Need help for buying engagement ring. Total newbie

[potomac]

Hello folks.

I am totally new to this process and well a bit busy with work to get into specifics and researching.

BUT. My girlfriend listed some parameters of what she likes.

I would appreciate any advice as I am not opposed to buying online or visiting a b&m shop.
FYI. I am based out of the Wash DC Metro area.

Anyways. She loved something (leo diamond) at Shaw Jewelers.

This is what she gave me. My total budget for everything is $5,000.


Round Cut
.75 carat solitaire
4 prongs
near colorless
platinum
tiffany setting

I''d appreciate any advice. Any online links. Or recommendations.

THANKS!!

 

[stone-cold11]

http://www.goodoldgold.com/diamond/5234/

I think this is a good stone, if you don't mind the Strong Blue Flour. Bank wire price is at 4.6k. So plus a setting should just push over 5k.

http://www.goodoldgold.com/diamond/I283712/ New stone, 0.75c G SI1, 3k.

GOG is based in Long Island, should be near enough for you to do a day trip. Call them up for an appointment.

EDT:

WF ES stone, cheaper so more leeway in $$ for the setting, but based in Texas so you can't eye-ball it though.
http://www.whiteflash.com/round_ideal_cut/Round-Ideal-Cut-cut-diamond-1987286.htm#http://www.whiteflash.com/round_ideal_cut/Round-Ideal-Cut-cut-diamond-1987251.htm#

WF ACA 0.795c G SI1, 3k.
http://www.whiteflash.com/hearts_arrows/Whiteflash-ACA-cut-diamond-1982398.htm

 

[Lorelei]

Date: 4/6/2009 10:55:23 AM
Author:potomac
Hello folks.

I am totally new to this process and well a bit busy with work to get into specifics and researching.

BUT. My girlfriend listed some parameters of what she likes.

I would appreciate any advice as I am not opposed to buying online or visiting a b&m shop.
FYI. I am based out of the Wash DC Metro area.

Anyways. She loved something (leo diamond) at Shaw Jewelers.

This is what she gave me. My total budget for everything is $5,000.


Round Cut
.75 carat solitaire
4 prongs
near colorless
platinum
tiffany setting

I'd appreciate any advice. Any online links. Or recommendations.

THANKS!!

Hi Potomac and welcome!

With the size of the diamond, is .75 a minimum?

 

[potomac]

I received these quotes online. Please review.


A four prong platinum Tiffany style mounting will be $775
Diamond #1
RD, 0.76 carat, GIA cert, F color, VS1 clarity, price $4030, depth 61.8 %, table 55 %, measurements 5.86 x 5.89 x 3.63 mm, EX EX N
[hearts and arrows] [laser inscribed with GIA number] [Excellent GIA cut grade]
Diamond # 2
RD, 0.75 carat, GIA cert, F color, VVS1 clarity, price $4063, depth 61.9 %, table 57 %, measurements 5.87 x 5.83, EX EX N
[Excellent GIA cut grade]
Diamond # 3
RD, 0.90 carat, GIA cert, E color, SI1 clarity, price $4071, depth 60.8 %, table 59 %, measurements 6.19 x 6.24 x 3.78 mm, EX VG N
[Excellent GIA cut grade]
Diamond # 4
RD, 0.90 carat, GIA cert, E color, SI1 clarity, price $4071, depth 61.5 %, table 58 %, measurements 6.19 x 6.16 x 3.80 mm, VG VG N
[Very Good GIA cut grade]
Diamond # 5
RD, 0.91 carat, GIA cert, F color, SI1 clarity, price $4078, depth 61.5 %, table 59 %, measurements 6.19 x 6.24 x 3.82 mm, VG VG N
[Excellent GIA cut grade]
Diamond # 6
RD, 0.80 carat, GIA cert, E color, VVS2 clarity, price $4089, depth 62.2 %, table 56 %, measurements 5.99 x 5.94 x 3.71 mm, VG VG F
[Excellent GIA cut grade]
Diamond # 7
RD, 0.80 carat, GIA cert, F color, VS1 clarity, price $4093, depth 61.6 %, table 55 %, measurements 5.97 x 6.02 x 3.69 mm, EX EX N
[laser inscribed with GIA number] [Excellent GIA cut grade]
Diamond # 8
RD, 0.80 carat, GIA cert, F color, VS1 clarity, price $4093, depth 62.1 %, table 56 %, measurements 5.91 x 5.95 x 3.68 mm, EX EX N
[laser inscribed with GIA number] [Excellent GIA cut grade]

 

[potomac]

Hi.. Yes .75 a minimum.


