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2carathopeful

Rough_Rock
Joined
Aug 20, 2018
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11
So knowing diamonds aren't investments; would everyone be able to help me out here?

Going on a size 4, so think I could save a few thousand and stay under 2 and over 1.85 round. Not sure if the 2 carat price increase is worth it. But of course down to see whatever is suggested. Narrowing the budget to under 18k and help is greatly appreciated!
 
Hi and welcome. Is your $18k budget for the stone only?

What kind is setting are you thinking (budget)?

Are you in the USA? If not does your budget include (or exclude) vat, duties, etc?
 
I am currently in the USA, yeah 18k is for the stone only. I've already got the setting.
 
What color, clarity and cut requirements do you have?

Also, is a super ideal desired, or wanted? Upgrade program important?
 
Realizing I left ALOT of details out now.. guess i was saying it in my mind instead of typing.

Cut - Ideal cut/Super Ideal.
Color - lowest I
Clarity - VS2 lower is 100% eye clean
Upgrade - no real interest
 
2carathopeful said:
I've already got the setting.
Click to expand...

If you've already got the setting, then you need to find out from a jeweler / setter / bench what millimeter size stone it will take. Often tolerances can be less than half a mm, which doesn't seem like a lot, but it can be. This means you need to look closely at mm measurements on the stones you are considering, and focus less on carat weight.
 
Agree with @ecf8503. Since you are reusing the setting, those limitations must be considered. What size of stone was originally in the setting?

Can you also prioritize the 5 C's for us so we focus selections on your preferences: carat, cut, color, clarity and cost.
 
Already have the setting has in have it picked. micro pave.

cut / carat / color / clarity / cost in that order.
 
2carathopeful said:
Already have the setting has in have it picked. micro pave.

cut / carat / color / clarity / cost in that order.
Click to expand...

I think @sledge and others are saying that we can't help you find a diamond unless we know the exact dimensions that the setting will fit. Some settings are not forgiving in terms of a different sized stone, and even small differences can mean the stone won't fit. Can you give us exact measurements of what size stone will fit in the setting? You can ask the jeweler/bench from whom you got the setting. Even saying "2 carats" isn't specific enough, because measurements can vary a lot.
 
lovedogs said:
I think @sledge and others are saying that we can't help you find a diamond unless we know the exact dimensions that the setting will fit. Some settings are not forgiving in terms of a different sized stone, and even small differences can mean the stone won't fit. Can you give us exact measurements of what size stone will fit in the setting? You can ask the jeweler/bench from whom you got the setting. Even saying "2 carats" isn't specific enough, because measurements can vary a lot.
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Ah sorry. Attached is the one I chose.

https://www.bluenile.com/build-your-own-ring/petite-micropave-diamond-ring-14k-white-gold_48629
 
crbl999 said:
Here are a couple of ACAs.

1.826 I VS2 ACA :love:
https://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-3925304.htm

1.82 I VS2 ACA
https://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-3947721.htm
Click to expand...

Both of those are pretty awesome. My personal favorite is the 1.826ct. Absolutely love the 34.5/40.7 angle combo. Small table too. Both will be fire crackers, but again I'd take the 1.826. :love:

My biggest concern is the crystal being located over the arrow. Probably not an issue being VS2 clarity, but I'd have them pull the stone and verify you can't see anything.


lovedogs said:
I think @sledge and others are saying that we can't help you find a diamond unless we know the exact dimensions that the setting will fit. Some settings are not forgiving in terms of a different sized stone, and even small differences can mean the stone won't fit. Can you give us exact measurements of what size stone will fit in the setting? You can ask the jeweler/bench from whom you got the setting. Even saying "2 carats" isn't specific enough, because measurements can vary a lot.
Click to expand...

This is correct. :cool2:


2carathopeful said:
Ah sorry. Attached is the one I chose.

https://www.bluenile.com/build-your-own-ring/petite-micropave-diamond-ring-14k-white-gold_48629
Click to expand...

Thank you. Is it purchased yet? When ordering did you mention you plan to set with a 1.8-2ct stone? The size range on round is wide. I've got to think it's not a one size fits all scenario and they have different ones for the various size of stones.

InkedCapture_LI.jpg


ILikeShiny said:
I’d take a good look at this one:

1.926 I/SI1 (eye-clean), $16,913
https://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-4018645.htm
Click to expand...

I saw this one too. Like the extra weight, and somewhat rare to be a 1.9xx carat in a super ideal due to the premium rough trades for amongst the greedy. Other less reputable vendors would buy the rough and cut the diamond deep to hit the 2 carat benchmark and increase profits, instead of cutting it properly for beauty but limiting profitability because it's only 1.9xxx carats instead of that magic weight of 2 carats or more.

