that as Lesley and Brian have both the diamond and the setting you like that you should go for it!

The reason that I waited till morning was because I wanted to check with Paul Slegers (Crafted By Infinity) first as to what Infinity diamonds are currently in the pipeline but not yet ready.
I just got back from my morning run to see a response from Paul that says that:
"Indeed, we do have some stones in production that will finish around 0.80, but they will only be available towards the end of next month"

Best wishes
Indira

 

[lalantha]

Date: 6/23/2009 5:14:41 AM
Author: Indira-London

Date: 6/23/2009 2:16:42 AM
Author: lalantha
Well, it''s amazing what sleeping on an idea can do. I''ve come to realise that I really LOVE the Truth setting and (I know I sound like a schmuck for this) I also love the heart shaped prongs (Cheradrian - please say if you have strong objections).

Given that time is also a factor for me (I don''t have much free!) I think I prefer to work with a single vendor (BGD) and design the ring I want. I''ve got a huge apology to fire off to Indira today.

.

So, I''ve decided on the setting (Yay!) - I just need to decide between yellow gold or pure platinum.

As for the diamond, I''ve decided on:

o BGD H&A cut (obviously)
o In the near-colorless band
o Eye-clean
o the biggest stone I can afford

The 0.856 is top of the list at the moment.

What do you guys think? Silly move?

BTW: when shipping from BGD to the UK, am I correct that VAT is now 15% and FedEx charge a fee for processing the taxes? Does anyone know offhand what that fee is?

Hello Lalantha
Congratualtions on getting bpth a beautiful diamond and a beautiful setting from a highly respected team in Lesley and Gavin.

I must admit that the Truth setting both with and without the heart prongs is simply stunning!

I was going to write to you thins morning anyway to say that as there are no 0.8+ carat Infinity diamonds in your specifcation currently available that I think that as Lesley and Brian have both the diamond and the setting you like that you should go for it!

The reason that I waited till morning was because I wanted to check with Paul Slegers (Crafted By Infinity) first as to what Infinity diamonds are currently in the pipeline but not yet ready.
I just got back from my morning run to see a response from Paul that says that:
''Indeed, we do have some stones in production that will finish around 0.80, but they will only be available towards the end of next month''

Best wishes
Indira

Wow - thanks for being so understanding Indira. I actually just sent off my email to you before seeing this, so sorry for the spamming you.

 

[Lorelei]

Date: 6/23/2009 4:44:52 AM
Author: Lorelei

Date: 6/23/2009 2:16:42 AM
Author: lalantha
Well, it's amazing what sleeping on an idea can do. I've come to realise that I really LOVE the Truth setting and (I know I sound like a schmuck for this) I also love the heart shaped prongs (Cheradrian - please say if you have strong objections).

Given that time is also a factor for me (I don't have much free!) I think I prefer to work with a single vendor (BGD) and design the ring I want. I've got a huge apology to fire off to Indira today.

.

So, I've decided on the setting (Yay!) - I just need to decide between yellow gold or pure platinum.

As for the diamond, I've decided on:

o BGD H&A cut (obviously)
o In the near-colorless band
o Eye-clean
o the biggest stone I can afford

The 0.856 is top of the list at the moment.

What do you guys think? Silly move?

BTW: when shipping from BGD to the UK, am I correct that VAT is now 15% and FedEx charge a fee for processing the taxes? Does anyone know offhand what that fee is?

No! I am sure Indira will be fine, both are super vendors and it does come down to who has what you want at the time you need it! That is the nature of the business!

Shipping, yes 15% VAT and I believe 2.5% import duty, I will get confirmation for you in a while.

Just found out Fedex do charge a fee, one example was around thirty pounds for processing.

Thanks for the info Indira! Lalantha it looks as if the BG diamond is your stone!

 

[lalantha]

Date: 6/23/2009 6:01:59 AM
Author: Lorelei

Date: 6/23/2009 4:44:52 AM
Author: Lorelei

Date: 6/23/2009 2:16:42 AM
Author: lalantha
Well, it''s amazing what sleeping on an idea can do. I''ve come to realise that I really LOVE the Truth setting and (I know I sound like a schmuck for this) I also love the heart shaped prongs (Cheradrian - please say if you have strong objections).

Given that time is also a factor for me (I don''t have much free!) I think I prefer to work with a single vendor (BGD) and design the ring I want. I''ve got a huge apology to fire off to Indira today.

.

So, I''ve decided on the setting (Yay!) - I just need to decide between yellow gold or pure platinum.

As for the diamond, I''ve decided on:

o BGD H&A cut (obviously)
o In the near-colorless band
o Eye-clean
o the biggest stone I can afford

The 0.856 is top of the list at the moment.

What do you guys think? Silly move?

BTW: when shipping from BGD to the UK, am I correct that VAT is now 15% and FedEx charge a fee for processing the taxes? Does anyone know offhand what that fee is?

No! I am sure Indira will be fine, both are super vendors and it does come down to who has what you want at the time you need it! That is the nature of the business!

Shipping, yes 15% VAT and I believe 2.5% import duty, I will get confirmation for you in a while.

Just found out Fedex do charge a fee, one example was around thirty pounds for processing.

Thanks for the info Indira! Lalantha it looks as if the BG diamond is your stone!

Yup, looking that way. I know keep asking for opinions, but what do you think - gold or all platinum for the shank (learnt new term last night thanks to Lesley!).

 

[stone-cold11]

Pt all the way for me...

 

[Lorelei]

Date: 6/23/2009 6:29:22 AM
Author: lalantha

Date: 6/23/2009 6:01:59 AM
Author: Lorelei

Date: 6/23/2009 4:44:52 AM
Author: Lorelei

Date: 6/23/2009 2:16:42 AM
Author: lalantha
Well, it''s amazing what sleeping on an idea can do. I''ve come to realise that I really LOVE the Truth setting and (I know I sound like a schmuck for this) I also love the heart shaped prongs (Cheradrian - please say if you have strong objections).

