Need help Did I make the right choice?

[AshuraBoy]

Have your jeweler contact Holloway Diamonds and ask for Garry: he's the creator of the chart and inventor of both the Ideal-Scope and the ASET (used by AGS). After about 10 minutes, your jeweler will probably hang up in tears after getting schooled hard.

Our Heritage

Learn About Holloway Diamonds, We have been providing the highest quality diamonds to our customers for nearly half a century.

www.hollowaydiamonds.com.au

Hahaha I should!! My jeweler got annoyed everytime I’ve sent him that chart lol. He prob just wanted to sell me anything..

 

[AshuraBoy]

Wow his reaction says it all! Knowledgeable customers are not an easy sale opportunity I guess. Luckily you found out before the purchase! If he thinks this is all bullsh!t, you can find a nice AGS 000/GIA XXX stone within these parameters online and be far better off

Luckily!!!!!

 

[AshuraBoy]

Apologies if I have missed anything from the whole thread, but is a pave ring a must for you? And are there any flexibility in your budget?

I am fully aware that buying your girl the engagement diamond is like a impossible mission, I went through it especially if it’s our first buy! The most important thing is in the end pick a gorgeous one~ So I have to honestly say that the second stone offered still doesn’t look good…Contradictory to what the owner you have been dealing said, proportions is not just numbers, it determines the play of light of the diamond, however, it’s still not the whole story but only the admission ticket of the whole game. Because they are averaged numbers, not to mention we are still out of the suggested and safe (if we don’t term it “ideal”) proportion range on the 2nd stone.

Will you consider changing direction a bit making some sort of compromise in some aspects, like colour, size, ring style or cost so that we get closer to a beautiful gem?

I’ve been convinced that it might be better to focus on a better quality stone with a cheaper setting, as I could get a nicer setting later on. My max budget would be around €3500. Preferably a bit less.

Yes definitely! I now understand that cut really is the most important and I’d be willing to change setting, color and clarity for cut! If I could keep the ct around 0.80 that would be lovely haha

 

[AshuraBoy]

We can help you find one. What’s your budget, and what would you like to find?

Thankyou!! I love this community!!

With a max budget of €3500, I’m looking for a round brilliant cut + ring. With focus on the diamond. I can get a upgrade for the setting later, so a solitaire ring is fine for now. White gold.

If possible around 0.80ct> for the stone, but I’m willing to sacrifice anything for the best cut. The community here made me realize it’s the most important

This recommendation by @Diamond_Enthusiast be a good option!

https://www.bluenile.com/nl/diamond-details/LD17259663

 

[DejaWiz]

The proportions are awesome on that BN 0.8 carat, but the MBF may be a concern. If it checks out by not causing any haziness under UV/sunlight, then it appears that you have an absolute winner.

If not, then here's a search link that you can go through (it'll update as diamonds go in and out of stock) to find some alternatives:

Diamond Search Results | Real-time Information on 1,000,000+ Diamonds | PriceScope

PriceScope's Diamond Search is the best place to find the best diamond prices. Search and compare over a million natural, lab and fancy color diamonds.

www.pricescope.com

 

[Tourmaline]

This recommendation by @Diamond_Enthusiast be a good option!

https://www.bluenile.com/nl/diamond-details/LD17259663

I love that one. Snap it up!

 

[Diamond_Enthusiast]

I love that one. Snap it up!

I hope OP asked for it to be put on hold or else some lurker might be bought it because it now says sold!

 

[Diamond_Enthusiast]

Here is 0.76ct H VV2 from James Allen that could be worth considering:

0.76 Carat round diamond

This 0.76 carat round diamond H color vvs2 clarity has Excellent proportions and a diamond grading report from GIA

www.jamesallen.com

If you get this stone (2738EUR) with the lowest priced 6 prong setting in 14K white gold (218 EUR), it will be 2956 EUR before VAT and duties. JA's taxes & duty estimator comes up with 721.54EUR. So total including taxes and duties will be about 3678EUR...might be a bit over budget or ok if you can stretch a bit. Also, Fedex (I believe is JA's int'l shipper) may charge some of admin fee.

