partialy 1 carat vs 1 carat Tiffany Diamond

[esper50]

Hi All

I'm just new to the group and i am in a process of buying a new engagement ring. I am looking for a one carat F/G/VS with an excellent cut.... I had a lot of time reading and I thought to go with Tiffany and they provide me 2 Tiffany setting rings with the below data


98 G VS1 $11,800.00
Precision of Cut Excellent
Symmetry Excellent
Polish Excellent
Total Depth 59.6
Table Size 59
Crown Angle 33.7
Pavilion Angle 40.9


1.02 G VS2 $14,400.00
Precision of Cut Excellent
Symmetry Excellent
Polish Excellent
Total Depth 60.9
Table Size 58
Crown Angle 33.6
Pavilion Angle 41.2

Does it worse it to spend the difference in the 0.04 C , and why the full carat is much expensive?

HCA scores 1.3 for the first and 2.6 for the second ... I asked them for another 1 C with better propositions but I need your experience and opinion on weather to go with 1 C or a little bit shy than it

Thank you

 

[diamondseeker2006]

That is a tough one. Of those two, I'd probably take the .98 since it has the better HCA score. I wouldn't pay for a 1 ct.+ unless it had a score under 2.0. There is a big price jump when you go to the next higher level of stones, such as, 1 ct., 1.5 cts., 2 cts., and so on. I think Tiffany rings are beautiful although they are overpriced. As long as you are willing to pay for the brand, then I'd probably take the discount on the .98. Otherwise, if you just like the look, we can show you virutally the same platinum setting with an even better cut larger stone.

 

[slg47]

there is a price jump at the 1 carat mark.

can you see these in person and then decide which one appeals most to you?

 

[emeraldmurphy]

We'll see what others have to say, but HCA is a good screening tool, and makes me generally prefer the first one, and what is likely true given the deeper cut on the 2nd stone, is that the face up (visible) size of the 0.98 is slightly larger than the 1.02 so it will look larger to everyone unless they look at the certificate. It is just up to you whether the premium for the magic 1.0 carat is worth it since you seem to be trading off on cut (per HCA not GIA) and clarity, agree looking in person is worth it to see if one jumps out at you since they may have different optical balance.
this page explains the broadness of GIA EX cuts with picture examples showing why HCA and looking at stones in person if possible is so important

 

[esper50]

Thanks guys for help

unfortunately I wouldn't be able to see until purchased as the local store in Egypt doesn't sell engagement rings . I have to decide and make the purchase online and then they'll deliver it, so I'll depend on the brand name/certificate and the knowledge I gain from this great site.

Most diamonds sold in Egypt are European Diamonds with HRD certificate that I don't prefer or trust as AGS,GIA of Tiffany's

I asked Tiffany for another G VS2 but they don't have, they offer a lower color H but I don't prefer , so either i'll wait fro another G colour or continue with the .98.

N.B. Should I go for BN,WF,... for a 1 C or stick with Tiffany ?

 

[slg47]

Thanks guys for help

unfortunately I wouldn't be able to see until purchased as the local store in Egypt doesn't sell engagement rings . I have to decide and make the purchase online and then they'll deliver it, so I'll depend on the brand name/certificate and the knowledge I gain from this great site.

Most diamonds sold in Egypt are European Diamonds with HRD certificate that I don't prefer or trust as AGS,GIA of Tiffany's

I asked Tiffany for another G VS2 but they don't have, they offer a lower color H but I don't prefer , so either i'll wait fro another G colour or continue with the .98.

N.B. Should I go for BN,WF,... for a 1 C or stick with Tiffany ?

as far as the last part...it is up to you! You can definitely get an excellent quality ring at a better price point, but it won't have the Tiffany's name or the blue box.

 

[esper50]

That is a tough one. Of those two, I'd probably take the .98 since it has the better HCA score. I wouldn't pay for a 1 ct.+ unless it had a score under 2.0. There is a big price jump when you go to the next higher level of stones, such as, 1 ct., 1.5 cts., 2 cts., and so on. I think Tiffany rings are beautiful although they are overpriced. As long as you are willing to pay for the brand, then I'd probably take the discount on the .98. Otherwise, if you just like the look, we can show you virutally the same platinum setting with an even better cut larger stone.

