I've been lurking and reading lots of posts here and I am amazed by the education and awesome community here! I have learned more in the past 7 hours than a lifetime. But then again, I've never been preparing to propose. I would love to do it sooner, but in case I have to up my price I can wait until mid to late summer 2015. So no rush.
What I am looking for: A great deal like most here. And I have time so I am not in a huge rush.
From what I've read here and elsewhere, these are my general parameters: around
Carat: .9-1.5ct round center stone (I know, this reflects my extended timeline) sparkle is very important here
Clarity: At least SI2 quality (was Vs1 and maaaybe SI1 before reading more here)
Cut: Very good - ideal (was good or better before reading more here)
Color: at least J (was H/G before reading more here)
I have been looking on IdoNowIdoNot.com, and perusing some of the threads related to the site here. Many of them were a little old, so I figured I would go ahead and see what you all thought. My gf is not really picky. She just wants to be proposed to. I could do it in the next couple of months right around $3k, and will probably be able to about double that amount later in the summer. That said, some of the rings I've seen on there closer to my current price range aren't too shabby all things included. I've read a lot about the EGL certs many of the sellers list and even the picture thieving, but I am wondering at least 2 things:
1. Are there some more recent experiences there?
2. What's the skinny on "clarity improved/enhanced?"
3. Some opinions of what I've seen so far:
https://www.idonowidont.com/diamonds/benari-jewlers-hearts-arrows-egl-usa-certified-halo-diamond-engagement-ring
Price: $3000
.71 center in halo setting w/pave tcw 1.23ct
Cut: EGL Ideal plus (Benari jewelers Hearts and Arrows cut)
Color: H
Clarity SI1
**EGL CERT** Said they bought it for $5800 originally.
https://www.idonowidont.com/diamonds/halo-engagement-ring-round-ideal-cut-h-color-vs2-090-total-carat
Price $3800
.65ct center .9tcw
Cut: Ideal
Color: H
Clarity: VS2
GIA cert.
https://www.idonowidont.com/diamonds/one-beautiful-160-carat-certified-engagement-ring-fsi1
Price: $4250 (claims it retails over $17k)
1.2ct center .5ct in band
cut: very good
color: F
Clarity: SI1 (clarity improved)
(not a halo, but priced well enough and center stone is a decent size)
Not sure who certified this information, but it is my understanding idonowidonot.com will verify this information.
https://www.idonowidont.com/diamonds/classic-and-stunning-170-carat-engagement-ring-egl-certified-1
Price: $4450
1.09 ct center stone (claims it looks 1.5) looks great in pic
.7 ct setting/band
Cut: Very good
Color: E
Clarity: SI2
***EGL CERT***
Then there are several for about $6000-6500 with 1.2-1.5ct center stones. about another carat in the halo/pave, SI1 - VS2, D-F color.
Perhaps one of my main questions is also are those $6k+ rings that much of a deal that I should wait or aggressively pursue raising my budget? From looking at prices at different sites on the net, it almost seems like those have the largest bang for my buck. I suppose as I learn more I may add to this thread, but I am considering pulling the trigger on one of these or at least contacting the seller with questions. Figured you all could help this process be more informed. Thank you so much!
Also, I'm not lazy, so any other threads I may have missed would be greatly appreciated if posted. I'm in Detroit, Michigan if that helps any recommendations.
What I am looking for: A great deal like most here. And I have time so I am not in a huge rush.
From what I've read here and elsewhere, these are my general parameters: around
Carat: .9-1.5ct round center stone (I know, this reflects my extended timeline) sparkle is very important here
Clarity: At least SI2 quality (was Vs1 and maaaybe SI1 before reading more here)
Cut: Very good - ideal (was good or better before reading more here)
Color: at least J (was H/G before reading more here)
I have been looking on IdoNowIdoNot.com, and perusing some of the threads related to the site here. Many of them were a little old, so I figured I would go ahead and see what you all thought. My gf is not really picky. She just wants to be proposed to. I could do it in the next couple of months right around $3k, and will probably be able to about double that amount later in the summer. That said, some of the rings I've seen on there closer to my current price range aren't too shabby all things included. I've read a lot about the EGL certs many of the sellers list and even the picture thieving, but I am wondering at least 2 things:
1. Are there some more recent experiences there?
2. What's the skinny on "clarity improved/enhanced?"
3. Some opinions of what I've seen so far:
https://www.idonowidont.com/diamonds/benari-jewlers-hearts-arrows-egl-usa-certified-halo-diamond-engagement-ring
Price: $3000
.71 center in halo setting w/pave tcw 1.23ct
Cut: EGL Ideal plus (Benari jewelers Hearts and Arrows cut)
Color: H
Clarity SI1
**EGL CERT** Said they bought it for $5800 originally.
https://www.idonowidont.com/diamonds/halo-engagement-ring-round-ideal-cut-h-color-vs2-090-total-carat
Price $3800
.65ct center .9tcw
Cut: Ideal
Color: H
Clarity: VS2
GIA cert.
https://www.idonowidont.com/diamonds/one-beautiful-160-carat-certified-engagement-ring-fsi1
Price: $4250 (claims it retails over $17k)
1.2ct center .5ct in band
cut: very good
color: F
Clarity: SI1 (clarity improved)
(not a halo, but priced well enough and center stone is a decent size)
Not sure who certified this information, but it is my understanding idonowidonot.com will verify this information.
https://www.idonowidont.com/diamonds/classic-and-stunning-170-carat-engagement-ring-egl-certified-1
Price: $4450
1.09 ct center stone (claims it looks 1.5) looks great in pic
.7 ct setting/band
Cut: Very good
Color: E
Clarity: SI2
***EGL CERT***
Then there are several for about $6000-6500 with 1.2-1.5ct center stones. about another carat in the halo/pave, SI1 - VS2, D-F color.
Perhaps one of my main questions is also are those $6k+ rings that much of a deal that I should wait or aggressively pursue raising my budget? From looking at prices at different sites on the net, it almost seems like those have the largest bang for my buck. I suppose as I learn more I may add to this thread, but I am considering pulling the trigger on one of these or at least contacting the seller with questions. Figured you all could help this process be more informed. Thank you so much!
Also, I'm not lazy, so any other threads I may have missed would be greatly appreciated if posted. I'm in Detroit, Michigan if that helps any recommendations.