Need help finding a ring. Planning on proposing next month.

[Ready2Propose]

I am looking at getting either a princess cut or round cut. My budget is around $6k (more or less). I just started my search yesterday so I am still trying to get a feel of what a good deal is and what's not. Any thoughts on the stone below? Thank you.

Stock number LD07224078
Price per carat $5,065
Carat weight 1.01
Shape Princess
Cut Sig. Ideal
Color H
Clarity VVS2
Length/width ratio 1.01
Depth % 68.4%
Table % 73.0%
Polish Excellent
Symmetry Excellent
Girdle Slightly Thick
Culet None
Fluorescence None
Measurements 5.71 x 5.64 x 3.86 mm

 

[rubybeth]

Re: Need help finding a ring. Planning on proposing next mon

Do you know if the intended wearer prefers a princess cut or a round? They are very different, and rounds are much more popular, classic, and probably easier to buy in terms of numbers.

 

[ac117]

Re: Need help finding a ring. Planning on proposing next mon

Welcome! First of all, is this for you or your intended? If it's for someone else, did she specifically ask for a princess cut? I ask because they aren't very popular and I wouldn't advise going that route unless it's something she said she wants. They also face up smaller round diamonds. It's most important in this process to find out what SHE wants since she'll be the one wearing the ring! Does she have a Pinterest board or any family/friends you could ask?

 

[Ready2Propose]

Re: Need help finding a ring. Planning on proposing next mon

Thank you so much for the tips. This is for my girlfriend. I have never asked nor have I heard her say anything about her preference. I have bought her some jewelry and she usually agrees with my preference. I picked the round cut because it is timeless and I also think that she might like the princess cut as well. I do agree that I should do some research and find out what she would prefer. I will post an update as soon as I have more info.

 

[rubybeth]

Re: Need help finding a ring. Planning on proposing next mon

Thank you so much for the tips. This is for my girlfriend. I have never asked nor have I heard her say anything about her preference. I have bought her some jewelry and she usually agrees with my preference. I picked the round cut because it is timeless and I also think that she might like the princess cut as well. I do agree that I should do some research and find out what she would prefer. I will post an update as soon as I have more info.

Definitely check if she has a Pinterest board or other place where she saves fashion ideas. Or ask a good friends of hers or a sister if they know her preferences--often women will talk to each other. I suggest this if you want this to be a total surprise. If you don't care about it being a complete surprise, just ask her directly what she prefers "for some day" and see what she says.

I will also add that fashion jewelry is different from engagement ring/wedding band choices--I may pick something totally different when it's inexpensive and I'll be wearing it infrequently vs. what I select to wear nearly every day for the rest of my life.

 

[arkieb1]

Re: Need help finding a ring. Planning on proposing next mon

Princess cuts are basically currently out of fashion/not as popular as they used to be with more people these days wanting cushions instead. I'd probably stick with the round unless you know a Princess cut is something she specifically likes.

 

[Ready2Propose]

Re: Need help finding a ring. Planning on proposing next mon

I have asked a few of her close friends. It does not seem like she has said anything to reveal her preference. I asked each one of them what they think she would prefer and what they would prefer for themselves, round cut seems to be the unanimous pick. That being said, I have decided to shop for a round cut stone.

 

[Ready2Propose]

Re: Need help finding a ring. Planning on proposing next mon

I am sorry for the confusion. One of her friends made up a story and was able to find out what her preference is. She would like a princess cut. So the real search begins. Here's what I found on Blue Nile:

Stock number LD06682639
Price per carat $6,473
Carat weight 1.22
Shape Princess
Cut Sig. Ideal
Color H
Clarity VVS2
Length/width ratio 1.01
Depth % 69.8%
Table % 68.0%
Polish Excellent
Symmetry Very Good
Girdle Slightly Thick to Thick
Culet None
Fluorescence None
Measurements 5.96 x 5.93 x 4.14 mm

What questions should I ask if I decide to take a closer look at this stone?

I used AGA/NAJA tool to grade the cut, it came up with:

Tab Percent: 1B
Crown Height: 4B
Girdle: 1A
Depth: 1A
Polish: 1A
Symmetry: 1A
TotalGrade: 4A

How does this relate to the AGS cut grade? If it is 4B, what should I be concerned about?

 

[farrahlyn]

Re: Need help finding a ring. Planning on proposing next mon

great job on the sleuthing! What type of setting are you thinking?

I don't know a TON about princess cuts. But BN Signature Ideal stones are usually pretty nice stones. I can't comment on the AGA score, that's beyond my knowledge. Just that the crown height is a bit low. Are you stuck with BN as a vendor? Bc if i was going with a princess, i'd go with an ACA (Super Ideal) stone from WF and they will have more refined settings than BN.

