Platinum, 2mm 6pr. "Tiffany" need advice about diamond size!

[Herrie]

Hi All,

Thanks for the very informative posts here on the forum! I have learned already quite a lot, but I'm still in doubt about what diamond to buy for the engagement ring....

On one hand I like everything in "good" or "very good" quality in my life and I usually buy products in the mid to mid-high end of the market. This goes about almost everything from clothes to food to electronics On the other hand I'm also still Dutch and I don't like to pay too much

I'm looking for a classic 6 prong "Tiffany" style solitaire in platinum 950. My girlfriend has US size 5,5 (16mm) and she likes the thin rings (2 mm). Similar to the ring below.

I noticed that some stores have "shiny" rings in platinum and others have "matte" or "frosted", I tried to find out what determines this, but couldn't really find an answer (probably due to English not being my native language and I was using the wrong search terms?).



I'm doubting about what kind of diamond to put. It will be a round/brilliant shape for sure

Since I'll be going for platinum, the color should be a "white" as possible from what I understood?

On one hand I tend to go for a smaller 0.64-0.66 D/E IF ex/ex/ex one with GIA certificate, on the other hand I would prefer to have a 1ct one as well, but that would be outside of my budget in similar quality of course, but I would be able to find a decent one in a lower color grade like G-I and with some more "flaws" like VS1/2 or SI1.

Seeing that she has a quite small US 5,5 size and would like a thin 2mm ring, I'm a bit worried that a "bigger" stone might not look very proportionate (though the difference between 0.65ct and 1ct is only 0.9mm so the difference is hardly noticeable) ?

It's my first time buying an engagement ring, so I am a real rookie, sorry

I plan to spend somewhere between EUR 4.000,- and EUR 5.000,- including the ring.

Thanks for all your advice!

 

[diamondseeker2006]

Re: Platinum, 2mm 6pr. "Tiffany" need advice about diamond s

I wear a 5.5 and I promise you that a carat is not too big for that size finger! But your budget will have you in a range below that, so you don't have to worry about going too large!

If you want to maximize size, I would go for the upper end of the near colorless range, G-H, and VS2. A D-F IF-VVS will just make the stone have to be so small.

I have what I think is the best Tiffany reproduction ring, but it is expensive around $1800+ US. It is called the Vatche U-113.

Are you buying in the US? We can help you more if you are.

Picture of setting attached.

 

[Herrie]

Re: Platinum, 2mm 6pr. "Tiffany" need advice about diamond s

Thanks for the info, that's already very helpful

I'm open to buy in the US, since there's more choice and the prices seem to be lower about 10-20% in total, even when I calculate shipping + customs

Especially on Blue Nile the difference seems to be EUR 500-1000 for the EXACT SAME diamond, when I compare their US and UK website.

I can use US mail forwarders like Borderlinx or ComGateway for delivery in the US and they will do the forwarding. I have used both in the past and was very satisfied with them

 

[Mico]

Re: Platinum, 2mm 6pr. "Tiffany" need advice about diamond s

there is a search above the forums that you can use for diamonds. The reason blue nile is cheaper is that they don't provide you with images of what you're buying - so you end up guessing from just the report. Here are a couple things to make sure you look for when searching

1. make sure the diamond is GIA or AGS certified (NO NOT CONSIDER ANY OTHER LAB - unless you see it in person and absolutely love it)
2. always always always search for an excellent cut diamond
3. round brilliants usually face up pretty which, but see what is acceptable. I personally can go down to an H color and probably even an I if needed if I wanted to without being too bothered
4. inclusions, you're usually pretty safe with any VS2 - the best bang for your buck are the rare SI2's that are "eye clean". They have inclusions that you can't really see when looking at the diamond.

I sure others will chip in with more, but those are some basics in your search. Post some here that you find with questions. Places like idjewelryonline.com, jamesallen.com, whiteflash.com, goodoldgold.com and briangavindiamonds.com have images for you to get a feel for it.

