Need Help.. Buying Engagement ring.. Setting already decided

[ljtoribio]

i heard about this site googling about diamonds and people on this site seem to know what they doing , so thank you all for helping people like me get the ring that they looking for.

so i set my eyes on purchasing from james allen...now i already know the actual setting that my girlfriend wants.

we been together for 11 years. 2 kids... and i know for some that may seem like to long to propose but i think its the right time for me personally and it just feels right... right financially and relationship wise.

setting : https://www.jamesallen.com/engagement-rings/halo/platinum-cushion-outline-pave-engagement-ring-item-49998

now my budget for diamond is $5000 - $7000. she is a 7.5 ring size and am torn between 1.00 and 1.25 round excellent cut.. the reason for the big gap from $5000 - $7000.. i just dont know how much of a big difference will it show on a halo setting...

i been doing my research on diamonds and i have a feeling on how to search ... the trouble am having is deciding carat size...i just want to make the overall best choice with budget and 4 c's.. early in my search for diamonds i was looking at high color and high clarity... which kept me at 1 carat .... learning more about diamonds i realized cut is the most important thing... then carat... then the rest... now here are some diamonds i like and meet certain spots that i have researched..

here are some diamonds in the 1.20-1.25 range that i picked ... now i wouldnt mind going 1.00-1.15 either if the size wont look difference on halo setting, and if i can save a big amount. will the color show alot of yellow or should i push closer to the f-h range?

1. https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/1.20-carat-i-color-vvs2-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-2038467

2. https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/1.20-carat-i-color-vvs2-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-2049675

3. https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/1.20-carat-i-color-vvs2-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-1993759

 

[flyingpig]

Re: Need Help.. Buying Engagement ring.. Setting already dec

Other than a normal input that "you don't need VVS clarity. An eye-clean VS or SI1 is just fine", the first and second stones look nice. I like the first one. . Reject the third one. the pav angle is too high.

As long as VVS is your thing and you don't pay a huge premium for it, ask the IS images for the first and second stone.
After doing a quick search (JA database only), the first I VVS seems reasonably priced. I do not see any attractively priced VS2/1 around 1.20c.

A well cut 1.0c I VS2 from JA is minimum 5k. Often around 5.5k. 21% $ premium to gain additional 20% carat weight seems good. And it is VVS.

 

[ljtoribio]

Re: Need Help.. Buying Engagement ring.. Setting already dec

Other than a normal input that "you don't need VVS clarity. An eye-clean VS or SI1 is just fine", the first and second stones look nice. I like the first one. . Reject the third one. the pav angle is too high.

As long as VVS is your thing and you don't pay a huge premium for it, ask the IS images for the first and second stone.
After doing a quick search (JA database only), the first I VVS seems reasonably priced. I do not see any attractively priced VS2/1 around 1.20c.

A well cut 1.0c I VS2 from JA is minimum 5k. Often around 5.5k. 21% $ premium to gain additional 20% carat weight seems good. And it is VVS.

will there be a big difference from 1.0 to 1.20 ?

is i color good or can it look yellow at times? should i go higher ?

do you recoommend staying with vvs2 or go for vs

 

[ljtoribio]

Re: Need Help.. Buying Engagement ring.. Setting already dec

is image response : Unfortunately we do not have the image on file and this diamond is not local to our production area so we are not able to bring it in for imaging services. The proportions are just about perfect, so this diamond will have amazing light return for sure.

 

[flyingpig]

Re: Need Help.. Buying Engagement ring.. Setting already dec

Other than a normal input that "you don't need VVS clarity. An eye-clean VS or SI1 is just fine", the first and second stones look nice. I like the first one. . Reject the third one. the pav angle is too high.

As long as VVS is your thing and you don't pay a huge premium for it, ask the IS images for the first and second stone.
After doing a quick search (JA database only), the first I VVS seems reasonably priced. I do not see any attractively priced VS2/1 around 1.20c.

A well cut 1.0c I VS2 from JA is minimum 5k. Often around 5.5k. 21% $ premium to gain additional 20% carat weight seems good. And it is VVS.

will there be a big difference from 1.0 to 1.20 ?

is i color good or can it look yellow at times? should i go higher ?

do you recoommend staying with vvs2 or go for vs

There is a noticeable difference between 1.0c and 1.2c. No doubt about it.

