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jnanasy

Rough_Rock
Joined
Oct 23, 2009
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Thank you everyone for your help thus far. Although it shows that I just registered today, I have been pricescope stalking you all for quite some time. The problem is, I am buying a ring for my girlfriend and at this point, I feel slightly overloaded with too muc information, as this is a very detailed trade.



I have a limited budget and finally found a stone/setting that I am ready to pull the trigger on today. Can I get your professional opinion before I jump on it? (btw, I know that it is clarity enhanced, and her and I are both ok with that). Thanks!

· Total Diamond Weight 1.86ct.
· Setting 18k Gold
· Certificate IGC **...I have read the reviews on here about their grading**
· Ring Size Free Sizing
· Appraised Value $10,238
Center Diamond
· Carat Weight 1.20ct.
· Cut Princess
· Color F
· Clarity (enhanced) VS2
Additional Diamonds
· Carat Weight 0.66
· Cut Roundct.
· Color F/G
· Clarity VS/SI

Price: $3,600

What do you think?

givemeyouropinion2.jpg
 
Date: 10/23/2009 9:26:51 AM
Author: jnanasy
I thought it may be beneficial to add a link to the sellers store:

http://stores.shop.ebay.com/MY-DIAMONDS__W0QQ_armrsZ1

The Setting is under Princess cut, then Floral. Here is a link to their current offerings (excluding mine):

http://stores.shop.ebay.com/MY-DIAMONDS__W0QQ_armrsZ1QQ_fsubZ1024246016

Thanks again!
Click to expand...
Hi jnanasay

I wouldn't buy a clarity enhanced stone personally, the price is so cheap and I would bet the cut isn't good....Also the appraisal value is vastly inflated, if the diamond was worth that much it would sell for that amount. Also it is entirely possible this stone won't look like 1.8 cts as if it isn't well cut most of the weight could be sitting on the bottom or sides of the stone with the result that the top area is small for the weight, so although you could be wearing 1.8cts it might not look as if you are....

Would you consider going for a smaller diamond with a simpler setting? If so if you choose a seller with an upgrade policy, when finances permit you could get a larger diamond in time.

This is an example of what you could get for the budget

http://www.whiteflash.com/princess/Princess-cut-diamond-2152679.htm#
 
Not having a cut rating was the biggest concern that I had (maybe it is on the certificate-should I call?). When I first started out, I listed that as the most important thing to me, but I abandonded that when I fell in love with the setting. I also noted that he has a 100% feedback rating, so I took that as a good sign.

The same ring with a lower color (H) is listed currently with him for $4,9__, so my price is "not neccessarily" a representative of the quality...(or is it?)
 
Date: 10/23/2009 9:52:02 AM
Author: jnanasy
Not having a cut rating was the biggest concern that I had (maybe it is on the certificate-should I call?).

When I first started out, I listed that as the most important thing to me, but I abandonded that when I fell in love with the setting. I also noted that he has a 100% feedback rating, so I took that as a good sign.

The same ring with a lower color (H) is listed currently with him for $4,9__, so my price is 'not neccessarily' a representative of the quality...(or is it?)
Click to expand...

Really no point as I would place a bet the cut isn't good and also regardless of what the seller might tell you " oh its an Ideal Cut..." it doesn't mean a thing.


The crux of the matter is, these are clarity enhanced stones, not what are considered " quality" diamonds. I am not disputing they have their place and there is a ready market for them, but they are not suitable for an engagement ring in my opinion. Almost 4k is a lot of money by anyone's standards, we don't know much about this seller except that they are offering clarity enhanced diamonds of unknown cut quality, with virtually unknown lab grading etc, personally if it were 4k of my money I wouldn't take the risk.
 
Would you consider going for a smaller diamond with a simpler setting? If so if you choose a seller with an upgrade policy, when finances permit you could get a larger diamond in time.

Yes and no...The stone size is not as important to me as the setting. She really likes bold jewelry and I think that the...(tiffany style?) mount is great. This is the problem that I am having--As I look around (and I have looked extensively), I am finding that bold settings like this seem to be pretty hard to come by (maybe because the would dwarf the stone?).

Do you have another suggestion for settings? I am willing to consider all options, but I know that she likes "chunky" (if that makes sense).
 
Date: 10/23/2009 9:57:42 AM
Author: jnanasy
Would you consider going for a smaller diamond with a simpler setting? If so if you choose a seller with an upgrade policy, when finances permit you could get a larger diamond in time.

