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[funnybone99]

I'm sure it has been discussed to death on this forum, but I'm one of the "buy a smaller Tiffany or a larger BlueNile-type". My budget is around $20k, give or take a few thousand. Max $25k after tax (13% tax up here).

I like the Tiffany classic setting (rock w/ plain band). I want a rock that's between 1.5 to 2 carats.

What do you think of this one here?
http://www.bluenile.ca/diamond-search?filter_id=0#diamonds_pid=LD01146909

Seems like it has a fair # of flaws though.

I'm leaning towards Tiffany. Stupid or go for it?

 

[stone-cold11]

Bad proportion for light performance, too deep in the pavilion, will have significant leakage.

Use this tool as a weeding out tool.
https://www.pricescope.com/tools/hca

Tiffany, depends, some just like the name. If you like that and willing to pay for it, it is your money. Cut not necessary better if you buy from Tiffany, case by case.

Do not judge if a stone is eye-clean or not by the inclusion map, it just tells your what type of inclusions are located where, not how severe or if it is visible. Almost all VS2 are eye-clean, for round brilliant.

 

[funnybone99]

Thanks. What stone would you choose on BlueNile if you were in my position?

 

[minmin001]

why does it have to be bluenile? there are other better online stores out there

 

[funnybone99]

Doesn't have to be, it can be any reputable store. I chose BN because they have a .ca version of their site.

 

[OCgirl]

Doesn't have to be, it can be any reputable store. I chose BN because they have a .ca version of their site.

Isn't $20k kind of tight for a 1.5 - 2.0 carat Tiffany H VS2 (assuming you want the same specs as your link) ring? Last month I was there looking at rings a 1.2 carat G VS1 had a $23k price tag.

I think you can do MUCH better with your money buying from a reputable online vendor. Is H VS2 the specs you want?

 

[OCgirl]

Brian Gavin Diamond:
1.7 carat H VS2 approx $19k after 5% PS discount http://www.briangavindiamonds.com/diamond/diamond-detail/?product_id=AGS-104051364008

If you are willing to go down a clarity grade:
1.72 carat H SI1 ~$17k after discount http://www.briangavindiamonds.com/diamond/diamond-detail/?product_id=AGS-1040399230017
1.71 carat H SI1 ~$17k after discount http://www.briangavindiamonds.com/diamond/diamond-detail/?product_id=AGS-104047809006

I remember the Tiffany knife edge setting on BGD is under $1k.

White Flash:
1.70 carat G SI1 ~$19k http://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-2587976.htm

 

[funnybone99]

Thanks OCgirl. Those are a bit small, I think I'd like something closer to 2. I can go up to $23k before tax.

Yes, I definitely would not be able to swing a 2 carat at Tiffany at my budget. Those are around $40k I believe. If I went with Tiffany, the max I'd get under $25k would be 1.3 carats probably.

I have two more questions for anyone kind enough to answer them:
1) This whole thing is a surprise, and I don't know her ring size. If I order online, can I send the ring back to get it re-sized?
2) I'm planning on doing the proposal while we're on vacation. Has anyone done that before? Where do you put the ring, in your pocket? I'm just worried that security will make me take it out after they wand me, and she'll see and the surprise will be ruined. If I put it in my luggage, and my luggage gets lost, I'm in trouble. If I put it in my carry-on, again I worry that security will open it and she'll see. What to do?

 

[OCgirl]

Thanks OCgirl. Those are a bit small, I think I'd like something closer to 2. I can go up to $23k before tax.

Yes, I definitely would not be able to swing a 2 carat at Tiffany at my budget. Those are around $40k I believe. If I went with Tiffany, the max I'd get under $25k would be 1.3 carats probably.

I have two more questions for anyone kind enough to answer them:
1) This whole thing is a surprise, and I don't know her ring size. If I order online, can I send the ring back to get it re-sized?
2) I'm planning on doing the proposal while we're on vacation. Has anyone done that before? Where do you put the ring, in your pocket? I'm just worried that security will make me take it out after they wand me, and she'll see and the surprise will be ruined. If I put it in my luggage, and my luggage gets lost, I'm in trouble. If I put it in my carry-on, again I worry that security will open it and she'll see. What to do?

I think some of the vendors online don't charge you tax if you don't live in that state. I'm sure some of the PSers here can find you ones within your budget.

I can attempt to give you some of my thoughts:
1) It depends on the setting you pick and how close you think your etimate of her ring size is. I've personally tried to re-size a pave setting down 2 sizes and that really did not do well with the band. The pave diamonds kept popping out because the 2 sizes down was quite a streth (or un-stretch...) for the thin band. You noted you want a tiffany knife edge I believe. Those should be fairly easy to size so I don't think there's anything to worry about.
2) I don't know the answers to your specific questions but I would say you definitely have to make sure you insure the ring before you take it anywhere else besides the bank's safe/vault/deposit box. Not sure aobut the airport security thing. Maybe other PSers can chime in on this one.

