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cdander2

Rough_Rock
Joined
Nov 11, 2011
Messages
27
I am looking to start a five-stone ring project for my wife. I will buy one stone a year and on the fifth year do the last stone and platinum trellis setting from either Whiteflash or BGD.

So....I need my first stone! For $550 or under (wire price) in the .31 to .34 -- which stone would you choose??? I want to get A Cut Above from Whiteflash or H&A Rounds from BGD.

So for those of you that are bored or would just like to help, which stone would you choose!?

Thanks!
 
Sorry, the ACA line has stones that are more expensive than $550. I chose this G, VS2 .31 as the color and clarity would be fairly easy to match up as the years go by: http://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-2970637.htm

However, If you are willing to go down to the expert selection, you could save some money and buy more than one this year (not staying at the $550 mark though) getting her ring to her sooner - ha!
 
First, what a great idea! I think this is a super way to mark special occasions in the coming years.

And second, the first stone kind of sets you up in terms of color and table/cut specs, depending on how particular you are. As long as you bought stones within 1-2 color grades, and with similar tables/depths, that'd probably be what most people do when putting together a 5-stone ring.

For me, I'm extra particular when it comes to matching stones, so with the 5-year plan, I'd choose ACAs or BGD Signature stones with overlapping star and lower girdle facet numbers. I'd probably go with E/F or F/G color - although I am smitten with the idea of a 5-stone D-VS ring and really would consider it an affordable extravagance since the purchase would be over 5 years.

Anyway, what really matters is the diamond color your wife (and you) prefer... what color is her engagement ring? Maybe go with that or within 2 grades? Meanwhile, here's a BGD stone, 0.313ct E-SI1 H&A, coming in ever so slightly above budget at $582 (PS/wire price) http://www.briangavindiamonds.com/d.../0.313-e-si1-round-diamond-ags-c-104062033074
 
Thank you both for your thoughts! One thing I worry about is her ER is a 2.03ct J SI1 -- so I don't want the five-stone ring to make her ER look bad. Her J SI1 is an excellent cut and faces up very white but it is not competing with anything right now.

I would assume you cant really go wrong with any of these stones but what really sets them apart from each other? I would probably like to stay in the VS clarity range...just so I don't have anything to worry about.

I had it narrowed down to the following stone but am open to thoughts on better options.

Http://www.briangavindiamonds.com/diamonds/diamond-details/0.316-i-vs1-round-diamond-ags-c-104062428138
 
cdander2|1376869484|3505605 said:
Thank you both for your thoughts! One thing I worry about is her ER is a 2.03ct J SI1 -- so I don't want the five-stone ring to make her ER look bad. Her J SI1 is an excellent cut and faces up very white but it is not competing with anything right now.

I would assume you cant really go wrong with any of these stones but what really sets them apart from each other? I would probably like to stay in the VS clarity range...just so I don't have anything to worry about.

I had it narrowed down to the following stone but am open to thoughts on better options.

Http://www.briangavindiamonds.com/diamonds/diamond-details/0.316-i-vs1-round-diamond-ags-c-104062428138
Click to expand...

Given the additional info on her ering, I would absolutely recommend the stone you've chosen! How nice that you've put so much thought into this. I have a five stone ring that I received for a combined 25th/30th anniversary (long story!) but I love wearing it every day!
 
I just have to say this is such a sweet idea! Like previously mentioned, just make sure you keep track of all the specs of the previously purchased stones so you can be sure to get close to the same range for the subsequent ones. Great idea to always have this project going on!
 
OP - definitely agree with you to go with I-color - I have a slight preference for the WF ACA that DS posted above, but the BGD you linked to is also beautiful.
 
DS - I love that Whiteflash stone!

Just out of curiosity, why are you guys partial to that stone over the BG stone?

Thanks!
 
This is just thought. Many vendors will not set 'outside' stones. If you are hoping to have WF or BGD set these stones in one of their trellis settings, it may be a good idea to contact them and I inquire about their policy before purchasing the stones. Otherwise you may end up with a combo of beautiful stones from a variety of vendors, none of which will set them for you or will only do so for an additional fee.
 
Honestly I wouldn't buy from WF or BGD. I would check out hte pre-loved section and see what someone posts. That size is constantly on there. YOu just need need to be patient and wait for them. Since you are in no hurry.

However if you want to go through an actual store I like the one DS posted.
 
And FWIW I actually would try to buy the diamonds in pairs as it is sometimes hard to match cut and color. If you bought 2 sets of pairs that would probably help with a more uniform look. Of course you don't need to do this at all but it might be easier down the rd.
 
SB621|1376922172|3505912 said:
Honestly I wouldn't buy from WF or BGD. I would check out hte pre-loved section and see what someone posts. That size is constantly on there. YOu just need need to be patient and wait for them. Since you are in no hurry.

However if you want to go through an actual store I like the one DS posted.
Click to expand...


Are there loose stones in the Pre-Loved section in the .31 to .33ct range? I don't have the money to drop $3-4K on a ring but I do have the money to spend $550 on a stone each year for five years. Wherever I buy the first stone is where I would buy the remaining four stones...I don't care if it is Whiteflash or BGD as I like both of their platinum five-stone trellis designs. I just really want to get those Ideal AGS 0 stones for this project. Whiteflash and BGD seemed to have the setting and stones I liked -- and both of them said buying the stones one-by-one wouldn't be an issue with them. I am in no hurry and have until next July to get the first stone (she will also be getting a second wedding band from SK for the 1yr!). If you all think I should wait or think there are better deals out there, I am open to any ideas...!

Thanks!
 
cdander2|1376924178|3505935 said:
SB621|1376922172|3505912 said:
Honestly I wouldn't buy from WF or BGD. I would check out hte pre-loved section and see what someone posts. That size is constantly on there. YOu just need need to be patient and wait for them. Since you are in no hurry.

