Please help with ring suggestions (~$10,000 - $12,000)

bobamaniac · Sep 26, 2012

GULP, this is such a large amount to spend on a ring. To be honest, I would be happy with a Garnet but my fiancee sees it as something forever. Seeing that we are not doing a ceremony or reception but just a small gathering later on, he wants to put a bit more money in the ring. Something we can cherish. That said, I am still very scare that we may be overpaying and not getting our value. I am not sure how the Cs matter when you take into fluorescence, inclusions, etc. I have an idea but this is something I am just learning so I came to the experts. I came up with 4 rings but please let me know what I can do with out or go up/down on.

Thank you, thank you --- scared and appreciative.

http://www.bluenile.com/build-your-own-diamond-ring?builder=BYOR&forceStep=DIAMONDS_STEP&pid=LD02779796

http://www.bluenile.com/build-your-own-diamond-ring?builder=BYOR&forceStep=DIAMONDS_STEP&pid=LD02800308

http://www.bluenile.com/build-your-own-diamond-ring?builder=BYOR&forceStep=DIAMONDS_STEP&pid=LD02556774

http://www.bluenile.com/build-your-own-diamond-ring?builder=BYOR&forceStep=DIAMONDS_STEP&pid=LD02474161

purplesilk · Sep 26, 2012

If you're not comfortable wearing such an expensive ring, choose something cheaper!
What's "your" budget? What's your style?

bobamaniac · Sep 26, 2012

Budget - $10,000 to $12,500
Style - Round brilliant
Ct. - 1.00 - 2.00
Ring Size - 3.5

To be honest, I am happy with anything or nothing at all. I just look forward to spending the rest of my life with him. Mushy feelings aside, my practical side pops out. He wants to get anything from 1 - 2 ct and base on my rudimentary research those are the rings we are looking at. I am not sure if it is worth going up in ct for lower other 3 Cs. This is something we hope to pass on to our kids and like buying an large item I am trying to find something that holds its value.

I read out there that it is at a point that a determining C is base on what you want in a ring. But I really don't care and that for me I am just so happy to be engage to a wonderful man so then my determining factor is value over time for the next generation. Sappy versus practical.

Any help or suggestions is greatly appreciated and I know at a certain level it comes down to what you personally like but I know there are a ton in this wonderful forum/community who buy/bought enough to know what is the best value to get if the ring is to be held onto for future generations. Learning from your lessons and experience.

Sorry for the wall of text and thank you again.

purplesilk · Sep 26, 2012

bobamaniac said:
Budget - $10,000 to $12,500
Style - Round brilliant
Ct. - 1.00 - 2.00
Ring Size - 3.5

To be honest, I am happy with anything or nothing at all. I just look forward to spending the rest of my life with him. Mushy feelings aside, my practical side pops out. He wants to get anything from 1 - 2 ct and base on my rudimentary research those are the rings we are looking at. I am not sure if it is worth going up in ct for lower other 3 Cs. This is something we hope to pass on to our kids and like buying an large item I am trying to find something that holds its value.

It makes me really happy to know you're so in love...love is the most precious value in life!

Ok, let me clarify some points:
diamonds are not a good investment unless you're in the business;
how much would you spend on the e-ring?
do you plan to wear it after the wedding? or will you wear your wedding band alone?
do you prefer modern rings, classic rings or antique ones?

bobamaniac · Sep 26, 2012

Oh, yes I don't see it as an investment but I think I tend to go overboard on research. Like I hit all the Cs, then there is florescence to consider and inclusions. But I read in the forum because I am buying online, I should look at HCA. So it is a matter of information overload and not sure which to prioritize if we are spending that much money.

I rather not spend the money and just put it in the bank because being with him is all I need. But that said the future hubby wants it and I think it is for him to be a show piece. To have me wear it and be proud that he could afford or spoil me I would say?

I would wear it all the time and I like simple modern ring. So, that is why one stone, round and we are doing a platinum band with no other stones. This main stone will be the show piece. Ideally, $12,500 or less and he likes the 1.25 to 1.5 on my hand. Spending that much I just don't want to make a mistake but that said it seems like we can get a 2ct to 1ct depending on so many factors. That is why I narrow it to those 4 but then reading more on the forum with HCAs, depth, table, and then what about inclusions? Like I get to a point where the clarity is VS1 then what happens if you have a ton of inclusions. Like better to go with lower clarity with few inclusions or higher clarity with more inclusions. Blahhhh

So, if it was up to me I would squirrel the money away but if we are spending it then I want to make sure I am getting the value and not a "mistake" in newbie buying. I adore the future hubby and if this is what he wants then I am happy and proud to wear his ring but practical side keeps whispering make sure you don't get cheated!

I was like lets get a cubic zirconia. I can't tell the difference and I am just happy to find him, love, happiness overall wheeeeee.

Sakuracherry · Sep 26, 2012

I think you can get a well cut F/G VS1/2 within your budget. As somebody who bought an I color stone without seeing it and ended up regretting it, I'd suggest that you go to a jewelry store and look at GIA graded stones to see how color sensitive you are. I can't say much about clarity. Most of the time, VS2 stones are eye clean and some SI1 are, too. You have to find out yourself what's mind clean for you. I hope you and your fiancé find a nice diamond

rubybeth · Sep 26, 2012

bobamaniac|1348670892|3274912 said:
That is why I narrow it to those 4 but then reading more on the forum with HCAs, depth, table, and then what about inclusions? Like I get to a point where the clarity is VS1 then what happens if you have a ton of inclusions. Like better to go with lower clarity with few inclusions or higher clarity with more inclusions. Blahhhh

I have a few concerns with your logic of spending this much money when you personally don't want to. I understand your future husband wanting to get you something he can be proud of, but if it's not what YOU want, I'd try to talk him down to a budget that makes you more comfortable.

