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Please help with value on engagement ring ? i go tomorrow :)

R

Ryancope123

Rough_Rock
Joined
Oct 12, 2018
Messages
16
Hi there,
I am completely new to jewellery and looking to pop the question to my GF of 9 years in December, just wondering if you may be able to give me some guidance please as I don't want to get shafted :(

I have found a ring but not sure if it's a good/fair price?
https://www.diamond-heaven.co.uk/pro...ng?scolourid=0

Would you mind having a quick look and letting me know your thoughts, please ? also if you think it's good what would you be looking to get the price down to?

Massively appreciate your time :) thank you.
 
OK, so first of all, is this the ring that your GF wants? Has she tried it on?

For me, there is not enough information about the diamonds. They are not GIA certified (please note that GIA does not assign a cut “grade” to emerald cuts so I’m not sure what “good” means here). An Si1 diamond will likely have visible inclusions. Also, don’t forget that the total carat weight includes the sidestones (about which there is no info) so the centre stone might be quite small in the 1.2ct ring.

Make sure you ask lots of questions!
 
Snowdrop13 said:
OK, so first of all, is this the ring that your GF wants? Has she tried it on?

For me, there is not enough information about the diamonds. They are not GIA certified (please note that GIA does not assign a cut “grade” to emerald cuts so I’m not sure what “good” means here). An Si1 diamond will likely have visible inclusions. Also, don’t forget that the total carat weight includes the side stones (about which there is no info) so the centre stone might be quite small in the 1.2ct ring.

Make sure you ask lots of questions!
Click to expand...

Hi Snowdrop,

Thanks for getting back to me.

It's her style 100% as we looked a couple of years ago purely in shop windows and i got a good idea of her style preference.
she is an M ring size.
it says at the bottom you can have a GIA certificate is this something I should 100% get?
when you say visible- is this under the normal eye or a microscope?
Reference the weight superb question for me to ask, thank you.
Is there anything else, going from your experience is this overpriced or under?
I was told that Birmingham Jewellery quarter is one of the best places to buy diamonds from?

HUGE thank you so far :angel::angel:
 
Wewechew said:
Absolutely choose the GIA option. I would also change the clarity to VS2 at the very least- You can see inclusions very easily in emeralds.
Click to expand...

Okay thank you, so at least GIA + VS2 as a bare minimum (again is this something the naked eye will pickup).

Price wise can we gauge from the price if this is priced fairly?
GIA + VS2 = £3,365.70
 
I agree about the GIA option.

I’m not an expert on emerald cuts at all but I do know that finding a nice one can be trickier than finding a round, there aren’t a fixed set of measurements that can be searched for. I’d have a look at some threads on here, also look at the James Allen website and search for emerald cuts, look at the videos and note what looks good to your eye. I’m not sure if the jeweller will be able to offer you a choice?
 
Ryancope123 said:
Okay thank you, so at least GIA + VS2 as a bare minimum (again is this something the naked eye will pickup).

Price wise can we gauge from the price if this is priced fairly?
GIA + VS2 = £3,365.70
Click to expand...
Yes, SI would be visible to the naked eye. Emeralds don’t have tons of facets reflecting light back to your eye, so both color and clarity are not “hidden” like they can be with other cuts. Unless you aren’t picky about this or the SI inclusions were in an area of the stone that hide them better.

In regards to price, that would depend on the size of the center diamond.
 
Snowdrop13 said:
I agree about the GIA option.

I’m not an expert on emerald cuts at all but I do know that finding a nice one can be trickier than finding a round, there aren’t a fixed set of measurements that can be searched for. I’d have a look at some threads on here, also look at the James Allen website and search for emerald cuts, look at the videos and note what looks good to your eye. I’m not sure if the jeweller will be able to offer you a choice?
Click to expand...

Okay thank you , appreciate this info will have a good look.
 
Wewechew said:
Yes, SI would be visible to the naked eye. Emeralds don’t have tons of facets reflecting light back to your eye, so both color and clarity are not “hidden” like they can be with other cuts. Unless you aren’t picky about this or the SI inclusions were in an area of the stone that hide them better.

In regards to price, that would depend on the size of the centre diamond.
Click to expand...

Hi again, thank you.
I am currently finding out the centre diamond size as we speak.
Just to confirm a few things that I need to 100% ask about though.

