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DeBeersorDeSoda

DeBeersorDeSoda

Rough_Rock
Joined
Jun 9, 2015
Messages
34
Hello everyone! My goodness what a year its been. I meet the sweetest girl I've ever seen and here I am talking marriage! :D
In an effort to make an informed purchase I started scanning through google pages looking for jewelry and diamond advice and your folks name came up. Over the last couple of weeks I've been lurking in the shadows and absorbing advice through osmosis. :)

However, all is not kosher in the world of diamonds. It's fraught with people trying to take advantage of me and my lack of experience. I had a bit of a negative experience at Robbins brothers and I've been a little spooked. I've decided I wanted to use an online retailer for my ring purchase and after looking through Whiteflash/Jareds/B2C I eventually found a lovely band at Adiamor

http://www.adiamor.com/Engagement-Rings/Pave/Round-Diamond-Three-Stone-Trellis-and-Pave-Setting/RoseGold/1087

I showed it to my GF and she adores it too! So now...here comes the hard part. The stone.

I'm not looking to upgrade later and I am looking to buy the best stone I can currently afford. My Budget for the stone is max $2000 and I'd like a stone in the .90 carat range.

Also, Adiamor is somewhat local to me (They're in Los Angeles, I live in San Diego) so I want to buy the diamond through them, I'm 100% on that. It would be easier for me and make me feel more comfortable.

Here come the parade of questions...

Most of the stones in that price range are in the K-J range. Would something slightly colored (Light brown/Light Yellow) be beneficial to a rose gold/white gold band to bring out its warmth?

I want to be absolutely blinded by the sparkle, what should I be shooting for cut/clarity wise for my budget? Is being blinded by sparkle even feasible?

As far as Carat size goes. Looking at the band, is the stone carat size I've chosen appropriate or will it stand out in a bad way? (I.E. Make the ring look unbalanced or the center stone too small)

More questions to come as I think of them! Thank you for the education received thus far. :bigsmile:
 
For a J/K color stone I would put it in platinum. Rose gold or yellow gold might bring out too much warmth.

If you're committed to rose gold then I'd go for as white a diamond as you can afford. My personal preference.

Strategy wise I would look for a diamond first, then get an appropriate setting. Consider a Pricescope recommended vendor.
 
Well, she really enjoys rose gold. She enjoys the look of the metal

Adiamor is a price scope vendor as far as I know... :)

Here's a few I've been looking at. Some are over 2000. I have a little extra to spend on a diamond. 2300 is the new max :P

Total Carat Weight :

0.90
Shape and Cutting Style:
Round Brilliant
Cut :

Excellent
Color :

K
Clarity :

SI1
Depth :

62.5%
Table :

56%
Polish :

Excellent
Symmetry :

Excellent
Girdle :

Medium to Slightly Thick, Faceted
Culet:
None
Fluorescence :

Strong
Measurements:
6.16 x 6.19 x 3.86
Certified By:
GIA
Certificate Number:
2197790815

#2
Total Carat Weight :

0.80
Shape and Cutting Style:
Round Brilliant
Cut :

Excellent
Color :

K
Clarity :

VS2
Depth :

62.0%
Table :

58%
Polish :

Excellent
Symmetry :

Excellent
Girdle :

Medium, Faceted
Culet:
None
Fluorescence :

None
Measurements:
5.92 x 5.96 x 3.68
Certified By:
GIA
Certificate Number:
5196041016

Sorry for the hideously ugly formatting :oops:
 
Adiamor may be listed on Pricescope, as are hundreds of other vendors, but I meant a vendor that's been consistently lauded for quality and excellence on the Pricescope forums. Such as White Flash, Brian Gavin, Good Old Gold, James Allen or IDJ. The top tier.

The difficulty with choosing a diamond from Adiamor: the lack of tools they provide to the consumer. No high resolution photos (all the listings have the same sample photo), no video, no ASET, no Sarin, no light performance reports etc. They're basically a drop shipper that aggregates listings from all over the world. They don't own or have on hand many of these diamonds so their gemologist can quickly give you a report. You'll have to dig and try to get lucky.

