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need help in choosing the right engagement ring!

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Chrishopkins

Rough_Rock
Joined
Aug 19, 2008
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HI, i''m new to these forums and could do with a bit of advice!

I live in the UK and i''m looking to purchase a ring from whiteflash and being a complete novice on anything diamond related I was hoping somebody might have some advice on my purchase :)

I don''t have a very big budget (£2000 all in for diamond, setting, shipping, VAT & tax) so I need some help getting the most for my cash!

At the minute I have this diamond reserved for me:

https://www.whiteflash.com/diamonds/Diamond_Details.aspx?idNo=36

What are peoples thoughts on this? does it look like a good choice or would I be better looking for something else?
Also, which setting out of the following in your opinion would look best with a diamond like the X-Factor above

http://www.whiteflash.com/Engagement-Rings/Styles/Solitaire/4-Prong-tiffany-style_994.htm
http://www.whiteflash.com/Engagement-Rings/Styles/Solitaire/Heavy-tiffany-style_715.htm
http://www.whiteflash.com/Engagement-Rings/Styles/Solitaire/Comfort-Fit--Surprise--Diamond-Ring_765.htm

Thanks in advance :D

Chris
 
Date: 8/19/2008 6:39:06 AM
Author:Chrishopkins
HI, i''m new to these forums and could do with a bit of advice!

I live in the UK and i''m looking to purchase a ring from whiteflash and being a complete novice on anything diamond related I was hoping somebody might have some advice on my purchase :)

I don''t have a very big budget (£2000 all in for diamond, setting, shipping, VAT & tax) so I need some help getting the most for my cash!

At the minute I have this diamond reserved for me:

https://www.whiteflash.com/diamonds/Diamond_Details.aspx?idNo=36

What are peoples thoughts on this? does it look like a good choice or would I be better looking for something else?
Also, which setting out of the following in your opinion would look best with a diamond like the X-Factor above

http://www.whiteflash.com/Engagement-Rings/Styles/Solitaire/4-Prong-tiffany-style_994.htm
http://www.whiteflash.com/Engagement-Rings/Styles/Solitaire/Heavy-tiffany-style_715.htm
http://www.whiteflash.com/Engagement-Rings/Styles/Solitaire/Comfort-Fit--Surprise--Diamond-Ring_765.htm

Thanks in advance :D

Chris
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Hi Chris and welcome
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X Factors are great diamonds, so that shouldn''t be a problem. You could certainly drop your colour and clarity a tad to go larger if you want, but this is a personal preference. Do you know for sure if your GF would prefer this shape diamond to a round?

The settings are great and classic, any of those would be a good choice.
 
Hello & welcome to PS!
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I was in the UK when we bought my diamond online - so you''ve already figured out it''s a great way to go in terms of saving money on high street prices!

I''m no expert on the X-Factor diamond, so I can''t comment specifically on your chosen stone.

I assume you know that your GF will appreciate a stone of this shape/cut? I only mention this because shape selection is quite a personal thing and just want to be sure you know she''ll love it. :) (Not trying to put you off this diamond by any means)!

All three of your settings are beautiful by the way... I''m struggling to choose, but think perhaps the third one for that particular stone :)

x x x
 
Thanks for your reply :) she definately prefers that cut on a diamond, I have had her friends quiz her a few times on various different things so that I can make sure I choose the right ring :D
 
Date: 8/19/2008 7:01:13 AM
Author: Chrishopkins
Thanks for your reply :) she definately prefers that cut on a diamond, I have had her friends quiz her a few times on various different things so that I can make sure I choose the right ring :D
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LOL! Well it sounds like you have done your homework! What I would do is to contact WF if you haven't already done so, and just check with them that this is the most suitable diamond for you out of the X Factors which are available. They may have some others that you might like, so for the sake of comparison this might be worth asking about.

Also I am with Cleo, looking at your settings again, the surprise diamond is adorable!
 
