Really overthinking diamond/ring/anniversary purchase!

[danzur]

Wow...I have totally overthought this anniversary/diamond ring purchase. I'm so confused now, I have no idea what to get...LOL.

Started out looking for a 3 stone setting, a nice center stone, and another stone similar to her existing wedding ring diamond so we could incorporate her existing diamond into the ring. It appears that cut quality/styles have changed quite a bit over the years and her existing stone would likely pale in comparison.

Then decided to create a complete 3 stone ring...

Then started looking at larger diamonds/solitaire rings/tension settings and the like.

I love the tension settings, but am concerned about the safety. Then I read that most guys do like the tension settings, but women are not as fond.

So....

I'm going to just buy a nice +/- 2 carat diamond, with a superb/ideal cut, G, H, I, J color grade, VS or SI1...and let her decide how she wants to put it all together. Cut is going to be the most important with color and clarity right behind. Budget is going to be +/- $15k for the stone.

I have a few in mind, but will really narrow it down after Christmas (hoping for a sale...LOL). Need the diamond by 12/30.

Hoping to be able to have the stone in some sort of temporary setting so she can wear it while she figures out how to finish it.

Whew...I feel better now....LOL.

 

[danzur]

Also....I'm really looking at diamonds at both Brian Gavin and Whiteflash.

I like the rings at James Allen, but for some reason all the diamonds I look at that have photos have this odd gold/yellow coloring...and even look hazy. I have a feeling that the diamonds from all 3 sites are very similar in quality, but the Brian Gavin and Whiteflash diamonds look a lot better on my computer screen.

Any opionions on the 3 sites listed above?

Thanks!

 

[Sizzle]

I think you should contact WF or BGD with your requirements and let them find you something. I know new inventory is coming in on a regular basis. I like the idea of giving her a solitaire and letting her decide. Definately cant' go wrong with that. Unfortunately, these arent' types of jewelers where things like 2ct ideal cut diamonds go "on sale" so I think you're best to contact them soon to get the ball rolling.

 

[Sizzle]

How about this one http://www.briangavindiamonds.com/diamond/diamond-detail/?product_id=BLAGS-104047808001

 

[danzur]

I like the diamond...but should I be concerned about the blue fluorescence?

 

[Lula]

I like the diamond...but should I be concerned about the blue fluorescence?

First, I have to tell you that I think it's great you're presenting the diamond in a temporary setting so your gf can pick her own setting -- I wish more guys would consider this option.

About fluorescence in diamonds -- I have a diamond with strong blue fluorescence and I like the effect. In normal indoor lighting or on a cloudy day, there's not much to see -- it looks like any other diamond. Under black lights -- like in a night club -- the stone glows an intense blue. Under strong sunlight (no clouds), the diamond becomes a soft blue-purple color, which is very pretty, at least imo. Under office lighting (fluorescent) it is very white (the fluoro in the stone does have a bit of a whitening effect on my I color stone).

If this diamond is in BGD's inventory, and Brian and Lesley have examined it, you can be sure that the fluorescence does not have any kind of a negative effect on the stone (making it appear cloudy or murky). You might want to give them a call to ask them to describe the effect the fluorescence has on this particular stone. And you'll need to be sure that your gf is okay with those qualities.

 

[tyty333]

I like the temp setting idea also!

I also have a small J stone from BGD with strong blue fluor. I have no issues with the fluor and actually like it.

If you are worried about the fluor, talk to Brian or Leslie and see what they have to say.

That stone is a really good price (IMO).

 

[athenaworth]

SBF balances out the potential yellow'ness from the I color and will make it appear much crisper. The cut is amazing on that stone too.

 

[danzur]

OK...diamond and temporary setting in route:

2.17 carat
VS2
H & A

Then we'll see what she wants to do from here.

 

[AprilBaby]

Gorgeous! Lucky Lady!

 

[Gypsy]

Lovely, please let us know what she says!

 

[yssie]

Beautiful, she may just decide keep her honker in that simple & classic temp for some time

 

[danzur]

She might....but I'm thinking she is going to make it into something like yours, just a little smaller