Infinity upgrade - balancing the C''s -- need feedback on two stones

[Lula]

Hi, everyone, thanks for your feedback the other day about my upgrade vs scattered band "dilemma" -- previous post.

Note: This is an anniversary upgrade; hubby does not care about jewelry and does not care if I upgrade, as long as I stay within the budget!

Your comments helped me make a few decisions -- thank you! I'm putting the 2 grand I would have spent on a diamond wedding band into a stone size upgrade. (I ordered an inexpensive 2mm wide heavy comfort band from ewedding bands.com).I decided to look for an Infinity upgrade between .75 and 1.00. (I tried on some rings this week and this is the size range I like on my hand the best). I'm sticking with my Vatche Royal Empress setting, but I'll still have to factor in the cost of a new setting to accommodate a larger stone.

I've found these two stones, both Infinity, both within my cut parameter prefs. (T 55-56; D 15%; pav %
#1 .95

#2 1.0

Thank you!!!!!

 

[stone-cold11]

I would just ask Wink for his opinion.

 

[Lorelei]

Date: 7/17/2009 1:21:41 PM
Author:sarap333
Hi, everyone, thanks for your feedback the other day about my upgrade vs scattered band ''dilemma'' -- previous post.

Note: This is an anniversary upgrade; hubby does not care about jewelry and does not care if I upgrade, as long as I stay within the budget!

Your comments helped me make a few decisions -- thank you! I''m putting the 2 grand I would have spent on a diamond wedding band into a stone size upgrade. (I ordered an inexpensive 2mm wide heavy comfort band from ewedding bands.com).I decided to look for an Infinity upgrade between .75 and 1.00. (I tried on some rings this week and this is the size range I like on my hand the best). I''m sticking with my Vatche Royal Empress setting, but I''ll still have to factor in the cost of a new setting to accommodate a larger stone.

I''ve found these two stones, both Infinity, both within my cut parameter prefs. (T 55-56; D 15%; pav %
#1 .95

#2 1.0

Thank you!!!!!

Hi Sarap,

Depends on your preferences, with the colour a K is more what I call an antique white and any tint to me is delicate, an M will have more of a distinct tint to it. SI2 are not created equal so the main thing is to check the diamond is eyeclean to your standards. The cuts are topping on both so no issues there.

 

[Lula]

Hi, Stone -- Wink says the M SI2 is gorgeous and I believe him, and I''m sure the video will confirm that. I haven''t spoken to him yet about the .95 -- I just found it last night and e-mailed him this morning. I trust Wink and Paul, but this is a "mind clean" issue for me and it''s hard for me to get my mind around an SI2! I''m wondering what about this stone makes it an SI2 -- the cavity? -- the feather? -- according to AGS, and how that might affect durability (the Royal Empress covers a lot of the pavilion except for two "sides" so I''m not even worried about seeing the feather).

 

[Lula]

Thanks, Lorelei for your comments about the M vs. the K. I asked Wink if he''d put the two in the same video so I could compare color. I''m going to have to think about the "tint" of the M. I love my J because it is that "antique white" color.

 

[Lorelei]

Date: 7/17/2009 1:50:46 PM
Author: sarap333
Thanks, Lorelei for your comments about the M vs. the K. I asked Wink if he'd put the two in the same video so I could compare color. I'm going to have to think about the 'tint' of the M. I love my J because it is that 'antique white' color.

Most welcome! That will be great being able to compare the two, it will give you a much better idea. I look forward to seeing which one you choose....

An M will definitely show some tint/warmth which wouldn't bother me as I love that soft glow the lower colour show, but the video will be very helpful. Won't be any kind of durability issue with an Infinity, no need to worry there - it wouldn't be an Infinity in the first place. Did you see Maisie's M Infinity? If not here are some pics!

https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/my-new-infinity-diamond-from-wink-jones-and-dr-indira-marchant.110727/

 

[stone-cold11]

Wink should also be able to advise you on the durability of the stone, should not be a problem as from what I gather, durability problem due to inclusion will result in another downgrade in clarity.

Also, you will have insurance on the stone anyway.