That''s great that you know which diamond she prefers - well done! :)

Ditto to Lorelei on the fact it might be worth dropping coloiur/clarity. I would certainly look at VS2 and even eye clean SI1 (and SI2!) which would allow you to go bgger within your budget (if you wanted to). If the diamonds are all eye clean, then an SI1 looks the same as an IF clarity to the naked eye... so the appearance of the diamond won''t change. :)

I noticed there wasn''t a huge inventory of these stones online, so do speak to Whiteflash & ask if they have any other X-Factors they think are worthy of your consideration.

The X-prong solitaire is very pretty too... I think I''m still voting for the surprise diamond setting though!

x x x
 
Well I think I personally prefer the X-Prong setting simply because i''ve seen somebodys pictures of a similar setting and diamond to the one I would have:

https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/finally-a-setting-that-befits-my-x-factor.64109/

With regards to dropping colour and clarity for a bigger stone, this is definately something I would do but as said above looking at whiteflash''s inventory there isn''t much available within my budget! I have however been speaking to them and have asked if there are any others they would recommend
 
Great link!

That diamond looks wonderful in that setting... you can''t go wrong there. Simple, yet classic & elegant... just lovely!

x x x
 
Another question that somebody might be able to help with: When it is posted by fedex when I receive it will it be blindingly obvious it is a diamond ring or is the packaging subtle? also when they knock on the door is the delivery driver going to say you owe us "X" amount for VAT or will I get contacted before they attempt to deliver it to pay for the VAT.

Trying to think of where I want it delivered to, if it''s not obvious and the drivers don''t deal with the VAT then it will be fine if I get it at home, if not then I''ll need to arrange for it to be sent to a friends house :)
 
The surprise diamond setting is actually one of my favorites on WF, but the X-prong setting that gladyskristen has looks really incredible with the X-factor, so that gets my vote!

X-factors are beautiful stones, but I actually am not as much of a fan of that particular X-factor as I have been of others. The ASET image lacks symmetry and isn't red enough.

How much is £2000 in USD? I think you might be able to put more money into the stone, because I thought it was close to $4000, and the settings are pretty inexpensive in gold.

Would you be interested in something like this beautiful ring if the stone is eye clean and fits into your budget? It's Good Old Gold's version of the X-factor and looks great from the pictures. It's already set, but a Tiffany-style setting is always classic. And going down to J color and SI clarity allows you to get up to 1 ct!

ETA: As another option, this stone looks like it just might be one of those rare eye clean I1s. These can be a fantastic value (if you hit "reserve diamond" you can see the price).
 
Date: 8/19/2008 8:23:36 AM
Author: jstarfireb
The surprise diamond setting is actually one of my favorites on WF, but the X-prong setting that gladyskristen has looks really incredible with the X-factor, so that gets my vote!

X-factors are beautiful stones, but I actually am not as much of a fan of that particular X-factor as I have been of others. The ASET image lacks symmetry and isn't red enough.

How much is £2000 in USD? I think you might be able to put more money into the stone, because I thought it was close to $4000, and the settings are pretty inexpensive in gold.

Would you be interested in something like this beautiful ring if the stone is eye clean and fits into your budget? It's Good Old Gold's version of the X-factor and looks great from the pictures. It's already set, but a Tiffany-style setting is always classic. And going down to J color and SI clarity allows you to get up to 1 ct!

ETA: As another option, this stone looks like it just might be one of those rare eye clean I1s. These can be a fantastic value (if you hit 'reserve diamond' you can see the price).
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I am sure it is still a good handpicked diamond, there aren't many other options in this range at the moment regrettably. You are right that 2k GBP is around 4k USD at the moment.

Chris it might be best to ask WF about the FedEx packaging if it discloses the contents and the procedures for customs duties etc. I have read that you could be contacted from UK customs or FedEx as soon as your package has arrived, then you can pay the duties and they will release the package to you, but best to check with WF or customs as I am speculating on what I have read.

If Maise or Pandora see this thread, they may have more info which could help.
 
Date: 8/19/2008 8:28:52 AM
Author: Lorelei

Date: 8/19/2008 8:23:36 AM
Author: jstarfireb
The surprise diamond setting is actually one of my favorites on WF, but the X-prong setting that gladyskristen has looks really incredible with the X-factor, so that gets my vote!

