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Opinions needed on diamonds and ring. (newbie)

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Liberty U

Rough_Rock
Joined
Feb 25, 2008
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Hello everyone,

I am new to this site but reading it off and on yesterday I really felt comfortable coming on here and seeking opinions from you all. Here is my situation: I am searching for a diamond in my price range that will just awww my wife to be. Here are a few of the diamonds I am looking hard at.

There are all "Hearts and Arrow" diamonds
Carat Cut Color Clarity Price HAC (I believe I did this right?)
.51 Round F VVS2 2020 .8
.53 Round E VVS1 2430 .8
.56 Round G VVS2 1990 .9
.58 Round G VS1 1800 .7
.61 Round F VVS2 2580 1.1
.61 Round F VVS2 2580 .8
.62 Round G VVS2 2250 1.0

These stones all come from James Allen's site. I have not looked into if this is a reliable site so if anyone has any recommendations I would appreciate it. What I liked about these stones on his site is the ideal-scope image was dark red in all other stones I check out seemed more pink. Am I on the right track there? Also, any help on different diamonds or what I should focus more on is definately needed. Like I said I just want a diamond that will look great and just make you say WOW when you see it for the price I can pay. My range is roughly $1800-$2450 a little more if diamond is worth it.

As for the ring I want my diamond set in, I am almost 100% sure on this one at Whiteflash.com

http://www.whiteflash.com/Engagement-Rings/Styles/Diamond-Settings/-Flush-Fit--Diamond-Ring_1063.htm

Another ring that I am trying to get a price quote but I figure will be out of my range is as followed:

http://www.goodoldgold.com/setting/V-109/
or
http://www.goodoldgold.com/setting/V-106/

So please anyone who reads this I am asking for help on maybe more stones in my range and if you think these rings will go well with the diamonds in my range? Thank you ALL so much for jsut taking the time to read my post. I look foward to all replies!

Adam
 
Date: 2/25/2008 9:56:12 AM
Author:Liberty U
Hello everyone,

There are all 'Hearts and Arrow' diamonds
Carat Cut Color Clarity Price HAC (I believe I did this right?)
.53 Round E VVS1 2430 .8
.56 Round G VVS2 1990 .9
.61 Round F VVS2 2580 1.1
.61 Round F VVS2 2580 .8
.62 Round G VVS2 2250 1.0

These stones all come from James Allen's site. I have not looked into if this is a reliable site so if anyone has any recommendations I would appreciate it. What I liked about these stones on his site is the ideal-scope image was dark red in all other stones I check out seemed more pink. Am I on the right track there? Also, any help on different diamonds or what I should focus more on is definately needed. Like I said I just want a diamond that will look great and just make you say WOW when you see it for the price I can pay. My range is roughly $1800-$2450 a little more if diamond is worth it.

As for the ring I want my diamond set in, I am almost 100% sure on this one at Whiteflash.com

http://www.whiteflash.com/Engagement-Rings/Styles/Diamond-Settings/-Flush-Fit--Diamond-Ring_1063.htm

Another ring that I am trying to get a price quote but I figure will be out of my range is as followed:

http://www.goodoldgold.com/setting/V-109/
or
http://www.goodoldgold.com/setting/V-106/

So please anyone who reads this I am asking for help on maybe more stones in my range and if you think these rings will go well with the diamonds in my range? Thank you ALL so much for jsut taking the time to read my post. I look foward to all replies!

Adam
Click to expand...
Hi Adam!

James Allen is an excellent vendor, you can purchase from him without worry! As to the diamonds posted, they are possibly excellent contenders, but we need the proportions to be able to tell for sure. Either the links to the diamonds themselves, or the;
depth
table
crown angle
pavillion angle
girdle thickness
polish and symmetry

are needed to be able to properly judge each stone. H&A can be a superb choice if you want this type, also limiting your search to those and AGS0 and GIA Excellent cut grades should help you to find a gorgeous diamond.

With the Idealscope images, we really need to see them to be able to judge, sometimes lighter or darker reds are just a variation in light conditions, we are interested in light and dark areas to detect possible leakage rather than colour, so the actual image is best.

