How much would you pay for this diamond?

[jauhara]

Backstory: My husband and I got married very young and at the time could not afford a diamond. So I chose a $750 sapphire from the jeweler at the mall instead. Now, 10 years and 4 kids later, I feel somewhat "entitled" (ouch) to a diamond. Anyway, we are a pretty practical family so I wouldn't spend more than $3000. Also, we live in Morocco and I sometimes find myself in pretty seedy places, I would hate to have something on my hand so valueable that I would really be in pain if it got stolen. My taste runs towards the wildly unique. I was looking at irradiated blue diamonds on Ebay, and was ready to pull the trigger but stopped because I was worried that it would look fake. I still like them, but I am worried about getting one.

Then today I found the white one in the attached picture. Its 2+ carets and I have a small ring size (4.5). I wonder if it would look ridiculous. Also, I wonder, it looks so different from all the other diamonds I've seen, is there something really awful about it from a professional point of view. I know its I2. But does that mean its basically worthless/trash? Also, its my exact ring size so I felt like it was "the one" or a sign or something.

I kind of expect everyone here to hate it because the clarity rating is so bad. And although it is from a reputable seller, it has no certification.

But in my pricerange, what can I get? I really don't want a plain ole solitaire. I like the bold and vintage looking pieces.

What do you think?

 

[Lorelei]

Date: 2/10/2010 3:31:40 PM
Author:jauhara
Backstory: My husband and I got married very young and at the time could not afford a diamond. So I chose a $750 sapphire from the jeweler at the mall instead. Now, 10 years and 4 kids later, I feel somewhat 'entitled' (ouch) to a diamond. Anyway, we are a pretty practical family so I wouldn't spend more than $3000. Also, we live in Morocco and I sometimes find myself in pretty seedy places, I would hate to have something on my hand so valueable that I would really be in pain if it got stolen. My taste runs towards the wildly unique. I was looking at irradiated blue diamonds on Ebay, and was ready to pull the trigger but stopped because I was worried that it would look fake. I still like them, but I am worried about getting one.

Then today I found the white one in the attached picture. Its 2+ carets and I have a small ring size (4.5). I wonder if it would look ridiculous. Also, I wonder, it looks so different from all the other diamonds I've seen, is there something really awful about it from a professional point of view. I know its I2. But does that mean its basically worthless/trash? Also, its my exact ring size so I felt like it was 'the one' or a sign or something.

I kind of expect everyone here to hate it because the clarity rating is so bad. And although it is from a reputable seller, it has no certification.

But in my pricerange, what can I get? I really don't want a plain ole solitaire. I like the bold and vintage looking pieces.

What do you think?

Hi jhaura and welcome!

In my opinion, the stone in the photo is actually an industrial grade stone, not jewellery quality. Therefore gem quality clarity grades don't apply in this case. The stone is so included that its not fit to go in a ring IMO, it won't sparkle or shine or do any of the things one expects of a diamond.

For three thousand you can get a beautiful diamond of under a carat in a simple setting, or a more unique ring set with diamonds - a ring you can be proud to wear! If you want something more unusual, what about a fancy shape diamond or a coloured stone?

 

[upgrade]

I won''t harp on the clarity (or lack thereof), because you already know that. Here''s my angle: I would almost guarantee that the cut on that diamond is going to be very poor- really, why bother to cut it well when you can''t see through the inclusions to get any light refraction anyway? You can get a beautiful diamond for $3000. Or you can get a 2 ct diamond. But at $3000, it won''t be beautiful. You choose.

 

[jauhara]

Ok i guess the thing is I was attracted to this diamond because it was so white. I thought it looked interesting. I guess I just don''t have an eye for it. However, that being said, I have been to at least 50 different jeweler websites in the last week and doing the whole "make a ring" thingie and I can''t seem to get a finished product anywhere under $4000. And those aren''t even the ones I really like. The settings I like all seem to be more than the diamond. What am I doing wrong here?

