Hey guys, just joined and have some questions...

[ringhunter]

I''m very glad I found pricescope. I''ve been lurking for a short while and am excited to be able to tap into the knowledge on this forum.

Here''s my situation:

I will be purchasing an engagement ring in the next 6 months or so.

I don''t want to spend more than $15,000 total, but if something perfect is a bit above that threshold, then I can be flexible. I''m also open to spending less, of course.

I would prefer a square cut...princess, radiant, etc. My girlfriend used to prefer princess, but lately has mentioned squares with rounded edges like the radiant. I would like some help in determining the best cut here. I have seen the "jubilee" mentioned, but it seems as if those may price me out of my range.

The center stone needs to be at least 2 carats. Despite my arguments to the contrary, my girlfriend has decided size is very important.

I am leaning towards a Tacori setting. Any comments on Tacori? I''m not exclusively looking there, but my g/f is partial to those it seems. She likes the "antiquey" style as she calls it.

I''ve studied the 4 C''s, and know that to attain the size I''m hoping I will have to slip down to G-H color, VS type clarity, and maybe not an ideal cut. I would like to find the best combination of quality and size though.

Here is an example of a diamond I found on James Allen through the PS search:

http://www.jamesallen.com/products/item_58-2800_build.asp?cid=58&module=diamond&item=1131544

I have been referred to two different diamond brokers. I''m not sure if I will go that route, or purchase online. Any thoughts there? I have been told both of these individuals can do way better than the prices at a brick and mortar dealer, but I am not sure how it would compare to an online dealer. Additionally, I question how diverse their selection would be, especially considering the relative lack of abundance of 2+ carat radiants or other squares with rounded corners.

I''m quite nervous but also a bit excited to begin this process and look forward to your feedback.

 

[LtlFirecracker]

I can''t answer all your questions, but does you GF like just the shape of the radiant or the pattern of the facets?

I am saying this because a lot of people on here like cushions, which also have rounded cornors. There are some vendors on here that sell cushions with bigger facets that give off more fire. The radiants tend to have what is called a "crushed ice" look that gives off small pinpoint flashes of light. These cushions are a modern version of the old antique stones. I think a cushion would fit well into a Tacori setting, which has the vintage look. They don''t always have the big price premium that the branded cuts have.

here is an example of a cushion, click here, just so you can see what they look like (I know it is out of budget). Good old Gold has a nice selection as does Engagement Rings Drect.

However, if she is set of a radiant, go with that.

 

[Lorelei]

Welcome to Pricescope!

Square shapes can show very different looks, so it is important to be sure which one you like best. Assuming you select a radiant, your colour choice sounds fine, radiants can show more colour than a round for example, so G or H is a good range to look in, or better. Clarity - you could even consider a verified eyeclean SI as that could enable you to get more size for the money.

Online prices are extremely competitive, so I am sure you can find a great diamond for your money in this way. You could indeed contact a couple of vendors that LTL mentioned as both have an excellent rep for fancy shapes. The cut is so important for the beauty of a diamond, radiants and other fancy shapes can''t be judged by the numbers, so an expert vendor who can be your eyes in invaluable. Also GOG sell Tacori settings as far as I am aware.

 

[girlie-girl]

Just as clarification, and I know one of the other ladies already mentioned cushions, but radiants do not have soft curved edges. They are square (or rectangular) with clipped corners. Only the cushions are cut with the curved edges. They can also look very different than a cushion having a crushed ice look vs. a cushion''s chunky facets look.

I just went through the process of finding a radiant myself and I''ll agree that you HAVE to look at them in order to pick the best one, that you can''t do it from the numbers alone. The H colored stones I saw were all quite warm to my eyes, though I do believe myself to be pretty color sensitive, so you may want to bump it up if you''re wanting an icy-white stone (I ended up with an E). I know you said size was what counted to her, but you may want to talk to her about what color she anticipates her diamond to be. If she''s into the fairytale perfectly colorless stone, the H might not work.

Good luck!

 

[RxTechRN2b]

To answer a few of your questions -- you''ll save money buying online because there''s not as much overhead cost compared to B&M stores. If she likes a square with soft corners, cushions fit the bill -- and in the larger sizes with chunky facets in an antique setting, they look awesome in warmer colors (hence you can drop the color requirement and put more money towards size). However, if you decide on chunky facets you won''t be able to drop as low on clarity and be eyeclean. Don''t skimp on cut quality. Finally, I have a personal dislike of Tacori due to the fact that they devalue their own name by selling their own knock-offs in plated cz pieces on QVC home TV shopping. In fact, Mr. Tacori himself was on the show recently peddling his $49.99 wares and telling the viewer that it was made exactly like the "real thing" and you couldn''t tell the difference. He sells thousands of these pieces and if I saw one on someones finger I would be wondering if it was real or fake. In addition to that little personal vendeta against the brand, you will pay dearly for the name. Of course, many many PS members are proud owners of Tacori and I do think that some of the simpler, low settings are gorgeous (while others are just overly fussy and swallow up the center stone). However, there are quality, gorgeous antique settings available elsewhere, again saving you money to put towards a larger center diamond. Oh, and congratulations and happy hunting for your perfect engagement ring. She will love that you put so much thought into getting what she wants!