 

[Herrie]

Re: Platinum, 2mm 6pr. "Tiffany" need advice about diamond s

there is a search above the forums that you can use for diamonds. The reason blue nile is cheaper is that they don't provide you with images of what you're buying - so you end up guessing from just the report. Here are a couple things to make sure you look for when searching

1. make sure the diamond is GIA or AGS certified (NO NOT CONSIDER ANY OTHER LAB - unless you see it in person and absolutely love it)
2. always always always search for an excellent cut diamond
3. round brilliants usually face up pretty which, but see what is acceptable. I personally can go down to an H color and probably even an I if needed if I wanted to without being too bothered
4. inclusions, you're usually pretty safe with any VS2 - the best bang for your buck are the rare SI2's that are "eye clean". They have inclusions that you can't really see when looking at the diamond.

I sure others will chip in with more, but those are some basics in your search. Post some here that you find with questions. Places like idjewelryonline.com, jamesallen.com, whiteflash.com, goodoldgold.com and briangavindiamonds.com have images for you to get a feel for it.

With regards to 1 and 2, I was doing this already Thanks for the other info

Does anyone know anything about the "shiny" and "matt/frosty" platinum is this an option that you can choose?

 

[slg47]

Re: Platinum, 2mm 6pr. "Tiffany" need advice about diamond s

there is a search above the forums that you can use for diamonds. The reason blue nile is cheaper is that they don't provide you with images of what you're buying - so you end up guessing from just the report. Here are a couple things to make sure you look for when searching

1. make sure the diamond is GIA or AGS certified (NO NOT CONSIDER ANY OTHER LAB - unless you see it in person and absolutely love it)
2. always always always search for an excellent cut diamond
3. round brilliants usually face up pretty which, but see what is acceptable. I personally can go down to an H color and probably even an I if needed if I wanted to without being too bothered
4. inclusions, you're usually pretty safe with any VS2 - the best bang for your buck are the rare SI2's that are "eye clean". They have inclusions that you can't really see when looking at the diamond.

I sure others will chip in with more, but those are some basics in your search. Post some here that you find with questions. Places like idjewelryonline.com, jamesallen.com, whiteflash.com, goodoldgold.com and briangavindiamonds.com have images for you to get a feel for it.

With regards to 1 and 2, I was doing this already Thanks for the other info

Does anyone know anything about the "shiny" and "matt/frosty" platinum is this an option that you can choose?

I agree with diamondseeker that G/H VS2/SI1 is a good way to maximize carat for your $$. the difference between a 0.63 and a 0.9 carat will be noticeable and a 0.9 will not be too large.

as far as the platinum, usually it is shiny? I think some vendors will let you ask for a brushed finish.

 

[Frenchcut]

Re: Platinum, 2mm 6pr. "Tiffany" need advice about diamond s

A diamond around 0.9-1.0 carat would look great on her hand given her size and the width of the band...

EDIT: the difference between 0.63 and 0.9 carat IS noticeable, but it doesn't mean you have to go for the bigger of course!

 

[diamondseeker2006]

Re: Platinum, 2mm 6pr. "Tiffany" need advice about diamond s

The classic Tiffany setting is virtually always polished metal. I can't say that I have ever seen that particular setting brushed. I wouldn't recommend it, either, if you go with platinum, because it will scratch and need to be polished over time and I think the brushed will be harder to keep looking nice. Not to mention, if you should want to get a diamond wedding band, those almost always have polished platinum as well.

If you want the kind of setting I showed you, then I would recommend looking at Good Old Gold and WhiteFlash because they carry that setting. Other vendors carry imitations that are not quite as good quality, but they may suit your purposes (and of course, GOG and WF also carry less expensive settings). I personally wouldn't buy a diamond from another country that did not have pictures and an idealscope image (and I really don't do that here in the US either because I want to know the stone is what I want so I don't have to return it!).

 

[Herrie]

Re: Platinum, 2mm 6pr. "Tiffany" need advice about diamond s

Polished is quite common in the US, but over here in Europe they also have brushed, frosted etc as finishing for platinum bands!

With regards to the diamond, I'm also quite skeptical to buy from the US without seeing it, but if I go for a Hearts & Arrow with excellent HCA value I don't think there's much risk? The price for "Excellent" H&A and HCA are a lot lower in the US compared to what I can find online here in Europe. You just have a lot more stores having an online inventory and I don't feel like going to 20-30 different jewelers locally and still get the feeling I pay way too much

I'll have the setting done by a local jeweler anyway since the ring prices are quite good here

 

[Gypsy]

Re: Platinum, 2mm 6pr. "Tiffany" need advice about diamond s

We have many UK buyers and many long term members from the UK. And it is very stressful, I agree, to engaged in overseas commerce for a transaction this large. Many of our vendors are skilled with overseas transactions and can help you make sure you have a great experience, however.