 

[jauhara]

Industrial diamond. Ok that helps. I definately don''t want a diamond that belongs on a saw! LOL And here I was thinking...oh that''s pretty, almost like an opal.

 

[Lorelei]

Date: 2/10/2010 3:44:34 PM
Author: jauhara
Industrial diamond. Ok that helps. I definately don't want a diamond that belongs on a saw! LOL And here I was thinking...oh that's pretty, almost like an opal.

LOL! I'm sorry! It does look icy/ opalescent.... sort of....!

If you are having trouble deciding on what sort of ring to go for if you don't want a traditional solitaire, you could maybe go custom if the budget permits or semi custom by having an existing setting modified.

Also have a look through the threads linked [/url] as you might get some inspiration.

 

[yssie]

Please don't do it. You can get something wildly unique and stunningly beautiful with your budget... don't settle for just wildly unique

.




I've seen some stunning irradiated blues

It's true that noone will think they're natural unenhanced diamonds (in those greeny bluey hues naturals are... well, expensive

) but - does that really matter? Noone will think this is a real diamond either, honestly - it'll look more like a mounted rock from your backyard.




ETA: The gem rings sticky in the coloured stones forum might be of inspirational assistance

 

[karpouzi]

I''m going to go against the grain here and say that you should get what you like, even if what you like isn''t what most people like. That said, I don''t think you should overpay for it. If you like this stone (and you know, in the right setting it could be really funky-cool), go for it! But to answer your question, how much would you pay... maybe a few hundred bucks?

 

[SpareMyWallet]

Date: 2/10/2010 3:58:22 PM
Author: karpouzi
I''m going to go against the grain here and say that you should get what you like, even if what you like isn''t what most people like. That said, I don''t think you should overpay for it. If you like this stone (and you know, in the right setting it could be really funky-cool), go for it! But to answer your question, how much would you pay... maybe a few hundred bucks?

$100 tops

 

[bgray]

if you really like this stone and the setting i would advise going with someone that is appropriately priced. for example, check out http://www.thenaturalsapphirecompany.com. i think you could find a topaz or sapphire that would be "unique" but for which you would not overpay

 

[Lorelei]

Date: 2/10/2010 4:16:50 PM
Author: bgray
if you really like this stone and the setting i would advise going with someone that is appropriately priced. for example, check out http://www.thenaturalsapphirecompany.com i think you could find a topaz or sapphire that would be ''unique'' but for which you would not overpay

Thats a good idea Bgray.

 

[karpouzi]

Date: 2/10/2010 4:05:04 PM
Author: SpareMyWallet

Date: 2/10/2010 3:58:22 PM
Author: karpouzi
I''m going to go against the grain here and say that you should get what you like, even if what you like isn''t what most people like. That said, I don''t think you should overpay for it. If you like this stone (and you know, in the right setting it could be really funky-cool), go for it! But to answer your question, how much would you pay... maybe a few hundred bucks?

$100 tops

Ha! Yeah, that''s fair too. I think the upshot is... waaaaay less than $3000.

 

[jauhara]

wow, thanks. You know, this is a really nice forum.

Thanks for that link to the sapphire company site...I''ve looked and looked for a place like that!

Thanks for the link to the gem forum!

Thanks for excusing my bad taste!

One more question, I love love love this setting http://www.jamesallen.com/designer-jewelry/meno-collection-by-danhov/ring/item_294-2028.asp . And supposing I streeech my budget out a bit, what could I get away with putting in it that wouldn''t be an outright shame? Would a .5 ct round ideal cut be too small?

My biggest problem is, I have no mental image of how this stuff will actually look when put together. Being in Morocco, I can''t pop into the jeweler and pick something mid range (my choices here are either the souk or Azuelos/Cartier/Blvgari). My husband is going to the states in 2 weeks and he wants me to pick something he can bring back for me.