Thanks

 

[Lorelei]

Date: 4/6/2009 11:19:16 AM
Author: potomac
Hi.. Yes .75 a minimum.


Thanks

Most welcome!

Potomac, we need the crown and pavilion angles for each diamond listed above please and the girdle thicknesses.

 

[potomac]

 

[potomac]

Date: 4/6/2009 11:04:33 AM
Author: Stone-cold11
http://www.goodoldgold.com/diamond/5234/

I think this is a good stone, if you don''t mind the Strong Blue Flour. Bank wire price is at 4.6k. So plus a setting should just push over 5k.

http://www.goodoldgold.com/diamond/I283712/ New stone, 0.75c G SI1, 3k.

GOG is based in Long Island, should be near enough for you to do a day trip. Call them up for an appointment.

EDT:

WF ES stone, cheaper so more leeway in $$ for the setting, but based in Texas so you can''t eye-ball it though.
http://www.whiteflash.com/round_ideal_cut/Round-Ideal-Cut-cut-diamond-1987286.htm#http://www.whiteflash.com/round_ideal_cut/Round-Ideal-Cut-cut-diamond-1987251.htm#

WF ACA 0.795c G SI1, 3k.
http://www.whiteflash.com/hearts_arrows/Whiteflash-ACA-cut-diamond-1982398.htm

Thanks Stone Cold. Appreciate the advice. Kudos

 

[stone-cold11]

For those online stones, can you get the crown and pavilion angles, girdles thickness listed too?

 

[potomac]

I just inquired about the questions you listed.

Thanks again

 

[stone-cold11]

Also get the report numbers, just in case they mess up reading the numbers, we can verify the information online.

IS this online vendor able to supply IS/ASET images on request?

Images like these...
http://www.ideal-scope.com/using_reference_chart.asp
http://www.ideal-scope.com/using_reference_chart_ASET.asp

They are very useful for further evaluating a cut.

 

[Lorelei]

Date: 4/6/2009 11:27:56 AM
Author: potomac
I just inquired about the questions you listed.

Thanks again

Post that info I noted above when you can then we can go from there, the crown and pavilion angles are one of the deciding factors as to whether a diamond is worth considering or not.

 

[potomac]

Date: 4/6/2009 11:29:07 AM
Author: Stone-cold11
Also get the report numbers, just in case they mess up reading the numbers, we can verify the information online.

IS this online vendor able to supply IS/ASET images on request?

Images like these...
http://www.ideal-scope.com/using_reference_chart.asp
http://www.ideal-scope.com/using_reference_chart_ASET.asp

They are very useful for further evaluating a cut.

Am I allowed to post the online retailers name? Cause I am sure most of you have heard of them

 

[stone-cold11]

Date: 4/6/2009 11:34:01 AM
Author: potomac

Date: 4/6/2009 11:29:07 AM

Author: Stone-cold11

Also get the report numbers, just in case they mess up reading the numbers, we can verify the information online.

IS this online vendor able to supply IS/ASET images on request?

Images like these...
http://www.ideal-scope.com/using_reference_chart.asp
http://www.ideal-scope.com/using_reference_chart_ASET.asp

They are very useful for further evaluating a cut.

Am I allowed to post the online retailers name? Cause I am sure most of you have heard of them

You can.

 

[Lorelei]

Date: 4/6/2009 11:34:01 AM
Author: potomac

Date: 4/6/2009 11:29:07 AM

Am I allowed to post the online retailers name? Cause I am sure most of you have heard of them

Yes absolutely, in fact it is very helpful to do so. That way the experienced PSers will know which vendors can supply useful additional information such as Idealscope and ASET images which are very useful for evaluating a diamond, plus various benefits you might want to factor into your decision process.