 

[Lula]

Lorelei: Thanks for the link to Maisie''s photos. I had forgotten her Infinity was an M! And it''s an I1, too -- what am I complaining about an SI2 for? Hers looks great. The M has a definite yellow tint, I see what you mean. But I like it. And I really like how Maisie set it in yellow gold with a platinum head. The video from Wink will help. I''ll keep you posted!

And not to threadjack my own thread, but I wanted to let you know that I borrowed your quote by Stephanie Thorn (your signature line) and put it in a sympathy card to my sister who lost her beautiful Thoroughbred a few weeks ago to a rare neurological disorder. She found comfort in those words -- thanks.

Stone -- yeah, you''re right, durability should not be an issue, but I''ll check with Wink after I see the video. I just see a lot of posts about avoiding feathers and I''ve never completely understood that.

 

[Lorelei]

Date: 7/17/2009 2:16:01 PM
Author: sarap333
Lorelei: Thanks for the link to Maisie's photos. I had forgotten her Infinity was an M! And it's an I1, too -- what am I complaining about an SI2 for? Hers looks great. The M has a definite yellow tint, I see what you mean. But I like it. And I really like how Maisie set it in yellow gold with a platinum head. The video from Wink will help. I'll keep you posted!

And not to threadjack my own thread, but I wanted to let you know that I borrowed your quote by Stephanie Thorn (your signature line) and put it in a sympathy card to my sister who lost her beautiful Thoroughbred a few weeks ago to a rare neurological disorder. She found comfort in those words -- thanks.

Stone -- yeah, you're right, durability should not be an issue, but I'll check with Wink after I see the video. I just see a lot of posts about avoiding feathers and I've never completely understood that.

Most welcome! Also I wouldn't worry about an Infinity having durability issues, these diamonds are selected with such great care to represent the brand I would very much doubt there would be a problem with them even in the lower clarity grades.

I am so glad the quote gave some comfort to your sister. I am still grieving the loss of my own dear boy over 2 years later and this is my way of memorializing him. He had such a huge wonderful influence on my life and that quote describes how I feel perfectly. What was the neurological problem with your sister's horse? So sorry to hear of her loss....

 

[Lula]

Yup, the only reason I'm willing to venture away from my VS2 comfort zone is because these are Infinity stones. But it still helps to see pictures of others' stones on their fingers, in the setting. It's just scary to see "AGS 7" or whatever on the cert under clarity -- I know, it's "just a number"!

Lorelei, I am so sorry you lost your horse. The quote is magical -- and I'm a dog person, not a horse person! My sister's horse was only 14 years old and she'd owned him for over a decade. He was still very young to die so suddenly. He had a seizure in his stall on a Wednesday, went to the vet for observation, seemed fine, and then had another seizure, and they discovered he had some sort of internal bleeding. My sister said he was so afraid; she could see it in his eyes. I'm not sure if there was an autopsy done to confirm, but the vet surmised that he had a fast-growing tumor on his spine that was causing strokes (seizures). He died in just a few days. No way to treat it.

 

[Lorelei]

Date: 7/17/2009 2:48:36 PM
Author: sarap333
Yup, the only reason I''m willing to venture away from my VS2 comfort zone is because these are Infinity stones. But it still helps to see pictures of others'' stones on their fingers, in the setting. It''s just scary to see ''AGS 7'' or whatever on the cert under clarity -- I know, it''s ''just a number''!

Lorelei, I am so sorry you lost your horse. The quote is magical -- and I''m a dog person, not a horse person! My sister''s horse was only 14 years old and she''d owned him for over a decade. He was still very young to die so suddenly. He had a seizure in his stall on a Wednesday, went to the vet for observation, seemed fine, and then had another seizure, and they discovered he had some sort of internal bleeding. My sister said he was so afraid; she could see it in his eyes. I''m not sure if there was an autopsy done to confirm, but the vet surmised that he had a fast-growing tumor on his spine that was causing strokes (seizures). He died in just a few days. No way to treat it.

I know it can take a leap of faith with clarity but you will be fine with an Infinity and Sir Winks will be there to help you every step of the way, plus you know Infinity stand behind their diamonds 110% - each one is special and an indiviual to Paul and the team.

