Need lots of help, or as my world turns

[diverg]

For those of you that have followed my postings, you know my GF is Thai and lives in Thailand. Has very limited English. She is totally confused on Western culture and getting more than one ring. She is at this point telling me to surprise her with the diamond ring. It'll be better etc. So with that being said I'll no longer bother her asking for her input. What id know is that she really likes the round diamond with the round halos. So that will be what I'm shooting for, and if the budget isn't there for that, I can scale back to a solitaire.

What I would like to ask the group for their input. She lives a simple lifestyle. Nothing flashy or elaborate. I would still like to get her a really nice setting in the style she prefers, or a classic solitaire as the back up plan.

My current budget is about $2000, but I just started running myself ragged to increase my income for 2 reasons by working a second job. Main job has been slow, and it is a construction related job. Means not getting paid unless working. 2nd reason is to be able to get her a better ring. When it is all said and done, and it is time to get the ring made I hope my budget will be $5000. I know the diamond price is variable, but with the help from the group, I'm confident I can get a 1.5 to 2ct centerstone at a great price. Let's say I budget unto $1000 for the centerstone. Can a nice halo setting be custom made for 2K by a US jeweler? I have contacted Vanessa Nicole Jewelry, but I know her rings will be way over even my 5k budget. Still I like to get a rough ideal, and have a target to aim for if I choose.

I love to get input, because I like to know my options, and if I want it bad enough I'll find a way to make it happen. I will post an example of the halo she really liked shortly.

 

[diverg]

This is the Vanessa Nicole halo that she really liked.

 

[Bron357]

Hi and welcome.
A diamond halo is a pretty standard setting and many companies that sell you a diamond also offer settings.
Getting anything “hand made” will be much more expensive than “cast”. In my humble opinion it’s better to spend more on the main diamond than a hand made setting.
If you are considering a lab grown diamond, check out “loosegrowndiamond.com”. They have an enormous inventory and plenty of well priced settings.

 

[diverg]

Hi and welcome.
A diamond halo is a pretty standard setting and many companies that sell you a diamond also offer settings.
Getting anything “hand made” will be much more expensive than “cast”. In my humble opinion it’s better to spend more on the main diamond than a hand made setting.
If you are considering a lab grown diamond, check out “loosegrowndiamonds”. They have an enormous inventory and plenty of well priced settings.

My goal is to increase my budget to give me more options. Let's say with my extra work, I'm able to increase my budget to 6K. Doesn't mean I'll spend 6K, but its great to know its available if something knocks my socks off.

I do have stuff I can sell too. Matter of fact I could sell a few items that are sitting and collecting dust.. I have a truck sitting in the driveway that needs a lot of work, but I'm thinking I could get at least a couple of grand for it. So there are additional ways for me to get that additional income I need. So in reality between my extra work and things I can sell, I do not think a 5K or more budget is unattainable for me.

 

[MackPUK]

You can fairly easily get a good quality halo like this with a very well cut 2ct lab grown round brilliant for around the $2k mark.

A Halo setting like the one posted can be found on Rarecarat in platinum for under $1400 and a nice stone for $600-$1k isn’t unreasonable an expectation

 

[molecule]

I think you should reconsider - 2 CT in a halo is going to be fairly flashy. Unless she has indicated she'd be ok with something that size, I would scale back. Her image is a 1.5.

For the setting, she's picked a round what looks to be french set halo with smaller melee in the halo than in the band. It doesn't look like it has a cathedral.
Closest settings:

French Cut Halo For Round Diamond in 14K White Gold

French Cut Halo For Round Diamond Engagement Setti

www.adiamor.com

Cute petals, but has cathedral https://www.briangavindiamonds.com/collections/halo-settings/products/the-katie-halo-6983
Diamonds on struts https://www.briangavindiamonds.com/collections/halo-settings/products/kallie-7614p
Cathedral

Laura Halo Platinum Round Cut Engagement Ring | Ritani

Fall in love with this stunning Ritani engagement ring. The classic halo setting features French-set diamonds and a diamond-studded band for extra sparkle.

www.ritani.com

Very close but cathedral

https://www.jamesallen.com/engagement-rings/halo/14k-white-gold-petite-diamond-halo-engagement-ring-item-41066

 

[DejaWiz]

My goal is to increase my budget to give me more options. Let's say with my extra work, I'm able to increase my budget to 6K. Doesn't mean I'll spend 6K, but its great to know its available if something knocks my socks off.

I do have stuff I can sell too. Matter of fact I could sell a few items that are sitting and collecting dust.. I have a truck sitting in the driveway that needs a lot of work, but I'm thinking I could get at least a couple of grand for it. So there are additional ways for me to get that additional income I need. So in reality between my extra work and things I can sell, I do not think a 5K or more budget is unattainable for me.

