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Quality vs Size... Tiffany and Co Ering

D

Diamondheadache

Rough_Rock
Joined
Nov 3, 2011
Messages
20
Hello all!!!
I am in the process of buying a Tiffany and Co Ering and I just can't make up my mind... Lose sleep over it actually! First of all, I want to begin by saying that I know Tiffanys has a mark up, but to be honest it isn't really that much after doing a lot of research. I want my future fiancé to be the only one of her friends with that tiny blue box, classic setting, and not to mention, a perfectly cut diamond.

The headache is due to this:

My budget is between 15,000 and 20,000.
I have found many rings that fall into that range, however I'm more into a stone being rare than big.... I think?
I made up my mind that I want a VS2.
I want to get as close to perfect as possible with a D color. Not only is it a mental thing, but I have a good eye and I can really tell how downgrading in color just makes them more yellow. I have never seen a d color up close, can you tell the difference between a D and F?
At the same time, I want a larger stone if I'm paying so much!!!
Do you think i should go with the more white and rare stone and jeopordize about 0.10 of size?!?! Or will that size difference really be noticable?!?!
Would I look like an idiot for paying 20k for slightly over 1 carat?!?! I mean, even if I downgraded in color the size wouldn't change much!
Is 1 carat too small? I live in chicago. I know the general public isn't really educated on diamonds, and size is all they look at! Will having a 1-1.2 carat d color with perfect cut just amaze people? Or do I need to get something larger? I want her to have some of that attention.....
I know she will like it regardless, but i dont want her feeling inferior to her sister for instance with a 1.7 f color vs2 on her finger! Will my diamond choice out do hers? Or not even close? That is my competition! I know I can't beat that size... But can I make it up with quality/ rarity?

Please pick the best option for me below... With a brief explanation why.

1.01 d vs2 $16,400
1.11 d vs2 $18,100
1.19 d vs2 $19,500

1.27 f vs2 $18,400
1.32 f vs2 $19,200

1.35 g vs2 $18,400
1.40 h vvs1 $20,000

Huge purchase for me... Help would be greatly appreciated!! I

Just to throw one out there for fun that Tiffany has for sale: 1.01 d IF $41,800 !!!!!!!!!!
I can always lie and say mine is flawless... I'm assuming they wouldn't be able tell? ;)
 
PS: All Tiffany and co diamonds have excellent cut.
 
There is a rumor that T&C color is stricter than GIA's. I really, really wouldn't think twice about "settling" for a T&C G or H. I agree with you, for the money you oughta get some finger coverage.
 
can see you have your heart set on T&C... a lot of women would rather go for a bigger stone of equal quality than a T&C. I certainly can't speak for your gf, but when a few lady friends sip tea, the first thing that catches attention is likely to be the size of the stone, unless your gf carries the blue box around in her purse :rodent: just a thought!
 
Thanks for the replies.

Sig- I have seen an e and g close up, I can see a yellowish tint, but that is just me...

I somewhat agree with going larger for the money, but im still liking the idea of something more rare with bhe best color. Lots of gals have larger stones, but they are mostly cloudy and yellow, at least her friends are....
If I could buy a d flawless i would.... Over a 2 carat yellow diamond anyday...

What it comes really comes down to is, a ~1.3f color or a ~1.2 d color? both pretty much cost the same...
Will 0.10 points in size be worth losing the d color and rareness?? Could u even tell such a difference on a girls hand just glancing at it?
 
A Tiffany G or H is NOT going to be "yellow." Some people are more color sensitive and notice the tint, but "yellow" is being a bit dramatic.

I couldn't tell the difference between 1.2 and 1.3, personally.
 
No, it will not impress people that you have D color because you don't go around telling people the diamond color! And well cut stones will be bright and sparkly well into the near colorless range. If her sister has a 1.7 F color stone, then I think it would be a bad mistake to go with a 1 ct. of any color when your budget would allow you to go higher. I certainly would recommend going to G color to get a larger stone. A G is NOT yellow! And just being one color from F, it is extremely unlikely that it could be told apart from her sister's F color stone. But certainly don't go with D or E. The size is going to be FAR more noticeable than the color when dealing with H or up, as far as I am concerned!

