Overwhelmed - What's wrong with this one?

[Alisto]

Warning: My budget isn't huge, so don't expect to see anything too impressive here.

Hello all. I've lurked for a bit and studied a bit more, but now that I'm actually ready to pull the trigger I'm feeling overwhelmed. I tend to be a perfectionist and an over-analyzer, so I have a hard time making compromises or weighting what's important and what's not. I could use a little help. The primary question is, tell me what's wrong with this diamond. It seems to be a decent price, listed as eye-clean, and the images look decent. There looks to be a clear spot in the center of the stone, and the Hearts image shows some funkiness in the upper right, but to my untrained eye it looks like it'd look good in person.

Please let me know how and why I'm wrong.

If anyone feels the desire to recommend something else, here's some info:

1. Ring size is 4.5. Desired setting is this style (not necessarily this exact one or from this vendor).
2. We looked at some rings recently and found the .75 ct was a good size on her hand. A full ct looks a bit clunky.
3. Ideal total budget is $4500, which I figure puts the diamond itself in the $3000 - $3500 range.
4. Pretty is the most important factor. We're young professionals and are focusing our finances into traveling and looking for a home. And if a new stone is needed in 5-10 years, that's fine.

 

[diamondseeker2006]

Nothing is wrong with it other than I might not be sure about the little feather right under the table. I like this one better:

http://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-3253490.htm

6mm is a great size under a carat and worth getting the better clarity.

Here are a couple of similar settings. I am not sure if WF will set your stone in a setting that you don't buy from them or not. If they will, there may be a setting fee, but I would prefer the diamond vendor set the stone. They may be able to find a similar setting from one of their brands, though.

https://eshop.gabrielny.com/product/ER6711W44JJ

https://eshop.gabrielny.com/product/ER4122W44JJ

But in any event, Gabriel and Co is carried by local jewelers all over the country if she likes one of theirs.

 

[luvdajules]

Hi op, I like your selection as an ES from wf. They have a great upgrade policy for the future, should u both decide to use it. I like the fatter arrows and it's a nice price while still getting the 5.8 mm diameter, nice size to hit.

 

[diamondseeker2006]

One more:

https://eshop.gabrielny.com/product/ER7999W44JJ

 

[mrs-b]

One more:

https://eshop.gabrielny.com/product/ER7999W44JJ

Nice find, DS! OP - this is a lovely setting, and Gabrielle and Co's melee is at least as good as (or better) than Blue Nile's.

I also think the diamond DiamondSeeker linked you to is better. It's more money, but it's very close to your price range and, in my opinion anyway, a better diamond. And that jump in clarity is definitely worth something.

6mm is a lovely, elegant size - not big, but substantial. It's a nice size to keep long term, also, so it might save you an upgrade down the track. And on your fiancee's finger at 4.5, it should look fabulous without looking at all 'clunky'.

Best of luck with your purchase!

 

[Niel]

http://www.jamesallen.com/mobile/engagement-rings/side-stones/14k-white-gold-round-and-marquise-shape-diamond-engagement-ring-item-49489

This is a nice setting. They also do it with sapphires. The white gold with sapphires is only about 600, this one in plat is about 1500. You could get a nice high color stone in the size you're looking at with the difference.

 

[kmarla]

Simon G has this setting ($1760) for e-ring, and Whiteflash carries the Simon G line. It would work in budget with your first diamond choice.

http://www.simongjewelry.com/wps/portal/SimonG/products/LP1145-D/SET

I just found this one and it's more budget friendly for you ( also at Whiteflash).

http://www.whiteflash.com/engagement-rings/solitaire/simon-g-mr1546-d-delicate-diamond-engagement-ring-3497.htm

 

[Alisto]

Thanks all. I love some of these settings, and the .8 ct stone diamondseeker linked is gorgeous. It's at the top of my budget, but might be worth it. The only downside is that I don't like any of the WF settings, but since they only charge $100 to use a setting that I supply that may be the way to go.

 

[kmarla]

Fair enough. Just know you're not limited to the pictures and models they have posted. You can go to any of their designer's websites (Tacori, Simon G, Ritani, Vatche etc) and see if there's something that appeals to you. You just need to give Whiteflash the model #. You might spot something you like and save $100 setting fee. Good luck whatever you decide!

 

[Alisto]

Fair enough. Just know you're not limited to the pictures and models they have posted. You can go to any of their designer's websites (Tacori, Simon G, Ritani, Vatche etc) and see if there's something that appeals to you. You just need to give Whiteflash the model #. You might spot something you like and save $100 setting fee. Good luck whatever you decide!

Ah, I didn't realize this was an option. Thank you!