Also with your colour and clarity especially, unless you particularly want VVS for purity reasons, you can drop to VS or even a clean SI and G or H colour if you want, and still have a very white and clean diamond, if the cut is excellent. Just a thought.

Post the links if you can to the diamonds you like in your post, then we can take a look for you!
 
Hello Adam and welcome!

The diamonds you have chosen all seem lovely - although I haven''t yet inspected each page individually.

My first observation was that you have gone reaaaaally high in the clarity, opting for VVS2. Please excuse me if you have already considered this, but I though it was worth pointing out that if you wanted to, it would be worth considering dropping down in clarity and perhaps getting a bigger stone for your budget.

Most people on PS opt for SI1 clarity, having first asked the vendor to check that the stone they are interested in is eye clean.

Don''t be put off by the plots of inclusions on the grading reports, or by the highly magnified photos. An eye clean SI1 looks every bit as awesome as a VVS2 - guaranteed. :)

Your colour range is also varying from E to G, which is another area in which you can save money (you will pay a LOT more for an E color stone that a G).

For example, I found this diamond, which is H colour, SI1 in the ACA H&A section of WF - it is almost three quarters of a carat (0.73cts) and is $2760 (although as a PS member you will get a discount off this price... 5% I believe).

Have a look, and see how you feel about it. :)

We''ll help you get the biggest AWWWW factor we can. :)

x x x
 
Awesome. It is people like you why I decided to join this site''s forum. Everyone seems so helpful and trust me I 110% appreciate it.

First as for specification on the diamond I can drop to a VS. I just want a great diamond because my wife to be soon (if she says yes) loves looking at the promise ring I got her a couple years ago. I catch her all the time just looking at it sparkle in the light (she gets great joy in this). Ok back on track now. So I don''t know what the AGS-0 is? How does it compare to the Hearts and Arrows? I don''t have to have a Heart and Arrows but I do want an ideal cut! As for color I don''t want to drop past a G and Clarity I can go down to a VS. Carat I would like to get one over a .50 and the bigger the better as long as it doesn''t take away from the diamond.

I will post the diamonds in order of my first listing.
http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/F-VVS2-Ideal-Cut-Round-Diamond-1060503.asp
http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/E-VVS1-Ideal-Cut-Round-Diamond-1060509.asp
http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/G-VVS2-Ideal-Cut-Round-Diamond-1060520.asp
http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/G-VS1-Ideal-Cut-Round-Diamond-1101369.asp
http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/F-VVS2-Ideal-Cut-Round-Diamond-1060543.asp
http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/F-VVS2-Ideal-Cut-Round-Diamond-1060541.asp
http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/G-VVS2-Ideal-Cut-Round-Diamond-1101380.asp

Again, Thank you for taking time to respond and with your helpful insight.
 
The diamonds you posted are also AGS0 , which means they have the highly prized AGS0 cut grade and also H&A cut. You can get non H&A AGS0 diamonds too, but you can be pretty sure with this cut grade that a diamond with this cut grade should be an excellent performer, and often you find both H&A AGS0 as above, it just depends on what you value more and what you prefer.

With a fast look, the G VS you posted looks like a real winner and also lower on the clarity, but you could pick any of them and be delighted cut wise - great job!!. Would you prefer to go larger or stick with the size you are considering?
 
OK, great :)

It's good that you know where you stand on clarity & colour! Great as well that you are focussing on getting the best possible cut! Well done you :)

First things first: my stone is AGS0. It's certed by AGSL as an Ideal cut: but it isn't an H&A diamond.. which means it doesn't show a perfect H&A pattern in it. It does show arrows in some lights.. and it sparkles like crazy! It's a personal preference whether you prefer a diamond with a pattern or not. Read this for a better explanation, with pictures.

You sound fairly set on buying your setting from WF. Would it make more sense to buy a stone from there too?

I have no preference for any particular vendor - I'm just thinking what might be easiest for you.