That taxes and duties calculator is right the bottom of the webpage with it says "Why James Allen?" In the pop up box, you can then select Netherlands, diamond engagement ring and fill in the form to see the taxes and duties estimated.

If you like this stone, ask JA to put it on hold first using their 'online chat' while you think about it. You might need to first register a JA a/c though to do it. You may even get a code to give you discount on first purchase which could help with the budget.

With VV2 clarity though, you would be paying a premium for higher clarity. I had a look at some others of lower clarity but didn't see a good one that looks clean. Will post if I do though.

I hope that Fortrez will come back with some good news with a CBI for you though, I think that will be the best case scenario so you can have super ideal diamond!

 

[Diamond_Enthusiast]

Thankyou!! I love this community!!

With a max budget of €3500, I’m looking for a round brilliant cut + ring. With focus on the diamond. I can get a upgrade for the setting later, so a solitaire ring is fine for now. White gold.

If possible around 0.80ct> for the stone, but I’m willing to sacrifice anything for the best cut. The community here made me realize it’s the most important

To make it easier for searching stones online from US sites so that we can recommend some options, I think after accounting for VAT + duties to the Netherlands, he has a budget of about $3150 for stone + ring. He has a preference for 6-prong setting I believe.

 

[Double E]

Here is 0.76ct H VV2 from James Allen that could be worth considering:

0.76 Carat round diamond

This 0.76 carat round diamond H color vvs2 clarity has Excellent proportions and a diamond grading report from GIA

www.jamesallen.com

If you get this stone (2738EUR) with the lowest priced 6 prong setting in 14K white gold (218 EUR), it will be 2956 EUR before VAT and duties. JA's taxes & duty estimator comes up with 721.54EUR. So total including taxes and duties will be about 3678EUR...might be a bit over budget or ok if you can stretch a bit. Also, Fedex (I believe is JA's int'l shipper) may charge some of admin fee.

That taxes and duties calculator is right the bottom of the webpage with it says "Why James Allen?" In the pop up box, you can then select Netherlands, diamond engagement ring and fill in the form to see the taxes and duties estimated.

If you like this stone, ask JA to put it on hold first using their 'online chat' while you think about it. You might need to first register a JA a/c though to do it. You may even get a code to give you discount on first purchase which could help with the budget.

With VV2 clarity though, you would be paying a premium for higher clarity. I had a look at some others of lower clarity but didn't see a good one that looks clean. Will post if I do though.

I hope that Fortrez will come back with some good news with a CBI for you though, I think that will be the best case scenario so you can have super ideal diamond!

If the proportion numbers are tight enough, this should be a firey one~

 

[DutchJackie]

If you’re in The Netherlands (as I read in the chat), you could also check out www.diamondsbyme.nl. Going custom (so you get your specs) is EUR 150 I believe. I had a positive experience with a necklace. Don’t know about rings.

 

[AshuraBoy]

I hope OP asked for it to be put on hold or else some lurker might be bought it because it now says sold!

I've actually put this stone on hold!! I'm 100% convinced on the stone - I feel you really found a great one @Diamond_Enthusiast! I want it! The only concern I have is that I’ve planned a pretty eleborate proposal in the weekend of the 29th in a very beautiful location. And shipping date won’t happen until October 28th.

The lovely people at Blue Nile will help me find a similar stone that could be potentially shipped earlier, but I’m kinda bumped out as I feel this was “the stone”. I might have to change my plans..

I also enquired regarding this CBI diamond at Fortrez. They’re in touch with manufacturer in the US, so hopefully I’ll hear something soon about that! https://wolfcbi.com/diamonds/187

 

[AshuraBoy]

Here is 0.76ct H VV2 from James Allen that could be worth considering:

0.76 Carat round diamond

This 0.76 carat round diamond H color vvs2 clarity has Excellent proportions and a diamond grading report from GIA

www.jamesallen.com

If you get this stone (2738EUR) with the lowest priced 6 prong setting in 14K white gold (218 EUR), it will be 2956 EUR before VAT and duties. JA's taxes & duty estimator comes up with 721.54EUR. So total including taxes and duties will be about 3678EUR...might be a bit over budget or ok if you can stretch a bit. Also, Fedex (I believe is JA's int'l shipper) may charge some of admin fee.