With that said, I am not sure what you mean about inclusions (quoted above). If you are concerned about eye-cleanliness (being able to see inclusions), then stick with VS2 and above, as you generally cannot see anything from normal viewing distance, even within a couple inches of the stone. Do you mean you are concerned about something graded as VS1 with multiple tiny inclusions vs. something graded VS1 with just one grade-making inclusion? I really don't think it matters, as long as the inclusion isn't a black carbon spot right in the middle of the table, or a feather that breaks the surface. I'd recommend sticking with a vendor that doesn't drop-ship as Blue Nile does, unless you must use Blue Nile for some reason (in Canada, etc.).

A couple stone options:
http://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-2782659.htm
http://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-2721317.htm
http://www.goodoldgold.com/diamond/8320/
http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/G-VS2-Ideal-Cut-Round-Diamond-1475268.asp

In a classic simple setting like this:
http://www.whiteflash.com/engagement-rings/solitaire/legato-sleek-line-solitaire-engagement-ring-729.htm

Niel · Sep 26, 2012

and for sure it has to be a RB? If your finger is size 3 even a 1 ct will look sooooo big! (my size 7.25 is so jealous!!

)

So you could get an AVC or something that faces up smaller for the carat size but still has a HUGE impact. But if you love a RB i understand completely... a gal loves what she loves. I would agree with the previous post though if you could use WF or JA or GOG to see the pictures of the diamonds beforehand that might work in your favor.

Alexiszoe · Sep 26, 2012

nielseel|1348702517|3275159 said:
and for sure it has to be a RB? If your finger is size 3 even a 1 ct will look sooooo big! (my size 7.25 is so jealous!! )

So you could get an AVC or something that faces up smaller for the carat size but still has a HUGE impact. But if you love a RB i understand completely... a gal loves what she loves. I would agree with the previous post though if you could use WF or JA or GOG to see the pictures of the diamonds beforehand that might work in your favor.

ah, but there's the dreaded DSS...my 3 carat looks average to me on my size 3 fingers and I still think I can go larger

OP,

like what sakuracherry said, you should go in store to take a look (under different lighting conditions if possible) to see how color sensitive you are. You would want to compare apples with apples (i.e excellent cut stones of similar carat weight to the same but different color), because a well cut RB faces up whiter. Color or clarity may or may not be an issue to you so you want to get that figured out before you go forward.

Have you worked with JA or WF? Their service is great and they can take pictures for you as well so it might be easier for you to decide.

Gypsy · Sep 26, 2012

Dreamer_D · Sep 26, 2012

Have you read this?

https://www.pricescope.com/wiki/diamonds

bobamaniac · Sep 26, 2012

Dreamer_D|1348704580|3275178 said:
Have you read this?

https://www.pricescope.com/wiki/diamonds

Oh yes that is the problem. I read it all and now in addition to the Cs there is HCA factors, looking at feathers, fluorescence, depth, table, girth, etc. It is a lot of information and I am trying to balance it all.

By the way what is a RB?

I think I might go with this:

http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/G-VS1-Excellent-Cut-Round-Diamond-1525805.asp
Shape: Round
Carat Weight: 1.32
Cut: Excellent
Color: G
Clarity: VS1
Certificate: GIA
Depth: 61.3%
Table: 59.0%
Polish: Excellent
Symmetry: Excellent
Girdle:
Culet: None
Fluorescence: None
Measurements: 7.04*7.01*4.31

HCA was calculated to be 1.8

What do you guys think? BTW thank you Purple, Gypsy and Blue for your suggestions. With the discount, wire, and the band this ended up being under $12,000.

purplesilk · Sep 27, 2012

bobamaniac said:
By the way what is a RB?

I think I might go with this:

http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/G-VS1-Excellent-Cut-Round-Diamond-1525805.asp
Shape: Round
Carat Weight: 1.32
Cut: Excellent
Color: G
Clarity: VS1
Certificate: GIA
Depth: 61.3%
Table: 59.0%
Polish: Excellent
Symmetry: Excellent
Girdle:
Culet: None
Fluorescence: None
Measurements: 7.04*7.01*4.31

HCA was calculated to be 1.8

What do you guys think? BTW thank you Purple, Gypsy and Blue for your suggestions. With the discount, wire, and the band this ended up being under $12,000.

RB is the acronym of Round Brilliant.

I'm not a diamond expert, but from what I've learnt on this site, the stone you chose is potentially a beautiful diamond...to be sure to get a great performer ask for ASET.

DIAMOND CONCIERGE
SERVICE

JOIN OUR ONLINE
COMMUNITY

Search

Please help with ring suggestions (~$10,000 - $12,000)

bobamaniac

Rough_Rock

Sponsored By:

purplesilk

Ideal_Rock

bobamaniac

Rough_Rock

purplesilk

Ideal_Rock

bobamaniac

Rough_Rock

Sakuracherry

Brilliant_Rock

rubybeth

Ideal_Rock

Niel

Super_Ideal_Rock

Alexiszoe

Brilliant_Rock

Gypsy

Super_Ideal_Rock

Dreamer_D

Super_Ideal_Rock

bobamaniac

Rough_Rock

purplesilk

Ideal_Rock