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Purchasing First Diamond - A Cut Above?

diamondseeker2006|1323444457|3077805 said:
SinkingFun|1323409374|3077668 said:
If you think the diamond listed above in my original post is a great buy and you don't think I'll find a better one at a similar price between now and February, just say the words and I'll pull the trigger. I'm uncertain because I'm no expert and don't know a good diamond deal when I see one. I just need someone to reassure me that I'm getting a great deal and be confident for me. :confused:
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I think that diamond is beautiful. BUT, I would go as close to a carat as you can. The price jumps up greatly at a carat. But if you could go to .75 or .80, that would be a nice size and I don't think you'd have any regrets later. It's something that she will wear for a lifetime, so I think it is good to stretch if you are able. Good Old Gold offers 6 month interest-free financing, too, so if you wanted to buy a stone say in January, you could pay 75% down and just pay the remainder over the next 6 months if you wanted.

In fact, they have what I think would be the perfect stone for you now at $3881. You could buy it as soon as you were able and then save for the setting. They'd keep the stone until you were ready to set it!

http://www.goodoldgold.com/diamond/8284/
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I'm going to go look at a trellis setting tomorrow and see how I like it with a round stone.

If you're insistent on a white engagement ring, this would imply a white band and thus the more modern look. I'm all for this if you think she'll love it. I am just not very fond of the white wedding band for myself.

That diamond looks fantastic. Do you think it'd get an AGSL 0000 rating for cut? And how would this compare to the "A Cut Above" diamonds?

I've actually been in contact with GOG about a setting seen here:

http://www.goodoldgold.com/images/settings/Vatche%20Files%20w%203%20view%20large%20file/164%20SLIM%20X%20PRONG/164%20slim%20x%20prong%203%20view%20large.jpg

Although the more I think about it, the more it looks like a cathedral setting and I may just end up going with a traditional tiffany like setting.

What are the pros and cons of 4 prong and 6 prong settings?

edit: This one is better.

http://www.goodoldgold.com/images/settings/Vatche%20Files%20w%203%20view%20large%20file/100%20X%20PRONG%20ROUND/100%20x%20prong%20round%20ctr%20large%20view.jpg
 
I am fortunate to have both ACA earrings and a GOG diamond in my e-ring, and they are totally equal. I have no hesitation in buying the top stones from either. I would buy the stone I linked for you myself, if that makes you feel any better! H VS2 is my personal limit and it is a good value for a higher color and clarity stone.

White metals aren't more modern because I look at tons of antique rings all the time that are platinum or white gold! If you look at old royal jewels and crowns, you'll see many in white metals. So it has been around a long time, too! I just think white metal is safest unless the girl already wears mostly yellow gold jewelry. All of the young women I worked with over the last few years got white metals. The style of a ring determines more whether the look is modern. When I got engaged in the 70's, most women got yg. But white metals have been in favor a long time, and they were in favor back when my mother got hers. So truly, white metals are enduring, too!

As far as 4 or 6 prongs go, I like both. But I am about to change from 4 prong to a Tiffany reproduction Vatche 6 prong! Vatche can be expensive, but they make nice quality settings. If you find a style you like, GOG may be able to find another brand for you that has a similar one for less. They carry settings from many different setting companies. I really don't like the wider x-prong with a .75 diamond, though. I think it will make the stone look smaller than it would in a 2-2.5mm band. Vatche has a lot of pretty settings with thin shanks. Go to their site and look.

I really like wedding bands (for the woman) that have diamonds in them, and white metal is a nice backdrop for that. But for you, there is no reason you can't have yellow gold or any metal you prefer! Yours does not have to be the same metal as hers at all. My husband wears a yg wedding band as a matter of fact. My daughter has platinum rings and her husband has Tungsten. So really, you should get what you like best since you will be the one wearing it!
 
Thanks again. I'll look at settings this weekend and decide what I want to do.

I wonder if I should just ask her if she prefers yellow or white?
 