Rose gold 3-stone settings are readily available with better vendors.
 
Alright, fair enough. Thanks. :)
 
I do thank you for continuing to look for me but I'm pretty set on Adiamor. I really enjoy that particular setting and I've been shopping around for weeks. Not saying I've seen it all but enough to make up my mind. Plus I don't really want to go to a different vendor for both the ring and the diamond. I have alot on my plate right now and it would be a peace of mind to have them both come from the same place plus I like that Adiamor is local to me (I didn't even know that when I originally found them! Which was pretty cool)

Also, that's a solitaire and not rose gold. Both of which I'm not looking for. Silly goose. :P

I guess the advice I was looking for was, the best diamond to go in the setting that I wanted that would give me the closest approximation to what I wanted purely based on stats as I will not have any images as you've said. I know there are better deals out there but I'm not necessarily looking for the bigger better deal :P.
 
DeBeersorDeSoda|1433953947|3887358 said:
I do thank you for continuing to look for me but I'm pretty set on Adiamor. I really enjoy that particular setting and I've been shopping around for weeks. Not saying I've seen it all but enough to make up my mind. Plus I don't really want to go to a different vendor for both the ring and the diamond. I have alot on my plate right now and it would be a peace of mind to have them both come from the same place plus I like that Adiamor is local to me (I didn't even know that when I originally found them! Which was pretty cool)

Also, that's a solitaire and not rose gold. Both of which I'm not looking for. Silly goose. :P

I guess the advice I was looking for was, the best diamond to go in the setting that I wanted that would give me the closest approximation to what I wanted purely based on stats as I will not have any images as you've said. I know there are better deals out there but I'm not necessarily looking for the bigger better deal :P.
Click to expand...

Since it's local can Adiamor show you the diamonds in person? Do they have a showroom? SI1 or SI2 is very, very hard to buy without high resolution pictures or seeing in person with a loupe. Those inclusions in that price range will sometimes verge towards I1.

Otherwise buying local is a disadvantage. Sales tax will be charged. You'd save a chunk on sales tax by ordering from NY or Texas for instance.

If strictly picking by the numbers: Look for a low HCA number, good face up size, not too deep, no fluorescence, ask them to choose a relatively eyeclean stone, and make sure you get a look at the diamond in person before the ring is set.
 
That setting might help to hide some of the color but then I think it'll be more visible from the side too. You could consider OEC cut diamonds as they seem to go very well with rose gold settings and the warmth blends nicely.

Adiamor lacks pics but you can take the GIA number of the stone and check it on other vendors who do provide pics, ASET, IS, etc of the actual stones.
 
DeBeersorDeSoda|1433949585|3887330 said:
Well, she really enjoys rose gold. She enjoys the look of the metal

Adiamor is a price scope vendor as far as I know... :)

Here's a few I've been looking at. Some are over 2000. I have a little extra to spend on a diamond. 2300 is the new max :P

Total Carat Weight :

0.90
Shape and Cutting Style:
Round Brilliant
Cut :

Excellent
Color :

K
Clarity :

SI1
Depth :

62.5%
Table :

56%
Polish :

Excellent
Symmetry :

Excellent
Girdle :

Medium to Slightly Thick, Faceted
Culet:
None
Fluorescence :

Strong
Measurements:
6.16 x 6.19 x 3.86
Certified By:
GIA
Certificate Number:
2197790815

#2
Total Carat Weight :

0.80
Shape and Cutting Style:
Round Brilliant
Cut :

Excellent
Color :

K
Clarity :

VS2
Depth :

62.0%
Table :

58%
Polish :

Excellent
Symmetry :

Excellent
Girdle :

Medium, Faceted
Culet:
None
Fluorescence :

None
Measurements:
5.92 x 5.96 x 3.68
Certified By:
GIA
Certificate Number:
5196041016

Sorry for the hideously ugly formatting :oops:
Click to expand...

