Pics/Advice Request!

[daftKow]

Hi All!

I'm new here, and I'm thrilled to find so much knowledge/expertise but also how welcoming and kind this whole community is!! I hope I'll fit right in!

I'm beginning my quest to find the right stone and the right setting for my lady! She's a petite (read: short and sweet!) lady with small hands (sz5 fingers). I know she wants round brilliant, and a solitaire setting. She also wants 12carats, and I told her I also wanted a Ferrari

She doesn't know much about cut, and that's what I want to focus on ... so I hope I'll dazzle her with the brilliance.

I've decided that I want H&A, AGS0 (HCA of less than 1.5-2), G-H colour, VS2-SI1 clarity. The carat weight I'm not too sure about, but I know it's definitely not going to be 12carats. She's such a smaller girl, with very short fingers (I'm not trying to be mean! ). My mom has a 1.2ct ring (it's beautiful, don't get me wrong!) but I have a feeling that size is too big for her (more specifically my wallet).

Looking through the "Under 1ct" thread, my budget (we need to start thinking about buying a home!) I've decided I want to have a stone that's about 0.5-0.7ct.

And I'm really in love with Whiteflash's 18k White Gold with Platinum Head "Corazon Knife Edge" Solitaire.

http://www.whiteflash.com/pimg/jewelry/gi_1313_f.jpg

I'm just a tiny bit concerned, would the heart prongs overpower the small 0.5-0.7ct diamond?

Does anyone have this setting, and can assist with a few photos? Ring size, and carat weight would be lovely as well.

The other settings don't really call out to me, but I'm open to suggestions. She's a modern/hip girl, I can see her sporting something unorthodox; understated flashy. Progressively stylish - but also classic. Above all, elegance. (lol I'm full of contradictions!)

Thoughts? Any help or advice would be greatly appreciated!!

Cheers!

 

[kelpie]

First let us know the budget to assist with a diamond. You might want to look through dimend scaasi's setting collections. Lots of cool designs fitting the oxymorons you describe and a few somewhat reminiscent of that whiteflash ring. They carry infinity H&A and also can get most stuff in the virtual inventory. They advertise that they'll only set diamonds purchased from them but sssshhhh they offered to break that rule when I inquired nicely.

http://www.dimendscaasi.com/engagement/viewAll/default.asp

 

[EHR2009]

Here is my opinion, and others may disagree with me...

She seems to have expressed an interest in size. Obviously the 12 carats was an exaggeration, but I would use this comment to make size my priority (within other acceptable parameters for cut, color, and clarity, of course . I might not spend the money to buy a H&A diamond, and put the money toward the size. I would stick to an eyeclean SI 1, or even SI 2 (I have an eye clean SI2, they do exist), and a G, H, or I color. Has she mentioned anything about any other characteristic other than size?

 

[petrock<3]

Do you mind sharing your budget? It would really help us find some choices for you. Do you know for sure she wants a round?

 

[Lula]

Here is my opinion, and others may disagree with me...

She seems to have expressed an interest in size. Obviously the 12 carats was an exaggeration, but I would use this comment to make size my priority (within other acceptable parameters for cut, color, and clarity, of course . I might not spend the money to buy a H&A diamond, and put the money toward the size. I would stick to an eyeclean SI 1, or even SI 2 (I have an eye clean SI2, they do exist), and a G, H, or I color. Has she mentioned anything about any other characteristic other than size?

I agree completely with EHR2009. Focus on finding a decent cut, then carat (size). Keep the setting simple and classic. An ornate setting may overwhelm her hand, but there are many women on this forum who wear larger diamonds on size 5 fingers!

Has she made any comments about the size of other women's diamonds (your friends who've gotten engaged; your mother's ring; other family members' rings) as to size. I mean, she's (hopefully) not serious about 12 carats, but it does sound like she'd like a larger stone. You can find some very competitively priced stones in the 1 carat range.

 

[daftKow]

Thanks a lot for all the replies, I greatly appreciate it.

Just a bit more information on my situation: I've only begun looking for this major purchase - so I'm focusing on the setting for now, rather than the stone itself.

She was definitely joking about the 12ct. And I about the Ferrari.

