Need some assistance!

[JerseyTransplant83]

Hi there- looking for some help. I''m trying to get an early start on the engagement ring purchasing process (looking to purchase June/July of 2011). I''ve dedicated myself to a budget of about $10,000-$11,500 with a bulk of that being spent on the center stone. My partner really likes princess and emerald cuts, but I''m looking for something with a bit more sparkle- although the ring is hers, so I guess I don''t really have a say! I just want her to be blown away with it. Ideally, the center stone would be in the 1.5-2.0 carat range. The band, ideally, would be maybe something channel set, but anything aside from a solitaire would work. We''re pretty modern, so no antique bands. Any suggestions on cuts, and what I can get for the money? If I need to save some more, I gladly will. I''ve been contemplating taking a trip to the NYC diamond exchange, or even Philly, but would love to find someone in New Jersey who could help me out.

 

[Dreamer_D]

Well, in an RB you can get about a 1.7ct I SI1 super ideal cut H&A diamond for that money. Perhaps closer to 2ct and higher color if you opt for a non H&A ideally proportioned diamond. You really need to narrow down the options. If she likes princess, then you should go for that. They face up smaller than RBs though, and the price reflects this, but they show more color, so I think you can get a similar size in a higher color for your money.

Diamond inventories change quickly, so there is no use in actively shopping now, but it is a good idea to narrow your choices! Go to local high end jewelers and get a feel for your preferences in color and clarity as a first step. And has she seen ideally cut RBs and compared them to similarly well cut princess cuts? If she is involved in the process, then some more window shopping is a good idea.

 

[Todd Gray]

Here is some reading which you might find helpful regarding princess cut diamonds:

Numbers and perception, the case of square cut diamonds from Price Scope journal.

The matter of depth in a princess cut diamond from Price Scope journal.

I'm more partial to princess cut diamonds than emerald cut diamonds in terms of visual performance, the facet structure of a princess cut diamond produces more brilliance, dispersion (fire) and scintillation than the step-cut structure of an emerald cut diamond. However there are some very pretty emerald cut diamonds to be found if you work with a vendor with experience in the emerald cut diamond arena... it really is a matter of personal preference, both shapes can be quite pretty, but they are different in terms of visual performance.

If you decide to move forward with a princess cut diamond, I recommend those graded by the AGS Laboratory because of the additional insight provided by their Light Performance rating and read up on concepts pertaining to the number of Chevron facets located on the underside of the diamond and how they affect the size and number of the virtual facets (I'm partial to the two chevron structure, but again, personal preference).

 

[lovemybling]

What do you concider to be a modern setting?? More sleek and metal or do you like stone in the setting.

Try looking at settings from Mark Silverstein, or James Allen orStuart Moore

Just to get an Idea of what you are thinking about.