Purchasing First Engagement Ring,any Advice on This Diamond?

[allenxu95]

Hi I'm very new to this world of diamond and is trying my best to find a ring that would be perfect to make my girlfriend my fiancee...

I am trying to have the budget set between 8k-10k... that's including setting and everything...

After wandering and lost in the world full of diamonds, I think I found this one that may be ok?

http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-dia...g-color-vvs2-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-319502

It goes for $7,290 on JA. Any suggestions? Pros/Cons/Good/No Good?

I don't even know what is the right question to ask!

I would really appreciate and be thankful to any help from you guys!!


Also....My girlfriend is an Architect so she definitely wants something special, so I'm gonna go with this tension ring from JA...

http://www.jamesallen.com/engagemen...d-spiral-tension-set-engagement-ring-item-197

Any advice on the setting? The obvious con on this setting is that it sets the budget back by $1500+... anything else?

 

[OECsareforLovers]

Re: Can someone help me take a look at this diamond?

Hi Allen! Welcome to PS.

First, it sounds like you know your lady well, but the setting you chose is very unique. Has she shown you pictures of similar settings? If you are trying to be super secretive, you could stalk her pintrest or ask her sisters/friends on their thoughts.

I don't want to say much about the stone b/c I'm also a noob, but you are doing the right thing going for a GIA stone. The stone you picked scores a 1.7 on the HCA (https://www.pricescope.com/tools/hca) so it definitely warrants further inspection (i.e., idealscope). Hopefully the kind prosumers here will help you pick out a couple more and then you can ask JA for Idealscope images. One last thought, you could really go down to a VS2, even SI1 (if JA confirms its eye clean) in order to go up a bit in size.

Good luck!!!

 

[Tourmaline]

Re: Purchasing First Engagement Ring,any Advice on This Diam

Are you certain that she would like asymmetry in the ring? Have you thought about a wedding band that would go with that?

 

[allenxu95]

Re: Purchasing First Engagement Ring,any Advice on This Diam

Thank you OECsareforLovers !

You got right to the point! It is a very very bold move on the setting that I picked...but since she's kinda knows I will propose sooner or later, theirs really no way to show her the ring without catching her attention...My gut tells me just do it. and even if she's not in love with it afterwards, I can always let her pick another setting she loves and put the rock on that one, I am willing to put away that 1500 just to spoil her if it comes to that... (I don't know how this situation will fit with JA's 60 return policy tho...Can I still return it and pick a regular setting if she absolutely hates it? It would be sad tho...)

She's a really really nice girl and really doesn't care about the size, or even the diamond at all...but that's exactly the reason I really want to give her the best I can find, not the largest, but the best, most beautiful one I can find - I don't want her to see any inclusion/flaw or anything tho...that said, you maybe right that I can go down to VS1 or VS2... I am definitely open to it, but i'm too noob and too afraid to do that as of now...

 

[allenxu95]

Re: Purchasing First Engagement Ring,any Advice on This Diam

Are you certain that she would like asymmetry in the ring? Have you thought about a wedding band that would go with that?

I think it is still symmetric in a unique way, right? I'm absolutely not certain...but it's a calculated risk I'm willing to take, the maximum downside is the $1500 on the setting, correct? As long as she's not gonna say no than I will take the chance to make her super happy (As oppose to give her something that is ordinary - I meant absolutely no offense to anyone who would go for a classic setting, my personal preference is classic setting as well...but architects....sigh...) .

And by the way what do you mean by the wedding band?

 

[Lorelei]

Re: Purchasing First Engagement Ring,any Advice on This Diam

Hi Allen and welcome!

The others have got you off to a fantastic start and have offered some excellent advice!

The diamond looks extremely promising, very nice numbers and it should be a beauty. The next step would be to request an Idealscope image to evaluate the light return, JA will provide up to 3 on request, one time only, after that a fee is involved.

G colour is a ' safe' choice, a well cut G in this size should look extremely white from all angles to most, clarity, as OEC suggests, you could consider VS certainly without visual sacrifice if the diamond is well cut, that's still an excellent quality clarity grade but as you want to give her the highest quality stone possible, you shouldn't go wrong with VS or VVS clarity if that's what you prefer.