This is what I know.

If she's wearing a plain solitaire ring with no accenting stones, she wants yellow.

If the ring is pave or channel set or something similar, she wants white because it makes it look "sparklier."

Hmm.....
 
you know, i'm getting the vibe she might want bigger and sparklier, but she's giving you options in case YOU have a preference. and i'm guessing she doesn't know your budget either so doesn't want to place pressure on you. as a fellow girl that's what my intuition is telling me ;))
 
Hint -> She prefers white metal because the personal jewelry she has (that you mentioned) are all white metals :) Just a guess, hehe.
 
Even if you get a plain solitaire, as I mentioned before, a diamond (pave or shared prong) wedding band is gorgeous with that. So I really would stick with white metal. It will go better with all her other jewelry, too!
 
NOW you're talking! Nothing is in better taste than those combinations of plain e-ring bands and diamond wedding bands! And I happen to love them myself!!! I think when you have bling on both rings, the center stone sometimes get lost.
 
if we're going with james allen then these 2 are good because realistically you don't need diamonds going all the way round to the bottom. a) noone will see it and b) it can be cumbersome.

http://www.jamesallen.com/engagement-rings/settings-with-sidestones/Common-Prong-Engagement-Ring.html
http://www.jamesallen.com/engagement-rings/pave/18k-White-Gold-2-0mm-Art-Nouveau-Ring.html

have you considered halos at all? they're quite a popular style on the forum, and can delicately create a little more impact and oomph, providing that extra sparkle that i think she'll like (i know i like it :)) )
http://www.jamesallen.com/engagement-rings/pave/-18k-White-Gold-Pave-Set-Diamond-Engagement-Ring.html


edit: i just saw those photos! that looks really pretty too. i think one thing i'd advise if going for a solitaire is choose a thinner band because she has small hands, and it will also enhance the size of the diamond. and if you go a plain 6 prong solitaire (that was what i originally wanted for my setting) you can put even more money into the center diamond!
 
SinkingFun, it is great to get ideas on settings, but you know that you need to buy the diamond first, right? It is fine to look at them to decide on the style you want, but after you buy the diamond, then you'll want to pick out the setting from that vendor so they will take responsibility for any damage to the stone while being set. They will order a setting that fits your stone and her finger. Then it will come to you fully ready to insure the day you receive it!
 
diamondseeker2006|1323462141|3078037 said:
SinkingFun, it is great to get ideas on settings, but you know that you need to buy the diamond first, right? It is fine to look at them to decide on the style you want, but after you buy the diamond, then you'll want to pick out the setting from that vendor so they will take responsibility for any damage to the stone while being set. They will order a setting that fits your stone and her finger. Then it will come to you fully ready to insure the day you receive it!
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Yes, I know and I'm going to order one soon. I'm more of a thinker and less of an impulse buyer, hence I can't jump all over that diamond recommended from GOG quite yet.

Diamond first and then I'll find a setting later.

I do love the combination of the solitaire and wedding band.

White > yellow as a set.

Yellow > white as individual erings.

This is my preference.

What's more important though, the set or individuals?
 
marchesa6989|1323461486|3078025 said:
if we're going with james allen then these 2 are good because realistically you don't need diamonds going all the way round to the bottom. a) noone will see it and b) it can be cumbersome.

http://www.jamesallen.com/engagement-rings/settings-with-sidestones/Common-Prong-Engagement-Ring.html
http://www.jamesallen.com/engagement-rings/pave/18k-White-Gold-2-0mm-Art-Nouveau-Ring.html

have you considered halos at all? they're quite a popular style on the forum, and can delicately create a little more impact and oomph, providing that extra sparkle that i think she'll like (i know i like it :)) )
http://www.jamesallen.com/engagement-rings/pave/-18k-White-Gold-Pave-Set-Diamond-Engagement-Ring.html


edit: i just saw those photos! that looks really pretty too. i think one thing i'd advise if going for a solitaire is choose a thinner band because she has small hands, and it will also enhance the size of the diamond. and if you go a plain 6 prong solitaire (that was what i originally wanted for my setting) you can put even more money into the center diamond!
Click to expand...

