Please help! I'm getting more and more confused...

[negitoro]

So I'm a total diamond newbie and I'm shopping for an engagement ring for my girlfriend.

I've been reading forums, going through websites, looking at diamonds and settings and of course, reading Pricescope for like 2 weeks straight now... and the more I read, the less I feel like I know. I started out at local stores and found that it's all quite expensive and quality/selection generally so-so. Online reading lead me to Blue Nile and I was almost ready to commit but then more reading lead me all over the place - Brian Gavin, Whiteflash, GOG, James Allen, etc. I'm kind of glad I did because seeing those diamonds on JA with big black splotches or other noticeable inclusions smack in the middle of the top freaked me out even more and I'm glad I didn't buy one on Blue Nile sight unseen.

Every time I read something new, I feel like its just another thing to consider and its freaking me out. So I really need some help and I figure some kind of feedback or back and forth would help me focus again.

I'm pretty set on getting a cushion cut diamond as that's what my gut tells me she'll like. I'm personally thinking she'll like chunkier facets more than crushed ice but I figure regardless, she'll love whatever sparkles the most.

My budget is low at about $4000 (setting included) but I know my girlfriend wanted something bigger. From what I see, ~0.7-0.8 carats is about all I can afford.

My first round through James Allen I had picked out these 3 from first impressions:
http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/cushion-cut/0.70-carat-h-color-vs1-clarity-sku-246453
http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/cushion-cut/0.71-carat-g-color-si1-clarity-sku-146096
http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/cushion-cut/0.80-carat-h-color-vs1-clarity-sku-242011

But now I'm really second guessing all of them and I'm wondering if I'm missing some good ones or I'm completely looking at the wrong ones.

I am also intrigued by the ideal cuts on the other sites but I really don't see settings I like on those sites (plus, JA has free shipping...)

Any feedback? Any help is greatly greatly appreciated.

 

[heididdl]

Glad you found PS and glad you are going to be an informed consumer. That being said when you see the stones at JA you have to realize that they are 40x there size . When you are talking about eye clean et al it is usually 10x loupe that is used. Also eye clean would be 6 inches from your face to the stone. That being said as you have read here G-H si1 (eye clean is a good way to go ) with a $4,000 total budget you may have to go to I but hopefully not.

Just a personal opinion I love cushion cuts and they are attainable I'd look at GOG even call him and ask. I just want to be honest and tell you that .7 and .8 in a cushion/princess et al will face up much smaller than a Round Brillant so it will look more like .5 when set.

I am not swaying you to another type of stone....just being upfront. You should also go through the PS forum see my cushion cuts [URL='https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/cushion-cuts-a-collection.135031/']https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/cushion-cuts-a-collection.135031/[/URL]

Finally there aren't exact Ideal measurements for the cushion so please list the ones you like here and the PS will help you select one beyong the color and clarity.

Finally since fancy cuts are just that fancy be sure that this is a shape that your GF would love (cushions are gorgous and I am sure she will love it.)

Also has she ever mentioned what type of stone or setting she would like it is always a good idea to taylor her ering to her dreams.

Good luck and we are here to help.

ps here is an asher cut from GOG that is gorgous http://www.goodoldgold.com/diamond/11860/
a little over budget but maybe discount for PS vintage cushion from GOG http://www.goodoldgold.com/diamond/9350/
this over a carat fancy (yellow) old vintage cushion http://www.goodoldgold.com/diamond/7557/
Brian Gavin Signature Cushions gorgous hearts and arrows under budget .71 http://m.briangavindiamonds.com/diamonds/diamond-details/0.716-D-SI1-Cushion-Diamond-AGS-104065051015

 

[RockyRacoon]

I know you mentioned cushions, but consider this round (ask for Pricescope discount):

.803ct, H, SI1
http://www.briangavindiamonds.com/diamonds/diamond-details/0.803-h-si1-round-diamond-ags-bl-104069795036

You could pair it with a setting like this and be out-the-door with a classic, elegant ring (and a respectable size), at under your budget:
http://www.briangavindiamonds.com/engagement-rings/solitaire/six-prong-solitaire-14k-white-gold-5351w14


If you decide to stick with a cushion shape, I would opt for this one:

.77ct, H, VS2 August Vintage Cushion
http://www.goodoldgold.com/diamond/11822/

Pair that stone with a classic, simple setting and you're out-the-door at under $4k. Talk to Jon at Good Old Gold about what sort of setting he can get within your budget, as I'm sure you'll have a few options.


