I believe I am Ready.... Let's Buy

[clevelander0]

So I am looking for best options for Ring... She does not have a set ring in mind and told me "when I am ready to pick out the ring." I know that she likes a pave ring and I want to get her something around 1 CT for the center stone. I know you can get a better price for under that amount and am fine with that, but how far can you go before it is no longer "1 CT" to the public? Total Budget, Ring and Diamond = $8k

My choice was to get her a round cut halo with pave ring...

Similar to this...

http://www.brilliantearth.com/rings...OCi6SLJXF9rjwDqiHA2EZv6VUEeMMHLEi8aAt2l8P8HAQ

I know that I want something that "sets up" like a 1CT with the best dimensions and cut.

Ideally
Cut: Best I can get - we will say Excellent
Carrat - near 1, was thinking .85/.9
Clarity - SI1 or VS2 ( based on pricing this seems to be logical)
Color - G / H

similar to this ...

http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-dia...h-color-vs2-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-1093906

Don't hurt me too hard for this post.... Just looking for help!

 

[JDDN]

Here is a very nice setting and stone. I linked it in platinum, white gold is less of course, but I'd recommend platinum if you can afford it.

http://www.briangavindiamonds.com/engagement-rings/pave-and-side-stones/the-anita-halo-platinum-5950p

http://www.briangavindiamonds.com/diamonds/diamond-details/0.934-h-si1-round-diamond-ags-104086279028


Another option is to see what IDJ can do for you with your budget in mind. I would call if you're interested. Diamonds are cheap right now (that is relative, lol) so I think you can very well get close to or at a 1 carat with your budget.

 

[msop04]

Here is a very nice setting and stone. I linked it in platinum, white gold is less of course, but I'd recommend platinum if you can afford it.

http://www.briangavindiamonds.com/engagement-rings/pave-and-side-stones/the-anita-halo-platinum-5950p

http://www.briangavindiamonds.com/diamonds/diamond-details/0.934-h-si1-round-diamond-ags-104086279028


Another option is to see what IDJ can do for you with your budget in mind. I would call if you're interested. Diamonds are cheap right now (that is relative, lol) so I think you can very well get close to or at a 1 carat with your budget.

Good find, JDDN!

 

[Gypsy]

Here is a very nice setting and stone. I linked it in platinum, white gold is less of course, but I'd recommend platinum if you can afford it.

http://www.briangavindiamonds.com/engagement-rings/pave-and-side-stones/the-anita-halo-platinum-5950p

http://www.briangavindiamonds.com/diamonds/diamond-details/0.934-h-si1-round-diamond-ags-104086279028


Another option is to see what IDJ can do for you with your budget in mind. I would call if you're interested. Diamonds are cheap right now (that is relative, lol) so I think you can very well get close to or at a 1 carat with your budget.

Good find, JDDN!

Love this.

That said, what does you lady want???

Have you asked? Have you sleuthed? Does she even want a round? Does she like halos? Does she like pave? Maybe she wants a three stone!

 

[clevelander0]

So the brief discussions that I have inadvertently been able to get out of her revealed that she #1 definitely doesnt want solitaire, definitely doesnt want crazy shapes, she has pointed out how beautiful others rings are (increased excitement over halo rings). Also she has mentioned she wants a "flat ring" .... not sure how to translate that....

My take is a Round halo with pave ring... I dont want to do princess cut because my sister has one. Dumb reason I know but just want something different than her.

The other thought was a cushion cut halo pave. I cannot tell if a cushion gets enough brilliance and fire when looking at it.

 

[msop04]

So the brief discussions that I have inadvertently been able to get out of her revealed that she #1 definitely doesnt want solitaire, definitely doesnt want crazy shapes, she has pointed out how beautiful others rings are (increased excitement over halo rings). Also she has mentioned she wants a "flat ring" .... not sure how to translate that....

My take is a Round halo with pave ring... I dont want to do princess cut because my sister has one. Dumb reason I know but just want something different than her.

The other thought was a cushion cut halo pave. I cannot tell if a cushion gets enough brilliance and fire when looking at it.

Sounds like she wants a round diamond in a halo that isn't set too high ("flat ring"). The suggestions above seem to fit that perfectly!

Other questions... what type of work does she do? Anything where she'd have to wear gloves (like the medical field)? Would she be into a bezel halo? Can you look at her pinterest account?

 

[clevelander0]

Works with children at a school... limited use of gloves... No Pinterest account...

Bezel vs normal - any difference in brightness / light / sparkliness given off from diamond?

 

[JDDN]

That's a decent amount of information especially if she has specifically said she wants you to pick it out. I think maybe she means she doesn't want a ring that has a tall head. That's what comes to mind when she says she wants a "flat ring."

I love a cushion halo. You could do that too. Good cushions are harder pick, but Gypsy is here. A really nice round brilliant is much easier to pick and they face up larger than cushions.

 

[clevelander0]

Great Find, but it puts me at $8,600... $8k is the maximum... Also I know this will probably upset people, but I would rather do something in person is that even feasible?

Fear in online jewelry is hitting me...