Right, searching by the GIA number works. This is the first diamond from above. Lots of pepper.

http://www.b2cjewels.com/dd-6986956-0.90-carat-Round-diamond-K-color-SI1-clarity.aspx
 
solgen|1433958148|3887410 said:
That setting might help to hide some of the color but then I think it'll be more visible from the side too. You could consider OEC cut diamonds as they seem to go very well with rose gold settings and the warmth blends nicely.

Adiamor lacks pics but you can take the GIA number of the stone and check it on other vendors who do provide pics, ASET, IS, etc of the actual stones.
Click to expand...

Definitely something to consider, I'll look up OEC and find out if I can get an image of the stone I want for review before purchase. I wonder if I wouldn't want to go with something VS1 but in a smaller carat...

"If strictly picking by the numbers: Look for a low HCA number, good face up size, not too deep, no fluorescence, ask them to choose a relatively eyeclean stone, and make sure you get a look at the diamond in person before the ring is set."

I've heard that with the J-K and lower colors having a strong Flourescence makes it look whiter than it is, is that true?
 
I've heard that with the J-K and lower colors having a strong Flourescence makes it look whiter than it is, is that true?[/quote]

Maybe fluorescence helps, maybe it leads to milkyness, maybe you won't like the blue color it turns in sunlight. It complicates matters. In one study a sample of diamonds with fluorescence were consistently graded too high in color. (An L color diamond with strong fluorescence graded a J color by GIA for instance.) You don't want to end up with one of these misgraded stones. Avoid unless you have a jeweler making an expert individual evaluation.

P.S. Search your Adiamor picks by GIA certificate number at the bottom of this page:

http://www.b2cjewels.com/Search-Diamond.aspx
 
Here is another place you can search the GIA number and it will give you a cut score as well as notify you of whether or not enchanted diamonds has it for sale. If it is for sale, they often have photos along with it.

https://enchanteddiamonds.com/cut-score-calculator

I guess my concern with a three stone like that would be the amount of contrast in color between the center stone and the side stones. With small pave diamonds you can get away with it, but with 20 point side stones a K or L center diamond might look a little funny next to a G or H.
 
DeBeersorDeSoda|1433961995|3887438 said:
I thought about it. I think I should go for a smaller carat, my budget will allow me to have a much more beautiful diamond. Size doesn't matter all that much to me. :) Here a favorite pick of mine. What do you guys think? I'm excited about it, it looks stunning:

http://www.delcigno.com/0-8-Carat-Round-Diamond-with-J-Color-VS1-Clarity-and-Very-Good-Cut-GIA-1142569831?category=Rings,Engagement,Pave

HCA : 1.1
Click to expand...

Hard to evaluate without a picture. Those are all the same sample image. Slick site.
 
DeBeersorDeSoda|1433961995|3887438 said:
I thought about it. I think I should go for a smaller carat, my budget will allow me to have a much more beautiful diamond. Size doesn't matter all that much to me. :) Here a favorite pick of mine. What do you guys think? I'm excited about it, it looks stunning:

http://www.delcigno.com/0-8-Carat-Round-Diamond-with-J-Color-VS1-Clarity-and-Very-Good-Cut-GIA-1142569831?category=Rings,Engagement,Pave

HCA : 1.1
Click to expand...

You can't tell from this link. This photo ISN'T the diamond, as danielxlin said. So if you're excited about it because it 'looks stunning' - I would rethink your choice, as you're not seeing the diamond in question.