However if you want to go through an actual store I like the one DS posted.
Click to expand...


Are there loose stones in the Pre-Loved section in the .31 to .33ct range? I don't have the money to drop $3-4K on a ring but I do have the money to spend $550 on a stone each year for five years. Wherever I buy the first stone is where I would buy the remaining four stones...I don't care if it is Whiteflash or BGD as I like both of their platinum five-stone trellis designs. I just really want to get those Ideal AGS 0 stones for this project. Whiteflash and BGD seemed to have the setting and stones I liked -- and both of them said buying the stones one-by-one wouldn't be an issue with them. I am in no hurry and have until next July to get the first stone (she will also be getting a second wedding band from SK for the 1yr!). If you all think I should wait or think there are better deals out there, I am open to any ideas...!

Thanks!
Click to expand...


I think you misunderstood my post. On the preloved forum ppl are often selling smaller diamonds in the .25-.50ct range fairly often. Ppl buy them as they pop up for DBTY or 5 stone rings fairly often. Are they AGS 0 most likely not, but at that size I wouldn't pay the preimum for that in that size range (to each their own). I would much rather get whatever was in that carat range with a good cut and high color and pay a fraction of the cost. When you get 5 diamonds that are well matched then you just have WF or BGD set them in their trellis setting. I'm not sure WF takes uncerted diamonds anymore outside of their inventory but I know BGD does as they have set my smaller loose stones several times. I'm throwing out that option as it sounds like you are on a budget and not in a hurrty so this might work for you. I want to say the majority of diamonds in the .30ct range on pre loved average in price around $200-$300 so roughly 40% cheaper then paying retail. To some that is a big deal. However, if you really want AGS 0 then probably going through WF is your best bet as you truely never know what will pop up on pre-love and of course othes are always watching and things can go quite fast.
 
I appreciate everyone taking time to offer their opinions. When looking at the Whiteflash stone that DS posted vs the BGD stone that I posted, what sets them apart? Is it the tabel, star %, lower girdle %, ideal scope or aset images? A combo of things? They are just so very close, I was just wondering why WF over BGD. I did contact Sheerah to place a hold on the WF stone...I just have to call with a credit card.

Before I did that I wanted to hear your thoughts on the question above as well as give myself just a bit of time to decide if I want to get this stone from WF or wait. I'm sure stones like this come around all the time...? Are they going to be any holiday deals? Maybe something will come up on the PreLoved section!? I DON'T KNOW WHAT TO DO!!!
 
I disagree with SB621. I would go with the WF ACA, knowing the cut will always be the same. Preloved could be all over the place. ACA and BG are essentially the same as BG invented both. I believe they both offer lifetime upgrades. An ACA 5 stone will be spectacular!
 
OP - honestly, if you don't know what to do, and you have until next July to buy this first stone - then don't do anything right now, don't buy anything right now. Take the time to explore your options and to increase your knowledge...

As for the WF and BGD stones you are currently considering, both would be beautiful stones and excellent performers - they do have slight differences in table, crown/pavilion, and star/lgf specs - and while I personally prefer the looks of the WF stone as its table, crown/pavilion, and star/lgf specs are all within my sweet spot, I'm sure if put to a poll the results would be tied - so really whichever one *you* find more appealing to your eye is the one for you. If you really can't pick between them, and aren't drawn to either of them, then just wait, keep your eye on the stone selection at BGD and WF - and since you are not in a hurry, maybe wait for an eyeclean I-SI1 to pop up on either site and save a little money!
 
marymm|1376940232|3506085 said:
OP - honestly, if you don't know what to do, and you have until next July to buy this first stone - then don't do anything right now, don't buy anything right now. Take the time to explore your options and to increase your knowledge...

As for the WF and BGD stones you are currently considering, both would be beautiful stones and excellent performers - they do have slight differences in table, crown/pavilion, and star/lgf specs - and while I personally prefer the looks of the WF stone as its table, crown/pavilion, and star/lgf specs are all within my sweet spot, I'm sure if put to a poll the results would be tied - so really whichever one *you* find more appealing to your eye is the one for you. If you really can't pick between them, and aren't drawn to either of them, then just wait, keep your eye on the stone selection at BGD and WF - and since you are not in a hurry, maybe wait for an eyeclean I-SI1 to pop up on either site and save a little money!
Click to expand...

marymm - thank you for all your thoughts. I was looking at this eye-clean I SI1 on BGD and was wondering your thoughts (or anybody's thoughts for that matter). I have still been in contact with Sheerah on the .314 ACA at Whiteflash too if you all think that is "the stone" to start this project. How often do these places add stones to their inventory? Are any of the stones we have talked about can't miss stones and should pick up NOW...or should I give it 6 months and see what comes along at these two places???

Here is the I SI1:

http://www.briangavindiamonds.com/diamonds/diamond-details/0.325-i-si1-round-diamond-ags-c-104063537037

Thanks!
 
I would talk to whomever you decide to buy from, be it WF or BGD, & let them know of your plan--so that they can be on the lookout & perhaps set aside your next stone at the time interval that works for you. If they'd be willing to do that, it may help take some pressure off you to 'find' the right one!

What a fun project! Best of luck in your planning!
sarahb
 
We think alike. I have purchased BGD stones one at a time with plans to set them in a five-stone setting. Mine are K SI1. i've had no problem finding the size and spec. I've also been able to have Brain look for a stone at the factory that matched my specs. My stones are graduated in size and will be worn as a stand alone piece so I am fine with the lower color.

Your plan is so thoughtful and the ring will be beautiful and very sentimental. Lovely idea. Plan to make the stone purchase during your anniversary month. That will be soooo romantic!
 
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