HW RB solitaire

[lastmanstanding]

Good afternoon all,
Im a new user but I have been researching the forum a lot the past few months. I got a quote from HW $10,900 for a 0.72 RB solitaire no TAX. the GF could care less about brand, but the brand is what I want and am willing to pay for it. The stone specs are
GIA E VVS2 ex/ex/ex

table 57%
depth 61.8%
crown angle 34.5
pavilion angle 41

Thoughts, comments? its gets a 1.9 on HCA ex/vg/vg/vg

 

[DiamondBrokersofFlorida]

So it doesn't bother you to pay double for the brand name? You could, for the price, always get her a much larger diamond if she doesn't care about a brand name that is still very nice and brilliant and well cut.

 

[finallylooking]

So it doesn't bother you to pay double for the brand name? You could, for the price, always get her a much larger diamond if she doesn't care about a brand name that is still very nice and brilliant and well cut.

I'd much rather have the larger diamond than the brand name.

 

[Christina...]

Is the ring for you or HER? If she doesn't care about the brand why would you want to spend thousands more to get less?

 

[lastmanstanding]

she is a size 3.5 and has long fingers. I felt the size wont over power her hand. she also mentioned once that she didn't want anything too "blingy". I think this is a good trade off.

 

[Christina...]

she is a size 3.5 and has long fingers. I felt the size wont over power her hand. she also mentioned once that she didn't want anything too "blingy". I think this is a good trade off.

I still don't understand why you would want to spend twice as much for it?

If your concerned about finding an amazingly beautiful diamond and setting, we can make suggestions and make the process much easier for you. We can find you a diamond with ideal light performance and gorgeous quality setting and still save you thousands of dollars that you can use to by here a beautiful wedding band, or honeymoon, or pay for the wedding, save for a home, whatever. Maybe a gorgeous pair of earrings as a wedding gift. Thats what I'd want you to do.

 

[canuk-gal]

HI:

I love "brands" and would glady pay what they ask to obtain one: that said are they willing to deal? Any chance they might take a reasonable offer? Doesn't hurt to ask....

cheers--Sharon

 

[lastmanstanding]

I got a small 3.5% discount (i didn't even ask) and also no sales tax

 

[DiamondBrokersofFlorida]

The thing about branded diamonds is that no one will Know but you. Unless you tell everyone where it came from, it will look like any other well cut diamond. On a diamond setting you can get something unique, but a round diamond is pretty common since about 70% of the buying public buys round diamonds.

 

[Enerchi]

I also don't understand the rationale behind spending more money than you need to - just for a name (not that I'm opposed to a lovely brand name... ) but in this instance, you could really get a great diamond at about 2/3 of that cost.

Just give it a ponder--- check out some of the PS vendors under the resources tab, click on a few and see what your money could do. If she doesn't care about the name, she won't be pushing the 'oh, and it's a Harry Winston' thing so why not put the extra you could save, into the wedding or honeymoon fund? Just a thought....

 

[ame]

I don't really get why everyone is bashing his choice for a branded item. He wants the brand, he's willing to pay for it and to him to have the HW name is more important for the price point or finding something "bigger or better" elsewhere. To him, he's getting the perceived high quality and service that come with the name. Things like "better" and "worth" are relative terms. He might feel a nonbranded item from an vendor with online presence isn't necessarily "better" and may prefer the option to walk into any HW salon worldwide and have that level of high end service vs finding someone local to tend to the needs of the ring later. He's trying to not spoil the surprise by involving her.

As for the stone in question, you can do better on the stone cut quality than this, but if YOU like it in person, it is still a decent choice.

Factor Grade
Light Return Excellent
Fire Very Good
Scintillation Very Good
Spread or diameter for weight Very Good
Total Visual Performance 1.9 - Excellent

 

[GreenBling]

Rolex, Hermes, LV, Porsche, Apple, Cartier, Prada, Armani... Aren't we all suckers for brand names?

 

[mandasand]

Have you considered taking her ring shopping so you both can see what size diamond looks good on her small, slender fingers? She may decide she would like a larger diamond and if you have $10k to spend, you can get a lot more for your money. Even if she likes a diamond under 1 ct on her finger (I prefer smaller diamonds myself) I still think you should reconsider getting a signed piece. That's my opinion, but if you've already decided this is what you want, then you should get it.

