Looking for a marquise cut diamond

[newbienyc]

Hello!

Would love to find the best looking Marquise cut diamond, lots of sparkles & it has to be symmetric (I've seen some that are a bit lop-sided in a setting and the two pointy ends don't line up...)

I only care about how good the stone looks (i.e. the numbers/4Cs don't matter to me on its own), and looking for just under a carat.

Would love to have it set in a side-stone setting with floating-look round diamonds on the side (doesn't have to be all the way around).

My vision of the ring is a curiously beautiful petite sparkly diamond ring that when you look at closely (i.e. still just human eyes looking at the finger) it's dancing with sparkles and likely to be the most beautiful thing anyone has ever seen!

Budget is around $5000-$8000 for the complete ring. Ring size is 4.5.

Thank you in advance for your help

 

[Niel]

What type of setting are you considering?


here are a few i like, of the two i prefer the H

http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/marquise-cut/1.07-carat-e-color-si1-clarity-sku-362167

http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/marquise-cut/1.18-carat-h-color-si1-clarity-sku-355540

there is a guy on here right now who has 2 diamonds on hold,

this
http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/marquise-cut/1.02-carat-f-color-si1-clarity-sku-326567
and this
http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/marquise-cut/1.20-carat-g-color-si2-clarity-sku-328319

From what it sounds like he is going to pick the 1.2, but he is having both of them shipped to him for review. I would ask JA to put a hold for you on whichever he returns. If the 1.02 becomes available, it becomes my new favorite (i believe both of those stones are under 5500)

 

[drk14]

Here are a few that I think have potential:

This one has a nice L/W ratio, symmetry, and nice scintillation, but need to confirm that it is eye-clean (i.e., that the inclusion in the table is not visible to the naked eye):
http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/marquise-cut/0.96-carat-e-color-si1-clarity-sku-324126

This one, because your vision for the diamond sounds to me like a preference for a large number of "pinpointy" flashes in the scintillation pattern:
http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/marquise-cut/0.85-carat-d-color-vs1-clarity-sku-324168

Of Niel's two picks, I prefer the E, because I think it will have more scintillation in the points, and I don't mind the more slender L/W ratio. And if that 1.02ct F is released from hold, I agree that you should consider that one as well.


P.S. For the setting, it sounds like you are envisioning something clean, classic and beautiful. If that is accurate, my recommendation would be to get tapered baguette sides for the marquise.

 

[newbienyc]

Thank you so much for your super quick responses! You guys are awesome.

I am thinking of this setting, will this give that 'floaty' diamond band look?

http://www.jamesallen.com/engagement-rings/side-stones/platinum-common-prong-six-round-diamond-engagement-ring-item-1518

Or this, for the dainty sparkly diamond look:

http://www.jamesallen.com/engagement-rings/side-stones/platinum-common-prong-diamond-engagement-ring-item-1790

I haven't considered baguette before actually...do you recommend that over the other two?

I prefer to stay under 1 carat, but I won't say no to one carat up if it's going to be noticeably bigger and within my budget.

I do like these in the most preferred order:

http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/marquise-cut/0.85-carat-d-color-vs1-clarity-sku-324168
http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/marquise-cut/1.02-carat-f-color-si1-clarity-sku-326567
http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/marquise-cut/1.07-carat-e-color-si1-clarity-sku-362167

 

[Niel]

Thank you so much for your super quick responses! You guys are awesome.

I am thinking of this setting, will this give that 'floaty' diamond band look?

http://www.jamesallen.com/engagement-rings/side-stones/platinum-common-prong-six-round-diamond-engagement-ring-item-1518

Or this, for the dainty sparkly diamond look:

http://www.jamesallen.com/engagement-rings/side-stones/platinum-common-prong-diamond-engagement-ring-item-1790

I haven't considered baguette before actually...do you recommend that over the other two?

I prefer to stay under 1 carat, but I won't say no to one carat up if it's going to be noticeably bigger and within my budget.

I do like these in the most preferred order:

http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/marquise-cut/0.85-carat-d-color-vs1-clarity-sku-324168
http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/marquise-cut/1.02-carat-f-color-si1-clarity-sku-326567
http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/marquise-cut/1.07-carat-e-color-si1-clarity-sku-362167

If you have not already, ask James Allen to reserve those 2 stones and get asets. As well as ask them to reserve the 1.02 in case the other person returns it.

I have no idea what you mean by floaty diamonds, but I do not think those would be the most flattering settings for a marquise.

Do you you mean you just want to see diamonds and not a lot of metal?

