Plz help with an engagement ring!!

[Lenovo]

Is it better to buy the diamond urself i.e. from an online retailer or some other joint and then send it to kirsch/mege or is it preferable to have them choose the diamond?

I feel as if I could probably pick a better diamond online with help from here than I could in real life!

 

[Niel]

Is it better to buy the diamond urself i.e. from an online retailer or some other joint and then send it to kirsch/mege or is it preferable to have them choose the diamond?

I feel as if I could probably pick a better diamond online with help from here than I could in real life!

Buying a diamond out at a local store is hard. They won't provide you assets, they use trick lighting to make everything sparkle, they give you misleading info about color and clarity to try and upsell you, and they are usually overpeices

Have them find you a diamond then just compare it to other vendors like James Allen. You can narrow the parameters and if the results yield stones about the same price then you'll know its a fair price. It is easiest go buy a stone and ring from the same place, that way you agent paying shipping, insurance, etc

 

[Lenovo]

Is it better to buy the diamond urself i.e. from an online retailer or some other joint and then send it to kirsch/mege or is it preferable to have them choose the diamond?

I feel as if I could probably pick a better diamond online with help from here than I could in real life!

Buying a diamond out at a local store is hard. They won't provide you assets, they use trick lighting to make everything sparkle, they give you misleading info about color and clarity to try and upsell you, and they are usually overpeices

Have them find you a diamond then just compare it to other vendors like James Allen. You can narrow the parameters and if the results yield stones about the same price then you'll know its a fair price. It is easiest go buy a stone and ring from the same place, that way you agent paying shipping, insurance, etc

Thanks.

Probably plan on using kirsch or mege - would it be best to just use their diamond concierge service or better send them the diamond so they can just work on it?

BTW, I was checking out another thread on here and I just LOVE this diamond:
http://www.jamesallen.com/#!/loose-diamonds/cushion-cut/2.02-carat-h-color-vs2-clarity-sku-177148

I just wish it wasn't so darn expensive! Is there anything similar around with the same cut and the awesome ASET that is about 10K cheaper?

 

[JulieN]

ugh, I'm going to link vomit now.

James Allen cushions of the same type, and some ovals: http://www.jamesallen.com/#!/loose-diamonds/oval-cut//CaratFrom:1.50|CaratTo:10.00|TabSelected:3|ps:15||DiamondID:91012,128592,96500,96523,197336,178122,202877,182472

Some more of that style, they are bigger but at the top of your budget:
http://www.bluenile.com/cushion-cut-diamond-1-carat-very-good-cut-i-color-vs1-clarity_LD02728013
http://www.bluenile.com/cushion-cut-diamond-1-carat-very-good-cut-i-color-vs1-clarity_LD02728189

Large rectangular cushion brilliant:
http://www.solomonbrothers.com/DiamondDetail.aspx?sku=64773FY7&affiliate=9318613A-AD0C-4530-A456-0409DFEFB8DE%20&utm_source=PriceScope

I would first try to go through whoever you want to make the ring, and you can pick a few from JA to view in person by appointment.

 

[Lenovo]

Its between cushion and round - she is not a fan of the ovals.

Bluenile I want to stay away from b/c they do not provide ASET images

I will be sure to keep you guys posted about what info we get once we go in person anywhere.

In the meantime, if you guys have any more recs, please keep em coming.

In the meantime, I came across the following excerpt and was wondering whether I should be super picky about the cut:

depth - 60 - 62% - although my personal preference is to allow up to 62.4% - don''t go too far past this or you can lose face up size and the diamond will look small for the weight.
table - 54- 57%
crown angle - 34- 35 degrees
pavilion angle - 40.6- 41 degrees
girdle - avoid extremes, look for thin to slightly thick, thin to medium etc
polish and symmetry - very good and above

 

[JulieN]

The Blue Nile ones I posted just for you to get the GIA number. Some vendors can get the same diamonds that BN lists.

That proportion guide only works for a very narrow range, I am not a fan of it, I prefer to use HCA. I see awesome diamonds with CA in the 33-37 range all the time, and you can go a lot lower in the table, but that usually comes with higher depth.

 

[OMG_AMG]

Is it better to buy the diamond urself i.e. from an online retailer or some other joint and then send it to kirsch/mege or is it preferable to have them choose the diamond?

I feel as if I could probably pick a better diamond online with help from here than I could in real life!