Yes and no...The stone size is not as important to me as the setting. She really likes bold jewelry and I think that the...(tiffany style?) mount is great. This is the problem that I am having--As I look around (and I have looked extensively), I am finding that bold settings like this seem to be pretty hard to come by (maybe because the would dwarf the stone?).

Do you have another suggestion for settings? I am willing to consider all options, but I know that she likes 'chunky' (if that makes sense).
Click to expand...
Ok, the setting you have chosen is unusual by today's standards as it is very chunky, most nowadays prefer to go for a plainer or daintier setting style, that isn't actually a Tiffany style. The Tiffany inspired setting is a plain band with a 6 prong setting for a round diamond, although this setting can be referred to as Tiffany for similar Princess settings. You could possibly have a stock setting modified to your specifications as an option - have you taken a look at the PS vendors settings?

Here are some chunkier style settings, might be available to fit Princess shapes, they will take a greater portion of your budget though.

http://www.whiteflash.com/Engagement-Rings/Styles/Diamond-Settings/Fiotto-Diamond-Engagement-Ring_1428.htm

http://www.whiteflash.com/Engagement-Rings/Styles/Diamond-Settings/-Elegant-Petals--Diamond-Engagement-Ring_1036.htm

http://www.whiteflash.com/Engagement-Rings/Styles/Diamond-Settings/Saturo-Diamond-Engagement-Ring_1429.htm

http://www.whiteflash.com/Engagement-Rings/Styles/Diamond-Settings/-Champaigne--Heavy-Bezel-Engagement-Ring_1139.htm
 
Ok, the setting you have chosen is unusual by today's standards as it is very chunky, most nowadays prefer to go for a plainer or daintier setting style, that isn't actually a Tiffany style. The Tiffany inspired setting is a plain band with a 6 prong setting for a round diamond, although this setting can be referred to as Tiffany for similar Princess settings. You could possibly have a stock setting modified to your specifications as an option - have you taken a look at the PS vendors settings?

I am sorry, I should have clarified--I didn't mean "tiffany style" as in the solitare setting they are known for, I was just referring to my interpretation of one of their overall jewelry styles (silver braclets, necklaces, etc.)

The unusual-ness of the setting is why I like it. People will only look at the ring for a few minutes at most, and she/I want something that is unique and will be remembered. The setting helps garnish her that attention. Granted the ring is for her, but it is also for her to "show-off", so to speak. This also contributes to my acceptance of the clarity enhanced diamond--no one would ever know (or ask), but they will ask about carat weight, etc..

I have looked at several of the recommended sites through PS and haven't been able to find anything even close (like you said, unusual). I will spend a little time over the next few hours (gotta work today too!) looking back into them. If you know of a vendor I should consider, I would love to look at them.

Thanks Lorelei, I knew you would come through for me!
 
Date: 10/23/2009 10:15:13 AM
Author: jnanasy
Ok, the setting you have chosen is unusual by today's standards as it is very chunky, most nowadays prefer to go for a plainer or daintier setting style, that isn't actually a Tiffany style. The Tiffany inspired setting is a plain band with a 6 prong setting for a round diamond, although this setting can be referred to as Tiffany for similar Princess settings. You could possibly have a stock setting modified to your specifications as an option - have you taken a look at the PS vendors settings?

I am sorry, I should have clarified--I didn't mean 'tiffany style' as in the solitare setting they are known for, I was just referring to my interpretation of one of their overall jewelry styles (silver braclets, necklaces, etc.)

The unusual-ness of the setting is why I like it. People will only look at the ring for a few minutes at most, and she/I want something that is unique and will be remembered. The setting helps garnish her that attention. Granted the ring is for her, but it is also for her to 'show-off', so to speak. This also contributes to my acceptance of the clarity enhanced diamond--no one would ever know (or ask), but they will ask about carat weight, etc..

I have looked at several of the recommended sites through PS and haven't been able to find anything even close (like you said, unusual). I will spend a little time over the next few hours (gotta work today too!) looking back into them. If you know of a vendor I should consider, I would love to look at them.

Thanks Lorelei, I knew you would come through for me!
Click to expand...
You are most welcome! Have a look at the links I added and see if anything appeals to you there, if not then we will try another tactic!

Has she seen this setting and says she loves it? ( the one from the Ebay seller?)

Another thought is to check out www.highperformancediamonds.com they sell Infinity Princess which are gorgeous diamonds, plus they also cut Infinity in lower clarities which would be preferable to a clarity enhanced stone IMO.