 

[Lorelei]

Date: 7/15/2008 1:00:29 PM
Author: RxTechRN2b
To answer a few of your questions -- you'll save money buying online because there's not as much overhead cost compared to B&M stores. If she likes a square with soft corners, cushions fit the bill -- and in the larger sizes with chunky facets in an antique setting, they look awesome in warmer colors (hence you can drop the color requirement and put more money towards size). However, if you decide on chunky facets you won't be able to drop as low on clarity and be eyeclean. Don't skimp on cut quality. Finally, I have a personal dislike of Tacori due to the fact that they devalue their own name by selling their own knock-offs in plated cz pieces on QVC home TV shopping. In fact, Mr. Tacori himself was on the show recently peddling his $49.99 wares and telling the viewer that it was made exactly like the 'real thing' and you couldn't tell the difference. He sells thousands of these pieces and if I saw one on someones finger I would be wondering if it was real or fake. In addition to that little personal vendeta against the brand, you will pay dearly for the name. Of course, many many PS members are proud owners of Tacori and I do think that some of the simpler, low settings are gorgeous (while others are just overly fussy and swallow up the center stone). However, there are quality, gorgeous antique settings available elsewhere, again saving you money to put towards a larger center diamond. Oh, and congratulations and happy hunting for your perfect engagement ring. She will love that you put so much thought into getting what she wants!

Sorry Terry, there are some cushions with "chunkier" facets which have lower clarity of SI and are eyeclean owned by PSers- it is a stone by stone call, or do you mean step cuts such as Emeralds/ Asschers where a high clarity can be needed?

 

[ringhunter]

Thank you everyone for the responses!

I haven''t really looked at cushions yet, but that will certainly go on the list. She didn''t specify "rounded corners" specifically, but rather mentioned that she liked the square cuts without the pointed corners like princess. I should have used different verbiage there to avoid confusion. She originally saw a Tiffany''s ring that was similar to a princess, but without the sharp corners that inspired this line of thinking.

I had seen it mentioned previously and now that it was mentioned here, I think I should probably bump up to at least a G color, maybe higher. I would prefer a whiter diamond and I think she would as well.

I did not know about Tacori being sold on QVC with CZs. That certainly "cheapens" them a bit in my mind, though my girlfriend still loves them. I''m not big on their super fancy settings, but some of their simpler settings like you mentioned are very nice.

Okay, so here''s what I''m thinking so far from the replys...

-I need to find out which facet pattern she likes best among the square cuts. That will be difficult though because I''m trying not to involve her in the selection process very much as I don''t want her to know it''s coming.

-I probably need to up my color selection to keep the stone more white.

-I can drop my clarity preference a bit to increase size.

-Definitely check out other settings than just Tacori.


Here are just a couple additional questions...

-Can someone elaborate on the "chunky" versus the alternative cuts on the cushion? I typically would go for something "crisp," so am not sure a chunky cut would be for me. Is crisp even a word used to describe diamond cuts? Anyways, just trying to learn a bit more about this cut.

-Are there any other alternatives for a square diamond other than those already mentioned?

-Is there much of a difference between an SI1 and SI2? As long as it''s eye clean, does the rating really matter?


Thanks again everyone and I really appreciate the feedback!

 

[dockman3]

The only difference between an eye clean SI1 and an eye clean SI2 is the price. The SI2 will be cheaper, which is a good thing. I bought an SI2, and though I can see inclusions from the side at certain angles with back lighting if I''m looking for them, I''d never see them in normal everyday situations. So I guess my vote would be SI2 to maximize the size.

 

[MustangGal]

She might also like the X-factor princess that Whiteflash has. It''s cut like a princess but has the clipped corners, so you get both looks in the same package. I don''t know if they have any in your size range right now though.

 

[RxTechRN2b]

Tiffany''s has their own version of square cuts (and if I''m wrong please correct me on this), including the Novo cushion and the Legacy mixed step/cushion. Some cushions have fewer facets and an open cullet, giving a "chunky" look, or bigger splashes of sparkle as light reflects and bounces off the facets. My canary cushion is modern, faceted more like a round brilliant, and gives a "crushed ice" appearance, or more pinpoint flashes of light. As for the lower clarity choice, Lorelei is correct, you can find some that are eyeclean. But less facets, as in step cuts (emerald and asscher), for example, are less forgiving in the clarity department. You can find antique cushions in square shapes, and other branded squares as well. Radiant cuts can be square and have the "crushed ice" look. Asschers are step cut squares with clipped corners.

