I have no idea what I'm doing...$5-7.5K budget

[mrs-b]

Ugh - third time's a charm...

Came back to add this stone. I had a look on BN in the J category. And I compromised on clarity, dropping to an SI2. I found this:

www.bluenile.com

stock number:

LD07388264

It's 1.7 on the HCA, tho you would HAVE to check with BN as to the state of its clarity - as you would with any SI2.

The upside is that this stone is a J 1.35ct. So that's a very nice size without dropping to a K.

 

[niter]

You are planning on marrying this woman.

You know what one of the four cornerstones of marriage is: communication!

I whole heartedly agree with Gypsy! I'd like to say that I'm a gal who would have cherished anything my husband bought me, and while I'm pretty certain I would have, it was not the reality of where we were at when we got engaged. We were young and my engagement ring, now looking back on it, was our first large purchase. He wanted me to go shopping with him and I very quickly learned how some sales personnel were trying to sway him on emotion and current popularity. In some cases, almost duping him into a lower quality purchase or into prioritizing things that I had little value in. One time, a sales clerk even trying to force a ring on him that was really poorly priced for the quality, stating, "all girls love/want this," while I was standing RIGHT there. Seeing him being manipulated by emotion really upset me.

In the end, we found the ring and stone together. I was the one carrying the checkbook that day and I ended up paying for half of it as a deposit. I love that we did this together. I love that my ring and stone are exactly what I wanted (we could not afford my dream ring and decided it would be a 10 year anniversary ring). I love that we have zero questions and second guessing. I love that there is no guilt associated to buying too much for us at the time or him buying something I quite wasn't in love with or him getting taken advantage of.

Maybe a nice balance would be having her prioritize the 4 "C's" to hone in what features she holds more important. That way, you can still surprise her. If you have an idea if she prefers size over color that will help. And vice versa, her skin tone may match a cooler diamond or a warmer diamond and that might be more important to her than over all size.

 

[ac117]

I suggest one of two things:

1. This stone to me will be eye clean, hits the 7mm mark and is an I color...so plenty white!
https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/1.30-carat-i-color-si2-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-1977355

2. Call Yekutiel at IDJ - he has access to any stones that are virtually listed and knows what PSers are after. He also has Gabriel & Co. and Stuller settings that are good quality at very reasonable prices so I'm 10000% confident he could work with your budget to get everything you want!

 

[Queenie60]

I suggest one of two things:

1. This stone to me will be eye clean, hits the 7mm mark and is an I color...so plenty white!
https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/1.30-carat-i-color-si2-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-1977355

2. Call Yekutiel at IDJ - he has access to any stones that are virtually listed and knows what PSers are after. He also has Gabriel & Co. and Stuller settings that are good quality at very reasonable prices so I'm 10000% confident he could work with your budget to get everything you want!

Ditto!

 

[Gypsy]

I suggest one of two things:

1. This stone to me will be eye clean, hits the 7mm mark and is an I color...so plenty white!
https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/1.30-carat-i-color-si2-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-1977355

2. Call Yekutiel at IDJ - he has access to any stones that are virtually listed and knows what PSers are after. He also has Gabriel & Co. and Stuller settings that are good quality at very reasonable prices so I'm 10000% confident he could work with your budget to get everything you want!

Ditto!

Three to. That stone is a GREAT find. 7mm and I color.

If you want to buy directly from JA you can get this setting with it and call it a day. https://www.jamesallen.com/engagement-rings/jeff-cooper/14k-white-gold-carie-engagement-ring-item-54248

 

[poshmommy]

I just wanted to add that my husband (then boyfriend) took me ring browsing so he could get an idea of what I liked. I'm so glad he did! It was so much fun to try on all the different rings and stones. It's always been a fond memory for me. It's just like test driving a new car. I really feel like everyone should get that experience. It doesn't have to take away from the surprise of what you choose and when you propose. The proposal will be special no matter what. Take her browsing and have some fun together. (And listen to her when you are there...)

Good luck!

 

[quaddio]

http://www.jewelsbygrace.com/loose-...05ct-old-european-cut-p-q-si2-i1#.V7KgA-9Ok0M

8.1mm ftw

http://m.ebay.com/itm/0-90Ct-Cushio...3A91c907c51560a2a4e4994c58fff0dc4b%7Ciid%3A13

 

[ihavenoideawhatimdoing]

hey all. so still doing research but now, officially, looking to purchase within the next 2-3 weeks.