I understand from some of our UK customers that bigger is not always better in the UK and that some women really don't like diamonds that are too big. In the US we consider 1 carat a milestone and many buyers try very hard to hit that mark. But that may not apply to your lady. And her preferences are paramount.

Do you know what size she would feel comfortable wearing? I wouldn't want you to buy a stone that isn't "just right" in size for her. You initially mentioned 60-ish point stone stone, has she expressed a preference for this size?

Also regarding 'quality' and the correlation to color and clarity, there is no objective standard for these factors. If you want a beautiful stone without any risk most people fine F and G colored stones and VS2 eyeclean stones from responsible vendors with GIA or AGS lab reports to be a conservative and safe choices while still being a good value for the money. And since taking a risk is something I personally wouldn't want with an overseas transaction that's where I would recommend you concentrate your search.

I also recommend working with vendors that have the stones 'in house' and who can provide you with the information and tools you need to make the most informed decision you can-- namely the ability to examine the stones for you, a reputation for honesty regarding that examination, and the ability to take an idealscope image so that you (with our help if you want it) can be assured of the stone's light performance. However if you would prefer to work with a vendor that cannot provide you with an idealscope image, I would recommend you stick with stone with an AGS lab report that have earned a "0" for light performance and that renders the need for an idealscope unnecessary.

Do you have your eye on a particular vendor or would you like a referral to someone who will be suited to your needs? I personally have worked a number of times with Brian Gavin Diamonds and know that they are very comfortable with overseas transactions. I mention them because the have lovely Tiffany style settings and their Signature line of diamonds is very strictly screened to ensure that they are some of the nicest stones available anywhere. I would also suggest High Performance Diamonds for their Infinity line of stones. I'm sure other members would be happy to suggest vendors they have had good experiences with as well.

Regarding the finish on the ring, it is very easy to refinish a high polish platinum ring with a brushed finish, but the reverse takes a bit of work as a mirror shine on platinum is not something every bench can accomplish. I know a number of people who have switched things up and gotten a brushed finish for a while for a different look, and know it's not a hard thing to go from polish to brushed. To be safe I would go for a high polish shine on a platinum ring and if she prefers a different finish I'm sure you can find a local bench to accomplish that with ease while you wait locally.

Best of luck to you.

 

[ooo~Shiney!]

Re: Platinum, 2mm 6pr. "Tiffany" need advice about diamond s

Welcome !
If I am reading you correctly, your expected allowance for
both diamond and setting is about US $ 5,200 - 6,500 ?
(per currency converter)

I mean, if you go with Whiteflash, who has that GORGEOUS
Vatche setting for around 1800, and they have tons of
choices of beautiful diamonds in your size and price range,
it makes sense to me to go with them.
They could set your stone and send you the finished ring.

Ladies here could direct you to some good diamond choices
on their site.

It makes total sense to me to do that !!!

edited to add, I am not leaving BGD out !!!
I just went to Whiteflash first to look around after figuring out what
the exchange rate was today between EUR and US

 

[Herrie]

Re: Platinum, 2mm 6pr. "Tiffany" need advice about diamond s

Thanks for all your feedback

In her country it's not really a custom to have an engagement ring but I'm a traditional kind of guy So size of the stone doesn't really matter that much anyway, that's more an American thing

I found the following H&A one which fits just into budget @ Eternity Diamonds.

http://www.eternitydiamonds.com/diamond_detail.php?id=476915&ref=pricescope

It's USD 4.299,- but would need to add 20-25% approximately for shipping, insurance and customs fees as well, so I'll end up around USD 5.300,- or so, which comes down to about EUR 3.800,-

Having it set locally into a platinum ring of my liking (manually created by a local professional) will cost me around EUR 1.000,-

 

[diamondseeker2006]

Re: Platinum, 2mm 6pr. "Tiffany" need advice about diamond s

Herrie, the only thing is that Etermity has no way of proving that is a hearts and arrows diamond because they are not showing the hearts! I am happy to see them showing a real diamond image, but we can't tell anything other than it is a well cut diamond. I might also be uncomfortable buying a diamond whose main inclusion is a cavity. That means there is a tiny hole in the diamond somewhere. I assume it is not big, but since clarity is graded from the top view and Eternity isn't showing a clarity plot, we just don't know where it is located or whether it is visible or not. I would have to have some assuance about that from a gemologist viewing the stone before making a commitment to the stone. If that checks out, it looks like an excellent cut diamond.

