question re channel setting - round vs. princess?

[LAesq]

Sorry if this question has already been addressed, but here''s some background for context: I wanted to get my fiancee the Tiffany channel-setting with round diamonds, paired with a diamond eternity band. Because I refuse to pay an obscene retail markup on the stone (a fungible commodity) when all I really want is the setting, I plan to have a master jeweler just copy the Tiffany channel-set style. I found a stone that I think I can live with: Round 1.51 F VS1 ex/ex, offered at $15,200 from a diamond dealer on 47th in NYC, and I was quoted $1,500 for the setting. (Somebody holler if I''m getting taken, but they faxed me the GIA report and that price seems about right. A similar diamond w/ channel setting--RB 1.57 F VS1 ex/ex--priced out around $24,900 at the Beverly Hills Tiffany store.)

Questions: Should I have the channel band(s) set with princess-cut or round diamonds? I kind of like the solid princess-cut look, but will it look stupid with a round stone in the center and princess-cut stones on the band? Do round stones in the channel get dirt and gunk between the gaps? Also, any thoughts on whether the diamonds should be all the way around vs. part-way on the e-ring, or full vs. part-way on the wedding band? Would all the way around on both be too much bling? Why did God create the diamond and couldn''t he have rested on that day instead?

Thoughts?

 

[valeria101]

I could not comment on style... all those options are out there and all are nice. So the choice is a matter of personal prefference more than anything. As far as I know, matching the shape of the channel stones with the center is rarely if ever brought up and many put up with wearing thicker bands (as an all-around channel setting will be). I did happen to hear that, on the average, small rings are more unconfortable when thick. Thick bands feal terrible on my 3.5 size finger, but to most this is not an issue - as far as I can see even here on PS.

The diamond is another matter. GIA's Ex-Ex do not seem to justify the price - I would expect Harts and Arrows cut quality for this quote and grades.

Also, did you see the Precisionset website? Regardless of where you may end up buying the ring from, they seem to have a representative collection of chanel settings, including some of the options you mention. Good to take a look, I would say.

Hope this helps

 

[valeria101]

Speacing of GIA Ex-Ex... both these are GIA Ex-Ex. And no, these diamonds would not look the same or ahve the same market value. So, why should they be priced the same to you ? Just my 0.2, of course

 

[valeria101]

See ? I knew I had just the right picture somewhere

This are indeed from Precisionset... (LINK).

 

[yowahking]

Good pics of the ex,ex on GIA stones, while they are the premier lab overall in the world, cutting information really lacks. Secret inside info keeps leaking out like nuclear WMD info that they have finally created the cut grade. We are all waiting for the news.
You do not have to have a master jeweler do this setting, most good jewelers can do this style with eyes closed, and many manufactures will have it ready to go. If you use a master jeweler, good because there are not enough of them in the US and they deserve the work. Yes, gunk gets in the area between round stones, but gunk is easily cleaned. Get what looks best to you. We sell about 60% pr, 20%rd, 10% bag. in that style. Round will save you a little money on total ct wt in that style, but compared to the center stone you are using, not much difference.

 

[Jennifer5973]

Very interesting pics, Ana. Food for thought.

And let's not forget that very exclusive, sophisticated, high-end diamond judging tool: your own eyes.

 

[Todd07]

You don't show enough info to tell if you have a good price

Plug your full spec into the cut advisor: http://www.pricescope.com/cutadviser.asp


Get a copy of the idealscope or firescope image. If they don't have one, then spend $25 to buy the tool to check it out yourself. http://www.ideal-scope.com/


Compare it with other similar stones using the cut advisor http://www.pricescope.com/sift.asp


Read the info on color and clarity in the tutorial and forum posts. You might be able to get a more beautiful and affordable stone if you chose G color and VS2 to S1. You could save $ or increase the size.




Here is a 1.74 G VS2 with a HCA of 0.8 for 15.7k. With EX HCA scores for Bri, Fr and Sct, it should be a stunner


http://www.dirtcheapdiamonds.com/diamond_detail.cfm?did=7117349&ref=PS622

 

[LAesq]

Thanks for the responses.

More info re the stone:
Depth % - 59.6
Table % - 56
Girdle - Th-Med, F
Culet - N
Fluorescence - N

I don't have crown and pavilion angles info - I'll ask for it. Because the stone is in NYC and I'm in LA, I won't be able to go look at it before I buy unless I take a quick trip--which I am considering.

 

[Todd07]

Also try asking for the SARIN report. Below is an example from WF.


/images/site/d_lost.jpg

 

[Rick James]

LAesq,
I just purchased that exact ring from Tiffany's, and my now fiance absolutely loves it! I think the craftsmanship of the setting is second to none, after having looked at dozens of other channel settings, and even examples of custom work. For me, many channel settings show too much metal, overshadowing the sidestones. But with the Tiffany setting, all you see is diamonds, diamonds, diamonds.
I went with a smaller center stone (0.84ct), and the total price was $8,000. Some here may say that I paid too much, but when I received the Tiffany Diamond Certificate and plugged all of the specs into the HCA it scored a 1.1, so it definitely not a piece of coal. I couldn't be happier, and I say if the Tiffany setting (even if you go with a slightly smaller center stone) is in your budget go for it! Anything over 1.2 would look huge in this setting, as the overall display of light is breathtaking. It is a beautiful look, and shows off the center stone beautifully. We get compliments on it everywhere we go. Sorry, no pics yet, just proposed last weekend, after a long and educational ring search. Take care, and thanks again to everyone for their advice and questions in this forum.

 

[hoorray]

LAesq,

My preference is the solid look of the sq princess stones with the round center, but it is purely personal. I think you need more info to know if this is a well priced stons. Of course it is well priced compared to the mark up of high-end retail, but it may or may not be if you compare it to online prices. It depends on the cut. You specifically need the crown and pavilion angles. Ask for a full sarin report.

If you decide to move forward with it, make sure you have a good return policy and take it to an independant appraiser to validate it is what they say it is, and to give you their opinion. In fact, I would see if they would send it to one first, before you give them the $$. That way you are completely protected, and they can help you with the purchase decision. There are a couple local to 47th st or you could send it to Dave Atlas or Rich Sherwood, or one near you. (I used one in the LA Jewelery Mart.)

Good luck!

 

[Lynn B]

Just my opinion... but I, too, LOVE the look of the princess diamonds in the bands... such a lovely contrast to the round brilliant center stone. Don't get me wrong

-- the rounds are also beautiful... but the princess stones get my vote!

Lynn