I agree with the previous statement and think the center stone gets lost in the pave type set. I want the diamond the be the sole focus of the ering and then pair it with diamond wedding band.

I've got ideas now. I'll keep thinking and looking for a diamond. Thanks again for all the help!
 
I think I've found a diamond I like. Opinions please?

http://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-2728104.htm

1_49.jpg

3_31.jpg

5_17.jpg

4_23.jpg

2_40.jpg



I also went into a local jewelry store today came up with some conclusions.

1. I can't tell the difference between H-I face up, so I think I'll stick with I for savings.
2. I disliked the trellis setting and have decided to have one custom made for me. I'm going to combine a couple of settings I like to get exactly what I want.

Just out of curiosity, how would the above listed diamond compare to a simple GIA excellent non-HnA cut?

http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/I-VS2-Premium-Cut-Round-Diamond-1419903.asp



EDIT:

I just don't think the $1200 price difference is justifiable for an increase in diamond size of 0.3 mm from 0.66 ct to 0.75 ct.

0.66 seen here:

http://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-2724676.htm
 
i think i mentioned this before but HnA does not reflect on how the diamond will perform - it does not determine the brilliance, sparkle or fire. let me phrase it this way:
all HnA diamonds will have ideal performance and cut. not all ideal cut diamonds are HnA. see the difference?

i think when working on a budget it is always best to go for bang for buck without compromising on quality. that's what all my advice to you has been based on.

i'm going to give 3 recommendations that i think will be stunning, the rest is up to you. i suggest that you can ask JA to put the 3 stones on hold, do an idealscope, get the gemologist to confirm they are eye clean and then recommend which one is the best choice.
0.7 H SI2 $2110 http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/H-SI2-Ideal-Cut-Round-Diamond-1437430.asp
0.77 G SI2 $2970 http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/G-SI2-Premium-Cut-Round-Diamond-1437930.asp
0.81 I SI1 $2840 http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/I-SI1-Premium-Cut-Round-Diamond-1439099.asp


and to answer your other question. yes...that small fraction of a mm makes a difference. we like to talk about finger coverage so let's think of a small female finger. let's then think of those dimensions in terms of area once you multiply the numbers. compare that to the size of a finger (1.3cm+) and the answer is 0.3mm is actually quite substantial. it depends on whether you want to spend the extra. if it is still within your budget, i would advise go for the bigger stone.
 
marchesa6989, thanks!

I'm going to take your advice 100% and stop looking at HnA diamonds.

I'll look at these diamonds and other similar ones and let you know how things turn out. Sorry I didn't listen sooner. I love bang for buck diamonds.
 
SinkingFun|1323648048|3079460 said:
marchesa6989, thanks!

I'm going to take your advice 100% and stop looking at HnA diamonds.

I'll look at these diamonds and other similar ones and let you know how things turn out. Sorry I didn't listen sooner. I love bang for buck diamonds.
Click to expand...

marchesa6989, what do you think about this diamond:

http://www.briangavindiamonds.com/diamonds/diamond-details/0.803-K-SI2-Round-Diamond-AGS-104055417002

I talked to Brian and he said it faces up white, although has a warmer color and to him, it's eye clean.
 
SinkingFun|1323648048|3079460 said:
marchesa6989, thanks!

I'm going to take your advice 100% and stop looking at HnA diamonds.