ALSO, i took the gf with me shopping to get an idea of her likes/dislikes. hopefully there's still some goodwill on this board to help me out (esp. considering many of the stones recommended are now gone )

so, for the easy part:

round cut
thin - but not super breakable pave setting

now, for the trickier part:

she does not really like the slight yellow tint you get with some of the "higher letter" colors and i think we'd both prefer it to be pretty white

i'm thinking i want to stick in the g/h/i range - though with my budget and her like of some size, i'm probably looking at an i

i'm OK with an SI2 as long as it is eye clean

my budget remains in the $7,000 range - preferring to stay at or around $7,500 max all-in, including setting

i'd prefer to go through WF, JA or B2C

to give you an ideas, the stone @ac117 recommended was perfect but is now sold: https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/1.30-carat-i-color-si2-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-1977355

i hope this is helpful and i hope, as already stated, some are still willing to help

thanks all!

 

[Luxxy]

I'm glad to see that you're getting the assistance that you need. As a fellow newbie to the whole diamond buying process, I have to say that it can be pretty overwhelming sometimes. I know exactly how you feel.

 

[AM1102]

I suggest one of two things:

1. This stone to me will be eye clean, hits the 7mm mark and is an I color...so plenty white!
https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/1.30-carat-i-color-si2-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-1977355

2. Call Yekutiel at IDJ - he has access to any stones that are virtually listed and knows what PSers are after. He also has Gabriel & Co. and Stuller settings that are good quality at very reasonable prices so I'm 10000% confident he could work with your budget to get everything you want!

+1 to calling Yekutiel at IDJ.

ac117 recommended I do the same when I was in your shoes a couple of weeks back. Yekutiel delivered and got me EXACTLY what I wanted. Please do not hesitate to reach out to Yekutiel to see what he can do for you!

 

[ihavenoideawhatimdoing]

i also found out her ring size is much closer to a 6 than the 6.5-7 that I thought

so...that's a good thing too

 

[Sunfish]

hey all. so still doing research but now, officially, looking to purchase within the next 2-3 weeks.

ALSO, i took the gf with me shopping to get an idea of her likes/dislikes. hopefully there's still some goodwill on this board to help me out (esp. considering many of the stones recommended are now gone )

s

I want to really commend you for listing to the sage advice given here and taking your girlfriend with you to gauge her color tolerance. Bravo to you! Seriously - I see this suggested over and over here and so many men say meh, I'll just surprise her. Now you can go forward in confidence that you are buying something she will love. I can't emphasize this enough: GOOD JOB!

PS'er's love a good hunt and will be happy to help you now that you are ready to buy with a focus on wants. Yes some of those previously suggested stones are gone but the market is refreshing all the time so never fear, there are others to be had.

If there are diamonds recommended to you, and I'm sure there will be, you should write down the GIA number and call Yekutiel at IDJewelry.. He is my, and many PS'ers, most favorite vendor for a reason. He will knock the competition out of the park when it comes to prices - he is very competitive and maximizes what get you for your budget. And he will make you feel like his most important customer. He always does with me no matter the size of the project and for that, he has earned my business over and over. If you are in NY, you could go visit him and look at settings. But if not, he is simple to work with over the phone. You could give him your budget, tell him you are looking for PS quality and let him go to work. He will give you options. Trust him. It sounds like I'm on his payroll , but really that's what a super satisfied customer looks like. Can't wait to see what you decide!

 

[ihavenoideawhatimdoing]

hey all. so still doing research but now, officially, looking to purchase within the next 2-3 weeks.

ALSO, i took the gf with me shopping to get an idea of her likes/dislikes. hopefully there's still some goodwill on this board to help me out (esp. considering many of the stones recommended are now gone )

s

I want to really commend you for listing to the sage advice given here and taking your girlfriend with you to gauge her color tolerance. Bravo to you! Seriously - I see this suggested over and over here and so many men say meh, I'll just surprise her. Now you can go forward in confidence that you are buying something she will love. I can't emphasize this enough: GOOD JOB!

PS'er's love a good hunt and will be happy to help you now that you are ready to buy with a focus on wants. Yes some of those previously suggested stones are gone but the market is refreshing all the time so never fear, there are others to be had.

If there are diamonds recommended to you, and I'm sure there will be, you should write down the GIA number and call Yekutiel at IDJewelry.. He is my, and many PS'ers, most favorite vendor for a reason. He will knock the competition out of the park when it comes to prices - he is very competitive and maximizes what get you for your budget. And he will make you feel like his most important customer. He always does with me no matter the size of the project and for that, he has earned my business over and over. If you are in NY, you could go visit him and look at settings. But if not, he is simple to work with over the phone. You could give him your budget, tell him you are looking for PS quality and let him go to work. He will give you options. Trust him. It sounds like I'm on his payroll , but really that's what a super satisfied customer looks like. Can't wait to see what you decide!

thank you sunfish.

hoping the experts on this board don't mind coming back to weigh in now that I have my needs a bit more ironed out!