As an example, here is an I1, you would need to check with Wink if it is eyeclean

http://www.highperformancediamonds.com/index.php?page=view-id-diamond-infinity&id=669
 
Date: 10/23/2009 10:18:19 AM
Author: Lorelei
Date: 10/23/2009 10:15:13 AM

Author: jnanasy

Ok, the setting you have chosen is unusual by today''s standards as it is very chunky, most nowadays prefer to go for a plainer or daintier setting style, that isn''t actually a Tiffany style. The Tiffany inspired setting is a plain band with a 6 prong setting for a round diamond, although this setting can be referred to as Tiffany for similar Princess settings. You could possibly have a stock setting modified to your specifications as an option - have you taken a look at the PS vendors settings?


I am sorry, I should have clarified--I didn''t mean ''tiffany style'' as in the solitare setting they are known for, I was just referring to my interpretation of one of their overall jewelry styles (silver braclets, necklaces, etc.)


The unusual-ness of the setting is why I like it. People will only look at the ring for a few minutes at most, and she/I want something that is unique and will be remembered. The setting helps garnish her that attention. Granted the ring is for her, but it is also for her to ''show-off'', so to speak. This also contributes to my acceptance of the clarity enhanced diamond--no one would ever know (or ask), but they will ask about carat weight, etc..


I have looked at several of the recommended sites through PS and haven''t been able to find anything even close (like you said, unusual). I will spend a little time over the next few hours (gotta work today too!) looking back into them. If you know of a vendor I should consider, I would love to look at them.


Thanks Lorelei, I knew you would come through for me!
Click to expand...

You are most welcome! Have a look at the links I added and see if anything appeals to you there, if not then we will try another tactic!


Has she seen this setting and says she loves it? ( the one from the Ebay seller?)


Another thought is to check out www.highperformancediamonds.com they sell Infinity Princess which are gorgeous diamonds, plus they also cut Infinity in lower clarities which would be preferable to a clarity enhanced stone IMO.


As an example, here is an I1, you would need to check with Wink if it is eyeclean


http://www.highperformancediamonds.com/index.php?page=view-id-diamond-infinity&id=669
Click to expand...
I agree with Lorelei, you can get a fantastic Infinity princess cut in a good size for a reasonable price.

Plus, Wink at HPD also offers custom designed settings. Give him a call about the Infinity -- it can''t hurt -- and at the same time you can talk to him about custom designing a setting that would be similar to the one in the photo you posted (send him the photo). His custom design prices are very reasonable and his quality is excellent.

I''m getting a custom designed setting from Wink -- it should be done soon.

$4000 is a lot of money and you can spend it more wisely and more safely than a clarity enhanced stone from an ebay vendor just to get a setting you want.
 
 
My experience with most of the current ebay diamond pave' settings is: Junk. Cloudy stones, not cut well, yellowish or brown,etc. They might look okay and be lively under LEDs or whatever lighting the photos were taken in, but in natural daylight, dull & cloudy. Or, the vendor may pick a pretty one to take the stock photos of but ship you junk that does not look like the photos. You can find bargains, but there aren't that many really good settings being sold at low prices.

C/heck out these, and I've seen some of them on ebay but there are levels of quality in diamond melee and it's buyer beware: http://www.uniquesettings.com/
 
Good work ladies!!!
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You all are amazing!

I have been looking through the links and have found a few that I also really like. I will be calling some of them today to find out possibilities (The big day-Nov 14th-is approaching quickly). I really don''t have much flex in my budget and, because of that, I abandoned any idea of customization, as I figured it would cut too much into my overall budget.

I will look at setting/stone considerations and see what my budget will allow. I will post up some of the ones that I have found for your further consideration.

THANK YOU!!
 
Remember you can also get her a blingy wedding band after you have had time to save additional funds.
 
I love how everyone is so helpful around here!!!!

When I''m ready to buy, I''ll definitely be coming here for some help/opinions!!

Jnanasy - CONGRATS/Goodluck on your up and coming day...is she expecting it or is it a surprise?
 
Maybe you can find reasonably priced semi mounts on ebay and a fabulous center stone from one of the PS vendors. I think some PS members have bought setting from ebay and was satisfied with the quality.
 
Date: 10/23/2009 12:07:08 PM
Author: IceExplorer
I love how everyone is so helpful around here!!!!

When I''m ready to buy, I''ll definitely be coming here for some help/opinions!!