Either of those options will result in a top-notch ring, of which no one can question the performance/quality.

 

[therese13]

You asked for opinions, so here you go: You mentioned that GF wants something big. That being said, I'd go for an ideal cut round in the VS2 - SI1 maybe SI2 and drop the color to an I, J, or even K. The round cut is more classic look and will face up larger than a cushion. The faint color won't be noticeable in a diamond under 1 ct (I have a .8 K ACA from Whiteflash in a white gold setting and it looks fine). I would max out the diamond size and then purchase a simple setting with the remainder of your budget. Even if you don't go for a round and stick with the cushion, I'd still recommend that you drop the color and max out the stone size.

You mentioned you liked the larger faceted look of the cushion - you might consider contact GOG and see what they have in the way of August Vintage cuts.

My recommendations:
http://www.briangavindiamonds.com/diamonds/diamond-details/0.782-i-vs1-round-diamond-ags-bl-104069795031
http://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-3009059.htm
http://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-3034180.htm

 

[Gypsy]

If she WANTS a cushion. Don't get her a round. It's just not a good idea.

Most people who love fancies would not want a round brilliant.

That said... if she wants big-- you need to talk to her about your budget very honestly. And, in my opinion, buy from a place that has a great upgrade policy so she can upgrade the stone later on when you guys have more funds.

 

[Gypsy]

So here's what I'd buy:
http://www.bluenile.com/diamond-search?pt=setform&track=NavDiaSeaCU#diamonds_pid=LD04109781

These cushions are the exception to the no fancies on blue nile rule.

http://www.bluenile.com/diamond-search?pt=setform&track=NavDiaSeaCU#diamonds_pid=LD04109781

Why? They are signature line which means the are guaranteed eyeclean. And the GCAL report has pictures of the actual stone.

And that stone is eligible for Blue Nile's upgrade policy.

And since she wants 'big' I'd set it in this halo setting from Gabriel (which means you get the cushion and have it set into the setting separately):

http://www.gabrielny.com/engaged/style/ER9505W44JJ The price of this, through a PS vendor would be: 1390 + 20% off= $1112

Plus 100 dollars for the setting fee. You are at around $4300.

 

[Gypsy]

Alternate center stone for the Gabriel Halo setting I posted above: http://www.engagementringsdirect.com/0.70-carat-f-si1-royal-chandelier-cushion-brilliant-cushion-cut-diamond-gid-106400.html

ERD does have an upgrade policy. And they will set the stone for you without the $100 fee.

 

[Gypsy]

GOG is a Gabriel and Company vendor so they can be one stop shopping for you!

Here's a lovely modern cushion from them: http://www.goodoldgold.com/diamond/11724/ for $2595 and it leave you enough for this setting: http://www.gabrielny.com/engaged/style/ER8793W44JJ or http://www.gabrielny.com/engaged/style/ER7500W44JJ (remember prices are 20% off from PS vendor).


OR you could get this!!: http://www.goodoldgold.com/diamond/11724/ $3,157 and see if GOG can swing that halo pricing to be out the door at 4300 total for you.

Also, GOG has a great upgrade policy on both those stones.

 

[VRBeauty]

Of the settings Gypsy's found, I like this one the best: http://www.gabrielny.com/engaged/style/ER9505W44JJ.

 

[negitoro]

Thanks for all the replies! I really appreciate them and I can't believe how helpful everyone on here is!

That being said when you see the stones at JA you have to realize that they are 40x there size . When you are talking about eye clean et al it is usually 10x loupe that is used. Also eye clean would be 6 inches from your face to the stone.

That's a good point - I think this is where the limitations are from online learning since there hasn't been a way to actually see what an eye clean stone looks like in those pics vs real life and I lack experience looking at actual, physical diamonds. That being said, those pictures still feel very scary although maybe I can try to ignore the ones with small black dots in them keeping this in mind.