1.298 G VS2 $7890 if you do wire
http://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/princess-cut-loose-diamond-3719437.htm

1.271 H VS2 $6737 if you do wire
http://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/princess-cut-loose-diamond-3755023.htm

1.258 G VS2 $7647 if you do wire
http://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/princess-cut-loose-diamond-3773257.htm

I looked on JA just to see what they have as far as AGS Ideal stones in your size/price/color range and i didn't find anything worth posting.

if you would like some more help, post an all round budget. the last stone you posted is nearly $8k so i used that when searching.

 

[Ready2Propose]

Re: Need help finding a ring. Planning on proposing next mon

great job on the sleuthing! What type of setting are you thinking?

I don't know a TON about princess cuts. But BN Signature Ideal stones are usually pretty nice stones. I can't comment on the AGA score, that's beyond my knowledge. Just that the crown height is a bit low. Are you stuck with BN as a vendor? Bc if i was going with a princess, i'd go with an ACA (Super Ideal) stone from WF and they will have more refined settings than BN.

1.298 G VS2 $7890 if you do wire
http://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/princess-cut-loose-diamond-3719437.htm

1.271 H VS2 $6737 if you do wire
http://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/princess-cut-loose-diamond-3755023.htm

1.258 G VS2 $7647 if you do wire
http://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/princess-cut-loose-diamond-3773257.htm

I looked on JA just to see what they have as far as AGS Ideal stones in your size/price/color range and i didn't find anything worth posting.

if you would like some more help, post an all round budget. the last stone you posted is nearly $8k so i used that when searching.

These are all great picks. I just started my search 2 days ago so I haven't had a chance to shop other stores. I am thinking of getting a platinum solitaire band with a hand carved intricate design along the band. I am planning on spending $8k with the band.

I apologize if this is a stupid question, what do you mean when you said that "WF will have more refined settings than BN"?

 

[farrahlyn]

Re: Need help finding a ring. Planning on proposing next mon

These are all great picks. I just started my search 2 days ago so I haven't had a chance to shop other stores. I am thinking of getting a platinum solitaire band with a hand carved intricate design along the band. I am planning on spending $8k with the band.

I apologize if this is a stupid question, what do you mean when you said that "WF will have more refined settings than BN"?

Whiteflash will just be better quality than Blue Nile. But there are some really nice settings on BN, especially engraved. If you're looking at $8k total, around $6k for the stone, you're looking more at 1ct-1.1ct

what about these stones (with BN Links, you have to either copy/paste or hold down ctrl and click)
http://www.bluenile.com/diamond-search?stockno=LD06263317 although i'd want to be positive that this is eye clean and at what distance.
http://www.bluenile.com/diamond-search?stockno=LD07915384

settings:
http://www.bluenile.com/build-your-...r=customizer&track=alternate-metalsCustomizer

http://www.bluenile.com/build-your-...r=customizer&track=alternate-metalsCustomizer

http://www.bluenile.com/build-your-...r=customizer&track=alternate-metalsCustomizer i think this is especially flattering with a princess if you look at some of the finished rings


There is this AGS0 Ideal on JA, 1.11ct though the video is less than flattering, i can't tell if its an issue with the stone itself or if its dirty or the video clarity?
https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/princess-cut/1.11-carat-h-color-vs2-clarity-sku-1905564

Really like this setting
https://www.jamesallen.com/engageme...al-engagement-ring-by-martin-flyer-item-54954

You can request 3 ASET's from JA so maybe someone else more knowledgeable with Princess cut stones can help. I see what i *think* are some nice stones but i really don't know a ton about princess stones.

 

[Ready2Propose]

Re: Need help finding a ring. Planning on proposing next mon

http://www.bluenile.com/diamond-search?stockno=LD06263317 although i'd want to be positive that this is eye clean and at what distance.
http://www.bluenile.com/diamond-search?stockno=LD07915384

settings:
http://www.bluenile.com/build-your-...r=customizer&track=alternate-metalsCustomizer

Thank you for all the good info.

This is the exact same setting that I have been looking at. I'm sure she would love the details on that ring. I checked out the rings on WF and I could not find anything close to this one. If I could find a good stone at BN, I would pair it with this setting.

If I can find a good jeweler by my area, would you recommend buying the stone online and finding a setting at a store? What are the disadvantages to going that route?

 

[Ready2Propose]

Re: Need help finding a ring. Planning on proposing next mon

I have been checking out round stones with the setting I chose and I like the round stones better than the princess cut. I found this stone on BN. It has a strong Fluorescence and I Color. Would this be a good buy? Should I worry about the fluorescence?