Buying a diamond out at a local store is hard. They won't provide you assets, they use trick lighting to make everything sparkle, they give you misleading info about color and clarity to try and upsell you, and they are usually overpeices

Have them find you a diamond then just compare it to other vendors like James Allen. You can narrow the parameters and if the results yield stones about the same price then you'll know its a fair price. It is easiest go buy a stone and ring from the same place, that way you agent paying shipping, insurance, etc

Thanks.

Probably plan on using kirsch or mege - would it be best to just use their diamond concierge service or better send them the diamond so they can just work on it?

BTW, I was checking out another thread on here and I just LOVE this diamond:
http://www.jamesallen.com/#!/loose-diamonds/cushion-cut/2.02-carat-h-color-vs2-clarity-sku-177148

I just wish it wasn't so darn expensive! Is there anything similar around with the same cut and the awesome ASET that is about 10K cheaper?

the 2.02 H VS2 is a great diamond as I was looking at it before...but unfortunately I couldn't justify the price premium that was attached to this specific cut

I believe a cutter is Canada is cutting this specific cut, and he is charging quite a premium for it! it is not worth it IMHO because for $30K, you could get a 2.0ct H VS2 Brellia Hearts & Arrows square cushion which would blow this one out of the water in terms of light return

 

[Lenovo]

Ya I agree about the price tag for that JA diamond - it seems rather bloated.

OMG_AMG - what did you end up getting and from where? Looks like we are in a similar boat, although your boat is a bit bigger haha

 

[OMG_AMG]

Ya I agree about the price tag for that JA diamond - it seems rather bloated.

OMG_AMG - what did you end up getting and from where? Looks like we are in a similar boat, although your boat is a bit bigger haha

my gf loves the Tiffany Novo (basically a cushion brilliant cut) so I searched high and low for a cushion brilliant...(cushion brilliants have the 8 main thin facet cut pattern and they're rare these days)

I finally found one that meets my specs, through a vendor here on PS, and I had my local jeweler source it in...I'm going to look at the diamond in person tomorrow, and if everything turns out well, I will be purchasing

 

[CharmyPoo]

Isn't it a bit wrong to have a vendor find you a diamond and use someone else to call it in? Or maybe you are doing something else.

What size are you looking for? Mark at erd has a gorgeous 8 main cushion ... I saw it the other day.

 

[OMG_AMG]

Isn't it a bit wrong to have a vendor find you a diamond and use someone else to call it in? Or maybe you are doing something else.

What size are you looking for? Mark at erd has a gorgeous 8 main cushion ... I saw it the other day.

hi charmy!! sorry for my poor choice of wording...it sounds misleading now that I re-read my post

Through my personal online searches, I actually found a diamond that was listed through a PS vendor as a virtual stone...and I had my local jeweler source in this virtual stone so that I can look at it (the vendor did no legwork in helping me find this diamond)

And yes, Mark at ERD currently does have a 1.51 G VS1 cushion brilliant in house in case you're interested Lenovo

 

[Niel]

I found this K and thought of you, the color seems like a higher K, and scores well on the hca, thought the crown angle is a little low. might be worth getting an aset, leaves you lots of money for the setting
http://www.jamesallen.com/#!/loose-diamonds/round-cut/1.74-carat-k-color-vvs2-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-194501

 

[Lenovo]

Isn't it a bit wrong to have a vendor find you a diamond and use someone else to call it in? Or maybe you are doing something else.

What size are you looking for? Mark at erd has a gorgeous 8 main cushion ... I saw it the other day.

hi charmy!! sorry for my poor choice of wording...it sounds misleading now that I re-read my post

Through my personal online searches, I actually found a diamond that was listed through a PS vendor as a virtual stone...and I had my local jeweler source in this virtual stone so that I can look at it (the vendor did no legwork in helping me find this diamond)

And yes, Mark at ERD currently does have a 1.51 G VS1 cushion brilliant in house in case you're interested Lenovo

Cool. Did you end up getting it? How much did you pay? Is there big diff between just cushion cut and cushion cut brilliant?

 

[Lenovo]

neilseel, I spoke to jamesallen.com chat lady today and was a little disappointed. First off, for rounds, they do not provide ASET images. Now, I realize idealscope images are good, but ASET provides more info for sure ( although the info may be over my head). Second, they don't allow the diamond to be seen at their store in NYC. I don't understand what the point is to advertise that you have a location in NYC, yet no one can actually use to see a stone. Third, the lady said that you can only get ASET/idealscope images as a one time courtesy only for up to three diamonds. I mean really? It's not like I am buying a down jacket here - these things cost a good chunk and I would like to have all the info about all the ones I am interested in.

