shape
carat
color
clarity

Round Diamond Search for Spring Proposal!

CJMT2018

Rough_Rock
Joined
Jul 2, 2018
Messages
82
Dear RockyTalky,

I’m coming to you with a big ask! My cousin is planning to propose to his girlfriend this Spring! His girlfriend is wanting rose gold for the setting. Cousin is wanting a halo setting. So, rose gold halo setting!

The diamond shape will be round, and color and light return are important to her while getting as close to 1 carat+ as possible. I would say an even balance between white and colored flashes of light. Fire and scintillation?My cousin does want to upgrade in future. His girlfriend has provided Blue Nile as a starting point in terms of reputable vendors. Given his budget I think CBI may be a bit outside budget. Perhaps WF? How low in color would you go for a rose gold setting while keeping the stone icy?

Her ring size is 6. Budget is $3k for diamond and setting. I will begin my own search tonight, but would so, so appreciate any suggestions in meantime! I think it may be difficult to get halo and maximize diamond size within budget and advised we may need to do a simple solitaire.
 

Athena10X

Shiny_Rock
Joined
Apr 17, 2018
Messages
269
Budget is $3k for diamond and setting. I will begin my own search tonight, but would so, so appreciate any suggestions in meantime! I think it may be difficult to get halo and maximize diamond size within budget and advised we may need to do a simple solitaire.

To maximize size for the budget, would your cousin and his gf be open to an ideal MMD, pre-loved, or recycled (returned by customer for upgrade)? In fact, there are a few vendors that offer upgrade policies for MMD that are comparable to mined vendors. There is a separate forum for lab-created. I’ve been considering one for a future pendant or earrings as affords me bigger rock. I am not one of those with a stigma against lab-created. However, there are those who would only consider MMD for fashion jewelry. Best to confer with gf on her expectation for an e-ring.

Another option would be to drop clarity to “eye-clean” SI1. Color is a more personal preference though. I’d recommend your cousin take his gf to see stones that range in color in person (even if mall lighting not best). A good approach would be to at least look at GIA XXX since cut can potentially impact perceived color (at least, super-ideals tend to face-up whiter). This will help determine if she is color-sensitive. Have her look at them separately, lined up, from above and side (where hint of color noticeable). Also, have stones mounted in a rose gold setting with and without halo. Ultimately, what does she see and like, as well as dislike?

Now, if there is a local HOF retailer, she can also compare like colors of non-H&A to H&A cut. I did this and blew my mind when I first started looking. Now I can’t envision owning a non-optically symmetrical MRB H&A diamond (previously owned and lost a .64ct G VS2 w/ med fluorescence CBI; recently replaced with a .7ct F VVS2 w/ med fluorescence H&A GIAXXX). But not everyone is keen on H&A as they may not see visual difference in person or want to pay premium since most are branded. I used a concierge service to source a non-branded one. Just want to be mindful of both budget and gf’s desire for size. Sometimes have to make compromises.

While they’re looking at diamonds, have them also note particular setting designs and average cost to narrow down budget for diamond. I agree that a solitaire would offer more bang for a bigger center stone. Although I haven’t come across upgrade policies for settings, they could consider an inexpensive temporary setting or even pre-loved for now. And in future find a jeweler who can remake into her dream setting. Something to consider when upgrading a diamond is that the original setting will also have to be reworked anyways.

No matter if looking online or at B&M, check against HCA tool and ask for ASET or Ideal-scope images. These are invaluable rejection tools and the scopes are also available for consumers in hand-held versions (relatively inexpensive). Do not merely go off specs on certificates. Two diamonds that are identical on paper may present completely different optical properties. The reports provide averages of main facets, and a typical MRB has 57 facets in addition to virtual facets that give each diamond its unique personality. Which is also why they should not compromise on CUT.

In any case, plenty of good folks here will chime in with suggestions so you will not be short of valuable advice.
 

whitewave

Super_Ideal_Rock
Premium
Joined
Feb 29, 2012
Messages
12,331
A halo setting is going to eat up most of that budget.

Where is his wiggle room? Is he willing to up the budget?
 

Athena10X

Shiny_Rock
Joined
Apr 17, 2018
Messages
269
Decent specs on paper. Ask for images and if keen on any, put on hold. For clarity below VS2 confirm that “eye-clean” at 10 inches. I’m mostly seeing around .7ct range with $2000 budget for diamond to account for setting and taxes, but I’ll keep looking.

https://enchanteddiamonds.com/diamonds/view/R73-8256345Z0?utm_source=rarecarat&utm_medium=cpc

https://enchanteddiamonds.com/diamonds/view/R67-0Z818Z316?utm_source=rarecarat&utm_medium=cpc

https://enchanteddiamonds.com/diamonds/view/R71-471615929?utm_source=rarecarat&utm_medium=cpc

https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-di...j-color-si1-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-6572280
 

lovedogs

Super_Ideal_Rock
Premium
Joined
Jul 31, 2014
Messages
18,031
I feel like something has to give--either budget, size, halo setting, etc. I LOVE the settings that @Athena10X suggested. Here's a slightly more plain one:
https://www.jamesallen.com/engageme...ellis-halo-diamond-engagement-ring-item-53118

Here are some other stone options,but slightly pricier. With a $700 setting, it'll be closer to 3700, which obviously isn't 3000. But not sure if the budget is flexible.