$5,574

Stock number
LD07890351
Price per carat
$5,067
Carat weight
1.10
Shape
Round
Cut
Ideal
Color
I
Clarity
IF
Length/width ratio
1.00
Depth %
59.8%
Table %
59.0%
Polish
Excellent
Symmetry
Excellent
Girdle
Medium to Slightly Thick
Culet
None
Fluorescence
Strong
Measurements
6.69 x 6.72 x 4.01 mm

HCA 1.2

 

[farrahlyn]

Re: Need help finding a ring. Planning on proposing next mon

I have been checking out round stones with the setting I chose and I like the round stones better than the princess cut. I found this stone on BN. It has a strong Fluorescence and I Color. Would this be a good buy? Should I worry about the fluorescence?

I would strongly advise against buying her a round when you already know she prefers a princess. Some women (me included) just don't care for round diamonds. If the lady wants a princess cut stone, BUY her one! It would be like her finding out that you really want a Glock handgun so she decides to buy you one for you bday. But she starts looking around at similar guns and buys you a Sig instead simply because she likes the look of the Sig better. Is it still a nice gift? of course it is! Is it exactly what you wanted? of course not! Will you complain to her? Probably not. But will you look at the Sig when out at target practice and think, "Man i wish this was a Glock"? Yep, probably so. *just adding that i'm using the handgun reference bc my hubby is an officer and has a collection of guns and it was the first reference that came to mind.*

SHE is going to be wearing it every day for the rest of her life. Get the woman what SHE wants, please!

Just to toss in, I'd pass on that stone. low crown angle and you probably wont be able to get an IS on it. But still, please go with a princess.

 

[Ready2Propose]

Re: Need help finding a ring. Planning on proposing next mon

I have been checking out round stones with the setting I chose and I like the round stones better than the princess cut. I found this stone on BN. It has a strong Fluorescence and I Color. Would this be a good buy? Should I worry about the fluorescence?

I would strongly advise against buying her a round when you already know she prefers a princess. Some women (me included) just don't care for round diamonds. If the lady wants a princess cut stone, BUY her one! It would be like her finding out that you really want a Glock handgun so she decides to buy you one for you bday. But she starts looking around at similar guns and buys you a Sig instead simply because she likes the look of the Sig better. Is it still a nice gift? of course it is! Is it exactly what you wanted? of course not! Will you complain to her? Probably not. But will you look at the Sig when out at target practice and think, "Man i wish this was a Glock"? Yep, probably so. *just adding that i'm using the handgun reference bc my hubby is an officer and has a collection of guns and it was the first reference that came to mind.*

SHE is going to be wearing it every day for the rest of her life. Get the woman what SHE wants, please!

Just to toss in, I'd pass on that stone. low crown angle and you probably wont be able to get an IS on it. But still, please go with a princess.

Thank you for your perspective. It is difficult to disagree with your point.

What do you mean by "getting an IS on it"?

I am also not sure how to read the grades on the AGA/NAJA cut class tool. Should I be looking for all 1A grades on every aspect of the cut?

 

[farrahlyn]

Re: Need help finding a ring. Planning on proposing next mon

I have been checking out round stones with the setting I chose and I like the round stones better than the princess cut. I found this stone on BN. It has a strong Fluorescence and I Color. Would this be a good buy? Should I worry about the fluorescence?

I would strongly advise against buying her a round when you already know she prefers a princess. Some women (me included) just don't care for round diamonds. If the lady wants a princess cut stone, BUY her one! It would be like her finding out that you really want a Glock handgun so she decides to buy you one for you bday. But she starts looking around at similar guns and buys you a Sig instead simply because she likes the look of the Sig better. Is it still a nice gift? of course it is! Is it exactly what you wanted? of course not! Will you complain to her? Probably not. But will you look at the Sig when out at target practice and think, "Man i wish this was a Glock"? Yep, probably so. *just adding that i'm using the handgun reference bc my hubby is an officer and has a collection of guns and it was the first reference that came to mind.*

SHE is going to be wearing it every day for the rest of her life. Get the woman what SHE wants, please!

Just to toss in, I'd pass on that stone. low crown angle and you probably wont be able to get an IS on it. But still, please go with a princess.

Thank you for your perspective. It is difficult to disagree with your point.

What do you mean by "getting an IS on it"?

I am also not sure how to read the grades on the AGA/NAJA cut class tool. Should I be looking for all 1A grades on every aspect of the cut?

IS = Idealscope which is used for light performance in rounds. ASET is for fancy cuts.

YOu might find this info helpful but it is a long thread:
https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/princess-cut-ideal-cut.102479/

i'm sorry, i am not super knowledgeable on princess shape stones! maybe start a new post with the subject "Help me find a Princess diamond" and be sure to include your all in budget, setting you're considering, etc. You should get some answers in doing so.