Anyways, I like the diamond you picked out and I found this one as well:
http://www.jamesallen.com/#!/loose-diamonds/round-cut/1.75-carat-i-color-si1-clarity-ideal-cut-sku-183933


What do you think?

And what's the deal with JA? Are all online vendors like that?

 

[CharmyPoo]

ASET are not useful for rounds and you just need idealscope image. You get great cost savings through JA so I guess they do have to limit what they can do. Plus, they have to pay to call in each diamond to evaluate ... If each customer requests 10 ...their profits greatly errodes. Online diamond vendors are not working on huge margins. Heck ... Its probably below min wage if you calculate hours of work against profits for some customers.

 

[Niel]

neilseel, I spoke to jamesallen.com chat lady today and was a little disappointed. First off, for rounds, they do not provide ASET images. Now, I realize idealscope images are good, but ASET provides more info for sure ( although the info may be over my head). Second, they don't allow the diamond to be seen at their store in NYC. I don't understand what the point is to advertise that you have a location in NYC, yet no one can actually use to see a stone. Third, the lady said that you can only get ASET/idealscope images as a one time courtesy only for up to three diamonds. I mean really? It's not like I am buying a down jacket here - these things cost a good chunk and I would like to have all the info about all the ones I am interested in.

Anyways, I like the diamond you picked out and I found this one as well:
http://www.jamesallen.com/#!/loose-diamonds/round-cut/1.75-carat-i-color-si1-clarity-ideal-cut-sku-183933


What do you think?

And what's the deal with JA? Are all online vendors like that?

Yes ASETS you dont need that was my mistake, sometimes i say one when i mean the other , you get so used to saying asets for all these cushions then a round comes in and.... you know
as for the 3 stones, if you vet them before by looking at the inclusions, color, and angles, youll know without idealscopes if they are going to be nice or not, the idealscopes are just the next step, for rounds, you can pretty much tell before the idealscopes if they will be nice or not. so i would look hard for the 3 you like and then just have them double check them.
As for there NYC show room, that doesnt make sense.

but they are a very nice way to buy diamonds, i like how thy show you every angle. but i can say, if your looking for rounds, the specs can tell you a whole lot even before you get an idealscope

 

[Lenovo]

Got it. I suppose it does cost them $ to get thees special images and it makes business sense for them to be a bit stringent - it is what it is I guess.

What do you guys think about the price vs quality ratio on that hearts and arrows diamond I posted as compared to the one by neil?

 

[JulieN]

JA does black background ASET anyway which is not as good as white background Ideal Scope.

The 1.75 is a little bit leaky. Still gets AGS 0, but you can do better.

 

[Lenovo]

Thanks Julie.

Can you explain what "leaky" means?

Also found this one, although it is a bit more pricey:
http://www.jamesallen.com/#!/loose-diamonds/round-cut/2.05-carat-j-color-vs1-clarity-ideal-cut-sku-178802

Another one:
http://www.goodoldgold.com/diamond/10320/

Another: http://www.engagementringsdirect.com/1.75-carat-f-si2-hearts-and-arrows-round-cut-diamond-gid-108329.html

 

[Niel]

Thanks Julie.

Can you explain what "leaky" means?

Also found this one, although it is a bit more pricey:
http://www.jamesallen.com/#!/loose-diamonds/round-cut/2.05-carat-j-color-vs1-clarity-ideal-cut-sku-178802

Another one:
http://www.goodoldgold.com/diamond/10320/

Another: http://www.engagementringsdirect.com/1.75-carat-f-si2-hearts-and-arrows-round-cut-diamond-gid-108329.html

quick question. What is your hard budget? I see you keep creeping up. Also, have you gotten quotes from SK and LM? I would also suggest a quote from VC. They all are fantastic.

http://www.victorcanera.com/jewelry/engagement-rings/search/p/2/typeofring/solitaire

 

[Niel]

had you explored going with an old cut yet??
I would contact Old World Diamonds. Tell them you're looking for a nice 2ct stone that faces up white ( maybe like a J or so?) and under 15k ( or whatever your budget is)... see what he can find you.