A typical recommendation is to go with a higher color (H or G) eye-clean VS or SI1, although I color is generally considered as safe, while other may disagree.

Something like this is a reasonable consideration, if you can verify if it is eye-clean and there is no negative effective from strong fluo.
https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/1.25-carat-h-color-si1-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-2031462

Again, I like the first I VVS.
or
Drop the carat weight go for a higher color.
or
Drop the clarity go for a high color.

Many options to consider with your healthy budget.

 

[ljtoribio]

Re: Need Help.. Buying Engagement ring.. Setting already dec

Other than a normal input that "you don't need VVS clarity. An eye-clean VS or SI1 is just fine", the first and second stones look nice. I like the first one. . Reject the third one. the pav angle is too high.

As long as VVS is your thing and you don't pay a huge premium for it, ask the IS images for the first and second stone.
After doing a quick search (JA database only), the first I VVS seems reasonably priced. I do not see any attractively priced VS2/1 around 1.20c.

A well cut 1.0c I VS2 from JA is minimum 5k. Often around 5.5k. 21% $ premium to gain additional 20% carat weight seems good. And it is VVS.

will there be a big difference from 1.0 to 1.20 ?

is i color good or can it look yellow at times? should i go higher ?

do you recoommend staying with vvs2 or go for vs

There is a noticeable difference between 1.0c and 1.2c. No doubt about it.

A typical recommendation is to go with a higher color (H or G) eye-clean VS or SI1, although I color is generally considered as safe, while other may disagree.

Something like this is a reasonable consideration, if you can verify if it is eye-clean and there is no negative effective from strong fluo.
https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/1.25-carat-h-color-si1-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-2031462

Again, I like the first I VVS.
or
Drop the carat weight go for a higher color.
or
Drop the clarity go for a high color.

Many options to consider with your healthy budget.

yea speaking to diamond inspector the setting has f-g color so they said if i want the diamond they can downgrade the diamonds on the setting.. i said no lol ...

 

[ljtoribio]

Re: Need Help.. Buying Engagement ring.. Setting already dec

should i be worried that they dont have access to IS Image ?

i was told "We will inspect and compare it to the certificate prior to shipping, but not a full on gemologist inspection. "

 

[Asscherhalo_lover]

Re: Need Help.. Buying Engagement ring.. Setting already dec

Do not pull the trigger on anything! Wait for Gypsy, paging Gypsy!

 

[ljtoribio]

Re: Need Help.. Buying Engagement ring.. Setting already dec

Do not pull the trigger on anything! Wait for Gypsy, paging Gypsy!

lol thanks ... i just put the diamond on hold... no payment yet ... ill wait for more ideas


thanks to flyingpig this is the one i spoke to james allen about :
https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/1.25-carat-h-color-si1-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-2031462

 

[ljtoribio]

Re: Need Help.. Buying Engagement ring.. Setting already dec

how can gypsy be contacted ? ...

 

[Asscherhalo_lover]

Re: Need Help.. Buying Engagement ring.. Setting already dec

Hopefully she'll see the post at some point tonight or someone will alert her outside of PS.

 

[Niel]

Re: Need Help.. Buying Engagement ring.. Setting already dec

I don't like the one you have on hold that inclusion on the table would bother me.

 

[Niel]

Re: Need Help.. Buying Engagement ring.. Setting already dec

This
https://www.jamesallen.com/mobile/loose-diamonds/round-cut/1.20-carat-i-color-vvs2-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-2049675

 

[flyingpig]

Re: Need Help.. Buying Engagement ring.. Setting already dec

This
https://www.jamesallen.com/mobile/loose-diamonds/round-cut/1.20-carat-i-color-vvs2-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-2049675

This is one of three stones the OP found, along with this.
https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/1.20-carat-i-color-vvs2-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-2038467

Both I VVS2 are good.

Just exploring different options by dropping the clarity to VS/SI1.

OP: If you are open to other vendors, B2C is also a reputable vendor and provides the actual/IS/ASET images on many stones they offer. They have a few 1.20c H VS2 stones under 7k.

 

[Niel]

Re: Need Help.. Buying Engagement ring.. Setting already dec

This
https://www.jamesallen.com/mobile/loose-diamonds/round-cut/1.20-carat-i-color-vvs2-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-2049675

This is one of three stones the OP found, along with this.
https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/1.20-carat-i-color-vvs2-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-2038467

Both I VVS2 are good.

