Find your diamond
Find your jewelry
shape
carat
color
clarity

Looking for a little assistance

C

CodyJPhoto

Rough_Rock
Joined
Mar 7, 2014
Messages
25
I had every intention to walk into a jewellery store and buy a ring and call it a day. Then BlueNile, WF, and others gets dropped and suddenly I feel like there's more options out there. The only problem? I am taking my beautiful gf to NYC at the beginning of April and I don't have much time.

My budget is $4,000 to $6,000. Ideally I would like a band that's very small/dainty and doesn't point out to far, but I have a hard time kind of wrapping my head around them. She's said that she doesn't like that style of bands that come up really high that end up being caught on things, and she's also shown me an oval/halo combination she really liked.

Ideally, I'm looking for at least 1.0 Ct, with a really nice cut that makes the ring 'bling' - She's not very colour sensitive so I think we could go down to J no problem, and I'd like the ring to be eye clean.

Any recommendations, thoughts? I have checked out the HCA tool, but I'm still not sure what I should be looking for when that scores a diamond. Am I out of my price range?
 
You might consider setting the diamond in a traditional solitaire style setting to maximize the amount of money you can spend on the diamond, because most halo settings of any substance and production quality start out around $2k and many are $3-4k

You also need to decide whether your focus is light return / visual performance / sparkle factor, or carat weight... does the diamond need to be "eye clean" or can there be a few inclusions which are detectable without magnification? Because with a budget of 4-6k something is going to have to give if you're wanting to get close to a carat, and it will likely have to be more than color if diamond cut quality and the resulting visual performance is a desired factor.

Note that as a trade member, I can't recommend specific diamonds on the forum, but I can provide you with these points to consider and there are plenty of non-trade members who possess the knowledge and skill to help you find some options to consider once you have provided more insight for them to take into account. Happy hunting!
 
Todd Gray|1394219696|3629431 said:
You might consider setting the diamond in a traditional solitaire style setting to maximize the amount of money you can spend on the diamond, because most halo settings of any substance and production quality start out around $2k and many are $3-4k

You also need to decide whether your focus is light return / visual performance / sparkle factor, or carat weight... does the diamond need to be "eye clean" or can there be a few inclusions which are detectable without magnification? Because with a budget of 4-6k something is going to have to give if you're wanting to get close to a carat, and it will likely have to be more than color if diamond cut quality and the resulting visual performance is a desired factor.

Note that as a trade member, I can't recommend specific diamonds on the forum, but I can provide you with these points to consider and there are plenty of non-trade members who possess the knowledge and skill to help you find some options to consider once you have provided more insight for them to take into account. Happy hunting!
Click to expand...

Hi Todd!

Thanks for your help :)

I am most likely going to go for a simple small solitaire band, if she's wants something more intricate we can change later, so I'm okay with $250-$500 on the band and the rest on the diamond.

I more or less want it to shine bright, and have a 'wow' factor on her hand. I'd prefer not to see anything dirty in the diamond but if it's from the side I wouldn't care too much, more just top down.
 
Gypsy|1394223583|3629498 said:
What I'd buy: http://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-3061792.htm put on hold ASAP.

Stretching the budget a bit: http://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-2805424.htm
Click to expand...

Any reason you'd recommend the first one so much? How much of a difference is there in the HA diamonds vs an ideal cut we'll say at Bluenile or something like this:

http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/1.01-carat-i-color-si1-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-285752
 
No. I thought you wanted a hearts and arrows stone. I personally don't need them.

The stone you posted: http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/1.01-carat-i-color-si1-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-285752 is a great choice in terms of cut. The HCA score is under 2. If it's eyeclean and JA can get you an idealscope image, then I think you are good to go. But I do not think this one is going to be eyeclean and I suspect that's why the price is what it is.

Pick 2 more out with good HCA scores and ask JA for the gemologist to examine them and to get you idealscope images of them all . :wavey: https://www.pricescope.com/tools/hca

Also pay attention to the dimensions. The one you linked to is 6.4 mm. The one I liked at WF is 6.3. Not a visual difference. Plus I like the WF settings better.
 
 
CodyJPhoto|1394224184|3629510 said:
Any reason you'd recommend the first one so much? How much of a difference is there in the HA diamonds vs an ideal cut we'll say at Bluenile or something like this:
Click to expand...

Lots of threads to be found here on PS regarding the difference between ideal cut diamonds and those which exhibit crisp and complete patterns of hearts and arrows... the thing to realize is that the ideal cut proportions rating is based upon a range of measurements; and as such there is a center region which many of use consider to be "the sweet spot" in terms of delivering higher levels of light return, and then there are the outer edges.

