Kay/Neil Lane 2CT Princess vs Other Identical One?

[121940kz]

Hello all,

I have heard pricescope is the place to get answers! I've been searching around and really like the discussions here. My gf and I have picked out her ring, and we both love it. It is this one from Kay's http://www.kay.com/en/kaystore/diamonds---gemstones/neil-lane-engagement-ring-2-ct-tw-diamonds-14k-white-gold-94023261699--1/100020/100020.100023.100051..

However, i have some concerns with it. First of all, the price, i know they will come down to at least $7,900, however i still think that is quite inflated because of their name brand. It is also only of I1 and I clarity/quality which is also concerning for the price. So i have started to look around and found this company on eBay, and then ultimately found their website. They are a wholesaler out of NYC. I was wondering if anyone has heard of them? "Watch my Diamonds". The ring looks basically identical to the Neil Lane one above, however it is $3k less. It is also a VS2 and F quality and clarity!!

http://www.watchmydiamonds.com/2-row-halo-diamond-engagement-ring-2-20ct-princess-cut-micro-pave-in-14k-gold.html

So anyway, does anyone have any objections with this wholesaler website, and does it seem legit? I dont see any major differences between the two rings. I was hoping someone that know MUCH more than I could shed some light on this.

This is the ebay link i first found before finding their website. The phone numbers are the same, so they are the same company. Plus it's the exact same ring and same price.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/2-Row-Halo-Diamond-Engagement-Ring-2-20-Ct-Princess-Cut-Micro-Pave-in-14K-Gold-/111493844554?hash=item19f58d0e4a:g:CyEAAMXQNo5Tan4m


Thanks alot, i value anyone's opinion! Happy Thanksgiving

 

[ChristineRose]

It may in fact be the same setting, as the Kay one says it is by Neil Lane and other jewelers sell Neil Lane.

As far as the center diamond, the prices are meaningless as Kay does not specify what lab has graded the stone, and Watch My Diamonds says it is graded by CGI, which is basically the same as saying "we're making it up and will say whatever we think will get the most money out of you." In addition princess cuts are not really that standard and if you let these guys pick one for you they are going to pick one that's not worth every penny you are not paying for it.

Your first step is to read the guide to princess cuts under the resources, then your next step is to consider how you want to get a quality stone into that setting. I'd start by calling a recommended vendor and asking if they can get you that setting. Theoretically you can buy the diamond and the setting from two different vendors and have it set, although that tends to lead to hassle and upcharges. Once you know your strategy for getting the stone into the setting, you can start looking for stones, either with your chosen vendor or with any of the vendors who specialize in good stones.

Picking a stone is a whole art unto itself but if you like this setting you can start by finding a better vendor to sell it to you.

 

[121940kz]

Picking a stone is a whole art unto itself but if you like this setting you can start by finding a better vendor to sell it to you.

So you don't think this vendor would be that great? Do you think it is of better quality than Kay's? (I realize there are other unknowns but just your opinion)

Thanks for the suggestions I really appreciate it

 

[tyty333]

I would not recommend either of them. Those rings encrusted with stones can have a lot of issues (with losing stones). Plus, you're not getting good quality for the price you're paying.

My recommendation (James Allen has got a sale on their settings right now so you can get a decent, quality setting at a good price)
http://www.jamesallen.com/engagement-rings/halo/14k-white-gold-diamond-split-shank-double-halo-pave-engagement-ring-item-17845
Or
http://www.jamesallen.com/engagement-rings/halo/14k-white-gold-octagonal-double-halo-diamond-engagement-ring-item-53067

Then pick out a GIA or AGS certified stone to put in it.

 

[ChristineRose]

I don't know what a CGI certificate is. Hence I assume it is just the vendor making stuff up. Theoretically it's possible that they won't rip you off, but it's a bad sign. They say they are selling you an F VS2. The likelihood that GIA would call their stone an F VS2 is essentially zero. In fact, the likelihood of GIA calling the Kay stone an I I1 is also very low.