 

[sushi]

Hello,

I have to agree with the ladies here. Even though I would love to have a HW engagement ring, the size of stone with a tradeoff for the price would not be my choice. I have an under 4 hand size, and of course I would be ecstatic that my fiance would have proposed, however, Im sure there would always be part of me knowing that it was a waste of money.

This may seem nonsensical, but i think if we were talking about a bigger stone ie 2-3 carat, and maybe the HW micropave, then I can see the sense in paying HW (possibly), but for a small stone, its just not worth it.

I am helping my cousin as we speak to get an engagement ring for his future fiance. He has about the same budget as you. We have managed to get him a 1.3 H ex,ex,ex great HCA score set in a custome mafe de beers promise replica setting for exactly the same price. Now personally I would not want H, as I am very colour concious, but we could have chosen a 1.2 E. Th difference in size between a .72 and a 1.2 is really a massive amount, and even though your lady doesnt want bling, a 1.2 on a small hand really isnt that big...

Finally, my DH went for a local brand for my ER and paid a premium. He paid probably 25% more than I would have done for my stone, and even though i LOVE it, there is always something in the back of my head that says, "in my heart I know i could have got a bigger stone, OR saved him some money"...

Just my 10 cents, but as you can afford a perfect 1 carat stone, i really wouldnt go smaller...

Why dont you go into a store and compare the size of a 1.2 to a .72. ? Try get an assistant with small hands to show you. IF you want i can try going into a store and show you on my hand, which is about the same size?

Good luck and keep us posted?

sushi xoxo

 

[diamondseeker2006]

I am going to have to agree with the others....it's not worth paying for HW in that size stone, especially as a solitaire. You will likely be able to get a better cut stone over a carat in an equally good quality setting. A 1.0-1.2 carat diamond is not too big for a 3.5 finger, trust me. Get the better cut, larger stone and get a wedding band from HW if you want. That is actually what I did. I got an excellent cut stone and had it set in the best Tiffany repro solitaire and bought the wedding band that is distinctively Tiffany from Tiffany.

(Greenbling...yes, we do love certain brands. But my hubby will tell you, you can't find a low cost car that equals a Porsche. In this case, one CAN most definitely find a diamond ring that will beat the HW solitaire in quality and price.)

 

[lastmanstanding]

please correct me if im wrong. Im looking at BN and the largest stone I can find within D-E, VVS1-VVS2, signature ideal - ideal is a 0.93 ideal E VVS2. the cost is 7690 plus the setting 810. at that price i would gladly pay the "extra" 2000 dollars towards a brand.

the stone im looking at is http://www.bluenile.com/diamond-search?track=head#diamonds_pid=LD02578913
it scores a 5.1 good/fair/fair/v. good using the HCA tool

FYI to the post about negotiation. VCA was willing to negotiate about 8% off the price and willing to not charge tax if they mailed it to another state.

 

[Enerchi]

Just my opinion, but you can do BETTER than that stone! Keep looking....

 

[sushi]

Hiya,

well i just had a look at blue nile, put in different specs, ie the price. I managed to find a 1.19 F VS1 (SBF) ot without faint flourescence a 1.07 F VS1.

http://www.bluenile.com/diamond-search?track=head#diamonds_pid=LD02586319
http://www.bluenile.com/diamond-search?track=head#diamonds_pid=LD02609570

I havent popped them into HCA, but just to give you an idea... Of course if your heart is set on the HW do it

on the otherhand here is a ex, ex, ex E VVs2, .73 in bluenile, its 4579. Add 1k for the setting (roughly) brings you to 5500USD, which is about half of HW..

http://www.bluenile.com/diamond-search?track=btn#diamonds_pid=LD02687535

The other ladies are really fab at finding great diamonds, just ask, they will search for you, and find the best!

xoxo sushi

 

[ame]

please correct me if im wrong. Im looking at BN and the largest stone I can find within D-E, VVS1-VVS2, signature ideal - ideal is a 0.93 ideal E VVS2. the cost is 7690 plus the setting 810. at that price i would gladly pay the "extra" 2000 dollars towards a brand.

the stone im looking at is http://www.bluenile.com/diamond-search?track=head#diamonds_pid=LD02578913
it scores a 5.1 good/fair/fair/v. good using the HCA tool

FYI to the post about negotiation. VCA was willing to negotiate about 8% off the price and willing to not charge tax if they mailed it to another state.

Since having the brand is important to you, which you very clearly stated in your first post up above, and no one else seems willing to do anything beyond tell you why you're wrong and wasting your money and should buy from other vendors, Ill keep up on this thread in support of your request. The stone from HW in the first post is OK, I would simply ask HW for more options in your budget. There are better out there.