This is an excellent link which explains about ASET and Idealscope images, their usage and value.

http://www.highperformancediamonds.com/index.php?page=education-performance

Also two more vendors you could try if you prefer to look in person -

www.exceldiamonds.com are in NYC and www.jamesallen.com also have offices there, you would need to make an appointment with each.

 

[potomac]

Online retailer is...


Diamond Source of Virginia

http://www.diamondsourceva.com/

 

[potomac]

Date: 4/6/2009 11:19:16 AM
Author: potomac
Hi.. Yes .75 a minimum.


Thanks

Despite the quotes, I received. I am still open for you and Stone Cold''s suggestion.

I appreicate the guidance.

 

[Lorelei]

Date: 4/6/2009 11:52:54 AM
Author: potomac

Date: 4/6/2009 11:19:16 AM
Author: potomac
Hi.. Yes .75 a minimum.


Thanks

Despite the quotes, I received. I am still open for you and Stone Cold's suggestion.

I appreicate the guidance.

Ok, I will see what is available that might suit you!

Ok here are some, with any SI clarity always check with the vendor that the diamond is eyeclean to your standards.

http://www.goodoldgold.com/diamond/4705/

http://www.goodoldgold.com/diamond/I283712/ images can be probably emailed to you on request.

http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/F-SI2-Ideal-Cut-Round-Diamond-1204041.asp?b=16&a=12&c=77&cid=131

http://www.whiteflash.com/hearts_arrows/Whiteflash-ACA-cut-diamond-1982390.htm

http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/I-VVS2-Ideal-Cut-Round-Diamond-1230962.asp?b=16&a=12&c=77&cid=131

 

[Regular Guy]

Potomac,

With this vendor...not sure...you might be able to drive over and look at what they pull.

Within the last 2 years they had been commenting on this board, but didn't stay too long.

Do us a favor...inquire to them about IS and ASET images, and let us know what they say. If they'll provide them...everyone here might want to know. If they don't, ask them a) what they think of them and b) why not.

Warm regards,

P.S. edited to add...when they wrote earlier, they had spoken positively about the HCA, so they should be quite supportive of helping you with those crown & pavilion angles...

 

[tyty333]

Date: 4/6/2009 12:06:07 PM
Author: Lorelei

Date: 4/6/2009 11:52:54 AM
Author: potomac

Date: 4/6/2009 11:19:16 AM
Author: potomac
Hi.. Yes .75 a minimum.


Thanks

Despite the quotes, I received. I am still open for you and Stone Cold''s suggestion.

I appreicate the guidance.

Ok, I will see what is available that might suit you!

Ok here are some, with any SI clarity always check with the vendor that the diamond is eyeclean to your standards.

http://www.goodoldgold.com/diamond/4705/

http://www.goodoldgold.com/diamond/I283712/ images can be probably emailed to you on request.

http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/F-SI2-Ideal-Cut-Round-Diamond-1204041.asp?b=16&a=12&c=77&cid=131

http://www.whiteflash.com/hearts_arrows/Whiteflash-ACA-cut-diamond-1982390.htm

http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/I-VVS2-Ideal-Cut-Round-Diamond-1230962.asp?b=16&a=12&c=77&cid=131

That whiteflash ACA looks lovely!

 

[Lorelei]

Date: 4/6/2009 12:39:35 PM
Author: tyty333

Date: 4/6/2009 12:06:07 PM
Author: Lorelei

Date: 4/6/2009 11:52:54 AM
Author: potomac

Date: 4/6/2009 11:19:16 AM
Author: potomac
Hi.. Yes .75 a minimum.


Thanks

Despite the quotes, I received. I am still open for you and Stone Cold''s suggestion.

I appreicate the guidance.

Ok, I will see what is available that might suit you!

Ok here are some, with any SI clarity always check with the vendor that the diamond is eyeclean to your standards.

http://www.goodoldgold.com/diamond/4705/

http://www.goodoldgold.com/diamond/I283712/ images can be probably emailed to you on request.

http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/F-SI2-Ideal-Cut-Round-Diamond-1204041.asp?b=16&a=12&c=77&cid=131

http://www.whiteflash.com/hearts_arrows/Whiteflash-ACA-cut-diamond-1982390.htm

http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/I-VVS2-Ideal-Cut-Round-Diamond-1230962.asp?b=16&a=12&c=77&cid=131

That whiteflash ACA looks lovely!

