Hello- a first post for me. I had trouble registering so hopefully I used the meantime effectively to educate myself a bit before posting.
Engagement time, and even though this ring means I don't get a new Ducati, I'm pretty excited. I've done a lot of thinking and was hoping to get some help/thoughts on where I've panned out.
Diamond: I've been looking at loose diamonds online for about a month and it is incredible how much information/opinion there is. These are the specs I'm looking for in a round diamond:
- Carat: 1.42
- Cut: Excellent/Ideal
- Clarity: SI1/VS2
- Color: G
I'm weirdly specific on the carat because her favorite number is 42. I currently have a round diamond on hold at James Allen. Here's a summary on the specs:
- 1.42/G/SI1/EX-EX-EX
- 61.3%/55%/34deg/41deg = HCA 1.3
The clarity rating is the result of a large cloud inclusion primarily under the crown. I have read extensively on this forum on the opinion of SI clarity stones potentially being "sleepy" if the only flaw is a cloud. The main takeaway for me from those conversations is there is no substitute for a trusted professional actually seeing the stone in order to give an opinion on fire and brilliance. I don't know the density of the could at this point, nor how visible it is. I believe having the cloud under the crown keeps it away from the culet, which Garry has mentioned would have the most negative effect.
As such, it seems I need to buy the diamond, view it myself, and have it appraised locally to be as sure as I can be. In the meantime, I was hoping I could get advice here on whether people think the cloud as seen in the GIA certificate is likely to effect performance based on how it looks on paper- basically, if am I missing something obvious. I have requested an Ideal Scope and that should be emailed to me this week.
Setting: This one is easier but not simple. I'm sold on the Scholdt Fremont (it helps I'm from Seattle originally). Probably this one. I do have two questions though:
(1) In speaking with a local dealer, quoted prices were way over what I saw online at Pearlmans. Potentially $1000 more for platinum. The reason was due to the fluctuating prices of precious metals in the market. Is this reasonable? Do jewelers (even small ones like Scholdt) not have a stock of these materials that they are making jewelry from and therefore a buffer before a market spike should have an effect? As an aside, I've been speaking with Julian at Pearlmans and he is extremely helpful.
(2) I'm pretty set on including a tiny ruby and sapphire on the inside of the band (our two birthstones). The size will depend on what the ring can handle, but I'm hoping .05ct/2mm each (I'm trying to cram as much significance/thoughtfulness into this thing as I can, and 10 is my favorite number- .05ct x 2 = .10ct). Does anyone have experience with this? Does gem quality matter at all at that size?
Lastly, I'm really impressed with this community- people respond very quickly and honestly. I was surprised when my friends who have already bought rings didn't know about it.
Thanks in advance!
Markus
Engagement time, and even though this ring means I don't get a new Ducati, I'm pretty excited. I've done a lot of thinking and was hoping to get some help/thoughts on where I've panned out.
Diamond: I've been looking at loose diamonds online for about a month and it is incredible how much information/opinion there is. These are the specs I'm looking for in a round diamond:
- Carat: 1.42
- Cut: Excellent/Ideal
- Clarity: SI1/VS2
- Color: G
I'm weirdly specific on the carat because her favorite number is 42. I currently have a round diamond on hold at James Allen. Here's a summary on the specs:
- 1.42/G/SI1/EX-EX-EX
- 61.3%/55%/34deg/41deg = HCA 1.3
The clarity rating is the result of a large cloud inclusion primarily under the crown. I have read extensively on this forum on the opinion of SI clarity stones potentially being "sleepy" if the only flaw is a cloud. The main takeaway for me from those conversations is there is no substitute for a trusted professional actually seeing the stone in order to give an opinion on fire and brilliance. I don't know the density of the could at this point, nor how visible it is. I believe having the cloud under the crown keeps it away from the culet, which Garry has mentioned would have the most negative effect.
As such, it seems I need to buy the diamond, view it myself, and have it appraised locally to be as sure as I can be. In the meantime, I was hoping I could get advice here on whether people think the cloud as seen in the GIA certificate is likely to effect performance based on how it looks on paper- basically, if am I missing something obvious. I have requested an Ideal Scope and that should be emailed to me this week.
Setting: This one is easier but not simple. I'm sold on the Scholdt Fremont (it helps I'm from Seattle originally). Probably this one. I do have two questions though:
(1) In speaking with a local dealer, quoted prices were way over what I saw online at Pearlmans. Potentially $1000 more for platinum. The reason was due to the fluctuating prices of precious metals in the market. Is this reasonable? Do jewelers (even small ones like Scholdt) not have a stock of these materials that they are making jewelry from and therefore a buffer before a market spike should have an effect? As an aside, I've been speaking with Julian at Pearlmans and he is extremely helpful.
(2) I'm pretty set on including a tiny ruby and sapphire on the inside of the band (our two birthstones). The size will depend on what the ring can handle, but I'm hoping .05ct/2mm each (I'm trying to cram as much significance/thoughtfulness into this thing as I can, and 10 is my favorite number- .05ct x 2 = .10ct). Does anyone have experience with this? Does gem quality matter at all at that size?
Lastly, I'm really impressed with this community- people respond very quickly and honestly. I was surprised when my friends who have already bought rings didn't know about it.
Thanks in advance!
Markus