How have I done on selection?

[wowzers]

I haven't bought it yet--quite frankly have no idea what I'm doing. I understand the 4 C's and this seems to be a good stone, but when it comes to how much I should spend I have no idea. I make good money but my girlfriend likes simple and elegant. Is this too cheap? It comes out to about $2,500 on BN, although a B&M store probably easily $5k? It is GIA certified. I would be putting it on a simple platinum 4-prong setting. Thanks for any help!

.59 ct 5.43mmx5.38mm - 3.34mm
Color - G
Clarity - VS2
Cut Grade - Ideal (written by BN), and Excellent (written by GIA certification)
-polish - Excellent
-symmetry - Very Good
-fluo - Strong Blue
Table - 57%

 

[JulieN]

2500 includes the setting, or no? Post the link, but 2500 just for the diamond seems expensive to me

http://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-2724662.htm

 

[wowzers]

The diamond is $1,975 and the Platinum 4-prong setting is $520. Plus Blue Nile is offering a 10% Discount if you use a Visa Card. I don't know if it works yet, but was planning to try it which would put the total price at $2,250.

 

[tyty333]

You need to post the link or give us the angles/depth/table size or we really cant tell you much about the stone.
You could drop down to an eye-clean SI1 stone to save money or go a little bit bigger.

 

[wowzers]

Well I don't really need to save money by any means, I just didn't know if what I was buying was considered cheap? I really don't know. I know people spend a lot more on erings than this, but a lot of times they look the same. And I figured my knowledge of the 4 C's meant this was a pretty good stone, but obviously I want more opinions. Here is the link (I think).

http://www.bluenile.com/diamond-cert-viewer?cert_pid=LD03245334&cert_num=1&cert_zoom=false

 

[JulieN]

whether it is cheap or not depends on your situation, but I think it is safe to say it is modest. whether modest is good or bad, that is up to you.

 

[tyty333]

Well I don't really need to save money by any means, I just didn't know if what I was buying was considered cheap? I really don't know. I know people spend a lot more on erings than this, but a lot of times they look the same. And I figured my knowledge of the 4 C's meant this was a pretty good stone, but obviously I want more opinions. Here is the link (I think).

http://www.bluenile.com/diamond-cert-viewer?cert_pid=LD03245334&cert_num=1&cert_zoom=false

It could be a nice stone but I would want to see an idealscope and BN does not provide idealscope images.

Here is one you might take a look at. It is an AGS000 and an expert selection at Whiteflash. May have some
slight leakage under the table but a beautiful stone.

http://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-2794495.htm

Do you know what size stones her friends have?

 

[wowzers]

Well I don't really need to save money by any means, I just didn't know if what I was buying was considered cheap? I really don't know. I know people spend a lot more on erings than this, but a lot of times they look the same. And I figured my knowledge of the 4 C's meant this was a pretty good stone, but obviously I want more opinions. Here is the link (I think).

http://www.bluenile.com/diamond-cert-viewer?cert_pid=LD03245334&cert_num=1&cert_zoom=false

It could be a nice stone but I would want to see an idealscope and BN does not provide idealscope images.

Here is one you might take a look at. It is an AGS000 and an expert selection at Whiteflash. May have some
slight leakage under the table but a beautiful stone.

http://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-2794495.htm

Do you know what size stones her friends have?

I have no idea what size her friend's are. I didn't know I needed to know such things! Actually though, I am trying to keep it a secret, and I know the husbands of the friends would spill the beans to their wives, so forth and so on.

The problem with whiteflash...is that they do not pair them with rings? I do not see that option for the one you listed at least.

whether it is cheap or not depends on your situation, but I think it is safe to say it is modest. whether modest is good or bad, that is up to you.

So what could I do to make it a bit less modest? I don't think she wants the biggest stone or even one that is any more than solitaire, but of course I don't want it to look unfortunate or pathetic. For my income level, modest may be a little pathetic.

 

[SMC]

Can you afford a 1 carat stone? If so, I think you should start there. 1 carat is normally not considered flashy or ostentatious. Have you looked at at stones in person before? If you haven't, take a look, and then see if you can gauge how large her friends' stones are.

Whiteflash allows you to choose the stone and then choose the setting. I'm not getting what you mean by "do no pair them with rings."

 

[wowzers]

Can you afford a 1 carat stone? If so, I think you should start there. 1 carat is normally not considered flashy or ostentatious. Have you looked at at stones in person before? If you haven't, take a look, and then see if you can gauge how large her friends' stones are.

Whiteflash allows you to choose the stone and then choose the setting. I'm not getting what you mean by "do no pair them with rings."