 

[farrahlyn]

Your ideas are spot on with what she wants, great job!

going to a B&M store can be tricky. There are a lot of people that come here with horror stories, check this one out from just this week:
https://www.pricescope.com/forum/rockytalky/frustrated-irritated-and-fed-up-help-t222619.html

that said, a B&M store isn't always awful. But it can be tricky finding a good place. I have a gorgeous custom ring from a local jeweler and they knocked it out of the park. But they aren't a chain and are well known in this area for their custom work. If you want to shop in person, arm yourself with a LOT of info and go in prepared to ask for Certs and Idealscope images. You'll need to familiarize yourself with the HCA tool and specific angles that are complimentary.

Online shopping can be fun and plenty of vendors provide videos and pictures so that you're not going in BLIND. and there are recommended vendors that many here have been happy using.

PS featured sponsors: https://www.pricescope.com/featured-sponsors also check out where they have B&M stores located, you might luck out and find one near you.

 

[tyty333]

Great Find, but it puts me at $8,600... $8k is the maximum... Also I know this will probably upset people, but I would rather do something in person is that even feasible?

Fear in online jewelry is hitting me...

Well, I can vouch that many (and I do mean many) PSers buy on line. The reason is that the selection is greater (stones and settings)
and the cost are lower. Is it a trust thing or do you just want to be able to see it and put your hands on it in person? All of the vendors
that we suggest here on Pricescope have good return policys in case what you ordered doesnt turn out to be what you thought.

Here is another opinion
Settings...tell them you want the stone set low
http://www.whiteflash.com/engagement-rings/solitaire/ritani-1rz1323-halo-diamond-engagement-ring-3881.htm or
http://www.whiteflash.com/engagement-rings/diamond-settings/amphora-diamond-engagement-ring-1039.htm
stones
ACA H/Si1...super ideal
http://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-3638385.htm $5643
Expert Selection G/VS2
http://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-3403889.htm $5578
If you want to get over a carat you have to drop to I at WF
http://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-3227660.htm $6094

Suggestions for shopping local...
If you want to buy local...look for GIA/AGS certed stones.
Use the HCA tool as an elimination tool...eliminate anything that scores over 2.
https://www.pricescope.com/tools/hca
Look for eye-clean Si1 for best bang for buck.
Typical mid color range is G/H. I colored stones can be a good buy for halos since they mostly only show tint from the side
(which is covered by halo)...but all depends on your/her color sensitivity.

Let us know what we can help with!

 

[diamondseeker2006]

You should have far greater fear buying locally because generally what we see when people come here after buying that way is that they got a stone that wasn't a great cut and paid too much for it. Almost all of us who hang out here buy almost exclusively online because we know where to find quality diamonds and settings.

If you want the look of a carat, don't go below .90.

This is actually an H VS2 for only $10 more than the one already posted:

http://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-3590805.htm

But this is a terrific buy at $5525 ideal cut and .93 H VS2!

http://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-3663997.htm

Nice quality platinum halo, except you'd have to request that the diamond be set low:

http://www.whiteflash.com/engagement-rings/solitaire/ritani-1rz1323-halo-diamond-engagement-ring-3880.htm

There. Under budget!

 

[msop04]

You should have far greater fear buying locally because generally what we see when people come here after buying that way is that they got a stone that wasn't a great cut and paid too much for it. Almost all of us who hang out here buy almost exclusively online because we know where to find quality diamonds and settings.

If you want the look of a carat, don't go below .90.

This is actually an H VS2 for only $10 more than the one already posted:

http://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-3590805.htm

But this is a terrific buy at $5525 ideal cut and .93 H VS2!

http://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-3663997.htm

Nice quality platinum halo, except you'd have to request that the diamond be set low:

http://www.whiteflash.com/engagement-rings/solitaire/ritani-1rz1323-halo-diamond-engagement-ring-3880.htm

There. Under budget!

Wow! I love this combination! Great finds, DS!

 

[diamondseeker2006]

Thanks, msop! That second stone for $5500 is a really good buy. Looks like it is a bare miss to being ACA. I'd buy it personally!

 

[msop04]

Thanks, msop! That second stone for $5500 is a really good buy. Looks like it is a bare miss to being ACA. I'd buy it personally!

Indeed! It's lovely!

 

[clevelander0]

What I am writing: Thank you everyone for the help!


What I am thinking: How do I pick?!

Online - How do I deal with diamond replacement (lost, diamond falls out, etc. , cleaning, inspecting for flaws)?
As this begins to become real my anxiety is building...

 

[farrahlyn]

What I am writing: Thank you everyone for the help!


What I am thinking: How do I pick?!

Online - How do I deal with diamond replacement (lost, diamond falls out, etc. , cleaning, inspecting for flaws)?
As this begins to become real my anxiety is building...

really, those WF diamonds are ALL beautiful! The .93 H VS2 is a STEAL.

and as far as warranty, etc

http://www.whiteflash.com/the-whiteflash-guarantee

any jewelry store will clean your ring for you at no charge. they all hope you'll browse and buy while cleaning. You can ask them to inspect prongs, etc at that time too. You'll want to purchase insurance which will cover lost stones, etc.

