I need some direction (Engagement ring)

[ew2x4]

Well, to start off, I have done some research involving what qualities to look for in a diamond, and some online retailers (although I''m sure you guys know many better ones- or work with one).

Here is what I''m looking for-

Budget for diamond + mount- I''d like to keep it as close to $2500 as possible. I know that''s a bit skimpy, but I could maybe go a bit more if the right thing caught my eye.

As for the diamond, my girl friend wants something "small and dainty." Her words, not mine! I figure if it''s around 3/4 carat (.7-.85), I could still get a decent quality diamond. I prefer round or princess cut. Color is something I''m iffy on. I''ve heard J is fine as long as the cut and clarity are high quality. What is your guys'' take?

I found one diamond that is .76 carat, round, J color, VVS2, and Ideal cut for $2150. It''s at Blue Nile, and I know what you guys say about not being able to see the diamond, but I don''t think I''d know what to look for regardless.

So, this is where I need your advice- preferably on some better direction on what to look for in a diamond and setting, as well as a place to find one in my limited budget.

Any help would be greatly appreciated!

EDIT- I also want to say that I have always been interested in antique jewelery. I think the possibility of getting a ring that has real history instead of just one off the shelf adds a sense of romance. I realize that most times the budget for these types are far exceeding what I''m able to pay at this time, I''d also like to know a bit more about them (any good sites to buy/research them).

 

[MWG]

J color may display a yellowish tint and if that bothers her or you, then this is a problem. Now, Blue Nile does have a return policy. Color is something you can see.

Now, VVS is overkill and you are paying an extra premium for that Clarity, this is something you cant see. Consider dropping to at least VS and if it does not bother you and it is EYE CLEAN get an SI1 or even SI2

You can see the following:

Color
Carat weight......well cut diamond with the right proportions will make your diamond appear larger.
Cut....... never sacrifice CUT

You Cant see Clarity (of course the stone would have to be EYE CLEAN)

 

[Regular Guy]

Good advice from MWG.

General advice below my signature.

James Allen seems to have a number of options, including this .72 H SI 1, at $2180, wire priced. That, plus one of his simple solitaires rings would put you over by about $5 bucks. I'd recommend using the search by cut option to help guide you.

Regards,

P.S. Re the one you've already found on BN...though the vendor, color or clarity grade aren't my first pick (since a) places where visuals of the diamond are more attractive, b) f,g, h, & i are preferred over J, and VS or SI1 are preferred over SI2)...the size is good...but as MWG points out...with cut being a priority..find out if that one is cut well by Pricescope conventions. Look at the CERT, see what the certificate says about it (is it excellent, vg, etc.) and run it through the HCA for the GH (Garry Holloway) test. If cut well, maybe that's your winner! Most posted diamonds on BN have this cert info available, and yours probably does, too!

 

[InlovewithJHK]

I think you should look into X-factors! They are like princess cuts with the corners cut off... I''m NOT a princess fan but these are divine. Try this one for $1,885 (before pricescope discount) http://www.whiteflash.com/xfactor/X-Factor-cut-diamond-18.htm# - I think it is a great combo of color and clarity for your budget

Someone recently had their x-factor set in a beautiful setting and i''m sure you could search for it for setting tips!

 

[jstarfireb]

Date: 6/22/2007 8:16:22 PM
Author:ew2x4
EDIT- I also want to say that I have always been interested in antique jewelery. I think the possibility of getting a ring that has real history instead of just one off the shelf adds a sense of romance. I realize that most times the budget for these types are far exceeding what I''m able to pay at this time, I''d also like to know a bit more about them (any good sites to buy/research them).

Some of the rings on this site are real antiques (the ones that don''t say "replica"):
http://antiqueengagementrings.com/Default.aspx

And some come pretty close to your budget. How about something like this:
http://antiqueengagementrings.com/shopping/shopexd.asp?id=1636 - smaller than you probably want, but it has major history, in that it actually has a couple''s initials and date inscribed
http://antiqueengagementrings.com/shopping/shopexd.asp?id=1560 - an Old European Cut, the precursor to the modern round brilliant...these are just beautiful!
http://antiqueengagementrings.com/shopping/shopexd.asp?id=1630 - a fairly large OEC
http://antiqueengagementrings.com/shopping/shopexd.asp?id=1682 - an Old Mine Cut, which are a lot like cushions and tend to have a lot of fire
http://antiqueengagementrings.com/shopping/shopexd.asp?id=1569 - another great Old Euro

 

[iheartscience]

I''d skip Blue Nile since you can''t see pictures of the diamond before you buy. Seeing pictures will just make it an easier process and make it less likely that you''ll have to return the diamond. I''d check out Whiteflash or GoodOldGold for the diamond. I really love cinnamon013''s ring and it seems to fit the bill-here''s her thread: https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/my-new-ring-micro-pave-band-with-831-aca-stone.61478/

Here''s a beautiful diamond at Whiteflash: http://whiteflash.com/hearts_arrows/A-Cut-Above-H-A-cut-diamond-283244.htm

Here''s the setting: http://whiteflash.com/Engagement-Rings/Styles/Diamond-Settings/The--Legato--with-Micro-Pave_1071.htm

I love this combo! If you do a wire transfer and tell them you''re a PS member, you can get a discount, too. Hope this helps!

