shape
carat
color
clarity

Looking for an engagement ring, advice definitely appreciate

j-a-s-o-n

Rough_Rock
Joined
Jun 18, 2013
Messages
20
I've been reading here and there for a few months now and have a general jist of what i'm looking for and what to look out for, but I have a few questions that aren't really definitively addressed (properly anyway) and was hoping some resident experts might chime in... Please excuse any ignorance and/or spelling mistakes, I'm secretly reading at work alt+tabbing every few minutes. :read:

* I haven't narrowed it down to a specific retailer yet, but in all likelihood, i'll be purchasing a diamond from one of the highly suggested sources (JA, GOG, WF, etc). Beyond the hassle of sending the ring back and forth for resizing, is there usually a significant price difference or disadvantage between purchasing the setting+diamond from online merchants vs. a local store?

* Is it standard practice to have a certified (gia/aga) diamond checked out at a local lab after receiving the item to ensure serial numbers match, specs are as stated, etc?

* A platinum band would be nice, however I think I'd rather put the extra money into the rock and not the band. Palladium vs. 18k white gold - Is there a clear-cut answer of which one is superior?

Essentially I've got $4k CDN (13% tax included) to spend on a princess-cut diamond, probably around 0.8-1ct, in a setting that looks like http://www.whiteflash.com/engagemen...ve-diamond-engagement-ring-by-vatche-1654.htm


Thanks in advance :)
 
Re: Looking for an engagement ring, advice definitely apprec

* I haven't narrowed it down to a specific retailer yet, but in all likelihood, i'll be purchasing a diamond from one of the highly suggested sources (JA, GOG, WF, etc). Beyond the hassle of sending the ring back and forth for resizing, is there usually a significant price difference or disadvantage between purchasing the setting+diamond from online merchants vs. a local store?

For fancy cuts, you don't get too many choices in local stores. Go with online vendors. They can provide better value and quality in general.

* Is it standard practice to have a certified (gia/aga) diamond checked out at a local lab after receiving the item to ensure serial numbers match, specs are as stated, etc?

Not necessary. You can loupe the stone yourself to ID it based on inclusions. Or even with the laser inscriptions.

* A platinum band would be nice, however I think I'd rather put the extra money into the rock and not the band. Palladium vs. 18k white gold - Is there a clear-cut answer of which one is superior?

Unless your girlfriend is sensitive to nickel, you might want to consider 18k or 14k. I would go with 14k for practical reasons. For 4k, that's a stretch for platinum with a 0.8-1 carat diamond.
 
Re: Looking for an engagement ring, advice definitely apprec

If you want to save money on the setting go white gold in 14k. Saves money, stays whiter than 18k, and is easier to work with than palladium.
 
Re: Looking for an engagement ring, advice definitely apprec

diamond-enthusiast|1371652763|3468613 said:
Unless your girlfriend is sensitive to nickel, you might want to consider 18k or 14k. I would go with 14k for practical reasons. For 4k, that's a stretch for platinum with a 0.8-1 carat diamond.

Thanks for your input! I guess I've completely missed the boat with regards to reading about 14k vs 18k white gold. I guess $4k is a bit idealistic, in theory I could go as high as $4500 if that helps :P
 
Re: Looking for an engagement ring, advice definitely apprec

Jason,

For resizing I typically just have a local place do it vs. shipping my ring. However, with that said I would still buy the ring and the setting online. You will save tons on tax plus just get a better diamond. And yes I would put more money into the diamond vs the setting metal unless your intended feels strongly about have XYZ.
 
Re: Looking for an engagement ring, advice definitely apprec

SB621|1371662993|3468730 said:
Jason,
For resizing I typically just have a local place do it vs. shipping my ring. However, with that said I would still buy the ring and the setting online. You will save tons on tax plus just get a better diamond. And yes I would put more money into the diamond vs the setting metal unless your intended feels strongly about have XYZ.

Unfortunately since it'll be going over the border (although I live 30 minutes from the Buffalo border), it'll get hit with 13% HST tax when it gets here. I pray there won't be any duties or handling fees on top of that...
 
