Princess engagement ring

Grust · Aug 1, 2018

Hi, guys!
I am currently in the process of choosing my first (hopefully, the only) proposal ring. Been educating myself for several days.
After delicate investigation into my fiancee preferences, I am looking for a princess shaped 0.5ct eyeclean colorless diamond with a very minimalistic solitaire setting.
Somehow I find most difficult to find a proper setting than the diamond. Because most of the settings seem not delicate enough. Probably due to inability to look at them offline.

Anyway, in the shortlist:
1. https://www.briangavindiamonds.com/engagement-rings/legera-18k-white-gold-5863w18
Generally I like it. The only concern is about the aggresiveness of v-shaped prongs.
2. https://www.briangavindiamonds.com/engagement-rings/solitaire/jody-sholdt-14k-white-gold-6975w14 . This U-shaped looks softer. And the concern here is the increased top height.
In 1 setting top and bottom heights are even - that perfectly matches the concept of minimalistic preferences. But prongs look agressive and rough to my mind.
Number 2 is softer but uneven in height - is it noticeable in real life?

Regarding the diamonds,
I am leaning towards this one. BG says it is completely eye clean, despite I can see an inclusion from the front view on 360 photo. What do you think?
https://www.briangavindiamonds.com/...ess-diamond-ags-104089111001?a_aid=GrayMatter

Would there be noticeable difference in comparison to the 2 options below?
2. https://www.briangavindiamonds.com/...ess-diamond-ags-104088439003?a_aid=GrayMatter
or 3. https://www.briangavindiamonds.com/...ess-diamond-ags-104088439007?a_aid=GrayMatter

OoohShiny · Aug 2, 2018

Welcome to the forum

I'm not sure what you mean by the settings being uneven in height?

I caveat that I am a clarity-freak

and am also no expert! but they all have inclusions under the table. (I'm surprised the VS1 is so obvious TBH.) Don't forget, though, they are hugely magnified in the images, so find a pencil with an eraser on the end of it and that's about the same size it will be on the hand - that might help you consider if an inclusion as small as those in the selected diamonds will be an issue or not

Eye-clean is different for everyone - for me, I like completely eye-clean at all distances and angles, whereas many others are happy with eye-clean from the top view at 10 inches.

Has the intended recipient confirmed a preference either way?

To throw a couple more options in the mix, this has a feather rather than a crystal as the grade-setting inclusion, so (IMHO) should look 'more eye-clean' (as I can't see anything on the video!)
https://www.briangavindiamonds.com/...nd-ags-104089111006#!prettyPhoto[gallery2]/0/
It squeezes the budget up a little but it's also a D, which is cool if you like high-colour

tyty333 · Aug 2, 2018

Those rings that you are looking at are highly magnified. I doubt any of it will be an issue in real life. If it is, you would need to send the ring
back and have them "fix" it. By different heights are you talking about the prongs and where they are on the stone? I like the second setting
better too.

That stone you are considering...at 4.34x4.25 will probably be eye-clean but doesnt hurt to ask before the setting is made.

Grust · Aug 2, 2018

Thanks for the reply! Watching my post without replies drowning to next page I started to think, that I`d posted a regular trivial question, that nobody is interested in

A week ago a "4c" term meant something only from a car industry to me. After some educational articles (a lot) and admiring diamonds online and offline I am afraid that it is going to be my next hobby)

I am a rather practical freak and do not care much about features beyond naked eye abilities. And the receipent feels the same. So I expunged D and VVS+ as not visible and expensive options. I suppose that cut quality matters. And I stick to E/F and VS2 or better. Also looking for 3 chevron facets.

Regarding the ring in question - to me it also seems more of a feather than a crystal. But AGS report states a crystal in the remarks.
People from BG and Niceice tell that all 3 mentioned stoned in my post are completely eye clean. They are selling of course but they have a nice reputation everywhere.
https://www.briangavindiamonds.com/...ess-diamond-ags-104089111001?a_aid=GrayMatter

Regarding unevency - sorry for my English. Meant different height in top and bottom.

rockysalamander · Aug 2, 2018

This is larger and cleaner. Also - ideal cut.
https://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/princess-cut-loose-diamond-4017825.htm

Another WF option.
https://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/princess-cut-loose-diamond-4017820.htm

I like BGD a lot. But read the upgrade policy carefully. You have to upgrade 2 of 3 (clarity, color or carat). Make sure you would realistically see that happening, given that you are looking at an E (D is the only color above).

sledge · Aug 2, 2018

If you go WF I know they carry Vatche. A buddy got his girl a gorgeous 2 carat and placed in an X prong from Vatche. Ot was stunning!