X-factors are beautiful stones, but I actually am not as much of a fan of that particular X-factor as I have been of others. The ASET image lacks symmetry and isn''t red enough.

How much is £2000 in USD? I think you might be able to put more money into the stone, because I thought it was close to $4000, and the settings are pretty inexpensive in gold.

Would you be interested in something like this beautiful ring if the stone is eye clean and fits into your budget? It''s Good Old Gold''s version of the X-factor and looks great from the pictures. It''s already set, but a Tiffany-style setting is always classic. And going down to J color and SI clarity allows you to get up to 1 ct!

ETA: As another option, this stone looks like it just might be one of those rare eye clean I1s. These can be a fantastic value (if you hit ''reserve diamond'' you can see the price).
Click to expand...
I am sure it is still a good handpicked diamond, there aren''t many other options in this range at the moment regrettably. You are right that 2k GBP is around 4k USD at the moment.

Chris it might be best to ask WF about the FedEx packaging if it discloses the contents and the procedures for customs duties etc. I have read that you could be contacted from UK customs or FedEx as soon as your package has arrived, then you can pay the duties and they will release the package to you, but best to check with WF or customs as I am speculating on what I have read.

If Maise or Pandora see this thread, they may have more info which could help.
Click to expand...
The 2k needs to include all the VAT over here as well, I think I will need to pay around 17.5% of the total value at customs over here?

Thanks for all the info though, jstarfireb, I love the stone in that ring but the setting doesn''t really do it for me
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i''m also looking for a platinum setting as from what i''ve heard a white gold one requires alot more maintenance (or so i''ve been told by various different people!)
 
Date: 8/19/2008 7:45:26 AM
Author: Chrishopkins
Another question that somebody might be able to help with: When it is posted by fedex when I receive it will it be blindingly obvious it is a diamond ring or is the packaging subtle? also when they knock on the door is the delivery driver going to say you owe us ''X'' amount for VAT or will I get contacted before they attempt to deliver it to pay for the VAT.

Trying to think of where I want it delivered to, if it''s not obvious and the drivers don''t deal with the VAT then it will be fine if I get it at home, if not then I''ll need to arrange for it to be sent to a friends house :)
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The packaging is very discreet. You needn''t worry about that. I had the e-ring I purchased delivered to a resort my FI and I were staying, and none could have been the wiser. They take extra care as to making sure it''s not obvious, most likely because of insurance purposes.

Good luck in your search. BTW, as suggested it may be worth calling the vendors (WF & GoG) as suggested. The stone you have picked may be absolutely stunning, but as Lorelei pointed out, the Aset image isn''t really jumping out. I am sure with $3700 USD, they''ll be able to help find you something that will make you extremely pleased.

SH
 
Yeah, a regular Tiffany-style setting is nice but doesn't do it for me either!

As for platinum vs WG...when your budget is limiting, I would highly suggest considering WG. WG settings usually run 1/3-1/2 the price of platinum settings. Maintenance is actually not much different for the two metals. While WG may need to be replated with rhodium every now and then, this is not very expensive, and almost any jeweler can do it. How often it needs to be done depends on her body chemistry (there's really no way to evaluate this beforehand) and the type of work she does (working with chemicals and constant hand washing like in the medical field will cause wear and tear earlier). Also, platinum scratches very easily (developing a "patina" over time), and this can be brushed out too, but it's no easier to maintain than WG.

I went with a platinum ring because I'm a doctor and have to wash my hands or use hand sanitizer all the time, which I think would make WG wear faster. If she doesn't have a hand-intensive job, WG is a very good, budget-friendly option that will allow you to put more money into the stone.

ETA: I'm sure that X-factor is beautiful, but after seeing the awesome ASET from this PSer's X-factor, I think you can do a little better. Maybe see if WF has some that they haven't posted online yet?

Also, you could contact GOG and see if that J/SI2 CCS stone could be reset into something like the Vatche X-prong?
 