Re: Looking for an engagement ring, advice definitely apprec

j-a-s-o-n|1371662301|3468719 said:
diamond-enthusiast|1371652763|3468613 said:
Unless your girlfriend is sensitive to nickel, you might want to consider 18k or 14k. I would go with 14k for practical reasons. For 4k, that's a stretch for platinum with a 0.8-1 carat diamond.

Thanks for your input! I guess I've completely missed the boat with regards to reading about 14k vs 18k white gold. I guess $4k is a bit idealistic, in theory I could go as high as $4500 if that helps :P
4k is realistic, it just gets hairy when you have to pay taxes too..

http://www.goodoldgold.com/diamond/10163/

Something like that would be nice with a Gabriel and co or Beverly k setting and could be done for probably a few hundred over 4k.... but then there's tax.

Or also this more budget friendly option

http://www.ritani.com/engagement-rings/french-set-diamond-band-engagement-ring-with-surprise-diamonds-in-14kt-white-gold/6126
Or this next one, which I like a little more sense it has those claw prongs to protect the princess delicate corners

http://www.ritani.com/engagement-rings/micropave-diamond-band-engagement-ring-with-surprise-diamonds-in-14kt-white-gold/5322

Plus any of the stones they have. I'm not the best at princesses but this one seems nice, but like I said they have lots and have professionals to help you find a stone for you.

http://www.ritani.com/diamonds/princess-diamond-0-79-Carat-I-color-GIA-certified/D-GJF7Y0
 
Re: Looking for an engagement ring, advice definitely apprec

Just realized that I goofed on the thread title :P

I thought to look on the Ritani website previously since WhiteFlash seems to carry them, but how reputable are they when you order from them directly? Or are all the designs available from WF/GOG/BN?
 
Re: Looking for an engagement ring, advice definitely apprec

I have ordered from WF before and really love them. Most of these vendors give a PS discount so make sure to ask. I have never purchased from GOG but have met Jonthan and I think he is a doll. No experience with BN at all.

And sorry about the 13% VAT!! Is there a way you can ship within the US and pick up? I have **cough cough** know some people do that. :naughty:
 
Re: Looking for an engagement ring, advice definitely apprec

SB621 said:
And sorry about the 13% VAT!! Is there a way you can ship within the US and pick up? I have **cough cough** know some people do that. :naughty:

I've toyed with this idea for a long time - Just so paranoid, especially with all of that NSA prism stuff coming to light :wavey:
 
Re: Looking for an engagement ring, advice definitely apprec

j-a-s-o-n|1371678223|3468884 said:
SB621 said:
And sorry about the 13% VAT!! Is there a way you can ship within the US and pick up? I have **cough cough** know some people do that. :naughty:

I've toyed with this idea for a long time - Just so paranoid, especially with all of that NSA prism stuff coming to light :wavey:


yeah ive heard of people picking it up and the woman wearing it back home, like she had it before she left.. very unethical :Up_to_something: but very smart
 
Re: Looking for an engagement ring, advice definitely apprec

Niel|1371685203|3468950 said:
yeah ive heard of people picking it up and the woman wearing it back home, like she had it before she left.. very unethical :Up_to_something: but very smart

I've given this some thought as well, likely with a female friend... Can't shake the feeling that I might win the audit lottery though :P
 
Re: Looking for an engagement ring, advice definitely apprec

Thank you very much, everyone, for the suggestions by the way. I just plugged a few of them into the HCA. Seems depth % is too high for a lot of them apparently ::)
 
Re: Looking for an engagement ring, advice definitely apprec

HCA is ONLY for modern round brilliants

ETA your avatars are always adorable.
 
Re: Looking for an engagement ring, advice definitely apprec

If you go up to $4500 taxes in, that works out to $4000 before taxes. There isn't any other duties that you have to pay.
 
Re: Looking for an engagement ring, advice definitely apprec

Niel|1371821334|3469922 said:
HCA is ONLY for modern round brilliants
ETA your avatars are always adorable.

Learn something new every day... Namely the fact that I'm horrible at research. Is there such a standard calculator for princess cut diamonds?

