I think I know what I am looking for, now I need advice on buying/finding

[lukekb]

Hi, This is my first post/diamond buying experience so I may not use all the lingo correctly. I am looking at buying a diamond engament ring for my girlfriend, and hoping to do it with in a month. I have been meaning to get started on it sooner, but I sort of percrastinate on things have done before, ie buying exspensive jewlery.

I would prefer to do my shopping online if possible, it just seems easier to me. As for the diamond, the most important thing to her is that "it sparkles". From what I have read, that means cut is most important. Should would like a round stone, ideal cut. I would be great to get 1 carat. I want to stay at around 8k but I can go higher if it would make a difference.

As for setting, she would like it to be a solitare setting with platnum. I think something sort of traditional and elegant would work best.

So here are my niave questions:

- Is getting a name brand cut (A cut above, Blue Nile Signature) the best way to guarentee a lot of sparkle?

- 4 prong or 6 prong? I have seen many 6 prong settings, but I read that they are more secure.

- What is a non-flush setting that "wouldn''t get caught on things"?

- In my price range, which online retailer would be best. It seems like WhiteFlash has a lot of nice diamonds in my range. Are all the big retailers, DirtCheap, Blue Nile, White Flash, Good old Gold, about the same price/service wise? What is a good way to decide?

- In general I looking for a nice balance between not a lot of hassle/not paying to much/getting the right diamond. My basic problem is how to choose between two things that to me, seem pretty similar. For example, which would be the better choice given my criteria?

http://www.whiteflash.com/diamonds/diamond_Details.aspx?itemcode=AGS-5950302
http://www.whiteflash.com/diamonds/diamond_Details.aspx?itemcode=AGS-6340005


Thanks for any advice you can offer!!

-Luke

 

[Daniel B]

Hey Luke-
Boy oh boy, you should of started this process months ago-- but im not here to critize

I''ll try to answer some of the questions the best i can.

You have 8k to work with, great! not so great is that you have 1 month, so i would recommend HandA from whiteflash, or GOG (Tim will help you- great service), Exceldiamonds and the other vendors on this site. Blue Nile, though good service, seems to be more expensive-- 500-1000 more sometimes for the same stone-- so try others, IMO.

Since you dont want a lot of hassle and getting the right diamond-- narrow your search to HandA and the specs you desire- then post the specs, i.e crown angle and ranges pavillion angle and ranges, table,etc -- all on the sarin report that should be on teh websites, and post them here. USE THE HCA! ! ! It will weed out the less desirable diamonds too (located under teh tools bar on top) If i were you i would be putting in the hours fast. There are nice people here and will try and guide you towards a better deal-- post the IdealScope picture too if you can.
Others im sure will answer more of teh questions i couldn''t-- but its a start!

Good Luck and dont be afraid to ask questions

 

[Regular Guy]

Luke,

Sounds like you know pretty well what you like, I agree wholeheartedly with the selections you''ve pulled out for your budget, and finding a strategy for answering that last question will be the challenge. Definitely, WF offers a good balance, from what I read here, for what you want. And, between those 2, though the F knocks my socks off, do read search by cut database to see the other 3 if you haven''t already, and do ask for the Pricescope discount) that will make it easy for them to tell you to relax, mon, and pick some particular one of those.

Otherwise, best wishes to a fellow DCer, and despite Daniel''s comments, I think you''re almost there,

Regards,

 

[E B]

Hi Luke,

I think you''re almost there as well. Both of those diamonds are gorgeous, and I don''t think you could go wrong with either. Trust your gut, and move on to settings!

Is she a solitaire gal?
http://www.whiteflash.com/Engagement-Rings/Styles/Solitaire/Platinum-X-Prong_650.htm

...or does she like some extra bling?
http://www.solomonbrothers.com/Search/JewelrySearchDetails.asp?sSKU=84099

How about a three stone?
http://www.solomonbrothers.com/Search/JewelrySearchDetails.asp?sSKU=78956

Good luck with whatever you choose!

 

[lukekb]

Thanks! Everyones advice is great. I didn''t realize the difference between the "classic and new line" of the ACA. I have been useful and called WF. I am also digging the x-prong. It is classic but still a little different. I have also got some reservations squared away. For the DCer''s I am planning a night out in Georgetown. I think all that is left to do is pick out a diamond. I have come to the conclusion that I am going to be choosing between a number of good choices. I am going to try and narrow down some choices, but if anyone comes across an especially special ACA in $7-8 range, please feel free to let me know!

My only real question is it worth paying the extra for a G or VS2? The reason I was looking in that range is I have a feeling that she might be thinking, this is nice but what if it was just a little whiter, or become self-conscuse of a small inclusion that is impossible to spot. I would rather not pay extra for something that is hard to see, but I am already paying soooo much that I would rather get it right and have peace of mind. Have I reached some second stage of ring-shopping-itus?

 

[Capitol Bill]

Luke,
Sounds like you''re on the right track. You shouldn’t worry much about the color and clarity issues. A nice benefit to considering such exceptionally cut diamonds is that they tend to mask color and clarity characteristics much more effectively. Talk to the folks at WF and rely on their expertise. They have a great reputation for meeting and exceeding their customers'' expectations.
Best of luck to you!
Bill Scherlag

 

[Shay37]

Yep, what Bill said. Call WF and talk to them. You tell them your budget and what type of stone you want. When I say this, I mean what do you want it to look like. Eyeclean, white, sparkly, etc. They will get you the diamond that meets your budget and exceeds your expectations.

I know, I just bought a killer ring from them. They are the best.

shay