The diamonds aren't perfect, but they look pretty good for the budget and are likely to be good performers. Although I'd want to see an ASET or IS if possible.
https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-di...h-color-si1-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-6407555
https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-di...j-color-vs2-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-6376470
https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-di...-color-vvs2-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-6424206


Here are stones that are more ideal in terms of specs, but slightly smaller:
https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-di...-color-vvs1-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-4816170
https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-di...color-si1-clarity-true-hearts-cut-sku-6166739
 

CJMT2018

Rough_Rock
Joined
Jul 2, 2018
Messages
82
Thank you, @Athena10X and @lovedogs! These settings may be the perfect compromise. Let me see what his thoughts are!
  1. https://www.jamesallen.com/engageme...ellis-halo-diamond-engagement-ring-item-53118
  2. https://www.jamesallen.com/engageme...MIhf2Onay64AIVFcNkCh2LTgT4EAQYBiABEgLx1vD_BwE

He is willing to increase budget, but I would try to keep it under $1,000 total. I think $3,500-$3,700 will work well. I showed him .70 carat and he has no issues with that, so size is the give.

@whitewave, she does want colorless range (non-negotiable) and well cut (goes without saying for PSers :P2). I think we can also give on clarity. But because they are both new to diamonds, I think there is also a mind-clean factor. SI1 may work, but VS2 is probably their sweet spot.

Let me see if I can get pics of this one! Thank you!

https://enchanteddiamonds.com/diamonds/view/R67-0Z818Z316?utm_source=rarecarat&utm_medium=cpc
 

lovedogs

Super_Ideal_Rock
Premium
Joined
Jul 31, 2014
Messages
18,031
Working with Martin (USA certed) will definitely help with cost, but it'll be harder to find settings. JA usually won't set outside stones in their settings. What did you think of the stone options we posted? I think sticking with 1 vendor is going to be the best bet.
 

CJMT2018

Rough_Rock
Joined
Jul 2, 2018
Messages
82
404E3B69-E730-4213-BC63-71854917DFF8.png Oh, you are right re: single vendor! Great diamonds, but shyed away based on color. Thank you! Let me start looking at JA for diamonds, too.

He is really loving the pave halo setting!!

I’m going to introduce some additional considerations that she shared with him.

The Jean Dousset photo is her inspiration, but that’s about all the guidance he has because she wants to have the element of surprise. Her style is “Madewell.” So, I would say simple and chic. Let me know if you think there are other settings she might like? It looks like a solitaire with hidden halo? James Allen just opened in my area, so I may try to stop in and see what they have in-store.
 

lovedogs

Super_Ideal_Rock
Premium
Joined
Jul 31, 2014
Messages
18,031
Which setting did he choose? If he's going with rose gold (and given that this is a sub-1ct stone), he definitely shojndt worry too much about color. G/H/I should be fine.
 

lovedogs

Super_Ideal_Rock
Premium
Joined
Jul 31, 2014
Messages
18,031
Wait a second. So that Jean dousette was that she said she wants?

If yes, that's NOT a halo! It's a solitaire with underside hidden halo. So the ones we suggested before as settings won't be what she wants. Here are more pics of the Chelsea setting from the website.

Screenshot_20190216-132635_Instagram.jpg Screenshot_20190216-132630_Instagram.jpg
 

lovedogs

Super_Ideal_Rock
Premium
Joined
Jul 31, 2014
Messages
18,031
Explain to him that the setting she showed him has diamonds on the shank AND a hidden halo. He's getting her neither with the one he chose.
 

Athena10X

Shiny_Rock
Joined
Apr 17, 2018
Messages
269
Personally having owned a .64ct CBI, even a very minimal halo made the diamond look significantly bigger and closer to 1 ct (I have a 4.5 finger). The inspiration setting his gf desires appears to have a 1+ ct center stone. With this in mind, a hidden halo, though beautiful, may not provide the illusion of a bigger stone. Has she compared a pave halo to a hidden halo with a .6-.7ct diamond? It is always best to compare in person and then look online for better priced alternatives.
 

lovedogs

Super_Ideal_Rock
Premium
Joined
Jul 31, 2014
Messages
18,031
Personally having owned a .64ct CBI, even a very minimal halo made the diamond look significantly bigger and closer to 1 ct (I have a 4.5 finger). The inspiration setting his gf desires appears to have a 1+ ct center stone. With this in mind, a hidden halo, though beautiful, may not provide the illusion of a bigger stone. Has she compared a pave halo to a hidden halo with a .6-.7ct diamond? It is always best to compare in person and then look online for better priced alternatives.
This exactly. The stuff she's looking at is NOT .6/.7. that's a convo they need to have, otherwise there is going to be disappointment.
 

