In over my head, any guidance for a guy starting to look?

[JDP_1988]

Hey everyone,

Here's another one of the "New Guy" threads that I'm sure you get way too many of! I just started looking for an engagement ring and diamond for my girlfriend, and quite frankly, I'm out of my knowledge zone here. I've been reading up over the last week and think I have an idea of the ratings I want in a stone, but would like to know what you guys think of what I've come up with. From the research I've done so far, I've narrowed my search down to the following:

Shape: Round
Cut: Excellent
Color: I-G
Clarity: VS2-VVS2
Carat: 0.7 - 0.75
Price Range: Up to 3k maximum if I need, but I would really prefer to keep it around $2500

I came across this one on James Allen that Looked good to me initially, any input?

http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/0.70-carat-i-color-vvs2-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-711043

I found a setting at a local jeweler yesterday that I really like, and would try to put the stone in, if that has any impact on which of the C's I can let slide. I have attached some (unfortunately terrible) pictures below. I was told the example stone in it was close to 0.5ct. It is a 6 prong mount, and white gold, if you can't make it out in the pictures.





Anyways, I've been doing a lot of reading over the past week, but it feels like trying to learn a new language. If you can see me placing too much emphasis on some areas and not enough on others, please let me know!

Thanks!

Jake

 

[diamondseeker2006]

Re: In over my head, any guidance for a guy starting to look

The diamond you picked out looks like it has potential! I'd probably aim more toward VS2 clarity to try to increase size or color, though. I will see if I see more diamonds and post them for you.

Regarding the setting, is that a style she has shown you that she loves? If so, that's fine, but I'd recommend getting a similar setting from the diamond vendor to make life much easier. If not, then I would not choose that setting as a surprise. It is not a timeless, classic style and there are better options.

 

[diamondseeker2006]

Re: In over my head, any guidance for a guy starting to look

I didn't really find one I liked in VS2, but I did find one I like better.

http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/0.72-carat-h-color-vs1-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-723024

 

[JDP_1988]

Re: In over my head, any guidance for a guy starting to look

Thanks for your reply! That is a nice diamond. As far as the setting, she's mentioned that she likes that style, though, she hasn't seen that particular one. I'll have to find a way to get some more detailed information out of her without completely tipping my hand.

 

[telephone89]

Re: In over my head, any guidance for a guy starting to look

When you say "She said she liked that style" What did she say?

IF she said something about the wave/swirl, there are similar 'swirly' settings that might work w/o being so...swirly.

 

[Niel]

Re: In over my head, any guidance for a guy starting to look

As other have echoed, I have concerns with the setting.

A swirly/infinity/ twist setting is very popular these days, but that particular one looks dated. Which I think is what other posters are skirting around, in a very polite way. Now our opinion doesn't matter if she's showed you similar ones. But if she wants a swirly /twist/ infinitely setting, I think you can find a more modern one. If you show us inspiration photos she's saved maybe on pinterest or she's shown you, we can look for a vendor that sells a setting and stone together, making it easier. Whats the whole budget?


Don't feel bad a out the "dated" comment. We all have things we like that others don't. I just want to be up front about it as I can tell you've come to get her the absolute best thing you can, and we all want you to spend your money on something she really loves.

 

[JDP_1988]

Re: In over my head, any guidance for a guy starting to look

I understand what you guys are saying. No offense taken, I'm an engineer... I'm great with things mechanical, but fine jewelry, not so much... In conversations she's mentioned she likes the bypass/swirl type look of the rings. I was able to get some terrible quality screen shots of her hidden pinterest board (I still kinda feel bad about that one, but a guy's gotta get his info somewhere!) I'll try to clean those up and post them here.

 

[telephone89]

Re: In over my head, any guidance for a guy starting to look

LOL don't feel bad! That's probably why she put them there

 

[telephone89]

Re: In over my head, any guidance for a guy starting to look

http://www.jamesallen.com/engagement-rings/pave/14k-white-gold-twisted-pave-shank-contemporary-solitaire-item-6859
http://www.jamesallen.com/engagement-rings/pave/14k-white-gold-pave-rope-engagement-ring-item-52625
http://www.jamesallen.com/engagement-rings/pave/14k-white-gold-enclosed-pave-halo-item-8100
http://www.jamesallen.com/engagement-rings/pave/14k-white-gold-modern-bypass-micropave-diamond-engagement-ring-item-50669
http://www.jamesallen.com/engagement-rings/solitaire/18k-white-gold-regal-halo-engagement-ring-item-22555
http://www.jamesallen.com/preset-engagement-rings/royal-halo/james-allen-bypass-swirl-cupcake-engagement-ring-item-36154

eta - another plain one
http://www.jamesallen.com/engagement-rings/solitaire/18k-white-gold-wire-by-pass-diamond-engagement-ring-item-41026

 

[JDP_1988]

Re: In over my head, any guidance for a guy starting to look

Ok, here are the pictures. Aside from these and her comments before, the only other input she's really given is that she doesn't want the diamond to protrude very far. She works in the medical field and doesn't want a ring that is going to get caught on a lot of things (clothing, wires, etc.) I'm looking to keep my budget around $4500-$5000 for the ring/diamond.