I'm going to look up some G, VS2 stones for you to see if we can get you the biggest bang for your buck. :)

x x x

**ETA** http://www.goodoldgold.com/diamond/4078/ is a G, VS2 H&A AGS0 diamond. Bank wire price: $2,435.45
 
I really like that diamond. I believe that is the same Color and Clarity I was looking at on a dream hearts on fire (past that stage though) A 5 % discount? Really? That would be nice to get the diamond from the same place I believe I will order my setting and matching band. How can I tell if it is "eye clean" I know I am not gonna et to see the diamond so to me its a huge chance but I want to get the best bang for my buck. I went to a jeweler over the weekend (highly sought of) but I felt like they didn''t care and tried to push a .71 G I1 on me. Right off I saw the inclusion and they more or less tied to make me feel like a liar. But like I have said I love reading what everyone on this site has said in the forums I have read and feel you all will get me on the right track and help me find my ideal diamond for the woman I love! Thanks so much for your time and effort.
 
Cleo, I have to respectfully disagree with you about "most on PS opt for S1 clarity".
It is a totally personal choice and the larger the stone gets, the easier it will be to see the inclusions. Even in my half carat stones, I''ve learned to identify them with a loupe and can now clearly see them without one. To me, the stone is no longer clean and I''m not comfortable going down to an S1 anymore.

However with that said, In a stone that size, an S1 would be a safe bet since no one is going to be louping your stone.
Color is a personal choice as well. If you want to go above half a carat, you "might" see a difference in an E to an H. I say "might" because again, we''re talking such subtle differences that you''d seriously have to compare the colors side by side to see any real differences.

The stones you chose have a nice HCA scores, are they AG0''s as well?
 
I wouldn''t mind going bigger. I just don''t want to be one of those guys who "SAYS" look at the size of that. I want to be able to "SEE" it speak for itself with its brilliance. So as long as its in my budget and doesn''t comprimise its beauty I am all for it.


Cleo, I see what you mean by getting a diamond from WF. It makes sense but if I can find my best deal elsewhere I want to do that. Plus I need to look into warranties and decide on who should set my ring.

Again thanks to both of you! So much help so far.
 
Date: 2/25/2008 10:35:40 AM
Author: Liberty U
I really like that diamond. I believe that is the same Color and Clarity I was looking at on a dream hearts on fire (past that stage though) A 5 % discount? Really? That would be nice to get the diamond from the same place I believe I will order my setting and matching band. How can I tell if it is 'eye clean' I know I am not gonna et to see the diamond so to me its a huge chance but I want to get the best bang for my buck. I went to a jeweler over the weekend (highly sought of) but I felt like they didn't care and tried to push a .71 G I1 on me. Right off I saw the inclusion and they more or less tied to make me feel like a liar. But like I have said I love reading what everyone on this site has said in the forums I have read and feel you all will get me on the right track and help me find my ideal diamond for the woman I love! Thanks so much for your time and effort.
Click to expand...
You need to check about any discount, I believe some discounts may be obtained by paying with a bank wire, so it may be best to check with Whiteflash as to any reduction.

Also regarding 'eyecleanliness' again you need to check with Whiteflash who can look at the diamond for you and advise, this is the only real way to tell. That diamond is a superbly crafted A Cut Above hearts and arrows, which is WF's branded cut, these are a very easy way to get one of the best cut diamonds available, again it depends on what you want.

Yes Adam those diamonds you picked are all AGS0 cut grade too!
30.gif
 
elle_chris- I believe they are according to Lorelei. I am pretty sure she said they were. I just know I did a search for "ideal" cuts because I want the best cut possible. That is #1 on my list. From there I just want one over .5 carat and from there I honestly don''t know what to look for to give me my brilliant diamond for my budget.
 
Adam, glad you like that stone. :) I''m seeing if I can find some others too.

PS members do get a discount at with a number of the featured vendors, you just let them know you are a Pricescope member. I''m not *exactly* sure of the way it works with each vendor & can''t find any onfo on PS about that at the mo.

I''m sorry someone tried to sell you an I1 you didn''t want.
7.gif


If you find a stone you are interested in, just ask the vendor to confirm it''s eyeclean for you - and they will give you an honest answer. Be sure to let them know if you want it to be eyeclean from the sides, as well as face up, and from what sort of viewing distance. If you are very specific about this it will avoid confusion and you will get the information you need.