1. VS2 as a bare minimum as this is eye clean.
2. GIA certificate - must!

3. Find out centre diamond size to get a better idea on price.
 
Ryancope123 said:
Hi again, thank you.
I am currently finding out the centre diamond size as we speak.
Just to confirm a few things that I need to 100% ask about though.

1. VS2 as a bare minimum as this is eye clean.
2. GIA certificate - must!

3. Find out centre diamond size to get a better idea on price.
Click to expand...
As @Snowdrop13 mentioned, I’d also find out if you have a pick of center stones, or if after you pick your options what you get is what you get.
 
Have you thought about ordering your ring from James Allen or Blue Nile (or another on-line vendor)? PSers could find you a nice emerald in your budget. I’m in the US so know nothing about your jeweler, but I feel you could get a better ring/have more control over what you get elsewhere
 
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I must admit, I haven't thought about online as it worries me a little.
I am all for having a look though, i will be honest i looked on James Allen just and couldn't see a design like the one i posted really on there ? maybe i missed something.

Also are they both not US based websites, i am in the UK? not sure if that complicates anything.

Guidance would be greatly appreciated on this one too :) I'm open minded.
 
You make a good point- yes, I think it does complicate things. I need to get ready for work, but I will do some research when I get to a computer in a couple hours.

@sledge you’ve helped with some UK customers before, haven’t you?
 
Thank you, in the meantime i am waiting for a reply on the centre diamond size.
 
I am in UK and frequently import jewellery and clothing from abroad.

I have not purchased any significant jewellery in UK for years.

Just need to be mindful of paying custom charges and import duties.

VAT is 20%, custom handling charges vary amongst couriers, budget for 20 GBP to be on the safe side.

I prefer to use FedEx myself for shipping.

I would shop at White Flash, Brian Gavin or James Allen for certain if I were to buy a diamond and have it set into a ring from an US vendor.

DK :))
 
Hi guys,

I have an update on the ring information i provided - hope it helps give an indication if the price being asked is fair.


1.20ct total :
0.50ct Centre
0.30ct outer stones
0.40ct in the split shoulders
@Wewechew
@Snowdrop13
 
Thanks mate - i don't really want to be buying online / import as it will be hassle if need to return for whatever reason, but thank you for pointing me in the direction should i wish to go online in the future :)
 
Ryancope123 said:
Hi guys,

I have an update on the ring information i provided - hope it helps give an indication if the price being asked is fair.


1.20ct total :
0.50ct Centre
0.30ct outer stones
0.40ct in the split shoulders
@Wewechew
@Snowdrop13
Click to expand...

Just as I had expected, the photo is a stock photo and not a true representation of the actual stones, as the difference in size between the centre stone and side stones are much less than 0.2ct!

The price is reasonable for a centre stone of 0.5ct.

DK :roll2:
 
Last edited:
Here is a pic of my 3-stone ring approximately 0.8cttw, with a centre stone approximately 0.5ct for size comparison.
3StoneRing_01m.JPG

DK :))
 
dk168 said:
Here is a pic of my 3-stone ring approximately 0.8cttw, with a centre stone approximately 0.5ct for size comparison.
3StoneRing_01m.JPG

Hi there,

Thank you for taking the time to reply, I didn't realise the picture wasn't a true representation of the size, but that makes sense.

Thanks for the picture, gives me an idea. What do you try to negotiate when buying rings etc is there a rule of thumb like 10-20% etc

DK :))
Click to expand...
 
Ryancope123 said:
Hi guys,

I have an update on the ring information i provided - hope it helps give an indication if the price being asked is fair.


1.20ct total :
0.50ct Centre
0.30ct outer stones
0.40ct in the split shoulders
@Wewechew
@Snowdrop13
Click to expand...
Based on the above carat weights and assuming GIA G VS2 diamonds, yes, that is a fair price.
 
I would ask to see the actual ring before buying it. The ring in the stock photo will have a very different proportion than the same ring with a 0.5 carat centre stone (as I would guess that the carat weight in the stock photo is at least a full carat, possibly more). These small details can make or break the look of a ring.

I'm not in the US either, and tend to buy a lot online. Yes, shipping, duties, and return shipping can be a pain, but you do tend to get more for your money - and more transparency about what exactly you are getting - than in brick and mortar stores. The advantage of course of seeing something in person is that you can see with your eyes whether or not you like it. Ymmv on that front. I have certainly bought things in person that I knew I could get for less online, but I appreciated being able to see the actual product on me, rather than guessing.
 