Agree with the notion that a round halo is pretty common, but if you want the best performing melee for the pave and halo, then take a long hard look at Whiteflash since they are using true hearts and arrows round melee diamonds.
You'll be pressing the "easy button" for a truly premium ring and customer service.

GCAL 8X HPHT diamonds in their virtual inventory...may be a great idea to snag the diamond first that you can get it secured with Whiteflash then start the discussion with them about the design of the setting.

Diamond | 1.60 ct D VVS2 Round Cut Lab Grown Diamond GCAL Certified | 557019

This fabulous 1.60 carat Round None cut diamond has a clarity grade of VVS2 and color grade of D.It is a great choice for those seeking the finest in diamond cut. | 557019

www.whiteflash.com

Diamond | 1.69 ct D VVS1 Round Cut Lab Grown Diamond GCAL Certified | 616172

This fabulous 1.69 carat Round None cut diamond has a clarity grade of VVS1 and color grade of D.It is a great choice for those seeking the finest in diamond cut. | 616172

www.whiteflash.com

Diamond | 1.73 ct D VVS1 Round Cut Lab Grown Diamond GCAL Certified | 616143

This fabulous 1.73 carat Round None cut diamond has a clarity grade of VVS1 and color grade of D.It is a great choice for those seeking the finest in diamond cut. | 616143

www.whiteflash.com

Diamond | 1.75 ct D VS1 Round Cut Lab Grown Diamond GCAL Certified | 618070

This fabulous 1.75 carat Round None cut diamond has a clarity grade of VS1 and color grade of D.It is a great choice for those seeking the finest in diamond cut. | 618070

www.whiteflash.com

Diamond | 1.79 ct D VS1 Round Cut Lab Grown Diamond GCAL Certified | 618121

This fabulous 1.79 carat Round None cut diamond has a clarity grade of VS1 and color grade of D.It is a great choice for those seeking the finest in diamond cut. | 618121

www.whiteflash.com

 

[diverg]

Agree with the notion that a round halo is pretty common, but if you want the best performing melee for the pave and halo, then take a long hard look at Whiteflash since they are using true hearts and arrows round melee diamonds.
You'll be pressing the "easy button" for a truly premium ring and customer service.

GCAL 8X HPHT diamonds in their virtual inventory...may be a great idea to snag the diamond first that you can get it secured with Whiteflash then start the discussion with them about the design of the setting.

Diamond | 1.60 ct D VVS2 Round Cut Lab Grown Diamond GCAL Certified | 557019

This fabulous 1.60 carat Round None cut diamond has a clarity grade of VVS2 and color grade of D.It is a great choice for those seeking the finest in diamond cut. | 557019

www.whiteflash.com

Diamond | 1.69 ct D VVS1 Round Cut Lab Grown Diamond GCAL Certified | 616172

This fabulous 1.69 carat Round None cut diamond has a clarity grade of VVS1 and color grade of D.It is a great choice for those seeking the finest in diamond cut. | 616172

www.whiteflash.com

Diamond | 1.73 ct D VVS1 Round Cut Lab Grown Diamond GCAL Certified | 616143

This fabulous 1.73 carat Round None cut diamond has a clarity grade of VVS1 and color grade of D.It is a great choice for those seeking the finest in diamond cut. | 616143

www.whiteflash.com

Diamond | 1.75 ct D VS1 Round Cut Lab Grown Diamond GCAL Certified | 618070

This fabulous 1.75 carat Round None cut diamond has a clarity grade of VS1 and color grade of D.It is a great choice for those seeking the finest in diamond cut. | 618070

www.whiteflash.com

Diamond | 1.79 ct D VS1 Round Cut Lab Grown Diamond GCAL Certified | 618121

This fabulous 1.79 carat Round None cut diamond has a clarity grade of VS1 and color grade of D.It is a great choice for those seeking the finest in diamond cut. | 618121

www.whiteflash.com

I'm seriously considering going the Whitefish route for at least the diamond. They are local for me, and I have visited the shop twice. I love the sparkle of their Precision lab diamonds. In your opinion is there much difference between the Gcal 8x you posted and their Precision Lab diamonds besides the price?

Also how did you find the Gcal 8x lab diamonds? I don't see an option in their search function for Gcal 8x

 

[DejaWiz]

I'm seriously considering going the Whitefish route for at least the diamond. They are local for me, and I have visited the shop twice. I love the sparkle of their Precision lab diamonds. In your opinion is there much difference between the Gcal 8x you posted and their Precision Lab diamonds besides the price?