Can you please ?

 

[slg47]

That is a tough one. Of those two, I'd probably take the .98 since it has the better HCA score. I wouldn't pay for a 1 ct.+ unless it had a score under 2.0. There is a big price jump when you go to the next higher level of stones, such as, 1 ct., 1.5 cts., 2 cts., and so on. I think Tiffany rings are beautiful although they are overpriced. As long as you are willing to pay for the brand, then I'd probably take the discount on the .98. Otherwise, if you just like the look, we can show you virutally the same platinum setting with an even better cut larger stone.

Can you please ?

here are some options...

http://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-2657803.htm
http://www.whiteflash.com/engagement-rings/solitaire/classic-tiffany-style-knife-edge-solitaire-engagement-ring-734.htm

http://www.briangavindiamonds.com/Diamonds/diamond-details/1.010-G-VS2-round-Diamond-AGS-104052883009
http://www.briangavindiamonds.com/engagement-rings/solitaire/tapered-tiffany-style-half-round-platinum-5540p

 

[motownmama]

Get the .98 and use the diff for the wedding band

 

[esper50]

Thanks motownmama .. Actually she hates the wedding bands so all my budget will be on the ring and the setting

 

[Amys Bling]

That is a tough one. Of those two, I'd probably take the .98 since it has the better HCA score. I wouldn't pay for a 1 ct.+ unless it had a score under 2.0. There is a big price jump when you go to the next higher level of stones, such as, 1 ct., 1.5 cts., 2 cts., and so on. I think Tiffany rings are beautiful although they are overpriced. As long as you are willing to pay for the brand, then I'd probably take the discount on the .98. Otherwise, if you just like the look, we can show you virutally the same platinum setting with an even better cut larger stone.

Agreed. Go with the .98 as it is better cut, less expensive, and the size difference will not be noticable to your eye.

 

[Lahey]

+1 more vote for the .98 stone.

 

[winternight]

Is this the classic Tiffany solitaire? That is my engagement ring and I just absolutely love it. It is such a classic, clean look. My ring is also about a 1 ct. I don't have an opinion on what ring, but as a Tiffany owner I thought I'd let you know how much I enjoy my ring.

 

[TristanC]

I would vote for the .98, and if she loves the band association, I would just go with the Tiffany ring. I don't really see that much savings on the one off purchase if you went another route. I doubt the difference in size will be noticeable at all, so that is one hurdle you can avoid.

Most women understand marketing far more than they understand the 4Cs (I don't mean this in a bad way at ALL), and Tiffany is some truly powerful sauce.

 

[Amys Bling]

good luck

 

[esper50]

Is this the classic Tiffany solitaire? That is my engagement ring and I just absolutely love it. It is such a classic, clean look. My ring is also about a 1 ct. I don't have an opinion on what ring, but as a Tiffany owner I thought I'd let you know how much I enjoy my ring.

Thanks winternight ..... You made me more convinced with classic Tiffany

 

[50shadesofblack]

First of all, congrats for picking a solitaire! I have such a strong preference for solitaires as engagement rings, it's crazy! As for the ring... I'd pick the first one. Nobody will be able to tell if it's 0.98 or 1.00 or 1.02 - and honestly, if asked about the diamond - you will say it's a carat and not complicate it.


I have a .48 Tiffany engagement ring and I adore it! I was looking at .25 initially and he was looking at .9 (and then he saw the price )

You really can get some nice Tiffany copies online. I was offered a copy in several stores before I even went to T&co and I didn't like any of them. The diamond was too high, the prongs were too prominent... I don't know. They were just wrong. At first I did not even want to go to T&co and see their ring, because I "knew" I would not like it. At one point we were out of stores in the mall and I was unhappy with what I saw and finally said "Fine, let's go to Tiffany's" and -- wow. Boy, am I happy I did that. I fell in LOVE with the setting. It was the one.


Knowing what I know now (and I did not know about PS yet but I did about the 4Cs and the importance of cut), I think I still would have gotten the real thing and not a copy. At my diamond size/specs, there was a small difference in price between a knock off and the real deal. Knowing that, and knowing that my fiance does not like copies and would prefer to give me "the real thing", I can pretty confidently say it would turn out the way it did now.


