I need help selecting a diamond for my girlfriends engagemen

[jrad12381]

I have been trying to pick a ring for my girlfriend for several months, and get her exactly what she wants, but still in my price point. We have a band picked out that is a .73 CTW halo designed for an oval diamond. The supplier that has the ring has a .71 ct F-SI1 7.27mmx4.96mm GIA certified with no eye visible inclusion with very good symetry, very good cut, very good polish and no fluorescense for $2600. The jeweler said that this diamond appears bigger than some of the larger oval stones they have because of the measurments. I have been looking at other stones because I have been under the impression from my parents to get something with less inclusions so I began to look online. I was playing around online last night and built a shopping cart with numerous dimaonds that I thought had potential. If any of you would be so kind to help me narrow down the diamonds, or give input on the diamond that the jeweler is recomending. Here is a link to the diamonds I found on Brilliance.com. Or feel free to point me in the direction of a well respected diamond supplier.

http://www.brilliance.com/diamond-comparison?key=cfn5np&nids=2559672,2502049,2600789,2271402,2520191,2523603,2242703,2534236,2615192

Thanks
Jared

 

[arkieb1]

Re: I need help selecting a diamond for my girlfriends engag

You might be better to state your budget and what you are looking for, size, colour, and clarity wise and then people on here will make wonderful suggestions. Some people probably can help you based on numbers alone, but I use my eyes when I assess stones, I looked on your link and they only have the same generic pic up of all the stones which is not helpful at all.

Alternatively ask the vendor to pick the best 3 and send actual pics and specs then everyone can say I like this one or I don't like this one, or this one at another shop is much much better.

 

[JulieN]

Re: I need help selecting a diamond for my girlfriends engag

Unfortunately, they do not provide pictures.

 

[jrad12381]

Re: I need help selecting a diamond for my girlfriends engag

Everyone thanks for the replies. I will contact the supplier and see if I can get some pictures of the stones listed above. As far as price range for the stone I am willing to spend up to 4k, however I would like to be closer to the $3500 mark.

Thanks
Jared

 

[ecf8503]

Re: I need help selecting a diamond for my girlfriends engag

I have been looking at other stones because I have been under the impression from my parents to get something with less inclusions

Why? It doesn't matter what inclusion grade it is if it's eye clean and the inclusions don't pose a durability risk. 99% of the time, inclusions have absolutely no bearing on the light performance of the stone.

You need light performance assessments; ASET, IS, etc. You can't judge a fancy shape by numbers alone.

If I were you I'd contact Good Old Gold, Whiteflash, James Allen, etc for help. They can get stones in and work them up so you know you are getting a superbly cut stone.

So you already have the setting? Because getting the setting first is kind of backward unless they are going to order one specifically made for your stone.

 

[msop04]

Re: I need help selecting a diamond for my girlfriends engag

I have been looking at other stones because I have been under the impression from my parents to get something with less inclusions

Why? It doesn't matter what inclusion grade it is if it's eye clean and the inclusions don't pose a durability risk. 99% of the time, inclusions have absolutely no bearing on the light performance of the stone.

You need light performance assessments; ASET, IS, etc. You can't judge a fancy shape by numbers alone.

If I were you I'd contact Good Old Gold, Whiteflash, James Allen, etc for help. They can get stones in and work them up so you know you are getting a superbly cut stone.

So you already have the setting? Because getting the setting first is kind of backward unless they are going to order one specifically made for your stone.

+1

I totally agree with ecf8503. Eye clean is eye clean. Why pay a premium for a VVS2 when you could have an eye clean SI1 or SI2??

And, yes... you should purchase the stone first, then setting... (you can always keep the setting in mind)

 

[msop04]

Re: I need help selecting a diamond for my girlfriends engag

Everyone thanks for the replies. I will contact the supplier and see if I can get some pictures of the stones listed above. As far as price range for the stone I am willing to spend up to 4k, however I would like to be closer to the $3500 mark.

Thanks
Jared

What is your overall budget? Is the jeweler going to order the style setting you like to fit the stone you find? If you physically purchased the setting, can you take it back to be exchanged for one to fit the stone you will find? The reason I ask is because settings are typically made to fit a certain size stone (in mm, not carat weight), and you may be limited with the setting already purchased.

 

[jrad12381]

Re: I need help selecting a diamond for my girlfriends engag

Here is a picture of the diamond the jeweler has in the setting my girlfriend fell in love with. That's why I am set on that setting. When we first found this setting they had a .9 CT stone they dropped in it, and my girlfriend thought it was the most gorgeous thing she has scene. They no longer have that stone, but they have the stone in the picture above, and they say visually it is the same or better because some of the stone qualities. This package will cost $4600. I have a max of 5.5-6k is what I budgeted myself so I figured I would look for a better center stone.

 

[soxfan]

Re: I need help selecting a diamond for my girlfriends engag

that's a lovely and unique setting!

 

[jrad12381]

Re: I need help selecting a diamond for my girlfriends engag

Thanks soxfan! Like I said she fell in love with this ring or setting, that is why I am stuck on getting this setting. I do have a little more in my budget, and I am one to shop around and look for the best bang for my buck. I really would like to get her a better center stone if possible. All this diamond shopping gets confusing. I have been looking at so many different sites, and reading so many people thoughts on each supplier. Its becoming overwhelming.