Looking for a Legacy replica for a $5K budget. Need some help/advice.

[The Dynasty]

Hi All,

I hope all is well. I''m new to these boards, but I''ve been roaming on and off since January. I''ve learned a lot in the meantime, but D-day is fast approaching. I intend on proposing to my gf this summer around July. Thus, I''m looking for a ring. She''s in llve with the Tiffany Legacy, but I can''t afford one that''d look halfway decent, especially considering that we own a home together. After looking at my finances, I have come to the conclusion that I can budget no more than $5K on a ring. I''ve been looking at Excel Diamonds and I''ve heard good things about it. Here''s what I''m looking at.

Setting style: Tiffany Legacy
Metal: Platinum
Size: 1+ ct

I just want to maximize my investment. Now I know I have to actually see the diamond in person, but I wanted to get a feel from you guys if you think its even worth it.

Thanks in advance, and God Bless.

The Dynasty

 

[E B]

Getting a 1 ct. cushion with a great cut in a platinum legacy setting for $5k or under is going to be tricky. If I were you, I''d look more for something in the .80-.90 ct range for the center stone. The halo will boost the size quite a bit.

 

[The Dynasty]

EBree,

I appreciate your reply. Thanks. Just for some more background, I actually went on Excel''s site and used a Diamond "Filter". First I filtered the diamond by price (max price for the diamond was $3K, as the setting was $1.9K). I then filtered all signature ideal cuts. I then narrowed my search out to all diamonds 1 ct and up. I then narrowed down my color to "I" and better, and clarity to VS2 and better, and was able to find some rings.

http://www.exceldiamonds.com/add_diamond.php?p=1544&sh=145

I think its possible. But then again, I need to see these diamonds in person.

 

[E B]

You're absolutely right about needing to see a fancy cut in person. Are you in NYC? I like Excel's Legacy-style setting.

If it helps, back when I was searching for a cushion, my CS rep at Whiteflash told me to keep an eye out for the following specs for a (likely) beautiful cushion:

Depth: 58 - 63%
Table: 54 - 62%

Maybe this could help you narrow down the choices further? You might also consider SI1s, as long as they're eye-clean. I've only ever had SI1 center stones and they've always been incredibly clean.

 

[The Dynasty]

Great info BRee. Thanks so much. I''m in Fairfield County, CT. So I''m close. I haven''t looked through all of the diamonds yet, but those depth/table ranges seem tough to find. I''ll keep looking.

 

[E B]

Date: 5/11/2009 1:08:42 PM
Author: The Dynasty
Great info BRee. Thanks so much. I'm in Fairfield County, CT. So I'm close. I haven't looked through all of the diamonds yet, but those depth/table ranges seem tough to find. I'll keep looking.

Tough to find, but worth it. I found a couple in your budget, but they're in the .80 ct range (which is still a great size, especially haloed). I'm sure there are plenty of nice cushions with numbers outside of those specs, and the vendors should be able to tell you more about how those perform.

One more thing to keep in mind: make sure to specify a square cushion. Some are rectangular, which isn't really the Legacy look.

 

[The Dynasty]

Wow. Didn''t even think about that until now. Thanks again.

With these cushions, what color do you consider to be the floor? Like the minimum.

 

[SB_Gary]

Hey Dynasty,

I am in the same boat as you. I am looking for a Legacy Inspired ring for my girlfriend and have been doing a lot of research for the last couple months. I am planning to go with Excel as I have heard very good things about them and so far they have been great in answering any questions I''ve had in a timely fashion. While my budget it a little bit less than yours (Only 3K), I have found what I think to be a great deal. I am planning to get a round brilliant in the .70 ct range and think that it will look great (and big) with the halo around it.

I hope that you post pictures when you get the ring and she says yes! I know I will be posting some of the one I get my girlfriend.

Good Luck!

Gary

 

[The Dynasty]

I''m pretty sure she''ll say yes. We''ve also been together for 8 years, haha.

 

[diamondseeker2006]

Well, I''d say it''s about time!

I''d go straight to Good Old Gold and get a diamond. They carry excellent cut cushions (several different square styles) and can source one for you if they don''t have what you need in stock. The others are right that you aren''t likely to get a good 1 ct. stone for $3000, so I''d definitely be looking at .75-.90

 

[diamondseeker2006]

A very nice square one for a Legacy setting:

http://www.goodoldgold.com/diamond/5674/

 

[Gypsy]

Date: 5/11/2009 7:00:27 PM
Author: diamondseeker2006
A very nice square one for a Legacy setting:

http://www.goodoldgold.com/diamond/5674/

Okay, that is flat out stunning.