I didn't see his exact setting but here are some others you may like. FYI WF can access more styles than shown on their website. Just tell them Vatche, or who ever, and the model number.

https://www.whiteflash.com/diamond-jewelry/compare.aspx?idnos=1761,1653,253,1611,307

Grust · Aug 2, 2018

Thx guys.
Things went unexpectedly. Somehow I thought if stones are in stock at bgd how long would it take them to make a ring.. 1-2 weeks.. Lol. minimum 3-4. My fault.
Received a coupon from NiceIce - worked well in online basket. Mentioned it in email letter to their sale rep - was ignored and charged full price.
Lesson learned - shall plan well ahead.

msop04 · Aug 2, 2018

I don't have any other diamonds to add, but I would strongly consider WF due to the cut and less restrictive upgrade policy (as compared to BGD).

SimoneDi · Aug 2, 2018

Grust said:
Thx guys.
Things went unexpectedly. Somehow I thought if stones are in stock at bgd how long would it take them to make a ring.. 1-2 weeks.. Lol. minimum 3-4. My fault.
Received a coupon from NiceIce - worked well in online basket. Mentioned it in email letter to their sale rep - was ignored and charged full price.
Lesson learned - shall plan well ahead.

OP some of the “select” settings can be done faster because they are stock settings, but the settings that need to be crafted take time. Make sure you mention your coupon code again, they always honor their discount codes.

rockysalamander · Aug 2, 2018

So...did you buy a diamond?

sledge · Aug 2, 2018

Grust said:
Thx guys.
Things went unexpectedly. Somehow I thought if stones are in stock at bgd how long would it take them to make a ring.. 1-2 weeks.. Lol. minimum 3-4. My fault.
Received a coupon from NiceIce - worked well in online basket. Mentioned it in email letter to their sale rep - was ignored and charged full price.
Lesson learned - shall plan well ahead.

If it's not too late, @TreeScientist just posted about his e-ring he designed for his girl. I believe EVS Designs did it. It was stupid fast. Like a few days for the CAD's and then he started production immediately. Pricing sounded reasonable too.

I know custom scares people, but that's the route I took too and it wasn't that bad. For a simple design I think it would be a breeze and if you can expedite the process, why not?

Also, who didn't honor the code? If BGD, call Lesley and I'm sure she will fix it.

Grust · Aug 6, 2018

Thx guys.
I`ve seen your recommendations, particulary from WF. Contacted WF, their terms are roughly equal and I liked their settings less.
Finally placed an order with BG. They applied a coupon from Niceice but added a rush fee of $150.
Had to change setting to their inhouse model and ordered this set:
https://www.briangavindiamonds.com/...ess-diamond-ags-104089111001?a_aid=GrayMatter
https://www.briangavindiamonds.com/engagement-rings/legera-18k-white-gold-5863w18

Unfortunately this setting (which I preferred initially) was not availabe to speed up https://www.briangavindiamonds.com/engagement-rings/solitaire/jody-sholdt-14k-white-gold-6975w14

But do not feel much regret) Hope it will look fine)

sledge · Aug 6, 2018

Congrats on the decision! Glad it is working out for you. I actually like the BGD setting over the Sholdt one better, but that is very subjective obviously.

Be sure to post pics once done!

OoohShiny · Aug 6, 2018

Great choice! I love the faceting on that stone, and the setting looks great to my eyes

As above, please do post pics when you receive it / the question is asked!

Grust · Aug 6, 2018

Thx)
Guys, one question. I am from distant Russia (btw, anybody else here, or am I the only one?).
Pls, give me advice on the US tax system!)
People from BG send me a ring from TX to Chicago and tell that, I do not have to pay anything except the price of the ring. No sales taxes and things like that. Is it really so? Because a friend of my friend (who is 100% trustworthy) is to take delivery. But I hope not to bother him with additional payments.

rockysalamander · Aug 6, 2018

Grust said:
Thx)
Guys, one question. I am from distant Russia (btw, anybody else here, or am I the only one?).
Pls, give me advice on the US tax system!)
People from BG send me a ring from TX to Chicago and tell that, I do not have to pay anything except the price of the ring. No sales taxes and things like that. Is it really so? Because a friend of my friend (who is 100% trustworthy) is to take delivery. But I hope not to bother him with additional payments.

You will only pay US sales tax if the item is bought from a resident of the same state. So, So, if the ring will be sold FROM Texas and mailed TO a resident of New York. No tax. Yay for you.

OoohShiny · Aug 6, 2018

I hope your friend really is 100% trustworthy!!

Grust · Aug 6, 2018

OoohShiny said:
I hope your friend really is 100% trustworthy!!

Just in case, I know where to find him

Seriously, of course, he is.
I tried to avoid Russian post (which has bad reputation). Here in Russia we mostly have the option to buy from Tiffany or 2-3 local chain stores (with inflated prices) but all of them have a very very limited stock for anything except round diamonds.
And most of online stores do not deliver here (like BN). Although BG claims to have positive experience.