I absolutely would go for one of these:

1.35 g vs2 $18,400
1.40 h vvs1 $20,000
 
diamondseeker2006|1320322959|3053135 said:
No, it will not impress people that you have D color because you don't go around telling people the diamond color! And well cut stones will be bright and sparkly well into the near colorless range. If her sister has a 1.7 F color stone, then I think it would be a bad mistake to go with a 1 ct. of any color when your budget would allow you to go higher. I certainly would recommend going to G color to get a larger stone. A G is NOT yellow! And just being one color from F, it is extremely unlikely that it could be told apart from her sister's F color stone. But certainly don't go with D or E. The size is going to be FAR more noticeable than the color when dealing with H or up, as far as I am concerned!

I absolutely would go for one of these:

1.35 g vs2 $18,400
1.40 h vvs1 $20,000
Click to expand...

+1
 
diamondseeker2006|1320322959|3053135 said:
No, it will not impress people that you have D color because you don't go around telling people the diamond color! And well cut stones will be bright and sparkly well into the near colorless range. If her sister has a 1.7 F color stone, then I think it would be a bad mistake to go with a 1 ct. of any color when your budget would allow you to go higher. I certainly would recommend going to G color to get a larger stone. A G is NOT yellow! And just being one color from F, it is extremely unlikely that it could be told apart from her sister's F color stone. But certainly don't go with D or E. The size is going to be FAR more noticeable than the color when dealing with H or up, as far as I am concerned!

I absolutely would go for one of these:

1.35 g vs2 $18,400
1.40 h vvs1 $20,000
Click to expand...

I completely agree - those are the two I would be choosing between, and I'd probably choose the 1.4H that's nearly flawless. I am currently in the market for a ring as well, and I went to two T&Co stores here in Chicago (Michigan ave and Old Orchard). I am very color sensitive, and I can tell you that I spent a lot of time comparing colors from D all the way to I at T&Co. looking at how the stones face up, I couldn't tell a difference between an H and a D when I had them side by side. I had to look at them through the pavilion with a white sheet of paper behind them, and even then, it took me about a minute of hard looking to rank the color of three stones (D, G and an I). Therefore, I'd say you're fooling yourself if you think you can see the upgrade in color of a D without a stone to compare it to right next to it, and even then, you have to be looking hard for it.

go spend some time looking at the stones in the store, come up with a minimum color and clarity grade that suits you, and then find the biggest stone you can within your budget.

Are you dead set on getting the ring at Tiffany?
 
I'd rather have a bigger F-G VS1ish than anything VVS clarity or D color
 
I want my future fiancé to be the only one of her friends with that tiny blue box, classic setting, and not to mention, a perfectly cut diamond.
Click to expand...

Dude, she's not wearing the box. The box will be sitting in the drawer, by the nightstand, somewhere but not with a band sodered or duct taped to her finger. And you can get a classic setting and a beautifully cut diamond from a lot of other folks for less money.

I am not telling you NOT to buy the Tiffany if your heart is set on it but does it being "perfect" in color and clarity matter as much to her as it does to you? This is not like buying a toyota vs. a land rover vs. a ferrari. A diamond out of a setting is a diamond that can be compared by a standard set of grading levels. So whether it comes from Tiffany, Good old Gold, Brian Gavin, Whiteflash, or Sam's Club, they can all be compared together because their place of purchase doesn't make one diamond *better* than another.

Have you looked at other vendors?

Here are a couple of ideas:

http://www.goodoldgold.com/diamond/8216/

or http://www.briangavindiamonds.com/diamonds/diamond-details/1.520-h-si1-round-diamond-ags-104051364010

or http://www.briangavindiamonds.com/diamonds/diamond-details/2.002-i-vs2-round-diamond-ags-104049675004

or http://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-2676052.htm
 
Ditto to what has already been said and to add that I have been married for nearly 10 years and no one once has asked me which store my engagement ring came from, nor have they asked the color and/or clarity of the stone (and I think it is highly inappropriate to do so).