Other than that, I decided to take some of the stuff I learned today and go back to the brick and mortar jewelry stores today to take a look again at some real stones and real rings. After looking through a lot of rounds and princesses (including some pretty nice hearts and arrows graded diamonds) I saw a couple so-so cushions and I still 'felt' that it was the 'right' style. (Like just seeing another one in person, that it felt like the kind of diamond I wanted to propose with). So, thanks to you guys who suggested some rounds - it actually made me go look at some more rounds today - but in the end, I feel that cushion is still the right way to go?

One quick question that I came up with - why would a cushion have a smaller facing than the equivalent weight round? The princesses I saw at an equivalent weight actually seemed a little bigger.Is it something to do with the cushion cut's geometry? Also, I read some advice to get a cushion that's a little more rectangular than square because it looks a little bigger. Does this actually work?

For all the diamond suggestions - some of these look amazing (and considerably better than what I was looking at for a little more money!). So the links I have collected from this thread:
http://www.goodoldgold.com/diamond/11724/
http://www.goodoldgold.com/diamond/11822/
http://www.engagementringsdirect.com/0.70-carat-f-si1-royal-chandelier-cushion-brilliant-cushion-cut-diamond-gid-106400.html
http://www.briangavindiamonds.com/diamonds/diamond-details/0.716-d-si1-cushion-diamond-ags-104065051015
http://www.bluenile.com/cushion-cut-diamond-1-carat-or-less-signature-ideal-cut-h-color-si1-clarity_LD04109781?click_id=665695914

The first one seems like high quality but still well within my budget. The second and third one looks really nice and I think my gf would like the chunkier cuts also. After having gone through the gallery thread that heididdl posted, I do think I prefer the squarish diamonds with a more distinct, chunkier cut opposed to the crushed ice ones.

How does this one compare? http://www.goodoldgold.com/diamond/11556/
This one would be easier on my budget and I like the look quite a bit.

In regards to settings, thanks for showing me all those halos. I agree with VRbeauty that http://www.gabrielny.com/engaged/style/ER9505W44JJ is my favorite also. But that aside, I'm not sold on a halo because I worry the look is a little too busy for my gf's tastes. She does however own a couple of pieces of costume jewelry in a simple halo style. Any other options?

After looking at the gallery thread one of the settings for cushioncutnut's nephew is quite nice. I'm afraid it'd probably push me way over budget though...? [URL='https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/cushion-cuts-a-collection.135031/page-8']https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/cushion-cuts-a-collection.135031/page-8[/URL]

 

[vintagesparkleslover]

Just wanted to chime in with some other things to think about:
You've mentioned "I'm pretty set on getting a cushion cut diamond as that's what my gut tells me she'll like. I'm personally thinking she'll like chunkier facets more than crushed ice but I figure regardless, she'll love whatever sparkles the most. " and that cushions felt right to you. And also "I'm not sold on a halo because I worry the look is a little too busy for my gf's tastes. She does however own a couple of pieces of costume jewelry in a simple halo style. Any other options?"

Have you talked with your gf about her preferences in an engagement ring? Or thought about involving her in the process of choosing one? Or if you are wanting it to be a complete surprise to her, what about searching to see if she has a pinterest page with ring ideas posted to it? If she's posted a lot of halos that could tell you it fits her taste, or show you what style of setting she does tend to prefer for an engagement ring. Or asking a friend or family member who she may have shared her preferences with?

 

[RockyRacoon]

Thanks for all the replies! I really appreciate them and I can't believe how helpful everyone on here is!

For all the diamond suggestions - some of these look amazing (and considerably better than what I was looking at for a little more money!). So the links I have collected from this thread:
http://www.goodoldgold.com/diamond/11724/
http://www.goodoldgold.com/diamond/11822/

How does this one compare? http://www.goodoldgold.com/diamond/11556/
This one would be easier on my budget and I like the look quite a bit.

Brellia cushions are awesome (like the GOG stone 11556 linked above), and a solid choice.

My suggestion would be to have Jon at Good Old Gold (GOG) make a video of these three stones for you. They have all of these stones in-house, and a side-by-side comparison via video would be a great way for you to get a perspective on which is best for you.

Jon will certainly make sure you walk away happy!

 

[negitoro]

Just wanted to chime in with some other things to think about:
You've mentioned "I'm pretty set on getting a cushion cut diamond as that's what my gut tells me she'll like. I'm personally thinking she'll like chunkier facets more than crushed ice but I figure regardless, she'll love whatever sparkles the most. " and that cushions felt right to you. And also "I'm not sold on a halo because I worry the look is a little too busy for my gf's tastes. She does however own a couple of pieces of costume jewelry in a simple halo style. Any other options?"