OoohShiny · Aug 6, 2018

Grust said:
Just in case, I know where to find him
Seriously, of course, he is.
I tried to avoid Russian post (which has bad reputation). Here in Russia we mostly have the option to buy from Tiffany or 2-3 local chain stores (with inflated prices) but all of them have a very very limited stock for anything except round diamonds.
And most of online stores do not deliver here (like BN). Although BG claims to have positive experience.

@Serg has the Cutwise site:
https://octonus-teams.com/wiki/display/CUDO/About+Cutwise+Team
https://cutwise.com/collections
and he is based in Russia, IIRC - he might be able to assist if required!

Grust · Aug 13, 2018

Hi guys,
waiting for my ring now - that takes patience.
While waiting noticed at BGD that a lot of AGS reports date 2015-2017 years.
I randomly picked 10 stones of different prices in popular categories (0.5ct - 1 - 1.5) from princess signature category - should be popular items. But it looks like mid 2017 is the most recent report.
Does it mean that they are "traded-in" or used some how? How one could know that?
And what is the attitude to traded-in diamonds here?
From one side - a stone rested in some mountain for a few ths years, so does it really matter if it was on someone else`s finger for several years and then replaced for a different one and polished and like new.
On the other hand many people prefer never-worn items and do not consider used cars or expensive watches.

OoohShiny · Aug 13, 2018

I don't think you will ever know if a stone has been sold before - Princess cuts are less in demand than rounds, so it's perfectly possible that they were cut and have sat in inventory for a couple of years, but it could also be possible that they've been bought and later exchanged for another stone, meaning they've come (back) into inventory.

As long as the stone is in perfect condition and still matches the grading report, all is fine

rockysalamander · Aug 13, 2018

With BGD, they should all be inhouse stones. You can simply ask if the stone was a trade-in. If so, ask for an updated report. But, like @OoohShiny said, I can see princess cuts languishing in inventory as they seem to be less popular right now.

SimoneDi · Aug 13, 2018

rockysalamander said:
With BGD, they should all be inhouse stones. You can simply ask if the stone was a trade-in. If so, ask for an updated report. But, like @OoohShiny said, I can see princess cuts languishing in inventory as they seem to be less popular right now.

I will add that every time BGD gets a traded in stone, they send the diamond for regrading to AGS. So it is more likely than not that the princess cut diamonds are “new” and graded in 2017 or last year.

ac117 · Aug 13, 2018

Princesses are also not as popular anymore so they probably don't move inventory as quickly, as they do with rounds. As Simone also mentioned, they also send their trade-ins back to AGS for regrading so they would have an updated/current report.

Grust · Aug 13, 2018

Thx guys.
The idea of pre-owned also seems strange to me in relation to 2017 year reports - as it should be owned for a rather short period. But I can see expensive 3ct+ stones dated 2015..
And I always thought that princess cut is second popular to round ones so expected it to be rather popular.

aussiemel · Aug 13, 2018

Grust said:
Hi guys,
waiting for my ring now - that takes patience.
While waiting noticed at BGD that a lot of AGS reports date 2015-2017 years.
I randomly picked 10 stones of different prices in popular categories (0.5ct - 1 - 1.5) from princess signature category - should be popular items. But it looks like mid 2017 is the most recent report.
Does it mean that they are "traded-in" or used some how? How one could know that?
And what is the attitude to traded-in diamonds here?
From one side - a stone rested in some mountain for a few ths years, so does it really matter if it was on someone else`s finger for several years and then replaced for a different one and polished and like new.
On the other hand many people prefer never-worn items and do not consider used cars or expensive watches.

My stone (Princess 1.05 ct) was a trade in stone. I didn't really mind, it's a beautiful stone, was in perfect condition and matched the certificate. I have no problem with it but it's a personal decision whether it bothers you or not.

Dancing Fire · Aug 14, 2018

Grust said:
And I always thought that princess cut is second popular to round ones so expected it to be rather popular.

It used to be a few yrs ago, but now my guess

Cushions and Asschers are tie for the #2 spot.

Grust · Aug 16, 2018

BGD sent me pictures before delivery. Need advice.
i am concerned about prongs on the last picture. Aren`t thery too big for this stone and dont` they stand out too much out of the edges of the stone?
It`s a 0.527ct diamond

Grust · Aug 16, 2018

Btw, my gf seemed to like this ~0.3ct tiffany ring from her friend.

rockysalamander · Aug 16, 2018

Grust said:
BGD sent me pictures before delivery. Need advice.
i am concerned about prongs on the last picture. Aren`t thery too big for this stone and dont` they stand out too much out of the edges of the stone?
It`s a 0.527ct diamond

The difference is the two are the prongs. You selected a setting with double prongs. They have to curve up and over the stone. The tiffany has V-prongs. I prefer V-prongs in a princess. Can they swap the setting?

https://www.briangavindiamonds.com/engagement-rings/solitaire/four-prong-for-square-platinum-5505p
https://www.briangavindiamonds.com/...-cooper-chloe-princess-14k-white-gold-6292w14 {I love this if they can lower the head more}

Princess engagement ring

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