Please Help A Noob Choose Stones

[HelloWorld]

Hey Guys,

I've been lurking on this forum for over 2 weeks just trying to take it all in and I have to say. I've never seen such a forum that is more kind and helpful than this one. I'm a frequent member at shoe and clothing forums.

Anyways, I met the love of my life - PRAISE GOD - and I am trying to find her a beautiful ring.

Everything that I've learned has been from you guys and I think I've learned enough to pick a decent stone. I need you guys to double check and let me know if the price is good too. I am only looking at online retailers obv because of the price advantages.

I also picked 3 stones from White flash because that seems to be the most repped/trusted retailer on this site.

In looking for a ring, I wanted every character to be indiscernible to the eye or a little bit better. I didn't want to pay for something that didn't add much to the ring. In the rings I chose, I chose a really good color F because I read on this forum that AGS certification is not as strict on color so I wanted a buffer -- I could be wrong and it might not be worth it please let me know.

But please have a look at these rings and let me know if they're a good price for their specs. They range in carat.

1.
http://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-2762667.htm

2.
http://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-2724635.htm

3.
http://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-2564448.htm

on this setting

http://www.whiteflash.com/engagement-rings/solitaire/contemporary-tiffany-style-solitaire-engagement-ring-1415.htm



Obviously it's hard to compare because of the carat difference but can you guys give your expert opinion and let me know if the prices are GOOD for their specs. Or direct to to a better stone at bluenile or james allen. Thank you.

Which would you pick and WHY?

 

[Gypsy]

I'd pick this one.

http://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-2661539.htm Over a carat. Great clarity and great color. Fabulous cut. A very well balanced stone. Just ask them to tell you if they think it's a true G. They'll tell you.

 

[HelloWorld]

input please

 

[farmer gal]

I like this one as well
http://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-2721313.htm

 

[lapelirroja]

Do you think she is very color sensitive? For more size I would drop down to at least G in color (still extremely white) and VS2. It's not terribly hard to find an eye-clean VS2 when you've got great blown up pictures from vendors like WF.

My stone is a J/VS2 and have not received any comments at all on the diamond except:
"Oh my gosh, that is the most brilliant diamond I have ever seen!"
"Why is it so sparkly?"

Not saying you have to drop as low as a J, but you should try to figure out what she prioritizes, size vs color.

My favorite videos that helped me to make the decision for myself:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vcmSj8dOLRI&list=PL1562D8E0CC94466F&index=11&feature=plpp_video
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3vI3Tkd3VQU&feature=relmfu

 

[HelloWorld]

thanks for your responses so far...

I am looking into the other diamonds suggested.

But the ones I have posted aren't worth it then? It's overpriced?

 

[slg47]

thanks for your responses so far...

I am looking into the other diamonds suggested.

But the ones I have posted aren't worth it then? It's overpriced?

there is nothing wrong with the ones you posted but they cover a wide price range! what is your budget?

 

[HelloWorld]

anywhere up to 11g

I don't care about the carat as much

i'd rather get an awesome .85 carat diamond that is a bargain rather than a 1 carat at a good price does that kind of make sense?

 

[slg47]

anywhere up to 11g

I don't care about the carat as much

i'd rather get an awesome .85 carat diamond that is a bargain rather than a 1 carat at a good price does that kind of make sense?

Well...0.85 is cheaper price per carat, because there is a jump in price/carat when you get to the 1 carat mark.

if you can afford a 1 carat stone, I would definitely go with a 1 carat stone.

have you compared F vs G in person? that might help. Also, another option from WF would be one of their expert selection stones (not H&A but you might not see a visual difference)
for example
http://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-2104639.htm

 

[HelloWorld]

anywhere up to 11g

I don't care about the carat as much

i'd rather get an awesome .85 carat diamond that is a bargain rather than a 1 carat at a good price does that kind of make sense?

Well...0.85 is cheaper price per carat, because there is a jump in price/carat when you get to the 1 carat mark.

if you can afford a 1 carat stone, I would definitely go with a 1 carat stone.

have you compared F vs G in person? that might help. Also, another option from WF would be one of their expert selection stones (not H&A but you might not see a visual difference)
for example
http://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-2104639.htm

I think I want to go /w the best cut. Just for peace of mind.

mmm so many choices...this thread has only confused me more...I was hoping you guys would help me nail down a stone...

hahahaha ahhhh

this is the most expensive thing i'll ever buy...just trying to do due diligence here

 

[slg47]

anywhere up to 11g

I don't care about the carat as much

i'd rather get an awesome .85 carat diamond that is a bargain rather than a 1 carat at a good price does that kind of make sense?