But you need to decide on what is most important to the you both, if the box/stats are important to you both then by all means go with a smaller stone. But I would make sure your girlfriend is on the same page.
 
I truly appreciate the positive input. Thanks to you, I'm considering a larger stone but still staying in the colorless range. But do you think 0.10 difference in size (costing the same amount) would do any good?? I don't think that would make the ring anymore impressive... so that's why I'd choose rare (d color) over ordinary (f color). Anyone agree?

As for the negative input...
Yes, I can see a difference in color between an E and G/H. Maybe my eyes are just better than yours??? It's obviously an objective human finding/grading. PS: experts have told me that D colors ARE different than F.
Please don't say I have not done my research... I have. I have been shopping for a good 6 months with many visits to local jewlery stores as well as the Tiffany store in downtown Chicago and Old Orchard mall. Local stores suck to be honest with you, they don't even carry high end stones... and this is where MOST people buy their rings.
Yes, I know I can buy a diamond with the same stats for a few thousand dollars less, but to be honest, I'd rather go with Tiffany and Co. I like quality prodcuts and well known brands. I'd rather drive my BMW than a high end Honda. That's just how I am. I don't want an ordinary car OR diamond. She means more to me than that, she's not ordinary. You can disagree, but I bet that 99/100 times if you offered a Tiff diamond vs one bought ONLINE, I think a gal would choose the T&C one. Yes, I know she won't carry the box... and that people won't ask about the qualities of the stone... But I doubt anyone would question the true value of it. Blue nile prices are not far off, in fact, some are similarly priced...! LOOK THEM UP!
You might think I'm superficial for wanting TIFFANYS, but how do you sound wanting a larger stone? I general, I think people push for size more than quality... I know some really wealthy people who rock 1 carat flawless stones and don't brag about them. They just don't want the attention. All they know is that their 1 carat $40,000+ rock is worth more than the car the girls with the 2 carat yellow stones are driving... But that is just me. ALL I'M LOOKING FOR IS A GOOD BALANCE AND GOOD ADVICE.
 
Diamondheadache|1320336587|3053251 said:
I truly appreciate the positive input. Thanks to you, I'm considering a larger stone but still staying in the colorless range. But do you think 0.10 difference in size (costing the same amount) would do any good?? I don't think that would make the ring anymore impressive... so that's why I'd choose rare (d color) over ordinary (f color). Anyone agree?

As for the negative input...
Yes, I can see a difference in color between an E and G/H. Maybe my eyes are just better than yours??? It's obviously an objective human finding/grading. PS: experts have told me that D colors ARE different than F.
Please don't say I have not done my research... I have. I have been shopping for a good 6 months with many visits to local jewlery stores as well as the Tiffany store in downtown Chicago and Old Orchard mall. Local stores suck to be honest with you, they don't even carry high end stones... and this is where MOST people buy their rings.
Yes, I know I can buy a diamond with the same stats for a few thousand dollars less, but to be honest, I'd rather go with Tiffany and Co. I like quality prodcuts and well known brands. I'd rather drive my BMW than a high end Honda. That's just how I am. I don't want an ordinary car OR diamond. She means more to me than that, she's not ordinary. You can disagree, but I bet that 99/100 times if you offered a Tiff diamond vs one bought ONLINE, I think a gal would choose the T&C one. Yes, I know she won't carry the box... and that people won't ask about the qualities of the stone... But I doubt anyone would question the true value of it. Blue nile prices are not far off, in fact, some are similarly priced...! LOOK THEM UP!
You might think I'm superficial for wanting TIFFANYS, but how do you sound wanting a larger stone? I general, I think people push for size more than quality... I know some really wealthy people who rock 1 carat flawless stones and don't brag about them. They just don't want the attention. All they know is that their 1 carat $40,000+ rock is worth more than the car the girls with the 2 carat yellow stones are driving... But that is just me. ALL I'M LOOKING FOR IS A GOOD BALANCE AND GOOD ADVICE.
Click to expand...