In general, you should only buy a diamond graded by AGS or GIA. There are exceptions. This isn't one of them. So start with finding a plan to get an AGS or GIA stone into the setting you are in love with. Then set a budget and determine how much you have to spend on the center stone. Then you can consider whether you are willing to drop to an I or I1.

Note that whatever you come up with is likely to be both cheaper and prettier than either Kay's or Watch My Diamonds. The difference is that yours will be honestly graded.

 

[tyty333]

Possible center stone options (I'm on my tablet which makes it harder to spin the stones and see how well they are returning light) but I'll throw out a few. ..
http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/princess-cut/0.91-carat-h-color-vs2-clarity-sku-324648
http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/princess-cut/0.91-carat-f-color-vs2-clarity-sku-443963

There are a lot more to choose from. You could also consider a cushion shape stone.

 

[121940kz]

Possible center stone options (I'm on my tablet which makes it harder to spin the stones and see how well they are returning light) but I'll throw out a few. ..
http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/princess-cut/0.91-carat-h-color-vs2-clarity-sku-324648
http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/princess-cut/0.91-carat-f-color-vs2-clarity-sku-443963

There are a lot more to choose from. You could also consider a cushion shape stone.

So i guess if i picked something like this http://www.jamesallen.com/engagement-rings/halo/14k-white-gold-pink-sapphire-diamond-halo-engagement-ring-item-52621

What would make that any different than getting the one from the NYC based watchmydiamonds.com? They both have the encrusted diamonds in them that could come out over time.

Also thanks for posting links

 

[MissGotRocks]

Stones in any of those settings may come out but I would almost bet that the JA halo ring is better made than either of the other two. You can also see that with that setting and one of the linked diamonds you are already below the price of $7900 - for a much better quality center stone and mounting!

It pays to shop a bit - particularly when you are looking at much better cut quality!

 

[ringo865]

The difference is in the quality of the settings made by well-known vendors frequented by and recommended by pricescopers (due to their quality) versus a relatively unknown (to this audience) vendor. People on here will give you good recommendations of vendors who do quality work and whose quality can be attested to by the many who have purchased their wares. Before you rush out to buy something from a vendor that nobody can give you feedback on, please check into one of the trusted vendors these posters have recommended. You will get better quality for your dollars. Look around and see the differences in quality for yourself. Good luck with your search. It's a very exciting time for you and your girlfriend.

 

[tyty333]

Possible center stone options (I'm on my tablet which makes it harder to spin the stones and see how well they are returning light) but I'll throw out a few. ..
http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/princess-cut/0.91-carat-h-color-vs2-clarity-sku-324648
http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/princess-cut/0.91-carat-f-color-vs2-clarity-sku-443963

There are a lot more to choose from. You could also consider a cushion shape stone.

So i guess if i picked something like this http://www.jamesallen.com/engagement-rings/halo/14k-white-gold-pink-sapphire-diamond-halo-engagement-ring-item-52621

What would make that any different than getting the one from the NYC based watchmydiamonds.com? They both have the encrusted diamonds in them that could come out over time.

Also thanks for posting links

As others have pointed out, we have no idea of the quality of those settings (and I think we can pretty much assume they are
not going to be great). Did you see the number of rows of diamonds on that band? Down at the bottom there are 4 rows of
little stones. Just lots of stones to lose. That ring will really have to be babied...and I'm sure the quality is just not there.

I disagree with the JA settings be encrusted with stones. That ring has two seperate rows of stones down the shank that goes
half way down. Much fewer stones to possibly get lost but enough to give you the added bling. This is a suppose to be a
lifetime purchase so get something of quality.

We can attest to the JA quality. It's not top of the line Leon Mege but it is a good quality for the price
(which is very good at the moment). Also, the stones we suggest to you will be GIA/AGS stones and not something graded by
an off lab that has a reputation for over-grading.

IMO...it's a lifetime gift, so buy something of decent quality that will last you a long time.