While I am normally an advocate of involving the future wearer (ie HER), I can understand why guys want to surprise their significant other without any input.

 

[lastmanstanding]

please correct me if im wrong. Im looking at BN and the largest stone I can find within D-E, VVS1-VVS2, signature ideal - ideal is a 0.93 ideal E VVS2. the cost is 7690 plus the setting 810. at that price i would gladly pay the "extra" 2000 dollars towards a brand.

the stone im looking at is http://www.bluenile.com/diamond-search?track=head#diamonds_pid=LD02578913
it scores a 5.1 good/fair/fair/v. good using the HCA tool

FYI to the post about negotiation. VCA was willing to negotiate about 8% off the price and willing to not charge tax if they mailed it to another state.

Since having the brand is important to you, which you very clearly stated in your first post up above, and no one else seems willing to do anything beyond tell you why you're wrong and wasting your money and should buy from other vendors, Ill keep up on this thread in support of your request. The stone from HW in the first post is OK, I would simply ask HW for more options in your budget. There are better out there.

While I am normally an advocate of involving the future wearer (ie HER), I can understand why guys want to surprise their significant other without any input.

I appreciate your response . i asked the SA for other options within my budget <11000, E-F, VVS2-VS1. they didnt have too many options other than remounting a F VS2 clarity stone.

 

[distracts]

Have you considered taking her ring shopping so you both can see what size diamond looks good on her small, slender fingers? She may decide she would like a larger diamond and if you have $10k to spend, you can get a lot more for your money.

This. I have small fingers and I prefer stones of 1.5-2 carats.

Also my first thought with her saying she doesn't want her ring to be too blingy is that she doesn't want a blingy SETTING - she doesn't want a halo or pave or anything. Unless she has specifically said she wants a sub-1-carat stone, I would assume that statement does not have to do with the size of the stone.

 

[GreenBling]

please correct me if im wrong. Im looking at BN and the largest stone I can find within D-E, VVS1-VVS2, signature ideal - ideal is a 0.93 ideal E VVS2. the cost is 7690 plus the setting 810. at that price i would gladly pay the "extra" 2000 dollars towards a brand.

the stone im looking at is http://www.bluenile.com/diamond-search?track=head#diamonds_pid=LD02578913
it scores a 5.1 good/fair/fair/v. good using the HCA tool

FYI to the post about negotiation. VCA was willing to negotiate about 8% off the price and willing to not charge tax if they mailed it to another state.

Since having the brand is important to you, which you very clearly stated in your first post up above, and no one else seems willing to do anything beyond tell you why you're wrong and wasting your money and should buy from other vendors, Ill keep up on this thread in support of your request. The stone from HW in the first post is OK, I would simply ask HW for more options in your budget. There are better out there.

While I am normally an advocate of involving the future wearer (ie HER), I can understand why guys want to surprise their significant other without any input.

I appreciate your response . i asked the SA for other options within my budget <11000, E-F, VVS2-VS1. they didnt have too many options other than remounting a F VS2 clarity stone.

F is very white and with VS stones, you might not even find any inclusion with a loupe so maybe its worth exploring. What's the size and specs of the F VS2? Would they charge you more for remounting it?

 

[canuk-gal]

please correct me if im wrong. Im looking at BN and the largest stone I can find within D-E, VVS1-VVS2, signature ideal - ideal is a 0.93 ideal E VVS2. the cost is 7690 plus the setting 810. at that price i would gladly pay the "extra" 2000 dollars towards a brand.

the stone im looking at is http://www.bluenile.com/diamond-search?track=head#diamonds_pid=LD02578913
it scores a 5.1 good/fair/fair/v. good using the HCA tool

FYI to the post about negotiation. VCA was willing to negotiate about 8% off the price and willing to not charge tax if they mailed it to another state.

Since having the brand is important to you, which you very clearly stated in your first post up above, and no one else seems willing to do anything beyond tell you why you're wrong and wasting your money and should buy from other vendors, Ill keep up on this thread in support of your request. The stone from HW in the first post is OK, I would simply ask HW for more options in your budget. There are better out there.

While I am normally an advocate of involving the future wearer (ie HER), I can understand why guys want to surprise their significant other without any input.

HI:

Ame: FWIW--I did not, would not, and never have "bashed" choices for branded stones or jewellery. I advocate for what the person wants--especially when they state the same.