Have you talked with your gf about her preferences in an engagement ring? Or thought about involving her in the process of choosing one? Or if you are wanting it to be a complete surprise to her, what about searching to see if she has a pinterest page with ring ideas posted to it? If she's posted a lot of halos that could tell you it fits her taste, or show you what style of setting she does tend to prefer for an engagement ring. Or asking a friend or family member who she may have shared her preferences with?

Thanks for the reply.

I've based my feelings on her reactions and comments over the years we've dated. I know that she finds plain round brilliant solitaires 'boring', for example. I've looked at her jewelry box, comments about her friend's/celebrities/storefront engagement rings and her reaction to picking out every day jewelry for a couple years now and like your suggestion, one of the first things I did was check out her Pinterest board and everything she's liked on Pinterest (which unfortunately had very very few engagement rings on it).

I do prefer it to be a surprise as, for various reasons, I've let our engagement be overdue. A little of the magic and excitement has disappeared because it's almost a foregone conclusion and we joke about it often. I felt involving her in the process might remove the rest of whatever excitement and leave it feeling like a formality (which would be kind of awful IMO). She also said a few years ago how weird she thought her friend was for planning out the engagement ahead of time. Hence, I've been expending every effort to do this under the radar making best guesses on styles, diamond cuts and finding out things like her ring size, all on the down low.

To further complicate things, she doesn't have a lot of close female friends.

Brellia cushions are awesome (like the GOG stone 11556 linked above), and a solid choice.

My suggestion would be to have Jon at Good Old Gold (GOG) make a video of these three stones for you. They have all of these stones in-house, and a side-by-side comparison via video would be a great way for you to get a perspective on which is best for you.

Jon will certainly make sure you walk away happy!

Thanks for the suggestion!

I'll take these links and send them to GOG and see what they say!

 

[heididdl]

Just wanted to chime in with some other things to think about:
You've mentioned "I'm pretty set on getting a cushion cut diamond as that's what my gut tells me she'll like. I'm personally thinking she'll like chunkier facets more than crushed ice but I figure regardless, she'll love whatever sparkles the most. " and that cushions felt right to you. And also "I'm not sold on a halo because I worry the look is a little too busy for my gf's tastes. She does however own a couple of pieces of costume jewelry in a simple halo style. Any other options?"

Have you talked with your gf about her preferences in an engagement ring? Or thought about involving her in the process of choosing one? Or if you are wanting it to be a complete surprise to her, what about searching to see if she has a pinterest page with ring ideas posted to it? If she's posted a lot of halos that could tell you it fits her taste, or show you what style of setting she does tend to prefer for an engagement ring. Or asking a friend or family member who she may have shared her preferences with?

Thanks for the reply.

I've based my feelings on her reactions and comments over the years we've dated. I know that she finds plain round brilliant solitaires 'boring', for example. I've looked at her jewelry box, comments about her friend's/celebrities/storefront engagement rings and her reaction to picking out every day jewelry for a couple years now and like your suggestion, one of the first things I did was check out her Pinterest board and everything she's liked on Pinterest (which unfortunately had very very few engagement rings on it).

I do prefer it to be a surprise as, for various reasons, I've let our engagement be overdue. A little of the magic and excitement has disappeared because it's almost a foregone conclusion and we joke about it often. I felt involving her in the process might remove the rest of whatever excitement and leave it feeling like a formality (which would be kind of awful IMO). She also said a few years ago how weird she thought her friend was for planning out the engagement ahead of time. Hence, I've been expending every effort to do this under the radar making best guesses on styles, diamond cuts and finding out things like her ring size, all on the down low.

To further complicate things, she doesn't have a lot of close female friends.

Brellia cushions are awesome (like the GOG stone 11556 linked above), and a solid choice.

My suggestion would be to have Jon at Good Old Gold (GOG) make a video of these three stones for you. They have all of these stones in-house, and a side-by-side comparison via video would be a great way for you to get a perspective on which is best for you.

Jon will certainly make sure you walk away happy!

Thanks for the suggestion!