The degree of optical symmetry required to produce a crisp and complete pattern of hearts and arrows, is also a contributing factor of light return and sparkle, and you can find more on this subject here on the forum also.

The only way to be able to judge the optical symmetry of a diamond, and judge factors such as light leakage, brightness, consistency of light return, etc., is through the use of various reflector scopes, which some online vendors provide and others do not... but then you need to know how to interpret those images, e.g. be able to recognize signs of digging along the outer edge of a diamond in an ideal scope or ASET image; be able to detect signs of light leakage within the table facet, using the same images, etc., because otherwise you're just looking at a bunch of images and assuming that an "ideal cut diamond" is cut well simply because the vendor has provided you with a few pictures and a lab report which indicates that it is... the lab report is only a small piece of the puzzle.

Suffice to say that not all ideal cut diamonds are created equal, just as not all diamonds marketed as being "hearts and arrows" would be considered Hearts & Arrows by those of us who specialize in that niche region of the industry.
 
tyty333|1394225720|3629536 said:
And just because she showed you some ovals in halos I'm going to throw a few out there. I think you can afford to put them in
halos...they are lower color colors

http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/oval-cut/1.01-carat-j-color-vs1-clarity-sku-263587
http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/oval-cut/1.01-carat-j-color-vs2-clarity-sku-271363
http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/oval-cut/1.00-carat-k-color-vs2-clarity-sku-40050

put in this setting (made for oval)
http://www.jamesallen.com/engagement-rings/halo/14k-white-gold-0.29ctw-halo-pave-set-diamond-engagement-ring-item-18295
or
http://www.jamesallen.com/engagement-rings/halo/14k-white-gold-pave-halo-engagement-ring-round-center-item-18301

they actually have lots of other settings that would also be in your budget.
Click to expand...

Ohh thanks for all those suggestions!

What do you guys think of this one: http://www.bluenile.com/ca/diamond-search?pt=setform&track=NavDiaSeaRD#diamonds_pid=LD04028269 ? It scored below a 2 in the HCA I believe. Any thoughts? Seems like a good price.
 
Gypsy|1394225143|3629529 said:
No. I thought you wanted a hearts and arrows stone. I personally don't need them.

The stone you posted: http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/1.01-carat-i-color-si1-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-285752 is a great choice in terms of cut. The HCA score is under 2. If it's eyeclean and JA can get you an idealscope image, then I think you are good to go. But I do not think this one is going to be eyeclean and I suspect that's why the price is what it is.

Pick 2 more out with good HCA scores and ask JA for the gemologist to examine them and to get you idealscope images of them all . :wavey: https://www.pricescope.com/tools/hca

Also pay attention to the dimensions. The one you linked to is 6.4 mm. The one I liked at WF is 6.3. Not a visual difference. Plus I like the WF settings better.
Click to expand...

I'm discussing with them what they can deliver on those. Thank you!!
 
CodyJPhoto|1394227093|3629553 said:
tyty333|1394225720|3629536 said:
And just because she showed you some ovals in halos I'm going to throw a few out there. I think you can afford to put them in
halos...they are lower color colors

http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/oval-cut/1.01-carat-j-color-vs1-clarity-sku-263587
http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/oval-cut/1.01-carat-j-color-vs2-clarity-sku-271363
http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/oval-cut/1.00-carat-k-color-vs2-clarity-sku-40050

put in this setting (made for oval)
http://www.jamesallen.com/engagement-rings/halo/14k-white-gold-0.29ctw-halo-pave-set-diamond-engagement-ring-item-18295
or
http://www.jamesallen.com/engagement-rings/halo/14k-white-gold-pave-halo-engagement-ring-round-center-item-18301

they actually have lots of other settings that would also be in your budget.
Click to expand...

Ohh thanks for all those suggestions!

What do you guys think of this one: http://www.bluenile.com/ca/diamond-search?pt=setform&track=NavDiaSeaRD#diamonds_pid=LD04028269 ? It scored below a 2 in the HCA I believe. Any thoughts? Seems like a good price.
Click to expand...

If anyone is wondering I did check up on the fluorescence "Usually fluorescence is not a concern. The GIA did a study and found that 99.8% of all diamonds from medium to extremely strong had no negative impact from fluorescence in normal lighting conditions. So less than 0.2% of those with more fluorescence showed to have a some type of negative effect.
We have had this diamond checked by our vendor, and I can can confirm that there is no negative impact, the diamond does not appear milky in sunlight due to the fluorescence."
 