 

[121940kz]

Do you know of any other good reputable online websites? www.adiamor.com ? I think we have decided to do a more custom one with better value than the Kay's one. I really like Jamesallen but would like to see more halo settings. Also other than bluenile

 

[tyty333]

http://idjewelry.com/ sells gabriel & co settings. You might try them.

https://www.gabrielny.com/

Here are their double halos
https://eshop.gabrielny.com/products-bridal/attCategory-ER/attStyle-DOUBLE_HALO/page-1/attDivision-BTBR-GBBR

Regular halos
https://eshop.gabrielny.com/products-bridal/attCategory-ER/attDivision-BTBR-GBBR/page-1/attStyle-HALO

If you see a halo you like with a round in it you can ask if they can make it for a more square stone (princess, radiant, cushion...)

Edit ...if you want a well made quality double halo you could contact Victor Canera. A setting like that will probably be $5k
without a center stone.
https://www.victorcanera.com/rings/engagement/the-anne-marie-cushion-dual-halo-split-shank
or
http://www.stevenkirsch.com/engagement/halo.html again, probably more like $5k for setting alone.

James Allen and gabriel & co would be decent quality at decent price.

 

[121940kz]

If you see a halo you like with a round in it you can ask if they can make it for a more square stone (princess, radiant, cushion...)

Yeah actually I am thinking of now doing a larger center stone, possibly cushion cut because it's a nice balance of round and square, and then only 1 halo. b2cjewels.com has some good priced diamonds

Now that I am aware of this stuff, I am glad I didn't get ripped off at Kay's!!

 

[Texas Leaguer]

Hello all,

I have heard pricescope is the place to get answers! I've been searching around and really like the discussions here. My gf and I have picked out her ring, and we both love it. It is this one from Kay's http://www.kay.com/en/kaystore/diamonds---gemstones/neil-lane-engagement-ring-2-ct-tw-diamonds-14k-white-gold-94023261699--1/100020/100020.100023.100051....

However, i have some concerns with it. First of all, the price, i know they will come down to at least $7,900, however i still think that is quite inflated because of their name brand. It is also only of I1 and I clarity/quality which is also concerning for the price. So i have started to look around and found this company on eBay, and then ultimately found their website. They are a wholesaler out of NYC. I was wondering if anyone has heard of them? "Watch my Diamonds". The ring looks basically identical to the Neil Lane one above, however it is $3k less. It is also a VS2 and F quality and clarity!!

http://www.watchmydiamonds.com/2-row-halo-diamond-engagement-ring-2-20ct-princess-cut-micro-pave-in-14k-gold.html

So anyway, does anyone have any objections with this wholesaler website, and does it seem legit? I dont see any major differences between the two rings. I was hoping someone that know MUCH more than I could shed some light on this.

This is the ebay link i first found before finding their website. The phone numbers are the same, so they are the same company. Plus it's the exact same ring and same price.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/2-Row-Halo-Diamond-Engagement-Ring-2-20-Ct-Princess-Cut-Micro-Pave-in-14K-Gold-/111493844554?hash=item19f58d0e4a:g:CyEAAMXQNo5Tan4m


Thanks alot, i value anyone's opinion! Happy Thanksgiving

You have a healthy budget which would enable you to get a 1ct center in a solid quality with a certificate from a top tier lab, along with a well made (or even designer brand) ring in the style you are looking at. If you have a little patience with the process you will have a great outcome for your forever ring!

 

[Niel]

as always ill advise not to buy from kays.

I think this setting sold by Ja is fabulously well made and proportionate. and 25% off that price is actually quote a lot of money (over 1k off in platinum)

yes. it fits a cushion, not a princess. But a double princess halo will look very...pointy. A square cushion will give you basically the same look but more current, less fluid, and more flattering. plus, the shape of the inspiration is a princess in a cushion halo.



heres a cushion im a fan of.

http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/cushion-cut/1.02-carat-h-color-vs1-clarity-sku-671092

http://www.jamesallen.com/engagement-rings/designer-engagement-rings/platinum-pave-double-halo-engagement-ring-with-pave-split-shank-design-item-17345

im aware it doesnt have diamonds on the sides, but as thats just the sides, its something to consider giving up in order to meet your budget and get the quality youre after.