Also how did you find the Gcal 8x lab diamonds? I don't see an option in their search function for Gcal 8x

Searched for GCAL, then went through them one by one and looked for HPHT with the 8X report.

Since WF is local to you, it's making even more sense in my mind that it would give you "Whiteflash" as your local jeweler for all inspections, maintenance, adjustments, etc if you opt for their service plan.

 

[diverg]

Searched for GCAL, then went through them one by one and looked for HPHT with the 8X report.

Since WF is local to you, it's making even more sense in my mind that it would give you "Whiteflash" as your local jeweler for all inspections, maintenance, adjustments, etc if you opt for their service plan.

Unless, I buy a mens wedding band with a diamond in it, there will be no local service after purchase. This ring will be in Thailand for a while, and I will be here. If I can find a way to bring my bride to the US, then it could play service after purchase could factor in. Still with the immigration climate in the US right now, it will be very time consuming, and probably take a few years to get the proper visas.

 

[DejaWiz]

Unless, I buy a mens wedding band with a diamond in it, there will be no local service after purchase. This ring will be in Thailand for a while, and I will be here. If I can find a way to bring my bride to the US, then it could play service after purchase could factor in. Still with the immigration climate in the US right now, it will be very time consuming, and probably take a few years to get the proper visas.

Understandable, and hopefully the process goes smoothly when the time comes!'
Any meaningful/symbolic numbers that could be translated into a carat weight, such as lucky numbers, birthday, etc...a month and day that could be a 1.xx or 2.xx carat diamond? I'd be happy to search for candidates, if you'd like.

 

[diverg]

Understandable, and hopefully the process goes smoothly when the time comes!'
Any meaningful/symbolic numbers that could be translated into a carat weight, such as lucky numbers, birthday, etc...a month and day that could be a 1.xx or 2.xx carat diamond? I'd be happy to search for candidates, if you'd like.

Of course I would, but I don't want you to waste your time at this moment. Let's wait till I'm closer to being ready to pull the trigger.

As much as I would love to get a WhiteFlash diamond, I'm wondering if I'm overthinking it. IE, I want the best ,without having that type of budget, and getting something nearly as good at a much much better price. I do need to think about other expenses tied into all of this. She has told me she doesn't need two rings. She rather get a bracelet instead of a second ring. This would be a 23K gold Thai bracelet. So factor in another 2-3k for that along with the cost of the Ring. Doing all this searching for her, has made mw want my own diamond ring to boot. LOL.

Anyway between now and the time I pull the trigger, I'll probably be all over the map on what to g et. Mined diamond(Unlikely), custom setting from David Klass, Vanessa Nicole or others that anyone recommends. I do also have my Thai jeweler which may be the best value as the labor costs are lower and his work looks good to my untrained eye.

I would love to get people's opinion on the work of Thai Native Gems. He is on instagram and Facebook. Would love to hear what you think of his work visually, as I know you can not evaluate the quality from afar.

 

[diverg]

Understandable, and hopefully the process goes smoothly when the time comes!'
Any meaningful/symbolic numbers that could be translated into a carat weight, such as lucky numbers, birthday, etc...a month and day that could be a 1.xx or 2.xx carat diamond? I'd be happy to search for candidates, if you'd like.

As you and others have stated before, A grading report does not tell you everything about the diamond that you need to know. How are you able to find lab diamonds at great price points that meet or exceeds people's expectations? I'm talking about the stuff you mention all the time, blue nuance, and other items that do not show up on a report. I mean if I can get a WF Precision LGD quality for a fraction of the cost that would be awesome. I did do a search on Adiamor on a couple of the Gcal 8x diamonds posted above. One was $285 less and the other was around $500.

If I purchased one of those Gcal 8x ones posted above from WF will they vet is for light performance etc?

Anyway, I'm expecting to hear from Vanessa Nicole today, and we can see where that goes. Her websites says custom settings start at $10,000 which includes the centerstone. I'm assuming that means for a mined diamond. Considering how much less expensive a LGD is I'm hoping it will be at a much better price point. If not I still have the WF option, and there are several local jewelers that get great reviews too.

 

[Bianca201]

Any meaningful/symbolic numbers that could be translated into a carat weight, such as lucky numbers, birthday, etc...a month and day that could be a 1.xx or 2.xx carat diamond? I'd be happy to search for candidates, if you'd like.

Comment only - this was an absolutely lovely suggestion!

 

[diverg]

Well I can scratch off Vanessa Nicole Jewelry off. I heard back from her, and her custom rings start at $10,000 and that's for a 2CT LGD. Way out of my budget.

