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LesterMay

Rough_Rock
Joined
Mar 21, 2015
Messages
11
Hello all!

New to this board, and want to first say that there is so much information on here. It is Great!

My boyfriend and I recently made a ring purchase online, and I am worrried (after reading things on here about HCA, cut, etc.) if we got a good deal. I already see from the HCA calculator it falls in the "fair" range, and after reviewing stuff on here, see that the table % is high. I understand a lot is personal preference on how I think the diamond looks, but I just want to make sure we did ok. :confused:

I have attached the GIA dossier info, and am hoping to get some feedback. I will soon be taking it for an appraisal, but would love to get some expert advice. :))

Thank you in advance!



(P.S. We spent $2900, and the ring is set in 14k whi gold w/.06 green tourmaline and .10 G-H/SI diamond accents. There is a great return policy if we were totally duped!)

_28216.jpg
 
LesterMay|1426971308|3850713 said:
There is a great return policy
Click to expand...

Return it! Don't even bother getting a second opinion.

It scores 6.2 on the HCA, honestly that's one of the highest (poor) scores I have seen here.

Light Return -Fair
Fire - Poor
Scintillation - Poor
Spread or diameter for weight - Excellent
Total Visual Performance - 6.2 Fair

If you can get your money back I would suggest that. Don't bother asking them to select another stone. Come back here and let the experts help you!
 
So what is a realistic option in the $3000 price range? So much info...I'm so lost now... :wall: :loopy:
 
Are you talking $3000 for the entire ring or just the center stone?
 
 
well we can definitely find you a better diamond and frm lots of places. I think what would be most helpful is to see what the setting looked like so we can find one similar. Or, if youre not sold on the design, what other setting styles you like
 
LesterMay|1426983547|3850789 said:
So what is a realistic option in the $3000 price range? So much info...I'm so lost now... :wall: :loopy:
Click to expand...

dont feel lost! I think, like many first time buyers you went with the obvious, color clarity and carat. Those are the Cs most people think about. Ive even seen some websites advise cut refers to the shape of the diamond :roll:

now based off your selection, i see you went all out on the color. You can do that if say culturally you value high color diamonds, or if you have looked at diamonds in person and think they are the prettiest to your eye. Well, you can choose them for any reason you want, but i advise you make an informed decision. DEF diamonds will appear icy white. GHI diamonds in your price range will also appear colorless, but a bit more like looking into a glass of water. You do not need a colorless (DEF color) diamond to have a white, beautiful diamond. If beautiful is what you are going for, dont be afraid to explore diamonds in the GHI colors.... or even LOWER if other Cs are more important to you. I wear a K, for example, and it is never yellow......

Clarity I see you didnt go very high, stuck in the middle range. I think thats a good idea. I will say, dont be afraid of SI stones either, as they are often eye clean in the size you are looking at. There are two schools of thought. some have a "mind clean" requirements, where, regardless of how eye clean a specific clarity is, they dont want to drop that low. Others, and i include myself in this category, believe that, as long as its structurally sound and i cant see the inclusion, Ill take a lower clarity because why pay for a higher clarity to have the same amount of eye cleanliness.

carat: are you happy with a .6 ct stone? did you want larger?

cut... cut is what give the diamond its sparkle. And the sparkle is why you want a diamond, right? otherwise youd rock a the biggest CZ you could find. There are branded H&A cuts, many have posted you links to those. Then there are ideally cut diamonds that fall just outside the H&A range. Now these are still considered ideally cut. many cannot see the difference from the naked eye. Consider it like clarity. Some like the "mind clean" aspect of knowing that they got the best cut for their money. Others like to compromise only slightly to get the diamond they want

and really thats what it comes down to, compromises. Most of us cant get exactly what we want so you decide for yourself what characteristics are most important and go from there.

and like i said, post that setting id love to see ! :)
 
Niel|1426993576|3850841 said:
LesterMay|1426983547|3850789 said:
So what is a realistic option in the $3000 price range? So much info...I'm so lost now... :wall: :loopy:
Click to expand...

dont feel lost! I think, like many first time buyers you went with the obvious, color clarity and carat. Those are the Cs most people think about. Ive even seen some websites advise cut refers to the shape of the diamond :roll:

now based off your selection, i see you went all out on the color. You can do that if say culturally you value high color diamonds, or if you have looked at diamonds in person and think they are the prettiest to your eye. Well, you can choose them for any reason you want, but i advise you make an informed decision. DEF diamonds will appear icy white. GHI diamonds in your price range will also appear colorless, but a bit more like looking into a glass of water. You do not need a colorless (DEF color) diamond to have a white, beautiful diamond. If beautiful is what you are going for, dont be afraid to explore diamonds in the GHI colors.... or even LOWER if other Cs are more important to you. I wear a K, for example, and it is never yellow......