 

[Haywood74]

Don''t forget to check out GOG''s website. They have stuff on there like Cut Corner Squares, Princess of Hearts, Square Hearts and Arrows, and other cuts. You will have to do a little bit of homework to find which type suits your tastes more, but that is why they have so many diamond info videos! Keep in mind, there are different types of cuts out there and you will find something that you like and fits your qualifications. You just need to find it, which can turn into a long process. You''ll get there!

 

[LtlFirecracker]

There are tons of videos on GOG (click here for videos). If you scroll down the screen, there is one titled "4 Rectangular Cushions." It compairs the cushions with the larger facets to the "crushed ice" one. You can decide whaty you like better that way.

Also, the Tiffany Novo is a modified cushion. The square H&A is similar, but it is pretty expensive and cut deep (meaning it will face up smaller than its ct weight). If it were me, I would go for a more traditional cushion.

 

[danielNJ]

Radiant crushed! My 2.71 G- SI1........Couldn''t be happier! Good luck!

 

[Lynn B]

You are getting some great advice. Stick around here and you WILL find a killer stone and setting, I''m sure.

But just a couple of things... do NOT compromise CUT! Whatever you do! It is CUT that gives a diamond life, sparkle and beauty.

If getting to the 2c mark is critical, then (IMVHO) the places to compromise are color and clarity. I have a gorgeous AGS-0 2.36 J/SI2 RB that I adore. It is totally eyeclean and faces up beautifully white.

Here''s a link to some pictures. (Note that I got a new camera on about page 6 or 7, so the photos get lots better!)

https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/finally-gorgeous-new-fishtail-pave-set-from-wf.46129/

A side note: I know you aren''t looking at RBs right now, and I know that other shapes *may* show body color or inclusions a bit more than RBs... but, you''re lucky that she likes antiquey settings, because a diamond of a lower color (think *candlelight/creamy white* NOT *yellow*!) would look awesome in that type of setting.

And regarding SI stones... there are some perfectly eyeclean diamonds out there in those clarity grades. Examine each stone on its own merits.

Take your time, have fun... and enjoy the search!

 

[ringhunter]

Thanks again everyone for the help!

The advice has been very, very helpful. I''ve checked one of the videos so far on GOG and that helped. I now know the difference between the chunky cushion and the cracked ice cushion. Honestly, going in, I didn''t think I would like a cushion, but now I have changed my tune.

Also...I went to look at stones in person today! I went to a local jeweler to check them out in person, but was disappointed that they didn''t have many that fit my specifications. They didn''t have many radiants/cushions at all, and none that were close to 2 carats.

The biggest thing I learned is the difference in grading labs. I compared a GIA graded G radiant to a EGL graded G cushion and there was a HUGE difference to me. I really like the icy white color, so have decided G, and only by GIA, is my floor in that category. If it''s an EGL stone, I probably won''t dip below F.

The lady I spoke with was very nice and not pushy at all. I feel bad because I know I probably won''t buy from her, but she offered to order in some stones for me to view. She was very helpful and said she used to work for a company that cut diamonds. She even encouraged me to check out the online sites because they would help me learn more about what I''m looking for.

Besides the color and lab comparison, she talked to me a bit about white gold vs. platinum. What is the board''s view on this discussion? I had originally thought I would go with platinum, but she brought up some points that made me reconsider. She said platinum dulls faster and scratches easier. I''d love some input on this.

I''ll keep y''all updated on my search.

BTW, Lynn B and danielNJ, your rings are beautiful!

danielNJ, yours is exactly what I''m looking for!

 

[LtlFirecracker]

Sounds like you did some good research. There are not a lot of jewelry stores that cell cushions. Most stores that do sell the crushed ice ones. Going online might be better for this route because there are a couple vendors who have several types of stones in this cut. Which type of cushion did you prefer if you don''t mind me asking?

While I personally love G color stones, there is a huge price difference between G and H stones. Stones also look a bit whiter when mounted. Something to think about. You have 4 C''s, the point is to learn about them all and decide how you want to spend your money between them.

There are pro''s and con''s to metal types. Just to warn you, a lot of jewelers do not work with platinum, so they will try to talk customers out of it. Do a serach, there are tons of threads. Also, I think John Pollard wrote a nice article on the subject. Check the FAQ for that.

 

[ringhunter]

Yeah, they didn''t have many cushions or radiants, but I think their loose stone inventory was slim in general. The cushion she showed me was of the crushed ice variety.

When watching the video, I liked the chunky style slightly better, but he was comparing 3 of those to one crushed ice and was also talking about how much better he like the chunky style. I think that could have affected my opinion. I like both, though. I liked the radiant I saw yesterday a lot and it had the crushed ice look.

That''s a good point of balancing the 4 C''s. If G''s are that much more than H''s, then that might be one of the areas. I''m just a bit worried about the square cuts showing more color. Also, I now know that the color grades are very lab dependent. A GIA H could be as good or better than an EGL G from what I saw yesterday.

I''ll look into some of the info on metal types on here. I thought I had that one all figured out, and now I just have another thing to research!

Thanks for the input!