Do you have some examples of rings she likes?

 

[drk14]

I haven't considered baguette before actually...do you recommend that over the other two?

I don't want to sway you in any particular direction. If you don't have a clear vision for the setting yet, I recommend that you work with the experts here to figure out something that your gf would like, based on her tastes and lifestyle (or better yet, involve your gf in the selection process, if that's an option for you).

Nonetheless, if you're curious about the baguette side option, below are two examples. Niel also has some beautiful pictures of a marquise ring with baguettes, which she can post if she feels it will help you.

From EvangelineG (with a August Vintage Round center):


From Ara Ann (with a marquise center):


Since your original post indicates that you are interested in a sparkly (i.e., bright and scintillating) ring, you should be aware (if you don't already know this) that even the best marquise diamond will not sparkle in the same way that a well-cut round diamond does. The sparkle from a marquise, while beautiful, can be more subtle. The same is true for baguettes. That is one reason that marquise + baguettes is a very classic combination.

However, with help of the knowledgeable jewelry enthusiasts here on PS, you will be able to consider many different options and styles for a setting, and choose one that is right for you and your gf.

 

[newbienyc]

This is she actually My husband and I have been married for a year and a half. My engagement ring was a Ruby and I'd like a diamond now that we've settled in a bit with our life in the new city.

That is what I'd like, not a lot of metal on the side. I'd thought small round diamonds would have a nice eye catching sparkle to the ring, but it seems like from what you both are saying, the two different shapes will have non-complimentary effects on the eye?

I'd love to hear suggestions for the setting.

Thank you again I'm so excited about this ring!

 

[cflutist]

Here is my "fat" 1.50 F-VS1 Marquise RHR from the 1980s.
Yes I am aware that it is out of style and I have not worn it for many years,
but I wanted to show you what a "fat" one looks like.
I'd have to go look up the numbers, but it is outside of trade norms.

 

[Niel]

Here is my "fat" 1.50 F-VS1 Marquise RHR from the 1980s.
Yes I am aware that it is out of style and I have not worn it for many years,
but I wanted to show you what a "fat" one looks like.
I'd have to go look up the numbers, but it is outside of trade norms.

If you're not wearing it anymore I'd be more than happy to take it off your hands for you

 

[drk14]

I'd have to go look up the numbers, but it is outside of trade norms.

Based on some quick measurements on the picture, I'm estimating this one as somewhere around 1.6:1.

I know there is a premium paid for marquise diamonds close to the industry "ideal" ratio of 2:1, so if you develop a personal preference for a shape that is either on the "skinnier" side or on the "chubbier" side, you can save some money, too!

 

[chel180]

I love marq's, they are a beautiful shape. you've been found some good choices

I also think the tapered baguette settings are very pretty and classic and a top choice but here are some other settings that work well for marqs that you may want to consider for making a choice:



I would also recommend away from round sides stones as they sparkle in a very different way to the marquise.

 

[newbienyc]

The pears/shields one is so pretty..

I'll reserve & try to get the ASET.. will need help interpreting them though.

thanks again for all your help!!

 

[Niel]

The pears/shields one is so pretty..

I'll reserve & try to get the ASET.. will need help interpreting them though.

thanks again for all your help!!

We are here to help

Once you get them just post the pics of the ASETS they provide, and we can all look at them.

I LOVE pear side stones with a marquise cut stone. Depending on how much is left after your stone, i might consider contacting engagement rings direct to see how much they would charge to make a setting like that. They make lovely settngs.

Heres my favorite diamond/ pear ring!

 

[newbienyc]

That is so beautiful!

Is it because engagement rings direct make better settings, that you'd recommend them over James Allen?

What is the process of getting another supplier to set your stone for you.. I'll be super nervous sending a diamond over mail !!

Thanks again

 

[chel180]

generally I would advise against getting your stone from one company and then having it set by another. Although i have done it myself. it usually costs a bit more overall (2x shipping, sometimes a setting fee, sometimes you get a discount for buying setting + stone from same vendor) and you could end up with some responsibility issues if the stone was lost or damaged (albeit a rare occurrence)

if you do go for the classic three stones ring with pear/shields/baguettes then I'm sure JA will do a lovely job, if you wanted something more intricate then i might be tempted to recommend somewhere else. JA don't offer much customization

where are you located? If you're in Houston/NYC/LA then there are vendors that make nice settings that you could walk your diamond into (this would be to give you a wider choice of settings at reduced risk)