Todd Gray|1394226879|3629551 said:
CodyJPhoto|1394224184|3629510 said:
Any reason you'd recommend the first one so much? How much of a difference is there in the HA diamonds vs an ideal cut we'll say at Bluenile or something like this:
Click to expand...

Lots of threads to be found here on PS regarding the difference between ideal cut diamonds and those which exhibit crisp and complete patterns of hearts and arrows... the thing to realize is that the ideal cut proportions rating is based upon a range of measurements; and as such there is a center region which many of use consider to be "the sweet spot" in terms of delivering higher levels of light return, and then there are the outer edges.

The degree of optical symmetry required to produce a crisp and complete pattern of hearts and arrows, is also a contributing factor of light return and sparkle, and you can find more on this subject here on the forum also.

The only way to be able to judge the optical symmetry of a diamond, and judge factors such as light leakage, brightness, consistency of light return, etc., is through the use of various reflector scopes, which some online vendors provide and others do not... but then you need to know how to interpret those images, e.g. be able to recognize signs of digging along the outer edge of a diamond in an ideal scope or ASET image; be able to detect signs of light leakage within the table facet, using the same images, etc., because otherwise you're just looking at a bunch of images and assuming that an "ideal cut diamond" is cut well simply because the vendor has provided you with a few pictures and a lab report which indicates that it is... the lab report is only a small piece of the puzzle.

Suffice to say that not all ideal cut diamonds are created equal, just as not all diamonds marketed as being "hearts and arrows" would be considered Hearts & Arrows by those of us who specialize in that niche region of the industry.
Click to expand...


Very good information, thanks Todd, I'll definitely read up a bit more on this.
 
CodyJPhoto|1394217897|3629413 said:
She's said that she doesn't like that style of bands that come up really high that end up being caught on things, and she's also shown me an oval/halo combination she really liked.
Click to expand...

I don't mean to have you put in a ton more work, but this is the road I'd be traveling down unless she told you she wants a traditional round solitaire.
 
I agree. If she wants an oval , let's give her that! Ovals cost less per carat than rounds and you can get her a nicer larger stone in budget for you!

http://goodoldgold.com/diamond/11794/ GORGEOUS OVAL. $5,559.00 5.42mm x 7.76mm NICE sized stone! And A GORGEOUS performer (great ASET for an oval).

And GOG can order this setting for you: http://www.stuller.com/products/122118/9143506/?groupId=119127 Gorgeous solitaire that is not high and fits what she wanted.

And then you can upgrade the setting to a halo down the road if that's what she decides.

THIS is what I'd buy now that you know what she wants.
 
E B|1394237393|3629650 said:
CodyJPhoto|1394217897|3629413 said:
She's said that she doesn't like that style of bands that come up really high that end up being caught on things, and she's also shown me an oval/halo combination she really liked.
Click to expand...

I don't mean to have you put in a ton more work, but this is the road I'd be traveling down unless she told you she wants a traditional round solitaire.
Click to expand...

Really can't thank you enough for mentioning that again and getting it through my thick head :) As mentioned below, I thought she was open to more styles as previously she had shown interest in a small band with a round diamond, but she was completely heart set on oval now and I'm glad it came out before I pulled the trigger on the 1.10 CT I was heavily contemplating! :) Thanks!

Okay guys, I've had some more discussions with her, I'm trying to keep this on the down low as much as possible, I thought for sure she was open to either styles, but basically in looking today her heart was dead set on the oval style with a band that has the halo.

http://www.kijiji.ca/v-jewelry-watch/calgary/platinum-tacori-engagement-ring-and-wedding-band/571330204?enableSearchNavigationFlag=true - This is essentially what she's looking for.

One of the jewelers mentioned that oval diamonds can have a bow tie effect, how would I avoid this on sight unseen diamodns? Is there an HCA tool or something equivalent for oval diamonds?

This means on Bluenile, I'm more or less having to stick with this: http://www.bluenile.com/ca/oval-shaped-halo-diamond-engagement-ring_41118 style of ring, but that eats a huge chunk of my budget up!