Oh God.....Thats so horrible. I am so sorry to hear this. You know, I have given up hoping that I will ever come to terms with losing my boy, I know I won''t. I had him for such a long time and he was the reason for so many good things in my life. So the quote is just right, I am not supposed to ever be at peace with it, it isn''t meant to be. It will be the same for your sister most probably.

 

[Lula]

I do love working with Sir Wink!

And, yes, my sister expressed similar sentiments about how hard it would be to get over his death -- she knew it would be a while before she could even go back to the stable -- that''s why I thought she would find the quote comforting. Horse people are a different breed -- pun intended -- and my sister got a lot of support from her fellow horsemen and women. They understood in a way that those of us who don''t own horses will never understand.

 

[Lorelei]

Date: 7/17/2009 3:49:35 PM
Author: sarap333
I do love working with Sir Wink!

And, yes, my sister expressed similar sentiments about how hard it would be to get over his death -- she knew it would be a while before she could even go back to the stable -- that's why I thought she would find the quote comforting. Horse people are a different breed -- pun intended -- and my sister got a lot of support from her fellow horsemen and women. They understood in a way that those of us who don't own horses will never understand.

Sir Wink rocks!

I wish I could explain how it feels to lose a horse, it is so hard to lose any beloved companion....This horse changed me as a person for the better in so many ways, taught me so much spiritually too, he came into my life and with one look I was his forever and he was mine. I knew true peace in his presence, never an easy thing for me to find. He made me laugh and he made me cry, if I could have saved him pain or distress by taking it myself I would have in a heartbeat. And I miss him so much. So many of the good things in my life I attribute to him, I was blessed to have had him in my life for 20 years, it was my privilege to be his person.

Your sister is so lucky to have your loving support and understanding, I can guarantee you it means the world to her.

 

[Lula]

Oh, Lorelei, you brought tears to my eyes! With your permission I''d like to share what you wrote with my sister. Her loss is so new and this may be helpful for her to hear.

Okay, everyone -- sorry! I threadjacked my own thread, but sometimes real life intervenes! It''s cold and rainy here and I can''t do any gardening on my day off. The weeds are happy.

 

[Lorelei]

Date: 7/17/2009 4:10:27 PM
Author: sarap333
Oh, Lorelei, you brought tears to my eyes! With your permission I''d like to share what you wrote with my sister. Her loss is so new and this may be helpful for her to hear.

Okay, everyone -- sorry! I threadjacked my own thread, but sometimes real life intervenes! It''s cold and rainy here and I can''t do any gardening on my day off. The weeds are happy.

Oh I am sorry - it all spills out when I talk about him! Yes please do share that if it might help your sister!!

 

[Lula]

Please don't be sorry -- it was a wonderful tribute to him! And I'm happy to learn more about you; you were one of the first people who responded to my very first PS post! After all, we are real people on this forum with lives that include more than diamonds

 

[joelly]

Date: 7/17/2009 3:59:27 PM
Author: Lorelei

Sir Wink rocks!

I wish I could explain how it feels to lose a horse, it is so hard to lose any beloved companion....This horse changed me as a person for the better in so many ways, taught me so much spiritually too, he came into my life and with one look I was his forever and he was mine. I knew true peace in his presence, never an easy thing for me to find. He made me laugh and he made me cry, if I could have saved him pain or distress by taking it myself I would have in a heartbeat. And I miss him so much. So many of the good things in my life I attribute to him, I was blessed to have had him in my life for 20 years, it was my privilege to be his person.

Your sister is so lucky to have your loving support and understanding, I can guarantee you it means the world to her.

Lorelei, your words make me shed a tear for long time friend that I also lost. It''s my dog, Cesar. He is a german shepard. He didn''t die because of old age. He saved my mom from a snake bite. He took the bite for her. He suffered from the poison and died. I was a difficult child until he came along. His eyes show his approval of me and thats kept me to be good child. Now that he is gone, I know he watches me from up there. All good dogs go to heaven. I believe that. Thank you for sharing, Lorelei.

Sarap, I am glad you are doing an upgrade. Can''t wait for the pictures.