 

[jauhara]

one more question: does this craigslist ad seem to good to be true? It seems to be from a company (name not mentioned in the ad, only 800 number) and not a private party.
$3788
2.51 carats diamond ring. This sale is for ring only. Band is available and is sold separate.
White Gold 14K
Stone: DIAMOND
Stone Cut : Princess & Round Brilliant
Stone Specifications: There is one diamond princess cut of aprox. 1.01 carats & aprox. 1.5 carats of smaller diamonds.
Total Stone Weight : aprox. 2.51 carats
Stone Certificate: Comes with a FREE STONE CERTIFICATE worth $45.00.
Color : F
Clarity : VS1/VVS1
APPRAISAL Comes with a FREE APPRAISAL Retail Appraised Value : $19500.00 Ring Size : 6.5 (Will be sized for free)

 

[Bella_mezzo]

Here are some options you may like, I''m not sure exactly what kinds of unique styles you like (modern, vintage...)
SETTING
http://www.whiteflash.com/Engagement-Rings/Styles/Diamond-Settings/Three-Row-Pave-Diamond-Engagement-Ring_1200.htm

http://www.whiteflash.com/Engagement-Rings/Styles/Diamond-Settings/Fiotto-Diamond-Engagement-Ring_1428.htm

http://www.whiteflash.com/Engagement-Rings/Styles/Diamond-Settings/-Elegant-Petals--Diamond-Engagement-Ring_1036.htm

http://www.whiteflash.com/Engagement-Rings/Styles/Diamond-Settings/Tonaca-Diamond-Engagement-Ring_1427.htm

http://www.whiteflash.com/Engagement-Rings/Styles/Diamond-Settings/Diamond-Braid-Engagement-Ring_1349.htm

http://www.whiteflash.com/Engagement-Rings/Styles/Diamond-Settings/-Champaigne--Heavy-Bezel-Engagement-Ring_1139.htm

http://www.exceldiamonds.com/-Engagement-Rings-5/Diamond-Accent-Engagement-Rings-12/Diamond-Bezel-Engagement-Ring-JENS1298A-1670.html

http://www.exceldiamonds.com/-Engagement-Rings-5/Diamond-Accent-Engagement-Rings-12/Diamond-Engagement-Ring-Setting--D6359-1756.html

http://www.exceldiamonds.com/-Engagement-Rings-5/Diamond-Accent-Engagement-Rings-12/Rochelle-Engagement-Ring-Setting--DEV6439-1763.html

http://www.exceldiamonds.com/-Engagement-Rings-5/Diamond-Accent-Engagement-Rings-12/Designer-Diamond-Engagement-Rings-1320.html


DIAMOND

http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/J-SI2-Ideal-Cut-Round-Diamond-1287429.asp

http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/H-SI2-Ideal-Cut-Round-Diamond-1122724.asp

http://goodoldgold.com/diamond/6152/

http://www.whiteflash.com/hearts_arrows/whiteflash-aca-cut-diamond-2183234.htm

or you could check out vendors like Heart of Water on etsy, James Meyer, Julia Kay Taylor...

 

[Dancing Fire]

Date: 2/10/2010 5:18:38 PM
Author: jauhara

one more question: does this craigslist ad seem to good to be true? It seems to be from a company (name not mentioned in the ad, only 800 number) and not a private party.
$3788
2.51 carats diamond ring. This sale is for ring only. Band is available and is sold separate.
White Gold 14K
Stone: DIAMOND
Stone Cut : Princess & Round Brilliant
Stone Specifications: There is one diamond princess cut of aprox. 1.01 carats & aprox. 1.5 carats of smaller diamonds.
Total Stone Weight : aprox. 2.51 carats
Stone Certificate: Comes with a FREE STONE CERTIFICATE worth $45.00.
Color : F
Clarity : VS1/VVS1
APPRAISAL Comes with a FREE APPRAISAL Retail Appraised Value : $19500.00 Ring Size : 6.5 (Will be sized for free)

all B.S.!!!

spent your $3000 on a nice 3/4ct stone.

 

[Dancing Fire]

Date: 2/10/2010 3:31:40 PM
Author:jauhara

I kind of expect everyone here to hate it because the clarity rating is so bad. And although it is from a reputable seller, it has no certification.