Just exploring different options by dropping the clarity to VS/SI1.

I am aware that was one of his choices. It's the best of his choices in this thread and in my opinion his best option on JA.

that would be why I said he should choose it. Sometimes a vvs is the best choice. There's no reason throwing the baby out with the bath water.

 

[ljtoribio]

Re: Need Help.. Buying Engagement ring.. Setting already dec

This
https://www.jamesallen.com/mobile/loose-diamonds/round-cut/1.20-carat-i-color-vvs2-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-2049675

Thank you , the advisor from James Allen mention to me if I choose this diamond it may look off since the diamond on the setting is of better color it will make the diamond color stand out more . There diamonds on the setting come standard with F-G color they said they will if I want add a color like h-I to accommodate the diamond .

Don't know what to do now lol ... This is worse then when I planned car purchase .. Smh

 

[Niel]

Re: Need Help.. Buying Engagement ring.. Setting already dec

This
https://www.jamesallen.com/mobile/loose-diamonds/round-cut/1.20-carat-i-color-vvs2-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-2049675

Thank you , the advisor from James Allen mention to me if I choose this diamond it may look off since the diamond on the setting is of better color it will make the diamond color stand out more . There diamonds on the setting come standard with F-G color they said they will if I want add a color like h-I to accommodate the diamond .

Don't know what to do now lol ... This is worse then when I planned car purchase .. Smh

An I face up in the size you're considering will be white. It will not be as white as the tiny melee but that's both a function of their color and the fact tiny stones appear more white becuase of the way the return color. That would be true of an H and an I

I disagree that it will look "off". It will look different. But it's a 1.2 ct stone compared to a 1 point stone. They will look different H or i

 

[ljtoribio]

Re: Need Help.. Buying Engagement ring.. Setting already dec

This
https://www.jamesallen.com/mobile/loose-diamonds/round-cut/1.20-carat-i-color-vvs2-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-2049675

Thank you , the advisor from James Allen mention to me if I choose this diamond it may look off since the diamond on the setting is of better color it will make the diamond color stand out more . There diamonds on the setting come standard with F-G color they said they will if I want add a color like h-I to accommodate the diamond .

Don't know what to do now lol ... This is worse then when I planned car purchase .. Smh

An I face up in the size you're considering will be white. It will not be as white as the tiny melee but that's both a function of their color and the fact tiny stones appear more white becuase of the way the return color. That would be true of an H and an I

I disagree that it will look "off". It will look different. But it's a 1.2 ct stone compared to a 1 point stone. They will look different H or i

looks like someone snatched it up https://www.jamesallen.com/mobile/loose-diamonds/round-cut/1.20-carat-i-color-vvs2-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-2049675

 

[diamondseeker2006]

Re: Need Help.. Buying Engagement ring.. Setting already dec

This
https://www.jamesallen.com/mobile/loose-diamonds/round-cut/1.20-carat-i-color-vvs2-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-2049675

This is one of three stones the OP found, along with this.
https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/1.20-carat-i-color-vvs2-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-2038467

Both I VVS2 are good.

Just exploring different options by dropping the clarity to VS/SI1.

I am aware that was one of his choices. It's the best of his choices in this thread and in my opinion his best option on JA.

that would be why I said he should choose it. Sometimes a vvs is the best choice. There's no reason throwing the baby out with the bath water.

I totally agree with Niel. Higher clarity doesn't impose such a high premium on stones as they go down the color scale anyway.

 

[diamondseeker2006]

Re: Need Help.. Buying Engagement ring.. Setting already dec

Something is wrong with the James Allen site at the moment. The diamond you want is probably there. I trust Niel's judgement but was going to take a look at it just for a second opinion.

There are several people here who can help you find a great diamond.

 

[tyty333]

Re: Need Help.. Buying Engagement ring.. Setting already dec

What was wrong with this one? It has good numbers. See if they can get an idealscope on it.
https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/1.20-carat-i-color-vvs2-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-2038467

Edit...I would put it on hold or it may also get snatched.