 

[Lorelei]

Date: 7/17/2009 4:26:15 PM
Author: sarap333
Please don't be sorry -- it was a wonderful tribute to him! And I'm happy to learn more about you; you were one of the first people who responded to my very first PS post! After all, we are real people on this forum with lives that include more than diamonds

That is so kind of you! Yes it is good to know behind the avatars and posts are real people whose lives DO include much more than diamonds - wonderful though they are, my most precious gems are my Husband and fur babies!

 

[Lorelei]

Date: 7/17/2009 4:34:40 PM
Author: joelly

Date: 7/17/2009 3:59:27 PM
Author: Lorelei

Sir Wink rocks!

I wish I could explain how it feels to lose a horse, it is so hard to lose any beloved companion....This horse changed me as a person for the better in so many ways, taught me so much spiritually too, he came into my life and with one look I was his forever and he was mine. I knew true peace in his presence, never an easy thing for me to find. He made me laugh and he made me cry, if I could have saved him pain or distress by taking it myself I would have in a heartbeat. And I miss him so much. So many of the good things in my life I attribute to him, I was blessed to have had him in my life for 20 years, it was my privilege to be his person.

Your sister is so lucky to have your loving support and understanding, I can guarantee you it means the world to her.

Lorelei, your words make me shed a tear for long time friend that I also lost. It's my dog, Cesar. He is a german shepard. He didn't die because of old age. He saved my mom from a snake bite. He took the bite for her. He suffered from the poison and died. I was a difficult child until he came along. His eyes show his approval of me and thats kept me to be good child. Now that he is gone, I know he watches me from up there. All good dogs go to heaven. I believe that. Thank you for sharing, Lorelei.

Sarap, I am glad you are doing an upgrade. Can't wait for the pictures.

Joelly, what a magnificent dog! I am so sorry you lost him and in such a way, but what a wonderful boy he was!!! I truly believe too all good dogs go to heaven, he will definitely be watching over you and you will see him again one day, this I know. It is so hard to say goodbye to them and we miss them so much.....Being able to just be with them, touch and laugh with them, just being in their company is balm for the soul. But I know although the physical body may go, their energy can't die and they wait for us beyond the sunset in that special place until we can be with them again. Thank YOU Joelly for telling us about your special friend

 

[Lula]

Ditto on the husband and fur babies -- my two Cardigan Welsh Corgis and my tabby cat are all on the couch with me as I type this. We're waiting for my husband to come home from work (walk time, in the rain!).

Joelly -- amazing story. Dogs are incredible friends -- loyal and brave. ETA: I just read Lorelei's post, and yes, it's so hard to lose them, but I wouldn't trade my time with them for anything. Animals do make us better people, I agree.

Thanks for being supportive of my upgrade -- sometimes it feels weird to me that a half-carat feels "too small." But I don't wear -- or own -- much other jewelry, so I justify the expense that way. And the fun thing is no matter which Infinity I pick, I know it will be lovely. A true candy store, Winks' site is.

 

[Lorelei]

Date: 7/17/2009 4:49:17 PM
Author: sarap333
Ditto on the husband and fur babies -- my two Cardigan Welsh Corgis and my tabby cat are all on the couch with me as I type this. We're waiting for my husband to come home from work (walk time, in the rain!).

Joelly -- amazing story. Dogs are incredible friends -- loyal and brave.

Thanks for being supportive of my upgrade -- sometimes it feels weird to me that a half-carat feels 'too small.' But I don't wear -- or own -- much other jewelry, so I justify the expense that way. And the fun thing is no matter which Infinity I pick, I know it will be lovely. A true candy store, Winks' site is.

Thats wonderful! Animals are so pure, just wanting to be with you no matter what you are doing - love it!!!

Oh goodness you are in the right place here as you well know with upgrades - hehe! Over the years I have collected some lovely jewellery pieces but really the ring is the main thing and is very important to me. I would rather have the bulk of my investment in the ring and maybe a couple of other pieces than lots of other things. And no, how can you go wrong??? Not possible with an Infinity!!!