The setting is stunning but I echo Tourm regarding the wedding band, you would want to ensure a band would fit properly next to it, with that setting it's possible the wedding band might sit a little higher on the finger than is wanted....But it comes down to preference and I would also reiterate trying to find out if the setting is what she'd like rather than a more traditional solitaire. You can get tension set solitaires that run in a single band across the finger, which might be something to consider?

If you wish, we can hunt up some more selections for you, do you prefer to stick to James Allen because of the setting or are you open to some of the other vendors too?

I had a quick look and I am adding this one, Wink might be able to get you a similar setting if you liked this diamond. The Hearts and Arrows precision cut by Infinity might appeal to her also.

http://www.highperformancediamonds.com/index.php?page=view-id-diamond-infinity&id=879

 

[OECsareforLovers]

Re: Purchasing First Engagement Ring,any Advice on This Diam

Are you certain that she would like asymmetry in the ring? Have you thought about a wedding band that would go with that?

I think it is still symmetric in a unique way, right? I'm absolutely not certain...but it's a calculated risk I'm willing to take, the maximum downside is the $1500 on the setting, correct? As long as she's not gonna say no than I will take the chance to make her super happy (As oppose to give her something that is ordinary - I meant absolutely no offense to anyone who would go for a classic setting, my personal preference is classic setting as well...but architects....sigh...) .

And by the way what do you mean by the wedding band?

Most people in the states wear an engagement ring and a wedding band on the same finger. I'm not sure how a wedding band would work with the setting that you choose, but you could ask the people at JA for recommendation.

Btw, I think it's really cool that you are willing to go out of the box, while being open to the possibility that she may prefer something else. Just make sure you give it to her within the return period (also ask JA about the terms). The width is also quite large so it may be uncomfortable (width is really a personal preference so the wide width may not bother her). Honestly, JA has so many gorgeous settings so your worst case scenario (she's not a fan) really isn't that bad at all!

 

[OoohShiny]

Re: Purchasing First Engagement Ring,any Advice on This Diam

I like architecture.


I like that ring.


It is fate, you should buy it lol


But, seriously, the point about getting a wedding band to fit round it is a valid one, but fortunately not insurmountable as you can always go custom if needs be

 

[TC1987]

Re: Purchasing First Engagement Ring,any Advice on This Diam

You can look at other vendors. Whiteflash (esepcially their ACA line), Good Old Gold, Brian Gavin Diamonds, ID Jewelry, B2C Jewels. Be sure to READ each vendor's upgrade / buyback / return policies. Some of the vendors cost "more" up front, but they give you better upgrade policy, offer buyback, may have better return policy, etc. Just sayin'. JA is nice because it shows you the video, but then you have to ask for ASET image and other things that some other vendors routinely provide.

Look up "cheat sheet for rounds." Also, be aware that AGS 000 cut grade is strict and GIA 3X is more lenient, and GIA 3X includes some poor performers that would not get AGS 000. Thick girdle and /or deeper stone = may face up smaller for its carat weight.

 

[Lorelei]

Re: Purchasing First Engagement Ring,any Advice on This Diam

I like architecture.


I like that ring.


It is fate, you should buy it lol


But, seriously, the point about getting a wedding band to fit round it is a valid one, but fortunately not insurmountable as you can always go custom if needs be

You are SUCH an enabler....

 

[TC1987]

Re: Purchasing First Engagement Ring,any Advice on This Diam

Setting: A tension (compression) setting possibly can't be resized. It's also harder or perhaps impossible to repair if it gets damaged or the stone loosens in it. There are other contemporary settings you could consider. Sholdt bezels and half-bezels come to mind. There are Adwar mountings that kind of copy the Sholdt.

Krikawa is another line that has contemporary styles. [URL='https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/avc-krikawa-mokume.163859/']https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/avc-krikawa-mokume.163859/[/URL]

 

[OoohShiny]

Re: Purchasing First Engagement Ring,any Advice on This Diam

I like architecture.


I like that ring.


It is fate, you should buy it lol


But, seriously, the point about getting a wedding band to fit round it is a valid one, but fortunately not insurmountable as you can always go custom if needs be

You are SUCH an enabler....