I like the comfort fit band with the surprise diamond the best.
 
you know best, but i liked the trellis setting, then one you posted all in its own post. the x factor looks alright to me, but i am not an expert. i think that you should be careful in how close you push the budget. it would be a shame if after it all you dont have the money to get it into the country.
 
Date: 8/19/2008 7:45:26 AM
Author: Chrishopkins
Another question that somebody might be able to help with: When it is posted by fedex when I receive it will it be blindingly obvious it is a diamond ring or is the packaging subtle? also when they knock on the door is the delivery driver going to say you owe us ''X'' amount for VAT or will I get contacted before they attempt to deliver it to pay for the VAT.

Trying to think of where I want it delivered to, if it''s not obvious and the drivers don''t deal with the VAT then it will be fine if I get it at home, if not then I''ll need to arrange for it to be sent to a friends house :)
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We ordered a loose diamond from Diamondsonweb when we bought. It came by FedEx and turned up in a bog-standard FedEx packaging box... you would never have known what was in it.

I smiled at the tiny description og the contents on the box outer, which was listed as ''crystalline carbon''.

Regarding paying import duty, we paid ours in advance to DOW and they paid customs on our behalf, which is supposed to speed up the process a bit.

I''m not sure how WF deal with it, but I''m sure they can tell you by phone or email, as they have plenty of UK customers.

I''m 99.999% certain the drivers dn''t deal with the VAT - as it needs to be received by Customs at (I believe) Heathrow airport before they will oficially even allow it into the country.

If it''s not paid in advance it''s likely FedEx at Heathrow would contact you by mail or phone to let you know how much you need to pay to customs.

HTH.

x x x
 
I''ve been eyeing this thread closely because I just love cut-cornered stones and am eager to see what the result will be, so I''m sorry for all the posts, but here are a few more suggestions.

What did you/she think about the Princess of Hearts stones available at GOG? It''s a slightly different look (whereas the CCSB stone I linked to before, the one set in a ring, was more similar to the X-factor). However, the H&A pattern demonstrates top-level optical symmetry. I linked you to one stone earlier that was an I1, and I know that level of clarity is not mind-clean for a lot of people, but there are some other options.

This might be a good option. It''s a 0.66 H/VS1 for under $3k USD, which you could pair with the Vatche X-prong setting (I don''t know how much it is, but this may very well come in under budget if you considered WG instead of platinum).

Here are some smaller Princess of Hearts stones that would easily fit into your budget:
0.5 G/SI1
0.49 H/SI1

In an ideal world, this X-factor would be the one I''d recommend. The ASET is red almost all the way out to the edges. However, it comes in slightly over budget for the stone alone, not to mention taxes and setting. But I''m posting it as an example of what a great ASET for an X-factor looks like.
 

Sorry for the late reply, only just had chance to get back on!


Bit of an update, on the advice of everyone here I decided to phone whiteflash personally and question them regarding the stone and I was assured it really is a beautiful stone! I even offered to up my budget for something better and the response was that the stone that was initially picked was superb and I needn''t worry, I''ve also gone for the platinum X-Prong setting, I wouldn''t say she really needed platinum over WG as her only job is looking after our 5 month old son! but she had said previousely she wanted a platinum ring and as it''s a once in a lifetime purchase I want it to be exactly what she wants!

I think all in all it will end up coming very close to my 2k budget with tax and import duty (phoned up and checked it is 20%) the budget did have a bit of flexibility anyway so if it comes in a bit over its not the end of the world :)

Thanks for all your advice everyone and i''ll post up my pictures of the ring when I receive it in a couple of weeks, just need to figure out how i''m going to pop the question and when now :D

Thanks again

Chris
 
That''s fantastic news - congratulations!
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I will look forward to seeing your ring photos. :)

x x x
 
Great; I''m sure she''ll love it! I was being a little harsh on this stone just because I''m a perfectionist when it comes to square stones, but if WF says it''s beautiful, it''s certainly bound not to be a dud. Be sure to post pictures and handshots after you propose!
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