Well...0.85 is cheaper price per carat, because there is a jump in price/carat when you get to the 1 carat mark.

if you can afford a 1 carat stone, I would definitely go with a 1 carat stone.

have you compared F vs G in person? that might help. Also, another option from WF would be one of their expert selection stones (not H&A but you might not see a visual difference)
for example
http://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-2104639.htm

I think I want to go /w the best cut. Just for peace of mind.

mmm so many choices...this thread has only confused me more...I was hoping you guys would help me nail down a stone...

hahahaha ahhhh

this is the most expensive thing i'll ever buy...just trying to do due diligence here

OK well the ACA diamonds are excellent cut! you really can't go wrong with one of those. Out of the three you posted I would take the largest one if you can afford it.

 

[HelloWorld]

anywhere up to 11g

I don't care about the carat as much

i'd rather get an awesome .85 carat diamond that is a bargain rather than a 1 carat at a good price does that kind of make sense?

Well...0.85 is cheaper price per carat, because there is a jump in price/carat when you get to the 1 carat mark.

if you can afford a 1 carat stone, I would definitely go with a 1 carat stone.

have you compared F vs G in person? that might help. Also, another option from WF would be one of their expert selection stones (not H&A but you might not see a visual difference)
for example
http://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-2104639.htm

I think I want to go /w the best cut. Just for peace of mind.

mmm so many choices...this thread has only confused me more...I was hoping you guys would help me nail down a stone...

hahahaha ahhhh

this is the most expensive thing i'll ever buy...just trying to do due diligence here

OK well the ACA diamonds are excellent cut! you really can't go wrong with one of those. Out of the three you posted I would take the largest one if you can afford it.

What do you think about the pricing?

And size just purely because of size? 1 carat being like a good round number haha. IDK. That's ok if thats the answer I'm just curious why the 1 carat.

Go big or go home?

 

[slg47]

yes, size just because of size-if it is in budget why not? most women would not object to a 1 ct over a 0.85

 

[HelloWorld]

any other advice guys?

 

[slksapphire]

hi hw,

i am not an expert on diamonds but here is what i have learned:

1. if you chose a reputable/popular ps vendor, i think their diamonds are generally priced fairly FOR WHAT THEY ARE. i think it's virtually impossible to priceshop for diamonds because it's impossible to place a value on cut, the most important attribute.

2. set a budget. a really hard, firm budget. not "around 11k" but a really firm dollar budget. make sure you do research on the setting, too ... one with bling, etc can cost thousands and up.

3. then focus on getting the absolute best diamond you can for that budget. this is why you have to set your budget bc for "just a little more" you can keep getting "better" stones.

4. as for prioritizing attributes, my husband looked for a 2+ ct, excellent cut, E VS2 or better. still love my ring, more than 10 years later!

5. regarding size, it sounds like "this is it" for you, i.e., this is THE ring, you wouldn't expect it to be upgraded in the future. everyone has a different viewpoint on this. if this is really "it", i'd recommend you go as large as possible. trust me, it won't seem too large in 10 years.

6. so, reading between the lines, i'd say you should go for a 1ct, excellent cut, F/G color, VS2 to get the best bang for your buck for an eyeclean, near colorless stone (unless you are incredibly sensitive to color; this totally depends on the individual, in which case you may need E/F). hope this fits into your budget!

good luck.

 

[HelloWorld]

hi hw,

i am not an expert on diamonds but here is what i have learned:

1. if you chose a reputable/popular ps vendor, i think their diamonds are generally priced fairly FOR WHAT THEY ARE. i think it's virtually impossible to priceshop for diamonds because it's impossible to place a value on cut, the most important attribute.

2. set a budget. a really hard, firm budget. not "around 11k" but a really firm dollar budget. make sure you do research on the setting, too ... one with bling, etc can cost thousands and up.

3. then focus on getting the absolute best diamond you can for that budget. this is why you have to set your budget bc for "just a little more" you can keep getting "better" stones.

4. as for prioritizing attributes, my husband looked for a 2+ ct, excellent cut, E VS2 or better. still love my ring, more than 10 years later!

5. regarding size, it sounds like "this is it" for you, i.e., this is THE ring, you wouldn't expect it to be upgraded in the future. everyone has a different viewpoint on this. if this is really "it", i'd recommend you go as large as possible. trust me, it won't seem too large in 10 years.

6. so, reading between the lines, i'd say you should go for a 1ct, excellent cut, F/G color, VS2 to get the best bang for your buck for an eyeclean, near colorless stone (unless you are incredibly sensitive to color; this totally depends on the individual, in which case you may need E/F). hope this fits into your budget!

good luck.

i think i'm going /w 1

thanks!

 

[HelloWorld]

so excited!

 

[grxs]

I would go with #2 - http://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-2724635.htm

They are all similar in the other C attributes, but this one has an excellent size to price ratio as you get a beautiful large diamond without having to pay the premium for exceeding 1 carat.

It fits perfectly within your $11 000 budget and you'll never have to second guess "should I have gone bigger" as may happen with the 0.825 carat. As already mentioned, diamonds have a tendency to shrink over time!

 

[HelloWorld]

why did the prices of these diamonds decrease after they were sold - and so much at that....