OP: I don't know if you are interested in buying on the secondary market--b/c there are options in thsat regards as well.

cheers--Sharon

 

[lastmanstanding]

canuk-gal, i typically would buy almost anything in the secondary market, however this is not one of them. Im not superstitious but, i dont want to purchase something that was meant for someone else.

 

[canuk-gal]

canuk-gal, i typically would buy almost anything in the secondary market, however this is not one of them. Im not superstitious but, i dont want to purchase something that was meant for someone else.

HI:

I understand perfectly.

Are you in a hurry for the ring? Did your SA exhaust her stock/for stones? Furthermore what did your SA suggest might be coming into stock--in anticipation for Christmas, etc? It would be nice to have a choice in stones, although it is not always possible.

cheers--Sharon

 

[ame]

I appreciate your response . i asked the SA for other options within my budget <11000, E-F, VVS2-VS1. they didnt have too many options other than remounting a F VS2 clarity stone.

Any detail on that particular stone besides it needing remounted?

I would look for an F VS1, simply because it's white and still mind and eye clean, without paying a premium for an E or a VVS clarity, and will allow either a slightly lower price on the same size stone, OR a slightly larger stone for the price. Hopefully you're not waiting forever for such a stone to make it into their system.

HI:

Ame: FWIW--I did not, would not, and never have "bashed" choices for branded stones or jewellery. I advocate for what the person wants--especially when they state the same.


OP: I don't know if you are interested in buying on the secondary market--b/c there are options in thsat regards as well.

cheers--Sharon

No offense to you intended, I didn't read your post in full, otherwise I would have identified you as such. Sorry for the oversight.

 

[lastmanstanding]

Im not too much in a hurry to purchase, but i am ready at the "right price".

 

[rubybeth]

If you love the HW stone, go for it. I think it's worthwhile, though, to ask your future wife if she really wants the brand name at that price, or if she'd go for a stone at half the price for the same size, or around a one carat stone for the same price.

A couple options from a very respected vendor:

AGS 000 .76 F VS2 for $4,792: http://www.briangavindiamonds.com/diamonds/diamond-details/0.766-H-SI1-Round-Diamond-AGS-104060183028

AGS 000 1.007 F SI1 for $8,827: http://www.briangavindiamonds.com/diamonds/diamond-details/1.007-F-SI1-Round-Diamond-AGS-104059065003

In a classic solitaire like the Truth: http://www.briangavindiamonds.com/engagement-rings/solitaire/classic-truth-solitaire-18k-white-gold-5369w18

Edited for typo on the specs.

 

[lastmanstanding]

Have you considered taking her ring shopping so you both can see what size diamond looks good on her small, slender fingers? She may decide she would like a larger diamond and if you have $10k to spend, you can get a lot more for your money. Even if she likes a diamond under 1 ct on her finger (I prefer smaller diamonds myself) I still think you should reconsider getting a signed piece. That's my opinion, but if you've already decided this is what you want, then you should get it.

I guess my my goal is to "propose" with no ring then the same day go to all the places i have visited. HW, VCA, Cartier, de beers, Graff, Bulgari, Independents (yes I looked), ect. I just seem to like the HW SA i was working with. HW will be my (our) first stop if and she likes it i will buy on the spot. I wanted to hear what the forum had to say about the diamond in the event she likes it or doesn't (due to price) I can make an informed decision.

 

[lastmanstanding]

If you love the HW stone, go for it. I think it's worthwhile, though, to ask your future wife if she really wants the brand name at that price, or if she'd go for a stone at half the price for the same size, or around a one carat stone for the same price.

A couple options from a very respected vendor:

AGS 000 .76 F VS2 for $4,792: http://www.briangavindiamonds.com/diamonds/diamond-details/0.766-H-SI1-Round-Diamond-AGS-104060183028

AGS 000 1.007 F SI1 for $8,827: http://www.briangavindiamonds.com/diamonds/diamond-details/1.007-F-SI1-Round-Diamond-AGS-104059065003

In a classic solitaire like the Truth: http://www.briangavindiamonds.com/engagement-rings/solitaire/classic-truth-solitaire-18k-white-gold-5369w18

Edited for typo on the specs.

I feel that if I can get a ring that makes her happy Ill be happy and if I get a ring that makes both of us happy, ill be ecstatic. or am i wrong for thinking like that?
isnt the saying.. happy wife, happy life. Ill just be a little more happy.