Clarity I see you didnt go very high, stuck in the middle range. I think thats a good idea. I will say, dont be afraid of SI stones either, as they are often eye clean in the size you are looking at. There are two schools of thought. some have a "mind clean" requirements, where, regardless of how eye clean a specific clarity is, they dont want to drop that low. Others, and i include myself in this category, believe that, as long as its structurally sound and i cant see the inclusion, Ill take a lower clarity because why pay for a higher clarity to have the same amount of eye cleanliness.

carat: are you happy with a .6 ct stone? did you want larger?

cut... cut is what give the diamond its sparkle. And the sparkle is why you want a diamond, right? otherwise youd rock a the biggest CZ you could find. There are branded H&A cuts, many have posted you links to those. Then there are ideally cut diamonds that fall just outside the H&A range. Now these are still considered ideally cut. many cannot see the difference from the naked eye. Consider it like clarity. Some like the "mind clean" aspect of knowing that they got the best cut for their money. Others like to compromise only slightly to get the diamond they want

and really thats what it comes down to, compromises. Most of us cant get exactly what we want so you decide for yourself what characteristics are most important and go from there.

and like i said, post that setting id love to see ! :)
Click to expand...

Great info here from Niel. Look forward to hearing what your wants/needs are so we can help find you a beauty.
 
Wow..there really are a lot of (great) options. Thank you so much for all the info. I honestly just went with (what I thought was) the best color/clarity, etc for the price range, and size. After reading the posts on here, I see that I had it all wrong (lol).

In all actuality I just want a really pretty diamond for the price we can afford. I'm probably a little different, as in I don't need a big huge rock on my finger. I mean, I am not against it being a little bigger, but am good with around the .60 size. I would rather a really good quality diamond rather than just big to be big :) I have pretty small hands (size 4, 4 1/4 finger on a warm day), so I think the .60 looks bigger anyways (atleast to me) :mrgreen: . I have attached some pics of the entire ring. We went with the tourmaline as accents on the sides to be a little different. It is my BF's birthstone, so it added a little personal touch. So if possible, it would be great to have a setting with something like that.

Again, thank you all SO much for the help.

(Pics are from an ipad, sorry if not so great)

Oh and yes, the $2900 was for the entire ring, so as close to that as possible

_28231.jpg

_28232.jpg

_28233.jpg
 
Here are specs for a diamond that is an option for replacement from the (original) merchant. Any thoughts on it? I know it is a MUCH better rating on the HCA tool.

I think I confuse myself with the "ranking" of the 4 c's, if that makes sense... I don't know what I should be making a priority, or if that all falls to personal preference. :doh:

And thank you so much for the pics that have been posted. All the options are Beautiful! It really helps me see what is out there for choices.

In regards to a setting, is having the colored gemstones as accents common and or easy to get. Or is it gong to be something I can expect to have to "custom order" on a ring?>

Thak you again in advance...

_28234.jpg
 
The cut looks better but I see it's still a very good cut grade. Many here avoid those, but again, its about preferences....

As for gemstones in your rings, yes some come with it, some you "custom order" but in the sense that you say "can you replace these diamonds with x"

Is that the only gemstone you want in your setting sense it's your birthstone or would a ruby or sapphire accent be acceptable?
 
Based on the color of the diamond in the ring, and now, the color grade of the stone the jeweler is proposing, I'm wondering if you are restricting yourself to D-E diamonds? You can afford a better cut if a lower color -- and lower clarity (VVS2 clarity is overkill imo, even for those with a higher budget for a round brilliant) -- are acceptable to you.
 
So, I think..no, I KNOW in my head I am the one limiting the color..I need to get past it (Lol). I was searching the inventory of the website last night of where I got the ring to find a replacement. I figured it would be easier to just have them exchange the center stone out if I found one, then if not, move on :-) . I searched the price range, and was plugging in all the dimensions of each in to the HCA calculator to find the ones below the accepted 2. I guess that is where the confusion really sets in. I'm thinking in my head to look for the best color and clarity that has the HCA #'s within the acceptable range (and within my price range), but what I need to do is start with the Excellent cuts, and narrow it from there.

And Niel, the accent stones are my boyfriends birthstone. Mine is actually a ruby :D , but I liked the tourmaline because it is a little different, and it's sentimental because it is his. I am not opposed to rubies or something else though.
 
LesterMay|1427069697|3851116 said:
So, I think..no, I KNOW in my head I am the one limiting the color..I need to get past it (Lol). I was searching the inventory of the website last night of where I got the ring to find a replacement. I figured it would be easier to just have them exchange the center stone out if I found one, then if not, move on :-) . I searched the price range, and was plugging in all the dimensions of each in to the HCA calculator to find the ones below the accepted 2. I guess that is where the confusion really sets in. I'm thinking in my head to look for the best color and clarity that has the HCA #'s within the acceptable range (and within my price range), but what I need to do is start with the Excellent cuts, and narrow it from there.