The particular stone that was posted has no option to add it to an engagement ring, unless I'm just not looking in the right place.

 

[JulieN]

WF settings are here: http://www.whiteflash.com/engagement-rings/search.htm?t=solitaire

I personally think 6 mm is a good starting point, which is .8 cts, if you can afford it, usually about $3000-4000 for something around G/H/I VS2/SI1.

Then, upgrade your setting from the basic Tiffany-style, that's about $1000-$2000 or more for platinum.

 

[SMC]

Can you afford a 1 carat stone? If so, I think you should start there. 1 carat is normally not considered flashy or ostentatious. Have you looked at at stones in person before? If you haven't, take a look, and then see if you can gauge how large her friends' stones are.

Whiteflash allows you to choose the stone and then choose the setting. I'm not getting what you mean by "do no pair them with rings."

The particular stone that was posted has no option to add it to an engagement ring, unless I'm just not looking in the right place.

Hmm, I can add it to an engagement ring:

 

[wowzers]

Can you afford a 1 carat stone? If so, I think you should start there. 1 carat is normally not considered flashy or ostentatious. Have you looked at at stones in person before? If you haven't, take a look, and then see if you can gauge how large her friends' stones are.

Whiteflash allows you to choose the stone and then choose the setting. I'm not getting what you mean by "do no pair them with rings."

It does seem crazy 1.0 ct is only 1mm larger in size all around, though!

 

[JulieN]

but that 1 mm is a 40% difference in size.

 

[tyty333]

You dont have a visual guesstimate of what her friend's have?

Have you been out diamond shopping in person? Do you have an idea of the size of a .5, .75 and a 1.00 carat are?
Unfortunately, diamonds look a lot smaller than you think . I'm not saying that you need to go bigger but usually
its nice to be around the size of her friends.

What size finger does your GF have?

You can pick any setting at WF. For example something simple in plat
http://www.whiteflash.com/engagement-rings/solitaire/4-prong-tiffany-style-solitaire-engagement-ring-1024.htm

However, if you can afford it I would suggest a little nicer setting like...

http://www.whiteflash.com/engagement-rings/solitaire/comfort-fit-surprise-diamond-ring-600.htm
http://www.whiteflash.com/engagement-rings/solitaire/contemporary-tiffany-style-solitaire-engagement-ring-1415.htm

Even if you decide to stick with the Bule Nile I would suggest a little nicer setting if it's in the buget...
http://www.bluenile.com/14k-white-gold-engagement-ring_20315

 

[marymm]

Well I don't really need to save money by any means, I just didn't know if what I was buying was considered cheap? I really don't know. I know people spend a lot more on erings than this, but a lot of times they look the same. And I figured my knowledge of the 4 C's meant this was a pretty good stone, but obviously I want more opinions. Here is the link (I think).

http://www.bluenile.com/diamond-cert-viewer?cert_pid=LD03245334&cert_num=1&cert_zoom=false

Hi OP -
I plugged the numbers of this BN stone into the HCA calculator - accessible under the Tools menu at top right - and the stone scored 2.4, with Very Goods in all 4 categories. Usually we recommend finding stones scoring 2.0 and under - the HCA tool is helpful especially when you are purchasing online and without benefit of photos, Aset/IdealScope images, etc.

I also plugged the numbers into the AGA tool - also in the Tools drop-down menu - and the stone scored an overall score of 1B - which is not bad and probably better than many of the mall store diamonds, but for me personally I look for stones scoring 1A.

I am not sure of your total budget, but have you looked at the Brian Gavin Diamonds website? Right now he has two great G color Blue stones, one of which is right in line budget-wise with your BN stone (but way nicer!) - this 0.582ct G-VS2 BGD Blue ($2111), with medium blue fluor - http://www.briangavindiamonds.com/d...0.582-g-vs2-round-diamond-ags-bl-104062031054 - and if your budget allows for more, this 0.716ct G-VS1 BGD Blue ($3471), with strong blue fluor - http://www.briangavindiamonds.com/d...0.716-g-vs1-round-diamond-ags-bl-104061006053

If you prefer platinum, BGD has a basic six-prong solitaire for $675 - http://www.briangavindiamonds.com/engagement-rings/solitaire/six-prong-solitaire-platinum-5351p - but otherwise if cost is an issue, maybe go with 18kt white gold and choose this simple but very graceful BGD setting ($875) - http://www.briangavindiamonds.com/e...lassic-truth-solitaire-18k-white-gold-5369w18.

I looked at Brian Gavin Diamonds because your Blue Nile stone had fluorescence...