I'll look at these diamonds and other similar ones and let you know how things turn out. Sorry I didn't listen sooner. I love bang for buck diamonds.
Click to expand...

marchesa6989, what do you think about this diamond:

http://www.briangavindiamonds.com/diamonds/diamond-details/0.803-K-SI2-Round-Diamond-AGS-104055417002

I talked to Brian and he said it faces up white, although has a warmer color and to him, it's eye clean.
 
i think BG's diamonds are beautiful and the cut will be stunning, but if i were receiving an engagement ring i wouldn't want it to be off-white. K will no doubt be warm (as Brian told you himself), and if it's a surprise engagement i'd be expecting something white. the only time i'd buy someone a I or lower color is if i know that the recipient has seen it in person and doesn't mind. i personally think it's too risky and wouldn't.
 
marchesa6989|1323813582|3080788 said:
i think BG's diamonds are beautiful and the cut will be stunning, but if i were receiving an engagement ring i wouldn't want it to be off-white. K will no doubt be warm (as Brian told you himself), and if it's a surprise engagement i'd be expecting something white. the only time i'd buy someone a I or lower color is if i know that the recipient has seen it in person and doesn't mind. i personally think it's too risky and wouldn't.
Click to expand...


Okay, thanks!
 
marchesa6989|1323813582|3080788 said:
i think BG's diamonds are beautiful and the cut will be stunning, but if i were receiving an engagement ring i wouldn't want it to be off-white. K will no doubt be warm (as Brian told you himself), and if it's a surprise engagement i'd be expecting something white. the only time i'd buy someone a I or lower color is if i know that the recipient has seen it in person and doesn't mind. i personally think it's too risky and wouldn't.
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How about this one? I've seen your posts and how you love ACA diamonds. I want to get her a great diamond and ACA is what I'm liking.

http://whiteflash.com/diamond-detail.aspx?idNo=2728118
 
Probably because I'm on my phone and their mobile site. Sorry.
 
Probably because I'm on my phone and their mobile site. Sorry.
 
That's okay! I posted the correct links for you!
 
they look like really nice stones...if you have an extra $1000 lying around that is. but you seem really set on ACA or H&A stones so if that's the case then go for it.
 
marchesa6989|1323841764|3081284 said:
they look like really nice stones...if you have an extra $1000 lying around that is. but you seem really set on ACA or H&A stones so if that's the case then go for it.
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Have you heard about abazias and their diamond selection? Are the a good place to buy diamonds?

I've found a few more:

http://www.abazias.com/database/NewDiamondInfo.asp?stock=103744888&src=builder

http://www.abazias.com/database/NewDiamondInfo.asp?stock=89193163&src=builder

http://www.abazias.com/database/NewDiamondInfo.asp?stock=103403950&src=builder

http://www.abazias.com/database/NewDiamondInfo.asp?stock=99845737&src=builder

Any of these good?
 
marchesa6989|1323646174|3079441 said:
i think i mentioned this before but HnA does not reflect on how the diamond will perform - it does not determine the brilliance, sparkle or fire. let me phrase it this way:
all HnA diamonds will have ideal performance and cut. not all ideal cut diamonds are HnA. see the difference?

i think when working on a budget it is always best to go for bang for buck without compromising on quality. that's what all my advice to you has been based on.

i'm going to give 3 recommendations that i think will be stunning, the rest is up to you. i suggest that you can ask JA to put the 3 stones on hold, do an idealscope, get the gemologist to confirm they are eye clean and then recommend which one is the best choice.
0.7 H SI2 $2110 http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/H-SI2-Ideal-Cut-Round-Diamond-1437430.asp
0.77 G SI2 $2970 http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/G-SI2-Premium-Cut-Round-Diamond-1437930.asp
0.81 I SI1 $2840 http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/I-SI1-Premium-Cut-Round-Diamond-1439099.asp


and to answer your other question. yes...that small fraction of a mm makes a difference. we like to talk about finger coverage so let's think of a small female finger. let's then think of those dimensions in terms of area once you multiply the numbers. compare that to the size of a finger (1.3cm+) and the answer is 0.3mm is actually quite substantial. it depends on whether you want to spend the extra. if it is still within your budget, i would advise go for the bigger stone.
Click to expand...


I talked to a rep at JA about these diamonds and they said I wouldn't be happy with the brilliance each one offered....hmm.
 
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