 

[ljtoribio]

Re: Need Help.. Buying Engagement ring.. Setting already dec

What was wrong with this one? It has good numbers. See if they can get an idealscope on it.
https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/1.20-carat-i-color-vvs2-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-2038467

Edit...I would put it on hold or it may also get snatched.

thanks... i put this one on hold now...

still would like more input... even tho i know your input is great and i know guiding me the right direction. if others can chime in or maybe have come across something else on james allen that would be great. thank again

 

[diamondseeker2006]

Re: Need Help.. Buying Engagement ring.. Setting already dec

This
https://www.jamesallen.com/mobile/loose-diamonds/round-cut/1.20-carat-i-color-vvs2-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-2049675

Do you have this one on hold? Niel thought it was the best. I still cannot get either stone's page to open.

 

[tyty333]

Re: Need Help.. Buying Engagement ring.. Setting already dec

This
https://www.jamesallen.com/mobile/loose-diamonds/round-cut/1.20-carat-i-color-vvs2-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-2049675

Do you have this one on hold? Niel thought it was the best. I still cannot get either stone's page to open.

It is sold. It had a 33.5/40.8 combo. Numbers are better on the other one so not sure what Niel saw that made her pick the sold one.

Stone that is still available numbers (since you cant pull it up)
depth 61.5
table 57
crown 34.5
pavilion 40.8
polish/symm both EX
Flu faint
Girdle Med-slightly thick

 

[ljtoribio]

Re: Need Help.. Buying Engagement ring.. Setting already dec

This
https://www.jamesallen.com/mobile/loose-diamonds/round-cut/1.20-carat-i-color-vvs2-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-2049675

Do you have this one on hold? Niel thought it was the best. I still cannot get either stone's page to open.

no the one niel said was sold ... and i found this one and i put it on hold ...only difference i kinda see it has fluo faint.

https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/1.20-carat-i-color-vvs2-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-2038467

 

[ljtoribio]

Re: Need Help.. Buying Engagement ring.. Setting already dec

This
https://www.jamesallen.com/mobile/loose-diamonds/round-cut/1.20-carat-i-color-vvs2-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-2049675

Do you have this one on hold? Niel thought it was the best. I still cannot get either stone's page to open.

It is sold. It had a 33.5/40.8 combo. Numbers are better on the other one so not sure what Niel saw that made her pick the sold one.

Stone that is still available numbers (since you cant pull it up)
depth 61.5
table 57
crown 34.5
pavilion 40.8
polish/symm both EX
Flu faint
Girdle Med-slightly thick

those numbers look like the one i have on hold : with discount comes out to $5920

https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/1.20-carat-i-color-vvs2-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-2038467

 

[diamondseeker2006]

Re: Need Help.. Buying Engagement ring.. Setting already dec

Maybe it's because it is a mobile link and I am on a computer!

Tyty, those are indeed optimal numbers! I am curious too why this one wasn't the better one!

I was able to view it this time! I'd buy it!!! Great stone!!!

 

[flyingpig]

Re: Need Help.. Buying Engagement ring.. Setting already dec

This
https://www.jamesallen.com/mobile/loose-diamonds/round-cut/1.20-carat-i-color-vvs2-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-2049675

Do you have this one on hold? Niel thought it was the best. I still cannot get either stone's page to open.

no the one niel said was sold ... and i found this one and i put it on hold ...only difference i kinda see it has fluo faint.

https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/1.20-carat-i-color-vvs2-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-2038467

As I wrote, the I VVS2 looks nice and the price is reasonable. Get it.

Ask the JA to provide you with the IS image once the stone arrives in NY, before mounting it on the setting. See if they will accomodate.

 

[Niel]

Re: Need Help.. Buying Engagement ring.. Setting already dec

This
https://www.jamesallen.com/mobile/loose-diamonds/round-cut/1.20-carat-i-color-vvs2-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-2049675

Do you have this one on hold? Niel thought it was the best. I still cannot get either stone's page to open.

It is sold. It had a 33.5/40.8 combo. Numbers are better on the other one so not sure what Niel saw that made her pick the sold one.

Stone that is still available numbers (since you cant pull it up)
depth 61.5
table 57
crown 34.5
pavilion 40.8
polish/symm both EX
Flu faint
Girdle Med-slightly thick

I saw the image of the actual stone.

But yes this one is perfectly lovely.

 

[Gypsy]

Re: Need Help.. Buying Engagement ring.. Setting already dec

The I VVS is nice.