Given that time is also a factor for me (I don''t have much free!) I think I prefer to work with a single vendor (BGD) and design the ring I want. I''ve got a huge apology to fire off to Indira today.

.

So, I''ve decided on the setting (Yay!) - I just need to decide between yellow gold or pure platinum.

As for the diamond, I''ve decided on:

o BGD H&A cut (obviously)
o In the near-colorless band
o Eye-clean
o the biggest stone I can afford

The 0.856 is top of the list at the moment.

What do you guys think? Silly move?

BTW: when shipping from BGD to the UK, am I correct that VAT is now 15% and FedEx charge a fee for processing the taxes? Does anyone know offhand what that fee is?

No! I am sure Indira will be fine, both are super vendors and it does come down to who has what you want at the time you need it! That is the nature of the business!

Shipping, yes 15% VAT and I believe 2.5% import duty, I will get confirmation for you in a while.

Just found out Fedex do charge a fee, one example was around thirty pounds for processing.

Thanks for the info Indira! Lalantha it looks as if the BG diamond is your stone!

Yup, looking that way. I know keep asking for opinions, but what do you think - gold or all platinum for the shank (learnt new term last night thanks to Lesley!).

I would go with all platinum if the budget permits.

 

[Indira-London]

Date: 6/23/2009 6:01:07 AM
Author: lalantha

Wow - thanks for being so understanding Indira. I actually just sent off my email to you before seeing this, so sorry for the spamming you.

No apology required - you''re welcome!

Re. setting - like the previous posters, I say platinum if budget permits and assuming that it fits with your wife''s existing jewellery

 

[arjunajane]

Hey lalantha,
congrats on your diamond selection, and I know the truth setting will be gorgeous as its
very similiar to one I own (I have mine with a yellow gold shank if you''d like some more photos in different lighting - just follow my name, or I can link if you like).

I wouldn''t be worried about "copying" the heart prongs as they are done all the time by different
designers/vendors - but you are very polite to be concerned, I must say, lol!

As to what type of metal to use, really only you can answer this. What type of jewellery does
the wife already wear? Do you know if she likes yellow gold over white metals, or vice versa?
Also, lifestyle can come into it. Plat has different properties and "wears" differently to gold -
over time it develops whats called a patina. some love it, some don''t. If you''re curious, just do
a search, there''s tons of reading on gold vs plat.

Best of luck, I''m sure you will be very impressed when you see the end result. Lesley is a champ to speak
with, and Brian''s really in a class of his own - you''ve made a great selection.



Also, I must just give a shout out to Lozza for the effort she has shown in this thread - you da best Bruddah!

And to The tree Sees, great effort too so early in your membership, keep it up!

 

[lalantha]

Date: 6/23/2009 7:11:13 AM
Author: arjunajane
Hey lalantha,
congrats on your diamond selection, and I know the truth setting will be gorgeous as its
very similiar to one I own (I have mine with a yellow gold shank if you''d like some more photos in different lighting - just follow my name, or I can link if you like).

I wouldn''t be worried about ''copying'' the heart prongs as they are done all the time by different
designers/vendors - but you are very polite to be concerned, I must say, lol!

As to what type of metal to use, really only you can answer this. What type of jewellery does
the wife already wear? Do you know if she likes yellow gold over white metals, or vice versa?
Also, lifestyle can come into it. Plat has different properties and ''wears'' differently to gold -
over time it develops whats called a patina. some love it, some don''t. If you''re curious, just do
a search, there''s tons of reading on gold vs plat.

Best of luck, I''m sure you will be very impressed when you see the end result. Lesley is a champ to speak
with, and Brian''s really in a class of his own - you''ve made a great selection.



Also, I must just give a shout out to Lozza for the effort she has shown in this thread - you da best Bruddah!

And to The tree Sees, great effort too so early in your membership, keep it up!

Looks like platinum is the way!

Couldn''t agree more about the amount of help I''ve had from Lorelei and all the others on this forum - thanks very much. I''m waiting to talk with Lesley soon and get things moving.

 

[Lorelei]

On shucks.....* blush...* Thanks Bruddah and lalantha!!! It is my pleasure to help!

DEFINITELY agree with a shout out to our newest poster in RT, Jason " The Tree"!! He is doing a splendid job of helping, is a very fast learner and is eager and willing to learn more all the time, well done!!!

 

[the tree sees]

::blush::

Thanks for the shout outs!

Lalantha, congrats!!!!!!

 

[Lorelei]

Date: 6/23/2009 9:24:17 AM
Author: the tree sees
::blush::

Thanks for the shout outs!

Lalantha, congrats!!!!!!

Most welcome Jason, I think you have a real talent for this like Jet who is also a newer member, you are both doing a fantastic job!!!

 

[lalantha]

Well Folks, the proverbial trigger has been pulled!

In a strange way, it''s very much a relief because I can now stop looking at details and look forward to a wonderful present for my wife.

I''ll start posting all the details of the ring as and when I get them (starting tonight with the various reports, images I already have).

It''s very exciting. As much as I want to see it, I''ve asked Lesley to hold the ring for me till September (when I need it) so it''s stored somewhere secure. Until then I''ll have to just go with the lovely photographs Brian puts together for these rings. I guess it''s time for me to start practicing taking photos as well.

So, once again, thanks all.

Like Jason (thanks so much!), I shall endeavor to help others on this forum as much as I can.

 

[lalantha]

ASET

 

[lalantha]

AGS report.

 

[lalantha]

Hearts