 

[InlovewithJHK]

Date: 6/22/2007 10:54:59 PM
Author: thing2of2
I''d skip Blue Nile since you can''t see pictures of the diamond before you buy. Seeing pictures will just make it an easier process and make it less likely that you''ll have to return the diamond. I''d check out Whiteflash or GoodOldGold for the diamond. I really love cinnamon013''s ring and it seems to fit the bill-here''s her thread: https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/my-new-ring-micro-pave-band-with-831-aca-stone.61478/

Here''s a beautiful diamond at Whiteflash: http://whiteflash.com/hearts_arrows/A-Cut-Above-H-A-cut-diamond-283244.htm

Here''s the setting: http://whiteflash.com/Engagement-Rings/Styles/Diamond-Settings/The--Legato--with-Micro-Pave_1071.htm

I love this combo! If you do a wire transfer and tell them you''re a PS member, you can get a discount, too. Hope this helps!

Great idea! i love that site!!

 

[ew2x4]

You guys are definitely helping me! White Flash looks like an amazing site. Thanks for helping out. If you have any more advice/rings you think fit for me, don''t hesitate!

Thanks again!

 

[ew2x4]

Man, that Legato band is gorgeous. Expensive (especially considering the matching band), but very beautiful. I''m tempted to just jump on it now!

 

[diamondseeker2006]

A lot of us love that Legato setting! I think it''s worth it! There''s another called Harmony, I think, that is gorgeous, too.

 

[MWG]

Date: 6/23/2007 2:29:56 PM
Author: ew2x4
You guys are definitely helping me! White Flash looks like an amazing site. Thanks for helping out. If you have any more advice/rings you think fit for me, don''t hesitate!

Thanks again!

You cant go wrong with WhiteFlash, they are a STAND UP COMPANY!!!!!

MWG

 

[jaz464]

I second the idea of WF or GOG. My question to you is, you say you prefer round or princess. But what is it that she would prefer? She will be the one wearing the ring. They are two very different looks.

 

[cinnamon013]

I have the micro pave legato setting with an .831 round ACA H&A from WF, and can vouch that is is dainty. I think of it as a Cinderella ring.

If your budget for setting and stone is $2500, then I think this would be an EXCELLENT buy for you:

http://whiteflash.com/hearts_arrows/A-Cut-Above-H-A-cut-diamond-311812.htm# HCA of 1.4 on this stone promises it is going to be gorgeous
0.578 ct G SI1 A Cut Above H&A
$1,676.00 Item Available - Ready to ship

Item Code: AGS-8591710
. Report: AGS
. Shape: A Cut Above H&A
. Carat: 0.578
. Depth %: 61.6
. Table %: 55.6
. Crown Angle: 34.7
. Crown %: 15.4
. Star : 51
. Pavilion Angle: 40.8
. Pavilion %: 43
. Lower Girdle %: 77
. Girdle: Thin to Medium
. Measurements: 5.34-5.37X3.30
. Light Performance: 0
. Polish: Ideal
. Symmetry: Ideal
. Culet: Pointed
. Fluorescence: Negligible
Concerning setting: the micro pave legato is a bit pricey, especially when you add in the matching band. However, because it is a beautiful setting, and quite "dainty" as your GF has stated she desires, I would suggest that you strongly consider it.

http://www.whiteflash.com/Engagement-Rings/Styles/Diamond-Settings/The--Legato--with-Micro-Pave_1071.htm
$995 in 18k white gold, or $1495 in platinum. Platinum is yummy. I would recommend the platinum with the diamond above if you are able to swing the extra $. Although, I really don''t advocate that you break the bank. Shopping around for the ring to fit your budget will net you something gorgeous if you stay smart and shop with one of the PS vendors. I love WF, as they have been more than great to work with.


http://www.whiteflash.com/Engagement-Rings/Styles/Solitaire/-Legato--Sleek-Line_1118.htm
$695 in 18k white gold, or $1050 in platinum. This setting is quite popular with PSrs, and uses the same legato head as the micro pave one above. It would make the stone above look awesome! maisie and katied have both recently purchased this setting. It is a winner! The great thing about going with this setting is that you will have tremendous versatility when you choose a wedding band. Tons of things will go with it. Again, I vote for platinum. It''s heavier and more substantial. You won''t be disappointed! And with the diamond above, you''d be right in line with your budget.

I don''t think maisie or katied will mind me posting links to theirs so you can get a look. Ladies, I want to show off your settings!