I would definitely try to look at them in different lighting...in my opinion the jewelry store lighting makes everything look more 'yellow' and (to me) the differences are less pronounced in different lighting.

Also, I would pick the 0.10 carat larger F color, since F is still very white, unless your GF has expressed preference for a D color. I also wouldn't call a F color diamond 'ordinary'. Yes, there is a difference, but I think most people would notice the size difference first (even though it is small). My advice would be to go to T&Co and look at different diamonds and see which one stands out to you. I would also recommend getting the #s and using the HCA calculator (pricescope.com/tools/hca) like the poster did in the post I linked.
 
I think you are asking the wrong crowd here as most women here would not choose Tiffany over an online stone because in most cases the online stone will cost less and blow Tiffany out of the water in terms of cut. GIA EX isn't as much of a guarantee of an ideal cut stone as you think it is. You can find far better cut diamonds online for much less and still get the exact same look of the classic Tiffanys setting. So much so that many people with that setting on here have been asked by Tiffany employees if they can clean their ring because they thought it was one of theirs. Tiffany is a good brand that is true and you won't end up with a total dog diamond from there, but we here on Pricescope are not brand shoppers when it comes to diamonds. I think most people have given their opinion that they'd go for near colorless and larger size than a "perfect" D color anyday. If color matters more to you and you can see a difference between an D and G and this will bother you - than you have your answer and it doesn't matter what we think. Diamond shopping is a personal experience and what matters more to you and your girlfriend is how you should choose the stone. If you want to know if 0.10 is a big difference to you than you need to have the store call in both rings and compare them face to face. 0.10 could be a big difference depending on how the stone is cut, but again it is subjective to the buyer and can't be answer hypothetically.
 
Hello friend, all everyone was trying to impart on you was their idea of "GOOD BALANCE AND ADVICE". You seem offended by that. Most people cannot tell the difference between an F-G stone and they wanted you to get the most bang for your buck, that is all. I also think that many would be offended at calling a G stone "yellow". It is your money to spend as you choose, and it seems you have chosen your priorities. Happy shopping.
 
It sounds to me like you really want a Tiffany ring and stone, and you really want a D color. If that's the case, go for it.

I know you say you're looking for advice, but as an objective third-party reading your posts, I think you have made up your mind. If that's true, that is good news--now you're ready to buy!

In your mind, a D is rare and an F is ordinary. You prefer the rare. You prefer Tiffany. What are you waiting for?

My only advice would be to have Tiffany bring in the two rings you're considering so you can compare them side-by-side and in different lighting conditions.

P.S. Cubs or Sox? Your answer will determine my willingness to contribute any more to this thread. :cheeky: I kid, I kid. I can already guess that you're a North Sider. :bigsmile:
 
If you're in Chicago, you need to go see DimendScassi. Like, NOW.
 
I think the general feedback has been that above F and VS1 there seems to kick in significant diminishing returns for most here on PS. It is something only they notice and would not cause any difference in comments from friends or strangers.
They would prefer size vs. better clarity or color in most cases (given the premium placed on cut from beginning). That's not to say you or your GF aren't more sensitive to color and clarity, but generally most can't tell the color within a grade or two unless doing a side by side comparison which is rare once you purchase and start wearing the stone.

Most would aim for something like this
1.535 ct H VS2 $19.7k
as a better compromise compared to this
1.038 ct D VVS2 $19.7k

This isn't to say either is a better diamond, most just don't notice people stopping them to ask if that is a D color stone, or ask to use their Loupe on the ring so they can confirm the lack of microscopic imperfections.

Given that you are going for an ideal/excellent cut and something larger in budget and size than most regions, it is already going to be an exceptional stone, it just comes down to whether the slight face-up color difference (decreased when mounted in a setting, in daylight without side by side comparison) and clarity (without magnification) is worth going for a noticeably smaller stone. Not a bad decision, just a compromise. No one would argue that 1.063 ct D IF $36k stone isn't ideal or perfect, they just typically don't see it worth the tradeoff in size or cost.
 