 

[JDP_1988]

Re: In over my head, any guidance for a guy starting to look

One more page from her pinterest...

 

[Niel]

Re: In over my head, any guidance for a guy starting to look

Aweosme those are helpful. Let me think on this a moment.

 

[telephone89]

Re: In over my head, any guidance for a guy starting to look

okay I think you are looking in the wrong direction. Most of those have a vintagey feel, lots of sidestones. Lets start over
(but some of the twisty ones I posted might be ok.)

 

[Niel]

Re: In over my head, any guidance for a guy starting to look

okay I think you are looking in the wrong direction. Most of those have a vintagey feel, lots of sidestones. Lets start over

The thing is some are vintage, a few are not modern.

My take away.
She likes pave
Ok with a bit of asymmetry
Not a lot of halos
Mostly rounds
A lot but not all vintage
Floral


Can she wear jeweler at all in her medical field? A lot can't, and it might be smart to instead of designing it to fit under gloves, just save a few hundred to buy her a ring holder necklace

 

[JDP_1988]

Re: In over my head, any guidance for a guy starting to look

My understanding is that she can. The most "invasive" thing she does are EKGs. From how she explained it to me, jewelry isn't restricted for her, she just doesn't want it to interfere.

 

[Niel]

Re: In over my head, any guidance for a guy starting to look

I'm thinking Beverly k , but time to find the right Beverly k

 

[telephone89]

Re: In over my head, any guidance for a guy starting to look

http://www.jamesallen.com/engagement-rings/vintage/14k-white-gold-diamond-filigree-engagement-ring-item-52620
This one is quite nice.

So 5k all in, which leaves 2-3k for the setting. I know someone made a repo of one of the rings she has posted, I will see if I can find it.

I do think that because there are no triple halos/major bling that she would also be okay with a more simple setting. Perhaps just a pave band.

 

[telephone89]

Re: In over my head, any guidance for a guy starting to look

[URL='https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/custom-setting-vendor-needed-for-1925-tiffany-asscher-er.200882/']https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/custom-setting-vendor-needed-for-1925-tiffany-asscher-er.200882/[/URL]
She has this exact ring posted - most likely didn't know the center shape. You could reach out to brilliantly engaged, as this poster does eventually go with them (goto the last page). I think it would be lovely with a round.

Brilliant earth also have some nice ones, but you'd need to buy your stone from them.

http://www.brilliantearth.com/Jolie-Diamond-Ring-White-Gold-BE1M9906-1153244/
http://www.brilliantearth.com/Adorned-Trio-Diamond-Ring-White-Gold-BE149PCD18R6-1151627/

 

[Niel]

Re: In over my head, any guidance for a guy starting to look

https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/custom-setting-vendor-needed-for-1925-tiffany-asscher-er.200882/
She has this exact ring posted - most likely didn't know the center shape. You could reach out to brilliantly engaged, as this poster does eventually go with them (goto the last page). I think it would be lovely with a round.

Brilliant earth also have some nice ones, but you'd need to buy your stone from them.

http://www.brilliantearth.com/Jolie-Diamond-Ring-White-Gold-BE1M9906-1153244/
http://www.brilliantearth.com/Adorned-Trio-Diamond-Ring-White-Gold-BE149PCD18R6-1151627/

Brilliant earth does have nice stones though , a few

And she has that exact brilliant earth pinned

 

[tyty333]

Re: In over my head, any guidance for a guy starting to look

I agree with the above...you need to be looking in the vintage section.
http://www.jamesallen.com/engagement-rings/vintage/
I do like this one someone posted above...vintage and floral like
http://www.jamesallen.com/engagement-rings/vintage/

Here is a more floral like design...
http://www.jamesallen.com/engagement-rings/side-stones/14k-white-gold-wispy-nature-diamond-engagement-ring-item-50668
Leafy bypass (even though I think you should be looking at more vintage).
http://www.jamesallen.com/engagement-rings/side-stones/14k-white-gold-modern-leaf-bypass-engagement-ring-item-50128

 

[Niel]

Re: In over my head, any guidance for a guy starting to look

this clarity is overkill but its my favorite stone

http://www.brilliantearth.com/rings/cyorings/view_diamond/1583550/?sid=1153244

http://www.brilliantearth.com/Jolie-Diamond-Ring-White-Gold-BE1M9906-1153244/?did=1583550&is_tab=1

this is the setting your first set of photos, middle top. its a replica of the 4th set of photos, middle row right

 

[kb1gra]

Re: In over my head, any guidance for a guy starting to look

http://www.jewelsbygrace.com/rings/vintage-antique/90ct-old-european-cut-diamond-solitaire#.VjE-t_mrTWI

 

[telephone89]

Re: In over my head, any guidance for a guy starting to look

this clarity is overkill but its my favorite stone

http://www.brilliantearth.com/rings/cyorings/view_diamond/1583550/?sid=1153244

http://www.brilliantearth.com/Jolie-Diamond-Ring-White-Gold-BE1M9906-1153244/?did=1583550&is_tab=1

this is the setting your first set of photos, middle top. its a replica of the 4th set of photos, middle row right

I think these would be great. Spend a little more on the diamond, get a setting that she already likes, come in under budget!