Speaking rom personal experience, I would go for the biggest diamond you can, within the constraints of your budget, and colour/clarity preferences. As long as you are buying a stone with an awesome cut (which you will be if you are choosing AGS0 or H&A) then your lucky lady will be blown away by the stone you choose!

x x x

elle - Perhaps ''many'' would have been a better word choice than ''most''. I absolutely agree that it is a personal preference. :)
 
yep sorry, didn''t look at the links until a moment ago.

They all look like excellent choices but yes, I''ll agree with Loelei and say the G, VS1 looks like the best choice between the options you posted. As far as larger,
it''s up to you. The GOG stone that Cleo posted is gorgeous (nice find) and at 2,435 (bank wire) falls within your budget and parameters. I''d even get it if i was looking for something in that size right now.
 
Keep them coming ladies and gents. I love seeing these diamonds and I am looking myself into some lesser clarity for possibly a bigger size. I now have to go bed shopping in my beautiful lady (this will be dual compared to this diamond shopping) I will check back later when I get back home later tonight. Thanks so much everyone you are all truely awesome!
 
Adam,

You''re in good hands with these gals! I strongly reciommend letting them do their thing. For Christmas I bought my wife an AGS000 with no H&A and the fire, brilliance and scintillatioon are fantastic. I regularilly catch my wife glancing at the ring like you indicated your soon to be FI does at your promise ring. Gauranteed she''ll be looking at the ring more than you, if you go with the women''s recommendations. Good luck.
 
Date: 2/25/2008 10:31:17 AM
Author: Cleo
OK, great :)

It''s good that you know where you stand on clarity & colour! Great as well that you are focussing on getting the best possible cut! Well done you :)

First things first: my stone is AGS0. It''s certed by AGSL as an Ideal cut: but it isn''t an H&A diamond.. which means it doesn''t show a perfect H&A pattern in it. It does show arrows in some lights.. and it sparkles like crazy! It''s a personal preference whether you prefer a diamond with a pattern or not. Read this for a better explanation, with pictures.

You sound fairly set on buying your setting from WF. Would it make more sense to buy a stone from there too?

I have no preference for any particular vendor - I''m just thinking what might be easiest for you.

I''m going to look up some G, VS2 stones for you to see if we can get you the biggest bang for your buck. :)

x x x

**ETA** http://www.goodoldgold.com/diamond/4078/ is a G, VS2 H&A AGS0 diamond. Bank wire price: $2,435.45
Click to expand...
Cleo, A quick question about this diamond. It is very beautiful but I was told by my local jeweler to stay away from "Fluorescence" I see this diamond has medium fluorescence. How does this affect the diamond?

Also if anyone else has come across any more diamonds I would love to take a look before making my final decision.

Are you guys saying you like the .62 G VVS2 diamond I posted or the smaller one?

I really appreciate everyones help in this thus far.
 
Hi Adam!

At D-F colour, strong fluorescence can be a problem, as it can cause a diamond to look oily, or milky.

At G colour, medium blue shouldn't be a problem. I would phone GoG and ask them to take a look at the stone for you and ask them to confirm the fluoresence doesn't affect this stone negatively in that way... they will tell you honestly. :)

You might be surprised to learn (I was!) that some people actually WANT diamonds with med or strong fluorescence. In fact, there's a lady posted on another thread today who is actively looking for just such a stone.

I actually rather love the effect - it can make the stone almost glow a lovely bluish shade in the sun. (Look up fluorescence in Show me the Ring to see some photos).

Fluorescence does have the rather amazing affect of making the diamond cheaper... which is perfect for you! :)

I think the other ladies were saying they liked the G VS1 best, out of the stones you posted.

You are very welcome for the help - just ask if you have any more questions!

x x x

**ETA** you should seriously consider putting that GOG stone on hold while you make your decsision, as there are a lot of lurkers on these boards!
 
Medium or less flouresence is really a non-issue. So don''t let that sway you either way. I would advise you to buy from WF if you want a setting from there.