I'll take these links and send them to GOG and see what they say!

You are so cute and so romantic the cushion cut is going to be a beautiful choice I would call GOG and buy it from him he has amazing things.

 

[Gypsy]

OK so the Breilla you chose is fabulous.

And here are my thoughts about the halo issue.

If she has some halos in her collection already AND she thinks solitaires are boring AND she likes larger rings... it's probably a good fit for her tastes GIVEN the limited information we have.

I also like the simple and elegant pave solitaire that cushioncut's nephew. And I do think you can get close to it at GOG.

Here's another option for you though.

GOG is a Beverly K dealer. I recommend one of these two halos:

http://www.elizabetajewelry.com/products/beverley-k-diamond-engagement-ring-semi-mount-center-stone-not-included-number-9424-slash-65
http://www.elizabetajewelry.com/products/beverley-k-diamond-engagement-ring-semi-mount-center-stone-not-included-number-9425-slash-60


GOG can order it for a cushion (with a cushion shaped halo). You can just send them those links (they will price match as well).

It will be better quality than than the Gabriel halo. Will give her a lot of finger coverage. AND is a much simpler design and will suit both your tastes and hers better.

Alternately if you want just a straight pave solitaire here are some options:
http://www.elizabetajewelry.com/products/beverley-k-diamond-engagement-ring-semi-mount-center-stone-not-included-number-9016-slash-65 (ordered for a cushion).
http://www.gabrielny.com/engaged/styles?style=Straight&default_head_shape=CC (prices at Gabriel are 20% off list at GOG).

 

[Gypsy]

Here's a similar ring done on a budget for one of our PSers by GOG and Beverly K.

[URL='https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/its-here-art-deco-bev-k-ring-princess-of-hearts-from-gog.175328/']https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/its-here-art-deco-bev-k-ring-princess-of-hearts-from-gog.175328/[/URL]


And if you do really like that ring (I do). Here's a center stone option for you to think about: http://www.goodoldgold.com/cart.php under $2,300 (just add it to your cart and it shows the price).

 

[Roxy]

Alternately if you want just a straight pave solitaire here are some options:
http://www.elizabetajewelry.com/products/beverley-k-diamond-engagement-ring-semi-mount-center-stone-not-included-number-9016-slash-65 (ordered for a cushion).
http://www.gabrielny.com/engaged/styles?style=Straight&default_head_shape=CC (prices at Gabriel are 20% off list at GOG).

Gypsy, these are both beautiful choices!! I don't know how you do it, but you find wonderful settings and I think OP would be smart to go w/ one of these two.

Are there any concerns w/ the diamonds that are along the sides of the shank (at least I think that's what I saw in the links) or can he get these without those stones? I'd just be worried about having a wedding band against them.

 

[Gypsy]

Alternately if you want just a straight pave solitaire here are some options:
http://www.elizabetajewelry.com/products/beverley-k-diamond-engagement-ring-semi-mount-center-stone-not-included-number-9016-slash-65 (ordered for a cushion).
http://www.gabrielny.com/engaged/styles?style=Straight&default_head_shape=CC (prices at Gabriel are 20% off list at GOG).

Gypsy, these are both beautiful choices!! I don't know how you do it, but you find wonderful settings and I think OP would be smart to go w/ one of these two.

Are there any concerns w/ the diamonds that are along the sides of the shank (at least I think that's what I saw in the links) or can he get these without those stones? I'd just be worried about having a wedding band against them.

Neither of them have pave on the sides of the shank. Just engraving.

 

[Roxy]

Alternately if you want just a straight pave solitaire here are some options:
http://www.elizabetajewelry.com/products/beverley-k-diamond-engagement-ring-semi-mount-center-stone-not-included-number-9016-slash-65 (ordered for a cushion).
http://www.gabrielny.com/engaged/styles?style=Straight&default_head_shape=CC (prices at Gabriel are 20% off list at GOG).

Gypsy, these are both beautiful choices!! I don't know how you do it, but you find wonderful settings and I think OP would be smart to go w/ one of these two.

Are there any concerns w/ the diamonds that are along the sides of the shank (at least I think that's what I saw in the links) or can he get these without those stones? I'd just be worried about having a wedding band against them.

Neither of them have pave on the sides of the shank. Just engraving.

Engraving ... I love that look!!