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I''m picking out a ring. Care to offer advice?

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cwcain

Rough_Rock
Joined
Feb 16, 2009
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Well, I''ve done a lot of reading on the internet. I recently found this site, and I must say that I have a lot more to learn.

I have a budget of $6k for setting and diamond. I know roughly what type of diamond I want, but I''ve decided that because I/we am so picky, I need to pick out a setting first, and then buy the diamond with the money left over (the $6k).

The diamond I want (roughly).
Round
.85ct - 1.0 ct.
G or better in color
VS2 - SI1(Only if Eye clean)

Anyway. I have a couple of choices picked out for settings, but I am having trouble picking 1. Your imput on the settings I link is appreciated.


The platnium is not much more expensive than the white gold. Worth the upgrade?
http://www.jamesallen.com/engagement-rings/settings-with-sidestones/ring/item_58-2800.asp
 
These are a couple more I am looking at.

http://www.dimendscaasi.com/build/step1.asp?prodID=1-E7180

http://www.bluenile.com/diamond-engagement-ring-white-gold_5428?filter_id=1&collection_id=236

http://www.michaelcfina.com/ic/mcfina/sections/wedding_engagement_rings/engagement_rings/hearts_on_fire_engagement_rings/:product/code/180536SERE0368.html?block=1

http://www.novori.com/diamond-engagement-ring-side-diamonds-12206R2-p.html#

http://www.novori.com/diamond-engagement-ring-side-diamonds-12206R2-p.html#
 
If you like the James Allen setting, why not consider their H&A diamonds? Here are a couple:

.93 ct. F/SI1 priced at $4800

1.05 ct. I/VS2 priced at $5370

The prices reflect the Pricescope discount. BTW, I like that setting! I love platinum, but white gold is a good choice if you want to spend more on the rock!
 
Platinum is definitely worth that small price premium, but that said, I prefer 95%platinum/5%ruthenium because it is a little harder and more scratch resistant that the same proportions of plat/iridium, so I''d want to know what kind of platinum it is.
 
Ok, After talking to her, she has said that she likes both of the James Allen and the Blue Nile Pave set.

http://www.jamesallen.com/engagement-rings/settings-with-sidestones/White-Gold-Engagement-Ring.html

http://www.bluenile.com/diamond-engagement-ring-setting-white-gold_5338?parent_oid=
 
http://www.bluenile.com/round-diamond-1-carat-or-less-signature-ideal-cut-g-color-vs1-clarity_LD01486657?__fun_frm=i&filter_id=1#grading_report

It isn''t H&A but it rated 1.1 on Hollaway. What are your takes on it?
 
Date: 2/17/2009 4:45:14 AM
Author: Lorelei

Date: 2/16/2009 11:40:24 PM
Author: cwcain
http://www.bluenile.com/round-diamond-1-carat-or-less-signature-ideal-cut-g-color-vs1-clarity_LD01486657?__fun_frm=i&filter_id=1#grading_report

It isn''t H&A but it rated 1.1 on Hollaway. What are your takes on it?
Click to expand...

http://www.bluenile.com/round-diamond-1-carat-or-less-signature-ideal-cut-g-color-vs1-clarity_LD01486657?__fun_frm=i&filter_id=1#grading_report
Click to expand...
I make it a 1.6 on the HCA, but regardless it looks promising by the numbers, personally I would like an ASET or Idealscope image for the diamond as the angles are borderline what we call steep deep, but regrettably BN do not offer them.
 
Yes, bit hard without the idealscope and the ASET. It would be great if we could generate an idealscope much like we do a HCA result!
 
Can you guys school me up on what I really need to look for in an idealschope and ASET?
 
Thanks for these. I have read up and feel more confident. I do have a question regarding the 2 views. If there is an inclusion ( I suppose) that shows up on the ASET or Idealscope (say a black dot), this this going to be a big deal? I''ve seen these near the center of the ring. Many of these rings are VS1-2 so I don''t believe you could see it by just looking at it. Would this effect the overall brilliance and fire?

In other World News...I''ve narrowed down my search to 2 rings.

Channel

Pave

Any comments on either setting?
Thanks for everything so far and to come.
 
My vote is for the pave setting.