(My son is finishing his degree through LU distance, by the way!)
 
Diamondseeker2006,

I sent a request to GOG on a setting but still no response from them yet. As for the diamonds you posted thank you for taking time for me. (As for your son, what did he major in? I am also doing the distance learning and close to my AA in Accounting and Business. They are wonderful at LU and best of luck to your son)

Cleo- I will take a look at the pictures to see what you mean. I just don''t want it to take away from such a beautiful stone.


I would love to stick with WF for the diamond but in my price range I notice its a big gap and at JA that gap isn''t there as they have more stones in my price range. What would everyones recommendation be for who to set the stone if I get it at JA and the ring at WF? I am clueless to both companies? Thanks again everyone you seriously are making me feel more and more comfortable with this purchasing experience.
36.gif
 
He did multidisciplinary studies in psychology and religion. Not exactly a great career prep track, but it will be good for him to finish his bachelor''s degree. They do have an excellent program. He has one more class and should graduate in May. Best of luck to you, too!

Those Vatche settings are beautiful! They''ll be much more affordable in 18k white gold than they will be in platinum. But they are very nice quality! Email again if you don''t hear back. You will like Jonathan. We bought my anniversary diamond from him and he is a very fine, honest person. I really like that .69 G VS2 stone for you!
 
diamondseeker2006,

Do you happen to know much about the Vatche rings? I did email again about both rings.

I too like that diamond but another question about it is the HAC result being a 1.8. Is that too high? Is a lower HAC mean more sparkle/pop? Thanks again
 
Anything under a 2 is generally seen as good on the HCA :)

It is used as a tool to weed out bad performers :)
 
Even with strong blue fluorescence, there is rarely a problem. It is always best to check with the vendor to be safe, but it is rare there are negative effects on a diamond with strong blue.

As Dee says, the HCA is used to weed out diamonds. A score of 2 and under means the diamond is worth further evaluation, a lower score doesn''t mean a better diamond. The HCA cannot physically see the diamond, it is working on how well a set of given proportions may work together. It cannot predict individual performance or personality of a diamond.
 
Ok, This is a lot tougher then I thought. Right now I feel I have just a couple of options.

1- I love the setting at WF but I can''t seem to find a diamond I feel 100% comfortable with. (Also, what might be everyones take on a H&A Princess Cut from WF in the setting I linked earlier?)

2- James Allen to me has two of my choice diamonds but I don''t care for any of their settings.

3- I have yet after 3 and half days heard back from GOG on prices with a couple settings I like there to see along with the diamond mentioned if it will fit in my budget.

4- I am somewhat worried if I get a diamond from JA and send it to WF that something might happen and I would be out up the creek without a paddle. Or If I get the setting from WF and send it to JA I would be in the same situation. This looks to be my best bet but the most Risky and not sure if its worth it.

Whys this gotta be so difficult or it might just be why am I so difficult. I know what ever I get my gal she is going to love but I just am a perfectionist to the 10th degree.
 
Hi Adam :)

*hugs* to you.

I know this is a nerve racking process - and you have my sympathy. I think I kind of recognise where you are right now, with not being 100% on any ofthese diamonds - because I was the same.

The problem is wanting to get the perfect diamond. (I'm with you on that, I'm a perfectionist too).

So, we worry if G colour is white enough, if VS2 is eye clean enough...and if fluorescence is going to turn our diamond into a ball of chewed-up-spat-out gum. :)

Most people (myself included) don't have an unlimited budget - so we CAN'T afford to buy the super-duper-amazing-cut-but-also-D-colour-and-totally-flawless diamond.

It's scary, and despite reassurance from people in the know you still worry what that stone will look like when you see it.

Thing is, if you COULD see it, and you were sitting there with any one (or, two or three) of those stones in front of you, you would be going WOW!!!!!

And now you're starting to second-guess yourself and look at princess cut stones instead! :)

Choose your top two stones from all the ones we've looked at and tell me what's holding you back on each of them.. what's stopping you being 100%?

I think the first thing is to pick up the phone and CALL GoG to get your answers on their setting and stone and go from there.