 

[Herrie]

Re: Platinum, 2mm 6pr. "Tiffany" need advice about diamond s

Herrie, the only thing is that Etermity has no way of proving that is a hearts and arrows diamond because they are not showing the hearts! I am happy to see them showing a real diamond image, but we can't tell anything other than it is a well cut diamond. I might also be uncomfortable buying a diamond whose main inclusion is a cavity. That means there is a tiny hole in the diamond somewhere. I assume it is not big, but since clarity is graded from the top view and Eternity isn't showing a clarity plot, we just don't know where it is located or whether it is visible or not. I would have to have some assuance about that from a gemologist viewing the stone before making a commitment to the stone. If that checks out, it looks like an excellent cut diamond.

Thanks for the feedback I will try to get the additional info from them

How about these 2 @ WF?

http://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-2200813.htm
http://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-2192322.htm

Or these ones @ JA?

http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/H-VS1-Ideal-Cut-Round-Diamond-1464799.asp
http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/G-VS2-Ideal-Cut-Round-Diamond-1486189.asp
http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/H-VS1-Ideal-Cut-Round-Diamond-1454997.asp
http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/H-VVS1-Ideal-Cut-Round-Diamond-1307922.asp

 

[Herrie]

Re: Platinum, 2mm 6pr. "Tiffany" need advice about diamond s

Or this one @ BG?

http://www.briangavindiamonds.com/diamonds/diamond-details/0.740-h-vvs2-round-diamond-ags-104057888058

 

[Herrie]

Re: Platinum, 2mm 6pr. "Tiffany" need advice about diamond s

Or another one @ ED?

http://www.eternitydiamonds.com/diamond_detail.php?id=476883&ref=pricescope

 

[Herrie]

Re: Platinum, 2mm 6pr. "Tiffany" need advice about diamond s

Any suggestions?

 

[chel180]

Re: Platinum, 2mm 6pr. "Tiffany" need advice about diamond s

you may also want to try diamondgeezer.uk.co based in the UK so you wouldn't have customs fees/taxes etc and the shipping times would be quicker. easier to return also if you needed to return.

 

[barbiebien]

Re: Platinum, 2mm 6pr. "Tiffany" need advice about diamond s

Hi there,

i'm also Dutch and we just ordered my ring from Blue Nile because the taxes are included in the price and this is convenient for making returns. I really don't like the brushed look on ladies rings and i think regular platinum or white gold has a more classic look. Please note that almost no one wears diamonds over .25cts and i have very rarely seen 1ct stones, are you originally dutch? It might make her feel uncomfortable to wear a larger stone or she might not want you to spend so much on it. I think for most dutchies .50 ct stone will be the talk of all her friends and family. If you live near Amsterdam you could find a nice Tiffany solitaire in your budget if you prefer it over ordering online.

 

[Herrie]

Re: Platinum, 2mm 6pr. "Tiffany" need advice about diamond s

Thanks for the advice Blue Nile site in Europe is approx 25-30% more expensive compared to the US version, even when you add all costs.

I'm in contact with Van Amstel here in Amsterdam to see if they can offer a nice stone

0.75ct is fine She's not originally from NL, so she will appreciate it

 

[Herrie]

Re: Platinum, 2mm 6pr. "Tiffany" need advice about diamond s

I got the following one offered for a reasonable price locally:

E 0.70 VVS2. HCA value is excellent ( 0.8 ), but so far still need to see an IdealScope image, requested it though.

https://myapps.gia.edu/ReportCheckPortal/getReportData.do?&reportno=5136100421&weight=0.70

Could I go wrong with this stone without seeing IdealScope?

 

[Herrie]

Re: Platinum, 2mm 6pr. "Tiffany" need advice about diamond s

Looks like they cannot provide IdealScope images for this one Any suggestions? Should I go for it, or be on the safe side and order a proper Hearts & Arrows from for example JA?