But in my pricerange, what can I get? I really don''t want a plain ole solitaire. I like the bold and vintage looking pieces.

What do you think?

a nice salt & pepper stone,but it needs a few more grains of pepper to make it look more even.

 

[Mrs W]

I think these settings are gorgeous and similar to what you want:

http://www.jamesallen.com/engagement-rings/pave/ring/item_412-2225.asp

http://www.idjewelryonline.com/product_info.php?cPath=22_28&products_id=2580&cType=ER

halo : it will make things look bigger

 

[swingirl]

Where will your husband be in the states? If he is going to be near one of the familiar vendors you could have something put together and he could pick it up.

 

[jauhara]

Dancing Fire, glad I could entertain you.

Mrs W: I think you just picked out my setting for me! That''s absolutely my favorite

Swinggirl: Dh will be in the DC area. I know there are a ton of jewelers around there.

Actually, with as much as I''ve learned since just yesterday reading this forum and alll the links. I think I''m definately going to give this some more time and thought. And maybe even expand my budget a bit. It seems like if I do this right it can be a good investment. And after all, I am planning to wear it everyday for the next well at least 30 or 40 years god-willing!

Thanks again everyone. I will update this thread tonight after the auction ends so you can all see how much that backyard rock/saw diamond sells for on Ebay.

 

[MichelleCarmen]

Date: 2/10/2010 5:18:38 PM
Author: jauhara

one more question: does this craigslist ad seem to good to be true? It seems to be from a company (name not mentioned in the ad, only 800 number) and not a private party.
$3788
2.51 carats diamond ring. This sale is for ring only. Band is available and is sold separate.
White Gold 14K
Stone: DIAMOND
Stone Cut : Princess & Round Brilliant
Stone Specifications: There is one diamond princess cut of aprox. 1.01 carats & aprox. 1.5 carats of smaller diamonds.
Total Stone Weight : aprox. 2.51 carats
Stone Certificate: Comes with a FREE STONE CERTIFICATE worth $45.00.
Color : F
Clarity : VS1/VVS1
APPRAISAL Comes with a FREE APPRAISAL Retail Appraised Value : $19500.00 Ring Size : 6.5 (Will be sized for free)

With anything that is certified, you need to ask which lab it''s from. Some are reputable and others aren''t. Also, appraisals are always inflated to say the jewelry piece is worth more than it is.

 

[Dreamer_D]

If you want something unique, try Jewels by Erika Grace! Great reputation on PS:

http://www.jewelsbyericagrace.com/diamond_ringsengagement_rings

 

[BlingADing]

Glad you see the pricescope light and opened your eyes! Great decision to keep looking...don''t jump the gun and take your time. You''re doing the right thing.

We got my ring for the mid 3K''s...so maybe you can contact icing on the ring.

 

[Lorelei]

Date: 2/11/2010 4:37:06 PM
Author: jauhara
Dancing Fire, glad I could entertain you.

Mrs W: I think you just picked out my setting for me! That''s absolutely my favorite

Swinggirl: Dh will be in the DC area. I know there are a ton of jewelers around there.

Actually, with as much as I''ve learned since just yesterday reading this forum and alll the links. I think I''m definately going to give this some more time and thought. And maybe even expand my budget a bit. It seems like if I do this right it can be a good investment. And after all, I am planning to wear it everyday for the next well at least 30 or 40 years god-willing!

Thanks again everyone. I will update this thread tonight after the auction ends so you can all see how much that backyard rock/saw diamond sells for on Ebay.

Hi again jauhara!

I just wanted to mention with the above, if you meant diamonds can be a good financial investment, unfortunately it isn''t the case....Rather like new cars, if you try to resell the value plummets as soon as you purchase and they don''t appreciate over the years. But diamonds can certainly be a good investment in your happiness and they can make treasured heirlooms.

As soon as you are ready let us know and we will be here to help! Meanwhile, if you have any questions, don''t hesitate to ask.