 

[slg47]

Thanks OCgirl. Those are a bit small, I think I'd like something closer to 2. I can go up to $23k before tax.

there is a big jump in price at the 2 carat mark so you may have to stay under 2 ct.

Yes, I definitely would not be able to swing a 2 carat at Tiffany at my budget. Those are around $40k I believe. If I went with Tiffany, the max I'd get under $25k would be 1.3 carats probably.

I have two more questions for anyone kind enough to answer them:
1) This whole thing is a surprise, and I don't know her ring size. If I order online, can I send the ring back to get it re-sized?

yes, I ordered my ring from BGD and had to send it back to get resized. They offer 1 free resizing with every order, you just pay shipping (which for me was cheaper than getting it resized locally). If you are getting a simple setting though (no pave) I would just take it to a local jeweler for resizing.

2) I'm planning on doing the proposal while we're on vacation. Has anyone done that before? Where do you put the ring, in your pocket? I'm just worried that security will make me take it out after they wand me, and she'll see and the surprise will be ruined. If I put it in my luggage, and my luggage gets lost, I'm in trouble. If I put it in my carry-on, again I worry that security will open it and she'll see. What to do?

I'm sure someone has done this...I would put it in your carry-on. I doubt they would open it. Maybe try googling how to do this best?

 

[funnybone99]

What do you think of these:

http://www.bluenile.ca/diamond-search?filter_id=0#diamonds_pid=LD01185748

http://www.bluenile.ca/diamond-search?filter_id=0#diamonds_pid=LD01185748

http://www.bluenile.ca/diamond-search?filter_id=0#diamonds_pid=LD01604863

 

[canuk-gal]

HI:

Just in case you don't mind Estate Tiffany; I know you want a certain size and have a generous budget...

http://oakgem.com/Products/Tiffany_(and)_Co_Platinum_1.14ct_Diamond_Engagement_Ring_5192.aspx

http://oakgem.com/Products/Tiffany_(and)_Co_Platinum_3.00ctw_Diamond_Engagement_Ring_4216.aspx

cheers--Sharon

 

[tyty333]

These should both be nice stones but they are I colored...
http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/I-VS2-Ideal-Cut-Round-Diamond-1307972.asp

http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/I-VS1-Ideal-Cut-Round-Diamond-1301690.asp

Color video...or go checkout the Peerless line at Jareds to see if an "I" will work for you...
http://www.vimeo.com/3288695

 

[yssie]

What do you think of these:

http://www.bluenile.ca/diamond-search?filter_id=0#diamonds_pid=LD01185748

http://www.bluenile.ca/diamond-search?filter_id=0#diamonds_pid=LD01185748

http://www.bluenile.ca/diamond-search?filter_id=0#diamonds_pid=LD01604863

1 - pav steep in combo w/ crown
2 - same stone
3 - could work, could not work - depends on what ranges went into the rounded averages, optical symmetry, what lower half actually is .. would want to get the stone shipped out to inspect in-person before having it set. BN has a generous return period should it not meet expectations.

tyty's choices are safer - the first has a nice hearts pattern if that matters to you, request IS to confirm for second.

More from JA
1.85 H VS1 $21k http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/H-VS1-Ideal-Cut-Round-Diamond-1370433.asp (request IS)
1.80 H VS2 $18.8k http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/H-VS2-Ideal-Cut-Round-Diamond-1347824.asp (request IS)
1.78 G VS2 $20.9k http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/G-VS2-Ideal-Cut-Round-Diamond-1381071.asp (request IS)

 

[diamondseeker2006]

I prefer Brian Gavin and WhiteFlash for the stone if you want the replica of the classic Tiffany setting. Does she ever wear a ring on that finger? It would be good if you could borrow it to have the size measured.

 

[funnybone99]

Sorry guys, last one. What do you think of this:

http://www.bluenile.ca/diamond-search?filter_id=0#diamonds_pid=LD01185781

Need to make a purchase today. Got a 10% off coupon.

 

[yssie]

Sorry guys, last one. What do you think of this:

http://www.bluenile.ca/diamond-search?filter_id=0#diamonds_pid=LD01185781

Need to make a purchase today. Got a 10% off coupon.

Numbers are fine. BN has a generous return period if it doesn't meet expectations, best to have it shipped out to look at in-person before you get it set, especially if you are choosing an elaborate setting that could not be reworked for a differently proportioned stone should this one not work out.

 

[scepture]

I'm not trying to hijack the thread here, but canuk-gal's link to 'OakGem' was a store that I have never seen mentioned here before. The selection seemed to be pretty good compared to some other secondhand type stores. I know that we cannot discuss any other web forums, but are there other similar sites to oakgem? I know about pearlmans, idonowidont (and another that has a forum attached so I wont mention) already, but I always welcome a good site so suggestions are appreciated!


Thanks!