Of course, size is important for her. But also the quality must be there. And I know the stone is for hers to flaunt, but having AGS0 and H&A is very important for me. Just those little things that I can point out and say, yes - we have that. She's that type of girl too. (For example, for any WIS out there - she loves to point out the Omega etching in their acrylic crystals.)

We're both quite young, and we have our whole lives ahead of us financially.

She has dreams of glamour and prestige. But in our stage of life, we're not ready for that. We would rather spend our(my) money on a larger downpayment, saving for the future, being financially stable. And this, she understands. I'll definitely have the 12ct (and Ferrari) in mind when we win the lotto. Yes, I said when not if.

Besides, this is the first ring I'll buy her - it wont be the last. I know this may be the most important one, but seeing 0.5-0.7ct stones in pretty settings, they're too beautiful to ignore. And I think it'd be perfect on her dainty hand, especially with a unique setting.

Anyway, enough about the stone. (and if we really had to work with a budget, I was thinking around $3000.)

Thank you very much kelpie for that link, there's a LOT of settings to look into. I'd love to see photos of the specific whiteflash setting I was thinking of though. Especially with a smaller 0.5-0.7ct stone.

Alas, if it really comes to it ... I can always save up more and aim for a 1ct+. But let's keep that out of the equation until it comes to that.

Thanks again!!

 

[Maisie]

I would email Whiteflash directly and ask them to send you pictures of the ring you like. They take pictures of each ring they sell so I'm sure they can help you out with pictures.

I agree that a .70ct diamond will look plenty big on her small hand and I would go for the best cut you can get.

 

[hmr_mama]

I don't mean to imply that I know what your significant other wants....BUT.....

When I got engaged "our" budget was $3,000. The only thing I knew about diamonds was that I liked them....and the bigger the better. We ended up with a .5 carat diamond in a platinum setting. If I were to go back in time I would get the best/biggest diamond in the simplest setting. The setting you like is $850 (which is very pretty)....that's a big chunk of a $3,000 budget. Just my 2 cents.

 

[purplesilk]

I agree with hmr_mama: I would buy a G/VS2 diamond with VG/EX cut and put it in a simple white gold setting (I like the classic Tiffany knife edge solitaire style)...and please visit your local jewelers, you may find a setting for half of the online vendors price...and take a good look on their (your local jewelers) loose diamonds too.
Anyway, a 0.7 ct diamond is not small at all and if in the future you can buy something bigger,you can "recycle" your "small" stone and put it in a nice pendant, three stones ring, earrings,...

 

[tyty333]

That setting doesnt really excite me and I agree with the other girls...put most of your money into the stone and get a simple
classic setting.

EDIT
Here would be an example you could get in your budget...
http://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-2347505.htm

Settings...
http://www.whiteflash.com/engagement-rings/solitaire/4-prong-heavy-tiffany-solitaire-engagement-ring-463.htm
http://www.whiteflash.com/engagement-rings/solitaire/sleek-line-solitaire-engagement-ring-432.htm
http://www.whiteflash.com/engagement-rings/solitaire/full-of-surprises-solitaire-engagement-ring-477.htm I like this one
http://www.whiteflash.com/engagement-rings/search.htm?t=solitaire

There are some more pretty settings around $750ish that would also be lovely.

 

[rosetta]

i also agree with the posters who have said that she seems to have expressed a preference for size. maybe not 12 carats, but that was a definite hint there.....

and hey, us short girls with short, size 5 fingers can totally rock a bigger rock too!

(2.58 ct centre)

 

[rosetta]

and just to give you more perspective of size on short, size 5 fingers: here is my 1 ct cushion which is an almost square and ~6x6mm

hope that helps you visualise!

edit: i am a big fan of 1ct and under stones, i wear mine a lot. i hope she likes the one you pick!

 

[CharmyPoo]

I think my perception of big/small is skewed by PS. I find that my 1.5 ct is just right for my under size 3 finger. She wants size so I think you should adjust the other factors to go for size.

 

[stci]

Hi All!

I'm new here, and I'm thrilled to find so much knowledge/expertise but also how welcoming and kind this whole community is!! I hope I'll fit right in!

I'm beginning my quest to find the right stone and the right setting for my lady! She's a petite (read: short and sweet!) lady with small hands (sz5 fingers). I know she wants round brilliant, and a solitaire setting. She also wants 12carats, and I told her I also wanted a Ferrari

She doesn't know much about cut, and that's what I want to focus on ... so I hope I'll dazzle her with the brilliance.