Maisie
https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/say-hello-to-my-diamond.60984/ Her diamond .554
https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/at-long-last-my-wf-ring.62795/ Her sleek line legato - just lovely.

KatieD
https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/photos-from-wf.63403/ ring photos from WF
https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/more-photos.63665/ more photos - This is a great setting

Mine is the micro pave legato
https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/my-new-ring-micro-pave-band-with-831-aca-stone.61478/

Because the diamond above is a well cut diamond, it is going to handle light and reflection from edge to edge, therefore, appearing larger than most of the not as well cut diamonds in the B&Ms of the same size. It is going to dazzle, amaze, and thrill you for the life of the wearer. Since it is a SI1, I would ask WF to make sure that it is "eye clean", meaning you can''t see any inclusions from the top down. I have an SI1, and I can''t see anything in it. A good buy for a great looking stone!

One last thing, most if not all the PS vendors give discounts if you mention PS. And you''ll get an additional discount if you wire the money. You''ll just need to decide if the additional discount is more than the wire fee.

Good luck and congrats on the upcoming engagement! I look forward to seeing additional questions from you --- and see what you choose in the long run!

 

[ew2x4]

Thanks so much for the info! I saw your thread showing off your ring and I have to admit, I''m jealous. Part of me wants to spend all my savings on a ring for her, but I know if I did that, she''d kill me. I told her how much rings cost and she couldn''t believe it.

I like the diamond you chose, but I think I might want a little bigger. It''s hard for me to gauge what size all of these are on the settings. That''s about the only drawback for a new guy buying online, I think. Is there a place with good reference photos? It may be just me wanting to get the biggest and best. .578 may be exactly what she wants. At any rate, I think the mix of a diamond like that (top notch cut) and the legato band could be amazing.

As for the engagement itself, have any recommendations? My current idea is to propose at a symphony concert (she loves music, will be a music teacher). It''s a ways off, but God knows it will be here soon.

Thanks again!

 

[neatfreak]

Hi, here is a link to the chart that shows how big different size diamonds are in real life. When you print it make sure to follow the directions exactly so it's accurate. The fancy shaped ones aren't always accurate but it's pretty useful for rounds. Enjoy!

Size Chart

 

[ew2x4]

Thanks for the chart!

 

[jstarfireb]

Date: 6/24/2007 3:47:31 PM
Author: ew2x4
I like the diamond you chose, but I think I might want a little bigger. It's hard for me to gauge what size all of these are on the settings. That's about the only drawback for a new guy buying online, I think. Is there a place with good reference photos? It may be just me wanting to get the biggest and best. .578 may be exactly what she wants. At any rate, I think the mix of a diamond like that (top notch cut) and the legato band could be amazing.

Maisie's ring posted above is the Legato Sleek Line, and it's close to that diamond in size. It's a good way to judge how that diamond will look in the Legato settings.

For what it's worth, I LOVE the Legato Sleek Line. I'm not so crazy about the one with micropave...I just like the solitaire. And what better setting to use for a musician's ring than one named after a musical term?

 

[ew2x4]

I actually really like the micropave. cinnamon''s must have caught my eye the right way.

 

[cinnamon013]

Date: 6/25/2007 8:22:17 PM
Author: ew2x4
I actually really like the micropave. cinnamon''s must have caught my eye the right way.

I love it too! However, your budget would be a bit taken by the setting. I do think you should consider the .5 - .6 size to stay within your budget if you want to go with this setting. FYI - the matching band is $1195.

 

[ew2x4]

After seeing the previous example, the .5-.6 doesn''t seem bad at all. I think she may prefer it. If I want the ACA line, then I''ll definitely have to settle for a smaller setting. What is everyone''s take on the Expert Selection lines? They still seem pretty good for the price ( http://www.whiteflash.com/round_ideal_cut/Round-Ideal-Cut-cut-diamond-292649.htm as an example).

 

[diamondseeker2006]

An ideal cut stone within expert selection is usually just fine. Just inquire to be sure that particular stone is completely eye-clean.

 

[cinnamon013]

Date: 6/26/2007 9:40:06 PM
Author: diamondseeker2006
An ideal cut stone within expert selection is usually just fine. Just inquire to be sure that particular stone is completely eye-clean.

I agree - that stone has a messy plot - so you''d need to make sure it is eyeclean face up.

This one should also be a contender for you:
http://www.whiteflash.com/hearts_arrows/A-Cut-Above-H-A-cut-diamond-17021.htm# I/VS1 for a good price!
Although it is an I color, I''m betting it will face up nice and white for you.

I still think this one is a contender as well:
http://whiteflash.com/hearts_arrows/A-Cut-Above-H-A-cut-diamond-311812.htm# G/SI1

I didn''t see any expert selection stones I''d throw in the mix right now.

 

[ew2x4]

I''m starting to like Princess a bit more. What do you think about that stone on the Legato setting?