 

[Lula]

This discussion has reminded me that sometimes it''s important to remember why we are wearing the diamond ring -- it''s so easy to get caught up in the specs here on PS -- this bittersweet discussion of the dear animals in our lives reminds me that the ring is just a mere symbol or representation of all the love and joy our family life gives to us. I believe that gems are very powerful because they are ancient and come from the earth, and are created by nature, but still they can only represent the love, never replace it.

 

[Lorelei]

Date: 7/17/2009 5:07:51 PM
Author: sarap333
This discussion has reminded me that sometimes it's important to remember why we are wearing the diamond ring -- it's so easy to get caught up in the specs here on PS -- this bittersweet discussion of the dear animals in our lives reminds me that the ring is just a mere symbol or representation of all the love and joy our family life gives to us. I believe that gems are very powerful because they are ancient and come from the earth, and are created by nature, but still they can only represent the love, never replace it.

Absolutely agree!!

You know another special thing about diamonds is through my love of them they have brought so many other good things into my life - being part of such a fantastic community, the joy of helping others and the incredible friends I have made here!

 

[Lula]

Date: 7/17/2009 5:11:53 PM
Author: Lorelei


You know another special thing about diamonds is through my love of them they have brought so many other good things into my life - being part of such a fantastic community, the joy of helping others and the incredible friends I have made here!

I totally agree! This forum is the best -- people are smart, funny, genuine, and truly kind.

 

[Dreamer_D]

I think you are making the right decision about the upgrade and I''m glad you are going through with it! I too had a hankering for a larger diamond and thought long and hard about other, "smaller" purchases for a year before I finally decided that is was really a waste of money to buy something that wasn''t what I *really* wanted! Actually, my DH was the one who finally pointed this out, and with his blessing I upgraded from a .80ct to a 1.17ct a couple of months ago. It is the best money I ever spent! I adore my new diamond and love and enjoy it every single day. I''m so glad I upgraded and you will be to. I also agree with Lorelei that I want the majority of my money "invested" in a single piece of jewelry, and my diamond is it.

Reagrding the clarity and color issue, I own an SI1 and an I1 and frankly, I say "clarity schmarity". As long as you cannot see the inclusion, even if you know it is there, after having it for a while you won''t even remember that the inclusion are there. You can''t see them! That''s how I feel at least and would have no troubles with and SI2 as long as the inclusions didn''t affect the optics or structura integrity, and as long as they were not visible to the naked eye.

With color, I went from a J to a K and can say that *yes* there is a slightly more perceptible warmth to the K than the J. As Storm once pointed out to me, K is a larger range color grade than J, and so you can have higher and lower Ks whereas J''s are more consistent. I think I have a lower K. I love it, but in some lights and situations it is too warm for my taste. Like you, I like the softer white, but the chameleon effect of diamonds seems stronger in lower colors, at least to me when I compare with my F diamond, and sometimes the K doesn''t look as I would prefer depending on the ambience. So me personally I would stick with the K in an RB. I think that lower than K looks great in fancies like cushions and OEC, but just my taste, I think that modern RBs are more suited to the slightly higher color ranges -- if you can call K and up "higher"

I will likely go back to a J when I upgrade.

Just my 2c! I will say that after you live with a lower color diamond you won''t notice the color as much anymore. I will also say that you should put as much $$ as you plan to spend towads upgrading your diamond as big as you can, even if it means a temp setting for a while. You will be amazed ho that 1ct will look a little small after hardly any time at all

So if the Vatche is too much $$ then perhaps get it later?

That''s my longwinded comments!

 

[Lula]

Hi, Dreamer,
Thanks for the post -- and don't be concerned about being long-winded, it was really helpful, and besides if PS gave out awards for the most words per post, I'd for sure be at the top of the list (and I'm quite sure Storm would win the award for fewest words per post )

Anyway, your experience seems so similar to mine, so I took your words to heart. I went back and read your posts on upgrading (gotta love the PS archives) and it was really helpful -- it's funny, I even considered re-setting my emerald-cut blue sapphire (my original e-ring) in a diamond setting similar to yours -- spooky -- but I knew that what I wanted was a RB solitaire. Like you, I bought a gorgeous stone, but also like you it's just not the size I want on my finger.