Your best bet is to figure out your budget and then go from there. Size-wise, and budget-wise, staying at apx 0.60ct is perfectly acceptable - there is really no need to go bigger unless you want to or unless you know your GF really considers size (which translates to face-up size more than just carat weight) her top priority. One other factor to consider is your GF's finger size - if it is quite small or larger than average you may want to adjust your diamond priorities/budget.

 

[Laila619]

I think a 0.59 carat is fine! It might not be considered "big" here on PS, but in the real world, it's a respectable size.

 

[wowzers]

Well I don't really need to save money by any means, I just didn't know if what I was buying was considered cheap? I really don't know. I know people spend a lot more on erings than this, but a lot of times they look the same. And I figured my knowledge of the 4 C's meant this was a pretty good stone, but obviously I want more opinions. Here is the link (I think).

http://www.bluenile.com/diamond-cert-viewer?cert_pid=LD03245334&cert_num=1&cert_zoom=false

Hi OP -
I plugged the numbers of this BN stone into the HCA calculator - accessible under the Tools menu at top right - and the stone scored 2.4, with Very Goods in all 4 categories. Usually we recommend finding stones scoring 2.0 and under - the HCA tool is helpful especially when you are purchasing online and without benefit of photos, Aset/IdealScope images, etc.

I also plugged the numbers into the AGA tool - also in the Tools drop-down menu - and the stone scored an overall score of 1B - which is not bad and probably better than many of the mall store diamonds, but for me personally I look for stones scoring 1A.

I am not sure of your total budget, but have you looked at the Brian Gavin Diamonds website? Right now he has two great G color Blue stones, one of which is right in line budget-wise with your BN stone (but way nicer!) - this 0.582ct G-VS2 BGD Blue ($2111), with medium blue fluor - http://www.briangavindiamonds.com/d...0.582-g-vs2-round-diamond-ags-bl-104062031054 - and if your budget allows for more, this 0.716ct G-VS1 BGD Blue ($3471), with strong blue fluor - http://www.briangavindiamonds.com/d...0.716-g-vs1-round-diamond-ags-bl-104061006053

If you prefer platinum, BGD has a basic six-prong solitaire for $675 - http://www.briangavindiamonds.com/engagement-rings/solitaire/six-prong-solitaire-platinum-5351p - but otherwise if cost is an issue, maybe go with 18kt white gold and choose this simple but very graceful BGD setting ($875) - http://www.briangavindiamonds.com/e...lassic-truth-solitaire-18k-white-gold-5369w18.

I looked at Brian Gavin Diamonds because your Blue Nile stone had fluorescence...

Your best bet is to figure out your budget and then go from there. Size-wise, and budget-wise, staying at apx 0.60ct is perfectly acceptable - there is really no need to go bigger unless you want to or unless you know your GF really considers size (which translates to face-up size more than just carat weight) her top priority. One other factor to consider is your GF's finger size - if it is quite small or larger than average you may want to adjust your diamond priorities/budget.

Very helpful, especially the tools. Where did you get the Bulge and Ratio numbers for the AGA tool from the BN site? I could not find it anywhere.

 

[JulieN]

Rounds have no bulge, their l/w ratio is 1. HCA is better than AGA. And Ideal Scopes are better than HCA.

 

[wowzers]

I could probably spend hours looking, but just so someone can point me in the right direction...

Let's just assume stone size budget of $2,200. It looks like I can do .65ct, Ideal Cut, SI1 Clarity, and F color. Or I could do .65ct, Ideal, VS2 clarity, and H color. Which one is going to be the nicer stone? I'm just trying to rank the 4 C's appropriately.

I.E. I found this one that looks nice and scores under 1 on the HCA test easily:

http://www.bluenile.com/diamond-cert-viewer?cert_pid=LD02746641&cert_num=1&cert_zoom=false

 

[JulieN]

VG/VG polish and symm, I would want to buy from a vendor that provides pictures.

If you insist on Blue Nile, it would be a good idea to look at AGS stones: http://www.bluenile.com/diamond-search?track=NavDiaSea#diamonds_pid=LD03241439

 

[wowzers]

VG/VG polish and symm, I would want to buy from a vendor that provides pictures.

If you insist on Blue Nile, it would be a good idea to look at AGS stones: http://www.bluenile.com/diamond-search?track=NavDiaSea#diamonds_pid=LD03241439

Noted. But how do I personally know how to judge a picture? Right now the Cut, Color, and Clarity rankings mean more to me since I don't technically know what I am looking for in the pictures on Whiteflash.com (although I do like the pictures). Even the ideal scope is like reading Chinese for me.

Let me know if there is a good rule of thumb for evaluating the pics.