For your diamond size/specs, it might be worth considering the online route. I'm not sure since I was not checking the prices for a diamond that big. (I know it is not big for PS standards, but it is for me. My mother expected me to keep my engagement ring in the safe because she could not imagine me walking around with a diamond of my size... she thought it too big and valuable.)

I don't know if you discussed this with our girlfriend. Some of my friends think it's very important that my ring is Tiffany's. I don't. I think it's important it's the one I like. I just happened to like ... that one.

 

[heather2012]

Hey- just wondering if you considered going the preowned route? There are a ton of Tiffany rings on ebay for MUCH less, plus you save on tax as well.

Here is a 1.02 Carat for $7,770

http://www.ebay.com/itm/TIFFANY-CO-SETTING-PLATINUM-DIAMOND-ENGAGEMENT-1-02-CT-RING-SIZE-5-5-PAPERS-/180789522067?_trksid=p5197.m7&_trkparms=algo%3DLVI%26itu%3DUCI%26otn%3D5%26po%3DLVI%26ps%3D63%26clkid%3D5744628135887347167

Here is a 1.14, G, VS2, Triple X for $10,600 OBO!:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Tiffany-and-Co-platinum-diamond-engagement-ring-GIA-and-Tiffany-certificate-/320790905075?pt=Designer_Jewelry&hash=item4ab0a0c0f3

Here is a 1.14, H, VS1 for $9,590:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/ESTATE-TIFFANY-CO-1-14CT-IDEAL-CUT-H-VS1-DIAMOND-PLATINUM-ENGAGEMENT-RING-/220652207286?pt=US_Fine_Rings&hash=item335fe57cb6

Here is a 1.18, H, VS2 for $12,500 OBO:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Tiffany-Co-1-18-Total-Round-Brilliant-Diamond-Platinum-Engagement-Ring-H-VS2-/280774459473?pt=Diamond_Solitaire_Rings&hash=item415f764051

OR here is a pretty good deal on a 1.34 carat. Since you were considering the $14,400 stone + tax it comes out to the same price as this one on ebay: I actually know the person selling this one from a different board I am on price may also be negotiable.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Tiffany-Co-PLAT-Round-Diamond-Solitaire-Ring-1-34ct-G-VS1-/110810238842?pt=Diamond_Solitaire_Rings&hash=item19ccce0f7a

AND another:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Tiffany-Co-Solitaire-Diamond-Engagement-Ring-1-29C-F-VS1-/170765928140?pt=US_Fine_Rings&hash=item27c27146cc

 

[motownmama]

I did the same search!

 

[esper50]

Thanks Heather2012... I checked the rings but unfortunatly I didn't find her size..

Just an update about Tiffany upgrade policy ...it's only for 5 years not alife time !!

I don't know why ?

 

[berry731]

Tiffany's can resize the ring for you. It costs about $200 depending on whether or not you are sizing up or down and how thin the band is.

 

[blinglover78]

Tiffany's can resize the ring for you. It costs about $200 depending on whether or not you are sizing up or down and how thin the band is.

That is what I was going to mention. Have them resize it and polish it if you are interested in a pre-owned ring.

 

[winternight]

If you do go second hand have a Tiffany appraisal to confirm that it is the real thing. They'll do that for a fee. Other places might let you upgrade for longer, but then they'll still have to be in business for longer as well.

 

[TristanC]

I have a .48 Tiffany engagement ring and I adore it!
(I know it is not big for PS standards, but it is for me...

I think a .48 is plenty big. Please don't Ever think your diamond is too small! Its the same in reverse... most of these PS members never think their diamonds are too big

I've seen first hand what Tiffany can do to the non PS audience, so I do know the kind of mental value and appreciation that other people associate with the brand's offerings. It is rather similar to how PSers react to a diamond with perfect specs and a good cert!

 

[esper50]

Hi All

I tried to work with white Flash,erternity diamons,goodoldgold...All of them don't accept international VISA card...only bank wire

Does anyone knows online jewelery that accept internaional VISA

Regards

Mohamed