That taxes and duties calculator is right the bottom of the webpage with it says "Why James Allen?" In the pop up box, you can then select Netherlands, diamond engagement ring and fill in the form to see the taxes and duties estimated.

If you like this stone, ask JA to put it on hold first using their 'online chat' while you think about it. You might need to first register a JA a/c though to do it. You may even get a code to give you discount on first purchase which could help with the budget.

With VV2 clarity though, you would be paying a premium for higher clarity. I had a look at some others of lower clarity but didn't see a good one that looks clean. Will post if I do though.

I hope that Fortrez will come back with some good news with a CBI for you though, I think that will be the best case scenario so you can have super ideal diamond!

I really appreciate you helping me find more options! I can’t thank you enough for all of your help @Diamond_Enthusiast !!!


This is another great option and it ships on the 21st of October - so could potentially arrive here before my proposal plan at the end of this month! Fluorescence is also lower! I’ll ask to put a hold on this one too!

Still awaiting the reply of Fortrez Out of these 3 options (Blue Nile, JA, and the CBI diamond) you’d still recommend the CBI stone correct? Even if it’s a lower color (I)?

 

[AshuraBoy]

To make it easier for searching stones online from US sites so that we can recommend some options, I think after accounting for VAT + duties to the Netherlands, he has a budget of about $3150 for stone + ring. He has a preference for 6-prong setting I believe.

Yes I could stretch it a little if there’s an absolute good reason to! But preferably around that budget correct I’d love to find a 6-claw prong! But hopefully I’ll be upgrading the setting later on so all the focus can lay on the stone!

 

[lovedogs]

Honestly I wouldn't choose a stone based on a timeline. This is (theoretically) something that she will wear for years. It isn't worth picking a worse stone for the sake of it getting to you more quickly.

 

[Double E]

I really appreciate you helping me find more options! I can’t thank you enough for all of your help @Diamond_Enthusiast !!!


This is another great option and it ships on the 21st of October - so could potentially arrive here before my proposal plan at the end of this month! Fluorescence is also lower! I’ll ask to put a hold on this one too!

Still awaiting the reply of Fortrez Out of these 3 options (Blue Nile, JA, and the CBI diamond) you’d still recommend the CBI stone correct? Even if it’s a lower color (I)?

How important is color to you and your girl? I will expect there would be a visible difference from F to I

 

[Double E]

Honestly I wouldn't choose a stone based on a timeline. This is (theoretically) something that she will wear for years. It isn't worth picking a worse stone for the sake of it getting to you more quickly.

And agreed the timelines not gonna limit your choice~
I too purchased our original engagement ring in a short period of time due to we were heading overseas (not able to reschedule in this way) for the proposal, obviously without deep enough understanding of diamond. It’s white enough F colour “60/60” but somehow lacking incredible fire, and turned out I felt the need and get another really nice stone for my wife one year anniversary. If I did a little more homework at the beginning, I should have got a larger stone for her, so please make your best choice here~

 

[Double E]

How important is color to you and your girl? I will expect there would be a visible difference from F to I

For me the blue Nile and CBI are ahead of the JA one a bit.

BN: largest/ highest colour; but as I know their upgrade is not comparable to this CBI seller. Also we provide all our opinions just based on the numbers and the video. Despite the clip looking great, it’s still not as convinced as performance images like Ideal Scope as well as ASET available.

CBI: Easy upgrade policy, the proportions are guaranteed to be great, however a bit lower colour, strangely I just found that there are a two-grade difference between its GIA (I) and AGS (G) which I think is less common. I suggest particularly ask the vendor where exactly the colour sits, or if possible, call it in to view it in person at their shop, and let your eyes decide.