I try

 

[teobdl]

Re: Purchasing First Engagement Ring,any Advice on This Diam

For that money, you can definitely go over a carat and notice the difference if you drop down to H color. You can go even bigger if you drop to I color, but I wouldn't necessarily recommend it if you don't want any tint whatsoever.

If you want to stick to G color, that Crafted by Infinity Diamond is a great choice.

 

[Travelgal]

Re: Purchasing First Engagement Ring,any Advice on This Diam

If she's an architect, have you checked out Stuart Moore? They are incredibly expensive, so they aren't in your budget. But, I had a jeweler use their Camber as an inspiration for a ring. I love the squarish shape of their rings (they don't spin or fall to the sides) and you can put a wedding band with them. They have both brushed and polished settings which change the look of the ring. Maybe something to consider if you want something unique.

http://www.stuartmoore.com/url/engagementsite

 

[teobdl]

Re: Purchasing First Engagement Ring,any Advice on This Diam

Sholdt is another brand that has simple, solid, structurally interesting settings. Another huge bonus is that there are a number of different finishes that can be applied to the metal of your choice. I really recommend looking at their stuff for an archie.

Brian Gavin carries that brand, and you can probably find a nice G diamond in that size for that price. You can pretty much just pick any Brian Gavin Signature diamond in whatever color you want and be good to go.

Examples of awesome Sholdt settings: http://www.briangavindiamonds.com/engagement-rings/solitaire/fiona-sholdt-14k-rose-gold-5340r14
http://www.briangavindiamonds.com/engagement-rings/solitaire/lena-14k-white-gold-5923w14

 

[OECsareforLovers]

Re: Purchasing First Engagement Ring,any Advice on This Diam

Setting: A tension (compression) setting possibly can't be resized. It's also harder or perhaps impossible to repair if it gets damaged or the stone loosens in it.

A very good point TC. I would be especially nervous about getting the size right with such a wide band. OP, you won't be able to steal some of her existing jewelry to get the size because a 5mm band will fit much tighter than a typical 2 mm band (unless she has 5mm piece that fit her left ring finger). Re-sizing is another good question for JA.

 

[OoohShiny]

Re: Purchasing First Engagement Ring,any Advice on This Diam

Awesome links in this thread

 

[allenxu95]

Re: Purchasing First Engagement Ring,any Advice on This Diam

Setting: A tension (compression) setting possibly can't be resized. It's also harder or perhaps impossible to repair if it gets damaged or the stone loosens in it.

A very good point TC. I would be especially nervous about getting the size right with such a wide band. OP, you won't be able to steal some of her existing jewelry to get the size because a 5mm band will fit much tighter than a typical 2 mm band (unless she has 5mm piece that fit her left ring finger). Re-sizing is another good question for JA.

That's also one of my main concerns! And I just got off the phone with a JA rep and also requested the Idealscope image.

Fortunately, they do provide a one time re-sizing for all tension rings. So there goes that concern.

What makes me happier is that their 60 days return policy also covers their tension rings! So the rep told me if she really hates it I can always come back within the 60 days period and pick it new setting or have it completely refunded! that is nice! I hope I can post a big "Like" somewhere...

As for the wedding band, I did mention to the JA rep, and he said they do have specific wedding bands that goes with this design. Though they are not yet on the website, he's sending me some pictures and I'll definitely share and get you guys' thoughts on it! Can wait to see!

I want to thank EVERYONE in this thread that helped me with your valuable/friendly advice!!!

 

[allenxu95]

Re: Purchasing First Engagement Ring,any Advice on This Diam

I like architecture.


I like that ring.


It is fate, you should buy it lol


But, seriously, the point about getting a wedding band to fit round it is a valid one, but fortunately not insurmountable as you can always go custom if needs be

I love your reply! Thank you!! The wedding bands are definitely something on my radar. Actually JA just got back to me with some pics on the bands that may go with this setting! Let me know what you think on these bands as well!

 

[allenxu95]

Re: Purchasing First Engagement Ring,any Advice on This Diam

Also the Rep just got back to me and told me even though JA no longer honor/offer pricescope discount, he can still get a discount with same value just as courtesy - A $200 dollar discount.