 

[121940kz]

I'm starting to like a 2ct cushion center with only 1 halo around it. I have built several online and was able to stay within my budget.

Now I need to see different colors and clarities in person so we can determine what we can and can't get away with, and still have it look great.

 

[tyty333]

If you see a halo you like with a round in it you can ask if they can make it for a more square stone (princess, radiant, cushion...)

Yeah actually I am thinking of now doing a larger center stone, possibly cushion cut because it's a nice balance of round and square, and then only 1 halo. b2cjewels.com has some good priced diamonds

Now that I am aware of this stuff, I am glad I didn't get ripped off at Kay's!!

Yes, b2cjewels is reputable. Cushion cuts are not easy to pick. You need to see pictures as well as an aset image to check on
light return. Look for crisp, clear, well-focused facets under the table. If you see a lot of grayish undefined area it's not going
to reflect light well (we call these areas "mush").

There is a long thread that gives lots of info on the different cushion types (there are several...you'll want to see which one
"speaks" to your taste). It also gives lots of info on having a cushion halo made. I think they go the custom route which probably
is going to be over the top end of your budget but still worth a read.

[URL='https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/cushion-101-my-experience-in-making-a-harry-winston-halo.183473/']https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/cushion-101-my-experience-in-making-a-harry-winston-halo.183473/[/URL]

 

[tyty333]

I'm starting to like a 2ct cushion center with only 1 halo around it. I have built several online and was able to stay within my budget.

Now I need to see different colors and clarities in person so we can determine what we can and can't get away with, and still have it look great.

What is your budget? A nice 2 carat cushion will be over $10k. I think with your budget (around $8k?) you are more in the 1.4ish
or lower and that's with a halo that is only $2k.

Also, seeing cushions in person is a great idea. They are difficult to find in local stores and you need to be looking at GIA/AGS
certified or the colors/clarities can be way off.

Edit...this might be a nice one in your budget. I'm not finding that many nice ones right now.
http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/cushion-cut/1.31-carat-i-color-vs1-clarity-sku-724126
http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/cushion-cut/1.20-carat-i-color-si1-clarity-sku-597667
http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/cushion-cut/1.20-carat-g-color-vs1-clarity-sku-660418
http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/cushion-cut/1.20-carat-i-color-vs1-clarity-sku-671049
http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/cushion-cut/1.20-carat-i-color-vs1-clarity-sku-602932
GOG
http://www.goodoldgold.com/ecommerce/1-3-ct-i-vs2-signature-modern-cut-cushion-cushion-diamond.html

 

[121940kz]

I'm starting to like a 2ct cushion center with only 1 halo around it. I have built several online and was able to stay within my budget.

Now I need to see different colors and clarities in person so we can determine what we can and can't get away with, and still have it look great.

What is your budget? A nice 2 carat cushion will be over $10k. I think with your budget (around $8k?) you are more in the 1.4ish
or lower and that's with a halo that is only $2k.

Also, seeing cushions in person is a great idea. They are difficult to find in local stores and you need to be looking at GIA/AGS
certified or the colors/clarities can be way off.

Budget is no more than 10. I have found some 2ct cushions on b2cjewels that were 8k. But now I really need to see in person, the difference between H, I, and J colors.

 

[Niel]

I'm starting to like a 2ct cushion center with only 1 halo around it. I have built several online and was able to stay within my budget.

Now I need to see different colors and clarities in person so we can determine what we can and can't get away with, and still have it look great.

What is your budget? A nice 2 carat cushion will be over $10k. I think with your budget (around $8k?) you are more in the 1.4ish
or lower and that's with a halo that is only $2k.