Bunnies always have a way of brightening up anyone's day :)
 
Re: Looking for an engagement ring, advice definitely apprec

blackprophet|1371823334|3469933 said:
If you go up to $4500 taxes in, that works out to $4000 before taxes. There isn't any other duties that you have to pay.

lol or $4500 towards the ring+setting if I was unscrupulous.
 
Re: Looking for an engagement ring, advice definitely apprec

j-a-s-o-n said:
Niel|1371821334|3469922 said:
HCA is ONLY for modern round brilliants
ETA your avatars are always adorable.

Learn something new every day... Namely the fact that I'm horrible at research. Is there such a standard calculator for princess cut diamonds?

Bunnies always have a way of brightening up anyone's day :)

Princesses are a little bit harder. Here's a link for help.
https://www.pricescope.com/wiki/diamonds/princess-cut-diamond

really though picking a BG one or a WF ACA is a pretty safe bet.
 
Re: Looking for an engagement ring, advice definitely apprec

So i'm back. I've been reading, researching and comparing for ages between working 110hrs/week. The helpful people at Whiteflash have suggested these two, so I was hoping to get some feedback from the pros :)

http://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/compare.aspx?idnos=2862806,2874872

Please and thank you. Now i'm off to drink some more black coffee and get back to work :P
 
Re: Looking for an engagement ring, advice definitely apprec

I would go with the G VS1. Looks slightly better in ASET.
 
Re: Looking for an engagement ring, advice definitely apprec

I would go with the G VS1. Looks slightly better in ASET.
 
Re: Looking for an engagement ring, advice definitely apprec

You're right, thanks :)
 
Re: Looking for an engagement ring, advice definitely apprec

Whilst not from WF, what do you guys think of this stone?:

21d0q4k.jpg


It's AGS certified, ideal cut, 0.74ct, E colour, and is VVS2


Thanks for the help - The countdown is drawing nearer! :)
 
Re: Looking for an engagement ring, advice definitely apprec

Can't really tell much from those.

Lighting seems terrible in the live photo, so the stone looks dark. Also a risky way to hold a princess, which can chip corners easily.

The light performance is straight off the AGS cert, correct? While not as straightforward as an ASET, it's still better than nothing. Is it an AGS0? If so, it's a reasonably safe bet to perform well. What's the cost?
 
Re: Looking for an engagement ring, advice definitely apprec

Niel|1371685203|3468950 said:
j-a-s-o-n|1371678223|3468884 said:
SB621 said:
And sorry about the 13% VAT!! Is there a way you can ship within the US and pick up? I have **cough cough** know some people do that. :naughty:

I've toyed with this idea for a long time - Just so paranoid, especially with all of that NSA prism stuff coming to light :wavey:


yeah ive heard of people picking it up and the woman wearing it back home, like she had it before she left.. very unethical :Up_to_something: but very smart

Um.
I would put tax evasion and smuggling on the top of my list of things NOT TO EVER RECOMMEND ON A PUBLIC FORUM.
Just a thought, folks. Your IPs are very easily traceable.
 
Re: Looking for an engagement ring, advice definitely apprec

GoSounders|1375981571|3499048 said:
Can't really tell much from those.
Lighting seems terrible in the live photo, so the stone looks dark. Also a risky way to hold a princess, which can chip corners easily.
The light performance is straight off the AGS cert, correct? While not as straightforward as an ASET, it's still better than nothing. Is it an AGS0? If so, it's a reasonably safe bet to perform well. What's the cost?

I was quoted for $3220USD for the diamond. I was given an AGS number, but oddly enough when I just went to the AGS website, it says that it's an invalid number. I believe it is an AGS0 stone though.
 
Re: Looking for an engagement ring, advice definitely apprec

Yssie|1375982310|3499057 said:
Um.
I would put tax evasion and smuggling on the top of my list of things NOT TO EVER RECOMMEND ON A PUBLIC FORUM.
Just a thought, folks. Your IPs are very easily traceable.

Buying local, no smuggling here. But thanks for the heads up to the rest of the forum!
 
GET 3 FREE HCA RESULTS JOIN THE FORUM. ASK FOR HELP
Top