 

[Sunfish]

I consider myself much more knowledgeable of step cut diamonds so I hesitated to help, but since the thread has gone quiet here is what I found that would fall within PS quality criteria.

This looks lovely to me, looks eye clean. I'd ask for an ASET of it (maybe put it on hold):
http://www.b2cjewels.com/dd-8676700-1.31-carat-Round-diamond-H-color-SI1-clarity.aspx

I'd ask to see a picture of this
http://www.b2cjewels.com/dd-8842586-1.32-carat-Round-diamond-H-color-SI1-clarity.aspx

These look pretty, super high clarity but face up smaller than the other two. I'd want to see an ASET but JA is not always willing to provide them if the diamonds are out of the country: https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/1.23-carat-i-color-vvs2-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-2043803 and https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/1.21-carat-i-color-vvs2-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-2159381

I'm sure others will comment on those or suggest other options. What setting did you decide on?

 

[Sunfish]

If you don't get a response from others they may think you have already selected something so they haven't checked back. I might start a new thread with a subject that you are ready to buy and need quick help. Or you could just call Yekutiel at ID Jewelry and have him do the hunt for you. He will find something within the same day, if not while you are sitting on the phone. He Can pull settings and show you photos of the actual diamond in various styles. That may be the most productive thing to do. If you are not sure, you can post the pics he sends you but you are in good hands with him.

 

[ac117]

Hello again! I only agree with sunfish on this stone- https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/1.21-carat-i-color-vvs2-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-2159381

The two b2c stones have high pavilion angles (over 41), which we don't recommend. The first JA is graded by IGI - stick to GIA or AGS only. Here are a few more to consider, but I really think speaking to Yekutiel at IDJ would be a really great option for you because he could do the stone AND the setting all in one and would provide you with light return imaging on the stone.

http://www.b2cjewels.com/dd-8802774-1.29-carat-Round-diamond-I-color-VS2-Clarity.aspx?sku=8802774&utm_source=pricescope.com&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=pricescope.com - only with an IS to check the 36 crown angle

http://www.b2cjewels.com/dd-8688308-1.25-carat-Round-diamond-H-color-SI1-Clarity.aspx?sku=8688308&utm_source=pricescope.com&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=pricescope.com - looks like the inclusion is white so it could be eye clean but ask; also ask for IS with the 36 crown angle

https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/1.21-carat-i-color-si1-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-2154597 - ask for IS

http://images.b2cjewels.com/Images//Certificate//8673457.pdf - ask for image/IS
https://enchanteddiamonds.com/diamonds/view/R122-8Z070903Z

 

[Sunfish]

Hello again! I only agree with sunfish on this stone- https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/1.21-carat-i-color-vvs2-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-2159381

The two b2c stones have high pavilion angles (over 41), which we don't recommend. The first JA is graded by IGI - stick to GIA or AGS only.

oh my gosh I'm SO glad you came back ac117 - I can't believe I missed the IGI cert - yikes, that's what I get for trying to look for diamonds in between holding up a barfing 4 year old. I do know better, I just totally missed it! That's so weird, I entered in DiamondSeeker2006's recommendations for MRB's but it still pulled up diamonds outside of the crown angle sweet spot. Anyway, all that to say I'm so glad you double checked!! I'll just stick to step cuts

You're in great hands with Yekutiel, truly. He could even call in that JA stone to compare to anything else he finds and probably give you a better price that jA. He works fast and he has a really fantastic jeweler. He is back in the office today - give him a call!

 

[ac117]

Hello again! I only agree with sunfish on this stone- https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/1.21-carat-i-color-vvs2-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-2159381

The two b2c stones have high pavilion angles (over 41), which we don't recommend. The first JA is graded by IGI - stick to GIA or AGS only.

oh my gosh I'm SO glad you came back ac117 - I can't believe I missed the IGI cert - yikes, that's what I get for trying to look for diamonds in between holding up a barfing 4 year old. I do know better, I just totally missed it! That's so weird, I entered in DiamondSeeker2006's recommendations for MRB's but it still pulled up diamonds outside of the crown angle sweet spot. Anyway, all that to say I'm so glad you double checked!! I'll just stick to step cuts

Bahahaha no worries at all!! The barf would deter me enough not to even respond so I give you lots of credit!!