You can get another company to set your stone if you need to (you'll have to get it insured). Bit of a pain, but it's doable.

At this stage GoG looks like your best bet for a stone and setting from the same place, so give them ring and see what they have to say and we can take it from there.

I think you'll find talking to an expert on the phone much more reassuring too. :)

Don't panic. Stay calm and breaaaaathe. ;)

We're here to help you get your lady the perfect ring.. that you will BOTH love.

x x x
 
Here are my top 3 stones in no particular order.

1- http://www.whiteflash.com/hearts_arrows/A-Cut-Above-H-A-cut-diamond-636689.htm# (Looks like maybe my best diamond (unless you all think maybe they have a better fir for me)) Love the setting there so really i need to find the best diamond there. Could you guys give me your top 3 choices from WF .55+ carat Idea cut H&A AGS-0 Color D-G/H Clarity VS -SI (eye clean--I gotta ask that I know before but I myself prob couldn''t evne tell lied to..lol)


2- http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/G-VS1-Ideal-Cut-Round-Diamond-1101369.asp Love this diamond from the get go and seems most people on here liked it as well. Holding me back is I don''t care for any of JA settings and its a BIG risk to send diamond off and unsure about insuarance price while it gets set? Or how to even go about that but I''m sure people on here would be willing to lead me in the right direction (you all have so far)


3- http://www.goodoldgold.com/diamond/4078/ Holding me back I don''t know price of settings yet. Would call but its long distance and I don''t have a cell. (gave it up to help save for this ring.... go figure) Still unsure about the medium fluoresent but I take everyones advice its not to bad.


Thanks :)
 
I can officiially cross off the GOG. Settings are out of my budget and they don''t have matching bands. At least that helps now..

So I know for a fact the setting at WF is the one I want. Now I need to find their best suited diamond or get the one from JA and decide who is to set it and how to go about the insurance thingy. I feel I am making some progress towards this purchase and have come a long way thanks to you all.
 
Fantastic! So you''ve chosen your setting - woohoo!! :)

Well, I love the WF diamond you have chosen. I had a search for alternatives, and do still think you might like to consider this one:

http://www.whiteflash.com/hearts_arrows/A-Cut-Above-H-A-cut-diamond-609778.htm .73 H SI1 $2622 with PS/wire discount

Diamondseeker did already post this one earlier and I really like it too, especially as it''s practically three quarters of a carat. Obviously you''d need to check it''s eye clean. :)

Of course, I realise that one might be stretching the budget just a bit too far, in which case I wouldn''t hesitate to buy the WF stone you posted (number 636689)... it''s a very beautiful diamond.

x x x
 
Finally I have narrowed it down and I decided I am going to choose one of these diamonds from WF. I needed to give a little since I know the world doesn''t revolve around me and if I keep this up I may never find the stone I want and that means I would never pop the question which well I know everyone sees where that is going....... NOWHERE.

So here they are.. Please Final thoughts and could you rank the top 3 and tell me why and also which will give me the best brilliance. I can''t wait to purchase ASAP : )

http://www.whiteflash.com/hearts_arrows/A-Cut-Above-H-A-cut-diamond-636689.htm# .59 H VS1 the HAC is a 1.3 $2064

http://www.whiteflash.com/hearts_arrows/A-Cut-Above-H-A-cut-diamond-636694.htm# .608 H SI1 The HAC is a .8 $ 1590


http://www.whiteflash.com/hearts_arrows/A-Cut-Above-H-A-cut-diamond-636693.htm .648 G SI1 The HAC is a 1.6 $ 1832


http://www.whiteflash.com/hearts_arrows/A-Cut-Above-H-A-cut-diamond-540892.htm# .581 G SI1 The HAC is a 1.5 $ 1705


http://www.whiteflash.com/hearts_arrows/A-Cut-Above-H-A-cut-diamond-609778.htm# .73 H SI1 The HAC is a 1.5 $ 2760 I think it might be a bit out of budget.. but still very interested


All prices are before PS/Wire discount.

Thanks and looking foward to hearing final thoughts from everyone!
 
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