I think if you feel your gf would love a ring from Tiffany's, and you want the Tiffany's experience, then go for it. There is a bias against Tiffany's on this forum, as you've probably noticed ;))

But be an educated consumer at Tiffany's. Ask to see the GIA reports on all the stones you are considering, and post the numbers here.

I've worked with several sales reps at the Michigan Mile Tiffany's and been very happy with the service there. I bought a wedding band, not a diamond from them. If you do decide to buy a diamond from Tiffany's, make sure that you are getting a well-cut stone. They do their own grading, but their stones also have GIA reports. If you are color sensitive, stick D-E-F stones. Each person's eyes are different, and, yes, there is a difference between a D and an F -- otherwise there would be no reason for GIA to separate the stones in those two ranges into different categories (and put the E range in between them!).
 
Listen, I like Tiffany and would buy a Tiffany ring as long as the specs on the diamond were excellent. I have a Tiffany Legacy wedding band and love it. All we are trying to say is that you seem to be stuck on thinking D color is somehow SO much superior, when F is rare and certainly not common! An F-G-H diamond IS high quality if it is well cut!!! I'd certainly buy an F stone over a D if it was any amount larger! I don't think you are hearing this group of women who are trying to tell you that what her entire family will see is that her diamond is a LOT smaller than her sister's 1.7 F ring! The color won't matter! I'd definitely go for the 1.3 or 1.4 to get the diamond as large as absolutely possible within the budget. An H color Tiffany ring is still very nice and impressive.
 
ame|1320338923|3053289 said:
If you're in Chicago, you need to go see DimendScassi. Like, NOW.
Click to expand...

I agree, at least before you buy the Tiffany.

I love T&C rings and I can see the appeal that comes with having the blue box. If you do go with Tiffany than I'd go with the largest stone you can, especially if your girlfriends sister has a 1.7 stone. There will be a very noticeable size difference between a 1 carat and a 1.7. I think if you can lower your specs to get a 1.4 then from Tiff's then you should do it. Tiffany does not sell poor diamonds so even a lower color/clarity ring from there will still be stunning! I'm sure your girlfriend would be thrilled with whatever you choose to get her but please do try to find out if she'd rather have a larger non-branded stone/ring verses a smaller one from Tiffany's. Her thoughts and opinions are really the ones that should matter.
 
Coming from a girl who has a blue box (and loves it too!), I think in your case it wouldn't hurt to look elsewhere to buy your stone. Size will be the most impressive factor, especially since you are concerned with her sister's larger ring, and you can get a little more your money with a non-branded stone. Your lady might feel a 1ct D colored diamond looks small compared to her sister's. But only she can tell you whether she prefers size or color...

And if you stick with Tiff's, go bigger. While Tiff says all their stones have excellent cut, there's definitely some that way outshine others, so look at a lot. The H VVS1 is the best out of those options without knowing all the numbers, but I'd have them bring more stones in... VVS1 is overkill and you're paying a premium for something you can't see. No one has asked the stats of my ring outside of these forums and only on a few occasions people ask where it's from.
 
Goodness. Okay - you want GOOD ADVICE? Here's mine:


1. Stop worrying so much about your image. Either you want the attention a large stone gets or you want to secretly preen over the fact that the stone you chose costs more than your friends' cars... or you have some other motivation. Decide, accept it, and forgive yourself for it, whatever it is - your posts at the moment are painting an awfully unflattering picture.

2. ASK HER WHAT SHE WANTS. Thus far you've only talked about you, you, you... well, given that she's the one wearing it, her opinions ought to matter more than yours, and her priorities ought to matter more than yours, no? And if it turns out that you do both have the same priorities - fantastic. Your priorities are clearly very different from mine, so I won't even try to contribute usefully on that front.
 
Here's another factor more important than size: finger coverage!

[URL='https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/need-help-finding-the-chart-with-ring-sizes-and-percentage-of-finger-coverage.64644/']https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/need-help-finding-the-chart-with-ring-sizes-and-percentage-of-finger-coverage.64644/[/URL]

What's her ring size?