I considered putting my RB into a 3-stone ring with sapphires or diamonds on either side -- and the ever-so-patient-Sir-Wink emailed me back and said that he could help me with that! But what I "really want" is a larger solitaire. I love my Vatche setting. But it's so hard to make up your mind when a) there are so many beautiful options out there; b) there are vendors like Wink who say, sure, whatever you want, we can do; and c) there is my "bling guilt" that's keeping me from going with a larger stone -- you know, the "I should be happy with what I have, especially in this economy" feeling.

On the other hand, I waited a long time for this, it's not an "impulse buy," and I have now have a better sense of what looks good on my hand. Like you and Lorelei, I prefer to spend my money on a few quality items, with the wedding ring and engagement ring I wear every day being my top priority in the jewelry department.

So this post and my previous post have really helped me feel "okay" about upgrading. So now it's on to choosing the stone Here's what I've learned:

Color: The pictures of your K (and your description of what it's like to live with the color every day) were great. I have noticed the chameleon nature of my J, and it first it drove me nuts, but now I like it that my diamond has different personalities in different light. It's subtle, though, and I'm not sure if going lower than a K would be what I want in a solitaire. Maybe Maisie will weigh in about what's to live with an M.

Setting: Your setting, and Maisie's, are very similar to the "look" I want. The Vatche is just a tad more modern, but not much. I agree with you that RB's are tricky to set in lower colors. If I went with a lower color than a K, I'd probably switch to yellow gold. The Vatche yellow gold setting is a tad less expensive than And I could make some sacrifices on the setting to get a larger stone and then upgrade the setting later. That would be do-able.

Size: I am convinced now that I will be in the same situation as you if I go from a .53 to a .75. I am used to wearing a 1 carat sapphire and that stone was a nice size on my hand, but I could have worn a 1.25 on my hand without it looking ostentatious! I should probably expand my search to include stones slightly above 1.00

Clarity: The pictures of your I1 and SI1 were really helpful. I doubt that I would be able to see a thing in those rings unless you pointed it out to me, and only then if we were in a certain type of lighting or looking at the ring from specific angle. Plus, just like with your ACA's, I know I do not have to worry about inclusions affecting light performance or durability with a Crafted by Infinity. It's a mind clean thing, as I've said, but clarity is a worthwhile sacrifice to save $$ and go up in size.

Right now I'm partial to the .95 K I posted, but until I see the video from Wink, I won't know for sure. I'm also going back to Wink's online candy store this weekend to check out some larger stones in the J, K range with lower clarities.

And because this thread is also about who we are beyond our diamonds, I just have to say, Dreamer, your ring picutres with your son and long-haired-dachshund are adorable! I have a long-haired Corgi, and her face is so sweet, just like your dog's. Some friends of ours have a long-haired-dachshund, and he is the most adorable (and smart) boy! Congrats on your tenure-track position, by the way -- that's a real achievement in this economy. I am finishing up my Ph.D. (dissertation stage) and am looking into post-doc or non-profit administration positions. Wish me luck!

 

[glitterata]

If I had your budget I would seriously consider this 1.01 ct Infinity I I1.

My experience with Infinity I1s--I have two of them--is that the inclusions are not very noticeable, if they''re visible at all. The strong blue fluorescence should make the I color even whiter and may give it a lovely lavender tint in sunlight. The pictures make the inclusions look horrible, but I bet they''re fine in person. Maybe ask Wink for a video of it?

 

[Lula]

Oooohhhh, lavender in sunlight perhaps! Yummy. Thanks, Glitterata, I just checked on that stone and it is very nice, and well-priced. You are right, the pictures make the inclusions look downright scary, but I have seen pictures of your new stone and the crystals in your pictures (which the I I1 has) are not bothersome to me. Wink demonstrates in the video he made for you that the crystals are clear.

I have been stuck in VS2-land and I need to expand my horizons. The videos certainly help, don't they?