Edit: This is in range of what ppl are getting from JA before

Thanks again everyone!

 

[teobdl]

Re: Purchasing First Engagement Ring,any Advice on This Diam

Definitely not a 10% discount. It varies by diamond, but total discount (including wire) is closer to 5%.

 

[allenxu95]

Re: Purchasing First Engagement Ring,any Advice on This Diam

Definitely not a 10% discount. It varies by diamond, but total discount (including wire) is closer to 5%.

I realized I was wrong and I will edit the post above! Thanks for the reply!

 

[OoohShiny]

Re: Purchasing First Engagement Ring,any Advice on This Diam

If she's an architect, have you checked out Stuart Moore? They are incredibly expensive, so they aren't in your budget. But, I had a jeweler use their Camber as an inspiration for a ring. I love the squarish shape of their rings (they don't spin or fall to the sides) and you can put a wedding band with them. They have both brushed and polished settings which change the look of the ring. Maybe something to consider if you want something unique.

http://www.stuartmoore.com/url/engagementsite

Thanks for this, Travelgal!

And I now hate you, as they are all uber-cool and I want them but the other half would never like them


They are ridiculously expensive, though, 5k for just a setting?!?

 

[Lorelei]

Re: Purchasing First Engagement Ring,any Advice on This Diam

Awesome links in this thread

Most definitely!! Excellent suggestions and advice!

Allen, it sounds as if you are getting closer to getting the ring you want, post the Idealscope image here when you have it and we will take a look for you.

 

[OoohShiny]

Re: Purchasing First Engagement Ring,any Advice on This Diam

I like architecture.


I like that ring.


It is fate, you should buy it lol


But, seriously, the point about getting a wedding band to fit round it is a valid one, but fortunately not insurmountable as you can always go custom if needs be

I love your reply! Thank you!! The wedding bands are definitely something on my radar. Actually JA just got back to me with some pics on the bands that may go with this setting! Let me know what you think on these bands as well!

Out of those I think the wavy first one might not be 'stepped' enough to fit the posted tension setting, the middle one is okaaaay (IMHO, of course!), but I like the fact that the end one is also a 'tension setting' so that would be my personal choice

You could look at requesting SuperIdeal cut stones for the diamonds in any of those wedding bands but I'm not sure if they cut SuperIdeal stones that small lol

 

[allenxu95]

Re: Purchasing First Engagement Ring,any Advice on This Diam

Hi Allen and welcome!

The others have got you off to a fantastic start and have offered some excellent advice!

The diamond looks extremely promising, very nice numbers and it should be a beauty. The next step would be to request an Idealscope image to evaluate the light return, JA will provide up to 3 on request, one time only, after that a fee is involved.

G colour is a ' safe' choice, a well cut G in this size should look extremely white from all angles to most, clarity, as OEC suggests, you could consider VS certainly without visual sacrifice if the diamond is well cut, that's still an excellent quality clarity grade but as you want to give her the highest quality stone possible, you shouldn't go wrong with VS or VVS clarity if that's what you prefer.

The setting is stunning but I echo Tourm regarding the wedding band, you would want to ensure a band would fit properly next to it, with that setting it's possible the wedding band might sit a little higher on the finger than is wanted....But it comes down to preference and I would also reiterate trying to find out if the setting is what she'd like rather than a more traditional solitaire. You can get tension set solitaires that run in a single band across the finger, which might be something to consider?

If you wish, we can hunt up some more selections for you, do you prefer to stick to James Allen because of the setting or are you open to some of the other vendors too?

I had a quick look and I am adding this one, Wink might be able to get you a similar setting if you liked this diamond. The Hearts and Arrows precision cut by Infinity might appeal to her also.

http://www.highperformancediamonds.com/index.php?page=view-id-diamond-infinity&id=879

Hi Lorelei,

Thanks for the suggestion on the diamond! I asked the to provide me with the Idealscope for this one, and they are nice enough to ask me if we want to add two more to the request so that I have some comparison. I want to get your thoughts (and of course anyone else who's willing to help!) on the following two stones:

http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-dia...-f-color-vs2-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-303054

Same carat, upgrade to F but downgraded to VS2, nothing noticable from the picture tho. Almost the same price

http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-dia...-g-color-vs1-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-311671

G-VS1, there seems to be a spot in the middle of the table, but somehow the rep mentioned that it's eye-clean... up side is that it's $1K cheaper

Both of the has a crown angle of 35.5 though, any thoughts?