And Niel, the accent stones are my boyfriends birthstone. Mine is actually a ruby :D , but I liked the tourmaline because it is a little different, and it's sentimental because it is his. I am not opposed to rubies or something else though.
Click to expand...

Yes, sorry, I realized my mistake too late. Its very sweet to put his birthstone in your ring, but the stones arent really meant to be worn daily, so i worry a little about the durability.

If you did go ruby, those are durable enough for everyday wear, and you can find settings with rubies without going custom. Same could be sent for sapphires, but without the same birthstone connection.

Dont get us wrong. If you want DEF colors, go for them. They are not a bad choice. What we are getting at is they are not required. Its not the highest priority for many here ,but that doesnt mean it cant be yours.
 
Color and Clarity are only part of a diamonds character Cut is the C that gives the sparkle. VG maybe good for horseshoes but excellent 3x is what your looking for when looking for ideal cut. I would go down in colorand eye clean clarity and look for a stone with HCA under 2.0 with specs as follows"


Table between 54-59
Depth 60-62.3
Crown angle 34-35
Pavilion 40.6-41
 
heididdl|1427071511|3851125 said:
Color and Clarity are only part of a diamonds character Cut is the C that gives the sparkle. VG maybe good for horseshoes but excellent 3x is what your looking for when looking for ideal cut. I would go down in colorand eye clean clarity and look for a stone with HCA under 2.0 with specs as follows"


Table between 54-59
Depth 60-62.3
Crown angle 34-35
Pavilion 40.6-41
Click to expand...

Im most strict in my table, Personally I look for 56, but will stretch to 57 and will happily go down to 62.4.

But these are personal preferences :)
 
This is available as well. Thoughts?? :-)

_28241.jpg
 
Much nicer cut on that stone, but a long ways down in color going from D to I. If you have seen I color and are ok with it, that is a diamond worth calling in to take a look at for sure.
 
Thank you for the specs..that helps a bunch. And I am still trying to figure out the balance with the color. :twirl:

Also, can someone help me understand what the difference is in the HCA numbers. Say like between a .8 and 1.7 on the scale. I know I have read that it is more to help you know which ones to exclude, but I didn't know if there was any other difference. As far as whether it is better to be on the lower or upper end.
 
Anything below 2 passes and is worth looking into further. A score of 0.8 is no better than 1.8, for example.
 
Ok..So I have attached a photo of 6 stones that are available for me to exchange my center stone for (hopefully you can see them. :? )All of them are in the same price range. Which ones, if any would be worth it? (After the cut and HCA rating, what else do I need to look at to figure out which is the best stone?)

Again, thank you all so much for the help you have given thus far!

_28269.jpg

_28270.jpg

_28271.jpg

_28272.jpg
 
**the other 2

_28273.jpg

_28274.jpg
 
Sorry, this is probably easier..I'm not sure if the pictures I posted are even able to be viewed.

http://www.gia.edu/cs/Satellite?pagename=GST%2FDispatcher&childpagename=GIA%2FPage%2FReportCheck&c=Page&cid=1355954554547&reportno=2161942437

http://www.gia.edu/cs/Satellite?reportno=2136513878&childpagename=GIA%2FPage%2FReportCheck&pagename=GIA%2FDispatcher&c=Page&cid=1355954554547

http://www.gia.edu/cs/Satellite?pagename=GST%2FDispatcher&childpagename=GIA%2FPage%2FReportCheck&c=Page&cid=1355954554547&reportno=1162074427

http://www.gia.edu/cs/Satellite?pagename=GST%2FDispatcher&childpagename=GIA%2FPage%2FReportCheck&c=Page&cid=1355954554547&reportno=5161055553

http://www.gia.edu/cs/Satellite?pagename=GST%2FDispatcher&childpagename=GIA%2FPage%2FReportCheck&c=Page&cid=1355954554547&reportno=2165147593

http://www.gia.edu/cs/Satellite?pagename=GST%2FDispatcher&childpagename=GIA%2FPage%2FReportCheck&c=Page&cid=1355954554547&reportno=2155604095
 
1, 5, and 6 all look promising. Does your jeweler have an idealscope/firescope/brilliancescope device to show you if there's light leakage?
 
I have requested they send me images of the 3. :-) Since #1 has been mentioned by both of you, I'm thinking that is a good choice. :shifty:

I'm curious. Number 1 and 3 are both rated excellent in cut, polish and symmetry (no fluorescence), and both fall under the "2" on the HCA table. Number 1 is .61 G VS2, and #3 is .62 G VS1 (and actually about $150 less than #1) Is it because the dimensions for the depth and crown of#3 fall just outside of the (D/60-62.3, C/34-35) range that makes it not as good as the other?

And also, what effect does the fluorescence have on the (quality) of the stone?

Thanks!
 
Number 3 was a bit too deep for me,as well as the crown angle being 36_ I figured it could be a nice stone bit number 1 had a better chance.
 
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