Need Advice On Engagement Ring

[Splinter]

Date: 4/15/2008 11:38:39 AM
Author: LizzieBean
Splinter:

Sorry, I''m a noob. Why do you prefer an AGSL cert and a recent one when buying online?

AGSL is generally considered to be the toughest lab when it comes to grading diamonds. If the AGSL cert says it''s an ideal (AGS 0) cut, you can be sure it''s a well cut stone.

As far as the cert being recent, well, you never know what''s happened to the stone since it was graded. The longer the time since it was graded, the more I wonder why it hasn''t been recerted. It might be overly cautious of me, but I prefer that peace of mind.

 

[Loren]

Thnaks Mandy...always good to get some advice and rethink things before such a huge purchase. I''ll look into the stones you posted.

 

[Lorelei]

Date: 4/15/2008 2:10:45 PM
Author: Splinter

Date: 4/15/2008 11:38:39 AM
Author: LizzieBean
Splinter:

Sorry, I'm a noob. Why do you prefer an AGSL cert and a recent one when buying online?

AGSL is generally considered to be the toughest lab when it comes to grading diamonds. If the AGSL cert says it's an ideal (AGS 0) cut, you can be sure it's a well cut stone.

As far as the cert being recent, well, you never know what's happened to the stone since it was graded. The longer the time since it was graded, the more I wonder why it hasn't been recerted. It might be overly cautious of me, but I prefer that peace of mind.

Splinter, it isn't normally considered to be an issue with a less recent grading report. Sometimes diamonds just take a while to find a home.

 

[nyvelocet]

I agree with the last few comments. Very much a noob here, but I''ve just gone through all this recently and in the end went for a 0.92c / E / VS2 / excellent cut ring.

It sounds like the specifications I was looking for were basically dialled down versions of yours - as I wanted something under 1c I could look at getting the best of the other specs but had a smaller budget than you.

Concentrate on the size and the cut as the main two issues. If you go for a E / VS1 you''d be fine for the colour and clarity, anything above that isn''t as important as improving the cut.

 

[autumnlala]

I will agree with all the others. Cut = sparkle! That''s important!

You''re trying to spend more money than the stone your girlfriend wants is really worth, so you''re putting money into things that have very little value to the eye (you said yourself you can''t tell the difference), but mostly on paper. Take that money and put it somewhere else! I''d be thrilled if my boyfriend were actually willing to follow the salary rule (which, as others have said, is pure marketing, DeBeers'' recommendation even varies by culture and continent), but I''d punch him in the face if he put more money into something than he should have.

And I loved the earring idea. I''m secretly hoping that my DBF gets me some fabulous 1/2 ct each diamond studs as a wedding present, what a great use of that money would that be if she''s a girl who likes simple, classic jewelry she can wear all the time! Also, you could save that $ and buy a lovely wedding band with some bling if she would like that, or use it for travel now or later (you''ll also have a honeymoon to plan soon!).