 

[JulieN]

http://ideal-scope.com/1.using_reference_chart.asp

 

[lapelirroja]

Do you know what size her finger is. You should take a look at the engagement ring photo thread and real life perspective thread to get a sense of what carat size looks like on different finger sizes. I would hate for you to buy a diamond and be surprised at its size when it shows up (big or small).

[URL='https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/diamond-size-comparison.83517/']https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/diamond-size-comparison.83517/[/URL]

 

[wowzers]

Do you know what size her finger is. You should take a look at the engagement ring photo thread and real life perspective thread to get a sense of what carat size looks like on different finger sizes. I would hate for you to buy a diamond and be surprised at its size when it shows up (big or small).

[URL='https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/diamond-size-comparison.83517/']https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/diamond-size-comparison.83517/[/URL]

Well, her right hand ring is 4.75. I have heard a good guide is that if she is right-handed, to assume the left finger is approximately .5 smaller. So I'm shooting for 4.5 and hoping worst case scenario I need to get it slightly re-sized DOWN. I'd rather go too big from the start since re-sizing does not require adding more metal. Does that sound like a fair approach? I'd like to keep it a surprise, so no idea how to collect ring size any other way.

Also, what are the thoughts on ct size now, knowing her ring size? She is slightly below average height at 5'5", relatively petite, too, if that helps.

Thanks again for all of the help!

 

[SMC]

Do you know what size her finger is. You should take a look at the engagement ring photo thread and real life perspective thread to get a sense of what carat size looks like on different finger sizes. I would hate for you to buy a diamond and be surprised at its size when it shows up (big or small).

[URL='https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/diamond-size-comparison.83517/']https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/diamond-size-comparison.83517/[/URL]

Well, her right hand ring is 4.75. I have heard a good guide is that if she is right-handed, to assume the left finger is approximately .5 smaller. So I'm shooting for 4.5 and hoping worst case scenario I need to get it slightly re-sized DOWN. I'd rather go too big from the start since re-sizing does not require adding more metal. Does that sound like a fair approach? I'd like to keep it a surprise, so no idea how to collect ring size any other way.

Also, what are the thoughts on ct size now, knowing her ring size? She is slightly below average height at 5'5", relatively petite, too, if that helps.

Thanks again for all of the help!

So, I'm 5'3 and I wear a size 3.75 ring. My stone is a 2 ct round brilliant and I don't think it seems big or flashy. There are people on PS with smaller ring sizes and larger rocks and people with bigger ring sizes and smaller rocks. There really is no rule dictating a carat to finger size ratio. I really think you should take a look at the store and get a sales associate with a similar sized finger to try on the rings for you (if you don't bring your gf) to get an idea of the look that you're going for.

This thread may help you: [URL='https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/show-me-size-4-5-solitaires-please-and-thanks.123706/']https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/show-me-size-4-5-solitaires-please-and-thanks.123706/[/URL]

 

[heididdl]

We all dream about our engagement ring our entire lives. Has your GF ever dropped hints .. Does she have a sister or mom that you can question without giving it away. If you really want to keep it on the down low and can afford 1 carat that's the way to go. Even Barbara Streisand has a timeless Tiffany 1 carat diamond that she selected from her hubby ...James Broland (and they can afford a 20 carat )

 

[heididdl]

5" 5 definetely one carat....and although all the C are important the Cut is the one that gives the stones its flash and sintilation. The scopes and scores make sure the cut is in perfect proportion and symmetrical. The compromise should be in the color and Clarity but no lower then I and S1......

Just make sure that you get as close to an ideal cut as you can.

 

[heididdl]

Sortmon that is a perfect thread for him to get an idea of size on small hands

 

[tyty333]

VG/VG polish and symm, I would want to buy from a vendor that provides pictures.

If you insist on Blue Nile, it would be a good idea to look at AGS stones: http://www.bluenile.com/diamond-search?track=NavDiaSea#diamonds_pid=LD03241439

Noted. But how do I personally know how to judge a picture? Right now the Cut, Color, and Clarity rankings mean more to me since I don't technically know what I am looking for in the pictures on Whiteflash.com (although I do like the pictures). Even the ideal scope is like reading Chinese for me.

Let me know if there is a good rule of thumb for evaluating the pics.

If you decide to stick with BN stay at VS2 or above to make sure its eye clean from the top.

If you don't understand the pictures/numbers/idealscope images you can ask for our opinions on the stones. Some vendors have
their own line of stones that have basically been vetted and you can pretty much trust that the are well cut stones.
These would be A Cut Above stones from Whiteflash. They also have an Expert Selection that are well cut but just missed
The ACA mark. Brian Gavin has his Blue line that are also well cut.