 

[JulieN]

https://www.pricescope.com/wiki/diamonds/diamond-cut

For a size conscious person, I think you should pick the budget you want to spend for the stone and then get the largest I/J SI1/SI2 round you can get, over 1.7 cts.

 

[Niel]

bah!!!
look what i found, he didnt post a picture YET but im sure you can get all the IS and ASETS you could need, plus its a K, SI1 (theyll tell you if its eye clean) and if you have raised your budget a bit, this would be great sense it hits that 2ct mark

and with that strong blue flour, thatll help a lot AND be sooo cool!
http://www.briangavindiamonds.com/diamonds/diamond-details/2.018-k-si1-round-diamond-ags-bl-104063998022

 

[Lenovo]

Thanks guys for the input.


Hard budget - not really sure to be honest, but I would like to keep it under 20 or 25K with setting and all. It seems that the more knowledge I gain about this stuff, the harder it makes for me to stay under budget. Ideally, under 20K would be great, but, if the diamond is awesome and I/she/you guys LOVE it, then going over would be okay.

Neil - I am not sure what an old cut, but I will read up on it and run it by her and see what she thinks of it. Only, gotten a quote from LM and I posted it in here somewhere - she is not in town and hasn't had a chance to get quotes from the other two guys you mentioned. Is it normal to go meet these people in person? Or do they insist on doing everything digitally like jamesallen.com?

 

[Niel]

yeah old cuts arent for everyone, but id for sure ask her. I would also email BG about that K i posted, i dont think itll be around for long.

 

[Lenovo]

I liked the BG about the one you posted. What should I ask about it? Or what would you like to know haha I am not sure what to ask other than can I have it haha

 

[OMG_AMG]

Isn't it a bit wrong to have a vendor find you a diamond and use someone else to call it in? Or maybe you are doing something else.

What size are you looking for? Mark at erd has a gorgeous 8 main cushion ... I saw it the other day.

hi charmy!! sorry for my poor choice of wording...it sounds misleading now that I re-read my post

Through my personal online searches, I actually found a diamond that was listed through a PS vendor as a virtual stone...and I had my local jeweler source in this virtual stone so that I can look at it (the vendor did no legwork in helping me find this diamond)

And yes, Mark at ERD currently does have a 1.51 G VS1 cushion brilliant in house in case you're interested Lenovo

Cool. Did you end up getting it? How much did you pay? Is there big diff between just cushion cut and cushion cut brilliant?

yep, will be paying for it early next week I can't comment on price yet since I haven't actually paid for it yet

if you're curious about cushions, here's a video highlighting all the different types of cushions:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1UfJDCtyCgw

The diamond that I am purchasing is similar to #5 in the video - an 8 main thin cushion brilliant

You have a more than healthy budget allocated for a ring, but I would suggest narrowing down what your gf really wants in terms of shape...round or cushion? it'll help fine-tune your searching and the other more knowledgeable PSer's on here will be better able to assist you in finding something super nice :]

 

[Niel]

I liked the BG about the one you posted. What should I ask about it? Or what would you like to know haha I am not sure what to ask other than can I have it haha

Haha " excuse me Mr Gavin could I have that diamond please?"
No I meant if you like it is ask to have them put it on hold, provide you light performance pics, and see if its eye clean. They get snatched up so if you did like it is go ahead and do that was all I was saying.

 

[Lenovo]

OMG - thanks for the link. I will check it out.

Neil - put it on hold, provide you light performance pics, and see if its eye clean - is there anything else I should be asking or looking for? - ugghh tried live chat and it seems like they are not there now...

 

[Lenovo]

Been a little bit and I have been missing in action with lots of other stuff

However, finally had the chance to go to jeweler with her to see what she likes and what the stones look like on her fingers. Worked out pretty well since she tried on a 2 carat Tiffany Novo and was blown away by how big it looked on her fingers - I was happy b/c now I know a littler smaller carat than 2 will do and I don't have to go crazy going over 2 ct and trying to stay in budget

Still haven't decided on a stone yet though, but she has been getting more and more educated on diamonds and recently sent me link that she would be happy with this one from victor canera : http://www.victorcanera.com/jewelry/engagement-rings/the-alaria-solitaire-with-flush-stems

VC is in cali - what a bummer . I was hoping I can actually walk into a place and do business in person. Will the guys in NYC come up with something similar if I showed them this pic or will they be annoyed cuz it is another dude's work?

Also, should I try to get the stone myself online with your guys help or just go with what these guys recommend?

Thanks again.