Thanks Ty, I must admit that one really caught my eye too!

 

[potomac]

Date: 4/6/2009 11:29:07 AM
Author: Stone-cold11
Also get the report numbers, just in case they mess up reading the numbers, we can verify the information online.

IS this online vendor able to supply IS/ASET images on request?

Images like these...
http://www.ideal-scope.com/using_reference_chart.asp
http://www.ideal-scope.com/using_reference_chart_ASET.asp

They are very useful for further evaluating a cut.

They only gave the GIA Report #s

Diamond #1***AVAILABLE***
RD, 0.76 carat, GIA cert, F color, VS1 clarity, price $4030, depth 61.8 %, table 55 %, measurements 5.86 x 5.89 x 3.63 mm, EX EX N
[GIA REPORT# 17327289][hearts and arrows] [laser inscribed with GIA number] [Excellent GIA cut grade, Excellent HCA rating 1.4]
Diamond # 2***NOT AVAILABLE***
RD, 0.75 carat, GIA cert, F color, VVS1 clarity, price $4063, depth 61.9 %, table 57 %, measurements 5.87 x 5.83, EX EX N
[Excellent GIA cut grade]
Diamond # 3***AVAILABLE***
RD, 0.90 carat, GIA cert, E color, SI1 clarity, price $4071, depth 60.8 %, table 59 %, measurements 6.19 x 6.24 x 3.78 mm, EX VG N
[GIA REPORT # 15197722][Excellent GIA cut grade, Excellent HCA rating 1.3]
Diamond # 4***AVAILABLE***
RD, 0.90 carat, GIA cert, E color, SI1 clarity, price $4071, depth 61.5 %, table 58 %, measurements 6.19 x 6.16 x 3.80 mm, VG VG N
[GIA REPORT # 2101339653] [Very Good GIA cut grade, Excellent HCA rating 1.9]
Diamond # 5***NOT AVAILABLE***
RD, 0.91 carat, GIA cert, F color, SI1 clarity, price $4078, depth 61.5 %, table 59 %, measurements 6.19 x 6.24 x 3.82 mm, VG VG N
[Excellent GIA cut grade]
Diamond # 6***AVAILABLE***
RD, 0.80 carat, GIA cert, E color, VVS2 clarity, price $4089, depth 62.2 %, table 56 %, measurements 5.99 x 5.94 x 3.71 mm, VG VG F
[GIA REPORT # 2101310628] [Excellent GIA cut grade, Very Good HCA rating 2.6]
Diamond # 7***AVAILABLE***
RD, 0.80 carat, GIA cert, F color, VS1 clarity, price $4093, depth 61.6 %, table 55 %, measurements 5.97 x 6.02 x 3.69 mm, EX EX N
[GIA REPORT # 1106404465] [laser inscribed with GIA number] [Excellent GIA cut grade, Excellent HCA rating 1.5]
Diamond # 8***AVAILABLE***
RD, 0.80 carat, GIA cert, F color, VS1 clarity, price $4093, depth 62.1 %, table 56 %, measurements 5.91 x 5.95 x 3.68 mm, EX EX N
[GIA REPORT # 17256176] [laser inscribed with GIA number] [Excellent GIA cut grade, Excellent HCA rating 1.6]



Thanks!

 

[Lorelei]

I looked up the numbers and out of the above I like the first and third best out of these, the third has a slightly larger table than I prefer personally but it still could be a good diamond. You would need to make sure the SI clarity is eyeclean to your standards by asking the vendor to inspect the diamond for you.

 

[potomac]

Date: 4/6/2009 3:36:10 PM
Author: Lorelei
I looked up the numbers and out of the above I like the first and third best out of these, the third has a slightly larger table than I prefer personally but it still could be a good diamond. You would need to make sure the SI clarity is eyeclean to your standards by asking the vendor to inspect the diamond for you.

Thanks for the replies. I think I am going to go visit GOG up in Long Island.

THANKS