Opinions on stones and settings please

[spike13]

Hello,
So this weekend was my first weekend seriously looking in B&M stones. I have to admit I''m feeling a bit overwhelmed and underwhelmed at the same time. Odd mix huh? I think the internet spoils us where we can look through 100s of settings easily, whereas in the real stores they don''t seem to have the extensive selection. Overwhelmed because of all the sales staff interaction - I''m the type of shopper who likes to be left alone LOL.

I will say though, if anyone is in SF area and looking for an OEC, Langs antiques had a GORGEOUS 3+ ct edwardian that was really breathtaking. (A bit out of my price range though.)

So...that said I need some of opinions from the wonderful folks here on PS.

The following stones range from 1.56 to 2.09. I''m wondering if people think there is that much visual difference between the sizes? There''s a range in color, which I''m willing to sacrifice for other aspects. The 1.87 G has strong Fluorescence, which I actually see as a cool bonus.

What I''m looking for is a "nice" sized stone. I have size 7.5 fingers, so I want good finger coverage without it seeming grossly big (I know this is kind of relative but opinions are welcome).

Lastly aside from the stones I''m looking for setting advice. Looking online is really deceiving because of the magnification. What''s 4 by 5 inches on the screen is barely 2 inches in real life - and it makes quite a difference! At first I thought I wanted a full blown Leon Mege, but after seeing some pave rings in person I think it doesn''t suit my style. I want something that I can wear with casual clothes and everyday without feeling like my ring is better dressed than I am LOL. Something that is classic and elegant. So I''m now leaning towards a more simple solitaire. But I''d like some sort of detail to make it unique. Maybe some tiny rubies on the basket or something. I''m hoping I can get a setting that will fit flush with the band. So I''m hoping all you wonderful PSers will have some nice suggestions.


I''m also curious about the practical side, like snagging on sweaters or problems wearing gloves, etc. (Gosh, I''m asking for a lot of opinions aren''t I?) I guess it''s hard to get a sense of how much it will stick out.

I hope this doesn''t sound too scattered - like I said, it''s all quite overwhelming.

thanks in advance!

Here are the stones I''m eyeing:
http://www.goodoldgold.com/diamond/2645/

2.098ct I VS2
AGS Cut Grade: Ideal
Length: 8.22mm
Depth: 5.06mm
Optical Symmetry: Superior
Table Percentage: 56.16%
Polish: Ideal
Depth Percentage: 61.75%
Symmetry: Ideal
Crown ∠: 34.61°
Fluorescence: Negligible
Crown Depth: 15.16%
Girdle: 2.23%
Pavilion ∠: 40.63°
Culet: None
Pavilion Depth: 42.73%
Lab Report: AGS
Upper Girdle ∠: 41.30°
Lab Report #: 7959603
Lower Girdle ∠: 41.89°

-------------
http://www.goodoldgold.com/diamond/4247/
Carat Weight: 1.87ct
Color: G
Clarity: VS2
GIA Cut Grade: Excellent
AGS Light Performance: Ideal
Optical Symmetry: Superior
Polish: Excellent
Symmetry: Excellent
Fluorescence: Strong
Girdle: 2.12%
Culet: None
Lab Report: GIA
Lab Report #: 16857954
In House: Yes
Width: 7.89mm
Length: 7.94mm
Depth: 4.89mm
Table Percentage: 55.74%
Depth Percentage: 61.80%
Crown ∠: 34.68°
Crown Depth: 15.38%
Pavilion ∠: 40.71°
Pavilion Depth: 42.95%
Upper Girdle ∠: 39.73°
Lower Girdle ∠: 41.92°
Policy: Lifetime Guarantee
------------------

http://www.whiteflash.com/hearts_arrows/A-Cut-Above-H-A-cut-diamond-179709.htm
2.025 ct I VS2 A Cut Above H&A
. Carat: 2.025
. Depth %: 61
. Table %: 57
. Crown Angle: 34.8
. Crown %: 15.1
. Star : 50.5
. Pavilion Angle: 40.9
. Pavilion %: 43.3
. Lower Girdle %: 77.2
. Girdle: Thin to Medium Faceted
. Measurements: 8.11-8.15X5.01
. Light Performance: 0
. Polish: Ideal
. Symmetry: Ideal
. Culet: Pointed
. Fluorescence: Negligible
-----------------
http://www.whiteflash.com/hearts_arrows/A-Cut-Above-H-A-cut-diamond-560213.htm
1.562 ct G VS2 A Cut Above H&A

. Carat: 1.562
. Depth %: 61.1
. Table %: 54.9
. Crown Angle: 34.9
. Crown %: 15.7
. Star : 50
. Pavilion Angle: 40.8
. Pavilion %: 43
. Lower Girdle %: 78
. Girdle: Thin to Medium Faceted
. Measurements: 7.50-7.53X4.59
. Light Performance: 0
. Polish: Ideal
. Symmetry: Ideal
. Culet: Pointed
. Fluorescence: Negligible

 

[Deelight]

Your definitely going to see a decent size increase between a 1.5ctish and a 2ctish stone but it depends really are willing to spend the extra for that size difference?

At a top line B&M jeweler around my parts they lined up for me a 1.4ct, 1.6ct and a 2ct (in that order) I could see the size difference between the 1.4ct and the 1.6ct but the size difference was not all that significant to justify the extra $$$$ (that again is a personal thing and is really subjective) the difference between the 1.4ct and the 2ct was substantially bigger.

If an I colour does not worry you (everyone has individual preferences of course) I would say shoot for bigger, though a 1.87ct is still pretty big in my books and again something I would consider I would just check that the strong flouro does not have any negative effects on the stone

I think any of those stones will give IMHO nice finger coverage but it again depends on your terms as well .


I can''t think of any setting''s but I suggest looking at pearlmans they have some stunning settings on their site that might appeal

 

[Ellen]

I'd go for the GOG 2 ct. I. It's facing up a hair bigger, and several hundred cheaper.

And how about a LM simple solitaire? Simply stunning.

 

[Skippy123]

Date: 4/14/2008 7:42:40 AM
Author: Ellen
I'd go for the GOG 2 ct. I. It's facing up a hair bigger, and several hundred cheaper.

And how about a LM simple solitaire? Simply stunning.

Me too!

I agree Leon Mege or Hannah Maytal, or Mark Morrell; so many beautiful choices

 

[hlpkaixin3344]

Have you guys seen anything with small "surprise" rubies?

What do you guys think of that idea instead of using small diamonds?

 

[spike13]

That''s strange, my last post showed up as annon.

Thanks for the ideas everyone!

I have one more question -- is there a difference between an H&A from GOG and a "Cut Above" H&A from White Flash in terms of quality?