Here are some past settings completed by JA that will show you what they are capable of and you can decide if you its what you want if not we can suggest other setting vendors:
http://www.jamesallen.com/engagemen...ts-engagement-ring-item-16751-purchased-11450
http://www.jamesallen.com/recently-...set-diamond-engagement-ring-item-5818-8118120
http://www.jamesallen.com/engagemen...iamond-engagement-ring-item-16-purchased-4053
http://www.jamesallen.com/engagemen...mond-engagement-ring-item-2005-purchased-5840
http://www.jamesallen.com/engagemen...mond-engagement-ring-item-1206-purchased-5966
http://www.jamesallen.com/engagemen...mond-engagement-ring-item-1790-purchased-1092
http://www.jamesallen.com/engagemen...amond-engagement-ring-item-934-purchased-2546
http://www.jamesallen.com/recently-...d-pear-pave-engagement-ring-item-9233-4856256

 

[Niel]

generally I would advise against getting your stone from one company and then having it set by another. Although i have done it myself. it usually costs a bit more overall (2x shipping, sometimes a setting fee, sometimes you get a discount for buying setting + stone from same vendor) and you could end up with some responsibility issues if the stone was lost or damaged (albeit a rare occurrence)

if you do go for the classic three stones ring with pear/shields/baguettes then I'm sure JA will do a lovely job, if you wanted something more intricate then i might be tempted to recommend somewhere else. JA don't offer much customization

where are you located? If you're in Houston/NYC/LA then there are vendors that make nice settings that you could walk your diamond into (this would be to give you a wider choice of settings at reduced risk)

Here are some past settings completed by JA that will show you what they are capable of and you can decide if you its what you want if not we can suggest other setting vendors:
http://www.jamesallen.com/engagemen...ts-engagement-ring-item-16751-purchased-11450
http://www.jamesallen.com/recently-...set-diamond-engagement-ring-item-5818-8118120
http://www.jamesallen.com/engagemen...iamond-engagement-ring-item-16-purchased-4053
http://www.jamesallen.com/engagemen...mond-engagement-ring-item-2005-purchased-5840
http://www.jamesallen.com/engagemen...mond-engagement-ring-item-1206-purchased-5966
http://www.jamesallen.com/engagemen...mond-engagement-ring-item-1790-purchased-1092
http://www.jamesallen.com/engagemen...amond-engagement-ring-item-934-purchased-2546
http://www.jamesallen.com/recently-...d-pear-pave-engagement-ring-item-9233-4856256

If you don't want to pay for shipping (though really it would be only 1x) , insurance in case its damaged, and a small (usually around 100 or less) setting fee that's cool . People usually find it worth it for the increase in setting quality but if you find it a hassle that's understandable.

I did want to comment to say in fact James Allen does custom work. My engagement ring is from them. Completely customized from Cads. They provided me the cads and allowed me to tweek the final design before proceeding. If you wanted to stick with James Allen I would absolutely go that route as their three stone settings are OK, but clunky and large in comparison to more delicate three stones .

 

[newbienyc]

Hello! So I've been emailing JA all day and they recommended a few more stones for me to look at, one of them caught my eye mainly because I think it's great value.

http://www.jamesallen.com/mobile/loose-diamonds/marquise-cut/mobile/loose-diamonds/marquise-cut/0.93-carat-h-color-si1-clarity-sku-330311

What do you guys think?

 

[newbienyc]

And this...

http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/marquise-cut/0.90-carat-h-color-vs2-clarity-sku-20578

 

[Niel]

I'm not a huge fan of those Hs

 

[newbienyc]

oooh thanks for your super quick response!

for my own understanding, can you please tell me what don't you like about the second one? The first one.. on second thought, I'm not sure I like it much after looking at it a few times.

I suppose you do get what you pay for, would you say that JA prices are fair market? That you will pay more for a good quality, more beautiful looking diamond?

 

[librarychickie]

Gosh. All this marquise talk has the wheels turning in my head!

Personally, I like the 1.02 ct.

Also, I've had these pictures saved in my wish list for a while now. I love how baguettes compliment a pretty marquise!

I'm looking forward to your decision! Good luck!

 

[newbienyc]

Gosh. All this marquise talk has the wheels turning in my head!

Personally, I like the 1.02 ct.

Also, I've had these pictures saved in my wish list for a while now. I love how baguettes compliment a pretty marquise!

I'm looking forward to your decision! Good luck!

Tell me about it!!

Plus I am trying to decide between the pear and the baguettes.