Any thoughts on these: http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/oval-cut/?CaratFrom=0.95&CaratTo=1.67&Color=J,I,H,G,D,F,E&Clarity=SI1,VS2,VS1,VVS2,VVS1&PriceFrom=400&PriceTo=4270&Sort=Price%20asc,%20DefaultOrder&TabSelected=3&advancedParameter=Lab&showAdvanced=show&DiamondID=285969,276772,259145,276020&Polish=EX,ID&Symmetry=EX,ID,VG&Lab=&Flour=&DepthFrom=45.0&DepthTo=80.0&TableFrom=50.0&TableTo=83.0

or

http://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/compare.aspx?idnos=3055845,2951919

Whiteflash seems to have pretty pricey selection for a halo ring setting, james allen has this one: http://www.jamesallen.com/engagement-rings/halo/14k-white-gold-pave-halo-and-shank-diamond-engagement-ring-oval-center-item-17437 which seems really reasonable, although she did mention that she wanted the diamond spacing on the halo to be tight, which this one seems slightly spread out.
 
OK. Did you ask her if you can get her an oval solitaire now, and upgrade the setting later?

Because this is still a gorgeous option: http://goodoldgold.com/diamond/11794/ and it's a beautiful oval.






Another option:

Good Old Gold can order this in for you for an oval and match the price : http://www.elizabetajewelry.com/products/beverley-k-diamond-engagement-ring-semi-mount-center-stone-not-included-number-9024-slash-65 1,600 for the setting.

And a smaller diamond. GOG can search for a nice oval for that setting for you.
 
I'd really like to buy from a place that has the diamond and setting all in one shot though. Did you see the diamonds I linked for comparison purposes.
 
I don't think you are understanding what I am saying. You can get it all at one place: Good Old Gold.

Good Old Gold is our best vendor for ovals. They find the best one. They already have this winner in stock: http://www.elizabetajewelry.com/products/beverley-k-diamond-engagement-ring-semi-mount-center-stone-not-included-number-9024-slash-65 And if you want one that costs less then they can find one for you.

And they carry MANY different line of settings, including many halos.

They carry Beverly K.
And that means they can order THIS SETTING for you, for an oval : http://www.elizabetajewelry.com/products/beverley-k-diamond-engagement-ring-semi-mount-center-stone-not-included-number-9024-slash-65 AND they can match the price for you.

Price: $1,564.00 USD and that's for a great quality setting that will last.

That Beverly K is much closer to the Tacori style halo that she wants than the James Allen ones. Tacori halos are vintage style and so is Beverly K. And it has the same feel as the Tacori.
 
Gypsy|1394318163|3630160 said:
I don't think you are understanding what I am saying. You can get it all at one place: Good Old Gold.

Good Old Gold is our best vendor for ovals. They find the best one. They already have this winner in stock: http://www.elizabetajewelry.com/products/beverley-k-diamond-engagement-ring-semi-mount-center-stone-not-included-number-9024-slash-65 And if you want one that costs less then they can find one for you.

And they carry MANY different line of settings, including many halos.

They carry Beverly K.
And that means they can order THIS SETTING for you, for an oval : http://www.elizabetajewelry.com/products/beverley-k-diamond-engagement-ring-semi-mount-center-stone-not-included-number-9024-slash-65 AND they can match the price for you.

Price: $1,564.00 USD and that's for a great quality setting that will last.

That Beverly K is much closer to the Tacori style halo that she wants than the James Allen ones. Tacori halos are vintage style and so is Beverly K. And it has the same feel as the Tacori.
Click to expand...


My apologies I see what you're saying now. I do like that setting too... I think I'll have to find a less expensive diamond though with a $1500 setting I'm more In the $4000 range
 
CodyJPhoto|1394325672|3630217 said:
My apologies I see what you're saying now. I do like that setting too... I think I'll have to find a less expensive diamond though with a $1500 setting I'm more In the $4000 range
Click to expand...

They can call some in and provide a video comparison. If you're going to be haloing it I would personally keep it at H and above, eye-clean SI2 and above, ~.90ct+? There should be options for ~$4000. Just call and let them know what you're looking for.
 
E B|1394326181|3630220 said:
CodyJPhoto|1394325672|3630217 said:
My apologies I see what you're saying now. I do like that setting too... I think I'll have to find a less expensive diamond though with a $1500 setting I'm more In the $4000 range
Click to expand...

They can call some in and provide a video comparison. If you're going to be haloing it I would personally keep it at H and above, eye-clean SI2 and above, ~.90ct+? There should be options for ~$4000. Just call and let them know what you're looking for.
Click to expand...

Do you think they'd be able to deliver by March 30th?
 
If you start the process tomorrrow, yes. Just make sure you tell them you need the ring in hand by that date!
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
GET 3 FREE HCA RESULTS JOIN THE FORUM. ASK FOR HELP
Jewelry Blog
PriceScope-Concierge-Ad
Find prime cuts.
Top