Re your setting - I'm not a fan because I think the width of the band where is meets the side stones is overpowering. Very chunky. Also, please be aware, if you buy a pre-made setting like the Adiamor one you linked to, the setting remains the same, regardless of what center stone you use. They will change the shape/size of the pick head to fit the center stone you choose - but the rest of the setting remains the same, meaning that the distance between the side stones remains unchanged. The problem with that is if you use a small diamond, you end up with gaps down the side of the center stone - like the photo I've attached. (The photo is from the Blue Nile site and represents the ring and center stone chosen by one of its customers.) So be careful that the center stone you choose is exactly the right size for the setting. Otherwise, the center stone will sit sky high in an attempt to make it work in too small a gap - or there will be huge gaps between center and side stones if it's too small. Either way, the center stone won't look like it fits the ring.

small_center_stone_a.jpg
 
:lol: I can't help but chuckle at how quickly directions are changing in this thread. Whiteflash will take good care of you. Good luck in the search!
 
DeBeersorDeSoda|1433973578|3887542 said:
Thank you all for your advice, I ended up deciding to change direction altogether. Currently speaking with Bob Hoskins at Whiteflash and I think things will be alright. :D This has been a very educational experience to say the least. I found a really pretty band on their website.

http://www.whiteflash.com/engagement-rings/solitaire/erragio-905r6-3-stone-diamond-engagement-ring-3677.htm#divShopWithConfidence
He's working with my budget and making some pretty cool things happen.
Click to expand...

Good decision! :appl:

WhiteFlash has such a good rep on this site for very good reason. They'll take care of you and you'll enjoy the whole experience.

Please come back with hand shots when you have your ring! Good luck for your engagement!
 
Whiteflash is a great company but verragio might not be the best option either. Have you seem that setting brand in person? Many who have seen them in person feel underwhelmed by the quality.

can you say flat out your budget of the whole ring? Stones and setting combined, all together? I'd be happy to see what else is out there.
 
Thanks for your concern but at this point...I think I just wanna stick with it. I really really find it beautiful, even without a gem...my goodness it looks like a work of art! But what the heck, if you have something up your sleeve I'll take a look at it, what's the harm. I mean I could spend all day contemplating what if's and never settle down on any one choice. You probably know exactly what I mean. :lol: Oh and my new budget...including my savings :? ... Is pretty much 4750. After that I'd be putting myself in debt.
 
Most Pricescope people would probably advise you to put a larger percentage of your budget into the center stone, and less of it into the setting. It's personal choice, but many women would vote for a larger diamond in a plainer setting, vs. a smaller diamond but an expensive setting. At $2700 for a setting and only $2000 or less for the center stone, your are doing exactly the reverse of what many here would do. But it's your decision.

David Klass in Los Angeles makes some gorgeous custom rings. Look up his Facebook. Some of his rings are posted here on PS, too.
 
DeBeersorDeSoda|1433981273|3887621 said:
Thanks for your concern but at this point...I think I just wanna stick with it. I really really find it beautiful, even without a gem...my goodness it looks like a work of art! But what the heck, if you have something up your sleeve I'll take a look at it, what's the harm. I mean I could spend all day contemplating what if's and never settle down on any one choice. You probably know exactly what I mean. :lol: Oh and my new budget...including my savings :? ... Is pretty much 4750. After that I'd be putting myself in debt.
Click to expand...

How much if you didn't put yourself in debt?
I dont want to throw a lot at you,but imagine spending 4k+ on anything, period. Do you want it to be the best you can get for that money? Do you want to spend 4k on something that is lacking in quality? I'd just hate to see you rush it.

But, without even looking around, David klass, (the person who was suggested above) could do a plain 14k rose gold 3 stone for just about 750. I can find .60 tcw side stones, k, and that would leave 3k for your center stone. Now, I know this scenario doesn't include pave on the setting - but imagine that with a diamond wedding band. You get the look of pave with the wedding band, and a classic 3 stone.

I dont know if that's even an option for you, but if you consider breaking up the design features into two rings(wedding band e ring) that would would be great.
Something like this ....

However, give me a moment, and I'll try and see what we could do with your budget and get all the elements together.