Anyhow, my complaint is I don't like the multiple inclusions over the arrows. Also, it's a red flag when an SI1 stone has clouds as the grade setting inclusion, and then includes the note "additional clouds not shown" on the cert.

WF states it's eye clean though so maybe I'm being too picky. Definitely want to have them pull and verify with their gemologists.

You do get close to 0.20mm size bump with the 1.926ct over the 1.826ct. That is about 1/128th of an inch. It's not massive, but when compared side by side, the (normal) human eye can detect a little difference. It won't be a "OMG, it's so much bigger" moment and may not even be noticeable or memorable unless side by side.
 
IMHO it's easiest to get both setting and stone from the same vendor, especially if the setting itself isn't super specific. If you like one of the choices from WF that people are posting would you be willing to have them set the stone? Or did you already purchase the one from BN?
 
sledge said:
I saw this one too. Like the extra weight, and somewhat rare to be a 1.9xx carat in a super ideal due to the premium rough trades for amongst the greedy. Other less reputable vendors would buy the rough and cut the diamond deep to hit the 2 carat benchmark and increase profits, instead of cutting it properly for beauty but limiting profitability because it's only 1.9xxx carats instead of that magic weight of 2 carats or more.

Anyhow, my complaint is I don't like the multiple inclusions over the arrows. Also, it's a red flag when an SI1 stone has clouds as the grade setting inclusion, and then includes the note "additional clouds not shown" on the cert.

WF states it's eye clean though so maybe I'm being too picky. Definitely want to have them pull and verify with their gemologists.

You do get close to 0.20mm size bump with the 1.926ct over the 1.826ct. That is about 1/128th of an inch. It's not massive, but when compared side by side, the (normal) human eye can detect a little difference. It won't be a "OMG, it's so much bigger" moment and may not even be noticeable or memorable unless side by side.
Click to expand...

Given his criteria of cut then carat weight being his top priorities, it feels like a great choice to me. The inclusions shouldn’t be visible at regular viewing distance (have WF confirm) and the 1.9x super ideal is hard to come by, from any vendor. It looks crisp, firey, and right in line with what he’s asking for.

As for the additional clouds, if they were of any concern I’m sure WF wouldn’t have made this an ACA.
 
Please clarify if you have already purchased that setting. Because you should always buy the diamond first to be sure you have the right size head. I think 1.7mm is too thin for a platinum pave shank, and you can do better for her setting if your diamond budget is $18k, to be honest.

I'd absolutely return the BN ring if you did already order it, and buy stone and setting from Whiteflash. They have a variety of pave solitaire settings at various price points. Even if you got their least expensive one, I trust them standing behind their products. I highly recommend their diamonds, as well!

https://www.whiteflash.com/engagement-rings/diamond-settings/benchmark-small-pave-diamond-
engagement-ring-5097.htm

https://www.whiteflash.com/engageme...shared-prong-diamond-engagement-ring-5098.htm

https://www.whiteflash.com/engageme...tani-1rz2851-diamond-engagement-ring-5217.htm

https://www.whiteflash.com/engageme...-pave-diamond-engagement-ring-1120.htm#size=6

I really like this one a lot if WF will do nice claw prongs on it.

https://www.whiteflash.com/engageme...tani-1rz2498-diamond-engagement-ring-3920.htm
 
Last edited:
The 1.926 I SI1 is another great choice. I did not include that stone with my top choices as the OP stated VS2 or higher previously. You will need to verify with WF that it will meet your definition of eye clean. You mentioned 100% eye clean, which to me implies eye clean from any angle or distance with the naked eye (very strict definition).

WF defines eye clean as "No inclusions visible to the naked eye of a person with 20/20 vision when viewing the diamond in the face-up position at a distance of approximately 10 inches under normal overhead lighting."
 
Am have WF pull both the 1.926 I SI1 and the 1.826ct I VS2 for additional images so I can get a real good look.
 
@2carathopeful - Here’s how the two diamonds will look size-wise on a size 4 finger. 1.826 on the left and 1.926 on the right.

4F36EB5A-245A-423A-9761-5B63518B0BA4.jpeg
 
ILikeShiny said:
The order of criteria was SIZE second and price fifth. I aim to please :mrgreen2:
Click to expand...
Yes, 0.15mm bigger, but SI1 vs VS2 clarity and cost $900 more.
 
Realize the size/cost got mixed in here. After seeing two similarly priced diamonds; not sure I want to risk the extra .15m for the chance of someone seeing an imperfection.

Realize I have been all the place with this and appreciate ya'll patience.
 
ILikeShiny said:
Thankfully they’re both good options. All depends on order of C’s priority.
Click to expand...

Agreed as it comes down to personal preference at this point. For me I would only consider the SI1 if it was 100% eye clean. Then I would want to see a comparison video with the VS2. Even then I don't think it would change my choice of the VS2. IMO the VS2 looks better in the videos provided.
 
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