I've decided that I want H&A, AGS0 (HCA of less than 1.5-2), G-H colour, VS2-SI1 clarity. The carat weight I'm not too sure about, but I know it's definitely not going to be 12carats. She's such a smaller girl, with very short fingers (I'm not trying to be mean! ). My mom has a 1.2ct ring (it's beautiful, don't get me wrong!) but I have a feeling that size is too big for her (more specifically my wallet).

Looking through the "Under 1ct" thread, my budget (we need to start thinking about buying a home!) I've decided I want to have a stone that's about 0.5-0.7ct.

And I'm really in love with Whiteflash's 18k White Gold with Platinum Head "Corazon Knife Edge" Solitaire.

http://www.whiteflash.com/pimg/jewelry/gi_1313_f.jpg

I'm just a tiny bit concerned, would the heart prongs overpower the small 0.5-0.7ct diamond?
Does anyone have this setting, and can assist with a few photos? Ring size, and carat weight would be lovely as well.

The other settings don't really call out to me, but I'm open to suggestions. She's a modern/hip girl, I can see her sporting something unorthodox; understated flashy. Progressively stylish - but also classic. Above all, elegance. (lol I'm full of contradictions!)

Thoughts? Any help or advice would be greatly appreciated!!

Cheers!

You are right IMO, this setting will fit a big big diamond.

 

[lorimiow]

I agree with you that cut is the most important factor -- that was my priority too. I also agree with the ladies here on how it may be wise to spend as much of your budget as possible on the stone, and you can also upgrade the setting later! With your budget, I believe you can get an awesome cut H&A stone in the range of .7 to .8 ct. You may want to look at www.briangavindiamonds.com for their H&A stones -- I've never bought from them but I've heard so many good things about them here, and I'll definitely be making one of my next diamond purchases there. I think they are famous for their H&A cuts. I ran a search for you at that site, and I found a couple of H&A stones in the range of .7 to .8ct stones in the range of G-I colors, VS2-SI1 clarity --> at around $2500. Their simpler settings starts at $250 So I think you'll definitely be able to get a really really awesome stone with your budget!!

My point is, I think your fiancee would really appreciate receiving a stone that's at the higher end of your carat budget. Down the road, you can always upgrade the setting into maybe a halo setting? A halo with a stone just under 1 carat will look big and blingy on her size 5!

I've attached a photo of Lesco's BEAUTIFUL halo ring with a .8ct center stone just to give you an idea! The photo on the left is the same center stone without the halo. I hope Lesco wouldn't mind that I'm reposting here.

You can also check out this useful thread on before-and-after halo rings: [URL='https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/solitaire-to-halo-before-and-afters.130309/']https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/solitaire-to-halo-before-and-afters.130309/[/URL]

 

[MAC-W]

Hi DaftKow (Love the name)

sorry cant help you with the pics you are looking for, but would echo Maisie and say email whiteflash direct and ask them for the pictures. That would be the easiest way

I also agree with the others on here that your girlfriend, by making the 12 carat remark, is giving you a big hint that size is important to her. I also agree with the other posters that you should put the focus of your search on the stone not the setting. You can buy settings for any size of stone and most can be found in multiple size options, but once you buy the setting you are really limiting yourself on what stones you can consider.

I found this 0.91ct H&A which is within your budget and scores a 1.1 on the HCA tool, but its an I colour (However has slight blue fluoro which might lift it enough to be acceptable. Dont know how you feel about Fluorescence)

Another one I found is this 1.2ct stone, again its an I colour but it fits your budget although doesnt leave you much for a setting (simple solitaire only). Its a VG cut but scores 1.9 on HCA so may be worth further investigation. You could always upgrade the cut and colour for a future anniversary, rather than upgrading the size at a future anniversary?

 

[STEPHANSON]

i absolutly love the setting you have picked out very simple but unique.

on a diamond. me persoanlly, color is more important than clarity. my diamond is near colorless, but as a few tiny inclusions. there are so many color, clarity, and cut options that can be made for any diamond size and budget. its really what grade you feel comftorable buying and feel is important. but at the same time try and put your mind at ease because she will love it because its coming from you and what it symbolizes.

i cant wait to hear the finalt verdict.