Thanks for the pics

 

[Niel]

oooh thanks for your super quick response!

for my own understanding, can you please tell me what don't you like about the second one? The first one.. on second thought, I'm not sure I like it much after looking at it a few times.

I suppose you do get what you pay for, would you say that JA prices are fair market? That you will pay more for a good quality, more beautiful looking diamond?

The faceting in the center is wide but just north and south of center it gets mushy. Also, its too shallow, which can be fine,but this one suffers from looking shallow when you view it at angles other than strait on.

I absolutely say James Allen is priced appropriately. The thing about marquise is that you can't pick it from the numbers. They are priced by the numbers, though. Meaning you can find one that's expensive because it meets the industry standards including cut color and clarity - everything looks great on paper, but then it just doesn't come together IRL. Similarly, a stone that may be priced lower due to cut or clarity may still be amazing. Its nice when you find the latter.

 

[Niel]

Here is my mothers marquise. Used to be mine. Just in case this helps your decision at all. Or maybe it won't. Haha. Size 7.5

 

[newbienyc]

Here is my mothers marquise. Used to be mine. Just in case this helps your decision at all. Or maybe it won't. Haha. Size 7.5

It does not make it any easier

I am more and more leaning towards baguette for the simple/clean look.

These two are what I am considering..
http://www.jamesallen.com/engagement-rings/side-stones/-platinum-tapered-baguette-diamond-engagement-ring-item-1206
http://www.jamesallen.com/engagement-rings/three-stone/18k-white-gold-three-stone-pear-and-pave-set-diamond-engagement-ring-item-22635

I do live in New York, and would consider buying a setting here and get the stone set, however I really hate going to the Diamond District, I really wish there's a jeweler that I can trust. I'd have to research it more on here as I'm sure it's been asked before many times.

Thank you all again for your help

 

[drk14]

I do live in New York, and would consider buying a setting here and get the stone set, however I really hate going to the Diamond District, I really wish there's a jeweler that I can trust. I'd have to research it more on here as I'm sure it's been asked before many times.

The PS vendors with brick & mortar stores in NYC are Good Old Gold, ID Jewelry, and Since1910.

You'd have even more options if you consider doing the setting with a PS-recommended online vendor.

 

[chel180]

I am more and more leaning towards baguette for the simple/clean look.

These two are what I am considering..
http://www.jamesallen.com/engagement-rings/side-stones/-platinum-tapered-baguette-diamond-engagement-ring-item-1206
http://www.jamesallen.com/engagement-rings/three-stone/18k-white-gold-three-stone-pear-and-pave-set-diamond-engagement-ring-item-22635

I do live in New York, and would consider buying a setting here and get the stone set, however I really hate going to the Diamond District, I really wish there's a jeweler that I can trust. I'd have to research it more on here as I'm sure it's been asked before many times.

Thank you all again for your help

I really like the pear sides as I prefer the way the pears are 'tucked' under the centre stone rather than the baguettes that are bar set (a bar of metal top and bottom) and the bar is quite chunky on the JA photos. IMHO.

If you are within easy drive to GOG or IDjewelry then it might be worth you going in there are seeing of they can find you a diamond? Then you can see with your own eye what you'll get, see if your preference is for fat or skinny marqs, what facet patterns you like- I'd love to live near enough to do this. You can even try some settings like the above on your finger and see which you prefer- baguettes or pears.

 

[Niel]

Here is my mothers marquise. Used to be mine. Just in case this helps your decision at all. Or maybe it won't. Haha. Size 7.5

It does not make it any easier

I am more and more leaning towards baguette for the simple/clean look.

These two are what I am considering..
http://www.jamesallen.com/engagement-rings/side-stones/-platinum-tapered-baguette-diamond-engagement-ring-item-1206
http://www.jamesallen.com/engagement-rings/three-stone/18k-white-gold-three-stone-pear-and-pave-set-diamond-engagement-ring-item-22635

I do live in New York, and would consider buying a setting here and get the stone set, however I really hate going to the Diamond District, I really wish there's a jeweler that I can trust. I'd have to research it more on here as I'm sure it's been asked before many times.

Thank you all again for your help

Hmm. The issue I have with the baguette setting from James Allen is how the stones aren't tucked under the main stone, and they don't meet the basket in a fluid way.

If you're in new York i still say have the stetting made my Engagement rings direct. Or whatever they go by now
http://www.brilliantlyengaged.com

You wouldn't have to pay for shipping if you could drop it off.

Sure you'd have to insure it, but you'll have to do that anyways. And the extra setting fee, if they have one, is small in the long run.