*technically not only view in the shop, but ask them to let you view it in different Lightning’s and even just out of the shop under natural light to understand it’s all around performance. Anyway, you are not always under spot lights in your daily life~

 

[Double E]

Or if you do prefer easier upgradable super ideal, with similar size to the BN one, here’s one more from Whiteflash, another well regard vendor:

Diamond | 0.832 ct I SI2 A CUT ABOVE® Hearts and Arrows Super Ideal Round Cut Loose Diamond AGS Certified | 4166397

This Whiteflash A CUT ABOVE® super ideal cut hearts and arrows 0.832 carat I color SI2 clarity loose diamond is graded by the American Gem Society (AGS) Laboratories. | 4166397

www.whiteflash.com

.

It reaches 6mm instead of 5.8. AGS I colour may be something you need to think about if you are fine with it or not, but it’s cheaper than the CBI as it’s SI2, which is a clarity grade we need to evaluate case by case. However, a nice SI2 can save you some bucks and may not be easy to find. If this get you overwhelmed, you may stick to the original 3 options of course~

 

[AshuraBoy]

Honestly I wouldn't choose a stone based on a timeline. This is (theoretically) something that she will wear for years. It isn't worth picking a worse stone for the sake of it getting to you more quickly.

That's true! The thing is we'll be back in South-America soon (home base), and really would love to try to propose before we leave back from our Europe Trip (November 3rd.) I've been preparing an amazing idea for the end of this month so if there would be any way I find a ring in time - it would be perfect. In case the BN one is to good to pass on - I'll have to rethink my timing and buy that one.

I've reserved these two options now. I've gotten the other one recommended by BN that would arrive on time. What do you guys think?

https://www.bluenile.com/nl/diamond-details/LD16929414
https://www.bluenile.com/nl/diamond-details/LD17259663

 

[DejaWiz]

That's true! The thing is we'll be back in South-America soon (home base), and really would love to try to propose before we leave back from our Europe Trip (November 3rd.) I've been preparing an amazing idea for the end of this month so if there would be any way I find a ring in time - it would be perfect. In case the BN one is to good to pass on - I'll have to rethink my timing and buy that one.

I've reserved these two options now. I've gotten the other one recommended by BN that would arrive on time. What do you guys think?

https://www.bluenile.com/nl/diamond-details/LD16929414
https://www.bluenile.com/nl/diamond-details/LD17259663

Definitely the second one (LD17259663)...it's just so much more well proportioned and has a much better combination of PA/CA.

 

[Diamond_Enthusiast]

Out of these 3 options (Blue Nile, JA, and the CBI diamond) you’d still recommend the CBI stone correct? Even if it’s a lower color (I)?

This is an important question:

How important is color to you and your girl? I will expect there would be a visible difference from F to I

I agree with this below on comparison of the BN and CBI stone:

For me the blue Nile and CBI are ahead of the JA one a bit.

BN: largest/ highest colour; but as I know their upgrade is not comparable to this CBI seller. Also we provide all our opinions just based on the numbers and the video. Despite the clip looking great, it’s still not as convinced as performance images like Ideal Scope as well as ASET available.

CBI: Easy upgrade policy, the proportions are guaranteed to be great, however a bit lower colour, strangely I just found that there are a two-grade difference between its GIA (I) and AGS (G) which I think is less common. I suggest particularly ask the vendor where exactly the colour sits, or if possible, call it in to view it in person at their shop, and let your eyes decide.

*technically not only view in the shop, but ask them to let you view it in different Lightning’s and even just out of the shop under natural light to understand it’s all around performance. Anyway, you are not always under spot lights in your daily life~

I also wanted also point out this color grade difference that GIA and AGS assessed the CBI at. It is one of the reasons why I choose this one for you because it makes me think that although it graded an I by GIA, for AGS to grade it a G, it should at least be a high I (there is some variation even within a color grade).