 

[WinkHPD]

Date: 7/18/2009 11:20:19 AM
Author: sarap333
Hi, Dreamer,
Thanks for the post -- and don''t be concerned about being long-winded, it was really helpful, and besides if PS gave out awards for the most words per post, I''d for sure be at the top of the list (and I''m quite sure Storm would win the award for fewest words per post )

Anyway, your experience seems so similar to mine, so I took your words to heart. I went back and read your posts on upgrading (gotta love the PS archives) and it was really helpful -- it''s funny, I even considered re-setting my emerald-cut blue sapphire (my original e-ring) in a diamond setting similar to yours -- spooky -- but I knew that what I wanted was a RB solitaire. Like you, I bought a gorgeous stone, but also like you it''s just not the size I want on my finger.

I considered putting my RB into a 3-stone ring with sapphires or diamonds on either side -- and the ever-so-patient-Sir-Wink emailed me back and said that he could help me with that! But what I ''really want'' is a larger solitaire. I love my Vatche setting. But it''s so hard to make up your mind when a) there are so many beautiful options out there; b) there are vendors like Wink who say, sure, whatever you want, we can do; and c) there is my ''bling guilt'' that''s keeping me from going with a larger stone -- you know, the ''I should be happy with what I have, especially in this economy'' feeling.

On the other hand, I waited a long time for this, it''s not an ''impulse buy,'' and I have now have a better sense of what looks good on my hand. Like you and Lorelei, I prefer to spend my money on a few quality items, with the wedding ring and engagement ring I wear every day being my top priority in the jewelry department.

So this post and my previous post have really helped me feel ''okay'' about upgrading. So now it''s on to choosing the stone Here''s what I''ve learned:

Color: The pictures of your K (and your description of what it''s like to live with the color every day) were great. I have noticed the chameleon nature of my J, and it first it drove me nuts, but now I like it that my diamond has different personalities in different light. It''s subtle, though, and I''m not sure if going lower than a K would be what I want in a solitaire. Maybe Maisie will weigh in about what''s to live with an M.

Setting: Your setting, and Maisie''s, are very similar to the ''look'' I want. The Vatche is just a tad more modern, but not much. I agree with you that RB''s are tricky to set in lower colors. If I went with a lower color than a K, I''d probably switch to yellow gold. The Vatche yellow gold setting is a tad less expensive than And I could make some sacrifices on the setting to get a larger stone and then upgrade the setting later. That would be do-able.

Size: I am convinced now that I will be in the same situation as you if I go from a .53 to a .75. I am used to wearing a 1 carat sapphire and that stone was a nice size on my hand, but I could have worn a 1.25 on my hand without it looking ostentatious! I should probably expand my search to include stones slightly above 1.00

Clarity: The pictures of your I1 and SI1 were really helpful. I doubt that I would be able to see a thing in those rings unless you pointed it out to me, and only then if we were in a certain type of lighting or looking at the ring from specific angle. Plus, just like with your ACA''s, I know I do not have to worry about inclusions affecting light performance or durability with a Crafted by Infinity. It''s a mind clean thing, as I''ve said, but clarity is a worthwhile sacrifice to save $$ and go up in size.

Right now I''m partial to the .95 K I posted, but until I see the video from Wink, I won''t know for sure. I''m also going back to Wink''s online candy store this weekend to check out some larger stones in the J, K range with lower clarities.

And because this thread is also about who we are beyond our diamonds, I just have to say, Dreamer, your ring picutres with your son and long-haired-dachshund are adorable! I have a long-haired Corgi, and her face is so sweet, just like your dog''s. Some friends of ours have a long-haired-dachshund, and he is the most adorable (and smart) boy! Congrats on your tenure-track position, by the way -- that''s a real achievement in this economy. I am finishing up my Ph.D. (dissertation stage) and am looking into post-doc or non-profit administration positions. Wish me luck!

LOL! I am glad you like the "candy" store! I came in today just to shoot some videos for you. It was a nearly 60 hour week from Mon - Friday and it felt so good to take all of yesterday off.

Next week is going to be really busy too as my daughter is coming home Friday night with her Fiance'' and we are having the engagement party for them on Sat. I have to do all the work here at the office and then get home in time to work on the party each night with my wife. I see all the love my wife is putting into this party and I feel blessed to be a part of it.

Wink