Jnanasy - CONGRATS/Goodluck on your up and coming day...is she expecting it or is it a surprise?
Click to expand...
Thats so kind of you to say so, we try!!

Do just ask as soon as you would like some help and we will do our best to assist you!
 
Date: 10/23/2009 11:54:46 AM
Author: jnanasy
You all are amazing!

I have been looking through the links and have found a few that I also really like. I will be calling some of them today to find out possibilities (The big day-Nov 14th-is approaching quickly). I really don''t have much flex in my budget and, because of that, I abandoned any idea of customization, as I figured it would cut too much into my overall budget.

I will look at setting/stone considerations and see what my budget will allow. I will post up some of the ones that I have found for your further consideration.

THANK YOU!!
Click to expand...
Most welcome, just ask if you need any more assistance!
 
Date: 10/23/2009 11:54:46 AM
Author: jnanasy
You all are amazing!


I have been looking through the links and have found a few that I also really like. I will be calling some of them today to find out possibilities (The big day-Nov 14th-is approaching quickly). I really don''t have much flex in my budget and, because of that, I abandoned any idea of customization, as I figured it would cut too much into my overall budget.


I will look at setting/stone considerations and see what my budget will allow. I will post up some of the ones that I have found for your further consideration.


THANK YOU!!
Click to expand...

Glad we could help!! One other idea I thought of is Adwar settings. Most Pricescope vendors have worked with this company before and can order a setting for you. It''s quicker and cheaper than custom (November 14 is not too far away, you''re right!). Here''s a link to their website so you can see if you can find anything close to the ebay setting.
Adwar

If you''re interested in an Infinity stone (Lorelei''s links) contact Wink and ask him about the stones and any suggestions he has for settings (including Adwar) and ask him about your timeline, too -- the vendors on PS go out of their way to move mountains to help customers, but give him a heads up ASAP so you''re not running out of time

If you find any other princess cuts on the Whiteflash or GOG sites, I''d do the same thing -- contact them and get an idea of timeline.

Otherwise, I''d go with the best princess cut your money can buy, put it in a solitaire setting for now, and like another poster said, get a blingy wedding band, or save up for a custom design setting later (for an anniversary).
 
Jnanasy - CONGRATS/Goodluck on your up and coming day...is she expecting it or is it a surprise?

She ''knows'' it is coming eventually, but doesn''t really know, ya know? Ha! I just drove 2 hours each way to her parents house last night to ask for their permission and blessing. I am embarrassed to admit it but, when her mom started crying, maybe I did too...
38.gif
(shame)
 
Date: 10/23/2009 12:56:46 PM
Author: jnanasy
Jnanasy - CONGRATS/Goodluck on your up and coming day...is she expecting it or is it a surprise?

She 'knows' it is coming eventually, but doesn't really know, ya know? Ha! I just drove 2 hours each way to her parents house last night to ask for their permission and blessing. I am embarrassed to admit it but, when her mom started crying, maybe I did too...
38.gif
(shame)
Click to expand...
Nothing to be embarrassed about!!!
 
Date: 10/23/2009 12:56:46 PM
Author: jnanasy
Jnanasy - CONGRATS/Goodluck on your up and coming day...is she expecting it or is it a surprise?

She ''knows'' it is coming eventually, but doesn''t really know, ya know? Ha! I just drove 2 hours each way to her parents house last night to ask for their permission and blessing. I am embarrassed to admit it but, when her mom started crying, maybe I did too...
38.gif
(shame)
Click to expand...
Oh, thats so sweet!
 
(I apologize for the lack of formatting. At my house, I was able to use the highlight, bold, underline, etc., but at work, it is html only?)

I have emailed Wink and I am waiting for his reply. Thank you all again for your help thus far!

In the mean time, I wanted to point out a few things just for clarification's sake to see if it make a difference (better to have everything out there, right?.

Lorelei, in your initial response, you talk about the ring being 1.86 ct. It is only 1.2 ct for the center stone-the remainder is .66ct. I realize that that would make a huge difference in the value of the stone.

Also, I noted that HVVS talks about the pave stones: "My experience with most of the current ebay diamond pave' settings is: Junk. Cloudy stones, not cut well, yellowish or brown,etc. They might look okay and be lively under LEDs or whatever lighting the photos were taken in, but in natural daylight, dull & cloudy. Or, the vendor may pick a pretty one to take the stock photos of but ship you junk that does not look like the photos. You can find bargains, but there aren't that many really good settings being sold at low prices."