 

[ihavenoideawhatimdoing]

Hello again! I only agree with sunfish on this stone- https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/1.21-carat-i-color-vvs2-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-2159381

The two b2c stones have high pavilion angles (over 41), which we don't recommend. The first JA is graded by IGI - stick to GIA or AGS only. Here are a few more to consider, but I really think speaking to Yekutiel at IDJ would be a really great option for you because he could do the stone AND the setting all in one and would provide you with light return imaging on the stone.

http://www.b2cjewels.com/dd-8802774-1.29-carat-Round-diamond-I-color-VS2-Clarity.aspx?sku=8802774&utm_source=pricescope.com&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=pricescope.com - only with an IS to check the 36 crown angle

http://www.b2cjewels.com/dd-8688308-1.25-carat-Round-diamond-H-color-SI1-Clarity.aspx?sku=8688308&utm_source=pricescope.com&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=pricescope.com - looks like the inclusion is white so it could be eye clean but ask; also ask for IS with the 36 crown angle

https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/1.21-carat-i-color-si1-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-2154597 - ask for IS

http://images.b2cjewels.com/Images//Certificate//8673457.pdf - ask for image/IS
https://enchanteddiamonds.com/diamonds/view/R122-8Z070903Z

thank you and sunfish both!

my only concern with going through Yekutiel is that I am still not quite ready to buy (a few weeks out) and still a bit of an amateur. all I know is what's been provided to me on these forums and a little complimentary reading incl. gypsy's round diamond tutorial.

on top of that, I'm not sure how happy he'd be with my getting info/pricing from him and then checking back with the experts here.

thoughts? will he be OK searching for me, sending me the info and me circling back here to get the OK?

 

[Sunfish]

If you are not ready to buy, do not call him. He moves fast and inventory changes. A diamond that he finds today may be sold tomorrow.

Yekutiel is a really great guy and will not be upset if you were to come back to us with a few options for us to help you pick. It's been done before and will be done again I'm sure. If you aren't sure, ask him if he minds. I'm sure he will laugh and say go for it/

In 2-3 weeks or as soon as you are ready to buy, call him

edit to say that really I would not even bother looking at virtual inventory online until you are ready. As you can see, the diamonds that were recommended to you previously are almost all sold. So when you are 100% ready, come back, or call Yekutiel, or both

 

[ac117]

If you are not ready to buy, do not call him. He moves fast and inventory changes. A diamond that he finds today may be sold tomorrow.

Yekutiel is a really great guy and will not be upset if you were to come back to us with a few options for us to help you pick. It's been done before and will be done again I'm sure. If you aren't sure, ask him if he minds. I'm sure he will laugh and say go for it/

In 2-3 weeks or as soon as you are ready to buy, call him

edit to say that really I would not even bother looking at virtual inventory online until you are ready. As you can see, the diamonds that were recommended to you previously are almost all sold. So when you are 100% ready, come back, or call Yekutiel, or both

+1 and well said! Just to add, Yekutiel will actually encourage you to post here for opinions. He's a great guy who stands by his products and knows PSers are a picky bunch but he knows what we want and can deliver!

 

[AM1102]

If you are not ready to buy, do not call him. He moves fast and inventory changes. A diamond that he finds today may be sold tomorrow.

Yekutiel is a really great guy and will not be upset if you were to come back to us with a few options for us to help you pick. It's been done before and will be done again I'm sure. If you aren't sure, ask him if he minds. I'm sure he will laugh and say go for it/

In 2-3 weeks or as soon as you are ready to buy, call him

edit to say that really I would not even bother looking at virtual inventory online until you are ready. As you can see, the diamonds that were recommended to you previously are almost all sold. So when you are 100% ready, come back, or call Yekutiel, or both

+1 and well said! Just to add, Yekutiel will actually encourage you to post here for opinions. He's a great guy who stands by his products and knows PSers are a picky bunch but he knows what we want and can deliver!

As I mentioned earlier in this thread, I worked with Yekutiel on my E-Ring purchase recently thanks to the referral from ac117 - Yekutiel ENCOURAGED me to post what he had for me on PriceScope to get the experts opinions, but also promised me that the diamond he chose for me was a winner. He's fantastic to work with. If/when you call, make sure to mention you are from PriceScope so that he gives you the PriceScope treatment.

 

[ihavenoideawhatimdoing]

great. i'll be back in a couple weeks with some picks from IDJ!