 

[Diamond_Enthusiast]

What do you guys think?

https://www.bluenile.com/nl/diamond-details/LD16929414
https://www.bluenile.com/nl/diamond-details/LD17259663

Has BN provided you with a photo/video of the LD16929414 they recommended?

Based on the proportions only, I would prefer LD17259663. If they have provided you image/video of LD16929414, post it up and we can comment more.

If not, I would definitely not consider buying any stones online without photo/videos - too risky!

Also, if you weren't sure about fluorescence, LD16929414 has strong fluor whereas LD17259663 has medium.

Fluorescence isn't necessarily bad in my opinion, I actually like it so long as the stone isn't hazy. However, stones with fluorescence tend to have a lower resale value and the prices are more discounted for higher colors, particularly at strong or very strong fluor levels. Here is a video that will give you a better understanding of fluorescence so you can see if you like it or not:

 

[Diamond_Enthusiast]

Still awaiting the reply of Fortrez Out of these 3 options (Blue Nile, JA, and the CBI diamond) you’d still recommend the CBI stone correct? Even if it’s a lower color (I)?

Of the three options, I prefer the BN or CBI. The JA is good too I think if you are concerned about fluorescence or like higher clarity. I also suggested that JA because I wanted to give you another option in case that BN was bought by someone else.

So here is a my comparison of the BN and CBI :

BN's 0.8ct F SI1 - 5.96 x 6.00mm

https://www.bluenile.com/nl/diamond-details/LD17259663

• higher color and good proportions (I like the fat arrows too)
• slightly larger (though may not be noticeable, human eye detects from around 0.2mm difference)
• medium fluorescence (could be good or bad, though I believe at medium level or no transparency threatening inclusion types, could be ok)
• upgrade may be possible ("The Blue Nile Diamond Upgrade Program is available for purchases shipped to the US. Upgrades for other countries may be eligible on a case-by-case basis.")

CBI 0.75ct I VS2 (GIA I, AGS G) - 5.85 - 5.88mm

Wolf | CBI ™

wolfcbi.com

• cut will be the best of the best. Amazing precision and their process starts from even being picky with selecting the diamond rough. Apparently they only cut about 1000 diamonds a year. Very limited.
• proven performance/light return from advanced images
• clarity one grade higher but lower color
• no fluorescence
• Upgrade available. Fortrez's website mentions: "Lifetime Trade-Up: Infinity credits 100% of your diamond’s purchase price, less applicable tax and shipping, toward a more expensive Infinity through the original authorized Infinity dealer. Diamond and grading report must be in original undamaged condition. Setting and other charges may apply."
• Ease of access locally for any maintenance required, if ring needs resizing or if you want them to make a new pave setting later on or upgrade the stone. It is easier to have the jeweler you buy the stone from set it for you, another jeweler may not like to set an outside stone or there may be an issue of who is responsible if stone is damaged during setting.

Given this, I think the key question is really going to be around the color sensitivity of your girl. With a well cut I, I think it will face up nicely white. Where you will see more color is in the body from the side view. For a 0.75ct, I don't think that I color would be an issue for most people. Usually you will see more body color in larger stones. So recommendation would be different if you are looking at say a 2-3ct stone.

 

[Diamond_Enthusiast]

Here is a video that you can help you understand the spectrum of color grades a bit more:

 

[DejaWiz]

Found a 0.77 F VS1 AGS000 at JA with no fluorescence, although I would need some keener eyes to asset it based just on the rotational view since advanced imaged aren't present. It has 1 40.9/35.0/57.2 combo. Environment lighting seems a little dull, so it may not be doing this one justice.

0.77 Carat round diamond

This 0.77 carat round diamond F color vs1 clarity has Ideal proportions and a diamond grading report from AGS

www.jamesallen.com

AGS Laboratories

agslab.com

 

[DutchJackie]

Since your timeline is so tight, this is an option? Designer outlet Roermond, Amsterdam Diamond House https://www.mcarthurglen.com/nl/outlets/nl/designer-outlet-roermond/winkels/amsterdam-diamond-house/

I love their shop window.