 

[DejaWiz]

Well I can scratch off Vanessa Nicole Jewelry off. I heard back from her, and her custom rings start at $10,000 and that's for a 2CT LGD. Way out of my budget.

Crikey

 

[diverg]

I know David Klass is is highly recommended here. Are there any other designers that this group uses and recommends at a price point comparable to DK?

 

[MackPUK]

I’ve heard positive comments about Ruby Harper many times on other forums. Both in terms of service and pricing.

I’ve never had any dealings though - merely mentioning as the name crops up fairly regularly.

 

[diverg]

Agree with the notion that a round halo is pretty common, but if you want the best performing melee for the pave and halo, then take a long hard look at Whiteflash since they are using true hearts and arrows round melee diamonds.
You'll be pressing the "easy button" for a truly premium ring and customer service.

GCAL 8X HPHT diamonds in their virtual inventory...may be a great idea to snag the diamond first that you can get it secured with Whiteflash then start the discussion with them about the design of the setting.

Diamond | 1.60 ct D VVS2 Round Cut Lab Grown Diamond GCAL Certified | 557019

This fabulous 1.60 carat Round None cut diamond has a clarity grade of VVS2 and color grade of D.It is a great choice for those seeking the finest in diamond cut. | 557019

www.whiteflash.com

Diamond | 1.69 ct D VVS1 Round Cut Lab Grown Diamond GCAL Certified | 616172

This fabulous 1.69 carat Round None cut diamond has a clarity grade of VVS1 and color grade of D.It is a great choice for those seeking the finest in diamond cut. | 616172

www.whiteflash.com

Diamond | 1.73 ct D VVS1 Round Cut Lab Grown Diamond GCAL Certified | 616143

This fabulous 1.73 carat Round None cut diamond has a clarity grade of VVS1 and color grade of D.It is a great choice for those seeking the finest in diamond cut. | 616143

www.whiteflash.com

Diamond | 1.75 ct D VS1 Round Cut Lab Grown Diamond GCAL Certified | 618070

This fabulous 1.75 carat Round None cut diamond has a clarity grade of VS1 and color grade of D.It is a great choice for those seeking the finest in diamond cut. | 618070

www.whiteflash.com

Diamond | 1.79 ct D VS1 Round Cut Lab Grown Diamond GCAL Certified | 618121

This fabulous 1.79 carat Round None cut diamond has a clarity grade of VS1 and color grade of D.It is a great choice for those seeking the finest in diamond cut. | 618121

www.whiteflash.com

Well I made my third visit to Whiteflash in the last 2 months, and they are most definitely a strong contender to do everything. I do love their Precision Lab Grown diamonds. It has all the sparkle I want and crave. After talking with Michelle, the estimated range for a custom setting appear to be reachable for me. Now to keep on working and earning that extra cash.

 

[molecule]

I know David Klass is is highly recommended here. Are there any other designers that this group uses and recommends at a price point comparable to DK?

You can get a quality halo setting without going custom

 

[Jax172]

I would get a quote from David Klass for the setting. His work is impeccable and it might be less than WF who is more known for their diamonds than their custom settings.

 

[diverg]

I would get a quote from David Klass for the setting. His work is impeccable and it might be less than WF who is more known for their diamonds than their custom settings.

I do have a rough quote and appears to be in the same rough estimate range as WF. Obviously without being ready to get down and dirty with details these are rough quotes only. The one benefit of having WF do it all is that it is a single step, and with them being local to me it is fairly easy to swing by the storefront.

@sledge is having his project entirely done by WF so we’ll have a specific update on the quality of the WF custom setting they do for him. Heck if he is local to Houston maybe I can convince him to meet up and let me see it with my own eyes.

 

[diverg]

Agree with the notion that a round halo is pretty common, but if you want the best performing melee for the pave and halo, then take a long hard look at Whiteflash since they are using true hearts and arrows round melee diamonds.
You'll be pressing the "easy button" for a truly premium ring and customer service.

GCAL 8X HPHT diamonds in their virtual inventory...may be a great idea to snag the diamond first that you can get it secured with Whiteflash then start the discussion with them about the design of the setting.