I do also love the first JA I posted (in my 2nd list) the filigree one. It also looks really lovely with a 0.8 stone, very proportional (the JA stock photo looks huge and quite large).

OP - so many choices! What a lucky lady!

 

[diamondseeker2006]

Re: In over my head, any guidance for a guy starting to look

I would not buy a diamond from Brilliant Earth (diamonds seem to be priced higher and they don't give photos or light return images), but she definitely favors vintage settings. I surely am glad you got those Pinterest pics!

Does anyone know if Brilliant Earth will set a diamond not bought there? I do like that setting. If they won't, he could get a diamond and then have David Klass make the setting since he could probably still stay in budget that way.

 

[Niel]

Re: In over my head, any guidance for a guy starting to look

I would not buy a diamond from Brilliant Earth (diamonds seem to be priced higher and they don't give photos or light return images), but she definitely favors vintage settings. I surely am glad you got those Pinterest pics!

Does anyone know if Brilliant Earth will set a diamond not bought there? I do like that setting. If they won't, he could get a diamond and then have David Klass make the setting since he could probably still stay in budget that way.

no they will not.


I know you dont approve of places that wont show photos, but that in budget, his specs, and the exact setting she pinned, i dont think he would be doing anything wrong shopping by the specs (which many do for rounds) and getting the exact setting shes pinned

I do think there are other options too, but i can understand someone wanting to get everything at one place.

 

[diamondseeker2006]

Re: In over my head, any guidance for a guy starting to look

The thing is, he can get a GIA XXX .80 I VS1 for $3000 at JA. I think the diamond at BE is too high. No reason to pay $800 more and not get to see the stone. if you look at all the GIA XXX stones at JA, you can see that some are better than others. That is why I do not recommend buying blind.

But in reality, I would first look at see what OECs are available close to these specs, and still have DK make the setting.

 

[Niel]

Re: In over my head, any guidance for a guy starting to look

The thing is, he can get a GIA XXX .80 I VS1 for $3000 at JA. I think the diamond at BE is too high. No reason to pay $800 more and not get to see the stone. if you look at all the GIA XXX stones at JA, you can see that some are better than others. That is why I do not recommend buying blind.

But in reality, I would first look at see what OECs are available close to these specs, and still have DK make the setting.

well the 800 is, partially, made up by the fact that that setting is under 1k. and the clarity is higher, so thats not apple to apples.


I disagree with the OEC. she hasnt pinned anything that focuses on the stone, so i see nothing that says she favors that cut A lot of the stones pinned are replica antiques, too. An OEC costs about the same as modern rounds these days, and they usually dont face up the same mm size.

I love oecs too, but i dont think every solution is an OEC

 

[diamondseeker2006]

Re: In over my head, any guidance for a guy starting to look

I don't think it is required either, but some of the rings she posted (like from Erstwhile), are real antiques with old stones. Just thought it might be worth considering. I agree that many are getting close to newly cut stone prices. I actually am not seeing much I like, but I kind of like this one.

http://www.jewelsbygrace.com/loose-diamonds/under-1-ct/80ct-old-european-cut-diamond-gia-h#.VjF5yberTIV

Still looking just a little more.

I'd have that setting made in platinum if he goes with it. It will hold up better and not have to be plated.

 

[Niel]

Re: In over my head, any guidance for a guy starting to look

you know who i think you need to work with?

greenlakes jewelry.


http://www.greenlakejewelry.com/gallery/gallery.aspx?p=1

im obsessed with the first one on the top ofthe "cuvy" category but i cant find it. they have a lot under 2k, and they are happy to custom make a lot

eta; found it, and white gold they dont rhodium plate

http://www.greenlakejewelry.com/gallery/gallery_detail.aspx?ImgID=82510

 

[Niel]

Re: In over my head, any guidance for a guy starting to look

i have no idea how to link this to you, but green lake has this diamond

http://www.gia.edu/cs/Satellite?reportno=2207597744&childpagename=GIA%2FPage%2FReportCheck&pagename=GIA%2FDispatcher&c=Page&cid=1355954554547

if you look at the attached photo you should be able to search it. that would give you about 2250 to work with for the setting, which i think green lake can do a lot with.

they have some photos if you look at there website with the photo attached above for under 2250