 

[clevelander0]

What I am writing: Thank you everyone for the help!


What I am thinking: How do I pick?!

Online - How do I deal with diamond replacement (lost, diamond falls out, etc. , cleaning, inspecting for flaws)?
As this begins to become real my anxiety is building...

really, those WF diamonds are ALL beautiful! The .93 H VS2 is a STEAL.

and as far as warranty, etc

http://www.whiteflash.com/the-whiteflash-guarantee

any jewelry store will clean your ring for you at no charge. they all hope you'll browse and buy while cleaning. You can ask them to inspect prongs, etc at that time too. You'll want to purchase insurance which will cover lost stones, etc.

No issues with the Medium Blue FLOR?

 

[farrahlyn]

What I am writing: Thank you everyone for the help!


What I am thinking: How do I pick?!

Online - How do I deal with diamond replacement (lost, diamond falls out, etc. , cleaning, inspecting for flaws)?
As this begins to become real my anxiety is building...

really, those WF diamonds are ALL beautiful! The .93 H VS2 is a STEAL.

and as far as warranty, etc

http://www.whiteflash.com/the-whiteflash-guarantee

any jewelry store will clean your ring for you at no charge. they all hope you'll browse and buy while cleaning. You can ask them to inspect prongs, etc at that time too. You'll want to purchase insurance which will cover lost stones, etc.

No issues with the Medium Blue FLOR?

highly doubt it'd be a problem but do a live chat and ask about it if it makes you nervous. (i love fluorescence in a stone!)

https://www.pricescope.com/wiki/diamonds/diamond-flourescence

 

[msop04]

What I am writing: Thank you everyone for the help!


What I am thinking: How do I pick?!

Online - How do I deal with diamond replacement (lost, diamond falls out, etc. , cleaning, inspecting for flaws)?
As this begins to become real my anxiety is building...

really, those WF diamonds are ALL beautiful! The .93 H VS2 is a STEAL.

and as far as warranty, etc

http://www.whiteflash.com/the-whiteflash-guarantee

any jewelry store will clean your ring for you at no charge. they all hope you'll browse and buy while cleaning. You can ask them to inspect prongs, etc at that time too. You'll want to purchase insurance which will cover lost stones, etc.

No issues with the Medium Blue FLOR?

highly doubt it'd be a problem but do a live chat and ask about it if it makes you nervous. (i love fluorescence in a stone!)

https://www.pricescope.com/wiki/diamonds/diamond-flourescence

Very rarely does fluro have a negative impact on a stone. If anything, it makes the stone appear whiter in certain lighting situations.

 

[diamondseeker2006]

No issues with med blue. Even strong blue isn't usually a problem in VS+ clarity stones. I love fluorescence!

Oh, and for loss of the ring or damage to the diamond, etc, you insure the ring.

https://www.jewelersmutual.com/Personal-Jewelry-Insurance

 

[tyty333]

Thanks, msop! That second stone for $5500 is a really good buy. Looks like it is a bare miss to being ACA. I'd buy it personally!

Wow...now that is a deal. Almost 1 carat, H/VS2 and almost ACA...that'd be my choice!

 

[JDDN]

As farrahlyn wrote, you can get the prongs checked at any time at any reputable jewelry store. Personally I'd avoid big chains and stores in the mall. I'd find a good independent jeweler to go to. They will do it for free. You should get insurance for the ring and that covers loss or damage of the stone/setting.

Whiteflash is a wonderful company and MANY here have only the best experiences. They have a 30 day return policy so you can have time to see if you love the ring. You will be in good hands with WF.

 

[clevelander0]

So I needed to lower my budget. I found what I think is a great stone. $4,900.

Carta - .90
Measurements - 6.22 - 6.25 x 3.77
Color - H
Clarity- VS2
Cut - EX
Polish - EX
Symmetry
HCA - 1.7 TIC

Depth - 60.4
Table - 59%
Crown - 34.5*
Pavilion - 40.8*
Star - 50%
Lower - 75%

Please let me know your thoughts!

http://i.imgur.com/JxIqIPD.jpg

 

[diamondseeker2006]

It's pretty good by the numbers. Do you have a magnified image of the stone and an ASET or Idealscope image?

I still think the .93 stone for $5500 would be the smarter buy, though. We are only talking about $600 difference. Plus, the Ritani setting is about the best quality you can do at a $2000 price point in platinum.

 

[clevelander0]

Thanks for the insight ...

1-10 where does my stone rank?

1-10 where does the $5500 rank?

 

[diamondseeker2006]

Unless you post the images, we have no idea. It should be fine, but GIA numbers are rounded and some stones do have leakage or are not as precisely cut as others. If you can't access images, I wouldn't take the risk when for only $600 you can get a stone that is close to perfect. If we were talking about thousands, I might lean more toward the less expensive stone. But $600 is really not much when you consider hopefully 50 years of wear. What's your setting option if you went for that stone?

The WF stone ranks at 9.5 out of 10 (ACAs rank 10).