Diamond | 1.60 ct D VVS2 Round Cut Lab Grown Diamond GCAL Certified | 557019

This fabulous 1.60 carat Round None cut diamond has a clarity grade of VVS2 and color grade of D.It is a great choice for those seeking the finest in diamond cut. | 557019

www.whiteflash.com

Diamond | 1.69 ct D VVS1 Round Cut Lab Grown Diamond GCAL Certified | 616172

This fabulous 1.69 carat Round None cut diamond has a clarity grade of VVS1 and color grade of D.It is a great choice for those seeking the finest in diamond cut. | 616172

www.whiteflash.com

Diamond | 1.73 ct D VVS1 Round Cut Lab Grown Diamond GCAL Certified | 616143

This fabulous 1.73 carat Round None cut diamond has a clarity grade of VVS1 and color grade of D.It is a great choice for those seeking the finest in diamond cut. | 616143

www.whiteflash.com

Diamond | 1.75 ct D VS1 Round Cut Lab Grown Diamond GCAL Certified | 618070

This fabulous 1.75 carat Round None cut diamond has a clarity grade of VS1 and color grade of D.It is a great choice for those seeking the finest in diamond cut. | 618070

www.whiteflash.com

Diamond | 1.79 ct D VS1 Round Cut Lab Grown Diamond GCAL Certified | 618121

This fabulous 1.79 carat Round None cut diamond has a clarity grade of VS1 and color grade of D.It is a great choice for those seeking the finest in diamond cut. | 618121

www.whiteflash.com

@DejaWiz, in this scenario you are suggesting getting an GCAL 8x with a WF custom setting? The GCAL 8X above were about $300-500 less expensive then the WF Precision labs.

Also for the diamonds that you search for me in the past, how are they going to compare to the WF Precision Lab? I know they will not be as good, but significantly better price point. I wish WF had some of GCAL *X in stock so I could easily compare with their own premium cut.

 

[DejaWiz]

@DejaWiz, in this scenario you are suggesting getting an GCAL 8x with a WF custom setting? The GCAL 8X above were about $300-500 less expensive then the WF Precision labs.

Also for the diamonds that you search for me in the past, how are they going to compare to the WF Precision Lab? I know they will not be as good, but significantly better price point. I wish WF had some of GCAL *X in stock so I could easily compare with their own premium cut.

Doesn't have to be a GCAL 8X HPHT...and that's if you want to shop with WF to get the premium H&A melee.

 

[diverg]

Has anyone had WF do a custom setting. How was it?

 

[diverg]

Dios Mios!. I made a mistake of looking at the Jann Paul Decagons. I want one now for my engagement ring now. Natural or LGD. Maybe get a smaller under 1ct. Maybe that would be within my budget. LOL!

 

[DejaWiz]

Dios Mios!. I made a mistake of looking at the Jann Paul Decagons. I want one now for my engagement ring now. Natural or LGD. Maybe get a smaller under 1ct. Maybe that would be within my budget. LOL!

I inquired with JP about a Decagon in LGD flavor back in 2022 when I was shopping for my wife's ice boulder. Maybe one day, still!

They quoted me $19k for a 3.2-3.29 carat D-F IF-VVS2 HPHT back then.

Here were some prices for other Decagons that they hand on-hand at the time:

 

[diverg]

I inquired with JP about a Decagon in LGD flavor back in 2022 when I was shopping for my wife's ice boulder. Maybe one day, still!

They quoted me $19k for a 3.2-3.29 carat D-F IF-VVS2 HPHT back then.

Here were some prices for other Decagons that they hand on-hand at the time:

Well prices have dropped in the previous 3 years. An equivalent Precision Lab from Whiteflash today runs from $7500 to $10,000. I assume 3 years ago it cost more then today.

I may enquirer about pricing for under 1.0ct stones. I started thinking, she loved a ring that had a .3ct centerstone with the halos and pave on the shank. What if I got a natural WF ACA diamond between .5 and .7ct. Might just have to ask Jann Paul the price for same size decagon. I'm not saving any money and probably spending more than I would with the LGD. I can get one for about 1k, and I do really think the gf would appreciate the "real" diamond more.

 

[freddyboston]

Well prices have dropped in the previous 3 years. An equivalent Precision Lab from Whiteflash today runs from $7500 to $10,000. I assume 3 years ago it cost more then today.

I may enquirer about pricing for under 1.0ct stones. I started thinking, she loved a ring that had a .3ct centerstone with the halos and pave on the shank. What if I got a natural WF ACA diamond between .5 and .7ct. Might just have to ask Jann Paul the price for same size decagon. I'm not saving any money and probably spending more than I would with the LGD. I can get one for about 1k, and I do really think the gf would appreciate the "real" diamond more.

With a budget you're going to get the best result going off the shelf ideal cut diamond in stock setting route.... best deals would be over there Thailand..... Off the shelf US you could get this Natural D IF in halo pave similar to what she liked

 

[diverg]

With a budget you're going to get the best result going off the shelf ideal cut diamond in stock setting route.... best deals would be over there Thailand..... Off the shelf US you could get this Natural D IF in halo pave similar to what she liked

Which supplier is this Freddy?