JA/BN Band and Rock Decision

[windowsmedia10]

RockyTalky,

First off thanks to everyone who offers their assistance on PS. You folks are a very knowledgeable bunch, and although I've only posted once before this, I feel like spending countless hours perusing RockyTalky has kept me on the straight and narrow path when it comes to finding a fantastic engagement ring for my future Mrs.

Anyways onto the good stuff...

My fiancee-to-be has simplified her choice of rings down to one of these two guys. They're very similar, one from BlueNile and the other from James Allen:

https://tinyurl.com/graeldz
https://tinyurl.com/gkv5c9q

Here are my questions:

1) Are there any differences between the two rings that would personally sway you in one direction or the other?

2) I would like to find a fantastic .8-.9 VS2/VS1 H/G/F for the top that wont break the bank. I would consider using a slightly larger eye-clean SI2 if the stone was great otherwise.

I have considered buying the JA setting and then using WhiteFlash/Good old Gold etc. to source the center stone. I've gone through the inventories on JA/BN more times that I can count with the usual ideal dimensions/angels for a round brilliant. Worried that selecting a stone sight unseen on BN could result in a stone with clear visual occlusions. I feel like JA's inventory always seems to be picked over. Any recommended stones?

3) 14k vs platinum. Every thread I've seen on PS goes through the usual advantages/drawbacks of both. Would there be any advantage in terms of durability for a pave ring like the two I'm considering?

I sincerely appreciate any assistance you would have the time to offer!

Thanks!

 

[tyty333]

So what is your budget for the stone? I think you should get the setting where you get the stone.

Edit...actually I like the JA setting better because of the prongs? Rounded on the JA...nicer looking.

 

[windowsmedia10]

I'm going to go with the JA setting.

I'd like to keep the centre stone around or under ~$4000 USD

 

[windowsmedia10]

and I've been looking at this stone:

https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/0.83-carat-h-color-vs1-clarity-ideal-cut-sku-2375253

 

[Snowdrop13]

Agree that the JA setting is nicer- the BN diamonds are lower colour and clarity for a start!

That's a nice diamond too.

 

[ac117]

I would take the JA setting over the BN one...specify with JA that you want delicate claw prongs so you don't end up with blobs.

Just wanted to point out that you could get a super ideal stone for the price point you're looking at, with a MUCH better upgrade policy....WF even has a similar setting...
http://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-3684598.htm
http://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-3638364.htm
http://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-3659482.htm
http://www.whiteflash.com/engagement-rings/diamond-settings/petite-open-cathedral-diamond-engagement-ring-1627.htm#size=6

 

[windowsmedia10]

I would take the JA setting over the BN one...specify with JA that you want delicate claw prongs so you don't end up with blobs.

Just wanted to point out that you could get a super ideal stone for the price point you're looking at, with a MUCH better upgrade policy....WF even has a similar setting...
http://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-3684598.htm
http://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-3638364.htm
http://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-3659482.htm
http://www.whiteflash.com/engagement-rings/diamond-settings/petite-open-cathedral-diamond-engagement-ring-1627.htm#size=6

I would have loved to find something she was into on WhiteFlash.

Going to pull the trigger on the ring this morning with this stone from JA, unless any other stone suggestions come forward?

Is the delicate prong idea worth pursuing?

https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/0.83-carat-h-color-vs1-clarity-ideal-cut-sku-2375253

 

[tyty333]

I would take the JA setting over the BN one...specify with JA that you want delicate claw prongs so you don't end up with blobs.

Just wanted to point out that you could get a super ideal stone for the price point you're looking at, with a MUCH better upgrade policy....WF even has a similar setting...
http://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-3684598.htm
http://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-3638364.htm
http://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-3659482.htm
http://www.whiteflash.com/engagement-rings/diamond-settings/petite-open-cathedral-diamond-engagement-ring-1627.htm#size=6

This stone that ac117 posted with the setting you found would make a beautiful engagement ring and keep you in the same budget.
http://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-3638364.htm
(contains all the images you need to know that its a well performing stone, AGS000, Hearts image, Idealscope and Aset images,
plus an up close video)
http://www.whiteflash.com/engagement-rings/diamond-settings/petite-open-cathedral-diamond-engagement-ring-1627.htm#size=6

Here is a picture of that setting with a .78 stone...very pretty (Bonus...WF also takes professional pictures of your ring for you!
I love that)

 

[windowsmedia10]

Thanks for the replies everyone. The lady doesnt really like the setting on the WhiteFlash ring, nor the more pronounced 'cutouts' along the band for the pave diamonds.

Any additional thoughts on the JA ring and stone?

 

[tyty333]

Gosh, I didnt even notice the "cut outs"...your GF has an eye for fine detail!

That JA stone is a nice stone...AGS000 and looks to be H&A. The only problem I see with the stone is that "Clarity grade is based
on clouds not shown." At a VS1 this should not be a problem but double check with JA just to be sure. Otherwise, I say you're
good to go with this stone.

 

[windowsmedia10]

Thanks to everyone for their input, ring (platinum band) was ordered last week and should be here in a week or two!