CJMT2018

Rough_Rock
Joined
Jul 2, 2018
Messages
82

Golden_bird

Shiny_Rock
Premium
Joined
Nov 17, 2017
Messages
421
Hello!!! We are ready to finalize! He’s going with the petite pave engagement ring from JA! Can you please share thoughts on this diamond? It looks like it has more of a brown than yellow undertone, which could be really nice? Numbers looks good.

https://www.jamesallen.com/mobile/l...j-color-vs1-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-6695451

The JA rep said she preferred the above versus this one:

https://www.jamesallen.com/mobile/l...j-color-vs1-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-6333052

DAE777B7-07C1-425E-8729-1DBB8F534803.jpeg
They look very similar plus even have same proportions . I would pick the one with yellow undertones(second stone ) Once I had a diamond with brown undertones and it’s a completely different flavor ! It was white at some lighting and was turning kind of dark in different(brown tint was making it more tinted ??) . That stone was very chameleonic. If that possible to order two stones ,I would do so!
 

kmoro

Brilliant_Rock
Joined
Sep 13, 2018
Messages
1,081
They look very similar plus even have same proportions . I would pick the one with yellow undertones(second stone ) Once I had a diamond with brown undertones and it’s a completely different flavor ! It was white at some lighting and was turning kind of dark in different(brown tint was making it more tinted ??) . That stone was very chameleonic. If that possible to order two stones ,I would do so!

What happened to colourless being non-negotiable? Did I miss something?
 

CJMT2018

Rough_Rock
Joined
Jul 2, 2018
Messages
82
What happened to colourless being non-negotiable? Did I miss something?
Yes! So sorry. He is willing to go down in color to maximize size.
 

CJMT2018

Rough_Rock
Joined
Jul 2, 2018
Messages
82
They look very similar plus even have same proportions . I would pick the one with yellow undertones(second stone ) Once I had a diamond with brown undertones and it’s a completely different flavor ! It was white at some lighting and was turning kind of dark in different(brown tint was making it more tinted ??) . That stone was very chameleonic. If that possible to order two stones ,I would do so!

Ah! Thank you for your input. I am so confused!!!! But, really glad to hear about your experience with the brown undertone. Also, ordering both is not possible :( he’s ordering the diamond and setting at the same time and popping the question as soon as we decide on the diamond!
 

seaurchin

Ideal_Rock
Joined
Nov 2, 2012
Messages
3,541
Another thought, since he's going down to a "J" color, is to also go down on the clarity a notch to SI1 (while keeping the cut at "Excellent") and getting a bit larger stone. If you find a diamond with med to strong blue fluorescence, that will make it appear whiter too. The one you like says "medium" fluorescence but does not specify that the fluorescence is blue. You might want to check because diamonds can fluoresce in other colors too, which might negate the whitening appearance, I don't know.
 
Last edited:

lovedogs

Super_Ideal_Rock
Premium
Joined
Jul 31, 2014
Messages
18,031
Here's a .90 for about $2,500, for example, though someone else would have to help you decipher the details of the cut quality. I think your site would match the price?

https://www.adiamor.com/Diamonds/0.90-ct-J-SI1-Excellent-Cut-Round-Diamond/D42866613
I really don't like the image of that stone. The cut is super wonky. People only price match on identical stones (like if more than 1 vendor has the same stone). But the one you linked just looks like a poorly cut stone, which is why it's cheap.
 

lovedogs

Super_Ideal_Rock
Premium
Joined
Jul 31, 2014
Messages
18,031
It's really important that the wearer is ok with yellow/brown tones. Many people are not. I think the first one is beautiful, but I like brown tones and I'm in the minority on that. Most people prefer yellow to brown, but a lot of wearers ONLY want colorless. DONT let him buy either of these without making sure his intended is ok with it
 

seaurchin

Ideal_Rock
Joined
Nov 2, 2012
Messages
3,541
I really don't like the image of that stone. The cut is super wonky. People only price match on identical stones (like if more than 1 vendor has the same stone). But the one you linked just looks like a poorly cut stone, which is why it's cheap.

Thank you for that correction. I thought that GIA had changed their rating system to include an overall cut rating since the last time I bought a diamond (a decade ago), and that the differences were within that cut rating. But it appears I was mistaken and those are only in-house cut ratings. Now I'll have to re-trace my steps and correct the misinformation I've been blabbing about. Sigh.
 
Be a part of the community Get 3 HCA Results
Top