 

[Lorelei]

Re: Purchasing First Engagement Ring,any Advice on This Diam

Hi Allen and welcome!

The others have got you off to a fantastic start and have offered some excellent advice!

The diamond looks extremely promising, very nice numbers and it should be a beauty. The next step would be to request an Idealscope image to evaluate the light return, JA will provide up to 3 on request, one time only, after that a fee is involved.

G colour is a ' safe' choice, a well cut G in this size should look extremely white from all angles to most, clarity, as OEC suggests, you could consider VS certainly without visual sacrifice if the diamond is well cut, that's still an excellent quality clarity grade but as you want to give her the highest quality stone possible, you shouldn't go wrong with VS or VVS clarity if that's what you prefer.

The setting is stunning but I echo Tourm regarding the wedding band, you would want to ensure a band would fit properly next to it, with that setting it's possible the wedding band might sit a little higher on the finger than is wanted....But it comes down to preference and I would also reiterate trying to find out if the setting is what she'd like rather than a more traditional solitaire. You can get tension set solitaires that run in a single band across the finger, which might be something to consider?

If you wish, we can hunt up some more selections for you, do you prefer to stick to James Allen because of the setting or are you open to some of the other vendors too?

I had a quick look and I am adding this one, Wink might be able to get you a similar setting if you liked this diamond. The Hearts and Arrows precision cut by Infinity might appeal to her also.

http://www.highperformancediamonds.com/index.php?page=view-id-diamond-infinity&id=879

Hi Lorelei,

Thanks for the suggestion on the diamond! I asked the to provide me with the Idealscope for this one, and they are nice enough to ask me if we want to add two more to the request so that I have some comparison. I want to get your thoughts (and of course anyone else who's willing to help!) on the following two stones:

http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-dia...-f-color-vs2-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-303054

Same carat, upgrade to F but downgraded to VS2, nothing noticable from the picture tho. Almost the same price

http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-dia...-g-color-vs1-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-311671

G-VS1, there seems to be a spot in the middle of the table, but somehow the rep mentioned that it's eye-clean... up side is that it's $1K cheaper

Both of the has a crown angle of 35.5 though, any thoughts?

Hi Allen,

Both have potential, the F VS is a shade deeper than I personally prefer but it does appear to be a nice stone. My pick from the info we have would be the second, it's facing up about the same size as the first plus it's cheaper, doubtful you would notice any difference between them for colour. The 35.5 crown angle on each might not be an issue, an Idealscope image will show how well the angles complement, considering other factors of the overall cut quality, both of these are definitely worth further evaluation but the G VS is the frontrunner for me.

 

[OECsareforLovers]

Re: Purchasing First Engagement Ring,any Advice on This Diam

I like architecture.


I like that ring.


It is fate, you should buy it lol


But, seriously, the point about getting a wedding band to fit round it is a valid one, but fortunately not insurmountable as you can always go custom if needs be

I love your reply! Thank you!! The wedding bands are definitely something on my radar. Actually JA just got back to me with some pics on the bands that may go with this setting! Let me know what you think on these bands as well!

Pretty! Too bad they didn't have pics with the ER and wedding band as a set.

 

[starrylight]

Re: Purchasing First Engagement Ring,any Advice on This Diam

I think this tension setting is a great idea if she likes modern bold lines, similar to the Guggenheim. If she tends to lean more towards classical styles, like the Met, I would go for more filigree-like settings.

 

[Travelgal]

Re: Purchasing First Engagement Ring,any Advice on This Diam

I LOVE their rings and used to drool every time I walked past their store when I lived in San Francisco. It's the perfect combo of modern and classy. I made the mistake of taking my mom in to show her a ring, which of course she loved- so much that my dad bought it for her 35th wedding anniversary. The bad news is that she got the ring I'd always secretly coveted- the good news is that I helped my dad pick the stone and it looks amazing. People stop her all the time to ask about it. The second piece of good news is that I am the only daughter.