Also, seeing cushions in person is a great idea. They are difficult to find in local stores and you need to be looking at GIA/AGS
certified or the colors/clarities can be way off.

Budget is no more than 10. I have found some 2ct cushions on b2cjewels that were 8k. But now I really need to see in person, the difference between H, I, and J colors.

You can find 8k cushions but they won't be well cut, I suspect. Do you have photos

 

[tyty333]

I think it will be difficult to find a decent 2 carat for $8k. If you dont know what to look for chances are you are not picking out
decent cushions. It is not easy to pick out good ones.

My opinion...but I hope you can check GIA/AGS cushions out for yourself, I probably wouldn't go any lower than an "I" with a halo
and that is only because you are trying to maximize size. If you werent trying to maximize size, I would probably advise to stick
to an H or higher (but again, my opinion and my color tolerances).

Plus the other thing about checking out cushions is hopefully you can look at ones that have good light return. Ones that have bad
light return are going to show a lot more of their color. An I colored stone that is returning a lot of light can look a lot lighter then
you think. It's only when you look at the pavilion angle you see the color (your pavilion will be covered by the halo so no worries
there).

 

[121940kz]

I'm starting to like a 2ct cushion center with only 1 halo around it. I have built several online and was able to stay within my budget.

Now I need to see different colors and clarities in person so we can determine what we can and can't get away with, and still have it look great.

What is your budget? A nice 2 carat cushion will be over $10k. I think with your budget (around $8k?) you are more in the 1.4ish
or lower and that's with a halo that is only $2k.

Also, seeing cushions in person is a great idea. They are difficult to find in local stores and you need to be looking at GIA/AGS
certified or the colors/clarities can be way off.

Budget is no more than 10. I have found some 2ct cushions on b2cjewels that were 8k. But now I really need to see in person, the difference between H, I, and J colors.

You can find 8k cushions but they won't be well cut, I suspect. Do you have photos

http://www.b2cjewels.com/dd-7674497-2.02-carat-Cushion-diamond-J-color-SI1-clarity.aspx

http://www.b2cjewels.com/dd-7681601-2.20-carat-Cushion-diamond-J-color-SI2-clarity.aspx

http://www.b2cjewels.com/dd-7674716-2.01-carat-Cushion-diamond-G-color-SI2-clarity.aspx

http://www.b2cjewels.com/dd-7678405-2.00-carat-Cushion-diamond-H-color-SI1-clarity.aspx

I'm not sure if any of these spots on them would be notice by the naked eye or not. Not sure if they would sparkle in the light either

 

[Niel]

I'm starting to like a 2ct cushion center with only 1 halo around it. I have built several online and was able to stay within my budget.

Now I need to see different colors and clarities in person so we can determine what we can and can't get away with, and still have it look great.

What is your budget? A nice 2 carat cushion will be over $10k. I think with your budget (around $8k?) you are more in the 1.4ish
or lower and that's with a halo that is only $2k.

Also, seeing cushions in person is a great idea. They are difficult to find in local stores and you need to be looking at GIA/AGS
certified or the colors/clarities can be way off.

Budget is no more than 10. I have found some 2ct cushions on b2cjewels that were 8k. But now I really need to see in person, the difference between H, I, and J colors.

You can find 8k cushions but they won't be well cut, I suspect. Do you have photos

http://www.b2cjewels.com/dd-7674497-2.02-carat-Cushion-diamond-J-color-SI1-clarity.aspx

http://www.b2cjewels.com/dd-7681601-2.20-carat-Cushion-diamond-J-color-SI2-clarity.aspx

http://www.b2cjewels.com/dd-7674716-2.01-carat-Cushion-diamond-G-color-SI2-clarity.aspx

http://www.b2cjewels.com/dd-7678405-2.00-carat-Cushion-diamond-H-color-SI1-clarity.aspx

I'm not sure if any of these spots on them would be notice by the naked eye or not. Not sure if they would sparkle in the light either

I wouldn't buy a j in that cut, and the last two aren't well cut.