 

[Niel]

This one is nice

http://www.simongjewelry.com/wps/portal/SimonG/products/NR130/RING

 

[telephone89]

http://www.whiteflash.com/engagement-rings/diamond-settings/tacori-46-2-rd-sculpted-crescent-almond-crescent-diamond-engagement-ring-2739.htm
http://www.whiteflash.com/engagement-rings/diamond-settings/tacori-47-2-rd-sculpted-crescent-petite-diamond-engagement-ring-2747.htm
both more expensive. In the larger scope of things, $100 to set your diamond in a setting that she loves isn't that much. You might even be able to find a nice preloved setting.

 

[Alisto]

Followup question: how much wiggle room is there on setting sizes? For example, this setting says, "Center Stone Size 6.5 mm - 1.00 ct". What if it was a 5.5mm .75 ct? Is there a rule of thumb to go for?

It's a little frustrating because I'm now obsessed with the idealscope images, but I just don't like any of the WF settings and they seem to have the most comprehensive inventory of stones.

 

[Medical]

What about these? WF could do it without the 100$ fee.

https://www.ritani.com/engagement-rings/solitaire-diamond-modern-french-set-band-engagement-ring-in-14kt-white-gold/13668

https://www.ritani.com/engagement-rings/french-set-diamond-band-engagement-ring-with-surprise-diamonds-in-palladium/4796

https://www.ritani.com/engagement-rings/modern-bypass-micropave-diamond-band-engagement-ring-in-palladium/4762

 

[Alisto]

I appreciate it, but not the style she/we want. Here are examples of what she likes.

http://www.ihatestevensinger.com/all-engagement-rings/olivia-engagement-ring;jsessionid=3DE91BE5AB5F7CE74F0E1792403E7FD7.jvm1
http://www.brilliantearth.com/Tiara-Diamond-Ring-White-Gold-BE150BD12R8-495/
http://www.bluenile.com/build-your-own-ring/milgrain-diamond-engagement-ring-14k-white-gold_21487
http://www.uniquesettings.com/products/show/26626

The last one is one she tried on and absolutely loved, but I was not impressed by the quality. It was at a mall store and the markup was nuts. (Labeled $7000 for a .70 H VS2, guy immediately told me it'd be about $4200. I didn't take a close look at the stone, but I was not filled with confidence. Brand Jewelers, for what it's worth.)

 

[kmarla]

Once you have selected your diamond you would let the setting supplier know the dimensions of the diamond in mm (eg 5.98x6.01x3.7...the one diamond seeker recommended) and they will select the correct head size for you. IDJ (PS recommended) supplies Gabriel & Co and can usually get you a better price than retail. Good luck!

 

[telephone89]

I was looking through etsy (again) and found this vendor: https://www.etsy.com/ca/shop/TigerGemstones?ref=l2-shopheader-name

They make exactly what you are looking for in style, however you might want to convo them and ask if they would make it with real diamonds/white gold or plat. Might be worthwhile to take a peek through some of the other vendors as well.

 

[Niel]

I appreciate it, but not the style she/we want. Here are examples of what she likes.

http://www.ihatestevensinger.com/all-engagement-rings/olivia-engagement-ring;jsessionid=3DE91BE5AB5F7CE74F0E1792403E7FD7.jvm1
http://www.brilliantearth.com/Tiara-Diamond-Ring-White-Gold-BE150BD12R8-495/
http://www.bluenile.com/build-your-own-ring/milgrain-diamond-engagement-ring-14k-white-gold_21487
http://www.uniquesettings.com/products/show/26626

The last one is one she tried on and absolutely loved, but I was not impressed by the quality. It was at a mall store and the markup was nuts. (Labeled $7000 for a .70 H VS2, guy immediately told me it'd be about $4200. I didn't take a close look at the stone, but I was not filled with confidence. Brand Jewelers, for what it's worth.)

The last one you posted is very similar to the James Allen one. The o ly difference is the marquise shape is actually done with marquise.

 

[Niel]

If you went with that Ja one, they have stones that would fit your budget a well, here are three i would consider. If you ask them to get you idealscopes of these stones, they will for free, up to three, as well as tell you their opinions of them. The first one doesnt have a cert listed, but they will provide it for you if you ask.


http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/0.71-carat-f-color-vs2-clarity-ideal-cut-sku-470839

http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/0.70-carat-e-color-vs2-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-441888

http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/0.70-carat-g-color-vs1-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-425109


and maybe

http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/0.73-carat-g-color-si1-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-301481

 

[diamondseeker2006]

I would go with the WF .80 diamond. It would be a good idea to reserve it because there are hundreds of lurkers here at any point in time who find stone recommendations on threads.

Simon G is a fine brand, but it appears that the Gabriel settings are closer to what she likes. I would have zero problem paying the $100 setting fee to get the WF diamond.

I personally like this one a little better, and it will be the right one for the .80, I think:

https://eshop.gabrielny.com/product/ER7999W44JJ

But they may be able to make the other one with the smaller head, possibly for an extra charge. I think the .75 ct head is closest to the correct size for a .8 diamond. You'd have to call a Gabriel dealer to ask.