mssalvo, diamondseeker and all others - Ritani

[glammy]

I've been told that mssalvo and diamondseeker are experts when it comes to ritani/diamond info. So I just wanted to call you into the thread. This is not to exclude anyone else, as I value all.

I recently bought a Ritani setting that also came with the wedding band for a great price. The setting comes with a warranty from Kessler’s Diamond in WI. Now my issue is finding a diamond that needs to be mounted in it. The setting originally had a 1.05 round brilliant stone it.

This is the setting http://www.ritani.com/diamond_engagement_rings/item/524/in_collection/4

I don’t want to purchase the diamond from Kessler’s because I want the best cut possible and they stated they grade their own diamonds, which concerns me. I have asked Kessler’s if I send the diamond and setting to them, could they send it to Ritani to be mounted, and they stated they could. My worry is, is it possible that they could switch out the diamond? Is there anything I can do to avoid this from happening?

I also need assistance in picking a diamond, it needs to be between 6.4-6.6mm in diameter to fit in the setting. Please help. My budget for the diamond is $3000. Is that feasible? I want excellent cut, don’t want to go below J in color, and an eye clean stone. I would certainly also consider a pre-loved stone. Thanks

 

[MissGotRocks]

That is a beautiful setting but in the 6.4 -6.6 size range you are basically looking for a one carat stone - even one a bit bigger like the 1.05 stone that was in it.

Doing a quick search using the toolbar at the top of the page, this stone was the least expensive that I found -http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/J-SI1-Ideal-Cut-Round-Diamond-1421578.asp?b=16&a=12&c=77&cid=131. It is well cut but you'd have to check on the eyecleanliness of the stone. Unfortunately, diamond prices have skyrocketed and finding a well cut one carat stone for 3k is next to impossible. You might be able to source a preloved stone closer to your budget but unfortunately, I think you'll have to increase your budget a bit.

The good news is that you got the mounting at a good price - hopefully that makes it a bit easier to increase your diamond budget.

 

[diamondseeker2006]

Thank you for the vote of confidence but I am just a committed jewelry lover like most of the regulars here! Lucky you to get a good deal on a Ritani set and with a jeweler who will honor the warranty! I have seen and tried on that setting, and it certainly is gorgeous!

Like MissGotRocks said, you have a slight problem because you need a 1 carat diamond for that setting and it will mean some real sacrifices to find one for $3000. I'll take a look around, too, and see what I can find, but it will have to be in the J SI range at the most. If you can find a way to increase your budget, it would be good because you have a very fine setting and I think it would be preferable to put a little more into the diamond.

After checking, you will need close to $5000 to get an excellent cut J SI2, and finding one that is eyeclean will be another factor. Realistically, I wouldn't go below J SI1, and something like this is what I'd aim for:

http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/J-SI1-Ideal-Cut-Round-Diamond-1438639.asp ($5150 pricescope/wire price)

If this was my situation, I would wait and save for a good stone rather than trying to get one now for $3000. Because you will have to probably go to K SI2 to get one at the $3000 level, and that is below my comfort level to recommend for a platinum setting.

I take that back...1 ct. K SI2's are still at the $4000 level..and I'd never buy this one because of the feathers even though it appears to be well cut:

http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/K-SI2-Ideal-Cut-Round-Diamond-1455344.asp

 

[glammy]

Thank you for the suggestions.

Can I just say how much it's killing me that I have this setting here, with no diamond in it yet, lol!

I agree with you both, that it's best to wait and save up more money towards the diamond. My fear though is that diamond prices may increase during the waiting period, which puts us right back at square one.

 

[mrssalvo]

I agree with the others and would just wait and try to save up as quick as you can to get a nice 1 carat stone. You never know what will pop up on the pre-loved forum too. I also wouldn't worry about the jeweler trying to switch your diamond. It is very rare and most jewelers do not want to risk jail time or their reputation in an attempt to steal someone's stone 3K is a great start and I bet you'd be surprised how quick you can get to 5K and get a really great diamond!