Wewechew said:
Based on the above carat weights and assuming GIA G VS2 diamonds, yes, that is a fair price.
Click to expand...

Okay thank you, i will go see tomorrow.. if it doesn't look right (too small out of proportion) i will walk away.

thanks again, really appreciate all the help.
 
cmd2014 said:
I would ask to see the actual ring before buying it. The ring in the stock photo will have a very different proportion than the same ring with a 0.5 carat centre stone (as I would guess that the carat weight in the stock photo is at least a full carat, possibly more). These small details can make or break the look of a ring.

I'm not in the US either, and tend to buy a lot online. Yes, shipping, duties, and return shipping can be a pain, but you do tend to get more for your money - and more transparency about what exactly you are getting - than in brick and mortar stores. The advantage of course of seeing something in person is that you can see with your eyes whether or not you like it. Ymmv on that front. I have certainly bought things in person that I knew I could get for less online, but I appreciated being able to see the actual product on me, rather than guessing.
Click to expand...

Thank you, really appreciate the guidance, i will go and see in person and go from there :)
 
This ring is very similar to my engagement ring, which is an Emerald cut 3 stone ring. The center on my ring is a 1.5 ct, E/VS, and the sides are F/VS. The TCW is 2.5 carats, without the small pave diamonds, and set in platinum. When I chose the option for TCW, color, and clarity in platinum with a GIA certificate it came up to about $20K USD, which is right in line with what I would expect given similar proportions. Plus taxes, fun times. :P

That said, make sure you get a GIA certificate as others have said, and ask about the size on all stones for any given TCW. I think that a smaller center diamond than mine would definitely lower the price, and it looks like the piece has smaller side stones. You didn't mention what TCW you wanted or clarity, etc. That might help us help you. For an EC I would definitely prioritize clarity- I love that my EC looks like an ice rink up close with no imperfections visible.

You're making me miss my ring already (getting ready to sell it!). Good luck!
 
Thanks for giving me a rough idea what a better cut and TCW you have and paid that's cool. I will have a look look tomorrow if no good I won't be buying. I literally didn't have a clue about any of this until today so appreciate all the guidance we have an appointment booked in for first thing in the morning, so I will see then what it looks like and what price it is.
 
Hi Ryancope, I hope everything goes well for you both tomorrow.

I’ve been trying to compile a recommended vendors list for the UK but it’s early days with it, so I’m sorry I can’t help with any other suggestions in Birmingham, there should be many good jewellers there but no one has recommended anyone yet.

I looked at your link and as I’m sure you know, it looks like you can choose many aspects of the ring and Diamonds for this setting, I think that it’s just a stock photo as they must make them to order.
Using their clickable areas you can select your stones and the price changes accordingly. So GIA, the size, colour, clarity etc are all variables for you to choose from. So it’s likely to be a ‘do you like their workmanship and style’ question and then they make it for you with your choice of stones.

If you’re not happy after tomorrow’s visit I’d go around the city trying on lots of things to find what you love, you might be surprised, then come back on to PS and ask a question re finding what you want and I’m sure that all the mega knowledgable people on here will swing to your rescue.

Good Luck with your searching, please don’t settle for anything that you don’t consider to be gorgeous and that you’re both in love with...there are always more Diamonds, rings and shops out there.

Another thing is, if you dont mind them being ‘preloved’, there’s always secondhand rings to consider, normally they’re way more cost effective and so you get more for your budget.
Hope this helps.
Best wishes.
 
OP, I do not like to haggle.

For jewellery purchases, I do my research first to find out what is good and what to avoid, have an idea of prices etc. etc...

I would either pay the asking price if I believe it is fair, or make an offer for what I am prepared to pay. If my offer is not good enough, I walk.

When shopping in person, the vendors often try to negotiate when I start to walk away. This tactic had worked in the past for lower end products.

Good luck with your trip tomorrow!

DK :))
 
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Austina said:
For what its worth, I’ve visited Hatton Garden and Birmingham’s jewellery quarter, and I didn’t think their prices were particularly cheap.
Click to expand...

The prices may not be much cheaper in Hatton Garden, however there are a lot more examples of different 4s and settings on display in one small geographical location for research purposes.
Also I find the shops less intimidating than the ones around the Bond Streets.
They now have multiple smaller booths with different vendors within what was once a bigger single vendor's shop, like the ones I have seen in LA's Diamond District.
One can just walk in and browse to his/her heart content. Great fun!

It is definitely worth a visit.

DK :))
 
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