Rookie looking for round diamond & setting

[dluvrocs]

I think after reading through all the posts and looking at some rings in person I have narrowed it down to the following:

Solitaire setting (cathedral preferred) with a +-1-CT round diamond.
Budget: $5K

Few questions for the more experienced:
1. I think a diamond just under 1-CT (0.95-0.96) seems to be a "good value" - I am looking for an E-F color, SI1, Very Good Cut, Very Good Symmetry
Similar to: http://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-2498636.htm
Any thoughts or suggestions for the diamond in this range? Are my parameters OK for this price range?

2. I read somewhere that a 6-prong setting would provide much better protection for the diamond than the 4-prong setting -but there doesn't seem to be a lot of 6-prong settings out there? Thoughts?
Setting choice #1: (4 prong but so pretty) http://www.whiteflash.com/engagement-rings/solitaire/sleek-line-diamond-solitaire-432.htm
Setting choice #2: (6-prong) https://www.whiteflash.com/engagement-rings/solitaire/6-prong-tiffany-style-diamond-solitaire-582.htm

3. A brick and mortar jeweler would offer a "extended warranty" plan that includes inspections, polishing, etc. Online vendors don't seem to offer comparable plans - what should the maintenance concerns be for the ring and how much does the maintenance cost?

Thanks for any help! It seems like the more I read the more unsure I am about all the parameters involved!

 

[yssie]

That stone isn't actually in WF's inventory - it's a virtual stone, meaning that many different vendors have access to it and can call it in as requested by their customers. Be warned, though, that there's usually a shipping fee if you don't like the stone or it's not GIA/AGS certed (WF's is on a sliding scale based on stone price) so if you wind up calling in and rejecting several stones it can be an expensive venture.


You need a copy of the cert or scan - or at least table/depth & crown/pavilion/lgf values to begin narrowing it down and selecting promising candidates, and to get that info you'll have to talk to your WF rep - they may be able to access the cert, or they may have to call in the stone..


Your "parametres" are fine - you want a colourless eyeclean diamond. Determine exactly what eyeclean means to you and request that your rep culls stones using your definition. Stones a few points under 1ct can be hard to find - everyone's looking for those good values, so probably best to keep your options open re. a bit larger or smaller, depending on inventory!


4 prongs will be a bit thicker and sturdier than 6 prongs to hold the same size/shape diamond. 6 prongs will be a bit thicker and sturdier than 8 prongs.. 1ct stone is small enough that you don't need to worry about too much exposed girdle w/ 4prongs, which is another concern esp. if your stone has a thinner girdle. You'll be fine with either, so choose based on whichever aesthetic you prefer


Maintenance/care policy depends on individual vendor. Personally, I recommend finding a local jeweller you trust to do the little things like replating if you go w/ plated wg, prong checks & tightening, etc - depending, again, on what voids your vendor's guarantees and warranties and whether or not you care about that

 

[stone-cold11]

You need a copy of the cert or scan

Yssie, you know better than to your that word. A certificate implies a guarantee on the product, no major lab does that. The report is just a grading report.

 

[dluvrocs]

Every brick and mortar store I went into kept offering a lifetime warranty on the diamond, with the pitch line being "if your diamond falls off we will replace it".... any opinions on that? Is that true? What are the chances my diamond will fall off? Will any online jeweler offer something similar? Thanks!

 

[tyty333]

Every brick and mortar store I went into kept offering a lifetime warranty on the diamond, with the pitch line being "if your diamond falls off we will replace it".... any opinions on that? Is that true? What are the chances my diamond will fall off? Will any online jeweler offer something similar? Thanks!

A lot of time the small print requires that you bring it in every 6 month to have it inspected or the warranty is no longer valid.
Its a great idea to get it inspected every 6 months but life gets busy and complicated, or you move and it doesnt happen.
I think most (but not all) people on this board use/have insurance on their rings in case of loss. So, make sure you read
all the small print.

Edit -
This might be worth taking a look
http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/diamonds/E-SI1-Ideal-Cut-Round-Diamond-1276395.asp
This is a G but still should be a pretty white stone...
http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/diamonds/G-VS2-Ideal-Cut-Round-Diamond-1330047.asp

This will probably take you over your budget but a lovely stone...
http://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-2386509.htm

 

[dluvrocs]

Wow that last stone looks great! Thanks!