With a classic Tiffany setting, you're relying on the diamond to 'present itself' as there are no diamonds in the shank or a halo around the center stone to enhance the diamond. For that reason, I think a larger size for the money is nice. You have a healthy budget. I'd get a healthy-sized, AGS000 even if it means not getting the Tiffany.

Also, you say that you have not seen a D up close. You kind of discredited yourself there. I would suggest not only checking out reliably-graded, loose diamonds across the color spectrum, I would suggest doing it in a blind fashion. You really may not be able to tell the difference between diamonds only one or two color grades apart.
 
Diamondheadache|1320336587|3053251 said:
Yes, I know I can buy a diamond with the same stats for a few thousand dollars less, but to be honest, I'd rather go with Tiffany and Co. I like quality prodcuts and well known brands. I'd rather drive my BMW than a high end Honda. That's just how I am. I don't want an ordinary car OR diamond. She means more to me than that, she's not ordinary. You can disagree, but I bet that 99/100 times if you offered a Tiff diamond vs one bought ONLINE, I think a gal would choose the T&C one.
Click to expand...


Well, if the online diamond were a superideal AGS0 H&A, I would certainly choose that over a Tiffany's diamond any day of the week. And my guess is that most women here would do the same.

It seems like your priority is to impress people with a Tiffany's diamond. If that's the case, and if you find Tiffany's impressive, then go for it! But don't assume that because it's from Tiffany's, it's necessarily the best.

If you want "rare," a ring from Tiffany's doesn't really fit the bill. While you can certainly find a nice stone there IF you do your homework, the settings are mass produced and cast....well-made, I'm sure, but not "rare."

You can find a D color diamond anywhere, but it's the cut that will set it apart. If you really want something out of the ordinary, get a superideal cut AGS0 H&A and have a hand forged setting made by someone like Victor Canera. THAT would be extraordinary. If you're only after name-brand recognition (and I suspect you are), then Tiffany's is the place for you, but if you're really after the finest quality you can buy for your money, I'd look elsewhere.
 
I'll give advise with a little more compromise than what others have been saying.

I say get the bigger F color. While G and H will work for most people you have clearly stated you value high color. In addition technically g is a near colorless grade meaning at some point it was deemed that a g is not colorless. F is a grade labeled colorless where you should only ever notice a tint in a lab setting next to a d or e color. So for that reason I say go with the F.

a 1.3 round is not a small stone so dont worry about size.

For what its worth my current sweet spot Im looking for is an F VS1 but I am still willing to slip to a G VS2.
 
Thanks for the additional replies.

Yes, I obviously care about the diamond, after all, it is my gift to her. I know she will be wearing it, but still, I should have some say in what I get as it will hopefully be in my family for many generations to come. I know I am going with Tiffany & Co, as I have been to other jewelers and was not impressed. Have not been to DimendScassi, but will look into it. Thx!

What is this about the HCA calculator? I've never heard of it... Should I base my decisions on this calculator?
How will a 1.2 look compared to a 1.7? HUGE size difference when side by side?
I can't beat size if going with T&C, I know this, so I want to wow her with the stats... Make her feel special... Tell her that I could've gotten a bigger stone than her sisters, but I went with the one that is more flawless, less gaudy, and costs more... Feeling me?

I don't want to ask her if she wants size or quality. Nor do I want to take her into the store and pretend like we are just browsing, she would likely figure it out. I can't even ask her friends or family, too risky to blow this surprise.

Look, I am not on here for people to hate on T&C or my logic... I know you are all probably trying to help, but it doesn't seem like it. :(
I just need to know if getting a ~1.20 carat D color is a stupid decision.. vs gettng a 1.3 carat F color for literally the same price. The diameter or surface coverage % CAN'T be that much different moving up 10 points... right?!?
Regardless, I'll never beat the 1.7 carat rock on her sisters finger.

I will be buying in the next 1-2 months. How many diamonds should they have waiting for me to choose from on average?

Thanks!
CUBS fan, I'm from the north suburbs. :)
 
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