The seller indicates that the setting stones are:
Additional Diamonds
· Carat Weight 0.66
· Cut Roundct.
· Color F/G
· Clarity VS/SI

Just thought it would help with the overall picture if I clarified a little. I am a little concerned at the stones being recommended because as I check through the websites, they (infinity or otherwise) are mostly over 3k (cheapest infinity is over 3k). This definitely doesn't allow much for a setting. What size should I be searching for?

Also, am I missing something on uniquesettings.com? I couldn't find pricing, so I called and they said that they cannot release any pricing to me because I am not "in the business". I understand only dealing with jewelers, but I would hate to keep calling a jeweler and having someone call them to check on a price. Is there an easier process for this?

Thanks again to everyone!
 
Date: 10/23/2009 2:12:10 PM
Author: jnanasy
(I apologize for the lack of formatting. At my house, I was able to use the highlight, bold, underline, etc., but at work, it is html only?)

I have emailed Wink and I am waiting for his reply. Thank you all again for your help thus far!

In the mean time, I wanted to point out a few things just for clarification''s sake to see if it make a difference (better to have everything out there, right?.

Lorelei, in your initial response, you talk about the ring being 1.86 ct. It is only 1.2 ct for the center stone-the remainder is .66ct. I realize that that would make a huge difference in the value of the stone.

Also, I noted that HVVS talks about the pave stones: ''My experience with most of the current ebay diamond pave'' settings is: Junk. Cloudy stones, not cut well, yellowish or brown,etc. They might look okay and be lively under LEDs or whatever lighting the photos were taken in, but in natural daylight, dull & cloudy. Or, the vendor may pick a pretty one to take the stock photos of but ship you junk that does not look like the photos. You can find bargains, but there aren''t that many really good settings being sold at low prices.''

The seller indicates that the setting stones are:
Additional Diamonds
· Carat Weight 0.66
· Cut Roundct.
· Color F/G
· Clarity VS/SI

Just thought it would help with the overall picture if I clarified a little. I am a little concerned at the stones being recommended because as I check through the websites, they (infinity or otherwise) are mostly over 3k (cheapest infinity is over 3k). This definitely doesn''t allow much for a setting. What size should I be searching for?

Also, am I missing something on uniquesettings.com? I couldn''t find pricing, so I called and they said that they cannot release any pricing to me because I am not ''in the business''. I understand only dealing with jewelers, but I would hate to keep calling a jeweler and having someone call them to check on a price. Is there an easier process for this?

Thanks again to everyone!
Click to expand...
Yes you are right I misread and thats a good thing that you aren''t looking for such a large centre stone for the budget that will make things much easier!

What exactly are you hoping to get for centre stone size and the budget just for the stone? Then we can have a look for you and try to find some stones which might suit.
 
Hi, jnanasy,
I just checked Wink's website, too, and, yes, most everything from .80 to 1.00 carats in an Infinity princess is going to be at least $3500. I imagine the other PS vendors who provide ASET and GIA/AGS reports for princess cuts will be similarly priced.

It seems like you've got two choices (both good -- don't worry!) here:

1. Go for a larger stone, and a simpler setting. Believe me, the Infinity princess cuts are amazing, and will make up for the simpler setting. Wink has settings on his site that will give you a chunkier look. His settings webpage is kind of hard to find. Go to winkjones.com and select jewelry, then rings, then solitaires, then hit next. You should come to this page (I've had trouble linking it in the past, so we'll see how this goes).
Wink's settings
I've purchased several rings from him so I know his settings well -- but, Wink, I sure wish you'd make your settings easier to find!! (Nudge-hint-nudge).
Choose a classic setting like the Lucida on his site in 14 kt. gold with an approximately 1.0 carat Infinity princess and your girlfriend will be very, very happy!

2. The second option is to go for a princess cut in a smaller size -- approximately .50 -.60 carats, from Whiteflash, and work with them on a setting. Lorelei found some very pretty options that have a bling-y look to them, have beautiful quality stones set in them, and will give you a modern look. You may need to search their website for their expert selection princess cuts rather than their ACA princess cuts.

Post the ASET and the GIA/AGS information for any stone you find; the people on this forum will not let you buy a clunker stone, so you're in good hands. But it really seems like it comes down to larger stone/simple setting or smaller stone/bling-y setting. And that's something only you can decide, based on what you think your girlfriend will prefer. Either way you'll get a dynamite ring!
 
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