Need help picking out an engagement ring

[mra]

I''m planning on proposing to my long time gf in maui and need some help with the ring. I''ve read through some threads in this forum and it seems like its more difficult than I originally expected.

My budget is roughly $30k all-in for the diamond and band and i know she wants either a round or princess cut.

Searching blue-nile and pricescope it seems i can probably get something over 2ct. Problem is i don''t understand how the dimensions matter and what trade-offs should i choose when deciding. Ct size, dimmensions, clarity, cut etc. Is there a good compromise on cut/clarity etc where the naked eye can''t tell?

In terms of settings/design are blue-nile settings good or am i better off getting the diamond off blue nile then go somewhere else to set it?

Also I''m familiar with blue-nile..are their prices good? My boss has a ''hookup'' with a wholesaler in downtown la jewelry district but going through some threads here it seems like a lot of people have hookups that really aren''t hookups.

Sorry about being such a novice

 

[Regular Guy]

Mra,

Welcome to Pricescope.

I could recommend something like this one.

This is a rich board for you to access, and since you're spending a lot of money...do spend a few minutes. Start with the tutorial above, under knowledge...links below my signature gives you some other direction you may find helpful.

 

[LaraOnline]

I guess I would think carefully about what type of setting she wants - firstly, would it be a solitaire, (with only the centre stone, and the traditional gold band), or would there be sidestones or decorative little diamonds, such as found in a pave band or perhaps a halo (which seems to be very popular with US brides).

What size diamond do you think she would like. Overall, I think bigger is generally seen as more beautiful, and more generous as a gift, but there comes a point where for many women, too large is simply too much. For me (and this is theoretical only) I'm guessing that 1.5c would be probably a comfortable size for daily wear. Of course, this depends to a large degree on the type of setting (and accompanying rings) as well. A high setting four-prong setting is generally seen as higher maintenance than a low-set full-bezel, for example.

Also, diamonds aside, I would consider what style of band she would like around her finger - as in, a thick band, a very thin one, or perhaps a split shank, which are a bit unusual.

How is the solitaire to be held in place, via prongs, a half-bezel (very modern and clean-looking) or perhaps a martini setting etc. Will the sides of the diamond be obscured or on display?

Finally, consider how you might incorporate a wedding band (plain gold or diamond embellished) alongside the engagement ring - and don't forget, in a few years time, she might like an eternity ring to mark the passing of time! That is likely to go on the other side of the engagement ring, and is often (but not always) somewhat similar to the wedding ring in design.

I am sorry if my details seem trivial, but these are VIPs (very important points) of diamond ring design and appreciation 101! I wish my man would take the lesson!

Notice how I am ASSUMING that you already know whether she is a plat, YG or WH girl?!!
(My husband is not yet at this stage, and has not noticed my preference...I think he's a lost cause!!)

 

[mra]

thanks for the quick responses.

what makes that linked diamond better than this one on blue nile?

http://www.bluenile.com/round-diamond-2-carat-ideal-cut-g-color-si1-clarity_LD00437021?__fun_frm=i&filter_id=0

seems to have the same things but the blue nile one is a lot cheaper

 

[mra]

lara..i haven''t looked into bands and styles very much. I know that she wants a lot of side diamonds and I''m getting either white gold or platinum (most likely platinum as prices have dropped).

she has small fingers but she wants a big diamond at least 2cts...god forbid she has the smallest diamond out of her friends..

 

[Dancing Fire]

Date: 12/24/2008 12:53:41 AM
Author:mra

Also I''m familiar with blue-nile..are their prices good? My boss has a ''hookup'' with a wholesaler in downtown la jewelry district but going through some threads here it seems like a lot of people have hookups that really aren''t hookups.

Sorry about being such a novice

no such person as a wholesaler to the public in the diamond business.

 

[Regular Guy]

If you decide to go with BN, I'd select a different one that comports to other criteria, rather than only relying on GIA's description of excellent. For example...

Date: 12/24/2008 2:03:26 AM
Author: mra
thanks for the quick responses.

what makes that linked diamond better than this one on blue nile?

http://www.bluenile.com/round-diamond-2-carat-ideal-cut-g-color-si1-clarity_LD00437021?__fun_frm=i&filter_id=0

seems to have the same things but the blue nile one is a lot cheaper

This one scores 2.4 on the HCA...and, as noted, comes with a GIA certificate...fine for what it is...but not with the some pedigree as available with AGS.

BN actually have a lot of less less expensive options, similar, from AGS. Like this one. And...you might look at these.

Do a search here on BN, to find why many prefer other vendors here. BN does not perform analysis for clients to judge performance...as do option from other vendors like GOG, WF, and others. They don't provide upgrade options...though this may not be an issue for you.