If your are going with an AGS or GIA graded diamond, I would not be concerned in the least about a clarity grading of VS1 or VS2. Those images are greatly magnified and unless you have eagle eyes, I would be willing to bet that diamonds of these quality would be eye clean. Having said that, we have had a few people on here who have not been happy with their VS diamond. Keep in mind that diamonds are graded for clarity face up so there is a slight chance you could see an inclusion from the side. That is one reason I would not choose to work with BN. They cannot eyeball the diamond for you and give you their take on the inclusions. But they do have a 30 day return period. Either way, brilliance/fire will not be affected in a VS diamond.
 
I like both settings, but I like the channel set a little better.
Pave is usually daintier but for some reason, that pave setting seems chunkier...

Kat
 
Diamond

Ok, it puts me over budget, but can I get your opinions on this? There is a discrepancy on the price scope search and the James Allen website. Is this common? Will they match the price scope search?

Thanks for all the advice.
 
The PS site reflects any discount PSers get at vendors. If you go straight to the vendor''s website you get the ''public'' price.
 
I am currently in a similar situation. I looked at many different retailers and at one point considered JA, Blue Nile, Union, local stores....etc. I can tell you that if you ran across myself you would probably think i''m an*l. <---- trying to keep it clean use your imagination. It sounds like your trying to stretch your money as far as you can. I am also looking to do the same and have found that your money goes further without sacrificing quality @ niceice & Goodoldgold. I do want to point out that I have no experience other then my own to base this information. I am still looking for the ring but just wanted to let you know b4 you make your final decision. I think it might be worth your efforts to give them a ring.
 
I did look at your two settings and I personally think Channel.
 
Just wanted to chime in and say I really like that JA channel set setting! I think it''s really elegant and lovely - I almost went with it for my sapphire rings, and I still love it!
 
Date: 2/18/2009 12:45:50 AM
Author: Gypsy
The PS site reflects any discount PSers get at vendors. If you go straight to the vendor''s website you get the ''public'' price.
Click to expand...

But I am referring to diamonds that I find on the PS search function. I select one of those and it takes me to the James Allen website where the diamond is usually several hundred dollars more.

I thought that the PS price might be the JA "Bank wire" transfer final price. I calculated it out, but the Bank wire transfer price is still more than the Price Scope search engine''s price.

Any thoughts? Am I doing something wrong?
 
Date: 2/18/2009 8:28:59 AM
Author: cwcain

Date: 2/18/2009 12:45:50 AM
Author: Gypsy
The PS site reflects any discount PSers get at vendors. If you go straight to the vendor''s website you get the ''public'' price.
Click to expand...

But I am referring to diamonds that I find on the PS search function. I select one of those and it takes me to the James Allen website where the diamond is usually several hundred dollars more.

I thought that the PS price might be the JA ''Bank wire'' transfer final price. I calculated it out, but the Bank wire transfer price is still more than the Price Scope search engine''s price.

Any thoughts? Am I doing something wrong?
Click to expand...
The price you see on the PS search is usually the PS price, when you click on the actual link then you see the non PS price as Gypsy mentioned. It is best to check with the vendor as to what your actual price will be.
 
I like the daintier look of the channel - but then I like the head of the pave better than the channel. I would
probably go with the channel. They are both nice though.
 
Out of curiosity, when using the cut advisor, how much of a difference is there between excellent and very good? Naturally, I prefer excellent across the board. I''m just curious.
 
I ask because I "search by cut" and find these diamonds with excellent across the board but when I look at the idealscope it looks white around the crown. Is this just an example of why you have to look at the Cut analyzer and the ideal scope or is this just a poor quality picture (James Allen)?
 
Date: 2/18/2009 11:10:08 PM
Author: cwcain
I ask because I 'search by cut' and find these diamonds with excellent across the board but when I look at the idealscope it looks white around the crown. Is this just an example of why you have to look at the Cut analyzer and the ideal scope or is this just a poor quality picture (James Allen)?
Click to expand...
The cut advisor isn't used for selection, the aim is to score below 2 then evaluate from there. Its use is limited especially if you have Idealscope images. I would need an image to know exactly what you are seeing but it sounds to me like intentional controlled leakage if it is little white almost triangular shapes which appear at regular intervals around the crown. This is a cutting technique which can help desirable visual properties. But if you have a particular image you have in mind, post it or point me to it and I can take a look for you and explain.
 
looks like a winner!
 
Looks good.
 
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