shape
carat
color
clarity

Newbie, please help....

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eRingSeeker

Rough_Rock
Joined
Mar 16, 2012
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I'm looking to gain some insight on this daunting engagement ring buying process, as I intend to propose to my girlfriend of 8 years by the end of March. I have been quiet indecisive if I should buy the diamond separately on the internet, and then try to negotiate a fair price on a setting at a brick and mortar. Or just buy the engagement ring all together from the internet. One of my friends mentioned that I would save more by buying the diamond and metal separately. Your thoughts please?

I have built a couple of engagement rings on James Allen, and recently B2C jewels, but I just can't find the courage to hit the order button, because of uncertainty and with the sales tax included, they were exceeding my budget of $4,500.

Below are the specs for the criteria of diamond I have in mind:

Shape: Princess
Carat weight: 0.95 - 1.01
Cut: Excellent
Color: G-H
Clarity: VS2-VS1
Certificate: GIA
Depth: 74.7% or lower
Table: 72.0% or lower
Polish: Very good - Excellent
Symmetry: Very good- Excellent
Girdle: Medium to thick
Culet: None
Fluorescence: None
Ratio: 1.01

Can I realistically find something of the above criteria, or very close and still stay within my total budget?

For the setting, I’m looking for 18K White Gold Pave Cathedral style. The carat weight of the side stone is not a major concern for me.

Finally, if I decide to purchase the diamond from an online retailer such as James Allen, Blue Nile, or B2C Jewels, is it better to use my credit card or debit card? I have cash on hand, and would prefer not to use my credit card, but I know it can be a hassle at times to get cash refunded back if a buyer is not happy with their purchase.

Thanks very much and looking forward to your expert advice.
 
Hmm so 4,500 for the entire ring including tax?? Honestly I Sotho k think you will get an ideal cut stone in the GH color and VS clarity in a pave setting for that- especially with the carat size you are hoping for.

I would not sacrifice on cut- an excellent or ideal cut stone will out sparkle and outshine others- and help to hide any color or inclusions.

Have you considered stones as low as I in color or even an eyeclean SI1 stone? That may help you to keep your budget and stating the carat weight you are looking for.
 
With your criteria you are looking at 4,000 for the stone alone, so you might want I widen your criteria (I was searching on James Allen)
 
Amys Bling|1331940412|3150391 said:
With your criteria you are looking at 4,000 for the stone alone, so you might want I widen your criteria (I was searching on James Allen)

Yes, seemingly my total budget is not realistic for my current criteria . I don't want to sacrifice on the diamond just get to a nice setting.
I will keep the search going as well as wait for more insight from you knowledgeable folks.

I live in NYC and Good Old Gold is about hour drive away, do you think it's worth going out there?
 
Check with IDJ in NyC they are budget friendly and definitely can work with you
 
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