..... I'll be back lol

1389560722_img_7360.jpg
 
AdaBeta27|1433981346|3887623 said:
Most Pricescope people would probably advise you to put a larger percentage of your budget into the center stone, and less of it into the setting. It's personal choice, but many women would vote for a larger diamond in a plainer setting, vs. a smaller diamond but an expensive setting. At $2700 for a setting and only $2000 or less for the center stone, your are doing exactly the reverse of what many here would do. But it's your decision.
Click to expand...


Yeah, I'd heard that. It gives you more leverage when you're looking to upgrade and such, it isn't a bad idea but it's not what I'm going for. To be honest though, I really just enjoy the setting, it's a beautiful piece and my GF doesn't really care about the diamond. Honestly I could put any diamond in there and she wouldn't really care. I do though, the reason I'm going as nice on it as I am is because I want it to be pretty and glisten :) Originally she didn't even want a diamond ring but that's a whole lotta' backstory :P

I had a set amount and I've slowly been adding to it more and more, but I really can't. There's many reasons I want to propose when I do and I don't necessarily want to wait on it. Yeah perhaps I'm rushing it a little bit, but through prayerful consideration and giving it a deep breath I think I'm making the right decision though I'm not making that decision right this second. I'll wait a day or so to really finalize it in my mind and heart :)

The thing I like the most about the ring is definitely the design, it's what sold me on it and had me attracted to it for a spell. Breaking up the design features and buying the individual stones (Like side stones and etc) is definitely not for me.

I'm pretty sure I've made up my mind at this point, but you guys have definitely helped me to make a more informed choice. Whiteflash was my original choice, but then I went with the Adiamor design. I'm glad I didn't go with that design ultimately. It really would only look pretty with one size stone and to make that stone look pretty it'd require a chunk of change I simply don't have.

FYI That's a SUPER pretty ring you posted Niel, is it yours? :D My GF wouldn't like the multiple pieces. I'm pretty sure she's going to elect to fuse her wedding bad and e-ring together. (I heard that's a thing...it IS a thing...right?)
 
DeBeersorDeSoda|1433987358|3887655 said:
AdaBeta27|1433981346|3887623 said:
Most Pricescope people would probably advise you to put a larger percentage of your budget into the center stone, and less of it into the setting. It's personal choice, but many women would vote for a larger diamond in a plainer setting, vs. a smaller diamond but an expensive setting. At $2700 for a setting and only $2000 or less for the center stone, your are doing exactly the reverse of what many here would do. But it's your decision.
Click to expand...


Yeah, I'd heard that. It gives you more leverage when you're looking to upgrade and such, it isn't a bad idea but it's not what I'm going for. To be honest though, I really just enjoy the setting, it's a beautiful piece and my GF doesn't really care about the diamond. Honestly I could put any diamond in there and she wouldn't really care. I do though, the reason I'm going as nice on it as I am is because I want it to be pretty and glisten :) Originally she didn't even want a diamond ring but that's a whole lotta' backstory :P

I had a set amount and I've slowly been adding to it more and more, but I really can't. There's many reasons I want to propose when I do and I don't necessarily want to wait on it. Yeah perhaps I'm rushing it a little bit, but through prayerful consideration and giving it a deep breath I think I'm making the right decision though I'm not making that decision right this second. I'll wait a day or so to really finalize it in my mind and heart :)

The thing I like the most about the ring is definitely the design, it's what sold me on it and had me attracted to it for a spell. Breaking up the design features and buying the individual stones (Like side stones and etc) is definitely not for me.

I'm pretty sure I've made up my mind at this point, but you guys have definitely helped me to make a more informed choice. Whiteflash was my original choice, but then I went with the Adiamor design. I'm glad I didn't go with that design ultimately. It really would only look pretty with one size stone and to make that stone look pretty it'd require a chunk of change I simply don't have.

FYI That's a SUPER pretty ring you posted Niel, is it yours? :D My GF wouldn't like the multiple pieces. I'm pretty sure she's going to elect to fuse her wedding bad and e-ring together. (I heard that's a thing...it IS a thing...right?)
Click to expand...

No that's not my ring, a different PSers.
Yes, people do solder their rings together.
 
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