Someone better jump on that beauty!


GOG carries the Princess Grace setting by Vatche, which is Legacy inspired and can be ordered for a cushion. I'd ask them if they can total package it for you with this cushion for your budget. I'd rather have a Vatche setting personally.

 

[diamondseeker2006]

Date: 5/11/2009 7:04:37 PM
Author: Gypsy

Date: 5/11/2009 7:00:27 PM
Author: diamondseeker2006
A very nice square one for a Legacy setting:

http://www.goodoldgold.com/diamond/5674/

Okay, that is flat out stunning.

Someone better jump on that beauty!


GOG carries the Princess Grace setting by Vatche, which is Legacy inspired and can be ordered for a cushion. I''d ask them if they can total package it for you with this cushion for your budget. I''d rather have a Vatche setting personally.

Gypsy, I forgot about that Vatche setting, but I agree it would be an outstanding choice! It might all run a little over-budget, but I think it would be worth it.

 

[The Dynasty]

Diamondseeker and Gypsy,

I truly appreciate the insights. Quick comment and question. The Vatche setting is beautiful, but I think Excel''s setting more mirrors the Legacy. Also, is there really a difference between diamonds at GOG and Excel? Through Excel''s site, I am able to do a bit more filtering and "give and take" in terms of quality.

 

[DiamondFlame]

It''s really hard to judge a cushion''s quality purely on vendor-assigned descriptives e.g. ''ideal'' or ''excellent'' or ''signature''. At the very least you need to look at the picture and ASET image of the cushion you''re considering. The last thing you want would be a poorly cut 1 carat.

 

[Gypsy]

The biggest difference between the Grace and the Excel setting is that the grace has the stone prong set and the Excel has the stone bezel set. I personally prefer the look of a prong set diamond with the setting, so I would do with the Grace. Of course if you prefer the Excel setting, it''s a personal choice.

But for the center diamond, I would absolutely and unequivocally would go with GOG, and more specificially for THAT exact diamond. It is stunning.

 

[mrssalvo]

that GOG diamond is amazing!!! I would grab that in a heartbeat no matter which setting you choose.

 

[bowral1]

Dynasty you are were I was about a month ago. My boyfriend and I just purchased my engagement ring from Excel. I should get it in about a week (maybe less!). I can post pics if you like? I made sure to get as close to the L/W ratio of a 1.0-1.08 . . . Ditto what EBree said.

In addition check the depth and table if the cushion has a high depth say over 70% then it wont look as big because the diamond is deep, also be careful of shallow cushions.

I have been working with Judah from excel and he has been really helpful and responsive. I have been waiting to write a full review until I see the diamond and have it appraised. Judah can send you the ASET pics, 10X magnification, and GIA certificate on any of the diamonds you are interested in. He sent me a couple so I could see the difference for myself and judge. He also responds to questions usually within the hour!

I got the Halo setting which is just like the mill grain only (you are intresteed in) without the edging. I think you can see the side diamonds better with the Halo setting.

http://www.exceldiamonds.com/-Engagement-Rings-5/Diamond-Accent-Engagement-Rings-12/Inspired-by-Tiffany-Halo-Engagement-Ring-J6407-1344.html

Check it out they do cushions on the Halo too. There are 36 pics in all with some nice looking radiant cut Tiffany legacys replicas. I like the Halo/Mill Grain because I don’t want my diamond sticking up because I know I would get it caught on something.

One more thing we went with white gold that will save you about $400. The setting you said was $1,900 you can get it at about $1,500 if you go with White Gold. Platinum tends to scratch. Although it’s a personal preference.

I have a ton more info so please just ask . . .

Melissa

 

[SB_Gary]

Melissa if you could post pictures of your ring that would be so great. I am very close to purchasing this exact same style for my girlfriend and would love to see what an actual ring from Excel looks like. I am in California so it is not possible for me to make it out to NY and go to the show room.

I am planning on getting white gold as well because I figure I can add size and quality to the diamond for that $500 rather than get platinum. That is what my girlfriend wants too. What size diamond did you get? I am looking in the .70-.80 range. I know that the halo diamonds will make the ring look bigger than it is. My girlfriend also prefers the milgrain look because she thinks it looks more "antique". I can''t wait to see your pictures.

Congratulations!!!


Gary