Ideally, I would consider a vendor who might both be trustworthy, and also, have access to both an in-house and virtual list of diamonds. Most of Blue Nile's diamonds are virtual...existing in warehouses, and brought in when sold. That would be true of all, I believe, but their signature series. For GOG, I believe all their options are in house...so they've already tested these. WF...has both in house & virtual. In this case, having spied the one I selected on the "search by cut" database, above under prices...most of the more attractive in-house ones I did see at GOG. They do not routinely mess with virtual offerings, from what I know...so...not sure what the consequence of this is. Virtual options...can represent good value...as you can see. But...they are not vetted, until they are seen. You DO get a level of protection, however, when paying a premium for AGS certification. Likewise, if virtual, so you can't ask the vendor if eye clean, VS2 may be wiser...though if your organized, and not in a rush...sending back and forth an SI1 option can be worth your while, too.

(edited to add)...another notable feature represented on the option from GoG is its attaining h&a. Some don't value this highly. However, so require it. Again, you could read about it...not all diamonds are represented as having it...but from a vendor like G0G...if described as having it...you can count on the optical symmetry required for the description to be included. If sought after by you...I would not count on any BN option to have this characteristic, although their signature series are supposed to. Once you get into the signature series...their branded offerings...you may be paying a premium to those offered elsewhere.

So, these are some thoughts. Frankly...I'd also check out reputable LA vendors...because...personally...though good value is available on the internet...it really is handy to be able to walk into your local shop and get service. Most of my friends here don't worry too much about though. So, for this, look above under Resources, and then local jewelers.

Regards,

 

[LaraOnline]

I think it can be really handy to go into a B&M just to see what''s what. Seeing diamonds in real life can be helpful!

You said you were probably going to go platinum - if she''s a white metal girl, and she prefers plat, I think it''s a no-brainer with your budget.

Also, I think for your budget you will be able to pick out (or custom design) a really FANTASTIC ring (okay, I was gonna say ''whopper''!

) so don''t worry on that score.
Don''t feel bad about spending a lot of money on the engagement ring, either, it will be probably the most precious piece of jewellery she will ever own, and it probably should be her finest single piece of jewellery as well. She will be wearing it, probably every day if it easy wearing enough, for a lifetime.

However - and in apparently a complete contradiction of my last statement -

I would urge you to consider investigating those vendors who have an ''upgrade'' option on their diamonds, so that if your girl ever gets the urge to change, she will have more flexibility. Let''s face it, even the most beautiful item could maybe become boring after twenty years, she might want to go from round to princess, for example.

Tastes do change, as do fashions.

 

[LaraOnline]

Or... perhaps you should just concentrate on getting the best stone you can, and keep 5 grand back for her to do the setting of her choice...?

 

[Lorelei]

Date: 12/24/2008 2:03:26 AM
Author: mra
thanks for the quick responses.

what makes that linked diamond better than this one on blue nile?

http://www.bluenile.com/round-diamond-2-carat-ideal-cut-g-color-si1-clarity_LD00437021?__fun_frm=i&filter_id=0

seems to have the same things but the blue nile one is a lot cheaper

It could be a nice diamond, it is a touch deep however - but with the crown and pavilion angles, they are hovering around what we call steep deep range, as a result there could be light leakage of the diamond. GIA round the angles so it might not be an issue depending on which way they are rounded, but an Idealscope image is really needed to show up any leakage, and BN don't provide them.

 

[mra]

thank you for the great responses,

i will go to the jewelery district to check out diamonds in person first to get an ideal of what they look like. Much easier to learn with a real diamond in front of me versus looking at specs online.

I would just get a loose diamond but that would be hard to propose with, without the ring

 

[mrssalvo]

if you are going to the diamond district I would suggest making an appointment with Mark T of engagementringsdirect.com. He is well respected on this site. also, you mind find it worth it to take the short trip to Goodoldgold which is in long island. both of these vendors have websites. Goodoldgold is an actual jewelry store but I would recommend making an appointment if you can go there with Jon (the owner).

 

[Regular Guy]

Date: 12/24/2008 5:09:09 PM
Author: mrssalvo
if you are going to the diamond district I would suggest making an appointment with Mark T of engagementringsdirect.com. He is well respected on this site. also, you mind find it worth it to take the short trip to Goodoldgold which is in long island. both of these vendors have websites. Goodoldgold is an actual jewelry store but I would recommend making an appointment if you can go there with Jon (the owner).

From his first post, I think Mra is talking about the LA diamond district. Though if anybody knows anybody there in particular to direct him, I''m sure that would be nice...